Staff

Our Team

Our staff share a passion for education of children as part of a transformational Christian learning community.

Our leadership team is dedicated to upholding our values, and is committed to excellence in Christian education. Our team is led by the following people.

School Principal

Lifeas Kapofu
principal@emmanuel.tas.edu.au

Lifeas is a born-again Christian educator who has served in various roles in schools in different countries. Lifeas started his teaching journey in 1996. In March 2022 Lifeas moved to Emmanuel Christian School to work as as a Science teacher. Lifeas believes in whatever capacity we serve, it’s all about people. He believes our life obligation is servitude, not leaving a mark. He believes we make a difference through nurturing the potential of all we are blessed to meet, and directing them towards a purposeful future.

ACTING Head of Secondary

David Witcomb
dwitcomb@emmanuel.tas.edu.au

Originally from Portugal and having emigrated to Australia in his youth, David brings over 25 years of experience in education. He has held senior leadership roles in leading schools within our community, where he has successfully reimagined learning programs, mentored staff, and championed a positive school culture.

David is dedicated to providing young people with challenging and meaningful growth opportunities that build resilience and self-confidence. He excels at creating environments where students thrive and flourish both in and out of the classroom.

Head of Primary

Laura Ferguson
lferguson@emmanuel.tas.edu.au

Laura began her teaching career at Emmanuel Christian School after completing her Master of Teaching from the University of Tasmania in 2013. She has held various teaching roles across both primary and secondary levels and has contributed to the leadership team in areas such as learning support and curriculum development. Since 2022, she has served as Head of Primary, leading with a commitment to excellence in Christian education.

Married to a former Emmanuel student, Laura has two young children, one of whom attends the school. She is passionate about inclusive education and integrating the on-site Nature School into learning, fostering an environment where all students can thrive and develop a love for God’s creation.

Secondary Head of Teaching & Learning

David Witcomb
dwitcomb@emmanuel.tas.edu.au

Originally from Portugal and having emigrated to Australia in his youth, David brings over 25 years of experience in education. He has held senior leadership roles in leading schools within our community, where he has successfully reimagined learning programs, mentored staff, and championed a positive school culture.

David is dedicated to providing young people with challenging and meaningful growth opportunities that build resilience and self-confidence. He excels at creating environments where students thrive and flourish both in and out of the classroom.

Primary Head of Teaching & Learning

Amanda Robertson
arobertson@emmanuel.tas.edu.au

Amanda is a passionate educator with over twenty years of experience. She brings a wealth of experience in curriculum development and implementation, with a particular interest creating programs that engage students, accommodate diverse learning styles, and drive academic success. She loves being part of a school community and helping staff and students reach their full potential.

As a committed Christian, Amanda believes that the grace and mercy of Jesus is a gift for all and enjoys walking alongside others in their faith journey.

Primary Head of Student Development

Ed Moroni
emoroni@emmanuel.tas.edu.au

For the past 27 years, Ed has dedicated himself to the field of education, contributing his expertise to both primary schools and high schools. As the Head of Student Development, he finds immense satisfaction in collaborating with students to instill in them a sense of value and the understanding that they can actively contribute to the community, all within a secure and supportive environment. Witnessing students flourish in both their faith and confidence throughout their educational journey is a particularly rewarding aspect of his role.

Secondary Head of Student Development

John Aldridge
jaldridge@emmanuel.tas.edu.au

John is a Humanities and Languages teacher. He has a background in Environmental Science, and Pastoral Care initiatives such as Student Mentoring and a passion for building community and wellbeing. John joined the Emmanuel team in 2022, teaching Humanities and English in the high school. Faithfully attending Hope Christian Centre, John is passionate about supporting families and staff in building confidence and capacity within students. John is married and has three children attending Emmanuel.

Primary Teachers

  • Little Learners – Jennaleigh French

  • Kinder – Candace Freeman

  • Prep – Anne Knibbe and Candace Freeman

  • Year 1 – Amanda Robertson and James Nairn

  • Year 2 – Ashton King

  • Year 3 – Kath Lyall

  • Year 4/5 – Mark Nyhouse and Andre Pracejus

  • Year 5/6 – Ed Moroni and Laura Ferguson

  • LOTE – Andre Pracejus

  • Music – Andrea Marks

  • Design Technologies – Ian Miller

Secondary Teachers

  • History, Bible and Drama – Sue Newitt

  • Physical Education and Health – Jacob Rugless

  • English, Mathematics, STEM and Design Technologies – Dean Prentice

  • Art – Dianne Vanderplas

  • Languages Other than English (LOTE) - Lu Miao

  • Bible, Outdoor Education and Sports and Recreation - David Witcomb

  • Digital Technologies - Thomas DiPretoro

  • Mathematics and Mathematics Extended – Winfilda Kapofu

  • Science, Bible and Mathematics – Luna Zhao

  • Food Technology – Ian Miller

  • English, Music and Media Arts – Isaac Townsend

  • English and Bible – John Aldridge

  • History and HASS – Doug Sharp

  • History, HASS, Bible and Ceramics – Angela Reiher

  • Mathematics and Science – Jonathan Bentley

Employment

From time to time positions of employment are offered at Emmanuel Christian School. Details are posted on the Christian Schools Tasmania website. Please contact us if you have any questions.