SCEA Celebration Day
28 February, 2025
The 2025 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

Leadership Through Service
Presenter:
Dr Ian Lambert
Abstract:
Presenter Bio:
Dr Ian Lambert is the Principal of Scots College, Sydney having previously held the position of Principal of Swan Christian College (Perth). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Modern History & Sociology (Griffith University, Queensland), a Masters of Education (University of London) and a PhD in the philosophy of education (Cambridge University).

Creating Community Through Relationships
Presenter:
Dr Rob Loe
Presenter Bio:
Dr Rob Loe is the Deputy Principal – Academics at The Scots College, Sydney having previously held the position of Chief Executive for The Relationships Foundation (Cambridge) and Assistant Principal at Thurston Community College (Bury St Edmunds). Dr Loe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Education Studies from the University of Cambridge and has previously lectured at the Anglia Ruskin University and worked for Christian Schools Australia as an Executive Officer.

Navigating Sexuality and Gender Issues
Presenter:
Mr Jordan Thyer
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.
Abstract:
Things have changed rapidly over the past 50 years in how people understand human gender and sexuality. As a result, it’s easy for Christians to become defensive or dismissive toward those with genuine questions or confusion about these issues. However, more important than politics or rhetoric in helping people navigate these topics is ensuring that Christians demonstrate both conviction and compassion.
In this seminar, we’ll consider how to care for people in a pastorally sensitive manner while holding a theologically robust position that honours God as our Creator and people as His image-bearers.

Canvas: Understanding SCEA's New Learning Management System
Presenters:
Ms Lize-Mari Janse van Rensburg and Mr Stephen Drew
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.
Abstract:
This session will give staff a look at Canvas, the new Learning Management System (LMS) being rolled out across all SCEA schools. This introduction to Canvas will explore some of the tools available that have the potential to improve teacher’s workflow and in doing do elevate their course delivery. The ability to share resources across schools will also be showcased as we look to use Canvas to work together and support each other in our SCEA network.

Renew and Restore: Caring for Yourself as You Serve Others
Presenters:
Mrs Emily Dickinson
Abstract:
As a staff in Christian education, you pour your heart into your students, but who’s pouring into you? The demands of teaching, mentoring, and ministry can leave you exhausted, overwhelmed, and running on empty. But God never intended for you to serve from depletion.
In this uplifting and practical workshop, you’ll discover how to prioritise self-care without guilt, manage stress in healthy ways, and embrace rest as a spiritual practice. Backed by research and rooted in biblical wisdom, this session will equip you with simple, sustainable habits to renew your energy, restore your passion, and serve from a place of overflow—not exhaustion.
Come ready to reclaim the joy in your calling!
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.

Infusing the Gospel into Your Classroom
Presenter:
Mrs Richelle Schokman
Abstract:
As Christian teachers, we want every child to be able to proudly proclaim that “they are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14)
But where does infusing my classroom with the Gospel begin? Together, we will explore this question, hearing stories about how God is moving within missional schools as young people are raised in the ways of our Lord.

Demystifying SCEA Financials
Presenter:
Mr Rowan Joubert
Presenter Bio:
With over 25 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.
Please make your Equipping for Mission workshop selections.
Some workshops have limited capacity so sign up whilst you can!
