On Wednesday, 28 June 2023, the WA Education Minister, Dr Tony Buti MLA, visited Southern Hills Christian College (SHCC) to welcome ‘Student 500’ – that is, the 500th student on the enrolment register at the Bedfordale campus.
The significance of this enrolment is twofold – young Harper Mellor’s registration as a student means that SHCC is now at an all-time high with student numbers, and father Jamie Mellor was a SHCC student during the Scott Puzey era of the College and was keen to see his daughter grow up in this amazing educational environment.
“Initially, I was a bit wayward as a student here,” said Jamie this week, “but a number of staff really journeyed with me and encouraged me to grow and take responsibility for myself. I saw what was possible through their example to me, and a number of those staff are still here today.”
Jamie excelled at SHCC in building and construction under the tutelage of Mr David Pleysier and Mr Paul Beacham and was instrumental on school mission trips to the Philippines with his ability to work hard and encourage others. He also worked independently on mission projects there after graduating from school. Returning to Perth soon after, Jamie worked as a staff member for SCEA in the Buildings, Grounds & Maintenance (BGM) team for several years.
Dr Tony Buti MLA is the Member for Armadale and holds the portfolios of Education and Aboriginal Affairs. He has been visiting the school since 2010. This visit to SHCC allowed him to speak with Dr Graeme Cross (Chief Executive Officer – SCEA) and Dr Darnelle Pretorius (College Principal – Swan Christian College) about the needs of students and ways in which learning spaces can be structured to further enhance learning for all young people in Western Australia.
Click on the image below to see a larger view:
Welcoming the Education Minister (from left): Dr Graeme Cross (Chief Executive Officer – SCEA), Mrs Laurelle Coto (Head of Primary – Southern Hills Christian College), Dr Darnelle Pretorius (College Principal – Swan Christian College), Dr Tony Buti MLA, Mr Jamie Mellor and children, Mr Paul Beacham (College Principal – Southern Hills Christian College), and Dr Gregg Weaver (Chief Education Officer – SCEA.