A great idea!
In 1989 a group of passionate people had the vision and tenacity to create a new institution of excellence. Together they imagined Hunter Valley Grammar School and set about making it happen.
Laying the Foundation
To celebrate the beginning of construction, the Governor General , The Honourable William Hayden AC, was invited to unveil a Foundation Stone. It is still visible, embedded in the brick entrance facing Norfolk Street.
Building works take off!
As the School grows, so to does its footprint. During 1990 the Rugby Oval, Senior Classrooms, Soccer Field, outdoor Netball Courts and three Primary Classrooms all underwent construction.
Later that year, the School opened to 112 students enrolled in Kindergarten through to Year 11. They were greeted by 14 staff and housed in just three buildings. The School was led by our first Principal, Mr John Weeks.
Official Opening
Governor General of NSW Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair officially opened the School to a crowd of 600 people.
Sports Facilities
The Cricket and Softball fields were opened.
Weeks Library Constructed
Named after our first Principal John Weeks, the Weeks Library was constructed at the heart of the School.
Music Makers Rejoice!
The Music Centre was constructed in 1995, much to the delight of HVGS musicians and teachers.
Latter Hall is Constructed
Named after School Board member Jack Latter, The Latter Hall adds a performance space to School facilities.
School Develops Rowing Centre
Land at Berry Park, right on the Hunter River, was purchased and the Rayward Boathouse was built for our HVGS Rowing Team.
Michael Clapper appointed Principal
Mr Michael Clapper succeeds Mr John Weeks as Principal.
A Building Boom!
By 1999, the Visual Arts Centre, D Block, more netball courts, canteen and more primary classrooms are constructed.
Early Learning Centre Opens
The Early Learning Centre was opened to our youngest students in 2000.
Cameron Centre Opens
The Cameron Centre (Multipurpose Sports Centre) opens and includes basketball courts, full-size stage and classrooms.
Mr Geoffrey Miller succeeds Mr Michael Clapper as Principal.
Paul Teys Appointed Principal
Mr Paul Teys is appointed Hunter Valley Grammar School's fourth Principal.
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme
HVGS introduces the International Baccalaureate, and the Primary Years Programme for students in Preschool - Year 6
Silver Anniversary
HVGS celebrates 25 years of outstanding education.
New School Farm
HVGS opens a new School Farm at South Maitland.
New TAS Facility
A state-of-the-art TAS Facility opens offering commercial kitchens, wood and technology workshops, robotic workshops and textile and design workspaces.
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme
Our first Year 7 students commence studies in the IB Middle Years Programme.
New Early Learning Centre Opens
Our world-class ELC opens in a new location on campus and enrolment demand into the ELC continues to grow.
HVGS Turns 30!
HVGS celebrates 30 years of outstanding education.
New Treetops Restaurant opens
A new cafe and restaurant was opened for students and staff.
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme
The IB Career-related Programme is available for the first time to students in Year 11.
Rebecca Butterworth Appointed Principal
Ms Rebecca Butterworth is appointed Hunter Valley Grammar School's fifth Principal.
HVGS becomes the only 4 programme IB School in Australia
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered to our first cohort of students. This move makes HVGS the only 4 IB Programme School in Australia.
HVGS turns 35!
HVGS has really come of age and celebrates 35 years of incredible education.
"We were all standing around in our best clothes for the official opening of the School. They must had placed the red carpet on an ants nest! Everyone was trying not to wiggle too much but the ants were going crazy."