Welcome Lauren Simpson - Director of Marketing & Community Engagement

We are delighted to welcome Lauren Simpson (nee Ridgway, Class of 2000) back to Kilvington as our new Director of Marketing & Community Engagement. A proud Kilvonian, Lauren rejoins our community with over 20 years of experience shaping brands and leading marketing strategy across education, financial services and technology. As a Kilvonian, she brings a deep understanding of the School and a strong passion for connection, storytelling and community building. We asked her a few questions as she steps into this exciting new role.

As a proud member of the Class of 2000, what does it mean to you to be returning to Kilvington in this leadership position?

A: Walking into campus on my first day as Director of Marketing & Community Engagement was a surreal moment. Parking in the staff carpark felt a little strange but as I walked towards the School and saw the large calligraphic Kilvington ‘K’ on the side of the impressive new STEM building (The HIVE), it filled me with pride. It felt like a homecoming.

To return as an alumna in a role that helps shape Kilvington’s future, is something I feel genuinely lucky to take on. It’s also been incredibly special reconnecting with teachers like Ms Warburton and Mrs Cole, who taught me during my own school years. We’re colleagues now, but I still can’t bring myself to call them Kerryn or Helen!

Q: How has Kilvington shaped your journey since leaving in 2000?

A: Kilvington instilled in me respect, resilience, and an unwavering belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. 

A moment that has stayed with me since middle school is when my favourite teacher, Mrs Ann Dillon, once said to me, “I have a lot of time for you, Lauren.” As a teenager who often felt unsure of herself, that simple acknowledgement made me feel genuinely seen. It helped me to understand that I was enough just as I was, a message I still draw on today.

Kilvington also gave me unparalleled opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills such as the Lions Club Youth of the Year Awards, Legacy Plain English Speaking Awards, debating, and serving as SRC President. These weren’t just co-curriculars, they were formative experiences that shaped my confidence and my career.

Q: What attracted you to this role at Kilvington?

A: I actually learned about the role on the day of my 25 Year Reunion – impeccable timing! In the lead-up I’d spent weeks reflecting on my years as a student and the lasting impact they had on me.

I started my career in education marketing, and I’d been hopeful that I might return to the sector one day if the right role presented itself. When I saw this position, it felt like everything aligned. A quality education is one of the most valuable investments a family can make, and I’m fortunate to have experienced that first-hand. The opportunity to help tell Kilvington’s story and welcome new families into this community was irresistible. 

Q: How has Kilvington changed since your student days? How has it remained the same? 

A: The most obvious change is co-education, and as a mum of both a daughter and a son, I find that incredibly exciting. The campus itself has also transformed. The Sport Centre, The HIVE, the Patsy Venn Centre… the facilities are fantastic!

But some things will always be unmistakably Kilvington. Dalton Hall is one of them. Every time I walk through, I find myself taking a few moments to look up at the honour boards and reminisce of sitting in assembly each week when I’d study the names and commit them to memory. The heart and warmth of the Kilvington community is another constant; that hasn’t changed at all.

Q: Do you have a favourite Kilvington memory?

A: One memory that shaped me profoundly was the French trip I took at the start of Year 12. As a French student through to VCE I’d dreamed of going to France, and after petitioning Mademoiselle Howlett with great persistence, the School changed the program from Noumea to France! I saved up my netball umpiring money and went, and it changed my life. Living in a homestay, attending school in the south of France, seeing Paris in real life after years of seeing it in textbooks and movies… it was transformative. I came home a different girl, more independent, more self-assured and more curious about the wider world. I am forever grateful to Kilvington for that opportunity. 

Q: What advice would you give to your Year 12 Kilvonian self?

A: Stay connected! The Kilvington journey doesn’t end on the last day of Year 12 – it’s lifelong. I wish I’d taken up earlier alumni opportunities such as the mentoring program and stayed more closely connected to some of my teachers.

I’d also tell my younger self that the strengths Kilvington nurtured in me would eventually become the foundation of my career – even if it didn’t see it at the time. In fact, I recently found my ‘award’ from Year 7 Camp: I was given the Marketing Award. I have no idea what I did to earn it, but 30 years later it feels wonderfully full-circle to be back as Director of Marketing and Community Engagement.

Welcome back Lauren!