New Faces

Ms Tamzyn Alexander

I joined Nazareth this year (2024) as a Music and Drama classroom teacher as well as an instrumental teacher and Pastoral teacher of McAuley house. Prior to working at Nazareth, I was working as a freelance opera singer, predominantly singing for various religious occasions, and working as a private piano and singing instrumental teacher at Oakleigh Grammar. I have performed numerous productions such as Verdi’s La Traviata and Il Trovatore, Strauss’s Ariadne Auf Naxos, Menotti’s The Consul, Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffman and Mozart’s The Magic Flute. I am a graduate of ACU, where I completed my Double Degree in Music and Arts and a Master of Teaching. I currently live in Melbourne and when I am not working, you can find me practicing Karate. Currently in VET Music, my First Years are undertaking the exciting task of practicing their songs as part of an ensemble, and my Second Years are working hard to prepare their solo performances.

You will all have a chance to view their magnificent work in upcoming lunch-time performances, assemblies, and concerts. Stay tuned. 

Mr Elijah van Rensburg

I have mostly settled into the new environment here at Nazareth, having come from another school in Sydney. The start of the year has been busy but blessed! I have enjoyed my interactions with all the new faces here - both staff and students. I teach Religion, History and English and am particularly interested in how philosophy underpins so much of what humans do! I appreciate the outdoors a lot and I love camping and swimming in the ocean and rivers. Music is a love of mine, as well as fitness and health. I have many siblings and love family time. It is good being back home in Melbourne and I look forward to what is in store this year.

Ms Carly Joyce

Greetings Nazareth College community, I am thrilled to introduce myself as a brand-new Nazarene. My initial weeks here have been nothing short of amazing, thanks to the warm reception from staff, students, and parents. 

I have been teaching for over 15 years and I have a deep passion for all things mathematical. This year I am teaching Years 8, 9 and 10 Maths and Year 11 General Maths, though I have taught all levels from 7-12. My two wonderful children, Taylor and Jack, may refer to me as a nerd, but I wear that as a badge of honour!  Beyond the classroom, I am an avid netballer, a board game enthusiast, and a passionate Melbourne Demons supporter. I also love to read, especially Stephen King novels, and to cook for my family and friends. 

I am looking forward to an exciting and enriching journey together.

Mr Adam Cooper

As a new member of Nazareth College, I already feel welcomed by all – what an amazing place to be!! Such warmth and support by so many of you!!

I have started at Nazareth College this year to share my love of the Outdoors – starting up a new VCE Outdoor & Environmental Studies Program (starting at Year 11). It will be full of climbing, surfing, snow experiences, rafting, and kayaking – just to name a few. These are the many things that I also love to do when I get some free time! 

For me, I love spending time with my beautiful family: Bec, Matthew (7), and Charlotte (4). They also love the outdoors, and joining us on many nature experiences. Both Matthew and Charlotte started participating in adventure activities at an early age, and the plan is to get them even more into surfing and climbing in the future. For now, weeknights and weekends are running around to kids' sport – which they seem to be adding new sports to weekly (or it feels like it anyway).

I am extremely passionate about education and working with young people – and I especially love connecting with students on camp! This is where Outdoor Education is like no other – as you truly get to educate the “whole person”. Both staff and students all get to learn so much more about each other. Some of the students most memorable experiences are on camps – and I get to be part of this all of the time!!! It’s so great!!

I have also completed four degrees (the last one I completed last year), and there will probably be more in the future – but maybe just a little break first!

I am really excited about the opportunity of working with everyone at Nazareth College. What an amazing year 2024 will be!