Meet our College Captains, Matthew Packham and Sarah Upputholla, and our Vice Captains, Chloe Kokoris and Christian Chimbwanda! Check out their Q&A responses below to get to know them better.
Matthew Packham - College Captain
Q: Tell us about yourself!
A: Hey everyone, my name is Matthew Packham and I have the privilege of serving as Heathdale’s School Captain for 2022. I started my time at Heathdale right from Kinder in 2009 and have attended the College for the last 13 years! My favourite subjects are Drama, Literature and History because they all are subjects that I find really fun, engaging and interesting, not to mention the awesome and passionate people in the classes that make these subjects even better!
Q: What is your favourite thing about Heathdale?
A: My favourite thing about Heathdale has to be the unifying sense of community that I’ve always felt across the past 13 years. Always feeling like there a teachers or other students who constantly support you and are there for you has made my time at the College that much better.
Q: How do you spend your time outside of school?
A: My time outside of school is usually spent going to see live theatre, reading lots of different books and, of course, lots of Netflix... As some of you might know, I’m a bit of a drama fanatic and try to get involved in that area as much as possible. For instance, I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in the last two College musicals (Fiddler on the Roof and Beauty and The Beast) and will be taking part in this year’s Sound of Music, which I am very excited to perform in.
Q: What are you most excited for about Heathdale’s 40th Anniversary celebrations this year?
A: I am most excited to see all the different and exciting events that are going to be planned throughout the year! This is definitely going to be quite a big year in the College’s 40-year history, so I feel honoured and ready to celebrate with you all the last 40 years of Heathdale Christian College. More importantly, also being able to celebrate God’s remarkable gift of the Heathdale community is something I am incredibly eager to rejoice in and celebrate.
Q: What are your current plans for after you finish school?
A: My plans for what I am going to do after I finish school is something I’m constantly changing my mind over. At the moment, my plan is to look into psychological research focusing on child development and possibly completing a master’s degree in this area. However, I am also considering getting into teaching and focusing on Secondary English and History. Like I said, I change my mind a lot and who knows, I might have a completely new option if you ask me the question again in the next few months, but this is the plan… for now!
Sharon Upputholla - College Captain
Q: Tell us about yourself!
A: My name is Sharon Upputholla! I am one of the School Captains alongside Matthew. For thirteen amazing years, I have had the privilege of studying at Heathdale since Prep. I love learning and experiencing new things, but science and language subjects would have to be my favourite! I always enjoy experimenting in the lab and conversing with my teachers in a different language.
Q: What is your favourite thing about Heathdale?
A: Heathdale is an amazing school! It is hard for me to pin-point my favourite aspect of what the school offers but one thing that stands out the most for me is the environment: a place where I can be myself and connect to the teachers. I love how we can discuss on an educational level but also about our Christian lives. The school even provides an opportunity to go on mission trips which is something I always admired.
Q: How do you spend your time outside of school?
A: Outside of school, a lot of my time is spent at church! I serve in children’s ministry and am involved with the youth group where I learn and grow with friends and family. Church is like my second home. I also enjoy spending time with my four siblings, working, and sleeping!
Q: What are you most excited for about Heathdale’s 40th Anniversary celebrations this year?
A: Forty years of celebration is definitely an exciting occasion, especially since it is my last year of high school! Looking back at how far Heathdale has progressed and at what they have built both as a community and as a school is admirable. I am excited and expectant to see all they have planned for this year and the years to come and how we, as students, can get involved in a spirit of celebration and enthusiasm!
Q: What are your current plans for after you finish school?
A: After I finish VCE, I look forward to experiencing the university life and travelling! My options are wide and open, still yet to be discovered and decided. I hope that I will find a course that I will enjoy studying, and also be willing to experience and explore all that is offered!
Chloe Kokoris - College Vice Captain
Q: Tell us about yourself!
A: Hi everyone! My name is Chloe Kokoris and I’m Heathdale’s Vice-Captain. I’ve been at Heathdale since Kindergarten 2009, I can’t believe how time has flown! I have a great passion for subjects like Studio Arts and Drama, as creating and expressing myself through a visual format gives me great joy. Of course, this isn’t ignoring the mere greatness of History, Literature & French!
Q: What is your favourite thing about Heathdale?
A: Mostly, I love the Heathdale community and the way in which connections can be brought about through many different means! The opportunities to join multiple groups at Heathdale, such as different teams, allow students to make so many wonderful friendships. I think the genuine care that the Heathdale teachers and staff have make it a super special place. The passion for the students and love for Christ makes Heathdale a safe place to just be who you are and learn more about Jesus and the wonderful sacrifice He has given us!
Q: How do you spend your time outside of school?
A: Outside of school I love doing art and getting creative in any way I can, and going to my church! I also love reading and watching movies with my family. One thing I’ve really been getting into is roller skating, who would’ve thought! During lockdown I saw some people who did dance skating and as an immediate response decided I needed skates then and there. I bought some skates and began experimenting. A thousand falls later I can (kind of) spin and skate straight! If anyone does have any tips, do let me know.
Q: What are you most excited for about Heathdale’s 40th Anniversary celebrations this year?
A: I am so excited to have our final year on the 40th Anniversary of Heathdale! What a great testament for the work Heathdale has been doing. I am looking forward to celebrating with all the super special events that will take place this year! However, what I'm looking forward to most is having opportunities to chat and meet more students throughout the 40th year and make so many more friends!
Q: What are your current plans for after you finish school?
A: Currently, I’m not too sure what will happen after I leave school. I’m planning to head off to university, possibly undertaking a Bachelor of Fine/Visual Arts and a Masters in Teaching, or Counselling, or Journalism! There are so many choices, but I know at the end of the day, the right choice will be made with God’s help.
Christian Chimbwanda - College Vice Captain
Q: Tell us about yourself!
A: My name is Christian Chimbwanda, I am a Vice Captain of the College and I have been at Heathdale since Year 7. My favourite subjects would have to be PE and Sport and Rec.
Q: What is your favourite thing about Heathdale?
A: My favourite thing about Heathdale is the different teachers and how well each of them communicate with all of us.
Q: How do you spend your time outside of school?
A: Outside of school I usually like to hang out with my friends, play games, and other things like that. I also enjoy playing soccer.
Q: What are you most excited for about Heathdale’s 40th Anniversary celebrations this year?
A: I'm most excited to finish school... just kidding! I'm excited about how the school is going to grow especially since I have a younger sister so I will still a part of the College community even after Year 12.
Q: What are your current plans for after you finish school?
A: After I finish school, I'm aiming to go to university so I can study there and eventually get a job that I can make a good living on.