THE HUTCHINS SCHOOL - Key Persons


Barrie Irons

Job Titles:
  • Member of Committee
Barrie is a well-known Hutchins icon within our community, recently having the Barrie Irons Oval named after him and is also an Honorary Old Boy. Barrie retired from teaching at Hutchins in 2015. For over 25 years Barrie has played an intricate role within the School as First XI cricket coach, Head of Senior School, Deputy Headmaster, Registrar, Liaison Officer and resident photographer. Barrie still works as a relief teacher and since retiring he has been spending as much time as possible with his family; either helping out at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary with his son Greg ('01) or playing the role of doting grandfather to his grandchildren - that is when he is not on the golf course!

Billy Blackett

Job Titles:
  • Member of Committee
Billy attended The Hutchins School for Years 11 and 12, completing his pre-tertiary studies in 2019 before pursuing a degree in economics at the University of Tasmania. During his time at Hutchins, Billy played First XI soccer and cricket and captained School House. Since leaving Hutchins, Billy has held a position as Academic and Well-being Mentor within Burbury House and co-facilitates the HSOBA mentoring programs.

Chris Rae

Job Titles:
  • Member of Committee
Chris retired from teaching with his career at Hutchins spanning from 1972 to 2015. Chris also played an intricate role within the Hutchins community as Head of Boarding, Head of School House, Head of Senior School and coach of the First XVIII AFL team. Chris also played with the HSOBFC in 1978/79.

Dale Ayres

Job Titles:
  • Acting Treasurer
  • Member of Committee
After returning to Tasmania after some time away, Dale was eager to join the HSOBA Committee to find a way to give back and contribute to the Hutchins School community. Dale is a lawyer currently practising in Hobart, and is also a player and former committee member of the HSOBFC.

Dr Lee Weissel

Job Titles:
  • Reverend

Dr Rob McEwan

Job Titles:
  • Principal
  • Executive Assistant to the Principal
Dr Rob McEwan has had a distinguished career in education, first as a classroom teacher of Music from Kindergarten to Year 12 followed by senior leadership positions in independent schools in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. Rob has a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Tasmania where his thesis investigated student motivation, a Master of Education from the University of New England and a Bachelor of Education and Diploma of Teaching from the WACAE. He has additional qualifications in information and communications technology and business administration. Rob is a current Board Director for the Association of Heads of Independent Schools Australia (AHISA), a member of the Anglican Schools Australia National Management Committee and former Board Director for Independent Schools Tasmania. He is also a member of the Australian College of Educators (MACE), the Australian Council of Educational Leaders (MACEL) and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Rob is passionate and committed to holistic education where every student is inspired, challenged and nurtured to be the best they can be wherever their interests and passions may lie.

Dr Tim Jackson

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Hutchins School Board

Jake McIntyre

Job Titles:
  • Member of Committee
  • Treasurer ( Leave of Absence )
Jake has had a long-standing involvement with The Hutchins School. He and his twin brother Nick commenced in the Junior School and completed Year 12 in 2017. With a passion for real estate, Jake completed his licence in 2018 and has been involved with residential sales ever since. He is currently working with Petrusma Property in Hobart and Sandy Bay. In his spare time Jakes enjoys a game of golf or football. Jake has a passion for getting involved with the community and also helps out with the Hutchins School Dance Troupe.

Jim Wilkinson - President

Job Titles:
  • President
  • Member of Committee

Judy Smith

Job Titles:
  • Member of Committee
Judy began teaching at Hutchins in 1992 in the Prep School. The Prep School consisted of four classrooms housing Kindergarten, Prep, Year 1, Year 2 and a Staff room/office/First Aid room. 30 years on and she has enjoyed every moment teaching at Hutchins. Judy has worked in the ELC as a classroom teacher with the last 6 years in the Centre for Excellence teaching Literacy Support.

Larry Owen - VP

Job Titles:
  • Vice - President
  • Member of Committee
  • Member of the HSOBA Committee
Larry has been a member of the HSOBA committee since 2019, serving in the role of vice president since 2023. He has also spent several years as a player for the Old Boys' Football Club which included two cherished premierships. Larry graduated from medical school (UTAS) in 2016 and now works in the Derwent Valley as a GP.

Mark Herd

Job Titles:
  • Member of Committee
Since leaving school, Mark Herd ('96) travelled and then completed a Bachelor of Laws at UTAS. Mark has been a lawyer for nearly 20 years and currently works at Simmons Wolfhagen. Outside of work, Mark enjoys, travelling, sport, music and keeping up with his young family, including his children Fletcher and Chloe. Mark is also a life member of the HSOBFC where he enjoyed many years as a player for the mighty Lions.

Miss Samantha Clark

Job Titles:
  • OSHC Co - Ordinator
samantha.clark@hutchins.tas.edu.au - please email OSHC@hutchins.tas.edu.au for OSHC enquiries and bookings.

Mr Andrew Walker

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Hutchins School Board

Mr David Clerk

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Hutchins School Board
  • Member of Committee

Mr Fraser Bolton


Mr Jason Berry

Job Titles:
  • Director of Sport

Mr Jason Reeves - COO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Operating Officer
  • Manager
  • GRADDipAppFin, GAICD
Mr Jason Reeves is a highly experienced manager with over 25 years' experience working primarily in the financial services industry.

Mr John Groom

Job Titles:
  • Secretary
  • Director of Advancement and Alumni Engagement
  • Member of Committee
John has been deeply engaged with the School for several decades, including serving on the School Board for nearly 10 years. His career includes legal practice, corporate and business ownership and he has now completed the circle by taking on the role of Director of Advancement and Alumni Engagement at Hutchins. John works very closely with the President to ensure deep engagement with all Old Boys.

Mr Ken Kingston

Job Titles:
  • Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School

Mr Matthew Groves

Job Titles:
  • Director of Outdoor Education

Mr Matthew Magnus


Mr Michael Cooper

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Hutchins School Board

Mr Paul Bonnitcha

Job Titles:
  • Career Education & Vocational Learning Officer

Mr Sam Fenney

Job Titles:
  • Facilities Manager

Mr Shane McAloon


Mr Stephen Coventry

Job Titles:
  • Head
  • Head of Junior School
Mr Stephen Coventry commenced his appointment as Head of Junior School at Hutchins in January 2020. Stephen has extensive international experience in teaching and educational leadership - working for 16 years abroad in England, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and, most recently, Oman where he was Head of Primary at a large international school. As a teacher, Stephen has taught a range of junior classes, from Kindergarten through to upper primary. Stephen has worked extensively with accreditation bodies - including CIS, BSME and the International Baccalaureate - with a goal of promoting high standards of teaching and learning, pastoral care and holistic educational. Stephen prioritises supporting the individual as a learner and promoting inquiry-based learning. He is committed to developing the School values within students and encouraging them to be their best as we strive to continue to provide the best standards of teaching and learning, pastoral care and holistic educational experience possible.

Mr Stuart Hammond

Job Titles:
  • Registrar

Mr Tim Johnstone

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Hutchins School Board

Mrs Allison Brooks

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant to the Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School

Mrs Amanda Husband

Job Titles:
  • Marketing and Communications Manager

Mrs Anna Nicholas

Job Titles:
  • School Nurse

Mrs Anne Watchorn

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Hutchins School Board

Mrs Brenda Cooke

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Hutchins School Board

Mrs Caitlyn Tulk

Job Titles:
  • Co - Ordinator of Power of 9

Mrs Emma Griffiths

Job Titles:
  • Enrolments Assistant

Mrs Emma Nutall

Job Titles:
  • Deputy Head of Junior School - Wellbeing

Mrs Fiona Moroney BEd

Job Titles:
  • Appointed Head of Middle School
  • Head of Middle School
  • TTC / Head of Middle School
Mrs Fiona Moroney has been appointed Head of Middle School in 2023 and has been teaching at Hutchins since 2013. Fiona was appointed Assistant Head of Middle School in 2021 and as well as Head of Year 8 at Hutchins for nine years. Fiona has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Tasmania, with a background in Physical Education, English and Humanities. Fiona has held leadership positions in local Tasmanian schools for over 15 years. With over 25 years teaching experience, Fiona is a passionate middle years educator who develops genuine relationships with students and staff. She sets high expectations for student learning and behaviour and leads staff in a supportive and encouraging way. Being a strong advocate for ‘What you do matters', Fiona embeds and promotes our school values of kindness, respect, courage and humility into her personal teaching, classroom management and pastoral care. She promotes and encourages academic success to maximise learning and differentiation with support and enrichment for students from all backgrounds fostering inclusion. Fiona believes positive student health, wellbeing and pastoral care are paramount for students to realise their potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and contribute to our school community.

Mrs Jenna McPhie

Job Titles:
  • Community Engagement and Events Manager

Mrs Kate Corkhill

Job Titles:
  • Senior Human Resources Advisor

Mrs Vicki Wilkins

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Hutchins School Board

Ms Cath Hogan

Job Titles:
  • Associate for Professional Learning Communities
  • Deputy Head of Junior School - Teaching and Learning
  • Role of Deputy Head of Junior School
Ms Cath Hogan was appointed to the role of Deputy Head of Junior School - Teaching and Learning in 2020 after heading up the John Bednall Centre for Excellence from 1995-2000 and then again from 2016-2019. Cath has worked in Queensland, Zimbabwe, London and more recently for seven years in Hong Kong heading up Learning Support and Gifted Education. Cath has been a regular presenter at national conferences with Hawker Brownlow and now Solution Tree with her most recent presentation earlier this year at the Marzano Research Summit in Brisbane. Cath is a certified training associate for Professional Learning Communities, possesses a high level of understanding of Robert Marzano's work in Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum and Academic Vocabulary; this combined with her experience in gifted and talented and learning support enables Cath to provide strong supportive leadership as we strive to build collaborative learning communities for the enhancement of teaching and learning.

Ms Claire Taylor

Job Titles:
  • Head of Teaching and Learning ( Years 6 - 12 )
Ms Claire Taylor has taught and worked in Leadership roles in Tasmanian secondary schools for 20 years. Graduating from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Education, she began her career as an English and Humanities teacher. Claire was the recipient of a Hardie Fellowship and travelled to Boston to study Literacy Learning in the Middle Years. On her return, she completed a Master of Education at UTAS, focusing on student engagement. Claire has worked in various Assistant Principal roles and in Development and Support for Initial Teacher Education students. Claire has a deep commitment to improved student learning through quality instructional practice. She has coached teachers in the use of high impact teaching strategies and worked across a coalition of schools to implement evidence-based practices. Claire is dedicated to the goal of continuous learning and growth for all members of The Hutchins School community.

Ms Kellie O'Connor

Job Titles:
  • Senior School Academic Assistant

Ms Naomi Pritchard-Tiller

Job Titles:
  • Director of Child Care

Robert Dick

Job Titles:
  • Member of Committee
Robert has been involved with the HSOBA since 1956 where he has seen many changes over the years. As a former boarder and past President of the HSOBA, Robert brings a wealth of experience and is a passionate supporter of Hutchins and the values of the School.

Rose Seddon

Job Titles:
  • Member of Committee
Rose joined the HSOBA Committee in 2021, she has a long affiliation with the School. She is a past student, staff member, parent and now grandparent of a current student. Her father Crom Wood was also a student, staff member and parent at the School.

The Reverend John McQuillan

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Hutchins School Board