We purposefully create an environment to meet the needs of our students from early childhood to emerging adolescence.
Stepping on the campus of Oakleigh Grammar, you enter an extraordinary place for children. It is a place where all of the energies from our Leadership Team are dedicated to helping children become their best selves.
Mr Robertson is a highly respected educational leader with vast experience in the Independent School Sector, leading multi – campus and single campus schools, predominantly in faith-based communities which reflect his strong values and beliefs.
Mr Robertson joined Oakleigh Grammar as Principal in 2011 and has been instrumental in driving the School Improvement agenda which has resulted in record enrolments and a revival of academic outcomes. Additionally, his new and unique educational and character development initiatives have been wholly embraced by the School Community. Mr Robertson has devoted his career to inspiring and developing young people. He has proudly built on the legacy of those before him to ensure Oakleigh Grammar lives up to its reputation of providing a stimulating learning environment which values diversity and inclusivity in a loving and caring multicultural setting.
Mr Robertson is passionate about educating young people and leads the Oakleigh Grammar Community with a respectful and positive approach in all that he does.
Mr Dickinson joined Oakleigh Grammar at the commencement of 2018, after 8 ½ years as Head of Glen Waverley Campus of Wesley College. Peter achieved considerable success in a variety of other leadership roles at Wesley College and is now making an equally valuable contribution to Oakleigh Grammar. Mr Dickinson oversees the operations of the school, major events, and overall student wellbeing.
Mr Dickinson has a clear passion for education and his values of inclusivity, diversity and holistic development of each child are strongly aligned to the values of Oakleigh Grammar. His strong interest in student wellbeing and pastoral care is at the heart of his work.
Mr Dickinson has had extensive experiences across the ELC to Year 12 continuum in all areas of school life. He is an experienced International Baccalaureate educator and values the importance of intercultural understanding. He has also become a strong advocate for indigenous education.
Mr Dickinson holds a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma of Teaching and has been involved in several educational committees and community Boards across Victoria. He currently serves on the Board of Life Education (Australia) as well as Life Education (Victoria). Mr Dickinson thoroughly enjoys his teaching, especially History and Geography, no doubt born from his extensive international travels across more than 70 countries.
Mrs Shelley Parkes brings extensive experience in both academic and pastoral leadership, with over six years in executive roles at Oakleigh Grammar. She has led innovative curriculum initiatives, whole-school programs, and student wellbeing strategies, creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments that balance academic excellence with personal growth.
Mrs Parkes is deeply committed to fostering a school culture that reflects the school HARK values - Humility, Aspiration, Respect, and Kindness. These principles underpin her leadership approach, guiding both staff and students in developing character, resilience, and a sense of responsibility alongside their academic achievements.
With a strong belief in collaborative leadership, Mrs Parkes works closely with teachers, students, and the wider school community to ensure every decision is grounded in educational best practice. She identifies foremost as “a teacher first,” ensuring that strategic initiatives remain closely connected to the needs of students and the classroom experience.
Her approach combines a clear vision for learning with a supportive, pastoral focus, ensuring that students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in a nurturing and aspirational environment.
Mr Lance Ryan is a passionate and innovative educational leader, with a drive to enhance every student’s growth and academic achievement across the Junior, Middle and Senior Years.
With extensive school leadership experience in a number of Independent schools, and most recently as the Principal of St John’s College, Mr Ryan has a clear vision for transforming teaching and learning to meet the needs of every student, both now and into the future.
Mr Ryan is committed to developing a trusting and dynamic learning culture that is informed and supported by parents, families and a caring and inclusive community. At the heart of his continued focus upon excellence, growth and achievement for all, Mr Ryan has a deep love and commitment to his own learning, having Degrees in Counselling, Philosophy and Education along with a love for history, both ancient and modern.
Mr Ryan is married to a supporting and wonderful wife, has two older teenage children, and an affectionate but rambunctious dog.
Mrs Katarina Hills brings extensive experience in early childhood education and leadership, with a career that includes classroom teaching and educational leadership roles. She has a profound understanding of children’s learning and development, which guides her commitment to pedagogical excellence and supporting the holistic growth and wellbeing of every child in her role as Director of Early Learning.
At the heart of her approach is a strong commitment to play-based learning and intentional teaching practices. She recognises children as capable, motivated learners and facilitates environments that promote purposeful exploration, problem-solving, and collaboration. Through thoughtful planning and responsive interactions, Mrs Hills supports children to explore and communicate their thinking through the Reggio Emilia concept of the 100 languages of expression, enabling deep engagement with ideas and the development of confident learners. She is deeply relationship-focused, understanding that respectful, collaborative partnerships with children, families, and Educators are essential to effective early learning. By prioritising trust, openness, and a sense of belonging, she fosters continuity and shared purpose across the ELC.
Through her reflective and inclusive leadership style, Mrs Hills cultivates a culture of professional growth, wellbeing, and excellence. Under her guidance, early learning at Oakleigh Grammar is intentional, nurturing, and aligned with the school’s broader educational vision.
Business Manager
With a strong commitment to community involvement and extensive experience in childcare admissions, Mrs Sarah Boukouras brings a personalised touch to her role at Oakleigh Grammar.
Having managed waitlists for 15 childcare centres and conducted numerous tours, she excels in meeting new families and fostering long-term relationships throughout their time at Oakleigh Grammar.
Outside of work, Sarah is an active member, maintaining strong connections within her local community. She lives life to the fullest alongside her husband, three children, and their dog. Sarah’s passions include camping, snowboarding, running, and cooking, particularly with fresh produce from her own garden. Her diverse interests and dedication to family and community make her an invaluable asset to Oakleigh Grammar.
With a passion for customer-centric marketing and extensive agency experience, Mr Daniel Ware brings a multi-faceted approach to his role as Head of Marketing at Oakleigh Grammar.
Daniel firmly believes in the power of data-driven testing to guide marketing strategies continually, but at the core of his work is a love for storytelling that connects with audiences on an emotional level. This blend of analytical and creative thinking allows him to craft compelling narratives that resonate. With his well-rounded skillset and commitment to excellence, Daniel seeks to continue elevating Oakleigh Grammar’s marketing endeavours, and is currently studying a Master of Marketing at Melbourne Business School to further build on his marketing and leadership acumen.
Beyond the marketing realm, Daniel is an avid sports enthusiast, regularly hitting the basketball court or golf course during his leisure time. His diverse interests also include a keen fascination with history and psychology, fuelling his curiosity about human behaviour and society.
Mr Jack Karavas is a compassionate and values-driven Human Resources professional, committed to supporting staff wellbeing and fostering positive, respectful workplace cultures across the school community.
As HR Officer, Mr Karavas works collaboratively with staff and leadership to deliver practical, people-focused outcomes, ensuring processes and support structures enable individuals and teams to thrive. He is results-focused in his approach, with a strong belief that effective human resource practices underpin high-performing, inclusive and sustainable educational environments.
Mr Karavas is guided by integrity, fairness and care in all aspects of his work, and is dedicated to building trust, promoting professional growth and supporting staff at every stage of their journey within Oakleigh Grammar.
Executive Assistant to the Principal