Staff

Meet Our Staff

Jonathon Simmons

Principal

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Mexican Italian

2. Hobby: Fishing

3. Subject to Teach: English

4. Ballina Activity: Fishing

5. Bible Verse: John 10:10- “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Lisa Weingarth

Deputy Principal

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Chocolate

2. Hobby: Reading

3. Subject to Teach: I love teaching them all!

4. Ballina Activity: Going to a café with friends

5. Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”

Peter Weingarth

Business Manager

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Anything sweet

2. Hobby: Golf

3. Subject to Teach: Sport

4. Ballina Activity: Anything with family

5. Bible Verse: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”. Mark 10:45

Pippa Huxley

Head of Junior School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1.Food: French food

2.Hobby: Zumba and Swimming at the beach

3.Subject to Teach: English

4.Ballina Activity: Going to the beach

5.Bible Verse:"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Adam Schouten

Head of Middle School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Potato Chips or Lasagne

2. Hobby: Surfing

3. Subject to Teach: Science

4. Ballina Activity: Shellys Beach

5. Bible Verse: Matthew 6: 25-34 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Leonie Bulmer

Head of Senior School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Fresh local produce.

2. Hobby: Horse riding and Pottery.

3. Subject to Teach: Japanese and Visual Arts.

4. Ballina Activity: Walks in our beautiful environment.

5. Bible Verse: Matt 17:20 He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."

Julie Millar

Pre-Kindy Teacher

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Thai

2. Hobby: Gardening

3. Subject to Teach: Literacy

4. Ballina Activity: Walking on the beach

5. Bible Verse: Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Sheena Smith

Kindergarten

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: All seafood… also cupcakes!

2. Hobby: Tending my vegetable garden.

3. Subject to Teach: Drama, Art and Science.

4. Ballina Activity: Ballina Players Theatre - watching and performing!

5. Bible Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT ‘Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.'

Amanda Bottle

Year 1

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Thai Food

2. Hobby: Drawing

3. Subject to Teach: All

4. Ballina Activity: Markets

5. Bible Verse: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs." 1 Corinthians 13

Lisa Sawras

Year 2

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Italian especially seafood pasta

2. Hobby: Reading and going to the beach

3. Subject to Teach: English

4. Ballina Activity: Going out anywhere with family and friends especially if it involves eating yummy food.

5. Bible Verse: "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." Psalm 28:7

Lisa Donohoe

Year 3 Mon-Thu

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Berries and cheese

2. Hobby: Cooking

3. Subject to Teach: English

4. Ballina Activity: Early morning beach workouts

5. Bible Verse: Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Michele De Chalain

Year 4

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food:

2. Hobby:

3. Subject to Teach:

4. Ballina Activity:

5. Bible Verse:

Debbie Simmons

Middle School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Thai

2. Hobby: Going to the Beach

3. Subject to Teach: Maths

4. Ballina Activity: Walking on the beach

5. Bible Verse: Matthew 4:4 “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Penny Woolley

Middle School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Asian cuisine.

2. Hobby: My current hobby is learning to play the piano, I also love reading novels, doing jigsaws and having sing-along/musical sessions with my hubby, Mr Woolley.

3. Subject to Teach: English & HSIE

4. Ballina Activity: Walks along the beach, coffee & cake dates, exploring all the hidden gems of the Northern Rivers and having weekly fellowship time with my beautiful church family.

5. Bible Verse: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Belinda Bos

Senior School | Learning Support

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Indian

2. Hobby: No time for a hobby

3. Subject to Teach: Visual Arts

4. Ballina Activity: Laughing with friends & family

5. Bible Verse: Philippians 4:6-7 -“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Rebecca Campbell

Middle School | Senior School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1.Food: Chocolate

2.Hobby: Reading, listening to music

3.Subject to Teach: English and Drama

4.Ballina Activity: Whale watching

5.Bible Verse: Isaiah 41:10 (The Passion Translation) “Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with my strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.”

Tiffany Chilcott

Middle School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Mango & Raspberries

2. Hobby: Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

3. Subject to Teach: Reading

4. Ballina Activity: Boating on the River

5. Bible Verse: Hebrews 13:5 ” God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’.”

Rebecca Darko

Middle School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Indian

2. Hobby: Anything to do with cattle and horses!

3. Subject to Teach: I can't pick one, they're all so good.

4. Ballina Activity: Fishing at South Ballina.

5. Bible Verse: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Chris Drew

Middle School | Senior School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

Food: Japanese Curry

Hobby: Snake Relocation and Surfing

Favourite Subject: English and Bible Studies

Ballina Activity: Rock Pool Treasure Hunting with Family

Bible Verse: Psalm 34: 4-7 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”

Erica Hales

Junior School | Middle School | Senior School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food:

2. Hobby:

3. Subject to Teach:

4. Ballina Activity:

5. Bible Verse:

Bianca Henning

Middle School | Senior School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1.Food: Lamb chops and Boerewors (South African sausage)

2.Hobby: Running

3.Subject to teach: Science

4.Ballina Activity: Running on North Wall and surrounds

5.Bible verse: "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13

Col Jarrett

Middle School | Senior School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Steak

2. Hobby: Woodworking

3. Subject to Teach: Woodwork

4. Ballina Activity: Lawn Bowls

5. Bible Verse: Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake."

Katie Mallam

Junior and Middle School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Anything I don’t have to cook myself.

2. Hobby: Swimming, walking and running my kids around.

3. Subject to Teach: Bible and Maths.

4. Ballina Activity: Walking the headlands and beaches.

5. Bible Verse: Matthew 19:14 ‘Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”’

Sarah Marquet

Senior School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Woodfired Pizza

2. Hobby: Sewing

3. Subject to Teach: Drama

4. Ballina Activity: Killen Falls

5. Bible Verse: Romans 8 & 2 Corinthians 12:9- “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Kaela McNamara

Middle School | Senior School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Watermelon & dairy-free chocolate

2. Hobby: Playing sport, reading, anything creative

3. Subject to Teach: English, Bible & Art

4. Ballina Activity: Going to the beach

5. Bible Verse: Psalm 127: 1 "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain".

Janene Mills

Languages Junior & Middle School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: My husband's cooking, especially his Pad Thai

2. Hobby: Capturing beautiful memories with my camera

3. Subject to Teach: French, German and Dance

4. Ballina Activity: Beach walks and swims at sunrise

5. Bible Verse: "I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Kayleen Naidoo

Middle School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Italian

2. Hobby: Baking and spending quality time with my cat, Jasper.

3. Subject to Teach: History and Geography

4. Ballina Activity: Paddle boarding and swimming at Shaws Bay or Lake Ainsworth

5. Bible Verse: 'You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.’ 1 John 4.4

Hugo Saathof

Middle School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Japanese

2. Hobby: Surfing

3. Subject to Teach: Mathematics

4. Ballina Activity: Surfing at North Wall

5. Bible Verse: A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Chris Sami

Middle School | Senior School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Steak

2. Hobby: I love to sing and play my guitar

3. Subject to Teach: Mathematics!

4. Ballina Activity: Going to the beach.

5. Bible Verse: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Romans 8:8-9

Victoria Sami

Middle School | Senior School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Anything Italian

2. Hobby: Paddle boarding and baking sourdough bread

3. Subject to Teach: History & English

4. Ballina Activity: The beach!

5. Bible Verse: For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16

Michelle Thompson

Senior School

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Roast Pork, Beef Nachos

2. Hobby: Netball, Bike Riding, Jigsaw Puzzles

3. Subject to Teach: PDHPE

4. Ballina Activity: Going to the beach

5. Bible Verse: Psalm 139 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

Carol-Anne Jarrett

Learning Support Teacher

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1.Food: Asian fusion

2.Hobby: Being at the beach

3.Subject to teach: Learning support

4.Ballina Activity: Surfing with my girlfriends (but mainly Byron) ... beginner!

5.Bible verse: The Beatitudes Matt 5:2-12

Nina Montalto

Learning Support Teacher

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1.Food: My husband's homemade pizza. With toppings selected by him, because I usually put them all on and end up regretting it.

2.Hobby: Painting, sewing, reading, walking and playing the piano.

3.Subject to teach: History and Visual Art 🙂

4.Ballina Activity: Going to Bunnings (reluctantly) or getting on the ferry to South Wall (joyfully)

5.Bible verse: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Nicki Steevens

Learning Support Teacher

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Chocolate Brownies

2. Hobby: Going to the Beach

3. Subject to Teach: English

4. Ballina Activity: Walking Along the River

5. Bible Verse: Colossians 3:14 “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

David Henderson

IT & Careers Officer

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: An amazing burger

2. Hobby: Cycling

3. Subject to Teach: Sport

4. Ballina Activity: Golf, sometimes…..

5. Bible Verse: Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

Tom Davies

School Counsellor

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1.Food: Italian

2.Hobby: Fitness and wellbeing

3.Subject to teach: Mental health

4.Ballina Activity: Beach with my family

5.Bible verse: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thess 5:16-18

Matthias Stickl

School Chaplain

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1.Food: Mexican food

2.Hobby: Surfing

3.Subject to teach: Scripture classes

4.Ballina Activity: Surfing Boulders/North Wall

5.Bible verse: Romans 8:15 "So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him "Abba, Father."

Sarah Abelnica

Student Learning Support

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food:

2. Hobby:

3. Subject to Teach:

4. Ballina Activity:

5. Bible Verse:

Megan Dawson

Student Learning Support | Pre-Kindy

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Chocolate

2. Hobby: Baking or watching a movie

3. Subject to Teach: I love helping students to do their best and learn new things

4. Ballina Activity: Picnics near the beach

5. Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”

Kerry-Lee Drew

Student Learning Support | Pre-Kindy

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Cheese and fresh bakery bread

2. Hobby: Glass etching

3. Subject to Teach: Dance and Early Literacy

4. Ballina Activity: Walking along our gorgeous beaches and taking photos

5. Bible Verse: Jeremiah 1: 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Caleb Hogbin

Student Learning Support

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food:

2. Hobby:

3. Subject to Teach:

4. Ballina Activity:

5. Bible Verse:

Samara Leland

Student Learning Support

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food:

2. Hobby:

3. Subject to Teach:

4. Ballina Activity:

5. Bible Verse:

Mark Pitt

Student Learning Support

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food:

2. Hobby:

3. Subject to Teach:

4. Ballina Activity:

5. Bible Verse:

Alison Scott

Student Learning Support

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Roast Pork & Baked Vegies

2. Hobby: Sewing

3. Subject to Teach: Helping Kids

4. Ballina Activity: Swimming at Beach & Riding my Bike along the Bike Tracks.

5. Bible Passage: John 15:1-17

Freya Teale

Student Learning Support

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Chilli Prawn Linguine & anything with pork

2. Hobby: Singing Karaoke & Listening to Music

3. Subject to Teach: Love nurturing little people

4. Ballina Activity: Whale watching at Lennox Head Pat Moreton Lookout

5. Bible Passage: Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

Mollie Yelseth

Student Learning Support

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Bacon spaghetti and Chocolate

2. Hobby: Skateboarding, anything sport-related, Art, Singing and playing guitar/piano.

3. Subject to Teach: Coaching and helping kids learn and grow to be the best they can be.

4. Ballina Activity: Touch Football, Hockey and Soccer

5. Bible Verse: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength". Philippians 4:13

Janelle Clarke

Principal's Assistant

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Seafood

2. Hobby: Gardening

3. Subject to Teach: Kid’s Church

4. Ballina Activity: Walking on the Breakwall

5. Bible Verse: Isaiah 43:1 “But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Amy Goodwin

Executive Assistant

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Chimichangas

2. Hobby: Craft and reading

3. Subject to Teach: Frisbee throwing

4. Ballina Activity: Cycling the awesome bike paths

5. Bible Verse: Psalm 23: 1 (The Passion Translation) “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack NOTHING!!!”

Rachael Henderson

Administration Officer

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food:

2. Hobby:

3. Subject to Teach:

4. Ballina Activity:

5. Bible Verse:

Alison Parr

Administration Officer

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Falafel, Hummus Wraps

2. Hobby: Photography

3. Subject to Teach: Judo/ Worshipping Jesus

4. Ballina Activity: Soccer & Hockey

5. Bible Verse: Isaiah 26:3- “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Laurel Trainor

Finance Officer

5 Favorite Fun Facts

1. Food: Roast Lamb

2. Hobby: Crossfit

3. Subject to Teach: Finance skills

4. Ballina Activity: Run along North Wall

5. Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

School hours

Monday to Friday                  8:50am — 2:55pm

Pre-kindy 

Wednesday to Friday         8.50am to 2.55pm

Office hours

Monday to Friday                  8:30am — 3:30pm

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To assist parents in the nurture of their children,

By providing a Christ-centred, biblically grounded, academically rigorous and culturally relevant education that instils a sense of identity, purpose and hope in students that equips them to live for God’s glory.

Phone

Address

7 Gallans Road,
Ballina NSW 2478

We look forward to hearing from you