Leadership
The Strategic Leadership Team leads the daily operations of the school, translating strategic direction into effective practice. They oversee teaching and learning, staff development, student wellbeing, and community engagement to ensure a consistent, high-quality, Christ-centred education.
Dr. Simon Herd
Executive Principal
Dr. Simon Herd brings over 20 years of experience in the education sector, consistently driving innovation and transformation across high schools, online schools, and national education initiatives.
Simon holds a Bachelor of Education, a Master of Educational Leadership and Management, a Master of Educational Studies, an MBA, and most recently completed a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Liberty University in the USA.
His leadership journey includes significant roles as Principal at both Medowie Christian School and Hunter Christian School, where he implemented groundbreaking educational programs that enhanced student outcomes both academically and holistically.
Notably, he oversaw one of the first curriculum transformations for online schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He regularly engages with the media on current educational issues.
Dr. Herd has launched a Leadership Academy in 2024, aimed at aspiring staff and students, focusing on cultivating the next generation of educational leaders and launched the first USA Leadership Study tour in 2025.
His contributions to the field have been recognized with accolades such as being named one of the Top 40 Leaders in Australian Schools by the Educator Magazine in 2017.
As a former HCS student alumni, Dr. Simon Herd is proud to continue shaping the future of learning for HCS, locally and globally.
Strategic Leadership
Team
Our staff play a vital role in delivering the day-to-day life of the school. Through teaching, administration, and support services, they work collaboratively to uphold policies, care for students, and live out the school’s Christian values with professionalism, consistency, and commitment.
Alan Westbury
Elizabeth Pettersen
Grenville Axford
Joseph Forbes
Michelle Hawke
Ruth Neville
Rachel De Giorgio
Dr. Simon Herd
Taona Afful
Aaron Shuker
School Board
The School Board provides governance and strategic oversight, ensuring financial stewardship, risk management, and compliance. Working with the Executive Principal, the Board upholds the school’s Christian mission and supports a safe, sustainable, and Christ-centred learning environment.
Benjamin Morris
Board Chair
Ben Livingston
Board Member
Kevin Sawers
Board Member
Neroli Finlay
Board Member
Nathan Holland
Board Member