Cherie Barron

After graduating from Edith Cowan University with a Bachelor of Primary Education (specialising in Mathematics), I worked as a relief teacher across a plethora of schools. During this time, I was also able to complete a Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education Mathematics.

In 2018 I began working at HillSide teaching predominantly Mathematics and Sport. In 2019, I added Food Technology and VET (Certificate II in Hospitality) to my teaching load after completing a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a Certificate II in Hospitality.

Maths is where my passion truly lies. I am keen to meet the students where they are at and cater to their individual level and needs. I also enjoy being the College’s First Aid Instructor, ensuring staff and students are trained and equipped to potentially save a life in the event of an emergency.

Ruth Castaldini

I have been teaching since 2015 in remote and regional schools until I returned to Perth and joined the team at HillSide in 2019. I hold a teaching degree in Humanities and Social Sciences and Visual Arts and a Certificate of Geography, but also have experience in teaching Home Economics, both Food Sciences and Textiles.

I am thrilled to be working in a school with such a strong focus on transformation in Jesus name. It is always a joy to be able to openly profess the love of Christ to the HillSide students and to journey with them as they progress in their knowledge of God.

Melissa Fenn

I am a qualified secondary Health and Physical Education teacher, with a minor in Mathematics and Outdoor Education.  I have taught at HillSide for six years and believe that learning is a lifelong journey, in making life more interesting and providing endless opportunities.

As a teacher, I aim to encourage and challenge students and I am enthusiastic about working in a community with students, and their parents.

I am a servant of God, ever-seeking his will and aspiring to be more like Christ each day.

Ellie-Marie Hind

I am one of the College’s more recent additions, having started working at Hillside in 2019. I am qualified with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History and English, as well as a Graduate Diploma of Education. In 2018 I served my first year of teaching in a government school in the hills. This was a busy year as it is also the year I married my husband (who is training to be a primary school teacher).

I am passionate about my subjects – Humanities and Social Sciences in the lower school and Modern History in Year 11 this year. Working at Hillside Christian College has been a privilege – it is a wonderful community to work in and the students are a joy to teach. As a follower of Jesus it is a real honour to have the opportunity to work with others who share faith and to be able to encourage students in their walk with Him.

Stephen Leaney

I have been teaching at Hillside since 2015. I began my tertiary education studying classical music performance at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, before leaving to study a Diploma of Information Technology and then a Bachelor of Commerce. After working as a tax analyst at Deloitte for one year, I found that I had a real desire to switch careers to education. I then studied secondary education with a major and minor in Music Education.

My real passion is Music education incorporating the Kodály method of teaching. I have also thoroughly enjoyed teaching Economics, Accounting, Digital Technologies and Applied Information Technology. Being involved in a small school community, which places God at its centre, has been an encouragement to me. I have been blessed to be a part of this Christian community.

Tanya Magenta

I have taught at HillSide since 2004.  I was originally employed in the Primary School as a languages (Indonesian) teacher.  I am now working full-time in the High School as a subject teacher and Year eleven and twelve co-ordinator.  In the High School, I have taught across Years 7 to 12 in Indonesian, English, Humanities, Social Sciences, Health, Christian Living and Religion and Life.

My qualifications include Bachelor of Arts in Education, Bachelor of Education, Graduate Diploma in Education Studies (Languages Other Than English), Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies.  I also have experience teaching adults in the Vocational Education and Training.

I am passionate about teaching and empowering students, encouraging them to reach their full potential and helping them recognise their place in the global community. I consider it a privilege to be a part of HillSide where students are encouraged to excel in their studies as well as have the opportunity to pursue and develop their relationship with God.

Sean Murphy

I have been teaching at Hillside since 2016. My pathway into education was long and circuitous with positions held in the retail, agricultural, hospitality, tourism, construction and public service sectors before deciding that teaching would be a good fit. The formal qualifications I hold are a Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation minoring in Environmental Science and a Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education minoring in HASS and Religious Education.

My primary passion is placing students in new and varied situations that challenge them to grow as individuals particularly in the context of the outdoors and, I believe, helping to shape them into the people God created them to be. Teaching is a huge responsibility and it is exciting to share in the students’ journey as they develop the skills that will help direct the path their lives will take.

I currently teach Outdoor Education and Science, while looking after the Year 10 Form.

Adrian Phipps

I am a family man, married in 1993 and have three adult sons.

I started my career in New Zealand in the aircraft industry. Rising to the rank of Corporal, Aircraft Technician.  After moving to Australia in 1991 I worked in a variety of businesses, starting as a labourer moving to aviation, road transport, and to the building industry.

I went back to university in 1999 finishing in 2003 qualifying with a Bachelor of Education in Design and Technology (specialist major).  I began teaching in Kulin District High, moving back to the city to start teaching at Ellenbrook Christian College in 2007.  I took up a position at Hillside in 2016.

I currently teach materials Design and Technology, Design Technology (wood, metal & small engines) and Sport.

Matthew Skipworth

I have been teaching in primary and high schools since 2004 and at have taught at HillSide since 2014. I have tertiary qualifications in Media and Psychology as well as teaching Drama, Computing and English.

I love working at HillSide and believe that we have the most amazing, wonderful students in our care. I am very excited to be able to teach English and Media courses to students from Years 8 to 12 this year.

I love music, movies and coming to school. My wife and I have five, young, wonderful children who are the delights of our hearts. I believe that good parenting, like good teaching, is essential and I endeavour to do my best in all that I do.

Erna Vermaak

As qualified secondary teacher, and completed a B.Ed. Honours degree (Education Law, management and Policy).  During my 10 year teaching career, I have mostly worked teaching Biology ATAR, Science Year 7-10 and Math Years 7-10 and Math Essentials for Year 11 and 12.  I majored in Biology, Geography and English and minor subjects include Health, Religious studies and Math.

I am married and I have been blessed with three of my own children.  I am a member of the Free Reformed Church of Southern River and believe it is a privilege to have the opportunity to speak into students lives.  In all things, I strive to give God glory through both academic work and also the sense of community that school brings.

Steven Williams

I am one of the College’s science teachers.

I went from school to university where I achieved a science degree, engaged in youth work then travelled back to work on the family livestock farm.  I was married at 24 and have two grown up children.  At 30, I returned to university and achieved my teaching qualifications before becoming a teacher.  I taught within the government system until 2009 then made the move to Christian schooling.

I am passionate about teaching. Science is a subject that looks at creation and searches for truth, two things that are the core of my Christian faith.