Meet our Senior School leaders

Mrs Victoria Rennie, Deputy Headmistress

Mrs Victoria Rennie holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours (English and Theatre Studies) from the Australian National University, a Graduate Diploma in Education (English and Drama) through Macquarie University, a Certificate of Core Concepts and Skills of Positive Education from University of Pennsylvania and Graduate Diploma of Business Administration (Educational Leadership) from Charles Sturt University. She is an Abbotsleigh Old Girl and former Abbotsleigh Head of English who continues to teach our girls English. Victoria has a genuine care for fostering girls and powerful leaders and learners who will be able to make their way and find purpose in life as they move into life beyond school. With a strong academic and pastoral background, Mrs Rennie has a genuine care for fostering positive and productive relationships within the school community. She possesses a comprehensive understanding of the changing global landscape of education and the need for schools to be aware of developing new and innovative teaching and learning models.

Ms Penny Chilton, Head of Senior College

Ms Penny Chilton holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours (English and Theatre Studies) from the University of New South Wales; an AmusA from the Australian Music Examination Board; and a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of New South Wales. She is an English and Drama teacher with a background in roles that include leadership of wellbeing, service, academic and co-curricular areas. She believes that the strongest character emerges when academics, wellbeing, co-curricular, physical and spiritual life come together and is committed to supporting the young women of Senior College as they strive and explore in their busy final years of school. Ms Chilton is passionate about supporting every facet of learning and loves seeing young women explore a wide range of ideas and opportunities while also developing strong communities, personal resilience and a care for others that leads them to make a positive impact in the world now and in their life beyond school.

Mrs Clare Haymen, Head of Middle School

Mrs Clare Haymen joined Abbotsleigh as a PDHPE teacher in 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Movement Studies (Graduate Diploma of Education) from the University of Technology, Sydney; a Graduate Certificate of Theology through the University of Newcastle and is undertaking a Master of Education (Wellbeing and Positive Mental Health) with Flinders University. Mrs Haymen was a Year Coordinator in the Middle School for five years, before stepping into the role of Dean in 2023, and then Head of Middle School in 2026. She is passionate about holistic education; encouraging students to become critical, collaborative learners while developing resilience and self-efficacy through a range of academic, co-curricular and pastoral opportunities. She enjoys connecting with staff, students and their families to create a supportive environment in which the girls can flourish.