Meet our Learning Engagement Team

Hello, my name is Cheryl Burke and I am the 2023 Head of Learning and Engagement. Learning Engagement combines the Learning Support Team and the Wellbeing Team. As the year commences, I hope to have the opportunity to meet you and your children. We are looking forward to an exciting year supporting your children with their learning and well being.

In 2023, there have been some exciting additions and changes to this space. You will see many familiar faces, however, Mrs Joelle Hall and Ms Robyn Goldfinch are taking on new roles in this team. They will be teaching and supporting students in both the primary and secondary departments respectively.

Our aim is to ensure that your child is:-

WELL KNOWN, WELL LOVED AND WELL TAUGHT.

Let’s meet the team!

Mrs Cheryl Burke - Learning Engagement Coordinator

I am a learning support teacher and the team leader. I will be working across the whole school. Please contact me if you have concerns about your child.

Favourite Bible verse: Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Fun Fact: I like to sing and I collect teapots. I have a trainee therapy dog, Frankie.

LEARNING SUPPORT TEAM

Mrs Joelle Hall - LST

My name is Joelle Hall. This is my 5th year at MCS. I am so excited to be working in Learning Engagement this year supporting our primary students.

Fun Fact: When I was growing up, we found a turtle in the rice paddy behind our house and kept it as a pet!

Mrs Wendy Green - LSA

Hi, I am Wendy Green. I grew up in Western Sydney and am married to Andrew and together we have 2 daughters. We are also part of the Defence Community and have been based at Williamtown for 9 years. I have a diploma in Children’s services and have worked in a variety of Early Childhood Services for 20 years, including setting up the OSHC program here at MCS. I love my role in Learning Engagement; I get to support the teachers and the children in their learning journey. In my spare time I go to the gym, and I love to spend time with my family and friends.

Fun Fact: I love Winnie the Pooh and my favourite friend is Eeyore.

Mrs Alex Westbury - LSA

Hi there, my name is Alex and I grew up in Sydney and moved to Newcastle in 2000. I am married to Mr Westbury and have two gorgeous yet mischievous dogs, Raphael and Lulu, and a sweet cat called Milly. I love to travel, go camping with the dogs, and with Mr Westbury of course, see live music, attend the ballet and opera and I’m partial to a good book or movie. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of the Learning Support team and partnering with your child on their educational journey.

Favourite bible verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Fun Fact: I’ve jumped out of an aeroplane at 10,000ft.

Mrs Robyn Goldfinch - LST

I have been teaching at MCS since 2013 and am excited to be stepping into a new role this year supporting students in the high school.

Fun fact: My cat, Mr Darcy, is named after a famous literary character. Do you know in which novel Mr Darcy is the hero?

Mr Greg Davis - LSA

My name is Greg Davis. I work as a Learning Engagement Assistant and this is my 5th year at MCS. Before coming to MCS I have worked as a Psychologist, School Counsellor and many years ago as a Juvenile Justice Officer. I thoroughly enjoy my job helping students to feel comfortable and confident in their learning at school. I am also involved in the Mountain Bike program at MCS.

Fun fact: Outside of school I enjoy caravanning with my family, mountain bike riding and oil painting.

Mr Ben West - LSA

Hi, I’m Ben. This is my 5th year at MCS and I love seeing students of all stages and backgrounds grow in their capacity for learning, as well as discovering what God has called them to and the adventure that awaits on the other side of schooling.

Fun fact: I like hiking and I love serving at my church.

Dr Maddy Bignill - LSA

This is my fifth year at MCS. I completed a Bachelor of Creative Writing at the University of Canberra and a PhD in English at the University of Newcastle.

Fun fact: I am also the school librarian, which means I get to work with every student in the school.

WELLBEING TEAM

Mrs Kim Kamper - Counsellor

I joined the MCS wellbeing team in Term 2, 2022 and have thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in this wonderfully rich Christian culture. I am a Primary trained teacher and have been involved in the education sector in one way or another for almost 20 years, including 6 years spent home educating my own children. I began pursuing a career in the wellbeing space about 12 years ago and continue to expand my learning and skill set in the area of School Counselling. I love anything outdoors, especially bike riding and the beach, and strongly value family and adventure.

FunFact: I once bungee jumped off a bridge in New Zealand!

Mrs Cindy Nunn - Counsellor

I am one of the school counsellors who works primarily with the Senior students at MCS. I have a background in private practice counselling, high school music teaching, as well as remedial teaching within the Juvenile Justice System.

Fun fact: I play the violin and was a part of the Sydney Youth Orchestra.

Mrs Vanessa Cork - Defence Support Mentor

I love people and I love my role as Defence Support Mentor, which is funded by The Department of Defence. I have the privilege of working with Defence families and children to assist with transitioning in and out of schools, supporting during periods of parental absence, as well as supporting children's social and emotional wellbeing during school time. I also love doing extra curricular activities with Defence kids and meeting parents for a coffee and chat.

Fun Fact: I have travelled to lots of countries. In Canada I had to be rescued by strangers when I fell into a frozen lake.

Mrs Kim Fedder - Chaplain (on leave Term 1)

Mrs Sharleen Maguire - Chaplain (on leave 2023)

Final thought….