Message from the principal
As a mother of two young children, providing a unique and nurturing educational experience is deeply important to me—not just as a leader, but as a parent who wants the very best for our local families. I have always believed that when children find their rhythm, they find their potential.
tara stanford
This belief sits at the center of our Purpose at Richard Gill School: to transform lives through a curriculum where music and movement are the heartbeat of education. My own journey began here in the Upper Hunter, growing up in Denman before pursuing my studies at the University of Newcastle. Today, I am proud to lead a team of exceptional educators. I am dedicated to mentoring and supporting our staff to follow their own professional passions; I believe that when teachers are empowered to lean into their strengths, they create the most vibrant environments for our students to thrive.
Supported by my background in Early Childhood, Primary Education and Wellbeing, our Vision is to cultivate a community of empowered learners who lead with purpose, perform with confidence, and flourish in an ever-changing world.
At Richard Gill School, we don’t just teach music; we use it as a key to unlock the social, emotional, and intellectual potential of every child. I invite you to join our community and experience the transformative power of a creative education.
Music Coordinator-Olivia Ellis
I began learning the violin at age 6 and enjoyed learning and practicing with the support of my parents. That is not to say that I was always enthusiastic about violin practice! I am incredibly grateful for my Mum who encouraged me to practice even when I didn’t want to, and to the many orchestras and ensembles I played in which provided great motivation as my favourite way to make music has always been together with others.
In high school, I transitioned from the violin to the viola as I found I enjoyed the lower tone of the instrument and liked to play viola harmony parts in quartet and orchestra music. It was during high school while completing my HSC, and my 8th grade AMEB viola exam, and participating in school orchestras, Sydney Youth orchestra and The Arts Unit orchestra that I began teaching instrument lessons to primary school aged students. After high school I began my ‘gap year’ where I was tutoring in orchestras, conducting youth ensembles, and continuing teaching music lessons. This was when my original violin teacher, who was now the assistant principal of the school I was working in, came to me, and encouraged me to pursue teaching. I was very excited at the prospect and started my Bachelors of Primary Education at the university of Notre Dame right away! In 2022 I completed my final 10-week placement at Richard Gill School as I was drawn to our shared core values of Music, movement, and STEM. In 2023, I successfully applied for a classroom teaching position and have gained increasing responsibilities over the years as I am now the Music Coordinator. I regularly attend the Hunter Regional Conservatoriums’ Choir and Orchestra rehearsals and performances. I pursue Professional Development from the ORFF and Kodaly pedagogies of Music education and will achieve my Kodaly Certificate in early 2026.
Contacts
To contact the school regarding any matter, please call 02 6543 1900 or email admin@rgs.nsw.edu.au
For confidential matters concerning staff, the Board or anything else (other than the Principal), please contact principal@rgs.nsw.edu.au