Since 1993, Jamie has had a front row seat to the College’s growth and development, from 400 students learning in demountable buildings to over 1400 in state-of-the-art facilities. He has also seen firsthand that through all the growth and transformation, many things remained unchanged, including the passion of the staff and the College’s commitment to keep Jesus at the centre and outwork its core values.

Now, as Principal of the Newcastle campus, Jamie draws on his deep understanding of the school’s history, culture, and community. He recently took time to share his reflections on the journey from student to Principal. It was clear from our catch up that Jamie feels strongly that education goes beyond academics - it’s about developing character, faith and preparing young people to step confidently into their future.

What did you love most about your time as a student at SPCC?

Many of my memories of school are around music – I played guitar, and this was huge part of my school life. I spent many lunchtimes in the music rooms, playing guitar in bands, chapel groups, and other small ensembles. Music remained a big part of my life after school, and I am grateful for my Music Teacher Mr Beverage who encouraged me in this while I was a student. I also loved the friendships I developed while I was at school. A few of those friendships have remained to this day. It’s special to still be connected now with people with whom there is a shared history as students at this school.

Is it true that some of your teachers are now your colleagues?
Yes – some of the incredible teachers I had are still here today. Louise Ward was my Year 7 PD/H/PE teacher. In those days our classroom was actually the back sunroom of an old house on Station Street. It was a small space, but it made for a close-knit and memorable start to my time at SPCC.  I was also taught by Graeme Dunn for Physics, Shelley Sopher for Maths, and David Holt taught me Science in Year 10.

What did you do after graduation?

My initial plan was to go into finance and law. I completed a Bachelor of Economics at Newcastle University, but while studying, I was also working part-time in social work supporting at-risk teenagers and wards of the state. I realised that I was finding more meaning from that work than from what I was studying, so after I graduated from my degree, I became a full time Youth Worker. After a few years, this eventually led me to a role supporting students at SPCC’s DALE (now Dynamic Learning). I loved the school environment, so, while in this role, I studied at University of Newcastle to become a teacher. I had never planned to be a teacher, but I eventually found my calling!

What was it like coming back to SPCC Newcastle?

2005 was a big year of change - I was newly married, had just finished my teaching degree, and was returning to the College excited to be a homeroom teacher. At the time, Middle School was still in its early stages, with a small team of dedicated teachers and demountable buildings. I learnt a lot from Graeme Evans’ leadership of Middle School, and from the other amazing staff I worked alongside. I loved being a homeroom teacher for Year 7 and 8 for four years and taking on new leadership opportunities as they came along.

After Middle School you moved to Senior School, what was that like?

In 2010, I took on the role of co-head of Senior School, which was a big change and brought a lot of new responsibility. I learned a great deal from Maree Baker, who was a very experienced leader, and the opportunity pushed me to grow both professionally and personally. At the time, I was still relatively young, and many of the teachers I had been taught by in high school were still there. This was probably just as awkward for them as it was for me, but I have to say everyone was very kind and supportive. It was also a great opportunity to continue to support the students I had taught in Middle School in their final years at the College.
 

Why are you still at SPCC after 20 years?

When I first started teaching at SPCC, I remember seeing colleagues who had been there for decades and thinking that wouldn’t be me. The idea of staying in one place for so long didn’t appeal to me at all.

But over the years, I’ve been given incredible opportunities: new roles, fresh challenges, and ways to grow professionally. The sense of community, the relationships I’ve built, and the shared history have become deeply meaningful. Because SPCC has a pioneering spirit and continues to evolve, it has never felt like the same school year after year. The transformation has been remarkable, from the school I first attended as a Year 7 student, to the one I joined as a new graduate, and now, to what it has become today. It continues to be an exciting and meaningful journey, and that’s why I’m still here.

What memorable experiences stand out to you from your time at SPCC? 
Some of the most incredible opportunities have been leading students on overseas trips. The most memorable have been journeys to Malawi, Los Angeles for the Dream Centre, and Vanuatu. These experiences stand out mostly because of the deeper relationships and connections formed during those trips.

What traditions or events at the school have you enjoyed being a part of the most, and why?
One of the traditions I’ve enjoyed most at SPCC is our Thanksgiving services, where there’s a strong sense of gratitude and community. These moments bring people together in a meaningful way, reminding us of the values we share. I’ve also loved being part of College events, the energy, connection, and celebration make them truly special. These events, such as the Spring Fair in the earlier days, create lasting memories and reinforce the strong community spirit that makes SPCC unique.

What Motives or Inspires you?

What motivates and inspires me most in what I do today is hearing the real, life-changing impact of an authentic Christian education. Just this past week, I spoke with a former student who graduated a few years ago, and his story was incredible. Through his time at SPCC, he found faith, meaning, and purpose. Those are the things that will literally shape the rest of his life.

Every time I hear stories like this, I am reminded that there is a better way to educate and develop young people, one that goes beyond academics and equips them for life in a deep and lasting way. We have a very special opportunity at SPCC to walk alongside students, not just in their learning but in their journey of faith and character. That’s not something I take for granted – it’s truly a gift.

There is nothing more inspiring and motivating than seeing lives transformed. Students discovering who they are, who God is, and what they are called to do. It reaffirms why teachers do what we do and the incredible privilege we have in shaping the next generation.