Smiling female teacher looking at globe with young students

STAFF

Meet our Teachers

MCS teachers love teaching, and teach our students to love learning. Please click on the photos below for a brief introduction from each teacher.

Daniel Weeks

Principal

A lifelong learner, Dan enjoys inspiring students to think bigger about their learning, taking ownership and initiative to become the young men and women God desires for them to be. A leader who values coaching, relationship and working in partnership with students, staff and the community, Dan desires to craft high quality educational opportunities for all. Continually grateful for the opportunities God provides, Dan loves sharing time with family, reading, travelling and all things design.

Tiia Wright Baker

Head of Primary

Tiia began her teaching career on the New South Wales Central Coast working in Pre-school and Special Education. Tiia started her faith-based school journey in 2002 teaching in two Christian schools and then an Anglican College in the Australian Capital Territory. She is passionate about enabling teachers and students to live the full and rewarding life that God has called them to. In her spare time Tiia loves to spend time outdoors cycling, kayaking and walking her dog.

Mark Walter

Head of Teaching & Learning

Having previously worked as an Aquatic Ecologist in South Australia, Mark is passionate about helping students to develop their understanding of God’s creation and their potential to positively impact society. From our littlest learners to our soon to be graduates, he enjoys developing relationships that encourage our students to strive for excellence. Mark has taught across a variety of stages and looks to use this experience to help students as they move through their education journey.

Madeline Bignill

Librarian

Madeline Bignill completed her Bachelor of Creative Writing and Honours in Arts and Design at the University of Canberra. She has attained a PhD (English) from the University of Newcastle with a focus on children’s literature. She is currently serving as Editor-in-Chief of SWAMP magazine. Madeline is passionate about reading and writing, and about instilling a love for these skills in the students she works with. She endeavours to make the library a safe and creative place for the students.

Penelope Billett

Secondary Teacher

Penelope is a Secondary teacher at MCS. It might sound cliche but she believes, “My job is great”. As an educator with a number of years of experience in the field Penelope takes great pride in her work. The essence of teaching is watching young people develop and enjoy the learning experience. Penelope’s joy in working in a Christian school enhances what is performed in her class. She takes great pleasure in teaching and believes it’s an honour to come to work every day.

Lyndal Blatch

Primary Teacher

Lyndal is the Primary Music Teacher. Depending on the lesson, you will find her singing, dancing, or playing a variety of instruments. She loves watching the musical development of children as they grow in their understanding of music. Lyndal is passionate about leading our Primary Choir. She is involved in Sunday Kids Ministry, Monday PlayZone, Women's Life Group and the Music Team at Raymond Terrace Community Church. In her spare time, Lyndal loves to sing and play piano, organise events and create photobooks.

Charlene Coates

Secondary Teacher

Charlene has taught secondary mathematics for well over two decades at a number of Christian schools. Following a mathematics cadetship at BHP in Port Kembla, she worked as a statistician for 4 years before undertaking a Diploma of Education (Mathematics). Charlene enjoys sharing her love of all things mathematical and inspiring her students to discover that ''God used mathematics in creating the world''. She loves coffee, reading, catch-ups with friends and following the Super Netball. Charlene is married to Colin and has two adult children.

Vanessa Cork

Defence Support Mentor

Vanessa loves working with all Defence students from Prep to Year 12, providing social and emotional support. Vanessa provides support during periods of parental deployment absences and upcoming relocations. With qualifications in Ministry, Coaching and Administration, combined with Vanessa's personal life experience, she brings both practical assistance and a pastoral heart to our Defence Service Families. Vanessa's desire is to see all people loved so that they may reach their God given potential.

Amanda Falckh

Secondary Teacher

Amanda Falckh teaches Secondary Music. She has been passionate about music from a young age, and has been inspired by many great music teachers throughout her life. Amanda firmly believes that every student can be musical, and loves providing students with the opportunity to develop musical skills. Her ideal music class has every student on an instrument and having fun doing it. When she’s not making music, you will find Amanda chasing a good sunset photo, or working on her next crochet project.

Peter Fedder

Secondary Teacher

Peter teaches Mathematics to Years 7 to 12. Having a substantial background in the electronics industry has allowed him to easily link Mathematics to practical contexts which students desire to understand. After undertaking training as a pastor, Peter realised that his strengths were in teaching and as a result studied at the University of Newcastle completing a Bachelor in Education. His desire is to make the world of numbers and problem solving relevant to all students and is excited when students see Mathematics in creation.

Lisa Gibson

Secondary Teacher

Lisa teaches English and has served on staff at MCS since 2007. Prior to this, Lisa spent time teaching in Canada and rural NSW. Passionate about education, Lisa strives to give her students a positive experience of literature and learning, and hopes to encourage a lifelong love of both. When she's not teaching, you can find Lisa engrossed in a good book (with a strong cup of coffee). Lisa also enjoys travelling and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Andrew Gill

Secondary Teacher

A true polymath, Andrew takes pleasure in being able to passionately teach a variety of different subjects across the Secondary school. He attributes this to his deep rooted love for learning. He hopes that his students, too, will be able to see this precious character trait develop in their lives. Having taught for more than 15 years at MCS, Andrew says that it is the unmistakable calling of God in his life and his desire for his students to succeed that brings him back year after year.

Robyn Goldfinch

Secondary Teacher

Robyn teaches English and shares her love of reading and literature with the students from Years 7-12 at Medowie Christian School. She has a passion to foster a love of reading in her students and to develop their literacy skills so that they become effective communicators. Robyn has been deeply committed to Christian education for many years and is privileged to be able to share the Word of God and show the love of Christ within the school community.

Brad Hallett

Primary Teacher

Brad is a committed Christian and a highly experienced teacher with a particular passion for nurturing the academic, social, physical and spiritual development of his students. He believes that his students should be encouraged to approach their learning, and their life, with confidence! Brad's interests include overseas travel, socialising with friends, sport, video games, and of course spending time with his family. Brad is delighted that God has deployed him to Medowie Christian School for His purpose.

Trudy Henderson

Primary Teacher

Trudy is passionate about teaching Biblical truths alongside the curriculum. She has taught at Taree Christian School, Ryde Christian School and has been at Medowie Christian School since 2013. Trudy has also taught English to Kindergarten students in Guangzhou/China from 2002-2012 and thoroughly enjoyed the cultural and professional experience. She finds the energy and enthusiasm young students bring to learning delightful. When not teaching she enjoys gardening and sewing and likes attending Park Runs on Saturday mornings.

Brooke Inwood

Primary Teacher

Brooke has been teaching at Medowie Christian School since 2006. She loves working with students of all ages. Brooke enjoys making connections with God's character, His word and His purpose for us as her students learn about the knowledge content and skills required to meet educational outcomes. Brooke desires to see students thrive in their God-given gifts. She believes it is a privilege to be able to watch her students continue to flourish as they progress into High School and beyond.

Ben Jenkins

Primary Teacher

Ben completed a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at the University of Newcastle. He is passionate about seeing young people grow in their love for learning as they grow in their understanding of the world around them. He is also passionate about the gospel and loves the opportunity to share the good news about Jesus. Ben loves spending time with his church, running, singing and spending time with loved ones.

Ben Keith

Secondary Teacher

Ben teaches PDHPE in the secondary school at Medowie Christian School.He has a Bachelor of Education from ACPE. Ben enjoys challenging students to step out of their comfort zone and push themselves to grow as young people. He is passionate about sharing Jesus with his students and providing them with opportunities that enhance their physical, academic, social and spiritual development. Ben loves sports of all kinds but particularly Rugby Union, American Football and golf. On weekends, Ben enjoys spending time with his family and watching sport.

Laura Lilley

Primary Teacher

Laura teaches in the Primary school, with a heart particularly for our infants students. She is motivated by ensuring the students in her class feel loved, encouraged and confident in their God-given abilities and to attempt new and challenging learning experiences. Laura has a real passion for play-based learning. She enjoys creating hands-on, multi-sensory activities that accommodate all students within her class. When not at work, Laura enjoys painting, baking and spending time with her young family.

Justine MacCormick

Secondary Teacher

Justine teaches Visual Arts and Industrial technology , she has though both national and internationally. Prior to joining MCS she was head of Creative and Performing Arts at and International Baccalaureate school in the ACT. She has degrees in Teaching, Visual Arts, and a Masters of Asia Pacific Studies. Justine has coordinated professional development for schools, regional and international Visual Arts teachers. She has exhibited and is represented in both national and international private art collections. When not teaching she enjoys spending time with her family and restoring furniture.

Debra Nala

Primary Teacher

At age five, Deb decided teaching was the only profession for her. For more than two decades, she has dedicated her days to loving children and doing whatever is needed to help them realise their academic goals, develop flourishing relationships and nurture their faith in Jesus Christ. Deb has held both leadership and teaching positions in South Africa, England and Australia and voluntarily served with Compassion International and Orphan Aid. Apart from teaching, Deb enjoys reading Christian literature, dabbling in arts and crafts and travelling overseas.

Ruben Parraga

Primary Teacher

Ruben is passionate about seeing students discover their identity in God. As a teacher, he values the potential and uniqueness of each student and the calling that God has placed on each of their lives. His heart is to see young people achieve their potential so they can thrive both in their learning and their lives. Ruben is an avid Parramatta Eels and Atletico de Madrid fan. He has a daughter and son, both married, and two granddaughters.

Kathy Patton

Primary Teacher

Kathy brings a rich and diverse educational experience to Medowie Christian School, including working in country NSW in a variety of Christian schools teaching indigenous and non-indigenous students from K-10. She has a passion for developing the unique talents of every individual child in her care. She is a wife and mother of three, whose greatest passion is to share the Gospel and to share the good news of Jesus.

Diane Pietsch

Learning Support Teacher

Diane’s wealth of teaching experiences stretch from working in isolated Indigenous communities in the 'Top End' of the Northern Territory, to the Western and Riverina Regions in rural NSW. Her passion is working alongside and advocating for students with disabilities and special needs. Diane loves spending time with her family and friends and walking her two beagles. She aspires to one day become an author of children's books that will encourage children to be all that God created them to be.

Louisa Ratcliffe

Primary Teacher

Louisa began her teaching career in her home country of the United Kingdom. She is passionate about helping each child to understand that they are unique and made in the image of God. Her favourite times as a teacher are when her students have a 'lightbulb' moment. Louisa is blessed to have three adult children and one still at school who have taught her many useful things. Outside of school, Louisa likes spending time with family and friends, reading and exploring the beautiful Australian outdoors.

Jennifer Weeks

Primary Teacher

Jen began her teaching career in 2002 and has taught in a few different schools in New South Wales. She has completed a Masters of Education with a focus on Information Technology. Jen loves to bring students together collaboratively through the use of technology and desires for all children to understand God’s truths provided through His Word. Jen is married with three children and recently their family has discovered a new-found love of the snow fields, learning to ski together and enjoying God’s wonderful creation.

Jason Wenham

Relief Teacher

After a 17 year career in the Financial Services sector, Jason felt a calling to Primary Teaching and is passionate about making learning enjoyable by understanding where each child is at in their learning journey. Driven by his faith and a heart to serve others, Jason enjoys walking alongside the students as they discover their God given abilities. Jason is married with two young children and enjoys both watching and playing a wide range of sports.

Clare Witenden

Primary Teacher

Clare Witenden teaches in the Primary school. She is currently teaching Kindergarten and has been blessed to have taught at Medowie Christian School for the past 16 years. During this time she has seen the school grow and has also enjoyed seeing many of her students move from Primary School into our High School. She is motivated by reflecting Christ's character through enriching relationships with children and their families. All three of Clare's children have started in Kindy and have moved through to Year 12. Her youngest is in Year 11 and he has mentioned on many occasions “I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

Michelle Sansom-Sherwill

Secondary Teacher

Having immigrated from South Africa, Michelle has had the unique opportunity to utilise a variety of curricula, including IEB, TAC and Cambridge AS levels. Michelle has also had the pleasure of teaching many different subjects throughout her career, from Second Languages to Drama, which has moulded her distinct approach to teaching. Michelle is a passionate lover of Jesus and this is reflected in her care for her students. Helping them to maximise their potential, and building biblical perspectives into her lessons, is Michelle’s ultimate joy.

Brett Allen

Primary Teacher

Brett has more than 25 years experience in education. He is especially passionate about Infants education and helping students discover their place in God's marvellous creation. Brett enjoys developing relationships that encourage students to take risks in their learning and strive for distinction in all they do. Prior to his career in education, he worked as an electrician in the mining sector. Outside of school, his passions are learning, outdoors and family.

Alan Vayne

Secondary Teacher

Alan began teaching 21 years ago, his teaching career has seen him teach in three school systems including State, Independent, and Catholic. He worked at MCS Previously for 15 years and has returned to us this year. Alan gained his Teaching Degree at The University of Newcastle. He is a Vehicle Builder by trade and has served the military in a reserve capacity. He is also passionate about creating a positive learning culture, getting to know each student as an individual and teaching students skills that can be utilised in a future career.

Matt Ditton

Secondary Teacher

Matt grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney. Completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in geology he worked in the mining industry in WA before returning to Sydney to complete a teaching degree. He has been teaching in Christian education for over 20 years in many roles and across a range of subjects. Matt, his wife and three daughters moved to Port Stephens a couple of years ago as a sea change. Matt loves teaching students about God’s creation through studying science and encourages them to question everything they hear and see.

Joelle Hall

Primary Teacher

Joelle Hall grew up among the rice paddies of South East Asia as what some call 'a third culture kid'. Needing to constantly adapt to new environments, languages and cultures, Joelle developed a love for learning. Teaching Scripture in schools as a part of her gap year infused her desire to study teaching and to get alongside students and support them in their various learning paths. In her spare time, you can find Joelle running around after her little boy, singing songs, drinking tea and optimistically - reading books. She has been at MCS since 2019 and loves the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with her students.

Gillian Collins

Primary Teacher

Gillian has taught in both public and private education. She has a passion to work with students with diverse learning needs and comes with a broad experience in learning support and special needs classes. Gillian loves to find creative ways to help students reach their potential and to know how God sees and values them. She has lived and worked in Argentina and Uzbekistan, studying languages and teaching English. Gillian loves music, walking on the beach, and drinking coffee with friends.

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