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
Ken Greenwood
PrincipalBScEd; GradDipEdAdmin; DipCS.
Christian schooling has been a major part of my life, from my years as a student in a fledgling Christian school, to over 37 years of experience, teaching and leading in Christian schools in NSW and Victoria. My own children attended Christian schools and I am a passionate believer in the potential these schools have in supporting parents, giving young people purpose, and equipping them for lives of outstanding service. Originally a Secondary Maths & Science Teacher, I now love connecting with people across the school community, encouraging young children or older student leaders in their learning, reminding school leaders and governors to remain true to their mission and vision, and partnering with parents in the important role they have of raising their children.
Yooie Choi
Deputy PrincipalBADipEd, LLB, GDLP, COGE, JP
It is a privilege to be part of the body of Christ here at Orange Christian School. I’m passionate about the school’s vision to raise up effective leaders of godly character. I want to encourage students to develop their faith in God, do their best academically, and be a positive influence amongst their peers, home and in the wider community.
I am married to Rebecca and we have four children. Previously, I taught at Knox Grammar School where I was involved in the da Vinci program, lived onsite as a Boarding Housemaster, appointed as an Officer of Cadets (Australian Army) and lead the School’s Christian Fellowship group. We came to Orange for a tree-change where I was the Head of Student Academic Services at Kinross Wolaroi School. As an educator I was fortunate to study abroad at Harvard University (“Enhancing Teacher Effectiveness” – Harvard Graduate School of Education). I have completed the NESLI (National Excellence in School Leadership Initiative) from Monash University and completed a Law degree (UNE) along with Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law). I have facilitated an online course, Philosophy 137 Critical Thinking (Macquarie University), and I am a workshop presenter for GERRIC (Gifted Education Research Resource Information Centre) UNSW. I was fortunate to be appointed onto the Board of Directors for KU Children Services (Early Childhood centres) and visited Juvenile Detention Centres as an Official Visitor on behalf of the Attorney General (NSW Government). I am currently enrolled in an Educational Doctorate (UNSW) researching motivation and engagement.
My approach to education is to ensure that students have a safe, supportive and enjoyable learning experience. A key to this 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, is recognised and encouraged. I am thankful for the support of my Church, family and friends. I enjoy the outdoors but equally staying inside relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book! We live on a small acreage and like all busy families find the weeds a constant battle.
Forming a positive partnership with families is crucial in raising children with a desire to learn and to become more like Christ. I believe that the School is well positioned to lead in this area and be a light in a world that is constantly searching for meaning and purpose.
Catherine Lawrence
Business ManagerBCom (Accounting)
Being part of the Orange Christian School staff since 2011, I am privileged to serve on the School’s management team, currently as the Business Manager. I value being able to contribute to the community that is Orange Christian School; and delight in seeing growth in the School and its ability to deliver quality Christian education to as many students as possible.
Prior to moving to Orange in 2011, I spent 15 years in a variety of accounting, finance and management roles in and around Sydney. I appreciate being able to blend experiences gained in the business and finance industry to serve the OCS community in the area of business management.
My children are students at Orange Christian School, which has afforded me the opportunity to experience and appreciate the parent partnership aspects, which are a distinctive, of the School. It brings me joy to see my children value learning and being part of the School community.
My family and I attend Molong Baptist Church. I play tennis at any given opportunity, love music and enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Catherine Buchanan
Head of Primary SchoolBA (Mathematics) GDipEd
I love that the staff at OCS are dedicated to growing 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 Prep-Year 4 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 the following year. 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. 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.
Len Elliott
Head of Secondary SchoolBA(hons), Dip.Ed, CELTA
I have enjoyed working with Senior students for around 27 years. One aspect of my work that I especially enjoy is the camaraderie and spirit that develops in each group of students over Years 11 and 12, and the remarkable progress students make within this unique context. It’s a phenomenon that is especially evident at Orange Christian School.
I have worked in various leadership positions in schools, both at home and overseas. These positions included a role as Deputy Principal in Hanoi, Vietnam, setting up the Higher School Certificate as a course of study – the first domestic school outside Australia to attempt this.
My family are all at Orange Christian School: My wife teaches at the School and my children are enrolled. This is one of my great privileges and sources of happiness: walking through the playground and seeing them enjoying their day.
Apart from that, I enjoy being at home with my family, and working in the garden or on various home projects.
Adrian Lee
Head of Student DevelopmentBA 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.
Belinda Elliott
Head of Teaching and LearningMEd (Gifted), MDiv, MTeach (Hons), BSci (Med), CELTA
Our creator God has blessed each of us with gifts and intelligences. All children should be supported in growing their gifts in a nurturing environment, so that they can serve others. It is the prime task of parents to educate their children, and teachers to share this privilege and responsibility in the community of faith. I share this privilege with the staff, parents and wider community at Orange Christian School.
I have worked in both department and independent schools in Sydney, the Central West and in the Western Plains teaching high school Mathematics. My interest in enrichment opportunities for students has led me to complete a Masters degree, so that I am better equipped to support students in their areas of strength and interest.
In 2018 I started at OCS as a Mathematics teacher, where I have helped develop STEAM opportunities through my involvement in the University of Sydney’s STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy, for both Primary and Secondary students.
I am part of NESA’s state-wide ‘teacher expert network’ (TEN) which provides advice and feedback through the development and implementation of the new NSW curriculum and support material. In 2023, I was appointed Head of Teaching and Learning at OCS and will continue in my role as Enrichment Coordinator for K to 12.
My children attend OCS; it has been such a joy to see them develop as disciples of Jesus and I am thankful for all of the ways they have grown at this school. I am passionate about teaching and can often be found reading or listening to podcasts that inform my practice. When I have the odd moment, I enjoy finding new recipes to cook and going on bike rides with my family.
Mel Collins
Performing Arts CoordinatorBEd/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.
I love challenging young people and seeing them grow. As a teacher, 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.
Along with Music, I have a passion for travel and especially 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!
Cathryn Buckerfield
Sports CoordinatorBSpSc; DipEd (Secondary PDHPE); BEd (TAS)
I love kids! I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to be part of their formative years and to be part of their journey towards young adults. As Nelson Mandella said “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope” – It is an honour it is for me to be part of the lives of the OCS children and their families as Sport Coordinator.
For the past 20 years I have worked in the public education system, having spent my first ever year of teaching at Katherine High in the Northern Territory and the past 17 years at Canobolas High – both amazing opportunities that shaped me to be the teacher I am today. Coming to teach at OCS has been a wonderful experience and I’ve embraced the shift in culture for myself and can really appreciate the benefits of working with Christian staff and being able to freely teach from a Biblical perspective.
My 3 daughters all attend OCS. OCS offers them a chance to be someone and not just another number; to have stable relationships from prep to Year 12, whereas all too often in other schools those ties are separated between primary and secondary schooling
Having my own family taught me about the many types of love. Travelling the world made me appreciate where I came from. Trekking Kokoda Trail taught me resilience, the meaning of mateship, and gratitude to those that serve and their sacrifices. Playing sport has taught me that sometimes in losing we really win. Growing up in the Molong Anglican church taught me I have a family for life and that God’s love for me knows no bounds and in him there is always hope.
Rosa Cunial
Director of PrepBTeach, Dip Children Services
Rosa is our Director of Prep. She has a passion for providing quality early learning environments for children. Brain research has highlighted the impact of early experiences in a child’s life and evidence has proven that the most rapid brain development occurs in the years before school. Being up to date with evidence-based research and implementing this in innovative programs that helps promote learning and development. This sets the tone for life-long learning. She has a Bachelor of Teaching (Birth to 5 years), a Diploma of Children Services (Early Childhood Education and Care) and has been teaching in Prep since its beginning in 2005.
Teaching Staff
Chloe Bertram
Learning Support Teacher
Louise Childs
Secondary School Teacher/TAA Supervisor
Elyse Denham
Music Teacher Belinda Elliott
Head of Teaching and Learning
Linda Filmer
Primary School Teacher
Leslie Follent
Secondary School Teacher
Vicki George
Relief Teacher
Helen Giger
Secondary School Teacher
Nathan Gray
Primary School Teacher
John Green
Primary School Teacher
Karen Huntly
Secondary School Teacher
Keren Klugt
Secondary School Teacher
Leonie McCarron
Primary School Teacher
Melissa McGowen
Primary/Secondary School Teacher
David Milligan
Secondary School Teacher
Sabrina McKern
Primary School Teacher
Genevieve Pade
Junior School Teacher
Kylie Pulling
Primary School Teacher
Katie Pyle
Secondary School Teacher
Glenda Schumann
Secondary School Teacher
Emma Schmack
Primary School Teacher
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 TeacherPrep 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 TeacherSupport Staff
Amanda Dietiker
Music Tutor (Piano)
Leonie Green
Teacher's Aide
Calista Krkac
Music Tutor (Flute)
Bill Hetherington
Lab Assistant
Alex McFadyen
Teacher's Aide/Library Assistant
Adam Osborn
Learning Support Aide/After School Care/After School Sport
Jann Osborn
Chaplain
Lillyannah Pankhurst-Bennett
Teacher's Aide
Kim Reilly
Learning Support Aide Claire Bate
Teacher's Aide Elliot Bangert
Music Tutor (Brass) Louise Bornen
Registrar Sarah Milligan
Teacher's Aide Alison Nelson
Teacher's AideAdministration Team
Emily Chapman-Mortimer
Front Desk Reception
Erin Gately
Front Desk Reception
Jaimie Honeysett
Principal's Assistant/Marketing Manager
Mark Woodley
IT Manager Melbert Tandang
Assistant Business ManagerReady 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
Enrol online