The Principal

Mr Martin Keast was appointed to Covenant as the Principal in 2013. Previously he was the Principal of Hamilton Christian School (New Zealand) for three years and before that at Wainoumata Christian College (New Zealand) for ten years. Mr Keast has an honours degree in electrical engineering and a Diploma of Teaching; he specialises in the teaching of Biblical Studies, Mathematics and Science.

Deputy Principal & ELC Director

Mrs Julie Prattis has extensive experience in Early Learning, leadership, administration and Christian Education in both Primary School and Preschool settings. Having recently retired as the Principal of Torrens Valley Christian School in Adelaide, Julie joined the team at Covenant Christian School at the start of Term 2, 2023.

Director of Curriculum and Learning

Mrs Leisa Williams is an experienced educator having specialised in the Arts, leadership, administration and Christian Education in both Primary and High School settings. Having recently returned to Canberra from being the Head of Secondary Teaching and Learning at another Christian school on the Central Coast, Leisa joined the team at Covenant at the start of 2024.

Head of Secondary

Mrs Wendy Lyons worked as a high school music teacher in South West Sydney then took 8 years off to raise a family. She returned to teaching in 2006 and has since taught Preschool–10 Music, Years 7/8 (Boys) English, Years 5/6 Art, PE & Computing, and Years 2/3 and 5/6.

Head of Primary

Mrs Sharyn Laughlin joined the school in 2009 and commenced as the Director of Studies for Primary in 2014. She currently teaches the Year 5 class.

Structure & Governance FAQ

Q: Is Covenant run by one particular church?

A: No, the Covenant Christian School Association is incorporated under the ACT Associations Incorporation Act and is separate from any particular church. The Association’s membership includes a fellowship of Christian people who are actively involved in their local protestant churches and are united in their commitment to education at Covenant.

Q: Who governs and manages the school?

A: The general affairs of the Association are overseen by a governance board, known as the Council. The Council is responsible for maintaining financial viability, high-level decision making, strategic planning and policy development and consists of up to nine members, all of whom are members of the Association.

The School Executive manages the day-to-day operations of the school and is independent from the Council. The School Executive consists of the school’s Principal and Business Manager. They are assisted by a Senior Management Team which includes the ELC Director, and Directors of Studies for Primary and Secondary schools.

The professional teaching staff and the School Executive are responsible for the day-to-day education at Covenant.

Committees at Covenant

The committees include:

• Strategy, Risk & Planning Committee
• Building and Property Committee
• Finance Committee
• Staff Selection Committee

To find out more about the School’s Association, how to become a member or serve on a committee, please click here.