SCEA Celebration Day
27 February, 2026
The 2026 SCEA Celebration Day is a fantastic opportunity for SCEA staff to come together for updates from the Chief Executive Officer, and keynote speeches from guest speakers. The afternoon is dedicated to attending workshops and professional learning.
The 2026 SCEA Celebration Day is a fantastic opportunity for SCEA staff to come together for updates from the Chief Executive Officer, and keynote speeches from guest speakers. The afternoon is dedicated to attending workshops and professional learning.
Speakers
Our speakers for the day include:
Workshop Summaries
Making Sense of the Creation Story
Presenter:
Mr Jordan Thyer
Abstract:
The creation story has often been read through the lens of modern debates rather than its own biblical and theological aims. This workshop seeks to make sense of the opening chapters of Genesis by exploring how they function as Scripture, what they reveal about God, the world, and humanity, and why Christians have read them in different ways. We’ll also consider how to hold our convictions with clarity and charity while remaining faithful to the Creator–creature distinction at the heart of Christian orthodoxy.
Presenter Bio:
Mr Jordan Thyer is a graduate of Swan Christian College, training and working as a chemical engineer before moving to the United Kingdom to study apologetics at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics (OCCA). He returned to Perth to complete a Masters of Divinity at Trinity Theological College and has served as a youth pastor at Mundaring Church of Christ. He now serves as the Senior Pastor at Providence Church, Midland. He is married to Rachel (a longtime Swan staff member), has four young children, and is responsible for preaching, equipping congregants for ministry, leading the staff team, and the overall direction of the church.
Caring for Yourself and Others as You Live in the Light of CHARIS
Presenter:
Mrs Emily Dickinson
Abstract:
In the daily rhythm of Christian schools, caring for others often comes at the cost of caring for ourselves – but what if the two could flourish together? This workshop offers a unique, research-informed and Bible-grounded approach to wellbeing, showing how the values of CHARIS can transform the way we lead, teach, and live. Participants will explore practical ways to honour their own limits while nurturing the hearts and minds of students and colleagues, uncovering how grace, humility, integrity, and service fuel both personal resilience and a thriving school culture. Through reflection, Scripture, and actionable strategies, this session invites leaders and teachers to step into a new rhythm of care – where self-care and community care are not in conflict, but powerfully aligned.
Presenter Bio:
Emily is a Business Coach and has lived, worked and studied in the UK, USA and Australia, where she advocates for people’s best life. She has previously been a counsellor, social worker and minister.
She has a Bachelor’s degree and two Master’s degrees from Australia and the USA that focus on leadership, unlocking potential and journeying with people from all walks of life.
Emily works with and has led state-wide organisations, facilitated training on multiple continents, and worked with people at all stages of life to coach them towards reaching new heights in their professional and personal lives.
Flourishing Team Cultures: The Art of Paying Attention
Presenter:
Dr Darren Iselin
Abstract:
This workshop will explore the often-undervalued and overlooked role that careful attention to symbolic cultural elements plays in developing, aligning, and enhancing flourishing team cultures in Christian schools. The session will aim to identify these elements and seek ways that staff can apply these cultural priorities within their own contexts.
Presenter Bio:
Dr Darren Iselin has served as a Principal, Educational Consultant, University President and Executive Officer at Christian Schools Australia (CSA). In his current role as Director of Research and Innovation (CSA), Darren serves at a national level and focuses on coordinating and overseeing key research projects, publications, strategic initiatives and thought leadership across the sector.
Mobilising Students for the Gospel
Presenter:
Mr Amit Khaira
Abstract:
Presenter Bio:
Amit will join SCEA in 2026 as the Ministry Partnerships Coordinator. He comes to the role with a heart for church-school community partnerships and a background in youth ministry and community engagement. In this role Amit will help families within the SCEA community connect with local churches, working with over 260 churches across the Perth region to support families and build strong, faith-centred community links. Amit is looking forward to serving SCEA families with warmth and dedication, and to playing a part in nurturing spiritually supportive networks for students and their families.
Gospel-Inspired Teaching and Learning
Presenter:
Dr Gregg Weaver
Abstract:
The heart of SCEA education is to see students empowered to flourish in their learning through the provision of a gospel-inspired holistic education, effective teaching practice, and optimal learning environments. This session aims to explore essential components of Gospel-Inspired teaching, with a specific focus on the intentional integration of Christian concepts, convictions, and commitments within pedagogy and curriculum. Participants are requested to have a copy of a current or recent unit of work or series of lessons available for reference.
Presenter Bio:
Dr Gregg Weaver is a Christian educator with over forty years in teaching and school leadership. He has worked in both primary and secondary education, focusing on staff support, school culture, and quality learning environments. As Principal of Kalamunda Christian School, he provided strong leadership and contributed to the school’s growth and community involvement. For nearly three years, he has served as Chief Education Officer at SCEA, guiding principals and overseeing educational initiatives. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and is dedicated to developing educators and strengthening learning communities within SCEA.
Apple Classroom Workshop
Presenter:
Mr Stephen Drew
Abstract:
Apple Classroom is a standout feature of the new Managed Device Program presently being rolled out across SCEA. This classroom tool enables teachers to better manage student devices when being utilised in their lessons, increasing learning time while reducing distractions that can be caused by devices. This interactive session will highlight some of the key aspects of Apple Classroom, as well as introduce some helpful features of iPads for teaching.
Presenter Bio:
Stephen has been a teacher and Applications Support specialist at Swan Christian College for 13 years where he administered the SEQTA learning management system. Having overseen the transition at Swan from SEQTA to Canvas, he is now working with SCEA to manage the roll-out of Canvas across the remaining schools. Stephen is passionate about working with staff to equip them with practical resources that will help them fulfill their duties more efficiently.
Demystifying SCEA Financials
Presenter:
Mr Rowan Joubert
Abstract:
This session is designed to clarify the complexities of independent school funding and offer a comprehensive overview of the financial models employed by SCEA in an easy-to-understand manner.
It aims to support all staff members in developing a thorough understanding of the financial framework governing SCEA’s operations.
Presenter Bio:
With over 26 years of experience in business and finance, Rowan Joubert is a seasoned Chartered Accountant. Throughout his career, he has specialised in understanding and implementing strategies that make businesses successful. He gained a decade of experience with listed global companies, navigating complex financial and legal regulatory frameworks. Rowan is passionate about education and personal growth, which has driven his professional journey. For the past 12 years, he has been serving as the Chief Financial Officer at SCEA, where he has had the opportunity to invest his God-given talents into Christian ministry.
Brochure
Register Here
Please make your Equipping for Mission workshop selections.
Some workshops have limited capacity so sign up whilst you can!
