A Familiar Face at the Front Desk: Meet Our Receptionist & Student Services Officer

Meet Mrs Kerry Clarke

Since joining Girls Grammar in January 2017, Mrs Kerry Clarke has been our receptionist and a welcoming presence at the front desk.  Drawn in by the school’s motto and mission statement, she quickly found her place in the Girls Grammar community.

Her passion for the role is evident. Mrs Clarke tells me “I love watching our students grow not just academically, but socially too. Girls Grammar is a boutique-style school with a unique all-girls cohort from Prep to Year 12. It’s a joy to be part of their journey.” With a strong background in customer service and administration, Mrs Clarke thrives in the dynamic environment of the front office.

Kerry’s journey began in North Queensland, with later moves to the Gold Coast and Rockhampton as her father’s career with the Commonwealth Bank took the family across the state. Inspired by his path, Kerry joined the Commonwealth Bank straight after completing Year 12, starting at the North Rockhampton Branch. Over the years, she gained experience through roles in Brisbane, Gladstone, Mount Morgan, and eventually returned to Rockhampton. There, she built a nearly 20-year career, progressing from an entry-level position to Loans Manager and Assistant Manager. Along the way, she was recognised with a State Award for Customer Service, a testament to her dedication and excellence in the field.

Beyond her professional life, she’s been a dedicated volunteer in schools and sporting clubs, contributing to classrooms, tuckshops, libraries, and committees for athletics, football, and swimming. Mrs Clarke has been married to her husband Chris for nearly 30 years, she’s also played a key role in the family’s electrical business, and together they’ve made Gracemere their home.

As a mother of two daughters, Kaycee and Holly, and a proud grandmother to little Amarah, she deeply understands the importance of nurturing confident, independent, and caring young women. Her personal experience fuels her commitment to supporting students as they become the best versions of themselves.

Family remains her greatest treasure, with friends close behind. When time allows, she enjoys watching her daughters play football, spending time with Amarah, solving jigsaw puzzles, walking, and dining out with loved ones.

As for the future, Mrs Clarke tells me “My plan is to retire from Girls Grammar when the timing feels right,” she says with a smile. Until then, we’re lucky to have her as the heart of our front office.

Meet Mrs Belinda Hart

In the heart of Queensland, one woman’s story stands as a powerful testament to service, strength, and community spirit. Mrs Hart is a mother of five, two sons and three daughters, she has woven a life rich in dedication to both family and country.

With 20 years of distinguished service in the Royal Australian Air Force, including overseas combat deployments, she rose to the rank of Sergeant. Mrs Hart’s legacy of service continues through her children: her eldest son currently serves in the Army, whilst one of her daughters, follows in her footsteps and currently serves in the Air Force.

Beyond the military, her commitment to community shines through her volunteer work with Mount Morgan SES, where she lends her time and energy to emergency response efforts.

Her professional journey is equally impressive. Mrs Hart has held roles across a wide spectrum of public service departments, including:

• Victorian State and Commonwealth Education

• Child Safety and Housing in Queensland

• Commonwealth Infrastructure, contributing to the rollout of the NBN

• Transport and Main Roads, where she played a key role in the Rocky Ring Road Project

• Queensland State Infrastructure, following hands-on work on the Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline project in plant and equipment operations

  
  

Her early years were marked by discipline and achievement. From ages 6 to 18, she was a competitive ballroom and ceroc dancer, and between 13 and 16, she swam at state level for the ACT. She also earned two of Australia’s most prestigious youth awards: The Queen Scout Award and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Her story is one of unwavering commitment to her family, her country, and her community. She embodies the spirit of service in every sense of the word.

Emily McKelvie

Executive Assistant