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
Junior School CoordinatorBA (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.
Adrian Lee
Middle School 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.
Len Elliott
Senior School CoordinatorBA(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.
Kath Berry
Educational Operations CoordinatorDipT, BEd, Cert IV in Training and Assessment
I joined the Orange Christian School teaching staff in 2002, after a number of years teaching at primary and secondary schools in Bathurst. During my time at OCS, I have had a variety of roles – Head of Science, Middle School Coordinator, VET Coordinator and most recently, overseeing aspects of curriculum, timetable and compliance as the Educational Operations Coordinator.
It is a privilege to be part of a student’s educational journey – this is my favourite part of the job and ties in strongly with my responsibilities as Careers Advisor. It involves guiding students as they open their future to as many options as possible. To work with a student and their parents through this process is both exciting and rewarding.
Most of my life has been spent in Bathurst. I moved to Orange a few years ago, but still travel to worship with Bathurst Baptist Church, sometimes as part of the music team.
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.
Teaching Staff
Chloe Bertram
Learning Support Teacher
Louise Childs
Senior School Teacher/TAA Supervisor
Athalia Clark
Junior School Teacher
Elyse Denham
Music Teacher
Belinda Elliot
Senior School Teacher/Learning Enrichment Teacher
Linda Filmer
Junior School Teacher
Leslie Follent
Senior School Teacher
Vicki George
Relief Teacher
Helen Giger
Senior School teacher
Nathan Gray
Junior School Teacher
Glen Gray
Construction Teacher
John Green
Middle School Teacher
Karen Huntly
Senior School Teacher
Keren Klugt
Senior School Teacher
Leonie McCarron
Junior School Teacher
Melissa McGowen
Middle School Teacher
David Milligan
Middle/Senior School Teacher
Sabrina McKern
Middle School Teacher
Genevieve Pade
Junior School Teacher
Kylie Pulling
Middle School Teacher
Katie Pyle
Senior School Teacher
Glenda Schumann
Middle/Senior School Teacher
Emma Schmack
Junior School Teacher
Amanda Sims
Junior School Teacher
Rebecca Thompson
Junior School Teacher
Stephen Toms
Senior School Teacher
Melinda Willis
Senior School Teacher/STAR Coordinator
Kerry Dunn
Art TeacherPrep Team
Rosa Cunial
Prep Teacher
Hannah Fletcher
Prep Teacher/Junior School Aide/After School Care Assistant
Kate Goodwin
Prep Educator
Mariah Harris
Prep Teacher
Vicki Martin
Prep Educator
Merindah Rivers
Prep Teacher
Jane Sheardown
Prep Educator
Kate Smith
Prep EducatorSupport Staff
Amanda Dietiker
Music Tutor (Piano) Carmel Follent
Music Tutor (Strings)
Leonie Green
Kindergarten 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 AideAdministration Team
Emily Chapman-Mortimer
Front Desk Reception
Elaine Cooper
Compliance Officer
Jenni da Silva
Registrar
Erin Gately
Front Desk Reception
Jaimie Honeysett
Principal's Assistant/Marketing Manager
Robyn Pierce
Accounts Officer
Mark Woodley
IT ManagerReady to join us at Orange Christian School?
Step 1
Discover if OCS is the right fit for your family
Step 2
Take a tour of OCS with our Registrar
