Getting to Know You …

Each eNews, we introduce you to one of our wonderful Chapter Members, through a Question & Answer type interview article. 

Therefore, in the hotseat this edition, is Robyn Hope, Registrar, Hunter Valley Grammar School

1.When and where did your career in education begin?

My career in education began with the NSW Department of Education as a School Administrative Manager in a regional primary school. Since then, I have gained extensive experience across various educational settings. I served as Office Coordinator at an Independent Secondary Senior College specialising in Vocational Trade Training, where I managed Enrolment and Advancement. I then transitioned to a Catholic Secondary School, taking on the role of Executive Assistant and Office Manager. Currently, I am the Registrar at Hunter Valley Grammar, overseeing Enrolments from the Early Learning Centre through to Year 12.

In addition to these roles, I was appointed to the Catholic Schools Council, where I contributed to shaping education policies for the Diocese. Throughout my career, regardless of my job title, I have consistently taken on responsibilities related to educational Advancement.

2.What interests you most in terms of your role?

I am passionate about the strategy behind Advancement. I thrive on collecting and analysing data to make informed decisions that drive future enrolment. Advancement, to me, is like a game of Tetris—anticipating upcoming vacancies, understanding the waitlist, and strategically aligning the right candidates to the right opportunities.

3.What do you find the most rewarding part of your job?

There are countless rewarding moments in my job—expanding our School Community with like-minded families, witnessing the joy on students’ faces as they find their place, voice, and agency within our school, watching students graduate whom I had the privilege of enrolling, playing a role in their journey to success, and building strong, trusting relationships with families.

4.What aspect of your role do you love the most?

I take great joy in getting to know our prospective families, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued. I appreciate the opportunity to engage with families and students about their aspirations for their educational journey, and how our school can help bring those aspirations to life. Building genuine connections and placing the student at the heart of every decision is something I deeply value.

5.What are you currently doing that would interest other members in Educate Plus?

I am currently collaborating with our Teaching and Learning Team and Marketing Team to deepen my understanding of the International Baccalaureate Programmes and how to effectively showcase it during Senior School tours. HVGS is now accredited to deliver all 4 IB Programmes and this is important for our marketing and retention.

Outside of work, I am working toward upskilling in Community and Stakeholder Engagement and have started a Certificate of Engagement.

Recently, I have been accepted as a Member of International Association of Public Participation Australasia (IAP2)

6.For anyone embarking on a role in Advancement what advice would you give them?

Always ask why and embrace the answer, even if it challenges you.

Put yourself in the shoes of your families and students—what do they need to feel valued, seen, and heard, then create your own customer journey.

Thank you Robyn Hope! It’s been wonderful to get to know you!