From the Chaplains
Hello! My name is Pastor Michaela Antill-Cassie, and I am excited to have joined the Chaplaincy team here at Pymble Ladies’ College. My first encounter with Pymble was in 1992. I was a student at St Luke’s College, an Anglican School situated on the Northern Beaches, and I have vivid memories of travelling to the Pymble campus to play in netball competitions on the weekends. I even have a photograph of myself holding a 1st ribbon on the courts, I assume St Luke’s must have been victorious on that occasion.
Since then, I graduated high school and completed a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education at Macquarie University. After working in childcare for several years I became involved with an organisation called Youth With A Mission, an interdenominational Christian training organisation, where I completed a Discipleship Training School and a three-month mission in Africa. During my time with YWAM, I discovered a strong sense of call to work for the Church and to encourage/support young people in their lives and walk with God – a call that I believe is still a big part of my life today. On returning to Australia, I took a part-time position as a Children’s Worker at a local Anglican Church and continued to search for a place to worship and call home. Throughout my life, I have been involved in numerous denominations, including Anglican, Baptist, C3, Hillsong and Uniting and have come to appreciate their different strengths and weaknesses. I have also had the opportunity to learn from other faith traditions and to experience the value and richness of such diversity.
In 2008, I extended my ministry experience from children into youth ministry and took on the role of Youth Worker at Roseville Uniting Church. As time went by, the youth grew up (as young people tend to do), and I stepped into the role of Youth and Young Adult Pastor. During my time at Roseville (15 years), I have been involved in Friday night youth groups, Sunday church services, camps, bible studies, mentoring programs, scripture teaching, lunch and after-school groups. And again, as part of this role, I found myself back at Pymble running the Ignite lunchtime group (of which there was only one, now there are three!) and as a guest speaker at a Boarders’ chapel service and facilitator of a Christian leadership camp. All of which have led me to where I am today.
Last year, I decided to formally pursue my call to ordained ministry and was accepted into the Uniting Church candidating program to become a Minister Of the Word. This process, which takes place over three years, involves academic study, weekly formation classes and field education. To participate more fully in the school, my family and I (which includes my spouse, 1-year-old son, dog and cat) have moved to the area and are enjoying exploring our new leafy surroundings. As I mentioned previously, I am excited to be back at Pymble after all these years. I am excited to be part of a Uniting Church School which proudly states that Christian faith is a core element of its identity and one where all students, from Kindergarten to Year 12 are encouraged to explore and express their spirituality in a manner appropriate to their age, understanding and their own culture and faith backgrounds. And ultimately, I am excited to watch Pymble change the world.
Blessings and Peace.
Michaela Antill-Cassie
Assistant College Chaplain