College Parent Committee

Susan Luce  (Sue)

Appointed to the College Parent Committee in 2016 and currently Chairperson.  I have been a parent at Swan since 2004.  My husband Steve and I have five children, three have graduated Swan (2008, 2011, 2016) with our youngest two currently in Year 8 and 10.  I am a full-time mum and carer for my mum and adopted brother who has Down Syndrome.  I am also the Director/Secretary of two Charities, Love and Care Ministries International Inc. and New Life Welfare (W.A.) Inc; and I am currently chairing the Board of a local government school, Clayton View Primary School.  My husband and I are Pastors of a small family Church, New Life International Inc. in Bellevue (affiliated to Christian Church in Australia). I am passionate about my faith and sharing Christian love in practical ways both in our local community and overseas.  I love watching my kids enjoy their sports, netball and basketball and just genuinely love spending time with family and friends.

Being a part of the Parent Committee has given me an opportunity to support our Principal and be part of the team effort in making improvements around our College.  I take very seriously the opportunity to represent the parents and families.  I would encourage other parents to be supportive and get involved, whenever and however they can. Keep informed about what’s happening in and around the College.  Don’t be shy to ask staff and other parents for help or information. I am happy to meet with parents for a coffee and a chat.

Mark Schorer

Appointed to the College Parent Committee in 2015.  I have been a parent at Swan since 2010.  My beautiful wife Deb and I have three boys in Years 4, 7 and 9.  I am currently working at the Department of Communities.  My family attends Dreambuilders Church in the Swan Valley.  I personally enjoy football, sport, health and well-being, fishing/crayfishing/boating with family and friends, cycling, running, and swimming.  I also enjoy coaching football (Youth/Colts), creating culture and community, and investing in our young people for a bright future.  I am passionate about serving others and contributing to our community, however best I can.  My priority is to create a feeling of belonging, contributing and investing in a great community. I would encourage others to please get involved and serve our community. Be servant hearted. 

Pippa Van Ryk

Appointed to the College Parent Committee in 2019.  I have been a parent at the school since 2007 although my family have been involved in SCEA since 1985.  I have three children, two of whom are currently in the Middle School in Year 7 and 8.  I wanted to join the Parent Committee to make sure I have opportunities to serve the school now that my children are no longer in the Junior School.  I used to be a registered nurse, however since having my children, my husband Carl started an electrical contracting business where I work part time.  I also work for a friend making jewellery and volunteer for the Red Cross when I have time.  I attend Dreambuilders church in the Swan Valley where I serve mainly in catering for camps and events.  I love camping, cooking, sewing and spending time with my family.  I would like to encourage parents to get involved with events, if you have an idea to make the school even better tell someone about it and lastly remember to take the time to tell teachers and staff how much you appreciate them.  We all need encouragement to be our best!

Steve Sonneman-Smith

Appointed to the College Parent Committee in 2019.  With my two children moving to Swan in 2018 where my wife Kristy and I have one child in the Junior School Year 4 and one in Middle School Year 8.  I am currently on the Pastoral Team at Dreambuilders Church Perth where, together with my wife, we oversee the Pastoral Care of our Malaga campus and provide a support role in Missions.  I also work as a consultant with Not-for-Profits and charities in Northwest regions of WA and South-East Asia assisting in Finance, Business Development and Governance. Outside of Work and Ministry I am kept busy with kids sport and trying to keep up with them.  It is a great time to spend with the family, but it does keep us busy. While only new to the role, I count it an honour to serve the Swan parents and staff on the committee and to be a voice in the development and community of our school. If you see me around the school please introduce yourself, as I am interested in your journey and experiences at our school.

The school is a community of students, staff and parents all focused on the development of the next generation.  We all have different roles to play in their development, but the community is stronger with more people playing a role, so let me encourage you to get involved in the various programs coming up as they are designed to build a stronger more resilient community.

Cheri MacDonagh

I was appointed to the College Parent Committee towards the end of 2016. I have been a Parent at Swan since 2015. My husband James and I have two children, one in Pre-Primary and the other in Year 3. I also graduated from Swan Christian College and have had a lot of my family members involved with SCEA. My family attends Eastern District Alliance Church in Caversham.  I work at the Department of Education as a Participation Coordinator working with high risk disengaged Year 11 and 12 students to re-engage them into education/training or employment as well as dealing with their barriers. I am very passionate about early intervention, quality Christian education and building a sense of community & belonging amongst families which is why I wanted to be a part of the Swan College Parent Committee and I am honoured to be a part of it.

I’d love to encourage our parents to get involved with their kids’ education and support the school to nurture our kids holistically, please have a chat with me if you see me around! I love spending time with family and friends, watching & playing sports, travelling (although a bit tricky with kids). 

Andrew Murfin

Appointed to the College Parent Committee in 2015. I have been a parent at Swan since 2011. My wife Sharyn and I have two sons who have both been at Swan since Kindy. Jack is now in Year 7 and Oliver is in Year 6. I joined the Salvation Army when I was in my twenties due to their practical Christian outreach and Christ-like care for the community. At the Salvo’s, I commenced the early morning soup run and ran it as a volunteer for 25 years. It makes me feel proud to know that our College now makes the soup for these soup runs.

During this time, I also served as State Director for the Salvation Army Emergency Services and as a Chaplin for the WA Fire Brigade. I furthermore had the privilege to serve as a Councillor for the City of Perth and City of Belmont, as a Patron for the Western Australia Police Academy, and on the board of many charities. For my services to the community, I was presented with an Order of Australia Medal and have been appointed a Justice of the Peace. I am happy to help the College community in my role as a Justice of the Peace if required.

I count it a real honour to serve on the College Parent Committee. During the past four years, there have been many changes for the better, and I firmly believe that God has great things in store for the future of the staff, students, parents and community at Swan Christian College.