By Dr Mark Merry, principal, Yarra Valley Grammar
Back in 2009, when I was appointed as principal of Yarra Valley Grammar, one of my friends rather naively asked: “Where’s that? Out Healesville way?” The name may be a little misleading in that when the school opened in 1966 we were very much located in the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley. Since that time, the city has grown and crept past us so that now in Ringwood we are well and truly in the heart of Melbourne’s east.
Yarra Valley Grammar has always served the surrounding communities well but in recent years there has been significant interest from families “further in” such as Doncaster, Templestowe, Blackburn, Box Hill and Balwyn. Interest in the school is excited for a variety of reasons. For some, the academic program is the primary concern or the state-of-the-art facilities such as our Science and Mathematics faculty, Food Technology kitchen, Early Learning Centre or Performing Arts theatre; while others value pastoral care or just “opportunity” in the broadest sense. And, interestingly, a busy urban family lifestyle makes the idea of a 29-hectare “green” campus an attraction in itself.
After 50 years, Yarra Valley Grammar continues to provide a great education to both young men and women, from our littlest three year olds to those tackling the rigours of the VCE. Our aim is to continue to give our students the opportunity to develop their confidence and skills to serve the community in which they live.
To read more about Yarra Valley Grammar then click here to see their Schools Choice profile.