Principal 

Director of Boarding Announcement

After an extensive recruitment and vetting process, I am delighted to announce the appointment of our next Director of Boarding, Mr Adam Treadaway. Adam is a highly experienced boarding and school leader, currently holding the positions of Acting Deputy Head and Boarding Housemaster at Milton Abbey School in Dorset, one of the UK’s oldest and most distinguished full-boarding schools, but one that is regional, select, and close-knit – as we are. 

From a strong and impressive list of local and international applicants, Adam stood out as having the right mix of character, experience, and regional orientation. Members of our student Boarding Committee met with Adam when he was in Hamilton late last term, and they, importantly, agreed that he was the stand-out candidate. Adam will be moving to Hamilton with his wife, Rachel, and their two sons, Zeke and Sol, as well as their third son, who is due later this year. 

Adam's location in the UK, Rachel's pregnancy, and the impending birth of their son, mean that they are unable to relocate as soon as I would like. However, I'd rather have the right person later than the wrong person now. They will move into the boarding house in mid-December this year, ready for the commencement of 2027. 

We are exceptionally fortunate to have Lisé Lowe and Maxine Baring leading the boarding house this term, which they have done expertly and calmly in these initial weeks. Now that we know Adam's arrival date of mid-December, we will discuss in concert with Lisé and Maxine the tenability of the current arrangement, and will confirm the leadership for Semester Two shortly.

I’m pleased to share with you the below personal introduction written by Adam.

Taking on a new role inevitably presents its challenges, and my first is to introduce myself and my family, while also explaining the journey and motivation behind applying for the Director of Boarding position at The Hamilton and Alexandra College, all within 400 words!

Here goes... 

Since our first honeymoon in 2017 (yes, first is correct, we had to leave earlier than planned due to a cyclone on Hamilton Island), my wife Rachel and I have been working towards a long‑held dream of making our family home in rural Victoria. On our second visit, we fell in love with the region, drawn to its strong sense of community, open spaces, and easy access to the coast; a way of life that feels very much like “us”. 

For the past ten years, Rachel and I have lived and worked within boarding communities, and I have held a range of pastoral leadership roles across girls’, boys’ and co‑educational boarding schools. 

I am currently Acting Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Boarding Housemaster of a full-boarding school in rural Dorset, UK. Although my time at The Hamilton and Alexandra College has so far been brief, the feeling of belonging was immediate. During the three days I spent in Hamilton, the warmth of the community, the dedication of staff, and the spirit of the students left a lasting impression. It quickly became clear that this is a place where our family would feel at home, and where we would be proud to raise our children. 

At the heart of my career in boarding is a simple belief: boarding should be a genuine home away from home. I am deeply committed to ensuring that boarding life not only remains strong but truly thrives, offering students and staff a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment in which they can grow in confidence, independence, and character. 

We bring with us our two young sons, Zeke (3) and Sol (1), and we are very much looking forward to welcoming a third little boy this year. Our household also includes two small dogs, Ginger and Pickle, resulting in something between structure and what some may generously describe as ‘refined chaos’! 

We are incredibly excited to begin our long‑awaited new chapter with the College community in Hamilton in January 2027. 

I greatly look forward to introducing Adam to you in person when he arrives, and to all that he and his family will contribute to the life of the College in the years to come. 

International Students Homestay 

We’re putting out the call again for College families who would be willing to host one or two of our international students over the King’s Birthday long weekend. Please contact International Student Coordinator Penny Callinan at pcallinan@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au for further details. 

Opening your home is a wonderful way to share everyday Australian life, build meaningful connections, and help our international students feel welcomed and supported during their time at College.