Our Melton campus is growing, and significantly, our students are growing up! In 2022, our eldest students will continue into Year 9 as they advance into their later Secondary Years. By 2025, we will have our first graduating class at the Melton campus!
As we support our students through this exciting phase, we are pleased to announce our new Principal of the Melton campus, Dr Christopher Prior. Dr Prior comes to Heathdale with a wealth of education and leadership experience. Over his 20 years in education, Chris has led two Christian schools as their principal, and most recently held a third principal role at the National Institute for Christian Education, which is a tertiary institution tailored towards Christian education training and professional development.
Chris currently attends Steeple Church of Christ and is a keen runner, so expect to see him join in the annual Cross Country at Melton. He is married with three children and education is a common thread in the Prior household. His wife, Ellen is manager of Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre, an inclusive and supportive community environment that provides courses and activities for people to upskill while building relationships. His daughter Hannah has completed her Master of Teaching and is employed as a Secondary Art teacher.
“I deeply appreciate the opportunity to join Heathdale Christian College,” said Chris. “I have for some time been very aware of Heathdale Christian College and the beliefs and values of the community align well with those I hold. I love, for example, that Heathdale Christian College looks to honour the Lordship of Christ over all of life and fosters teaching from a Christian perspective. It is something that has really drawn me to the College.
“I am excited about the opportunity to be involved in the Melton campus of Heathdale Christian College. I am conscious of the need to learn alongside others and look forward to doing so from early next year. I have experience working within a Christian school as it introduced senior schooling and certainly welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with parents, staff, and students as the campus introduces new year levels.”
We are tremendously excited to welcome Chris to the Heathdale community. His heart for Christian education and experience in developing and delivering applied learning pathways at a Secondary level will be instrumental in allowing each of our Melton students to explore their God-given potential.
Announcing Lead Teacher (P-9) – Nick Kopitschinski
We are also pleased to announce Nick Kopitschinski will also be joining the Melton team as a Lead Teacher (P-9) in 2022. Nick is a member of Suburban Church in Hoppers Crossing and has developed and facilitated youth programs and camps throughout his time there. He has previously served the community at Emmanual College as both a Teaching Coach and Assistant Learning Leader of Humanities. These roles have given Nick a deep understanding of core learning and teaching principles that facilitate effective learning, as well as experience in coaching and building capacity in staff.
“As an alumnus of Heathdale, I’m thrilled to be joining the growing Melton community and excited by the opportunity to continue building a really strong experience for students and College culture at Melton,” said Nick. “Reading a recent devotion from C.S. Lewis, he wrote about those that actively seek the will of God, and others He just moves. Six months ago, I wasn’t expecting this opportunity to transition to the Melton community, but I feel confident and excited by the direction God is moving myself and the Melton community.”
“I have already had the privilege to visit the Melton campus and meet some of the staff and students. I look forward to being part of the team as we build each other up, collaborate and learn together. I am committed to helping build the Secondary School to our first graduating year and beyond and getting the best success for our students. Being amongst the Primary students has also been really energising and I relish the opportunity to work with all our students and build them up from Prep to 12. Encouraging them to think towards their future and the will of God.”