Headquarters:
Swanleigh Parade, Aveley, WA 6069
Year founded:
2006
Number of employees:
169
Phone:
08 9297 9506
Email:
school@svacs.wa.edu.au
Website:
svacs.wa.edu.au
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/swan-valley-anglican-community-school
“We prioritise embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance our premium funding solutions and provide exceptional value to our clients”
Melissa Powell
Principal
Pen Houghton
Deputy Principal
Nesan Jayakumar
Business Manager
Leadership
Melissa Powell has over 15 years of experience as a principal and has led Swan Valley Anglican Community School since 2018. She is committed to fostering excellence and innovation, inspiring students and staff to achieve their best. Powell’s qualifications include Master of Education, Postgraduate Diploma of Educational Studies and Bachelor of Education (Distinction). Her master’s thesis explored structures that enhance student wellbeing. Recognised with multiple awards for outstanding achievement in educational leadership, Powell currently serves as AHISA WA Secretary and is a member of the AngliSchools Board and the WAASA Steering Committee. Her leadership reflects dedication to continuous improvement and student success.
Principal
Melissa Powell
Pen Houghton joined Swan Valley Anglican Community School in 2018 as deputy principal. She is passionate about excellence in teaching and learning, with a strong focus on student wellbeing. She values equipping teachers with research-backed methods to create quality learning experiences and is deeply committed to teacher wellbeing and professional growth. With over 15 years of experience as a deputy principal in independent schools, she brings extensive leadership expertise. Houghton holds a Master of Leadership and Management in Education from the University of Newcastle, specialising in leading change to ensure schools remain dynamic, supportive and future-focused.
Deputy Principal
Pen Houghton
Nesan Jayakumar has been an integral part of Swan Valley Anglican Community School for 15 years, currently serving as business manager. With a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, he brings expertise and dedication to managing the school’s financial operations and supporting its long-term growth. Working closely with the executive team, he helps shape strategic priorities that create a vibrant learning environment and strong community connections. Jayakumar has played a key role in delivering major capital works projects, including The Collaboration and Creativity Centre. His leadership ensures the school remains a safe, supportive and future-focused place for students and families.
Business Manager
Nesan Jayakumar
BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDINGs
Leadership
Leadership
Celena Mecham
Head of Secondary – Teaching and Learning
Celena Mecham has led secondary teaching and learning at Swan Valley Anglican Community School since 2020. With over 30 years of experience in education and a Master of Education (Educational Leadership), she leads an evidence-informed approach to inspire innovation and continuous improvement. Mecham focuses on curriculum design, assessment and strategic quality assurance, building systems and structures that support innovation in purposeful and sustainable ways. She enjoys sharing her expertise and learning from the expertise of others within the school, across the AngliSchools system, and through the Research Practice Partnership with Melbourne Metrics.
Head of Secondary – Teaching and Learning
Celena Mecham
Debbie Davies
Head of Secondary – Student Wellbeing
Debbie Davies is an experienced educator and leader with a career spanning student wellbeing, learning diversity and inclusive education across Years 7–12. She has held senior leadership roles in both the United Kingdom and Australia, including head of senior school, head of secondary (student wellbeing) and head of learning enrichment. Davies holds postgraduate qualifications in Special Learning Needs and is deeply committed to pedagogy that drives wellbeing. She believes strongly in the power of connection, community and belonging and is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and resilience to overcome challenges and thrive in inclusive, supportive learning environments.
Head of Secondary – Student Wellbeing
Debbie Davies
Stevens & Associates Lawyers is a leading and trusted employment law firm based in Sydney known for delivering high-quality legal expertise in the area of employment law and industrial relations across Australia, alongside a proven track record of effectively and swiftly resolving a variety of workplace law issues.
In the past year, the firm’s growth has been notable. It has:
• experienced a 213% growth in the number of client matters, increasing from 149 client matters in the 2022 financial year to 390 client matters in the 2023 financial year
• improved its online visibility, leading to over 50 online enquiries each month and a conversion rate of client leads of up to 40%
• significantly expanded the breadth and type of matters that it advises on day to day, which has increased the firm’s skillsets, diversity and resilience
• expanded its community outreach by collaborating with local Sydney venues for client seminars and continuing active participation in a Sydney small/family business group
Stevens & Associates Lawyers has adapted to digital trends by implementing an effective strategy with SEO and web design, resulting in a structural shift that has seen increased representation of employees where the firm previously mainly advised employers.
The firm’s recognition as a “Fast Firm” attests to its momentum in the employment law space.
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started”
Wayne Tower,
IQumulate Premium Funding
Shirley Steel
Head of Primary
Keralee Radi
Head of Secondary – Student Wellbeing 2026
Dean Shadgett
Head of School Operations 2026
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Shirley Steel has 35 years of experience in international and Anglican schools, holding various teaching and leadership roles. Passionate about every student thriving, she champions joyful, purposeful learning environments that foster agency, belonging and active engagement. Steel is committed to equipping students with the competencies needed for a bright future, inspiring them to serve and take action. She promotes inclusivity, cultural responsiveness and positive partnerships with students, staff, families and the community. Employed in AngliSchools for the past 19 years, she supports high-quality, affordable education where students feel seen, heard and empowered to flourish both in and beyond the classroom.
Head of Primary
Shirley Steel
Keralee Radi is an accomplished educator with ten years of leadership experience in wellbeing and inclusion at independent Anglican schools. She holds a Master of Education (Student Wellbeing) and a Graduate Certificate in Positive Education from the University of Melbourne, reflecting her commitment to evidence-based wellbeing frameworks and practices that cultivate supportive and empowering learning environments. Passionate about fostering student agency and amplifying student voice, Radi champions inclusive approaches that enable every learner to thrive both personally and academically. Her collaborative leadership style inspires staff and students alike, embedding wellbeing into everyday practice and nurturing connected, flourishing school communities.
Head of Secondary – Student Wellbeing 2026
Keralee Radi
Dean Shadgett is an accomplished educational leader with extensive experience in teaching, learning and student wellbeing. He has held leadership roles across several of Perth’s leading independent schools and is known for his collaborative approach and commitment to helping staff and students thrive. Shadgett holds degrees in Arts and Education from Edith Cowan University and a Master of Education in Management, Leadership and Administration from The University of Western Australia. His expertise spans curriculum design, strategic planning and educational technology. Shadgett brings warmth, professionalism and a deep understanding of school communities to every role.
Head of School Operations 2026
Dean Shadgett
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
One culmination of these efforts has been the real-world, needs-based IQEdge solution. A one-stop online quoting tool designed for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, IQEdge delivers quotes in under 60 seconds. Plus, the solution offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view.
IQEdge can streamline and automate application processing, underwriting document verification and payment collection, cutting the need for manual labour and minimising processing errors. A digital “self-service” platform, IQEdge, reduces the need for customer and administrative support. Meanwhile, borrowers can access their accounts, make payments and manage their policies independently and through sales and support teams, which are always available for further assistance.
“We’ve created a quality platform that simplifies the quoting process yet amplifies the customer experience,” says Gordon. “It’s a real game changer.” IQumulate offers an online digital quoting tool to clients. The best-in-market solution enables IQumulate to tailor funding offerings to brokers that align with their prefered distribution channel.
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What does IQumulate have in mind for the future?
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur.
“Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, creating a competitive advantage with the potential to allow IQumulate to command premium pricing or capture a larger market share.
“As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead.
“We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”
Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
To follow
Spokesperson, Swan Valley Anglican Community School
To follow
Spokesperson, Swan Valley Anglican Community School
Ivan Verescuk
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Shaun O’Brien
Head of Underwriting
Emily Walker
Head of Strata and Development
Rex Oakman
Head of Operations and Risk
Sandy Newton
Head of Underwriting
Andrew Mitchell
Manager – NSW
Michael Prokopis
Manager – Southern Region
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Jeffrey Valdivia
Manager – Commercial Strata
Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Swan Valley Anglican Community School (SVACS), located in Perth, stands as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity.
Established in 2006 and home to approximately 1,400 students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, SVACS is part of AngliSchools (formerly the Anglican Schools Commission WA). Its vibrant community draws from over 78 national backgrounds, with more than half of students coming from language backgrounds other than English.
This diversity is woven into the fabric of school life, shaping a culture where every individual is valued, welcomed and empowered to participate fully.
The Whole School Buddy Program exemplifies this ethos, pairing students from different year levels in purposeful activities that foster meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community. Older students develop leadership and empathy, while younger students gain confidence and support, creating a nurturing environment.
Innovation at SVACS is both intentional and systemic. The school’s bespoke Learner Profile, crafted through collaborative research and staff expertise, delivers developmentally appropriate pedagogical strategies. It has eight key attributes:
accountable
aspirational
collaborative
creative
critical thinkers
inclusive
reflective
resilient
This profile is more than a set of aspirations; it is a practical framework that guides curriculum design, teaching strategies and assessment, ensuring that students and staff develop the skills and mindset needed for success in an evolving world.
In 2022, the school became the second in Western Australia to join the prestigious New Metrics Research Partnership with the University of Melbourne. This partnership places SVACS at the forefront of reimagining education, working alongside progressive schools to develop and assess complex competencies that go beyond traditional academic measures.
A hallmark of SVACS’s innovative spirit is its early adoption of the Australian Learner Competency Credential (ALCC). As one of only 20 schools nationally authorised in 2024 to co-issue this credential, SVACS is redefining student success by recognising capabilities such as collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. The school uses the ALCC to complement conventional assessments and provides students with a nationally recognised credential that may support tertiary admissions. The rapid uptake of the ALCC at SVACS – growing fivefold in just one year – demonstrates the school’s commitment.
Innovation at SVACS is driven from within by the Executive Team, led by principal Melissa Powell. Together, they leverage their expertise, as their approach includes:
Strategic leadership: Championing forward-thinking practices aligned with the school vision.
Collaborative brainstorming: Teachers and staff regularly engage in professional learning communities to share ideas, explore new methodologies, and co-design solutions.
Research-informed practice: Decisions are grounded in educational research and data, ensuring that innovation meets the needs of learners and aligns with best practice.
Continuous development: Innovation is embedded across the school through initiatives like the New Metrics project and Learner Profile.
Looking ahead, SVACS is poised to deepen its personalised learning approach, scale the ALCC beyond VET programs to include broader learning contexts, leverage technology to enhance student agency and continue to build teacher capacity through research partnerships.
By strengthening links with industry and higher education, SVACS is focused on consistently creating opportunities and future-ready pathways for its students.
IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company.
“We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.”
Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate.
“Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”
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Innovation
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Overall
The school’s reputation for academic excellence is matched by a commitment to developing each student’s potential in a caring, future-focused environment. Recent campus enhancements – including a new Performing Arts Centre, a state-of-the-art Dance Studio and the forthcoming Collaboration and Creativity Centre – demonstrate Swan Valley’s dedication to innovation, creativity and preparing students to make a positive impact on the world.
