Mr David Radke | Head of College

As the new principal I am conscious that people right across the Grace community will have all kinds of questions and expectations of me. Firstly I am very conscious that I need to learn about the Grace community before I begin to talk about changes or newly identified needs at each campus. My initial goal therefore is to ask questions, lots of them and about many things. So far I have been doing that and I take this opportunity to thank students, staff and parents for their patience as they interact with me in the weeks and months ahead.

I come to the Grace community blessed with a reasonable amount of experience. Following my three years of teaching at Grace from 1985 to 1987, I moved to Immanuel Lutheran College at Buderim as an Acting Head of Department, and after seven years of service there I moved to Good Shepherd College in Hamilton Victoria as Principal. Good Shepherd was my first Prep to Year 12 school. From Good Shepherd the next move was to Tatachilla Lutheran College, just south of Adelaide, and then back to Qld, to St Peters Lutheran College. Across those ten years I served in many administration roles in both colleges, from Curriculum Coordinator to Campus Principal, often filling more than one role at the same time. In 2009 I transferred to Redeemer Lutheran College as Principal, before returning to Grace.

There are many things which excite me about returning to Grace. There is a little familiarity with Grace as a place, and it is most enjoyable to be serving families from 30 years ago, all be it a generation further along. The familiarity also extends in some cases to staff whom I have previously worked with either at Grace or at other Lutheran schools. I am especially pleased to be back in a school which includes the High School Years, Years 7 to 12 as its focus; this is after all my educational specialty. Grace’s move toward contemporary teaching practices that embrace technology, as well as enterprise education evident through such programs as the Traded Skills Centre, the Robotics Program and Grace Academy are all hallmarks of a school wanting to embrace the future. Just as important though is Grace’s commitment to the traditional academic skills and subjects, with a real passion to educate to the highest standard in these traditional disciplines. Lastly on this topic, but most importantly, Grace is not just a school, it is a Christian community striving to make a difference to both its immediate community as well as the wider community; as a Christian educator this is very special.

I believe my goals are quite simple to express, and almost certainly more challenging to achieve. I hope to build on the excellent work of Grace’s principals who have preceded me; their legacy is that they both cared deeply about Grace, excellent education was developed to meet ever increasing needs, and both Mr Stolz and Mrs Butler had the vision, foresight and commitment to introduce new programs which have seen the Grace community constantly challenged to improve individual student outcomes as well as a school as a whole. I think parents choose Grace because it does not stand still, it is always seeking to change in order to meet the new educational needs of the families in the surrounding communities. In forever changing, Grace retains its focus on the Christian faith and aiming to live its Christian values, both of which provide a stable school culture providing surety for the whole school community.

Serving Grace as the Principal can easily become all-consuming and I have learned over many years that it is important to have a thriving life outside of my job. This involves regularly engaging with my family, my wife Naomi, and my two daughters who are no longer at home. My wife and I also enjoy our two dogs, Rocky and Charlie, both with personalities as large as the most boisterous national leader that you could think of. These joys are supplemented with hobbies such as keeping relatively fit, car and motorcycle restoration and woodwork.

I am honoured to be back at Grace and I look forward to the years ahead.

Mr Warren Irvine | Deputy Head of College

I commenced at Grace in 1995, originally employed as a Maths/Physics Teacher.  I have been blessed to serve in roles including Year 11 Coordinator, Head of Mathematics, Head of Curriculum, Head of Caboolture Campus and most recently Deputy Head of College.

Briefly, my current position consists of all aspects associated with supporting the Head of College in pursuing the strategic directions for the College including curriculum development, school culture and campus development, staffing and student welfare. Our team works to ensure compliance with educational authorities such as QCAA, LEQ and ISQ and work closely with students on managing successful educational pathways and outcomes particularly in the Senior School.

My working career briefly started in Financial Services/Banking before changing into teaching and education.

My qualifications include a Bachelor of Science (Maths/Physics), Postgraduate Diploma in Education from University of Queensland and  a Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Leadership.

I enjoy time with my family, working to improve my acreage property and have a financially draining interest in German Shepherds.

Our College Council provides the local governance for the school and is appointed by, and delegated authority from the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District.

In consultation with the Head of College, the College Council provides leadership and guidance in areas associated with the School’s Strategic Vision, Master Plan, Building Programs, and Financial and Risk Management.

The eight members of the College Council volunteer their time and experience to ensure that Grace Lutheran College continues to provide quality high school education across North Brisbane and Caboolture, and endeavors to develop the school for the future.

Their own professional career interests span secondary and tertiary education, law, finance, business, engineering and church leadership.

Chair: Mr David Spann
Vice Chair: Mr Gary Fulton
Secretary: Dr Roger Hunter, OAM
Chair of Finance: Mr Craig Klinge
Other Members: Mr John Gerlach, Mrs Peta Heit, Mrs Anne Maczkowiack, Mr David Spann, Mrs Katrina Valencia
Consultants: Mr David Radke (Head of College, Grace Lutheran College)

Mr Jason Miles | Head of Caboolture Campus

I started at Grace Lutheran College in 2004 and I was very excited to receive a position teaching Biology, Junior Science and Physical Education. I taught at the Rothwell for 4 years and in that time I did some work as the Deputy Head of Physical Education. I moved to the Caboolture Campus as one of the founding staff members when we opened in 2008. I have many fond memories of our developing campus from mud, to new buildings and our family of ducks who used to live in our current quadrangle area. 

Over my time at Caboolture I have had the opportunity to gain experience in some different roles including Physical Education and Sport Coordinator and the Middle School Pastoral Care Coordinator.

I have just started in the new role of Head of Caboolture Campus where my responsibilities primarily include the daily management of our school day and the oversight of pastoral care.

My hobbies include Soccer, surfing and playing the guitar. I also love Marvel movies. I am absolutely blessed to be part of the whole Grace community and look forward to meeting and working together throughout the year.

Mrs Kylie Duyzer | Head of Rothwell Campus

I commenced at Grace in 1999 employed as a Home Economics and Hospitality teacher.

Throughout my years at Grace I have also held the positions of classroom teacher of Food Studies, Lifestyle Technology and Early Childhood, Head of Department - Home Economics, Year Level Coordinators of 7, 11 and 12.

I am currently the Head of Rothwell Campus which involves supporting the mission and ministry of the College by working with staff, Year Level Coordinators and the Head of Teaching and Learning to provide an optimal learning environment for students at the College.

Also providing firm, gracious pastoral care and management of staff and students in the Senior School, nurturing the development of young, independent adults.

Something you may not know about me is that I have about 1000+ books in my library at home which we built our house around – moved a few walls and changed plans to create a wonderful book-filled room. I guess I just love books…oh and karaoke!

Ms Monique Atwell | Deputy Head of Caboolture Campus

I commenced at Grace Lutheran College, Rothwell campus in 2010, employed as a Business and Legal Studies teacher. In term 2 of the same year, I moved to the Caboolture campus and have been located here ever since. In 2012, I took on the role as Career Guidance Officer, as well as some aspects of teaching and learning. In 2019, I was appointed as the Head of Teaching and Learning for the Caboolture campus.

The primary purpose of my role is to work with others to build an effective learning community within the College as a whole, providing an optimal environment for student and staff development. I now oversee all aspects of curriculum delivery for this campus including the implementation of the new QCE system. I ensure that we are compliant with educational authorities such as QCAA, LEQ and ISQ and work closely with students and staff on managing successful educational pathways and outcomes particularly in the Senior School.

My initial career was in Human Resource Management (HRM) at the University of Queensland, I thoroughly enjoyed this career, but felt a calling to work with teenagers and thus deciding on a career change in my early 30s to teaching.

I have a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management), Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) and a Master’s in Education (Leadership & Management). I also have a Certificate IV in Career Development, which I obtained prior to commencing my Career Guidance Officer role.

My hobbies include netball, watching my daughter engage in all aspects of life, going to the gym and spending quality time with family and friends. I feel privilege to be working with the Grace community in my new role and working together to uphold the College’s mission statement.

Mr Des Hylton | Deputy Head of Rothwell Campus

My name is Des Hylton and I am very excited to be joining the GLC Rothwell team as the Head of Student Wellbeing & Deputy Head of Campus.

I have a BSc in Chemistry, a Post Graduate Certification in Education, Lead Confirmer QCAA experience and am currently undertaking a Masters in Educational Leadership. I have been lucky enough to have experience in a number of roles over the last eighteen years including: Deputy Head of Year, Head of Learning, Curriculum Leader Science, House Leader and Acting Deputy Principal. It is a privilege to be serving young people by creating an environment that optimises their wellbeing, allowing them to flourish. Afterall we are made in God's image and therefore genetically predisposed to be creative individuals with a love for life and learning when we find ourselves in an enriching environment.

I just the love the rich and rare fauna we are blessed to have here in Australia, especially the huntsman spiders, blue-tongue skinks and water dragons. Pythons are really just puppies with scales!

When I’m not hanging out having my toenails painted by my daughter or discussing my son’s Fortnite activity log (again), my main hobbies currently are weightlifting and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I come from a competitive boxing and strongman background, managing to win Queensland Strongest Man in 2016. I once even pulled a school bus with students on board over 25 metres, but I don’t think our Bus Co-Ordinator's are keen for me to reenact this anytime soon!

Ms Kate McKenzie | Acting, Rothwell Campus

I was excited to start teaching at Grace in 2008 as a Business Teacher of which a few years later I was Head of Department. In my current role as Deputy Head of Teaching I am passionate about ensuring students have a smooth transition from primary school into the Grace community. 

My role involves working with Heads of Departments to ensure a rich and diverse curriculum is on offer in the Middle School with alignment into the senior years ensuring students confidently move into Senior School to achieve their potential and live out their dreams. 

Something you may not know about me is that I love cooking and baking as well as spending time with my family and friends watching my two boys grow up.

Ms Monique Atwell| Caboolture Campus

I commenced at Grace Lutheran College, Rothwell campus in 2010, employed as a Business and Legal Studies teacher. In term 2 of the same year, I moved to the Caboolture campus and have been located here ever since. In 2012, I took on the role as Career Guidance Officer, as well as some aspects of teaching and learning. In 2019, I was appointed as the Head of Teaching and Learning for the Caboolture campus.

The primary purpose of my role is to work with others to build an effective learning community within the College as a whole, providing an optimal environment for student and staff development. I now oversee all aspects of curriculum delivery for this campus including the implementation of the new QCE system. I ensure that we are compliant with educational authorities such as QCAA, LEQ and ISQ and work closely with students and staff on managing successful educational pathways and outcomes particularly in the Senior School.

My initial career was in Human Resource Management (HRM) at the University of Queensland, I thoroughly enjoyed this career, but felt a calling to work with teenagers and thus deciding on a career change in my early 30s to teaching.

I have a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management), Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) and a Master’s in Education (Leadership & Management). I also have a Certificate IV in Career Development, which I obtained prior to commencing my Career Guidance Officer role.

My hobbies include netball, watching my daughter engage in all aspects of life, going to the gym and spending quality time with family and friends. I feel privilege to be working with the Grace community in my new role and working together to uphold the College’s mission statement.

Mr Peter Kellett | Manager of Community & Innovation

I commenced working at Grace in 2003. I am responsible for Managing Grace Innovation and Enterprise – the College’s community focused program.  GI&E seeks to engage the wider community on a local, national and global level.  Our programs are principally based on Technology (Robotics), Music and Performing Arts and well as active Sports programs.  I am also totally responsible for all the College Libraries and Senior Studies Centre (including the after school homework club).

I grew up in mining towns where I learnt a considerable amount about IT working for mining companies in my later teen years. After formal study I used these IT skills in the classroom and was given a teaching position at Harristown State High School.

Seeking employment in the independent sector I then spent 7 years as IPT specialist at Toowoomba Grammar School where I also assisted in the boarding environment. In 2003 my wife and I moved to Brisbane and I was fortunate enough to be given a position of added responsibility at Grace Lutheran College. My role has grown and evolved ever since.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts - Politics and Law (UNE), a Graduate Diploma of Education - Secondary (UNE), and a Graduate Certificate in Computer Science (Monash).

Something you probably didn’t know about me is that I love plane spotting!

Mr Damian Jackson | Business Manager

An insightful metaphor credited to W.B. Yeats is that “Education is not the filling of a pail, but rather the lighting of a fire”. As the Business Manager, I see my role as helping to create the optimal environment for lighting that fire in our students. Having only recently commenced in January 2021, I feel privileged to serve the Grace community together with a Leadership Team of professional, experienced educators. I am excited to be playing an integral part in shaping the future of Grace Lutheran College.

When I completed Year 12 back in the 1990s, I had every intention of becoming a commercial airline pilot. That dream was quickly crushed when I became sick in the cockpit of a light airplane. So I decided to pursue a less adventurous career in Finance and Accounting. I went on to complete a Bachelor of Business (B Bus) degree and also graduated a few years later with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). I am a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) and a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders (FIML).

The breadth of my business management experience extends across both commercial and not-for-profit environments. In more recent years, I have served in senior executive positions with the Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Surf Life Saving Foundation. Before joining Grace Lutheran College, I was the Business Manager at LORDS, a Lutheran Prep to Year 12 school based on the Gold Coast.

When I am not working in front of my laptop at the Rothwell or Caboolture campuses, I like to recharge my batteries by kayaking and cycling. My wife and I have two wonderful teenage children who like to keep me honest; they are not afraid to tell me how bad my “dad jokes” are and they revel in beating me in any games we play whether it be cards, boardgames, Mario Kart or Just Dance.