Narelle leads with great charisma at MECS. For 30 years of her education career, she has passionately championed for the joy that can be found in learning, strengthened particularly by parent-partnership and Christian education. "At the heart of Christian education is an understanding that the whole cosmos belongs to God and that we only find our true purpose and identity in God's story, as revealed in the Bible and through Jesus. I am excited to teach and lead with this transparency and great hope in a school like MECS, where this story is known and embraced." When Narelle is not leading the school, she enjoys a good book, a LEGO-challenge, travelling and spending time with her family and friends.
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.
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.
Lisa brings great passion and knowledge into the teaching and learning space at MECS. Having been in education since 1995, her vast experience teaching across many different Christian schools in Melbourne has been an invaluable asset to the school. Lisa is particularly excited about helping students find their place and purpose in God's story. "The most exciting thing about Christian education is that it doesn't just settle for producing civic minded people who are good for the working economy. We strive for a far greater purpose for our students, which is helping them to appreciate and live in God's world." When Lisa is not working at MECS, she enjoys contributing to her church's worship team, riding her eBike and finding really good coffee.
Wendy brings a rich and diverse experience to our kindergarten, having opened two kindergartens prior to opening the MECS Kinder. Her teaching experience extends to the public sector, teaching a wide range of age groups over the past 37 years, including short missions to India and Cambodia where she had conducted teacher training. Passionate about teamwork, families and children, she has enjoyed seeing God move through the MECS community. "The most exciting thing about Christian education is learning more about God, especially when we open up wonder in God's world and marvel in His creation with the children. They have the best ideas!" When Wendy is not at work, she enjoys a bit of quiet walking her dog or tending to the garden. As a creative, she also enjoys painting with her pastels in her art studio.