Review Spring 2025
Reunions
Academic Achievements
Alumni Profiles Heads of School Reviews and more...
Punishment or protection?
Navigating the new social media rules that affect Australian young people
Executive Principal Report
The lone self is a weak foundation for robust mental health; humans need social relationships to be happy and healthy in life
Jean Twenge, ‘Generations’, 2023
From 10 December 2025, the Australian Government’s new rules for social media service providers come into effect and prevent young people under the age of 16 from holding social media accounts.
The changes are targeted at social media providers - such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube - not young people who will wear the obvious impact, some of whom may feel like they are being punished for no obvious wrongdoing. Understanding both the need for the changes and the opportunities this change brings may help parents and children move together toward good outcomes.
NCC, like every school, has recognised some of the negative impacts of excessive screen time and social media on young people. In her book, Generations, Jean Twenge suggests it is no coincidence that the timing of mental health decline in the US and other western countries like Australia coincided with the proliferation of smart phones and social media. Technology has changed the way people judge their lives and relate to each other. We intuitively and scientifically know that socialising face-to-face is good for mental health as it adds non-verbal communication and empathetic resonance. However, social media that started as an online tool aimed to facilitate connections have elements that become a weapon for destructive identity formation and ‘dis-socialisation’.
When social media providers introduced the ‘like’ and ‘retweet’ buttons they were able to figure out what people were clicking and create algorithms to provide addictive dopamine hits and enable unhealthy content to be targeted and repetitive. This is particularly problematic for developing brains and Twenge also notes the significant impact on young people who are still building their social lives and communication skills. Considering the critical age of identity formation in adolescents, the new laws are designed to ensure delayed access to social media until a more mature and critical mind develops – a mind that has been designed for connections rather than the paradoxical individualism that social media enables.
Our western culture’s focus on individualism over the past six decades has some upsides, such as an enhanced valuing of every person’s unique value as image bearers of God. However, it also risks isolation and loneliness. Twenge notes that social media puts individualism on steroids.
Author David Brooks describes this current cultural paradigm as ‘hyper-individualism’, whereby we have ‘swung too far toward the self’, requiring a ‘rebalance, to build a culture that steers people toward relation, community, and commitment – the things we most deeply yearn for.’ The Christian worldview supports such a rebalance towards ‘shalom’, as seen in the creation story in Genesis of the unbroken order of fully functional relationships with others, with the self (including place and purpose) and with God.
What can parents do through this change?
(Never waste a crisis.) If social media has robbed some of our young people of more healthy identity formation and relationships, this cultural moment provides an opportunity to refocus on the things that are known to enhance our mental health and identity. These include seeking day-to-day opportunities to increase face-to-face interactions with friends, more non-screen conversations with real ‘non-perfect’ friends and family members to reflect reality, less time on screens to facilitate healthier sleeping habits, being more physically active, joining common interest groups and generously contributing to the needs of others.
I commend these sorts of activities to you as helpful diversions and replacements to help our young people grow securely and responsibly.
Geoff van der Vliet Executive Principal
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Heb 10:24
The 2025 College Captains
G’day! I’m Harrison!
I’m originally from Scotland—not Ireland, although the accents are similar. I love mountain biking at Parklands, playing (and watching) soccer, playing the trombone, and hanging out with friends and family.
And hey! My name is Hannah, and a little bit about me…
My favourite thing ever is going to the beach, having surf sessions with my family, and getting to spend time with them! I love playing the piano and guitarnot too seriously, and I enjoy any crafty project (especially cake decorating!)
And we’ve decided we want to write this little introduction together!
Captains
We both went for the College Captain for similar reasons.
1 Peter 4:10 says, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” The Lord has given us all we have, and we both want to use what He has given us to serve and ultimately glorify His Kingdom through servantship, just as Jesus came and served us. We each genuinely love each person at NCC and cannot wait to serve every single member of our community to the best of our abilities.
One of the main goals we have for 2025 is to foster the loving community here at NCC. In Hebrews 10:24, Jesus emphasises the importance of a healthy community,
highlighting that an environment where each member encourages one another is how God planned it to be from the start. We aim to make 2025 the best year yet at NCC. We, as a captaincy team, along with our vicecaptains, James Creen and Madyson Windell, are going to work as hard as we can to achieve that - whether that be through fun, community-centred events, fundraisers, or anything else.
We can’t wait to see what this year brings.
Harrison Black & Hannah Lim
A Celebration of Academic and Vocational Learning Success
The common ambition for academic success at NCC is the pursuit of ‘our personal best’, in partnership with our moral and spiritual formation. From time to time, our community gets to celebrate some special ‘personal bests’, at our College Assembly.
With external exam results for Year 12s concluded over the summer break, we were excited to honour some outstanding performances from the graduating class of 2024.
The Dux of the College for 2024 is Ethan Polkinghorne, who achieved an ATAR of 99.65, placing him in elite company in the state and successfully gaining a scholarship for tertiary study in engineering. We also acknowledged Ethan for achieving the equal top mark in the state for Mathematical Methods.
In second place was Emerson Campling with an ATAR of 99.25 and third was Caitlyn Bartholomew with 98.4. Both Emerson and Caitlyn also received state awards for achieving A’s in six subjects, another very special achievement. We were also pleased to honour the group of students who achieved ATARs in excess of 90.
In the Class of 2024, 103 Year 12 students earned their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Twelve students stood out for achieving 30 or more QCE credit points, including Luka Bahnisch, Carlee Bauer, Zahli Brewer, Jennifer Epple, Daisy Newell, Keira Olsen, Makayla Perren, Sara Schravemade, Adah Schumann, Charlee Sonderegger, Jessica Townsend and Bella Volp with Charlotte Fishburn achieving the Queensland Certificate of Education Pathways Merit Award.
In addition, the College recognised 12 ATAR-eligible students who scored 90 or above on their ATAR (of those whose data is available to us): Ethan Polkinghorne, Emerson Campling, Caitlyn Bartholomew, Jack Gaylard, Lara Hauser, Hamish Mitchell, Daisy Newell, Syrocco Smith, Kathryn Spencer, Mabel Spencer, Sarah Taing, and Georgia Watson.
Alongside celebrating top achievements in pure academic pathways, we were also pleased to honour students who achieved amazing outcomes in their combination of academic and vocational learning pathways. The QCE Pathways Merit Award was earned by Charlotte Fishburn, who achieved an amazing 40 points toward her Queensland Certificate of Education (only 20 points are required to gain the certificate). A further group of students were acknowledged for outstanding success in their programs, each accumulating more than 30 points.
We also reflected on the effective functioning of a community in the model that Paul presents to the Corinthian church, whereby each member has a special and valuable part to play. (1 Corinthians 12:14-26). As well as our expression of Christ’s love and service within our community, we also pray that God will continue to equip and use all of our 2024 graduates for his purposes and glory.
May God bless us all in our pursuit of personal bests this year!
Class of 2024 Academic Achievements
Graduate Snaphots
Emerson Campling
At NCC since pre-prep, Emerson finishes as Runner-Up Dux with an ATAR of 99.25. He’s off to QUT to study Engineering and dreams of a career in electrical or mechanical engineering. His advice: Don’t sacrifice friendships for extra study hours—make memories too!
Kate Spencer
Kate (ATAR 91.5) is heading to Wollongong to study Primary Education. In 10 years, she sees herself teaching and shaping young lives. Her tip: Find your balance—spread study out and make room for friends and fun too.
Georgia Watson
With an ATAR of 94.95, Georgia is heading to QUT to study Architecture. She dreams of designing and building her own home, and even using her skills in mission work overseas.
Bella Volp
Bella pursued a vocational pathway, completing multiple certificates in Hospitality, Cookery, Baking, Community Services and Sport. She looks forward to a happy and fulfilling life with a family. Her tip: Stay positive and ask for help when you need it.
Hamish Mitchell
Hamish graduates with an ATAR of 97.25 and begins a Health & Sports Sciences degree at UQ, with Medicine in his sights. Surgeon is the ultimate goal. His motto: “Work hard now and you’ll reap the rewards later.
Daisy Newell
Daisy (ATAR 93.45) begins Nursing at ACU with a vision for long-term medical mission work in developing nations. She plans to add Midwifery to her qualifications. Her encouragement: Get involved— sport, chapel, leadership—those opportunities make school life richer and more fun.
Ethan Polkinghorne
Dux of 2024 with an ATAR of 99.65, Ethan heads to QUT for Engineering and Project Management. Long-term, he hopes to serve in church-based project management while also pursuing Theology. His advice? Seek God first—everything else follows.
Sara Schravemade
Sara completed Music, Chemistry, Biology and Health while earning Certificate II & III in Health. She hopes to pursue a meaningful career, grow closer to God, and keep playing piano. Her encouragement: Always give your best—if you know you’ve tried, you’ll never regret it.
Class of 2024 Academic Achievements
Lara Hauser
At NCC since Prep, Lara graduated with an ATAR of 94.4 and heads to UQ for a Mathematics degree. She sees herself working or travelling in the next decade. Her advice: Don’t stress over grades— everything works out. Have fun along the way!
Adah Schumann
Adah completed 12 years at NCC and is off to UniSA to study Nursing & Midwifery. She believes your grades don’t define you and urges younger students: Pick subjects you genuinely enjoy.
Mabel Spencer
Mabel (ATAR 94.15) is beginning a Midwifery degree at USC with plans to continue into Medicine. Her Year 12 wisdom: It’s a marathon, not a sprint—find how you learn best and pace yourself.
Caitlyn Bartholomew
Graduating 3rd with an ATAR of 98.4, Caitlyn is studying Biotechnology at UQ while also preparing for Medical entry. She dreams of becoming a Dermatologist focused on skin cancer research, with hopes to study abroad and keep performing in the arts. Her advice: Plan your subjects carefully, but don’t stress—there are many paths to your goals.
Makayla Perren
A true NCC lifer (Prep–Year 12), Makayla is taking a gap from study to work full-time, travel, and enjoy life with a healthy balance. Her message: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family— it makes all the difference.
Syrocco Smith
Syrocco graduated 4th with an ATAR of 97.7. She’ll study Biomedical Science at UQ and believes in keeping it simple: Don’t stress about school.
Jack Gaylard
With an ATAR of 90.10, Jack begins a double degree in Law and Psychology at QUT, with ambitions to one day run his own law firm. His encouragement: A single grade won’t shape your whole life— keep perspective and enjoy the journey.
Charlotte Fishburn
Charlotte combined academic study with VET certificates in Business and Health, setting her sights on managing a sheep or cattle station and starting her own business. She hopes to travel to North America to expand her agricultural expertise. Her tip: Choose subjects you actually enjoy—it makes all the difference!
From the Head of Junior School
Where words fail, music speaks!
“Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.” Plato.
At NCC, we believe that the arts curriculum is not just enrichment—it is essential to our student’s development. Through music, visual arts, drama, and dance, students grow in creativity, confidence, and connection. These disciplines help children express themselves, build resilience, and develop skills that support academic success and emotional wellbeing.
Music education, in particular, enhances memory, concentration, language development, and even mathematical reasoning. It fosters discipline, teamwork, and perseverance: qualities that benefit students in every area of life.
We’ve seen this firsthand through our students’ achievements. Our Junior School Band recently won the Sunshine Coast Eisteddfod for the second year in a row, and this year we proudly placed third in the choral section. These accomplishments reflect not only musical talent, but also the joy, dedication, and collaboration that come from participating in the arts.
To watch how our students played and sang as a united team, under the skilful direction of our Head of Instrumental and Performing Arts, Mr Phil Smith and choir director, Mrs Megan Schumann was an amazing site to behold. One could not help but be proud not
only of their achievement but of their character and perseverance.
We can only get to where we are through a targeted and intentional Year 4 Band Program, where every student learns a band instrument for a full year. This inclusive initiative has been incredibly beneficial, giving all children the opportunity to discover their musical abilities, build confidence, and experience the rewards of practice and performance. It also fosters a strong sense of belonging and pride as students contribute to the life of our school.
As a Christian school, we also celebrate the truth that each child is uniquely gifted by God. As 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Through music and the arts, we help students discover and develop these gifts, encouraging them to use their talents to glorify God and bless their community.
Kylie Baker Head of Junior School
From the Head of Middle School Normanton Service Trip 2025
Nambour Christian College has been sending students to Normanton to work at the annual Rodeo for many years.
It has always been an adventure for our students. It is a long way from home! I was shocked when I realised that Normanton is further from the Sunshine Coast than Hobart.
The job is not one that appeals; we clean the toilets at the Showground during the biggest event of the year for the town. You won’t find “before” photos gracing the pages of this publication. But it is an important role. Someone has to do it, and we want it to be us.
The trip has had some challenges over the years. It is a long way away, and it is tempting to try and iron out some of the hardships in order to make it less confronting for our students. In 2025, we made a conscious decision to lean into the challenge rather than domesticate it. So, this year, it was back to the gruelling bus travel across the peninsula. We slept in swags under the stars rather than indoors with air-con. The boys’ showers were short and cold, and the days long and hot.
No student was under any illusions as to the nature of the work. They were all given graphic details of what would be required of them.
And here is the amazing thing. While we’ve always had enough volunteers with a few to spare (each year we have to knock back a few students when we have a 16-18 notional limit), this year was different. With the small comforts taken away, the hardship ramped up and the nauseating realities made explicit, we tripled the number of applicants. A full third of Year 9 wanted to be included in the adventure.
Given the yearning to do hard, worthwhile things, it seemed unconscionable to dampen this spirit, so we brought all of them.
There was no shortage of daring activities; we had a night sleeping on the banks of the Norman River (again in swags), and the students knew all about the crocs in it. The boys pulled rotten kangaroo flesh from the bottom of a bus after a little mishap. All of us lay on an open road, in the dark, looking at the stars in silence.
Despite what we often think, our students want something worthwhile, challenging and exclusive; something unique that gives them the opportunity to do more than tiptoe over the line into adulthood. They don’t want it to be made easy for them. Life is full of too many things that are too easy.
We will continue to make the Normanton trip an awful experience. Our students will muck in, learn to laugh at horrific things, do it together and come in droves.
Chris Spencer Head of Middle School
From the Deputy Head of Senior School
NCC International Student Program: Sharing God’s Love Globally
As individuals, we are uniquely gifted with talents, skills, and strengths that can potentially be directed in numerous ways as our life unfolds.
Our society challenges our graduates to put themselves first, to use their talents for self-adulation and selfactualisation. It takes self-lessness to step out and give our best for our fellow-beings who are in need and to recognise that we are blessed to be a blessing, especially to young people who may be foreigners to our nation, culture and society. God created us as members of a global family, as social beings, to connect with others, to share our experiences, faith, and ways of doing life cross-culturally. International education at NCC looks to sharing God’s love globally to our brothers and sisters beyond our Sunshine Coast shoreline.
We acknowledge how blessed our schooling community is and know that we have an opportunity to share our blessedness with young people and families from other nations and cultures. When we bless others out of our abundance, we in turn are blessed and enriched in ways we could never imagine. We discover that when we are open to exploring our unique social differences, language barriers and cultural stereotypes dissolve as we intentionally reach out and open our school and homes to others.
When we teach our students to see others through the lens of Jesus, to love others regardless of our differences, we make this earth a better place for all. James 2:8 says,
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself,’ you are doing right.” Through the parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10: 25-37, God illustrates love across ethnic lines. Galatians 3:28 emphasises that salvation in Christ transcends social, cultural, national and ethnic distinctions.
International education at NCC is all about sharing our blessings with students from other nations and cultures inviting them to experience learning in a Christian environment whether it be through our short-term Study Tours, our Study Abroad program or enrolling international students to remain with us longer term. Our students are enriched when they recognise they are global citizens and practice being global citizens. The international student program at NCC gives our students and teachers the opportunity to embrace being open and welcoming of others who are different to us and to understand that God created us as brothers and sisters interconnected a global family.
Loida
DeputyGrinan-Paterson Head of Senior School
Five Year Reunion Reflection Class of 2019
It’s wild to think that five years have already passed! It was a great opportunity to spend the night catching up with everyone again!
As I reflect on our reunion and the five years since our graduation, a life lesson I have come to realise is this: our time with people is one of the most precious things in our lives that we should always experience, enjoy and treasure to the fullest.
I believe that community is something we all desire and need, regardless of how introverted or extroverted, shy
or confident we may personally identify ourselves as being.There’s a reason why TV shows like “Friends” & “The Office” are still talked about today. People love these types of sitcoms, because we find comfort and joy in the simplicity of seeing people live their lives together. The point of these shows isn’t about moving the plot forward or reaching a destination, but rather they remind us to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy every moment in the
journey with each other. In a world that is constantly busy and bustling, we shouldn’t allow hurry to rob us of enjoying every moment together to the fullest.
I believe that God designed us all to be part of a great community and company. It’s why the kind of people that we choose to surround ourselves with is one of the most important life decisions we can ever make.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
We should all desire to have people in our lives who lift us up, challenge us, call us higher, believe in us even when we doubt ourselves, and listen and walk alongside us. And we should be there for others to help lift them up too. That’s the way Jesus calls us all to live.
Community is also a big reason why I love the church so much. I remember a week before our reunion, I was at my local church, Calvary. That evening, I was having a conversation with Kaleb Coster-Calrow from our grade about the reunion, and his wife Sophie jokingly said to me: “Why do you need organise a reunion, when we already get to have weekly reunions here at church every Sunday?”
I later reflected on what Sophie had said, and surprisingly, I started to get emotional.
Then it hit me. I got emotional because it reminded me how truly special it is to be part of a Christ-centric church today, just as we all were part of a Christ-centric school together back then. I will never take that for granted.
Nambour Christian College not only gave us our education, but it also gave us each other. And although today we are all out in the world on our own individual journeys, it was a special season where we got to make memories and grow shoulder to shoulder, and I believe that’s something that should always be celebrated and honoured.
Our school’s motto is “Sow to Harvest”, and I know that we will always be grateful for the time in our lives that our teachers and each other as peers sowed and invested into one another, so that we can reap a great harvest today.
I look forward to continuing to catch up with old friends in the future and to our 10 Year reunion in 2029. I pray for all of us that God would guide our steps as we continue to walk our individual paths of life.
And that we would always remember to stop, look around, and appreciate every moment of that journey. God bless you all!
Zac Watts
Class of 2004 20 Year Reunion
On Saturday 7 September 2024, the Class of 2004 gathered at the Maroochydore Bowls Club to celebrate 20 years since graduation. Around 40 classmates came together to reconnect, reminisce, and share plenty of laughs.
Guests enjoyed delicious platters of food and beautifully decorated, locally made cupcakes while catching up on two decades of life, family, careers, and adventures. A special highlight of the evening was welcoming Mr
and Mrs Pringle as guests of honour. Everyone was thrilled to see them, and there was much delight (and surprise!) that Mr Pringle still remembered so many of our names—even those he used to drive to school on the bus all those years ago.
Although we only remembered to take photos toward the end of the night, the memories shared were priceless. It was a wonderful evening of friendship, nostalgia, and celebrating the unique bond of the Class of 2004.
30 Year Reunion Class of 1995
It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since our little class of just 15 students graduated in 1995. Over the years we’ve celebrated together at our 10 and 20 year reunions and we certainly weren’t going to miss the chance to reconnect for our 30th!
This time, we gathered for a lovely morning tea hosted by Susie Smart at her home in Buderim, followed by dinner at the Brightwater Hotel. It was such a joy to reminisce, share stories, and feel the connection that’s remained strong despite the passing years.
As for me, I live on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and work as Supporter Care Manager at the McGrath Foundation. It’s really rewarding to contribute to such a meaningful cause, especially after my own recent experience with breast cancer and the incredible care provided to me by McGrath Cancer Care Nurses.
Susie, who was our much-loved primary school in Grade 4 & 5, had the following reflections on the morning tea.
“What a wonderful surprise I had when Rebecca contacted me and suggested a few of us get together while the ‘Class of 95’ were here for a reunion. It was such a delight to meet Daniel, Catherine, Rebecca, MaryAnne, Melissa and Kirsty again after all these years. We had great fun catching up on what everybody was doing, where they were at in their lives and remembering our happy years at NCC. I was gifted a delightful little bird feeding table as they remembered my passion for birds and Kirsty read out her poem about highlights of our years together almost 40 years ago. A memorable morning.”
Fellow classmates who attended the events shared these reflections:
“It was wonderful to be able to reconnect with everyone after 30 years. This was my first reunion I was able to attend and it was amazing to be able to chat and relive our school years with lots of laughter and fond memories. Since leaving school, my husband and I have built a life on the land after buying
our property in Kureelpa in 2000. For over 25 years, we have worked as a dedicated primary producers as dairy farmers, while raising our two children and managing the daily demands of farm life. It’s been a rewarding journey of hard work, resilience, and deep connection to both family and the land we call home.” Catherine De Vere (formerly Harland)
“When I arrived for morning tea, I felt nervous, unsure what to expect. We are there to catch up with our beloved yr 5 (1988) teacher, Mrs Smart. However, the moment I stepped onto the porch, I was greeted with the biggest Mrs Smart hug, and the anxiety melted away. It was such a special time catching up with Susie and old classmates, wandering the grounds and reminiscing about excursions and end of year celebrations held there. The graduating class of 1995 was the last single stream cohort at NCC, with 15 students. Although not everyone was able to attend, I am so thankful for the opportunity to reconnect with those who were able to attend both the morning tea and dinner on October 4th. I currently live in Hornsby, NSW, Northern Sydney. After working as a youth worker and high school chaplain for more than 20 years, I am currently working at Pacific Hills Christian School (PHCS), in Dural in Sydney’s north-western suburbs, as a Middle School Learning & Enrichment Teacher. PHCS is a lot like NCC, deeply rooted in the gospel and with a strong focus on service. I am married to Kim (an artist) and we have 2 teenage sons, Micah (18) and Jesse (15), both of whom are a part of the PHCS community. One of the proudest moments for me as parent was when Micah, who graduated in 2024, followed the call into service, attending several school mission trips.” Daniel Neil
“It was so lovely catching up with wonderful friends! It’s such a rare treasure to have friendships that go all the way from preschool through grade 12. Hard to believe it’s been 30 years since we graduated. These reunions only grow more
special as the years go by. Visiting Susie Smart and reminiscing about a school excursion we had at her property, some 37 or 38 years ago, felt a little surreal! After 9 years of working in Telehealth, I’m excited to be returning to my palliative care background as a Community Palliative Care Nurse. Supporting patients and their families with compassion at such an important time in life is something I truly care about, and I’m really looking forward to being back in this meaningful work.”Mary-Anne Gill (formerly Staines)
“I thought our 30-year school reunion was such a worthwhile event — we all genuinely enjoyed each other’s company, sharing stories, laughter, and reflections on life. Despite the many challenges and struggles each of us has faced, our conversations were honest, real, and filled with encouragement. The time together flew by! It was also a special joy to reconnect with Susie Smart from primary school and reflect on just how deeply teachers can shape our lives.
Over the years, my own journey has taken me through various career paths — from completing an accounting degree and working as a corporate accountant, to running our family’s farming business with my husband and two boys, and also co-founding Conwell Architects with my brother, Cameron Conwell (also a NCC Alumni). One of the great privileges of our work has been partnering with the Nambour Christian College community to design and develop new campus facilities, including the soon-to-be-completed senior school building near the library. It is a huge honour, and one I certainly don’t take for granted, to see the school continue to grow as a living reflection of God’s goodness, grace, and faithfulness.” Kirsty Newell (formerly Conwell)
Rebecca Roberts
From NCC Classroom to SkyHigh Adventures: The Journey of Kristina Hicks
Graduating in 2003 after completing Years 8–12 at NCC, Kristina Hicks has carried a passion for learning and adventure into an extraordinary career.
Coming from a family of NCC alumni—Luke (2001), Danielle (2009), Hope (Tan) (2013), and Jai (2009)—it seems that the school’s spirit runs deep in the Hicks family.
Following her time at NCC, Kristina pursued five years of higher education, completing a dual Bachelor of Education & Science at the University of Queensland in 2007, and later a Graduate Certificate in Sports Coaching in 2020. Her love for science guided her into teaching, while skydiving, initially a bucket list goal, blossomed into a full-fledged passion. Today, she combines both pursuits as a teacher and National STEM Coordinator for iFly Australia, where she also shares her skydiving expertise with students.
Reflecting on her NCC years, Kristina recalls the inspiration of her biology teacher, Mrs. Caroline Haines, whose guidance ignited her love of science and teaching. “NCC created a passion for the sciences and taught me to share that passion with others,” she says. “It has allowed me to combine two of my greatest passions— education and skydiving—into one fulfilling career.”
Her achievements in the skydiving world are nothing short of remarkable. Kristina was the only Australian in the 2024 World Record formation in Arizona: the 108way, 3-point Total Break Sequential. She is a multinational champion in 4-way skydiving, holds several national records, and organises and coaches women’s
skydiving record events. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue competing internationally and represent Australia in 4-way skydiving, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in her sport.
Outside her professional and athletic achievements, Kristina enjoys spending time with family, mentoring others, and pursuing her hobbies—all while living by one of her favourite quotes: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” – Albert Einstein
Her journey from the classrooms of NCC to the skies above the world is a testament to following one’s passions, embracing challenges, and inspiring others along the way.
Inspiring Resilience: The Journey of NCC Alumni, Rebecca Vizi
Nambour Christian College graduate, Rebecca Vizi (Class of 2005), has walked a remarkable journey of resilience, determination, and hope.
Today, she is a Personal Trainer, Zumba and Zumba Gold Instructor, Disabled Bodybuilding Athlete, and an aspiring Para Powerlifting Athlete with her sights set on competing in the 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane in the Bench Press event.
Rebecca’s story is one of overcoming challenges that could have easily derailed her future. Following high school, she was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. However, with the unwavering support of her church, C3 Powerhouse, and the encouragement she found through her training at Fernwood Gym, she experienced a profound transformation—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Today, she no longer lives under that diagnosis and credits her faith and community as key factors in her healing journey.
Her resilience was tested again when she underwent two labral hip repair surgeries approximately seven years ago, followed by a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) four years ago. Rather than allowing these setbacks to define her, Rebecca chose to become an advocate for FND, while continuing to build her career as a fitness professional and disabled athlete.
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Rebecca contributes to her local church community through multimedia ministry, demonstrating her commitment to serving others both inside and outside of sport.
Through her journey, Rebecca hopes to inspire younger generations: “Even if you go through bullying, mental health struggles, or injuries, there is still hope to live a good and meaningful life.”
Her story stands as a powerful reminder that perseverance, faith, and community can turn adversity into opportunity.
Tayla Clegg: Turning Lived Experience into a Life of Impact
Graduating in 2017 after attending NCC from Prep through to Year 12, Tayla Clegg has built a career rooted in passion, empathy, and lived experience. Tayla, a triplet, shares the distinction of having graduated alongside her brothers, a unique chapter in her NCC story.
After graduation, Tayla pursued a four-year Bachelor of Dietetics (Honours) at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Today, she is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, a Lived Experience Speaker, and a valued team member at the mental health organisation endED. Her career is deeply inspired by her own journey with food and body image, and she is committed to supporting others in developing positive, sustainable relationships with nutrition. “I want to make nutrition feel exciting, enjoyable, and accessible,” Tayla explains. “Food is such an important part of our daily lives, and I want to help individuals navigate their own challenges, including eating disorders and disordered eating.”
Reflecting on her time at NCC, Tayla credits the school with preparing her for life beyond the classroom. “The teachers I connected with gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself,” she says. From Athletics carnivals and Cross Country events to meaningful connections with teachers like Mr Warren Best, Mr Adam King, Mrs Jodie Hayat, Mr Tim Lanham, NCC left a lasting impression.
Looking ahead, Tayla is excited to continue growing professionally and personally, working in environments that reflect her values and passion for mental health and nutrition. She is engaged and preparing for her wedding in 2025, continues to explore her creative side through drawing and painting, and remains active in running clubs across the Sunshine Coast.
Tayla’s journey—shaped by her experiences as a competitive athlete, her personal challenges, and her desire to create safe, supportive spaces for others— highlights the power of resilience, empathy, and purpose. Her guiding scripture, Jeremiah 29:11, reflects her outlook: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
Thomas Hedgman Alumni 2023
Over
right
the years, Thomas
attended five different schools in search of the
environment, finally landing at Nambour Christian College for Years 10 to 12 from 2021-2023. It was there that he began to find some stability and understanding among staff who believed in him and saw potential where others might not have.
After graduation, life felt uncertain. Like many young people, Thomas found himself without a clear path or direction. His friendship circle had moved on, and he was left weighing his options — a job, an apprenticeship, further study, or the military.
With the encouragement and guidance of his family, he decided to take the leap and sign up for the Royal Australian Air Force. After a long and rigorous application process — including medical, psychological, and fitness assessments he was offered a range of possible career paths. Following careful thought and counsel, he chose Aviation Technician, a role that promised both challenge and purpose.
With just one week’s notice, in August 2024, Thomas packed his bags and left home to begin his recruit training. The nine-week program was tough, with long days, intense routines, and nights spent out in the field in freezing conditions. But through it all, he learned invaluable life lessons: discipline, resilience, teamwork, and above all, camaraderie.
Upon successfully completing recruits, he was offered the opportunity to continue his training at the Royal Australian Air Force School of Technical Training, a 14-month program based in Wagga Wagga NSW. The course combined classroom learning with hands-on practical experience and relentless rounds of exams. Through determination and hard work, Thomas graduated as a qualified Air Force Avionics Technician in October 2025.
Now, he has been offered a position at RAAF Base Williamtown, where he will be working on the F-35A Joint Striker Fighters for the next six years.
His parents, could not be prouder of his achievement. From a child who once dreaded the classroom to a young man thriving in a highly skilled technical field, Thomas’s journey is a true testament to perseverance and growth.
His parents would like to sincerely thank the staff at Nambour Christian College for their unwavering support and belief in their son. Their encouragement and understanding played a pivotal role in helping him find his way.
