From Student to Staff

Jirah Botross (WS 2022)

What years did you attend the College?

I started in Prep in 2010 and went all the way through to Year 12, graduating in 2022.

What is your fondest memory of being a student?

There are definitely too many to choose from, but the memories my high school friends and I often reminisce about are the ones where large groups of us were all together – like playing spikeball with around 40 people!

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

The buildings! The College looks and feels so different now, but it looks amazing.

What has never changed?

Prioritising a Christ-centred approach to learning – focusing on how we can show students the joy of doing life with the Lord, and how that subsequently transforms the way they reflect Jesus’ character and represent our Father in their world.

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

I’ve been with the College for about a month and a half, working as the Secondary Administration Assistant at the Wantirna South Campus.

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

I think the community at WCC was a big reason I found myself back here. People care deeply about students, they care about their fellow staff members, and they love Jesus! It’s very rare to find a community anchored in a shared faith in Jesus Christ – and it’s the biggest blessing to now be part of it from a different perspective as a staff member.

Joel Jacob (NWS 2020)

What years did you attend the College?  

2013-2020

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

My favourite memory from my time as a student is playing the role of President Roosevelt in our 2017 school production of Annie. I loved being able to act and truly enjoyed the entire experience of participating in the production.

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

There are so many new buildings! When I returned to the Narre Warren South campus, I was pleasantly surprised by how much it had changed. From the new basketball courts to the updated buildings and classrooms layouts, it was all a delightful surprise.

What has never changed?  

The science wing is exactly as I remember it, which was awesome to see. Also, the overall feel of the school remains the same. During the reunion, walking around the halls and balconies where I once studied was very nostalgic yet familiar, even though the school has changed so much.

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

I have been working at the College for just under a year (9 months). I am a Student Wellbeing Coordinator at the Wantirna South Campus.

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

I love how friendly and warm the staff are at the College. From my very first day, I have felt incredibly welcome and valued. Even staff from other departments have made me feel this way.

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

I believe that WCC is a perfect blend of excellence and godliness. Every aspect of WCC reflects a love for the work we do and a commitment to representing God through it.

Jeremy Zhan (NWS 2020)

What years did you attend the College?  

I attended the College from Year 7 to Year 12, between 2015 and 2020.

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

Finishing Year 12 during Covid-19. Having online classes and wearing masks during SACs was an unforgettable experience. 

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

The new Junior Secondary building and new teachers working at the college. 

What has never changed?  

The wonderful teachers who are still working at the college.

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

I completed a four-week placement at Waverley Christian College in May last year. I officially started working here at the beginning of this year. I am currently a Maths and Chinese teacher.

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

I love working in a school where I can connect the Word of God with the curriculum. Helping students see God's presence in what they learn is one of the most amazing aspects of teaching in a Christian school. 

Adrian Olney

Parkmore Full Gospel College, which operated from 1978 to 1984, was purchased by Waverley Christian Church (which is now CityLife Church) and moved to its current Wantirna South location in 1989. 

What years did you attend the College?  

1980 and 1981

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

The friends I made.

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

Oh, many! I attended in the early days when teaching was done through the ACE system of individual learning through workbooks. The uniform back then was horrendous all caramel color with a blue blazer.

What has never changed?  

From what I can tell, the love for coming to work and the opportunity to have a positive impact on the students.

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

Apart from being a past student for a few years, my three children attended the College from Kinder to Year 12, and I was on the College Council for 8 years (2009–2017). I became a staff member in September 2024, filling the role of Assistant Business Manager.  

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

My role allows me to interact across all sectors and departments of the College. People are passionate about working here and it feels like a good working community.  

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

Those early years were tough, but God’s hand was, and continues to be, on the College. Without His leading and provision, the College would not be here today. I look forward to seeing the College to continue to grow and impact young people.