Hello & Welcome!
Welcome to Regent College
A Place For Childhood Learning
Thank you for your interest in our college. Regent College is a co-educational, faith-based school in Victoria Park, Perth. Our school is situated on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. We are located in an inner-city educational precinct, in close proximity to Victoria Park Primary School (Department of Education) and Victoria Park Christian School (Adventist Education).
Regent College is a primary school that caters for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Students continue their secondary education at a diverse selection of schools, both in the public and private educational sectors, following graduation from Regent College.
We are in a highly valued position as an independent college because we can respond to our students’ needs. We focus on learning from a child’s perspective. We can provide an atmosphere for learning that is faith-based. Regent College has an experienced, dedicated and professional staff. We are a member of the Association of Independent Schools Western Australia (AISWA) and Christian Schools Australia (CSA) and are regulated by the Western Australian Department of Education.
It is important to us that there is a strong sense of belonging at our College. We hope this is noticeable from the beginning to the end of the school day. We do not seek to build a culture of exclusivity or prestige, where certain people get special treatment. Our intention is inclusivity and kindness. We are a Christian school and our enrolment is open to families from other religious or non-faith backgrounds. We do this because our mindset is about outwardly focussed and being salt and light in the world.
You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden
Matthew 5:14 (NLT)
The Principal’s Message
We are committed to the ideas of lifelong learning and creativity. This takes effort rather than natural aptitude. Students should have skills to manage change; to engage in complex problem solving; to have resilience; to be aware of others and be motivated to impact the world. This places students in the most vital position for lifelong success.
We aim to reduce the barriers to learning, such as performance anxiety or fear of failure. We want to see students feel motivated to come to school, take risks, try new tasks, or discuss new ideas. We aim to complement the excellent work that families have already started, particularly in the extra-curricular programmes that are offered. In 2022, these will include Mandarin language, instrumental music, chess and running club.
We focus on the development of the whole child, and this includes spirituality and socio-emotional well-being. While our Christian framework is non-denominational, it is Protestant and evangelical in tradition. We teach a Christian curriculum in addition to the Western Australian Curriculum. As a staff, we strive to live out our Christian faith in genuine and tangible ways and endeavour to be more Christ-like in our interactions with students and families.
Finally, we are currently reimagining our College for the next generation of learners. This has involved a dramatic transformation of our grounds and facilities. Fortunately, the main building projects (demolition and rebuild) have already been completed. Our next step consists of the refurbishment of the pre-primary areas and the canteen.
Our Mission and Vision statements seek to set the benchmark for this change and are described below.
The leadership team is very accessible at Regent College. We can be readily contacted through the College Administration. I look forward to meeting with your family to discuss any questions or considerations you may have.
Kind regards,
Derek Nicholls
Principal
Our Vision
To have a reputation in the community as a school known for its academic excellence and use of innovative teaching practices, where belonging, wellbeing and growth prepare students for their ongoing educational and faith journey.
Our Mission
To provide a Christ centred, inquiry focused learning environment, in which childhood is to be enjoyed and celebrated and where students develop a life long love of learning.
Our Values
Courage | Honesty | Respect | Responsibility | Compassion
Our Story
Like many Christian schools, Regent College started as a grassroots movements where parents and families sought alternative options for education for their children. The seeds for Regent College, were planted in inner-city Perth, and grew an educational community named “Faith Christian Academy” and later “Rhema Christian Academy”. Faith Christian Academy commenced in 1982 in Brisbane Street Perth.
In the early days, Regent College catered for students Years 1 to 10 utilising Accelerated Christian Education as its curriculum base. After several years the school moved to the WA Education Department based curriculum. The College was able to relocate to the present address in Victoria Park in 1986. Further adaptions were made in 1994 when the College became a primary school only.
A vital feature of the college is the long-serving and dedicated Christian staff who have worked diligently to develop programmes that prepare students to become responsible and productive citizens. Actually, there are a few staff members still working at Regent College who commenced in the 1980s. These superstar teachers have continued with the same passion and dedication to Christian Education as when they started.
From its origins as a ministry of the Inner City Faith Fellowship, now called Riverview Church, Regent College has now developed as an independent entity. Regent College has progressively improved in educational outcomes, premises and evangelical outlook. This allowed the school to flourish as a dedicated boutique primary school.
Building a Future for Regent College
At Regent College, we believe in the power of education to shape the future. We strive to provide our students with an exceptional learning environment that nurtures their growth, unleashes their potential, and prepares them for a world full of possibilities.
The funds raised through the building fund will enable us to undertake essential refurbishments, implement crucial upgrades and acquire state-of-the-art equipment. Your gift will not only help us to better accommodate our growing student body but also inspire the creation of an innovative and engaging space for learning.
We invite you to be a catalyst for change and join us on this remarkable journey. Every donation, regardless of size, brings us closer to creating a vibrant and inspiring environment where students can flourish. Together, let us invest in the future and contribute today towards a legacy that will impact the next generations.
Governance
Regent College is governed by the Regent College Inc. Board. The functions of the Regent Board include but are not limited to:
1. Setting the broad direction and vision of the school.
2. Strategic planning for the school, including: Developing, monitoring and reviewing the objectives and targets of the strategic plan; and considering, approving and monitoring human resource and asset management plans
3. Determining policies for the school including policies for the safety, welfare and discipline of students
4. Determining the application of the total financial resources available to the school including the regular review of the budget
The Regent College Board
Andrew Hadfield currently works as Pastoral Care Manager with YouthCARE, which provides school chaplaincy services within the Western Australian public school system. In this senior management role, he oversees the delivery of services across five urban and rural regions.
Andrew has held a number of governance roles, having served as a deacon at the Church of Christ in Kalgoorlie and more recently as the external chair of the board at Newspring Church in Kelmscott.
Andrew holds a Master of Business Administration, as well as a Diploma of Pastoral Ministry. He is also trained in Pastoral Critical Response and various mental health and wellbeing disciplines.
He brings a strong understanding of business operations, marked by sound financial acumen, well-developed people skills, and a commitment to establishing compliant governance structures that effectively serve their communities. His more recent experience has also given him a broad and insightful understanding of the education system.
Amanda Rowe has held various minute secretary positions on Boards, since 2003, predominantly within the education and NFP sector.
Fast forward to 2021, and Amanda is now a member of the Regent College Board.
On staff at Riverview Church until 2022, where she was the Marketing and Communications Director and led the Riverview Children’s Foundation.
Amanda has years of experience running businesses in Perth, WA, and in March 2022 started her full-time Celebrancy practice, and spends her days holding space for those experiencing loss, and celebrating love.
Kylie Smith is an experienced Business Manager with over 20 years’ experience in the education sector. She currently serves as Business Manager at Providence Christian College, where she supports financial oversight, operational management, and long-term sustainability.
She has previously held Business Manager roles across a number of
independent colleges, bringing broad experience in school operations and leadership. Kylie holds a Master of Professional Accounting and a Graduate Certificate in School Leadership and Management and is a member of the Institute of Public Accountants.
Her experience spans financial planning, risk management, property and asset development, human resources, and ICT systems. She has also served on the AISWA Capital Grant Authority, contributing to the assessment and allocation of capital funding within the independent school sector.
Kylie brings a thoughtful and relational approach to governance, working closely with boards and executive teams in strategic planning, financial stewardship, and risk oversight. She values integrity, collaboration, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of
organisations and the communities they serve.
Kylie’s Christian faith is central to her life and shapes her approach to relationships, leadership, and service. She is married with two adult sons and has been attending Riverview Church since 2005. She enjoys being part of her church community and, as a keen coffee enthusiast, brings her barista skills to serve others and foster connection
Shaeron Yapp currently works as the Senior Manager for Human Rights at Rio Tinto. Her recent experience includes a role in Sustainability Strategy (Human Rights) at South32 and serving as the Manager for Strategic Policy and Business at the Walk Free Foundation. She was part of the team that successfully advocated for the Australian Modern Slavery Act and helped launch the Bali Process Government and Business Forum in the Indo-Pacific region.
Prior to this, Shaeron worked as a lawyer in both Australia and the UK, including roles as in-house commercial counsel at the BBC and BP, and as a project finance and restructuring lawyer in emerging markets.
She has also served as a board director for Initiate Australia, a small not-for-profit organisation that provides education scholarships for young people interested in social justice and international development.
Over the past 16 years, Penny has worked in a range of independent schools across Perth, beginning her teaching career at All Saints’ College (2008–2018). There, she taught Years 1–6 and held leadership roles including Friendly Schools Coordinator, Head of House, and Acting Curriculum Coordinator.
During her time at All Saints’, she contributed to AISWA book publications, presented at AISWA professional development events (focusing on play-based learning, maths, inquiry, and graduate mentoring), and for two years tutored for Curtin University’s online BEd program.
She also wrote sample teaching and learning programs (PP–6) for the School Curriculum and Standards Authority and was a state finalist in the National Excellence in Teaching Awards.
In 2019, she joined Guildford Grammar School as a Senior Teacher, largely to be mentored by Clark Wight. Under his leadership, she further developed her keynote speaking, including presenting at conferences in Perth and Victoria.
In 2020, she accepted a new position at Fremantle Christian College, where, as Deputy Principal, she was responsible for a team of 23 staff, curriculum direction and training, budgets and pastoral care of the Primary school, as well as policies, procedures and compliance.
Throughout her career, her greatest joy has been fostering confident, resilient learners and sharing the message that each child is special just because God made them, and that He loves them so much that he sent Jesus to save them.
Zach Cottrell holds a Master of Leadership from the Australian College of Divinity and a Graduate Certificate in Divinity from Morling College. He is also a graduate of the Arrow Leadership Program.
He currently serves as the Head of Physical Education at Carey Baptist College, where he has held several leadership positions. His background includes youth and pastoral care roles across various churches, including Riverview Church.
Zach and his wife currently serve at Red Door Community Church and has a keen interest in the integration of holistic wellbeing and leadership
coaching, specifically the connection between physical health and leadership capacity.
Amy Rinaldi is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA Australia) with over 10 years of experience in accounting, taxation, and financial reporting. She works across both church and professional practice settings, supporting clients and organisations with compliance, financial management, and advisory.
In her current role as a Tax Accountant and Assistant Relationship Manager, she works closely with clients on tax matters while also supporting strong professional relationships and team development.
She has been serving at Riverview Church since 2019 and was promoted to Senior Accountant in 2022, where she contributes to financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, and governance processes. She also supports the Finance Committee discussions, audits, and ongoing improvements to financial systems and controls, helping ensure transparency and responsible stewardship of resources.
She is a committed follower of Jesus Christ, and her faith underpins her approach to both work and service. She values integrity, stewardship, and serving others, and is passionate about contributing to organisations that support Christian ministry and education.
The Regent College Board
Andrew Hadfield currently works as Pastoral Care Manager with YouthCARE, which provides school chaplaincy services within the Western Australian public school system. In this senior management role, he oversees the delivery of services across five urban and rural regions.
Andrew has held a number of governance roles, having served as a deacon at the Church of Christ in Kalgoorlie and more recently as the external chair of the board at Newspring Church in Kelmscott.
Andrew holds a Master of Business Administration, as well as a Diploma of Pastoral Ministry. He is also trained in Pastoral Critical Response and various mental health and wellbeing disciplines.
He brings a strong understanding of business operations, marked by sound financial acumen, well-developed people skills, and a commitment to establishing compliant governance structures that effectively serve their communities. His more recent experience has also given him a broad and insightful understanding of the education system.
Amanda Rowe has held various minute secretary positions on Boards, since 2003, predominantly within the education and NFP sector.
Fast forward to 2021, and Amanda is now a member of the Regent College Board.
On staff at Riverview Church until 2022, where she was the Marketing and Communications Director and led the Riverview Children’s Foundation.
Amanda has years of experience running businesses in Perth, WA, and in March 2022 started her full-time Celebrancy practice, and spends her days holding space for those experiencing loss, and celebrating love.
Kylie Smith is an experienced Business Manager with over 20 years’ experience in the education sector. She currently serves as Business Manager at Providence Christian College, where she supports financial oversight, operational management, and long-term sustainability.
She has previously held Business Manager roles across a number of
independent colleges, bringing broad experience in school operations and leadership. Kylie holds a Master of Professional Accounting and a Graduate Certificate in School Leadership and Management and is a member of the Institute of Public Accountants.
Her experience spans financial planning, risk management, property and asset development, human resources, and ICT systems. She has also served on the AISWA Capital Grant Authority, contributing to the assessment and allocation of capital funding within the independent school sector.
Kylie brings a thoughtful and relational approach to governance, working closely with boards and executive teams in strategic planning, financial stewardship, and risk oversight. She values integrity, collaboration, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of
organisations and the communities they serve.
Kylie’s Christian faith is central to her life and shapes her approach to relationships, leadership, and service. She is married with two adult sons and has been attending Riverview Church since 2005. She enjoys being part of her church community and, as a keen coffee enthusiast, brings her barista skills to serve others and foster connection
Shaeron Yapp currently works as the Senior Manager for Human Rights at Rio Tinto. Her recent experience includes a role in Sustainability Strategy (Human Rights) at South32 and serving as the Manager for Strategic Policy and Business at the Walk Free Foundation. She was part of the team that successfully advocated for the Australian Modern Slavery Act and helped launch the Bali Process Government and Business Forum in the Indo-Pacific region.
Prior to this, Shaeron worked as a lawyer in both Australia and the UK, including roles as in-house commercial counsel at the BBC and BP, and as a project finance and restructuring lawyer in emerging markets.
She has also served as a board director for Initiate Australia, a small not-for-profit organisation that provides education scholarships for young people interested in social justice and international development.
Over the past 16 years, Penny has worked in a range of independent schools across Perth, beginning her teaching career at All Saints’ College (2008–2018). There, she taught Years 1–6 and held leadership roles including Friendly Schools Coordinator, Head of House, and Acting Curriculum Coordinator.
During her time at All Saints’, she contributed to AISWA book publications, presented at AISWA professional development events (focusing on play-based learning, maths, inquiry, and graduate mentoring), and for two years tutored for Curtin University’s online BEd program.
She also wrote sample teaching and learning programs (PP–6) for the School Curriculum and Standards Authority and was a state finalist in the National Excellence in Teaching Awards.
In 2019, she joined Guildford Grammar School as a Senior Teacher, largely to be mentored by Clark Wight. Under his leadership, she further developed her keynote speaking, including presenting at conferences in Perth and Victoria.
In 2020, she accepted a new position at Fremantle Christian College, where, as Deputy Principal, she was responsible for a team of 23 staff, curriculum direction and training, budgets and pastoral care of the Primary school, as well as policies, procedures and compliance.
Throughout her career, her greatest joy has been fostering confident, resilient learners and sharing the message that each child is special just because God made them, and that He loves them so much that he sent Jesus to save them.
Zach Cottrell holds a Master of Leadership from the Australian College of Divinity and a Graduate Certificate in Divinity from Morling College. He is also a graduate of the Arrow Leadership Program.
He currently serves as the Head of Physical Education at Carey Baptist College, where he has held several leadership positions. His background includes youth and pastoral care roles across various churches, including Riverview Church.
Zach and his wife currently serve at Red Door Community Church and has a keen interest in the integration of holistic wellbeing and leadership
coaching, specifically the connection between physical health and leadership capacity.
Amy Rinaldi is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA Australia) with over 10 years of experience in accounting, taxation, and financial reporting. She works across both church and professional practice settings, supporting clients and organisations with compliance, financial management, and advisory.
In her current role as a Tax Accountant and Assistant Relationship Manager, she works closely with clients on tax matters while also supporting strong professional relationships and team development.
She has been serving at Riverview Church since 2019 and was promoted to Senior Accountant in 2022, where she contributes to financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, and governance processes. She also supports the Finance Committee discussions, audits, and ongoing improvements to financial systems and controls, helping ensure transparency and responsible stewardship of resources.
She is a committed follower of Jesus Christ, and her faith underpins her approach to both work and service. She values integrity, stewardship, and serving others, and is passionate about contributing to organisations that support Christian ministry and education.
Annual Reports
