Headquarters:
355 Station Street, Box Hill, Vic 3128
Year founded:
1890
Number of employees:
120
Phone:
03 9896 1700
Email:
reception@kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au
Website:
kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/school/kingswood-college-melbourne
Chrissy Gamble
Principal
Chris Mara
Director of Business
Amy Lovell
Head of Junior School (K-6)
Leadership
Chrissy Gamble was appointed principal of Kingswood College in 2023 and brings nearly 30 years of experience in independent schools across Australia. She is a passionate, articulate leader committed to excellence and community building. Gamble strongly supports the value of independent education and is dedicated to helping students and staff achieve their best. Her career spans teaching, leadership, governance and curriculum development from Kindergarten to Year 12. She holds a Master of Education from Murdoch University, with research focused on gifted and talented students and the role of accelerated learning in supporting their development.
Principal
Chrissy Gamble
Chris Mara commenced as director of business at Kingswood College in 2021. His role focuses on ensuring the college’s financial sustainability, maintaining its facilities and guiding its strategic direction. Since 2012, he has worked in the education sector, including as finance manager at Korowa Anglican Girls’ College from 2017. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Graduate Diploma in Chartered Accounting, a Certificate in Governance for Not-for-Profits and a Master of Business Administration. Mara is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Association of School Business Administrators (ASBA) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Director of Business
Chris Mara
Amy Lovell commenced as head of school (K–6) in 2020. Since 2001, she has taught from Prep to Year 12 across multiple subjects and held key leadership roles, including at Carey Baptist Grammar School’s junior school from 2005 to 2020. Lovell holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Graduate Diploma of Education and a Graduate Certificate in Education (Specific Learning Difficulties), all from the University of Melbourne. She has led curriculum reviews, implemented impactful learning programs, and is committed to challenging every child in their learning. Lovell believes high-quality early education shapes lifelong learners and supports individual growth and personal best.
Head of Junior School (K-6)
Amy Lovell
Leadership
Leadership
Lisa Sacristani
Head of School (7–12)
Lisa Sacristani commenced as head of school (Years 7–9) in 2023. A dedicated and experienced middle years leader, she previously served as head of junior secondary at Donvale Christian College, where she spent over a decade in various leadership and teaching roles, including head of Year 9 and teacher of English, humanities and sport. Prior to this, Sacristani taught in a range of educational settings, gaining valuable insight into diverse school communities. She completed a Master of Education (Leadership) at the University of Melbourne in 2021. Sacristani values strong relationships and is committed to fostering identity, belonging and self-worth in every student.
Head of School (7–12)
Lisa Sacristani
Rob Fuller
Head of School (10-12)
Rob Fuller commenced as head of school (Years 10–12) in 2024. He joined Kingswood College from Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, where he was director of curriculum. He is a passionate teacher of politics, history and English and has held roles such as year level coordinator and curriculum leader across the middle and senior years. He is deeply committed to supporting students through their VCE journey and enhancing teacher practice. At Kingswood, Fuller has introduced improved subject selection processes, reimagined the Student Representative Council and strengthened student-centred initiatives that promote resilience, character and meaningful real-world learning experiences.
Head of School (10-12)
Rob Fuller
Tina Flyger
Head of People and Culture
Matthew Westwood-Hill
Chief Information Security Officer
Kathy Pallasis
Manager, Human Resources
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Tina Flyger commenced as head of people and culture in 2024. With over 15 years of human resources experience, she believes people are the cornerstone of any organisation. She takes a collaborative approach, working closely with executives, managers and teams to shape and deliver effective strategy. She is a dynamic, approachable and highly experienced people and culture leader, with a background spanning both schools and industry. Flyger’s expertise is key to nurturing staff and students, strengthening relationships, and fostering a positive, forward-looking culture that supports the continued growth and success of the Kingswood College community.
Head of People and Culture
Tina Flyger
Matthew Westwood-Hill is a seasoned cyber security leader with over 20 years’ experience in digital forensics, incident response and information security. He has led teams at SBS, CyberCX, and Ernst & Young, managing major incidents and aligning security strategies with business goals.
Westwood-Hill is known for his innovative, risk-reducing solutions and clear communication with executives and regulators. He drives awareness, compliance and resilience through training, policy and strategic planning. A frequent speaker and media contributor, he holds advanced qualifications in cyber security and digital forensics and is a recognised expert witness committed to continuous learning and emerging threat readiness.
Chief Information Security Officer
Matthew Westwood-Hill
Kathy Pallasis, manager, human resources at Frontier Software, leads HR strategy and operations from Melbourne. She oversees policy development, employee relations, and internal communications, working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
Pallasis is known for her clear, responsive communication and collaborative approach. She manages employee records, supports strategic planning and coordinates workplace logistics. With experience in enterprise software, payroll systems and governance, Pallasis is a trusted resource for internal stakeholders.
She holds a humanities degree, is a member of AHRI, and actively contributes to continuous improvement and inclusive workplace practices through policy and operational leadership.
Manager, Human Resources
Kathy Pallasis
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
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Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Ivan Verescuk
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Shaun O’Brien
Head of Underwriting
Emily Walker
Head of Strata and Development
Rex Oakman
Head of Operations and Risk
Sandy Newton
Head of Underwriting
Andrew Mitchell
Manager – NSW
Michael Prokopis
Manager – Southern Region
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Jeffrey Valdivia
Manager – Commercial Strata
Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Kingswood College blends a rich 135-year heritage with a forward-thinking ethos, from Early Learning Centre (ELC) through to Year 12. At its heart is a values-driven identity, where respect, courage, kindness, perseverance and excellence are lived principles.
The college, located in Melbourne, fosters an environment where students are empowered to take ownership of their growth. This commitment is evident in the way individuals are prepared not just for academic success but also for meaningful contributions to the world.
Kingswood College’s award-winning SEEK Learning Journey Plans exemplify this approach, ensuring every student’s educational pathway is intentional, collaborative, and continually refined. Unique in its scope, it combines academic acceleration, enrichment, and targeted learning pathways, empowering students from Prep to Year 12 to co-create their educational journeys.
The SEEK Learning Journey Plans also offer a pioneering method for gifted and highly able education. It provides intentional learning pathways through planning meetings, cross-age collaboration and goal-based mentoring.
Another powerful innovation is Kingswood’s student feedback integration loop. Through SEEK reflections, students provide detailed insights on classroom differentiation and learning relevance, which inform curriculum refinement and benefit the entire student body.
Innovation is embedded in the school’s DNA. The SEEK Program, for example, evolved through collaborative design involving staff, students and leadership, with regular review cycles and feedback loops ensuring continual refinement. Staff are encouraged to share insights and engage in professional learning, making improvement a collective habit.
Leadership at Kingswood is both shared and visible, anchored by principal Chrissy Gamble and the executive team. Their strategic direction is guided by five pillars:
bold expectations
exceptional staff
strong connections
future ready
sustainable legacy
These pillars shape every aspect of school life, from curriculum design to community engagement. Leadership is collaborative and research-informed, ensuring that innovation is not a one-off event but a continuous, systemic process.
The college’s Strategic Plan 2025–2029 further strengthens this direction, prioritising data-driven teaching, staff excellence and facilities designed to support student-focused learning.
Success is measured through a range of quantitative and qualitative indicators.
Academic measures: increased participation in state and national competitions, successful transitions into accelerated VCE pathways and consistently high achievement in NAPLAN and other standardised assessments
Engagement measures: higher levels of student goal articulation
Wellness measures: reduced isolation among gifted students, stronger cross-age peer networks and improved confidence
System-wide impact: improved teacher differentiation practices and streamlined student identification processes across P–12
Kingswood College’s future-focused initiatives include ongoing refinement of the SEEK framework, facility redevelopment to support collaborative learning and a commitment to sustainability education and university partnerships.
These efforts will ensure that Kingswood continues to embolden hearts and inspire minds for generations to come. Every initiative is centred on purposeful learning and underpinned by the school’s belief that education should develop the whole person.
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Recruitment Solutions Software
Benefits
Compensation
Culture
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Innovation
Reputation
Sustainable programs
Overall
Learning is at the heart of the Kingswood experience. The school’s comprehensive Careers Program plays a vital role in supporting students’ personal growth and guiding them through their educational journey and beyond. Kingswood College is committed to developing confident, courageous and resilient individuals who are well-prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world. A rich co-curricular offering including sport, the arts, clubs and innovative experiences encourages students to discover and pursue their passions.
Set on a picturesque 20-acre campus that blends heritage architecture with modern facilities, Kingswood College is a vibrant, rigorous learning environment. Its passionate staff and active alumni community are a testament to the school’s enduring legacy and ongoing commitment to excellence.
