Our people

Leaders in their fields

Churchie’s exceptional teachers and support staff are leaders in their fields, providing a world-class education for all students, from Reception to Year 12.

We are proud to employ an inclusive community of staff from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, enriching the educational experience for every student. Many of our teachers have transitioned to education following a successful career in the field in which they teach, allowing them to bring their real-world experience and passion for their subjects to the classroom.

Experts in boys’ education

Embodying Churchie’s mission, the making of men, our teachers are experts in boys’ education and understand the unique ways boys learn and thrive in the classroom. Our professional development programmes are specifically tailored to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to create impactful and engaging learning experiences for boys. Boys engage in learning in different ways and at different rates and our teachers are well-equipped with strategies to personalise learning to best suit the needs of each boy.

Senior School Teacher Librarian Fiona Philip with Year 10 students studying Philosophy and Critical Reasoning

A culture of excellence

At Churchie, our teachers are committed to continuous professional learning and growth, ensuring they remain at the forefront of their fields and can support every boy to reach his full potential. Led by our Director of Staff Development and Research, our professional development programme is continuously reviewed to ensure that the schoolwide pedagogy is based on best practice and research.

Churchie’s instructional coaching programme supports teachers at every career stage, fostering self-efficacy in learning and empowering them to customise their professional development and research opportunities to meet their students’ learning requirements. Through regular feedback and support from experienced coaches, our teachers continuously improve their practice and can adapt to the evolving needs of their students.

At Churchie, our continuous learning groups provide teachers with the autonomy to harness their individual talents and collaborate with their colleagues to develop professional resources that can be incorporated into the curriculum across the wider school. Teachers meet twice each term in workshop groups to collaborate on a topic of interest, exchange ideas and learn from each other’s experiences and expertise.

Churchie staff understand the importance of modelling lifelong learning to students, and The Harrop Family Churchie Teaching Fellowship is just one of the many professional development opportunities afforded to Churchie staff for the direct benefit of students. The fellowship is awarded to a Churchie staff member each year and allows them to pursue a professional development project or course that will advance their learning with an express intention to demonstrably invest this knowledge into Churchie, fellow staff and students.

With many of Churchie’s teachers serving as Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) assessors and International Baccalaureate (IB) examiners, they possess a deep understanding of the curriculum, allowing for more effective teaching tailored to the requirements and expectations of the QCAA and IB programmes. Students benefit from teachers who can provide insights and strategies that enhance their preparation for exams and assessments.

Head of Faculty — Mathematics Dr Emilia Sinton, Dean of Studies (Years 7 to 9) Dr Alex Krzensk and Director of Staff Development Dr Vicky Leighton

World-class research

The Churchie Research Centre, led by our Director of Innovation in Learning, enhances student learning by supporting the continual professional learning and development of our teachers. The research centre pursues partnerships with universities and other schools, nationally and internationally, that enhance the knowledge, practice and capabilities of Churchie’s teachers.

A Learner’s Toolkit

A key initiative of Churchie’s Research Centre is A Learner’s Toolkit, a world-leading study skills programme that empowers students with the strategies and confidence to enhance their learning for life. As the programme’s founding school, Churchie staff are experts in implementing A Learner’s Toolkit, ensuring students are equipped with the best study strategies for learning success.

Excellence in corporate services

Our expert corporate services staff, supported by a well-integrated governance structure, work tirelessly throughout the year and across the school to ensure the smooth operation of Churchie’s curriculum, cocurricular activities and professional services. From school psychologists and nurses to accountants, lab technicians and ICT specialists, these dedicated professionals bring specialised skills and knowledge to their roles, contributing to the overall wellbeing and success of our students.