From Student to Staff

Joel Chapman (WS 1998)

Mr Joel Chapman has been a familiar face at Waverley Christian College for a long time. Next year, he has accepted the role of Head of Secondary at our Narre Warren South campus. To celebrate this career move, we asked him some special interview questions about his time at Wantirna South.

What years did you attend the College?

I started as a student in Year 7 in 1993, finishing in Year 10 in 1996—before we had VCE. I returned as a History teacher in 2003. I’ve been the Deputy Head of Secondary at WS for the last 12 years.

What do you love most about your role/the WCC community? 

The people. Our students are the best. Our parents are so supportive, and the team that we work with is elite. I love that each day I get to come to work and show God’s love to our students, to encourage them in their faith, and hopefully help run a pretty awesome school. I love the reunions that happen at 5, 10 and 20 years! It's so great to see where all my fellow alumni have gone in their lives, hear about marriages, births, new jobs, etc. Get along to these!

What is your fondest memory of your years so far at WCC?

Friends at school, friends at work, and watching my own kids come through the College. My eldest, Poppy, will be in Year 12 next year!

Please explain what is going on in these photos:

Photo 1: No idea.

Photo 2: It was a fundraiser for a mission trip to India. Dunking machine. I was wearing Speedo's… The rules about staff swimming attire changed after this!

Photo 3: Looks like some sort of House Athletics day. I am rocking the sunnies.

Photo 4: Humanities Week dress-ups. WS Head of Secondary at the time pointing the way forward. Anita Woon (far left) passed away a few years after this photo—she is who our Anita Woon Endeavour Award at Year 11 is named after.

Photo 5: Staff Lunch at the end of the year. Everyone loves this day. Last day of work before the summer break—and looks like we were pretty happy about it!

Photo 6: I was Mr Grumpy for Book Week. If the shoe fits, wear it.

Photo 7: A farewell song for Mr Ian Bawden (former Head of Secondary, and father of Mr Andrew Bawden, current Head of Secondary), as he retired. None of these singers went on to be successful recording artists.

What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming move to being Head of Secondary at Narre Warren South?

Joining a new and vibrant staff team, and continuing all the great work that has been happening at the NWS Campus for more than a decade! And getting to know a whole bunch of new students.

What are some of the main differences about the College now compared to when you started?

Buildings everywhere! I think we are a whole lot more gracious as well. We were a strict school, back in the day!

What has never changed?

The vision and mission: Christian education to empower young people to go into the world and impact it for Jesus. And, until he finished at WCC last year, Mr Sheahan’s hair colour—ageless!

Apart from the material you taught, what do you hope alumni remember about you and their time spent in your classes?

Hopefully they always enjoyed my classes, wore a hat, and had a really positive time at school.

Any final thoughts/reflections on your time at WCC over the years?

It's not done yet!

Anything else you would like to add?

Come see us at the reunions!

Anishtha Chelliah (WS 2019)

What years did you attend the College?

I attended Waverley Christian College from Kindergarten in 2006 through to Year 12 in 2019.

How long have you been with the College and what is your role?

I’ve been with the College since January this year. I’m currently a Year 3 teacher at WS Primary and will be moving to NWS Primary next year.

What are some of the main differences about the College now compared to when you attended?

So much of the campus has changed since I was a student, with lots of new buildings and spaces. The biggest difference would definitely be the North and South Wing. At the same time, a lot of the campus has stayed the same. In fact, the Year 3 classroom I teach in now reminds me so much of when I was in Year 5.

What do you love most about your role/the WCC community?

I love that God is always at the centre of everything we do at the College. His presence shapes our purpose and the way we care for one another. I feel so blessed to be part of a workplace where His guidance is woven into every day.

Seraphina Teo (WS 2020)

What years did you attend the College?

2007-2020

What is your fondest memory of your years of being a student? 

One of my favourite memories would be Year 9 Outdoor Education camp. It was the first year Outdoor Education became a core subject in Year 9, and we got to do a 3-day hike to the Great Dividing Range. It was such a special time to disconnect, and rest surrounded by God’s nature and creation.

What are some of the main differences about the College now compared to when you attended?

When I left the college in 2020, it was still during the midst of Covid-19 where the only location we could congregate as a year level was on the Oval outdoors. Coming back now, it’s encouraging to see the Waverley community full of so much love and life back on site.

What has never changed?

The heart of this College, and its mission to build a community that promotes not only learning, but spiritual growth, love and faith.

How long have you been with the College and what is your role?    

Since September last year I’ve been working as the PA to the Head of Primary (the wonderful Adam Messenger).

What do you love most about your role/the WCC community? 

I love working with Adam Messenger. He’s an incredible role model and I look up to him as a leader full of integrity. I also love the impact my role can hold. Being able to support my colleagues as best as I can through organisation, planning, catering, etc. is such a joy, and an added bonus is that I get to interact with and encourage all the students in this community.

Any final thoughts/reflections on your time at WCC over the years?

Waverley Christian College is an incredible school that holds such a rich foundation, deep-rooted in faith. What an amazing blessing it has been to return to this College as an alumna. I have gained a much greater perspective on how all WCC staff holistically care deeply about each and every student that steps foot in this college. Praise God!