PRIMARY STAFF
Mr Paul McLennan
Head of Primary
Before coming to NCS in 2013, I spent nine years teaching at Jervis Bay Christian School. Prior to this my wife and I lived and worked in Sydney. I am excited to be working in a school environment that recognises Jesus’ Lordship and seeks to help children grow academically, physically, socially and spiritually. I am currently working on my post-graduate studies in Education. Apart from teaching, I enjoy family life, gardening, reading, cricket and twitter!
B. Ed, Cert BIB St.
Mr Phillip Parker
Primary Coordinator
I began working at NCS in 2008 and find being part of the staff team at Nowra Christian School is a great privilege. My family and I moved to the South Coast from Sydney in 2008 and love the place. I teach in the Primary School and especially love to help students 'catch the reading bug'! 5 words which sum life up for me (in no particular order!): 'melody, words, Jesus, family, reds'.
B. Teach., B. Ed. (Primary)
Mrs Yvonne Hefferan
Primary Coordinator
Since 2002 I have had the privilege at teaching many different grades at N.C.S. It has been a blessing being able to help children learn and grow academically, socially and spiritually. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy spending time with our beautiful grandchildren, fishing, walking and reading.
Dip. Teaching
Teachers
Mrs Suzanne Bellette
Before coming to Nowra Christian School in 2015, I spent 11 years teaching at Jervis Bay Christian Community School in various capacities – the last of which was as teaching Principal in 2014. Previous to that I was Principal of a Christian, K-6, one teacher school and then owner of a tutoring franchise on the Southern Highlands. I currently teach Year 4. I am interested in what neuroscience is helping us understand about learning and learning difficulties. I enjoy reading, sewing, camping and a wide range of music.
Dip.Teach., B.Ed., Graduate Certificate (Learning difficulties)1
Mrs Joanna Landstra
I started at NCS in 2018 as the 5/6L classroom teacher. I have known many people from NCS over the years since I began attending Nowra Baptist Church in 1999, and I look forward to getting to know many more students and families. My background is in Chemical Engineering and I have worked since 2005 in music education and as a violinist. I went on to study primary teaching through the University of Wollongong in 2013, and have spent the last 4 years teaching at Nowra East Public school. I enjoy reading, maths and travel, and I am looking forward to many great learning experiences with my students. It is a great privilege and responsibility to work with so many wonderful students, families and colleagues.
Mrs Margaret Parsons
I feel privileged to be working at Nowra Christian School. I have been involved with NCS for many years (since 2001) as a parent, a volunteer, teacher's aide, and now as a classroom teacher. In 2008, I finished my Graduate Diploma in Education and have worked at several schools in the Shoalhaven area. In 2014, I began teaching at NCS, working closely with the other teachers in nurturing and teaching. I am supported by my wonderful and loving husband, Adam and 3 children. I am looking forward to being able to share my love for God in sharing HIS Love and HIS Word with the children at NCS.
B.A, Grad. Dip. Ed.
Mrs Irene Smith
I joined the teaching staff at NCS midway through 2018, having moved to the Shoalhaven from Sydney. In Sydney, I taught for 14 years at an Anglican school, most recently focussed on extending gifted and talented students. I studied Education at the University of Sydney, having started my career in finance following study at the University of Melbourne.
I consider it a real blessing to be able to teach and share the love of Jesus with the students of NCS, as they discover the world that God has made. I am passionate about helping students reach their full God-given potential.
Master of Teaching (Syd). Bachelor of Commerce (Melb)
Mrs Kathryn Twitchen
I started teaching at NCS in Primary in 2017. Since completing my teaching degree in the UK in 1995 I have taught across the Infant/Primary Stages in the State Education system. In 2010 I moved with my husband and our two sons to the Shoalhaven. NCS is my second posting at an Independent School since receiving Accreditation in 2011 to teach in NSW schools. I am blessed to be part of a christian school community. I appreciate that we are all life long learners. I am privileged to be part of children's learning and to be able to share the love of God with them.
BA QTS Education
Mrs Esther Burge
I consider it a privilege to be able to work at Nowra Christian School. Prior to moving to the Shoalhaven in 2014 I taught at St. Patrick's Primary School in Gundagai, Wollondilly Anglican College (Tahmoor) and Broughton Anglican College (Campbelltown). I completed my Bachelor of Education at the Christian University of Ede, Holland. It is a real blessing to be able to teach and inspire students. God has given every student different abilities and talents, it is my hope to encourage students to discover, explore and develop themselves in a positive and encouraging environment.
Knowledge of Bib Studies., B. Ed. (Primary)
Mrs Brinlee Baker
I started teaching Stage 1 at Nowra Christian School in 2018. I moved to beautiful Gerringong from the Wollongong area where I had
previously been working in the Anglican school system. I have wanted to be a teacher since before I went to school myself, so every day in the classroom is a dream realised! When I am not at school, I love to spend as much time outside as I can, either swimming at the beach or going for a bushwalk. Apart from teaching I am also passionate about music, having performed in a number of musical productions and regularly leading worship at my church in Wollongong. I am looking forward continuing to get to know the students and families at NCS over the coming terms/years and connecting with this great community.