Welcome to Freshwater

It is my privilege to extend a warm welcome to prospective families at Freshwater Christian College. At Freshwater, we provide the context and conditions for each child to flourish, both spiritually, academically and socially. 

The College’s Mission – LIFE, LOVE, LEARN – defines our core purpose in creating an inspirational and holistic learning environment that celebrates and acknowledges the wonderful gift of life and the uniqueness of every child. Freshwater is more than a school, it is a community. One in which students are known and valued for who they are and encouraged and guided to explore their God-given talents. 

I would invite you to consider our College as one which will serve the needs of your child, both now and in the future.

Principal

Matthew Scott

Matt is an experienced Educational Leader both in Melbourne and Singapore. He has a passion for lifelong learning which has seen him acquire a Bachelor of Education from Melbourne University, a Masters of Education from Monash University, a Graduate Diploma of Psychology from Monash University and a Graduate Certificate in Education (IB, PYP). He has recently completed Mindfulness Based Strategic Awareness Training (MBSAT) at Singapore Management University and is completing his honours year in Organisational Psychology through Monash University

Matt is an active member in the broader educational community, from speaking at conferences to authoring eBooks and mentoring teachers. Recent speaking engagements include EduTech Asia, Malaysia & Indonesia, The Singapore Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Forum, ACCE (Melbourne) CSA State Conference (Victoria), Digicon and PESA (Melbourne). He has experience working with multiple curriculum models, and has spent time developing national curriculum resources for Australian schools as well as being a consultant regarding 21st-century pedagogy across the state of Victoria. Matt is also a pedagogical consultant working closely with schools in South-East Asia to embed well-being practices into school communities and ecosystems. He serves as an advisor for a number of non-profit organisations aiming to improve well-being and educational outcomes for all.

Matt believes in a socio-constructivist approach to teaching and learning. He is driven by the desire to provide strong academic rigour, coupled with developing key dispositions and thinking routines that support students to be lifelong learners and compassionate citizens. Matt’s ambition is to see all students flourish, through spiritual, academic and social/emotional learning.

Personally, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and five children. He has a passion for travelling and living an active lifestyle. On weekends he can be found running, walking, swimming and playing sports with his children.

Mrs Belinda Raine, Kindergarten Director

Belinda Raine has directed childcare services since 1995, in Welfare, Outside School Hours Care and Long Day Care. Belinda holds a Degree in Early Childhood Teaching and is currently studying her Masters in Educational Leadership.

Belinda pioneered the development of our Kindergarten and has a passion for high-quality education and child care, maximising developmental outcomes for children under five years of age and supporting families with young children.

Mr Max Natoli, Deputy Principal / Head of Primary

Max joined our team in 2009 as Head of Primary and was also given the role of Deputy Principal in 2017. He started Primary teaching in 1985 and has been an educator in Christian schooling for 22 years.

Max has loved living in Cairns with his wife Danila, who has also taught at FCC for 12 years. Max and Danila have two married children and two grandchildren. Max has been an avid supporter of educational mission work in Mozambique and loves playing golf with his mates at work.

Mr Aaron Hammill, Deputy Head of Primary (Wellbeing)

Aaron joined the Freshwater team in 2021. He arrived with his family from Victoria, where he spent 20 years developing his craft in a variety of classroom teaching roles as well as a Specialist Physical Education and Music/Instrumental teacher.

Aaron was head of sport at his previous school and worked for School Sports Victoria as a District Coordinator. He was also a leader in developing and implementing a School Wide Positive Behaviour Support framework as well as leading Professional Learning Communities. He believes; ‘Connecting with students is the key to connecting students to learning.’

Mrs Helen Schwarz, Director of Curriculum / Deputy Head of Secondary

Helen is a dedicated educator with a profound enthusiasm for curriculum development and Christian education. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education degree, she has honed her skills in teaching Senior English and Junior Humanities. Helen is a firm believer in nurturing inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to explore and develop their curiosity.

With a 25-year journey in Christian education, Helen has assumed various leadership roles, including leading English and Humanities Departments and stepping into the role of Director of Curriculum. Her unwavering commitment lies in delivering high-quality Christian education that equips students for their future.

Helen is a devoted wife and mother who enjoys family travel adventures and gardening.

Begin Your Journey

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