EDUCATION

• Scott Smith - Dean of Education

  

  Dean of Education

  PhD in Education, Master of Research and a Master of Applied Linguistics (TESOL), Master of Arts, 

  Scott has lived most of his life in Sydney, but he has also spent an extended period in China where he learned Mandarin and taught English. Prior to living in China, he worked as a secondary teacher for 9 years, teaching HSIE courses such as Geography, Legal Studies and Business Studies. Upon his return from China, he worked as the Academic Manager of a private English college in Sydney. After this, and following several years promoting Mandarin courses for the Department of Education, he went back into research. Scott and Anji have two adult children who both live in Sydney.

  Scott’s Bachelor’s degree at Macquarie University prepared him for secondary teaching. Whilst teaching he completed a Master of Arts in Geography at the University of Sydney. Following his time living overseas, he returned to Sydney and gained a Master of Applied Linguistics (TESOL) and a Master of Research in International Studies at Macquarie University. His subsequent PhD focused on intercultural language teaching and teacher beliefs.

  Scott's research interests lie in the fields of languages education, teacher beliefs and leadership in schools.

• Lyndel Chardon - Education Administrator

  

  Administrator - Faculty of Education

  Postgraduate Course Advisor

  Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

  Lyndel started working at Morling College in January 2012 for the Faculty of Education. Lyndel assists and serves students from around the world with their studies at Morling College.

  Publications:

  Bradley, C., Bradley, K., Dawson-Davis, L. & Harris, N. (1996). Design & Technology. Oxford University Press.

• Nola Norris - Lecturer and Research Coordinator

  

  Lecturer in Education and Research Coordinator

  DipTeach, BEd, MEd, PhD

  Nola is Education Research Coordinator in the Faculty of Education at Morling, where she lectures in the Master of Education program. Her interests include learning and teaching, cognition and metacognition, teacher professional development, giftedness, twice exceptionality, and autism/Asperger's syndrome.

  After a varied career working in K-12 schools and at university, Nola completed her PhD in 2014. Her thesis title is ‘A new perspective on thinking, memory and learning in gifted adults with Asperger syndrome: Five phenomenological case studies’. Her research utilised neuroscience and autism research to interpret findings from in-depth interviews with gifted adults with Asperger syndrome. Nola’s research led to the development of a conceptual framework for professional development of pre-service and practising teachers to transform understanding of the unique learning needs and strengths of gifted students who have Asperger syndrome.

  Prior to working full-time on her doctoral research, Nola was ICT Integration Coordinator at a K-12 independent co-educational school on the outskirts of Sydney, where her role was to work in professional development of teachers across the curriculum in the sound, innovative use of information technologies in the classroom.

  Recent Publications

  (2011, November 18, 2011 - November 20, 2011). From neuroscience to Multiple Intelligences: Making sense of Asperger syndrome for teachers of mainstream students Preparing 21st Century Minds: Using Brain Research to Enhance Cognitive Skills for the Future: Learning and the Brain, Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, Boston, MA.

  (2012a, October). Learning and memory in gifted young people and adults with Asperger syndrome. Higher Degree Research Conference, University of Wollongong, NSW.

  (2012b). Neuroscience, Aspergers and twice-exceptionality: Teacher professional development needed. Proceedings 2011-2012: A bi-annual publication by The Teachers' Guild of New South Wales, 42-44. http://www.teachersguild.nsw.edu.au/proceedings

  (2014a, July). The cognitive profile of gifted learners with ASD: Pedagogical implications Aspect Autism in Education Conference, Redfern, Sydney.

  (2014b). A new perspective on thinking, memory and learning in gifted adults with Asperger syndrome: Five phenomenological case studies [Thesis, University of Wollongong]. Wollongong, NSW. http://ro.uow.edu.au/theses/4242

  (2017a, 18-20 September). Cognitive characteristic of learners with high-functioning autism: Translating neuroscience research for teacher professional learning. Science of Learning Conference, Brisbane.

  (2017b, 19 August). Learner characteristics and cognitive profile of students with autism (ASD): A framework of thinking, memory and learning. ACHEA Conference, Alphacrucis College, Parramatta, NSW.

  (2018a, 20 April 2018). A new perspective on neurodiversity: Characteristics of people with and without autism within a framework of thinking, memory and learning International Conference for Christian Educators, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand. https://www.bti.ac.nz/uploads/1/1/8/2/118285067/2018_icce_conference_e-book_of_peer_reviewed_papers.pdf

  (2018b, 10 August). Personal identity and Asperger syndrome Christian Identity in the Public Arena Conference, Excelsia College, Macquarie Park, NSW.

  Norris, N. G., & Dixon, R. (2011). Twice exceptional: Gifted students with Asperger syndrome. Australasian Journal of Gifted Education, 20(2), 34-45. https://search.informit.org/documentSummary;res=IELHSS;dn=063844801735603

• John Collier - Executive Chair of the Education Advisory Committe

  

  Executive Chair of the Education Advisory Committee

  BA., DIP.ED., DIP.BIBL.ST., ED.D., FACE, FACEL.

  Before coming to Morling at the beginning of 2022, John was the Head of St Andrew’s Cathedral School and St Andrew’s Cathedral Gawura (Indigenous) School for 12 years and, prior to that, was Principal of a multi denominational Christian School and a Government School, ranging over 31 years of Principalship. He is the chair of the Anglican Education Commission and a member of the Synod of the Sydney Diocese, and a Lay Canon of St Andrew’s Cathedral, a recent past Chair of AHISA (NSW/ACT) and a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators and the Australian Council for Educational Leaders.

  For seven years, he Chaired the Academic Committee of AHISA (NSW/ACT),which dealt extensively with the state curriculum authority.

  He is a past recipient of the Alan Laughlin Perpetual Award, an Australian College of Educators recognition for outstanding educational leadership and the Principals Australia Institute John Laing Professional Development Award. In 2018, he was awarded the Sir Harold Wyndham Medal for educational leadership, by the Australian College of Educators, the first ever Head of an Independent School to be so honoured.

  He is immediate past Chair of the Independent Sporting Association and of the International Baccalaureate Heads’ Association (NSW/ACT). His doctoral studies were in Christian Education, Leadership and the Development of Culture and Ethos and his books, Teaching Well: Insights for Educators in Christian Schools and Better Learning: Trajectories for Christian Educators, are used widely in Anglican and other Christian Schools.

  In 2018, his book Pupils, Pimples and Parents: being a prophetic voice to the community as Head of School, was published and widely acquired by NSW Principals.

  You can view more abour John and his publications here.

• Cherie Macchiusi - Initial Teacher Education Coordinator

  

  Initial Teacher Education Coordinator (WA)

  Grad Dip Div, Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching (Prim)

  Cherie is the Initial Teacher Education Coordinator in Perth for the Faculty of Education at Morling College. Cherie has worked for many years as a Primary Teacher, primarily in Christian schools. She was Principal of what is now Fremantle Christian College. She has worked in the area of Initial Teacher Education for some years for both Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University - teaching Humanities & Social Sciences (HASS), Maths and Science.

  In addition to primary teaching, Cherie has worked in the areas of Events Management, Promotion, and training in Leadership, Relationships and Parenting.

  She is married to Carlo and has two adult children who both live in Perth.

• Perry Shaw - Researcher in Residence

  

  Researcher in Residence

  BA, BTh, DipEd, MEd, ThM, EdD, FIA

  Perry joined the Morling team in 2020. From 1990 to 2019 Perry and his family served as missionaries in the Middle East. During the 1990s Perry was involved in helping in the establishment of extension centres in Syria for the Program for Theological Education by Extension. He then taught at the Near East School of Theology and the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Lebanon. At ABTS Perry led the development of a highly innovative curriculum, which has led to a significant role as a faculty development consultant for theological schools across the globe.

  Perry has written Transforming Theological Education (translated to French and Spanish) and co-edited Challenging Tradition: Innovation in Advanced Theological Education, and Teaching across Cultures: A Global Christian Perspective, and authored the TEE texts The Art of Teaching (translated to Arabic, Farsi, Armenian, and Urdu) and The Acts of the Apostles (translated to Arabic and Hindi). Perry has published widely in the areas of theological education, higher education, curriculum, teaching methodology, intercultural leadership, and research methodology. For relaxation he likes to drink coffee, play squash, and watch movies – but not at the same time.

• Brian Harris - Lecturer in Christian Ministry & Thought

  

  Lecturer in Christian Ministry & Thought

  Adjunct Lecturer in Education

  BSocSc, BTh, BTh (Hons), MTh, PhD

  Brian has pastored churches in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, and has also been involved in theological education in each of these countries. He was the Principal of Vose Seminary, in Perth Australia from 2004 - 2020. Brian has served on the board of several Christian schools including the Western Australian and National Council of Christian Schools Australia. Brian is in demand as a speaker and teacher. His PhD has been published by Mellen Press, and he has written numerous articles in both scholarly and popular journals, and well as contributing chapters to several books.

• David Nockles - Adjunct Lecturer

  

  Adjunct Lecturer

  BA, Dip.Ed., MEd, EdD, MACE, MACEL, AFIAM, MAICD, HFTGN

  Dr David Nockles is only the third Headmaster of Macarthur Anglican School in its 40 years history. He took up the position in January 2009 following seven years as Deputy Headmaster of the School.

  Born in Johannesburg, South Africa he migrated to Australia with his family at the age of fourteen. He attended Trinity Grammar School and then Sydney University, studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History and Geography and a Diploma in Education.

  Dr Nockles holds a Master of Education degree with First Class Honours for his dissertation on research examining ‘Parent Perceptions of Effective Schooling’. His interest in Effecting School and Improving Schools continued as he achieved a Doctorate in Education, with a thesis on ‘Student Perception of Effective Schooling’. Dr Nockles has been a keynote speaker at several international conferences.

  He began his teaching career at Broughton Anglican College, before becoming Head of Geography at Trinity Grammar School, Summer Hill where he also held the positions of Housemaster and Master-in-Charge of Soccer Football. Dr Nockles was also a Major in the Australian Army Cadet Corps, holding posts as Second in Command of the 450 strong Cadet Unit at Trinity and then some time as Chief Instructor for various Officer of Cadet courses.

  As a contributor to the broader educational community, Dr Nockles has been Chair of both the New Anglican Schools Sports Association and the Association of Independent Co-educational Schools. He also serves on the Association of Heads of Independent Schools Australian (NSW Branch) Academic Committee and is the current Treasurer and Secretary. He is a member of the Independence Schools National Partnership Management Council, a body of the Association of Independent Schools, overseeing the new Federal Government funding distribution set up under the COAG National Partnership scheme, as well as a member of Independent Schools Teacher Accreditation Authority Council. Dr Nockles is a member of the Australia College of Educators and a member of the Australian Council for Education Leaders. He is also on the board of the federated Anglican Schools Australia.

  Dr Nockles has been a member of the Sydney Diocese Synod for twenty one years and has been a member of the Standing Committee for eleven years.

• Edwin J Boyce - Adjunct Lecturer

  

  Adjunct Lecturer

  OAM, BA, MEd [Syd], PhD [Alberta], FACE , FACEL

  Ted has always enjoyed his role as a teacher in schools, churches and universities. This teaching role included his experience as a university lecturer at Macquarie University, the University of Sydney and the University of Western Sydney as well as in Canada. Ted was a visiting scholar and professor at Regent College, Vancouver, for 13 months in 1983/84. Since 1985 Ted has been Principal of Pacific Hills Christian School, Dural in the northern suburbs of Sydney, and is currently also Executive Principal of Pacific Coast Christian School, Pacific Hope School, Pacific Valley Christian School, Valley Hope School on the far north coast of New South Wales, and Pacific Brook Christian School in Muswellbrook. He believes that God and His Word should form the basis of Christian educational thinking and practice and that Christian education should be distinctive as a representation of the grace and truth of God.

  Ted was the first principal of the Institute of Christian Tertiary Education, which later became Southland College and then the Faculty of Education at Morling College. Ted has also been  a lecturer at Macquarie University, the University of Alberta Canada, a Professor at Regent College, a part time lecturer at Sydney University, the University of Western Sydney and Principal of a Christian School for more than 35 years.

• Elizabeth Hutchison - Adjunct Lecturer

  

  Adjunct Lecturer

  PhD (Education) Candidate, Master of Education (Leadership), Bachelor of Education (Physical Education)

  Elizabeth has been a teacher and leader in Christian education since 1990. Her diverse experiences include teaching several key learning areas, and a wide range of ages including Preschool PE, Primary French, Secondary English, and adult professional learning. As well as having experiences teaching in three K-12 schools in NSW and Queensland, Elizabeth taught at an outdoor education camp, on a missionary ship, in a French senior high school, and in an International Christian School in Hong Kong. She values Christian education, teaching and learning, mentoring, and curriculum development. Elizabeth enjoys fine-tuning systems, and supporting others to see individuals and groups grow.

  Elizabeth received a bachelor of education in Physical Education and Health degree from University of Newcastle, NSW; she earned a master’s in educational leadership, through Morling College; and she is at the tail end of her PhD, which she is studying through the University of Newcastle. Her research topic looks at the leadership landscape relating to women in Christian Schools globally. Her leadership experiences include being a Stage Coordinator, House Mistress, Administrative Coordinator, Educational Coach, General Executive Member, Academic Dean, and Dean of Curriculum and Instruction.

• Greg Holmes - Adjunct Lecturer

  

  Adjunct Lecturer

  BTH, MEDSTUD

  Greg has been a teacher and leader in Christian schools for over 30 years and is now ‘retired'. His area of specialization was Biblical Studies though he always maintains he is a Primary School Teacher at heart. This experience fuels his passion for students to come to a proper theological understanding of the Bible, the Worldview it presents and the Jesus that stands at the heart of both. Greg has been involved in the Biblical Foundations courses at Morling Education and currently teaching the Foundations of Christian Education and the Worldview Assumptions in Education courses.

• Kathy Foster - Adjunct Lecturer

  

  Adjunct Lecturer

  DIPTEACH, BED, MED, GRAD CERT DIV

  Kathy completed her Master of Education (Special Education) degree at Sydney University in 2003. She has worked for over 30 years in the roles of a General Primary teacher and Support Teacher Learning Assistance in both Primary and High School.
  Kathy has also held an executive position in the Special Education area where she worked alongside health professionals. Kathy has worked in both State and Private Schools. Recently she has been a casual teacher at Inaburra and Shire Christian School. Her interest in Special Needs has also lead her into working with students who have ASD. Kathy is keen to attend conferences and workshops which provide quality information regarding students with special needs. Kathy considers that her vast experience in Education provides a realistic approach to supporting students with special needs.

• Melissa Razey - Adjunct Lecturer

  

  Adjunct Lecturer

  BEd Primary (Hons), MEd, PhD, DipBibStudies (Hons), PreThCert, HALT, MACE

  Melissa has been involved in the Education sector for over 27 years, and enjoys the opportunity to lead and develop teachers, as well as teach in the classroom with her Year 5 class. After completing her PhD in 2003 on Gender Differentiation in Emergent Literacy, Melissa worked to support teachers in the development of inclusive teaching strategies in Primary schools across NSW. As a Highly Accomplished teacher, she has mentored and supported staff through the processes of accreditation with NESA.
  Melissa has worked in both State and Private Schools, and currently serves as Assistant Head of Middle School at Pacific Hills Christian School in Dural, New South Wales. She has a heart for overseas mission, service and teacher training. Melissa has supported and trained teachers in Nepal, Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Moldova. She loves to stand alongside other educators who are faithfully serving Jesus in teaching children and young adults about God’s grace and goodness.

• Rebecca Hall - Adjunct Lecturer

  

  Adjunct Lecturer

  B.A., Grad Dip Ed., M.A., Certificate of Theology with First class honours, MEd (Leadership)

  Rebecca is a passionate and professional Christian educator of over 27 years teaching and leadership experience in a variety of schools in both Australia and the UK. Rebecca currently serves as Principal of Tyndale Christian School in Sydney and believes that through Biblically shaped teaching students learn that life has order, meaning, and purpose. It is her desire that graduating students will apply the peace of Christ to a broken world, redeem that which is right and true in accordance with Philippians 4:8, be transformed into the likeness of Christ and equipped to lead a life of service to others.

• Stephen Fyson - Adjunct Lecturer

  

  Adjunct Lecturer

  BA(HONS), MHPED, DIPCS (POST GRAD), PHD, MACE, MCAPS

  Stephen has worked in the helping and teaching professions for over 35 years. He has had the privilege of combining his research into how people relate interpersonally, and what that looks like within community, with his work throughout this time. For the last 30 years, Stephen’s focus has been in Christian schooling. In his roles as a Principal, Counsellor and Teacher, Stephen has pursued the themes of belonging, engagement, respect, and the balance of justice and mercy as worship in this context. This has been done with an eye to consider the impact that these relational dynamics have on teaching, learning and serving from a Biblical understanding.