Executive Team

Kim Bence, the 14th Principal of Ruyton Girls’ School, is a highly respected educational leader with over 25 years of senior leadership experience across learning, wellbeing, and operations. A former Head of Campus and Deputy Principal, Kim is known for inspiring excellence and driving transformative change in diverse educational settings.

Holding a Master of Education and additional qualifications in Educational Neuroscience and Positive Psychology, Kim champions a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and respect. She is an active contributor to professional organisations, sharing insights and best practices at national and international conferences.

Kim’s authentic, collaborative, and future-focused leadership empowers individuals and teams to achieve high aspirations in learning, leading and living. Her passion for fostering a connection-centred learning community aligns seamlessly with Ruyton’s vision and values for the future.

Robert is a CPA with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from Deakin University, a Certificate in Governance Practice & Administration, and completion of the AID course. An experienced Company Secretary, he has guided major capital works, financial planning, business operations and risk management across several institutions. Renowned for integrity, strategic insight and collaborative leadership, he excels in governance, compliance and building high-performing teams. His holistic approach spans swim schools, rowing programmes and community partnerships, aligning operational excellence with educational goals. Robert joins Ruyton Girls' School as Director of Business, further strengthening our business operations and strategic priorities ahead.

With a background teaching Mathematics, Physics and Science, and a Master of Education (Educational Administration) from the University of Melbourne, Cathryn is exceptionally suited to her role as Deputy Principal – Director of Learning at Ruyton Girls’ School. Cathryn is privileged to play an integral role in a future-focused, collaborative executive team, having direct and significant impact on the transformation of learning and wellbeing from Early Learning to Year 12. Cathryn has over 30 years’ experience in Melbourne independent girls’ schools and is committed to providing learning experiences which empower young women to flourish and strive for personal excellence.

Catherine is a passionate educator and natural leader with a keen desire to understand the big picture and contribute to strategy. She has a breadth of experience in leading strategy and day-to-day educational operations, with expertise in the learning, wellbeing and co-curricular programs in a Junior School.

Catherine brings out the best in others; experienced in coaching and mentoring, she has a reputation for leading with value on respect, collaboration, inclusion and personal best. Catherine ensures the needs of students are placed at the forefront of her team’s approach, while maintaining strong relationships and engagements across the School community. She has a Master of Education (Leadership and Management) from the University of Melbourne and is President-elect of the IPSHA Victorian branch.

With extensive leadership experience in girls’ schools, Trish has completed a Bachelor of Arts (Monash University) and a Master of Educational Leadership (ACU). More recently she has undertaken further studies in Positive Education (MGSE). It is through these latter studies that she has deepened her commitment to nurturing girls in a manner that develops in them a positive mindset, a sense of purpose in life and a readiness to connect with others. She sees this approach to wellbeing practices as an integral component in empowering each girl to reach her full potential, to lead with confidence and to go out and make a difference in the world. 

Fiona Dickson, Director of Community Relations, brings her extensive leadership experience across education, philanthropy and commercial enterprise. She has guided teams spanning Admissions, Marketing, Philanthropy and Alumnae Relations, ensuring a unified voice and meaningful connections with students, families and the wider community. In addition to her leadership experience, Fiona holds qualifications in law, economics and business management. This background brings a considered and ethical approach to her work, with a strong understanding of governance, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.