Meet Us
It’s always good to put a face to a name, especially in your school community! Use this page to virtually ‘meet’ Orange Christian School’s staff from Prep to Year 12.
Executive Team
OCS Senior Executive Team
Yooie Choi
PrincipalBADipEd, LLB, GDLP, COGE, JP
It is a privilege to be part of the staff here at Orange Chrisitan School and to lead this amazing school, establishing it as a salt and light in our community. I am passionate about the school’s vision to raise up effective leaders of godly character, as I believe that all students are leaders, as they can influence others by what they say and do. As leaders, I want to encourage them to develop their faith in God, do their best academically and be a positive influence amongst their peers, at home and in the wider community.
Previously I taught in Sydney schools (both comprehensive public and independent single sex schools) and was involved in learning support, enrichment, and lived onsite with my family as a Boarding Housemaster. I also did Cadets (Captain in Australian Army Cadets) and enjoyed facilitating the Christian fellowship group at school. We came to Orange for a tree-change where I continued my work in learning support, literacy and enrichment. During my time in Orange, I was fortunate enough to study abroad at Harvard University (“Enhancing Teacher Effectiveness” – Harvard Graduate School of Education), participate in NESLI (National Excellence in School Leadership Initiative – Monash University) and complete a law degree (University of New England) and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law) where I was admitted to the Supreme Court roll. I have facilitated an online course called Philosophy 137 (Critical Thinking – Macquarie University) and I was a workshop presenter for GERRIC (Gifted Education Research Resource Information). I was fortunate to be appointed onto the Board of Directors for KU Children Services and visited Juvenile Detention Centres as an Officer Visitor on behalf of the NSW Government. I am currently enrolled in an Educational Doctorate (UNSW) researching student motivation and engagement.
My approach to education is to ensure that students have a safe, supportive and enjoyable learning experience. A key to this approach is to develop teacher efficacy, equipping and supporting them to foster a learning experience that is dynamic, engaging and challenging. A place where intellectual character and effort, not marks alone, are recognised and celebrated. Our teaching programs are reviewed rigorously to ensure that students obtain meaningful outcomes through a Biblical perspective.
I am married to Rebecca and we have four children. We own two dogs, and an alpaca named ‘Banjo”. I enjoy the outdoors (beach, hikes and camping) but equally staying inside and relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book. I like watching Kdramas and have been known to re-watch Star Wars, Lord of Rings and the like. We live on small acreage and like all busy families, find the time to mow and garden a constant battle. I am thankful for the support of the Board, my staffing colleagues, my local church, family and friends. I am thankful to be at Orange Christian School and I look forward to partnering with families in raising children with a desire to learn and to become more like Christ. I believe the School is well positioned to lead in this area for the glory of God.
Chris Cameron
Business ManagerMManEng, BIndDes, Cert IV Proj Management
It is a blessing to serve as the Business Manager at Orange Christian School, a community deeply rooted in genuine Christian faith and dedicated to nurturing every aspect of school life. I have a solid background in facility management and project management, working in hospitals for 7 years and as an engineer at Electrolux prior to this. I bring many years of experience in finance management, team building, and creating and maintaining environments that support functional and personal growth.
I am married to Shara and grew up in Sydney. After completing a Bachelor of Industrial Design at UNSW I followed a dream and worked in the Canadian snowfields as a Ski Instructor. Upon my return I completed a Masters of Manufacturing Engineering and moved to Orange at the end of 2004 to work at the Electrolux refrigeration factory as a product engineer. At the time, we committed to seeing what life was like out of Sydney for just a few years, yet 20 years later we’re still here, we’ve had 4 children and still love the lifestyle, the community and the opportunities that Orange offers our family. We’ve developed strong connections through school life, sporting teams and church, having attended Orange Evangelical Church since moving here. I serve on the congregational leadership team, run a weekly men’s growth group, and love my time leading kids church.
I love getting outdoors and embracing God’s amazing creation. I enjoy canyoning in the Blue mountains, playing any sport that I can get involved in, and taking my family to all the beautiful swimming holes around our town.
My vision for OCS is to foster a community where every student feels supported, and every teacher feels empowered. I believe that a well-maintained and thoughtfully designed school environment is crucial to achieving personal development, academic success and spiritual growth. Together with our staff, families and community I hope to continue fostering an environment that reflects our strong Christian values and mission.
Nicki Johnston
Deputy Principal - Staff, Curriculum and OperationsMEdPsych, BMus(MusEd)(Hons), AMusA
It is an honour to be serving alongside the dedicated team at Orange Christian School. I am encouraged by the school’s foundation of authentic Christian faith, that permeates throughout every aspect of school life.
I am married to Dean and we have three boys. We moved to Orange from Sydney at the end of 2021 and have thoroughly enjoyed the ‘tree change’, having already developed deep connections through school life, church, music, and sport. I have been teaching Music for 21 years and have experience as an HSC Music Marker. I have a deep passion for music, which began when I first picked up the flute and played it at 8 years old. I am blessed to have found such a rich music community here in Orange, where I have the privilege of being a member of the Orange Symphony Orchestra, the Orange Theatre Company, as well as being involved with various ensembles at the Orange Regional Conservatorium. In addition to playing music, I enjoy spending time at home with my family, including our dogs, cats, fish, chickens and bees, and being outside in nature.
Previously, I taught at Hornsby Girls High School, an academically selective school in Sydney, where I worked in student wellbeing as a year advisor and academics as Music Faculty Coordinator. Upon moving to Orange, I took up a position as Secondary Pastoral Care Coordinator and later Leader of Culture at Orange Anglican Grammar School. I have an honours degree in Music (Music Education) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and a Master of Educational Psychology from the University of Sydney. I am currently studying a Master of Applied Positive Psychology through the University of Melbourne. I have a love of learning, and place great importance on understanding and applying evidence-based research to inform best practice in all areas of the school.
I have a holistic approach to education, whereby a framework of effort, character development, and extra-curricular opportunities are emphasised equally alongside academic progress and achievements. I consider it a priority in our school to enhance staff wellbeing, ensuring all staff feel supported in the critical work they do within our school community. Schools are complex ecosystems, with many moving parts. A school with flourishing teachers means a school with flourishing students.
Stephen Price
Deputy Principal - Students, Community and Christian FoundationsMEdL, MDiv, BEnvSc, GradDipEd.
I am excited to be part of the Orange Christian School community, which has a wonderful history forged over 40 years of faithful Christian education. It is fantastic to be involved in a strong Christian community where staff and students are encouraged in their Christian faith in real and authentic ways.
I am married to Amy and we have three children who attend OCS. We moved to Orange from sunny Tamworth where I worked at Calrossy Anglican School for nine years, most recently as the Head of Middle School and prior to that as the Senior Chaplain of the school. Prior to living in Tamworth, we grew up and lived in Sydney where I worked at Barker College, The King’s School and SCECGS Redlands, being involved in science teaching and chaplaincy.
While in my role as school chaplain at Calrossy Anglican School I was ordained as an Anglican Minister and supported the wider Armidale Anglican Diocese in that capacity. In terms of education, I went to Covenant Christian School in Sydney for my entire schooling, and then completed a Bachelor of Environmental Science, a Graduate Diploma of Education and then a Master of Divinity at Sydney Missionary and Bible College. More recently, I completed a Master of Educational Leadership through the National Institute for Christian Education.
I believe that working in partnership with parents is critical to the success of students at school and encourage two-way communication between school and home. Some priorities for me are helping students, parents and staff have clarity, consistency and connection in and to the school. These things help everyone know what the expectations are and help foster a sense of belonging, encouraging students to be at their best and work hard to grow and develop.
I enjoy spending time with my family, often running the weekly parkrun, going to church, drinking coffee and mountain bike riding. My family and I are thrilled to be part of the OCS family. I give thanks to God for the great work He has done in the school over many years and pray for God’s continued blessing on the school.
Catherine Buchanan
Head of Primary SchoolBA (Mathematics) GDipEd
I love that the staff at OCS are dedicated to nurturing and guiding every student’s God-given potential individually and as members of a community. My three children attend Orange Christian School, all starting here when they were in Prep. It is a privilege to work together with the staff, students and parents at OCS. Seeing the Primary children progress academically and grow in their faith, friendships, character and resilience is a very rewarding part of my day.
I commenced a Bachelor of Mathematics at the University of Wollongong. After studying this for three years, it became clear that teaching was the right path to pursue. Consequently, I changed my degree and completed a Diploma of Education. Since 2001, I have worked in independent schools in the Shoalhaven and Illawarra regions, as well as in Queensland. My previous roles have included responsibilities in curriculum and instructional leadership for literacy and numeracy. In 2015 I joined the OCS staff, commencing the Junior Coordinator role in 2021, with this changing to Head of Primary from 2023. I’ve also had the opportunity to complete the Women’s Middle Leadership Program with NESLI (National Excellence in School Leadership Institute).
I love spending time at home with my family and we attend Orange Presbyterian Church. We also enjoy camping, fishing and four wheel driving together.
Mel Collins
Head of Secondary SchoolBEd/BMusic; Cert IV Assessment and Training
What a privilege it is to work alongside the wonderful staff, students, and parents at OCS. With a double degree in Music and Education, I have been a Music Teacher as well as a Year Advisor, Head of Music, Missions Facilitator, Welfare Coordinator and HSC Marker. It is with joy that I now add Head of Secondary at OCS to my roles.
I love challenging young people and seeing them grow. I enjoy the daily opportunities to encourage students to develop their strengths, push them out of their comfort zones, inspire excellence and show them how to make an impact on the world around them. I believe that building into young lives not only brings positive outcomes for the students themselves, but also has the potential to positively impact their families and their communities. Being in leadership allows me to encourage us as a team to be who God has made us to be!
Along with Music, I have a passion for travel, especially in the developing world. With a big heart for Fiji, Myanmar and Tonga, I love facilitating trips for students that combine experiential learning with practical service. The most memorable project I have been part of was assisting with the establishment and building of accommodation for remote area students in Fiji, enabling them to be able to receive an otherwise inaccessible education. Bring on our next mission to Fiji!
Adrian Lee
Head of Student Development, English/History KLA CoordinatorBA DipEd
I started teaching in 1999. I completed my Degree in English and Ancient History at the University of Western Australia, paying my way through uni flipping burgers and then working in retail before I took on the position as Youth Director of Campbelltown Presbyterian Church.
I completed a Diploma of Education in 1998 before heading to Europe to work and travel.
I have worked in government and independent schools in western Sydney, regional NSW and Bristol in the UK, including at OCS in the early 2000s. I have been a Stage 4 Coordinator and Head of Department for HSIE & English before joining OCS as Middle School Coordinator in 2017.
Experience has shown the importance of the middle years to build on the foundations of Junior School and prepare students for the rigours of Senior School and post school opportunities. It is all about giving students the skills they need to fulfil their God-given potential. That is why we talk about Middle School as the ‘booster’ rocket.
Sue & I have two children. We attend Orange Evangelical Church. I am a passionate sports nut, love good coffee and good books.
OCS Full Executive Team
Teaching Staff
Chloe Bertram
Primary School Teacher
Louise Childs
Educational Operations Coordinator
Elyse Denham
Music Teacher
Linda Filmer
Primary School Teacher
Leslie Follent
Secondary School Teacher
Helen Giger
Secondary School Teacher
Nathan Gray
Primary Wellbeing and Sustainability Coordinator and Classroom Teacher
John Green
Primary School Teacher
Keren Klugt
KLA Coordinator for English/HSIE
Leonie McCarron
Primary School Teacher
Melissa McGowen
Auslan and Secondary School Teacher
David Milligan
Secondary School Teacher
Sabrina McKern
Primary School Teacher
Genevieve Pade
Primary School Teacher
Kylie Pulling
Primary School Teacher
Katie Pyle
Secondary School Teacher
Glenda Schumann
Secondary School Teacher
Emma Schmack
Primary KLA Coordinator
Amanda Sims
Primary School Teacher
Rebecca Thompson
Primary School Teacher
Stephen Toms
Secondary School Teacher
Melinda Willis
Secondary School Teacher/STAR Coordinator
Kerry Dunn
Art Teacher
Michael Cunial
Primary Teacher
Allen Grant
Secondary School Teacher
Elise Honeysett
Primary School Teacher
Rachel Drummond
Liz Edwards
Primary Teacher
Jill Brodie
Primary Teacher
Noni Del Guzzo
Secondary Teacher
Felicity Dobbs
Nathan Dobbs
Secondary Teacher
Dean Johnston
KLA Coordinator for Maths/Science
Sarah Milligan
Primary Teacher
Leonie Green
Secondary Teacher
Cathryn Buckerfield
Sports Coordinator
Cindy Hales
Coordinator Learning Support and EnrichmentPrep Team
Rosa Cunial
Director of Prep
Hannah Fletcher
Prep Teacher
Mariah Harris
Prep Teacher
Vicki Martin
Prep Educator
Kate Smith
Prep Educator
Amanda Johnson
Prep Educator
Heidi Perrett
Prep Teacher
Sharon Ejiofor
Prep EducatorSupport Staff
Amanda Dietiker
Music Tutor (Piano)
Alex McFadyen
Teacher's Aide/Library Assistant
Adam Osborn
Learning Support Aide/After School Care
Jann Osborn
Chaplain
Kim Reilly
Learning Support Aide Elliot Bangert
Music Tutor (Brass)
Alison Nelson
Teacher's Aide
Kate St. Julian
Teacher's Aide
Michelle Oh
Teacher's Aide
Dylan Naveau
Teacher's Aide
Sonya Wratten
Cafe Operator
Elizabeth Rumbold
Teacher's AideAdministration Team
Emily Chapman-Mortimer
Front Office
Jaimie Honeysett
Office Manager/HR/Marketing
Louise Bornen
Registrar
Mark Woodley
IT Manager
Melbert Tandang
Assistant Business Manager
Lisa Armstrong
Finance Officer
Melanie Naveau
Executive Assistant to the Deputies
Anna Sims
Executive Assistant
Shannyn Geeve
Front Office
Jessica Bushby
Principal's PAReady to join us at Orange Christian School?
Step 1
Discover if OCS is the right fit for your family
Why OCS?
Step 2
Take a tour of OCS with our Registrar
Book a tour
Step 3
Submit an enrolment application online
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