Our Executive Team
Craig Schmidt – Principal
Mr Schmidt commenced teaching in 1991 and brings substantial executive educational leadership experience across State, Lutheran and Christian School sectors, with over two decades most recently spent in coeducational K-12 Christian schooling. Prior to taking up the position of Principal at Westside, he spent 10 years at St Peters Lutheran College Springfield. His roles included Deputy Principal, Head of Middle School, Junior High and Senior School and 3 years as Principal. His love of mathematics has proved invaluable in many aspects of educational leadership, such as problem solving, data collection and analysis and financial management. Passionate about life-long learning, his studies have encompassed educational leadership, theology and business management.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve and be a part of the Westside community. God has blessed us with a Board which has authentic concern for students, staff and families; a supportive and gracious parent community; Christian staff who are mission-focused and deeply committed; and students of joyous and generous character.
Whatever we do, we are called to work at it with all our heart, as serving the Lord. As such, I believe we have a mandate for excellence, to be and do our best in order that we might use the fullness of our gifts and abilities to be of service to others, for the common good and the glory of God.”
BHMS(Ed) - Bachelor of Human Movement Studies (Education) with a Mathematics Major.
MEd - Master of Education
MBA - Master of Business Administration with Distinction
MEdTheol – Master of Education and Theology
Kathryn Innes – Head of Primary
Mrs Innes came to teach at Westside in 1999. Her roles have included Secondary Biblical Studies Coordinator, Years 1-3 Team Coordinator, Head of Junior Primary and now Head of Primary. She brings wide experience in teaching in the Early Years and Senior Primary, across State and Christian education. Mrs Innes has a keen interest in literacy, believing that early literacy is a key for doing well at school and plays a vital role in children’s development, learning, confidence, and socialisation skills.
“The quality education Westside offers goes far beyond the classroom walls, as we nurture life-long learners who walk ‘in Thy light’ and shine. I value excellence in teaching practice and encourage all students to grow in their unique, God-given abilities. We foster positive, meaningful relationships here. God is our heartbeat, and His presence is tangible. This is seen in the way we care, felt by the way we love and expressed through our Biblical values. Westside is one big family, where we embrace cultural diversity and encourage community.”
Rob Pattearson – Head of Secondary
Mr. Pattearson joined the West Side Community in 2024 as the Secondary Careers and Pathways Coordinator. He brings a wealth of experience from his eight years as Head of Senior School at Redlands College, and from the previous positions as Head of Mathematics at two different independent schools. Mr Pattearson is passionate about students pursuing their God-given gifts and talents to serve others. He believes that this is best achieved when the College works in partnership with students, families and the Westside Community.
"It is a privilege to be able to serve in a community that is focused on equipping young people for a future of service for the common good. It is such a blessing to see teachers who genuinely care about their students, students who are keen to grow and families who are so supportive of the Christ-centred education their students receive."
BEd - Bachelor of Education
BSc - Bachelor of Science
MEd - Master of Education
Cawood Davies - Business Manager
Arriving from South Africa in 2006, Mr Davies began working for Northern Territory Christian Schools, firstly as a houseparent at Woolaning Homeland Christian College and then as CFO for Northern Territory Christian Schools for over 10 years. Mr Davies accepted the position of Business Manager at Westside Christian College in 2017 and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA).
“Part of my role at Westside is to optimise planning and detailed budgeting for present and future growth. I am fortunate to be supported by an experienced team in the Business Office. The staff at Westside have excellent standards, and a heart to serve their local community. The College is also fortunate that the Board, Principal and Executive leadership, have a very clear commitment to prayerfully serve in their roles.”