From Student to Staff
The College has been around for 45 years this year, and over this time it has changed, expanded and built up a community in which you are all involved in today. A number of our past students have since become valued staff members here at the College.
Rolien Eloff
What years did you attend the college?
I first attended WCC in 2011 (Year 10) and graduated in 2013 (Year 12).
What is your fondest memory of of your years of being a student?
After immigrating to Australia August 2010, my first week at WCC in Year 10 was one of my fondest memories. My homeroom teacher guided me to a group of girls and that’s where I met my two best friends. I met another best friend in Year 12. Other than making friends that have supported me even to this day, having the opportunity to learn more about the Bible in Texts and Traditions and Bible Studies classes truly left a lasting fondness for the Gospel of Luke.
What are some of the main differences about College now compared to when you attended?
The most obvious changes were the renovated or additional buildings. Some of my favourite teachers have either been promoted to work in new roles at WCC, or moved to new ‘pastures’. Having to now address the teachers by their first names still seems to me, to be a big adjustment despite a decade’s passing. The WCC uniforms have also been improved in some instances since graduating.
What has never changed?
After the recent 10-year reunion, this is what I observed:
The caring attitude and heart of the WCC staff to encourage and guide students to uncover or foster their talents, dreams and future career aspirations still remain the same to this day. How the teachers taught and addressed us years ago remains unchanged too. However, as an adult we can appreciate even more, and notice their humorous and fun personalities that once seemed masked behind the ‘strict workaholic teacher’ persona (our perceptions would’ve changed, but the teacher and who they were then and now remains true to themselves).
How long have you been with the College and what is your role?
I became a part-time Library Technician at WCC NWS at the start of 2022. For the most part, I work in the College’s library to assist students and staff with finding books and resources, including assisting the Primary Teacher Librarian and other library staff with organising library class setups, lunch time clubs, and other library related projects.
What do you love most about your role/the WCC community?
I enjoy working in the library, because it is a combination of Admin, creative and hands on tasks. I always learn new things, get to work with amazing colleagues and provide input and ideas to future projects or potential library solutions. I also appreciate being surrounded by a community who follow Christ and supports others through encouragement and prayer. I am also blessed to be surrounded by library staff from two campuses, as they never hesitate to provide me with helpful advice and guidance during my post-graduate studies to becoming a qualified librarian.
Any final thoughts/reflections on your time at WCC over the years?
As a past student now working as a staff member at WCC, I am often awestruck by how much the teachers truly care for their students. Students may only perceive a small part of the effort teachers put into their education and in providing an uplifting environment for them to realise their true talents and skills. However, having been able to see the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of how much teachers prepare and plan their lessons, how often they pray for specific or a group of students and that they always care about what is best for the students and in being an ambassador for God, has truly put a greater feeling of purpose behind what we do at WCC and in the workforce. I feel truly blessed to have my job at WCC and look forward to what God has planned for the future.