School 
Leadership

Tim Watson is a passionate educator with over 20 years experience as a teacher, and over a decade as a senior leader.  Tim has previously performed the roles of Head of English and Director of Student Leadership at Wellington Girls’ College; and Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy, and Deputy Principal – Learning and Innovation at Lauriston Girls’ School.  Most recently Tim was Head of Larkin Centre (Senior School) at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School.

Tim’s undergraduate degree from Canterbury University is in English Literature with a minor in Political Science.  Tim also holds a Graduate Diploma of Education from the New Zealand Graduate School of Education and a Master of School Leadership from Monash University.

In New Zealand, he was one of five National Moderators of Senior English, a National Panel Leader for NCEA English Examinations, and part of a team of educators that developed and audited the national curriculum.

In 2012 Tim was selected as one of four educators from across New Zealand to be a British Council Linking Minds Scholar which entailed participation in an aspiring principal’s course and a study tour of the United Kingdom.  In 2015 he was selected as an Apple Emerging Leader.  Tim has also been a board member on the New Zealand Association of Teachers of English.

Peter joined Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School in 1996 as a classroom music and woodwind teacher at the Moonee Ponds campus. Over nearly three decades, he has made a significant contribution to the School through his leadership, creativity, and dedication to the Music and Performing Arts programmes.

From 2000 to 2024, Peter served as Deputy Director of Music, leading major developments in both the classroom and instrumental programmes and fostering a culture of artistic and academic excellence. Between 2011 and 2017, he produced the School’s musicals and was later appointed as the inaugural Director of Performing Arts.

Peter has taught Music across Years Seven to Twelve, including VCE Music Performance and Music Style and Composition. Beyond PEGS, he has played an important role in music education at the state level, serving on re-accreditation panels for three VCE Music study designs, co-authoring two of them, and advising the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority on curriculum and assessment development.

As Director of Operations and Engagement, Peter draws upon his broad experience in education, leadership, and the arts to oversee administrative, governance, and co-curricular operations, with a focus on strengthening connection and engagement across the PEGS community.

Ross Corstorphin joined Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School in 2026 as the Director of Business and Finance and Company Secretary. With an extensive background in commerce, corporate finance, and the not-for-profit sector, he brings significant commercial acumen and strategic insight to the School’s operations.

Ross is a Chartered Accountant and holds degrees in Economics and Commerce. He is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Over more than 14 years in the education sector, he has held senior leadership roles across both single-sex and coeducational schools, overseeing key portfolios including Finance, Property, Information Technology, Human Resources, and Risk and Compliance. He has also served as Company Secretary to several boards and contributed to a range of board subcommittees.

Beyond PEGS, Ross has been actively involved in the broader professional community through organisations such as the Association of School Business Managers and the Catholic Business Managers Network. He has also contributed to local community organisations, including serving on the committee of his local cricket club.

In his role as Director of Business and Finance, Ross draws on his broad leadership, governance, and commercial experience to oversee a diverse administrative and operational portfolio. He is committed to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across the School.

With 25 years of experience in early childhood education, Lauren has always held a driving passion for cultivating leaders and raising the identity of children and teachers as collaborative researchers. Over the years she has held diverse roles, including kindergarten teacher, pedagogical leader, service director, and higher education facilitator, each enriching her understanding of teaching, learning and leadership.

Her passion for professional growth has led her to participate in various international study groups, broadening her educational perspectives. She has also been awarded several scholarships recognising her contributions to early childhood education. Additionally, she has authored several published articles in respected early childhood education journals, sharing her experiences and insights and contributing to wider discourse in the field.

Lauren strongly believes that the PEGS K-12 education lays a solid foundation for life long learning, and that the kindergarten years play a crucial role in shaping children’s relationship with this.

As the Director of Kindergarten, Lauren is deeply passionate about leadership, advocating for children’s rights, and empowering children to actively participate as the global citizens that they are. She is continually inspired by the endless possibilities and potential of learning that the children bring into all of our worlds.

Graeme began his career as a classroom teacher at PEGS in 1986. He has since served as Primary Coordinator, Literacy Coordinator, Deputy Head of Junior School (boys), and now, Head of Junior School (boys).

Throughout his career, Graeme has helped shape curriculum development and has lead innovation in teaching and learning. He has presented at multiple educational conferences on topics ranging from primary literacy to the use of digital technologies in classrooms, guided by the school’s values of Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Curiosity, and Heart.

Graeme believes these values are at the core of a PEGS education—helping students grow not only academically but also as kind, thoughtful and resilient individuals. Some of his most cherished moments have been coaching PEGS basketball teams on a Saturday morning, where he has witnessed the joy, teamwork and perseverance that sport brings out in students.

A highlight of his career has been seeing former students return as parents, continuing their connection to the school community. For Graeme, education is a lifelong journey of curiosity and heart, and leading the Junior School (boys) remains both a privilege and a source of great pride.

With extensive experience across Victorian Government primary schools and over 25 years dedicated to independent education, our Head of Junior School (girls) brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her leadership role.

A strong advocate for girls’ education, Christine understands the unique opportunities that single-sex learning environments provide in fostering confidence, academic achievement, and leadership skills during these formative years.

Her educational philosophy centres on cultivating active, independent, and thoughtful learners who engage responsibly with their environment and community. She believes in nurturing young minds that question, explore, and take ownership of their learning journey.

A devoted champion of literacy, Christine recognises reading as fundamental to academic success and personal growth. Her commitment to developing strong reading cultures within schools has seen students flourish as confident communicators and lifelong learners.

Throughout her career, Christine has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to creating inclusive, stimulating learning environments where every girl is encouraged to discover her potential, develop resilience, and embrace the joy of learning. Her leadership style emphasises collaboration, innovation, and the importance of building strong partnerships between school, families, and the broader community to support each student’s educational journey.

Caroline completed two undergraduate degrees at the University of Melbourne, worked for a period in the law and then completed a Diploma of Education in 1992.

Caroline’s enjoyment of teaching English was a natural extension of her passion for reading and writing and she continues to relish her time in the classroom with her Year Eight students. Across her time at PEGS, she has taught English at both Middle Schools and, for eight years, had VCE classes, mentoring, coaching and doing her part to support senior students to realise their goals. This range of experience has allowed her to learn more about the art and the science of teaching.

Caroline took on the role of Year Ten Coordinator at Moonee Ponds in 1996 and swapped campuses to be a Year Eleven Coordinator for several years at Keilor East, before taking up her current position of Head of Gottliebsen House 15 years ago. She has felt the benefit of a consistent focus on the importance of student wellbeing and the imperative of each individual feeling seen, known and valued. She believes her current role enables her to experience and benefit from the knowledge, wisdom and commitment of excellent colleagues, to be part of an exciting and dynamic team of school leaders, and to enjoy interactions with Gottliebsen House students every day.

Anthony Simmons (B.Comm; Dip.Ed; M.Ed, Ed. Management) started at PEGS in 1996 as a teacher of VCE Accounting and Politics. With Richard Hardy, he is the author of the Cambridge VCE Accounting series of textbooks and he continues to perform a number of roles for the VCAA. He currently teaches in the History faculty.

Anthony has been the Head of McNab House since 2016, and prior to that was Year Twelve Coordinator for more than a decade. He was heavily involved in the implementation of restorative practice at PEGS, and was a key contributor to the development and implementation of the school’s Culture of Thinking, its approach to Care and Wellbeing, and the articulation of the school values (REACH). His professional highlights include studying at The Principal’s Center at Harvard University, and working directly with Prof. Ron Ritchhart from Project Zero.

Anthony was a long-standing coach of the PEGS 2nd XI cricket team, and produced PEGS’ first two full school musicals, Little Shop of Horrors and Crazy For You.

As a career educator, Anthony sees his role as ensuring the students of McNab House learn in an environment which provides the high expectations and support that help girls to become courageous and confident thinkers and learners.

Lindy Grahn has extensive experience in education and has held positions of leadership in leading independent and international schools.

Over the course of her career, she has held curriculum and wellbeing leadership roles, including Assistant Principal- Learning and Innovation at Lauriston Girl’s School, VCE Coordinator at Fintona Girls’ School and Ivanhoe Grammar, Senior School Mathematics Coordinator at MLC and Head of Year at the Australian International School in Singapore.

Lindy has extensive expertise in curriculum development – she has been involved in writing VCE and IBDP Mathematics courses and is currently an examiner for IB Mathematics. Lindy has also been a teacher of the VCE Mathematics courses for many years. As a leader in pedagogy, Lindy has always endeavoured to encourage young people to pursue careers in STEM-related fields.

She has been successful in managing change and leading her teams to the best educational outcomes. Lindy considers it a privilege to lead the Larkin Centre in both the academic and wellbeing space. She is committed to helping each student achieve their potential. She is inspired by the PEGS values and believes that our students are well placed to shape their world.

Lindy holds a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Psychology), a Bachelor of Arts (English and Swedish) and a Diploma in Education from The University of Melbourne. She has also completed a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from Monash University.

After completing a Bachelor of Education, Ben gained diverse educational and leadership experience in Primary and Secondary schools across both the public and independent education systems. His experience also extends to the UK, where he taught in a range of schools for three years. These experiences, along with having more recently completed a Masters of Education in Leadership & Policy, provide valuable knowledge and ideas to help further enhance our school and its sport program.

Ben’s core commitment is to providing the best educational opportunities and outcomes for our current and future students. He has a keen interest in student wellbeing, physical activity, the environment and sustainability and is always keen to explore new concepts and initiatives to further engage students in physical activity.

Ben is also committed to providing a program that assists students to develop an understanding of the importance of physical activity in a balanced and healthy lifestyle which ultimately fosters a lifelong connection to physical activity.

Before turning her attention to the vibrant, multifaceted adventure of managing the school’s Musical, Drama and Dance production, Jessica appeared on-stage in Bendigo Theatre Company, Melbourne Lyric Opera, Second Storey Theatre Company, University of Tasmania, and Darebin Music Feast events. She also has extensive experience as a Year Level Coordinator, Faculty Coordinator and Museum Education Manager.

A multidisciplinary artist, Jessica is proficient in design, set and prop making, costuming, lighting, and video production. It is with great versatility that she employs these skills to produce, direct, and choreograph performances for the Penleigh and Essendon Grammar school stage.

Of her role, Jessica says ‘… it is special to be a part of what many students label as their most cherished and memorable school experience’. She enjoys creating a safe space for self-expression, celebrating teamwork and creativity, and bringing joyful entertainment to the wider school community.

‘The school’s co-curricular program provides students with achievement, social connection, and identity. It combines active recreation with learning’ she says.

From personal experience, Amanda understands the profound impact music can have on young people’s lives—a belief that inspired her to become a teacher. She completed a Bachelor of Education (Music) and a Master of Education (Educational Management) at the University of Melbourne, along with a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University.

Amanda furthered her musical education in London, learning cello with Christopher Bunting, former Professor at the Royal College of Music. While abroad, she performed in chamber ensembles across England and Italy and studied conducting with Joseph del Principe, George Logie-Smith, Rodney Rothlisberger, and Graham Abbott.

Her performance career has included solo recitals and orchestral work throughout Britain, Europe, and Australia, as well as performances with artists such as Barry White, Rod Stewart, Michael Bolton, the John Butler Trio, the Angels, Zep Boys, and the Australian Stage and Screen Orchestra.

Teaching remains central to Amanda’s professional life. She has taught cello, double bass, and VCE and IB music, directed string programs, and led orchestras in numerous schools. Before joining Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School as Director of Music in 2018, she was Director of Music at Lauriston Girls’ School and Head of Music (Whole School) at Haileybury.

Since joining PEGS as Director of Library Services in 2023, James has been working to enhance library services across all campuses, bringing a thoughtful approach to connecting students with quality library materials and resources.

Working both in Australia and internationally, James has brought an abundance of experience in building libraries from scratch and rejuvenating them through creative changes.  James has been part of opening new schools in the Middle East and built new libraries to cater and support diverse cohorts of students and their engaging curriculum.

Drawing from experience in his previous role managing library services across multiple campuses, James understands the importance of fostering collaboration among library and teaching professionals. He’s been fortunate to lead dedicated library teams who share his commitment to supporting high preforming learning communities, while promoting and providing for the pleasure of recreational reading.

With a career in libraries and educationg that spans over twenty years, James has had the privilege of working in both primary and secondary environments. These experiences have reinforced his belief that meaningful relationships built on trust, commitment, and mutual respect form the cornerstone of any thriving educational community.

James’s focus remains on creating welcoming spaces where learning happens naturally and where every member of the PEGS community feels supported in their educational journey.

Simone joined Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School in 2004. She brings extensive experience in human resources leadership, with a career spanning over three decades in education, manufacturing, and public service sectors. As Director of Human Resources she plays a key role in fostering a collaborative, values-driven culture that supports the school’s commitment to excellence in teaching and student wellbeing.

Her career has been defined by a passion for people and a strategic approach to workforce development. Simone has led various change initiatives, enterprise bargaining negotiations, recruitment strategies, and staff wellbeing projects, contributing to staff engagement and retention. Simone is particularly proud of building strong, values-aligned teams, and implementing inclusive human resource and OHS practices that align with PEGS’ values.

A proud PEGS alumna, Simone credits her education with shaping her belief in the power of learning to transform lives. This belief inspired her to return to the education sector, where she could contribute to environments that nurture both staff and students.

Simone is energised by the opportunity to support a passionate and dedicated team, and to contribute to a school culture that values respect, excellence, accountability, curiosity, and heart.

Shannon O’Brien joined Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School in 2014 as the ICT Coordinator and ICT Manager, overseeing the ICT team and guiding the school’s operational technology environment. In 2019, he was appointed Director of ICT, a role in which he works closely with school leadership to shape strategic technology directions, lead major projects, and continue to support and develop a high-performing ICT team.

With 22 years of experience in the IT industry, Shannon draws on a broad and deep technical background to guide the school’s applications, infrastructure, and digital security. His focus is on building a robust and future-ready technology landscape while strengthening connections with the PEGS community through effective innovative, and user-centred digital solutions.

Heather Nevill joined Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School in 2002 as Personal Assistant to the Head of Junior School (Girls), before being appointed Registrar in 2009. Over her tenure, Heather has supported the school’s growth to more than 3,000 students and takes great pride in guiding families through the enrolment process.

A former PEGS parent herself, Heather speaks passionately about the school’s exceptional academic and co-curricular opportunities and is dedicated to helping families discover the many advantages of a PEGS education.

Shaun Pritchard is an accomplished Facilities Manager who has extensive experience and a commitment to excellence in grounds and facility management.

Originally from Wales, Shaun emigrated to Australia in 2007, and worked at New South Golf Club in Sydney before moving to Melbourne to work at the world-renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). There, he was entrusted with the care of the iconic turf, contributing to major events including Boxing Day Test Matches, AFL Grand Finals, and the Cricket World Cup.

For the past nine years, Shaun has been a key member of the PEGS community, where he plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the school’s facilities to support an outstanding educational environment. He is deeply passionate about sustainability, upholding the highest standards, and driving continuous improvements that benefit both staff and students.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Shaun proudly serves his community as a member of the Country Fire Authority (CFA), contributing to local fire protection and emergency response efforts. His dedication, expertise, and leadership make him a respected figure both within the school and in the broader community.