Introducing our Board

From school Principals, to founders of construction companies and accountants, our Board is a well-rounded collection of people dedicated to representing the school community and making decisions in its best interest.

Get to know our Board…

Simple line drawing of a laptop and a laboratory flask with bubbling liquid.
School gymnasium photographed from outside with grass oval in the foreground and blue sky above the roof

Alison Osbourne | Board Chair

I’ve been part of the MECS community since 2017, when my children were in Years 2 and 4 — they’re now both in Senior Secondary, and we’ve been so blessed by the special and unique community here. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of being involved in many different ways, including serving in the First Aid room as a staff member before joining the Board in 2021. It’s been a privilege to journey alongside others in this vibrant community, which is always passionately seeking the Kingdom of God in Education. I’m continually grateful for the love, care, generous hospitality, and above all, the Christ-centred vision that defines MECS.

Steven King

I am honoured to have served on the MECS board since 2024, having experienced firsthand the life-changing influence of Christian education through mentors who shaped my faith during my school years. My life has been a journey of service — whether managing a school camp, leading a financial planning business with my wife Anita, or helping people reach their personal and financial goals — all driven by a desire to bless others and grow God’s kingdom. A serious rock-climbing accident left me a paraplegic and deepened my reliance on God, and I now cherish every opportunity to share my story, connect with others, and contribute to the vibrant MECS community.

Cathy Cook

From my own experience as a former MECS student, a child of two former staff members, and now having my two children enrolled, I’ve seen what a gift and blessing the vision and values of Christ-centred education can have in shaping someone’s life. It’s a delight to be part of the MECS community, and it’s been a pleasure serving on the Board in 2025. I have a Bachelor of International Relations from La Trobe University, Master’s in Theological Ethics: Ecology from Edinburgh University, and Graduate Certificate in Spirituality from University of Divinity. I work at Tearfund Australia in the Advocacy and Church Engagement team.

Allan Long

I first became involved with MECS way back in 1984 when I was employed as a Middle School teacher. Over the next 4 decades I had a number of teaching and leadership roles both here at MECS and at other Christian schools around the country. MECS has also been an incredible blessing to my family. For example, both my daughters were students at MECS, and two of my grandchildren are currently students in the Primary. I am now retired (I think), so I find myself with a bit of time on my hands (not as much as you might expect), and I am really pleased to have joined the Board in 2024.

Paul Bouma

I’ve been a part of the MECS community since I was student here from 1988, as my parents were involved with the founding of the school. I met my wife Chelsea while I was a student and our two children are now in the Primary school. I’ve on the board since 2023 and I’m incredibly passionate about access to Christian education and the ongoing development of our school. As a family, we attend Freedom Church in Healesville, alongside many other MECS families.

Tim Van der Veen

I’ve served on the board since 2021 but have had an association with MECS for many years prior to that. Throughout the years, I’ve been both a student here, commencing in Year 7 during the 1980s and a parent, with my 4 sons all attending MECS. Since 1996, I’ve been working in our family business which operates in the construction industry.  My current responsibilities see me focussed in the area of Research & Development as well as being one of the company Directors.

FAQ’s

Accordion Example
Why are we a parent-governed school? +

Our school, along with other CEN schools, operate as a parent-governed school. This is primarily due to the belief that the parents, to whom the task of raising their children is entrusted by God, should hold the school accountable, as opposed to the government or the church. Recognising this divine mandate, the parents actively shape the Christian education vision and steer the school’s course. Hence, the school’s management ultimately answers to them. While governments and churches do have some roles in supporting education, it’s essential to understand that their chief responsibilities lie elsewhere, not primarily in educating our children.

Who owns the school +

A not-for-profit association of Christian parents, teachers and past parents owns and maintains MECS. The official name of the owning association is the ‘Association for Christian Education Mount Evelyn Inc.’ The Association elects Board members who, acting on behalf of the Association, govern the school. That means the Board determines policy and broad direction and gives oversight to the Executive (the Principal and other key leaders appointed directly by the Board). The Executive needs to achieve the aims and objectives of the Association for the school. Because the Board is a governing Board, it does not get involved in the day-to-day running of the school, hence it is the Executive who manages the school.

What is Association Membership? +

Those who embrace the vision of the school and subscribe to the Educational Creed may become members of the Association. We encourage all Christian parents to consider becoming members and thereby participate more fully in school life and the governance thereof. Embracing this level of commitment to MECS is vital for the long-term well-being of our educational community. All the information you need to become an Association member can be found on our Parent Involvement page. Because partnership is vital to us, parents who are not members are still very welcome and warmly encouraged to get involved in the life of the community.

Who is CEN? +

Christian Education National (CEN) is a not for profit public company that is structured around a National Board and State Councils, with a National Office providing a broad range of support to member schools. CEN members include remote rural schools, large metropolitan schools, multicampus schools, trade-training centres, and incorporated school systems. CEN was established in 1966 and represents schools and their associations in every state and territory.