Our School

Instruct their minds, shape their hearts and equip their hands

Circular Head Christian School is a non-denominational Christian school that puts emphasis on Christian values as we seek to put God first in all that we do.

Our school is led by a team of three – Principal, Assistant Principal & Business Manager.

Mrs Ara Popowski

Principal

My name is Ara Popowski and I am the Principal of the school. Previous roles at CHCS have included being the assistant principal, head of middle school, head of junior school and learning support coordinator. I started my career in education as a teacher aide whilst studying a Bachelor of Education. I have been a middle school teacher as well as early childhood teacher. I continue to teach in the special education area. I enjoy learning and look forward to every opportunity to develop my own skills and knowledege acrosss a wide range of areas. Leading learning at this school and helping to shape and develop the students for today and beyond is a very exciting part of my role.

Bachelor of Education
Diploma in Children's Ministries
Certificate in Small Business Management
Post Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership

Mr Jonathan Arnold

Assistant Principal

My name is Jono Arnold and I am the Assistant Principal of the school. I have been involved in Christian education for the past 18 years in a number of roles, including College teacher, Head of Senior School (now College) and Science Coordinator. I am passionate about the holistic development of each student, including building positive character and resilience to thrive during their schooling and beyond. I look forward to working with parents and students to discover their God given potential here at CHCS.

Bachelor of Science
Graduate Diploma in Education

Mr Matthew Saward

Business Manager

My name is Matthew Saward, and I am the Business Manager of the school. I commenced as Business Manager in 2022, after a 27 year career in Local Government. My focus is to manage the school's resources to provide great educational opportunities, both now and in the future. The day-to-day role involves oversight of financial management, health and safety, risk management, human resources, buildings and facilities, ICT, and oversight of our business activities. As Business Manager, I am accountable to the Principal and the Board. I lead a team of people who look after school administration and finance, information technology and maintenance. I look forward to welcoming you into our school.

Advanced Diploma of Health Services (Environmental Health)
Cert IV in Project Management Practice

The heart of the leadership is for your child to thrive in our care and trust that as a family you will enjoy being part of our Christian School community. We look forward to sharing the journey of your child’s learning with you.

We recognise the central role of parents in education, knowing that a partnership between home and school is vital. Our values provide a framework for building positive relationships to create an environment where learning is enhanced.

Our learning environment is divided into sub-schools which are led by a Head of School:

Junior - Kinder to Year 5
Middle - Year 6 to Year 9
College - Year 10 to Year 12 – including TASC & VET

Junior School - Years K-5. The Junior School is committed to providing quality Christian Education in a nurturing learning environment for children in the junior years. We are a "KidsMatter" and "Friendly Schools Plus" School; we believe every child belongs at our school and deserves the opportunity to do their best, learn at their best and feel part of the school family. Each child is valued and treated as an individual.

Most lessons are with their home class teacher, who are ably supported by various teacher aides. Students are given firm foundations in literacy and numeracy. The school caters for the learning needs of all students with programs designed to accommodate specific learning requirements as required.

Middle School -Years 6-9. Our programs are designed to enable students to spend most of their time with their home class teacher. In this environment, we are seeking to teach students to think critically in order to become independent learners.

We have a strong emphasis on literacy skills, using a daily spelling program and having teacher aides available to assist students who are struggling in this area. We also have an equally strong emphasis on numeracy skills. Students are taught in classes appropriate to their current level of numeracy development.

Years 6 to 8 - are the best years to transition students into secondary school routines and expectations. Middle school students spend the majority of their time with their core teacher, but also with specialised teachers as well. The middle school program aims to develop students in all areas in preparation for college expectations and more independent learning.

Year 9 LED - This is a specific curriculum geared to the needs of this year group. Year 9’s timetable allows students to develop skills through subjects such as Outdoor Skills and Agri Science. This year group has their own separate block on the campus which includes kitchen facilities.

College - Years 10-12. College provides a stimulating environment which supports students in their final years of schooling. It is underpinned by continuing to offer Christ centred education which includes; an excellent academic and vocational education program and real opportunities to develop character and gain a greater understanding of the world through God’s perspective.

College is a place of challenges, where students can build on their previous skills while developing the resilience and maturity necessary to enter adulthood with confidence.

Students are encouraged to take more responsibility for their learning, as they prepare for life beyond the school’s boundaries. Our school endeavours to provide opportunities for students to develop their individual gifts, in the context of an educational community striving to be faithful to God in all areas of life.

College provides the dual purpose of providing a college curriculum that is engaging, practical and challenging as well as meeting the expectations embedded in the Tasmanian Education Act for students to continue their education through to completion of Year 12.

The Act is clear that after Year 10, students need to have a range of educational opportunities and pathways made available to them.

All Year 10 students will select a VET (vocational education) course from a list of nine. This will provide practical & engaging teaching allowing students to leave school with a nationally accredited qualification.

Year 11/12 students are able to choose pre-tertiary subjects or subjects to their level of learning. Most pre-tertiary subjects are taught here at school. Pre-Tertiary (Level 3) subjects earn points towards a student’s Australian Tertiary Rank (ATAR).

Students are encouraged and mentored throughout the year to keep up to date with their assignments, work tasks and overall wellbeing.