By Judy Mason – Former Staff Member
I’ve been teaching since 1977, across Infants, Primary, and High School settings — in both state and Christian schools. I took time out to raise three children and later completed further training in Special Education through Charles Sturt University. Before moving to Newcastle, I spent ten years as Deputy Principal at Taree Christian College, and prior to that, taught at Green Point Christian College.
It was a colleague from Green Point who first invited me to consider joining the Young Parents College team (then DALE Young Parents). They knew I had a heart for students with special needs, and I’m so grateful they reached out.
From the moment I walked in the door, I felt called to be there.
There was something special about the atmosphere — it wasn’t just a school, it felt like a home. The connection between staff, support workers, crèche workers and teachers was genuine and warm. We prayed together, we supported each other, and we carried a shared purpose: to care deeply for these precious young parents and help them grow.
Growing a Program, Growing Young Lives
When I started, my role was in the Young Mums program — supporting students one-on-one as they worked through externally provided units. I also began writing Board of Studies programs in English, Maths, and Science, creating workbooks students could engage with meaningfully.
Over time, our teaching shifted into small groups and classes, especially in core subjects. Eventually, we were able to offer Content Endorsed Courses, which was a real breakthrough. I had the privilege of teaching English, Work Studies, and Exploring Early Childhood — a favourite among our students. It was practical, meaningful, and connected beautifully with their everyday lives as parents.
Later, I was able to introduce Food Technology as a Year 11 subject and also taught the new Mathematics course. Food Tech, in particular, opened so many doors. Through our partnership with OzHarvest’s NEST Program, students learned to cook nutritious meals using donated groceries, often with limited resources. They were empowered not just as students, but as confident, capable parents providing for their children.
We even had the chance to cater for Lake Macquarie Council Citizenship Ceremonies, and the support of Mayor Kay Fraser gave our students such a boost in confidence. Watching young mums and dads step into those events with pride and professionalism was unforgettable.
More Than a School Day
There really was no such thing as a "typical" day at Young Parents College.
On any given day, we were offering transport, making breakfast, supporting young parents through emotional and practical challenges — and somewhere in between, teaching Maths or English! Our students came from a wide variety of backgrounds, often facing complex situations and parenting while still in school themselves.
And yet, they showed up. They learned. They changed.
The greatest challenge? Supporting the whole student — emotionally, mentally, physically — while still meeting the demands of the curriculum. Many attended part-time due to their parenting responsibilities, and yet we watched them grow into people who were resilient, determined, and full of potential.
Moments That Mattered
There are so many moments that have stayed with me:
- Catering events with our Food Tech students
- Camps filled with fun, laughter, and connection
- Nursing babies while helping a student with her reading
- Dedicating babies to the Lord — so deeply special
- Reading times with mums and their little ones
- Formals where our students were pampered, celebrated, and surrounded by love — often for the first time
These weren’t just "school events" — they were milestones in the lives of our students and their families.
Faith at the Heart
Faith was woven through everything we did. Daily devotionals, a Chaplain who journeyed with students, and the opportunity to pray together kept Jesus at the centre of school life.
My husband, a pastor, was even asked by some of the students to marry them later in life. We also saw babies dedicated in beautiful services. It was a joy to see young people discover not only their potential but their faith.
We also gave students the chance to give back — like participating in Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Watching them pack boxes with care for children in need was a moving reminder that, no matter their circumstances, our students had so much to give.
That’s what Young Parents does. It equips, it empowers, and it transforms generations.
Judy Mason - Former Staff Member
Lives Changed – Cycles Broken
One of the most powerful things about Young Parents College is the way it breaks cycles. Many of our students are the first in their families to complete school. That alone is life-changing.
Just last week, at a new Bible study we started at Windale Hub, a woman came up to us. She shared that she had attended the Young Mums program years ago — and now, her son is in Year 12. She said, “No one in my family has ever finished school. But he will.”
That’s what Young Parents does. It equips, it empowers, and it transforms generations.
I still think often of the student who ran into me in Big W and remembered our time together. Or the ones who show up at our church, still connected and grateful. These stories remind me that the seeds planted during those school years continue to grow.
A Lasting Legacy
In the seven years I worked at Young Parents College, I saw it grow and evolve in amazing ways — always seeking to provide the best education and support possible. I love that quality childcare is integrated into the model. I love that the school works closely with outside agencies. I love that it remains Christ-centred, led by prayer and grounded in love.
And I still pray for God’s blessing over the students, staff, and this beautiful program.
It’s not just a school. It’s a place of second chances. Of hope. Of transformation.
And I’m forever grateful to have been a part of it.
