Welcome to Freshwater
We are more than a School. We are a community where every child is known, valued, and encouraged to flourish.
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.
Matthew Scott · College Principal
Our Story
Educating & Inspiring Children Since 1983
Freshwater Christian College has been supporting, encouraging and inspiring children at our Brinsmead campus, in the tropical city of Cairns, since 1983. The College was birthed out of the bold and courageous vision and faith of Freshwater Church to provide a biblically-focused education for children in the region. The College has consistently maintained its Mission to provide high-quality education, from a Christian Worldview perspective infused with biblical virtues and godly wisdom.
Mission and Vision
Life · Love · Learn
To bring Spirit-filled life through Jesus, demonstrating His love through community and mission, discipling generations to learn, grow, and lead.
This defines our core purpose in creating an inspirational and holistic learning culture that celebrates and acknowledges the wonderful gift of life and the uniqueness of every child. Our Christian learning community is inspired by and dedicated to love, care and compassion.
We seek to educate the whole child, ensuring that every student is nurtured and encouraged to grow in the important character qualities that will serve them for a lifetime of positive engagement with their community. We educate our students to understand the importance of Compassion, Courage, Humility, Honour, Integrity and Wisdom. These six important College Virtues represent the character qualities that we seek to develop in our students.
Our Leadership Team
Our highly qualified and experienced College Executive Team provides inspirational and visionary leadership for the College. This creative, innovative and cohesive team utilise a servant-leadership approach in building a whole-school culture of continuous improvement. The Executive Team meets on a regular basis and has a passion and commitment to ensuring that educational practice, research and policy are aligned effectively to empower the College to provide a blend of relevant and high-quality learning experiences for all Freshwater students.
Mr Matthew Scott, College Principal
Mr Matthew Scott, College Principal
Matt is an experienced educational leader whose career spans diverse school communities across Melbourne, Cairns and Singapore. He is passionate about strong curriculum, high-quality teaching and creating an environment where every student is supported and challenged to grow academically and strive for excellence.
Alongside this strong focus on learning, he is committed to helping students build character, confidence and faith, while discovering their strengths through sport, the arts, music, leadership and opportunities beyond the classroom. Creating a warm and welcoming College community, where students, families and staff feel known, connected and valued, is central to his vision.
Matt is currently undertaking PhD research exploring the relationship between leadership, wellbeing and physical activity. He also contributes to the broader educational community through organisations including Independent Schools Queensland and Christian Schools Australia, as well as presenting at educational conferences, contributing to national curriculum resources and mentoring fellow educators.
Matt holds a Bachelor of Education and Graduate Certificate in Education (IB PYP) from the University of Melbourne, and a Master of Education and Graduate Diploma of Psychology from Monash University. He has also completed further training at Singapore Management University.
Matt looks forward to welcoming families into the Freshwater Christian College community.
Matt is an experienced educational leader whose career spans diverse school communities across Melbourne, Cairns and Singapore. He is passionate about strong curriculum, high-quality teaching and creating an environment where every student is supported and challenged to grow academically and strive for excellence.
Alongside this strong focus on learning, he is committed to helping students build character, confidence and faith, while discovering their strengths through sport, the arts, music, leadership and opportunities beyond the classroom. Creating a warm and welcoming College community, where students, families and staff feel known, connected and valued, is central to his vision.
Matt is currently undertaking PhD research exploring the relationship between leadership, wellbeing and physical activity. He also contributes to the broader educational community through organisations including Independent Schools Queensland and Christian Schools Australia, as well as presenting at educational conferences, contributing to national curriculum resources and mentoring fellow educators.
Matt holds a Bachelor of Education and Graduate Certificate in Education (IB PYP) from the University of Melbourne, and a Master of Education and Graduate Diploma of Psychology from Monash University. He has also completed further training at Singapore Management University.
Matt looks forward to welcoming families into the Freshwater Christian College community.
Mr Paul Hutchinson, Business Manager
Mr Paul Hutchinson, Business Manager
Paul brings extensive experience across the government and Christian not-for-profit sectors, with qualifications in project, business and disaster management. His professional background includes financial management, policy development and organisational systems.
As Business Manager, Paul is passionate about building strong and sustainable systems that support the ongoing growth and stability of the College. He values responsible stewardship and effective operations that enable staff to focus on providing meaningful educational opportunities for students and families.
Dr Jane Greenlees, Deputy Principal / Head of Primary
Dr Jane Greenlees, Deputy Principal / Head of Primary
Jane is an experienced educator and leader with more than 20 years of experience across the independent and public school sectors, including university lecturing. She holds a PhD in Mathematics and draws on current research to inform curriculum, pedagogy and teaching practice.
Jane is passionate about strong academic foundations, high-quality curriculum and supporting teachers to continually develop their practice. She also believes the physical learning environment plays an important role in how children engage, learn and flourish, and values creating beautiful, purposeful spaces that inspire curiosity, creativity and a love of learning. Central to her leadership is a commitment to Christian education and creating environments where every child feels known, challenged and supported to thrive.
Mr Richard Schwarz, Deputy Principal / Head of Secondary
Mr Richard Schwarz, Deputy Principal / Head of Secondary
Richard is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in the Christian Schools sector. As Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary, Richard’s vision is to develop young leaders of character who will
influence their community for God and for good.
He is passionate about creating a relevant, relational, and innovative learning environment through curriculum leadership and staff, and student development.
A seasoned teacher across diverse subjects, Richard regularly speaks at conferences and professional development events on contemporary education issues, including the impact of generative AI in the classroom.
Mrs Rebecca Rokocibi, Head of Secondary (designate)
Mrs Rebecca Rokocibi, Head of Secondary (designate)
Rebecca is a dedicated educator and school leader with nearly 30 years of experience across Queensland schools. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles spanning curriculum, student support, technologies, Home Economics and Hospitality.
She brings extensive expertise in Queensland curriculum and assessment, including significant work with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) across exam development, marking, confirmation and endorsement.
Rebecca is passionate about strong curriculum, high expectations and supporting teachers to grow in their practice. She is committed to helping students achieve their best, develop character and confidence, and prepare well for life beyond school. Her Christian faith is central to her leadership and to the way she supports students, staff and families.
Mrs Sarah Thomas, Kindergarten and OSHC Assistant Director
Mrs Sarah Thomas, Kindergarten and OSHC Director
Sarah brings more than 25 years of educational experience across New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia, with a particular focus on Early Childhood education. She has also spent many years in school leadership, supporting staff development and professional growth.
Sarah is passionate about creating nurturing environments where young children feel a strong sense of belonging and are encouraged to learn through play, curiosity and exploration. She values positive relationships with children and families and is committed to supporting educators to provide rich, engaging experiences that help each child grow in confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Mrs Alicia Pickert, Deputy Head of Secondary (Curriculum)
Mrs Alicia Pickert, Deputy Head of Secondary (Curriculum)
Mrs Julieanne Lomas, Director of People Operations
Mrs Julieanne Lomas, Director of People Operations
Julieanne brings nearly 20 years of experience at Freshwater Christian College and a deep understanding of the people and culture that shape the College community. As Director of People Operations, she oversees human resources, recruitment and administration, supporting the staff and teams who contribute to the life of the College each day.
Julieanne holds a Bachelor of Organisational Leadership, alongside qualifications in business administration and human resources. Guided by her belief that “together we are stronger,” she is passionate about building positive workplace relationships, supporting people to grow and creating an environment where staff feel valued, equipped and encouraged to contribute their best.
Mr Caleb DeVries Deputy Head of Secondary (Wellbeing)
Mr Caleb DeVries, Deputy Head of Secondary (Wellbeing)
Caleb brings 20 years of educational experience across Education Queensland and Christian education. An alumnus of Freshwater Christian College, he values the opportunity to contribute to the community that played an important role in his own education.
With a background in Health and Physical Education and many years of leadership in school sport, Caleb is passionate about student wellbeing, character development and building strong relationships. He is committed to creating an environment where students feel known, valued and supported to grow. Central to his leadership is a desire to help young people develop confidence, character and faith, discover their God-given purpose and become positive contributors to their communities.
Mr Aaron Hammill, Deputy Head of Primary (Wellbeing) / Head of Outdoor Learning
Mr Aaron Hammill, Deputy Head of Primary (Wellbeing) / Head of Outdoor Learning
Aaron joined Freshwater in 2021 following a 20-year career in Victoria as a classroom teacher and specialist educator in Physical Education and Music. He has held a range of leadership positions, including Head of Sport and District Coordinator for School Sport Victoria, and has extensive experience in student wellbeing and school-wide behaviour support.
Aaron takes a relational approach to education, guided by his belief that connecting with students is the key to connecting students to learning. Through his leadership in Primary wellbeing and Outdoor Learning, he is passionate about helping students develop resilience, confidence and strong relationships, while providing opportunities to challenge themselves, connect with the natural environment and grow through meaningful experiences beyond the classroom.
Freshwater Church
A Cornerstone Of The Cairns Community For Over 100 Years
Established in 1924, the church has faithfully ministered to the people of Cairns and beyond, growing into a vibrant and welcoming congregation. As a member of the Australian Christian Churches network, Freshwater Church is dedicated to equipping individuals to fulfil the ministry of Jesus Christ, fostering a community where everyone feels at home.
Senior Pastors Stewart & Jane Moncrieff
Continue the Journey
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(07) 4243 3600
info@fcc.qld.edu.au
369-401 Brinsmead Road,
