About MECS

First and foremost, Michelle introduces herself as a follower of Jesus. She says, “I’m in awe of His saving grace and generous love for me. I choose to serve Him in all things, to the best of my ability and thoroughly enjoy celebrating His love through the enjoyment of His creation, in particular through the people around me. I am passionate about education and in particular, assisting schools in growing leaders, teachers, ancillary staff and students in a distinctively different approach to learning. A learning that reflects the love of the Father and points to His ability to transform all aspects of life.”

Michelle Dempsey has had a long-term involvement in Christian Education, and in CEN schools. Starting out as a teacher, Michelle has taught all ages and has served as a Coordinator, Deputy and Principal. In fact, Michelle did a short teaching stint here at MECS in 2004 and 2005. Michelle comes to MECS having recently served as the CEO of Christian Education National, and has been so since 2015.

Janet brings a wealth of experience to MECS, having taught for more then 30 years – not just in Melbourne but interstate in NSW and the ACT, across a diverse range of schools. Having held school leadership positions at other schools, Janet possesses the motivation and heart that reflects the primary school at MECS. Janet completed her Master’s Degree at the National Institute of Christian Education, and is most excited about being able to apply such formational principles at MECS. “The most exciting thing about Christian education is the partnership with God’s unique plan for each child. Jeremiah 29:11 reiterates that God has ‘plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'”. When Janet is not leading the primary school, she enjoys her menagerie of pets and the great outdoors.

Karissa has served MECS for more than 19 years in various teaching and leadership capacities before stepping into the role as the secondary assistant principal. She is passionate about her staff and her students. She particularly loves that MECS has the natural bushland lapping at its boundaries.  What excites her the most is educating and empowering young people to grow in their knowledge of God and His world, and their place within it. “The best part about Christian education is being able to actively teach and encourage our young people in their God given identity, through the work of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. I love that we can open up the eyes of our young people to a world that reflects our Creator.” When Karissa is not leading at school, she enjoys being creative with her hands – jewellery making, sewing or building Lego. She also loves nothing more than a beach side holiday in the caravan with her husband.

Leanne is currently undertaking her PhD with Monash University and comes to MECS with teaching experience from early learning through to tertiary level. Previously teaching Masters level to early years and primary pre-service teachers at Monash University, Leanne is highly experienced in the education field. She also comes with sound experience of managing people and culture currently serving as regional manager over five early learning centres for an independent Christian organisation. Leanne has overseen the builds and openings of two new early learning centres and has also led two centres to achieve exceeding ratings at their most recent assessment and rating visits.

Gerry has wealth of diverse experience as the Administration Manager. He has worked in education for 30 years, providing extensive oversight over the operations of the school. However, Gerry has spent half that time teaching in cross-cultural adult education and Bible Translation in the Solomon Islands and Melbourne. The MECS community has been blessed to have an Administration Manager who is not only passionate about the Bible, but passionate about working alongside people who are committed to having the Kingdom of God impact all that they do. “The most exciting thing is playing a part in Christian Education National, so that teachers can discover that teaching from a Christian perspective is a rich and deeply rewarding work.” When Gerry is not at work, he enjoys four wheel driving and gardening.