In the mid-1990’s a young Mr Pleysier graced the classrooms of Swan Christian College (SCC) as a young teacher with a heart to serve God through Christian education. After a few years in Middle Swan, he took up some trade work (ceramic tiling) before making the move to Southern Hills Christian College in Bedfordale.
At the end of 2024, David will finish his time at SCEA – still sporting his ‘George Clooney’ looks and still declining all interview attempts from SCEA Marketing.
So we have had to join the dots ourselves.
David is known for his ability to teach Design and Technology, Outdoor Education, Vocational Education, and Emergency Services Cadets.
For many students, though, he is an absolute role model of the Christian faith and a great leader who has remained a constant through the years at the Bedfordale campus.
The high-ropes course at Southern Hills? Assembled by David, complete with Bible verse placards to calm those who are afraid of heights on their ascent.
The abseiling tower? Built by David after sourcing the equipment from a government contractor.
David’s gift for construction and project management ensured that every improvement was executed to the highest standard.
No fanfare is needed. Just a contribution to the school at no cost.
Renovating the kitchen of a long-time staff member who was caring for a disabled spouse? A holiday activity for David with fellow staff members from Southern Hills.
For years, David was the Emergency Services Cadet Leader, the number one guy to lead expeditions with teenagers who grew up in front of his eyes as they conquered fears and developed lifelong friendships in rafts, abseiling harnesses and beachfront hikes.
In 2017, when circumstances at the College saw enrolments at their lowest point in decades, David assembled the staff together and presented these verses from the Old Testament book of Haggai:
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.
Go up into the mountains, bring down timber, and build my house so that I may take pleasure in it and be honoured,” says the Lord.
Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house.”
These words were unflinching and uncompromising.
A bold call to put God’s work above our own endeavours and words that can only be spoken by a person who is respected by the staff around him.
These verses galvanised the staff for the season that was to follow.
Enrolments increased through a renewed dedication to service.
The community saw the College as a beacon for Christian love and a place where students would be cared for.
Extra-curricular events (such as the Hills Heartbeat Festival, the Bedfordale Bush Markets, the Little Athletics carnivals on the school site and the annual Father-and-Son camps) enliven the community, and David was always a fixture at these events, serving with a heart for each person he met.
Seven years later, as David departs, there are more students than ever before, but the provision of Christian staff is an issue.
The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
As the Bedfordale campus now buzzes with life each morning, more and more job advertisements are being circulated to local churches and online search agencies to find Christian staff for the growing school community.
David’s legacy at Southern Hills has been to grow the student numbers by remaining constant in a changing world.
No marketing campaigns for him – just teach solid lessons, care for each student in your care and let God work in the heart of each young person and their family at Southern Hills.
