About Us

Our Mission & Governance

It is our mission
to come together
to create and deliver exceptional opportunities
for our staff & students
across all our member schools. 

Meet our Executive Team

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Raquel Charet
Masada College

HICES Chair

Raquel Charet is Principal of Masada College

Working in a variety of NSW Independent schools over the last decade, Raquel Charet is currently the Principal of Masada College.  Raquel is enthusiastic about lifting academic standards by promoting innovative academic practices and culture, whilst ensuring that student wellbeing is prioritised.  She has a passion for embedding differentiated education so that every student is supported to achieve at their best.  Raquel is committed to ensuring that students and staff flourish.  She is devoted to principles of positive psychology, creating communities that are committed to continuous improvement and are ambitiously goal focused.  Raquel’s ability to build harmonious, supportive and vibrant school communities is foundational to her leadership style. 

Rebecca Butterworth is Principal of Hunter Valley Grammar School

Rebecca Butterworth joined HVGS in January 2022 after 19 years overseas working in international schools in leadership roles. Rebecca has worked in Singapore, Switzerland and China in International Baccalaureate World schools and has a long history as a teacher and administrator working with the PYP, MYP and IB Diploma. Rebecca is an English and History teacher by training, has spent a number of years teaching IB Diploma Theory of Knowledge course and holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours, a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and a Masters of Education.

Rebecca is committed to ensuring education goes beyond preparing students for university and final examinations, knowing that schools need to focus on the emotional health of young people and their capacity to be agile and flexible in an increasingly complex world. Rebecca’s passion is challenging young people to become autonomous, self-directed, compassionate and well-balanced individuals who utilise their talents to have a positive impact on others. Mental Health and Wellbeing, and developing a strong culture of agency for staff and students, has been a central focus of Rebecca’s work as a Principal in Australia and overseas

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Rebecca Butterworth
Hunter Valley Grammar School

HICES Secretary

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Mrs Naomi Wilkins
Oran Park Anglican College

HICES Treasurer

Naomi Wilkins is Principal of Oran Park Anglican College

Naomi has an Industry and Science teaching background and has worked in both public and independent schools in Sydney. As a Christian educator and leader Naomi seeks to inspire students and staff to make a difference in the world as life-long learners who use their God-given talents to serve their communities.
Her goal is to see all students grow as individuals; intellectually, socially and ethically, and as contributors to society. Naomi encourages staff and students to have a growth mindset which acknowledges that our abilities can be developed through quality instruction and perseverance and practice.

Ian Wake is Principal of St Paul’s Grammar School

Previous to commencing as Principal at St Paul’s Grammar School, Ian Wake was the Principal of William Carey Christian School for 9 years, which is a large co-ed Christian school in the south west of Sydney.  Ian commenced at St Paul’s Grammar School in 2016.  St Paul’s offers the International Baccalaureate programmes continuously from Pre K – Yr. 12 as well as the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum.  Ian has a Science degree and a Master of Arts from Macquarie University and started his teaching as a Chemistry and Biology teacher.  Ian serves on a number of Boards and Executive teams including, AHISA, HICES, CIS and ISA.

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Ian Wake
St Paul's Grammar School

HICES Executive Member

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Paul Smart
Scone Grammar School

HICES Executive Member

Paul Smart is Principal of Scone Grammar School

Paul is a passionate educator who strives to encourage all people to contribute positively from their strengths.  He believes education is all about the people and relationships. He finds joy in engaging with all ages, walking a journey of learning alongside them.  He wants to see young people take charge of their learning for life.  Paul values the breadth of learning in a Preschool to Year 12 co-educational environment.

Alan Dawson is Principal of Richard Johnson Anglican College

Alan is an experienced Education Executive who is passionate about educational leadership, innovation and learning. He loves being in and amongst the dynamic environment of schools, building community and connecting with families. Alan enjoys sharing and shaping the dreams of our next generation of leaders through strategic planning, program implementation and curriculum development. He is determined to make school an engaging place for students to learn the necessary capabilities including financial and digital literacies and entrepreneurial and innovative mindsets that will help them navigate and succeed in an ever technologically progressive 21st century. All the while Alan remains committed to prioritising student well-being and professional learning for educators that support the building of capacity in school leaders.

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Alan Dawson
Richard Johnson Anglican College

HICES Executive Member

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