Welcome to 2026! What a joy it was last week to see everyone so refreshed and happy to be back at Heathdale, from Kinder to Year 6. The smiles on their faces shone bright. Praise God that everyone has been brought back to us safely.
Heathdale, as a college, has a relatively small turnover of staff, which is a testimony to the work environment. However, we are growing, and there is often maternity leave, and hence we do have new teaching staff in 2026. Here is a brief introduction to our wonderful new teachers:
Jeremy Jonathon – Kinder Coordinator
With more than seven years of experience in the early childhood education sector, Jeremy brings a strong foundation in both leadership and pedagogy. His role at his previous school was Supervisor and Educational Leader.
Vanessa La Sueur – 3C and Years 3 & 4 Level Team Leader
Vanessa’s background consists of over nine years of teaching experience, including a combined total of four years as a Maths Curriculum Facilitator and Technologies Curriculum Facilitator.
Dorothy Wong – 4C
Dorthy has over seven years of teaching experience as a Classroom Teacher and Mandarin Teacher in various schools.
Keren Singsit – 5B shared
Keren’s background encompasses practicum experiences across a range of year levels and school contexts, with students from diverse cultural, linguistic and faith backgrounds.
Chelsea James – 5C shared
Chelsea joins us with over three years of teaching experience, specialising in English.
Naomi Stefanides – 5C shared
Having graduated in Heathdale's Class of 2022, Naomi feels very blessed to have attended a school where her Christian beliefs were nurtured by staff and friends. She has been working as a Learning Assistant with us for over two years and is very excited to join the Heathdale Christian College as a Teacher.
Kate Scarpino – 6F shared
A past student of Heathdale, Kate considers this job a significant opportunity, as she understands the importance and value of creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment for students. Her most recent position with us was as a Learning Assistant.
Nicole Lee – Library, Years 5 & 6
Nicole graduated Year 12 at Heathdale Christian College in 2023 and is currently studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary). She is specialising in English.
Kimberley Scriven – Music, Years 3–6
Kimberley brings a wealth of knowledge as a Specialist Primary Music Educator.
I am sure new teachers have many of the same feelings that new students have, so please do help them to also feel that they belong at Heathdale.
There is so much to look forward to in 2026. Please remember, if you have any concerns at all, small or large, we are here to partner with you, and please see your homeroom teacher as soon as possible.
On a very happy note, I received over 500 Christmas wish lists from the children, which I am gradually working my way through to see what I can improve for the children. The 3–6 toilets and some small upgrades were high on their list of priorities, which the maintenance team and I have started on already. Many of the changes the children requested were very practical. Stay tuned!