Narelle Umbers is the current and 13th Principal of Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, having taught at the School from 2003 – 2013.

Narelle is a passionate educator with impressive and well-rounded leadership expertise in both a commercial and educational context. She has extensive experience in leadership positions in independent schools for girls, as well as experience in co-educational environments both in Australia and internationally.

Before returning to Ivanhoe Girls’, Narelle held the position of interim Principal at Korowa Anglican Girls’ School (2022) after returning to Australia from New Zealand where she was Principal at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School in Wellington, New Zealand from 2018 – 2021. Prior to her first Principal role in New Zealand, Ms Umbers was Deputy Principal – Learning and Development at Peninsula Grammar from 2014 to 2017.

Prior to moving into education, Narelle held numerous roles in information technology within the financial services industry including senior management roles with a project delivery focus.

Narelle holds a Master of Education (Educational Management), Melb Uni; Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment, Securities Institute of Australia; Graduate Diploma in Computer Education, Melb Uni; Graduate Diploma in Education (Mathematics), Melb College of Advanced Education; and a Bachelor of Science (Major: Mathematics), Melb Uni. She also holds several memberships to professional industry bodies.

Narelle has a strong interest in the wellbeing of staff and students as a key element in supporting excellent outcomes.

As Principal of Ivanhoe Girls’, Narelle aims to build on the legacy of the 12 inspiring leaders who have been before her, holding true to the School’s values whilst continuing the story of innovation. She believes that honouring the past, leading in the present and anticipating the future ensures the cutting-edge education the students deserve in this complex and rapidly changing world.