STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

Our staff are the Bayside difference!

We encourage you to read the following articles that highlight some of the many achievements and personal stories of our staff. We hope you will enjoy these anecdotes and recognise the wonderful journeys that have brought our staff to Bayside Christian College.

Riandi van Dyk

Teacher, Year 5

I consider myself being a proud Baysider as I feel that God had a plan for me here at Bayside Christian College. I first heard of Bayside 5 years ago, after travelling with my family through Queensland from South Australia. On our way back from Cape York, we stopped in Hervey Bay. Our family fell in love with this town, and it was at this point that I decided to apply for teaching positions here. I feel that God created a position for me at Bayside Christian College, as I applied for a teaching position, and was offered the role within the same week. But what was more amazing, was that night, after feeling really sad for leaving my parents and sister in Adelaide, this song played in the caravan park: My Jesus, My Saviour. It was at that very moment, that I knew God’s purpose for me, lies at Bayside Christian College. It is with great pride that I call myself a Baysider.

Rickey Burge

Grounds and Maintenance

In 2011, my body could no longer perform the work that I had done and loved for 24 years (painting). My partner and I decided to sell our home in Darwin and hit the road for a trip around Australia with my family. I acquired an HR license for a coach bus that we purchased. We were on the road for 12 months; the sights and experiences will never be forgotten.

It brought our family closer together and strengthened our bond. When we arrived in Hervey Bay, it felt like home. We checked out the schools, work and housing. Bayside Christian College was where we saw our kids thriving as it had a family feel. Not too big, not too small. I continued painting for another two years, it was still hard on my body and eventually had my hip replaced before returning to painting for another year.

During this time, I got to know Brett and Bianca Carter through my girls from school. Brett mentioned that they were looking for a bus driver/maintenance worker. I handed my resume in. I crossed my fingers and prayed at night. I was turned down, but two weeks later I received a phone call saying that they needed more bus drivers. Being able to work closely with my girls has been a blessing. I love my job and the BCC community.

Sharleen Sneath

Head of Enrolments

In 2020, my husband was promoted and asked to relocate to Hervey Bay. Lucky for me, I could take my work anywhere as I was the General Manager and Social Media manager for an online Reception and Administration Team that worked for 20+ Allied health companies. I came across Bayside Christian College and immediately asked for a tour. We fell in love with the school from the moment we stepped foot on site, and decided to not look anywhere else.

As my children grew to love their new school, I began to get bored with working from home. I desired to meet the locals and get myself back out there. I decided to look through Seek and found the perfect job. Not only was it at the same school as my children (making pick up and drop off much easier), but it was in marketing! Something I really loved to do. I put my resume in straight away and prayed that I would land the interview. I felt that it was the perfect place for me to be! Two weeks later I started at Bayside as a part time Marketing Officer alongside Paul Taylder. Six months into the job, I was asked if I would like to move over to Enrolments as the position had become vacant. I have been Head of Enrolments for almost one year now and don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon.