Our Team
Tara Stanford
PrincipalAs 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.
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 CoordinatorOlivia 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.
Executive and Administration Staff
Mrs Tara Stanford
Mrs Rebecca Hines
Miss Alex Howell
Teaching Staff
Mrs Tahlicia Smika
Mr Aidan Sargent
Miss Brigette Kelly
Ms Olivia Ellis
Miss Kyra McMorrow
Learning Support Teacher
Mrs Sue Goodhew
Along with being a member of the Independent Schools of NSW (IS), Richard Gill School is a member of Christian Schools Australia (CSA).
The School is a member of the Melos Education group of schools and is governed by the Board of Melos Education. The Executive Principal of Melos Education leads a team of School Principals and is accountable to the Board for the appointment and support of the Principal of each school in the group. The Principal of Richard Gill School is responsible for leadership and management of the School and its operations. The Board focuses its agenda on matters of company policy, sound financial oversight, and providing guidance to the Principal, via the Executive Principal, about the future direction of the School and developing plans towards achieving our Purpose and Vision, whilst maintaining our distinctiveness.
Board members bring varying gifts and talents to their role, seeking specific expertise and support if and when required. Melos Education Limited (the College Company) is a not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee with a Board of Directors elected by company members.
More information about Melos Education can be found here.