After only seven months teaching Scripture at Kiama High School, Mitch Liddle is already making a good impression.

Mitch has been teaching SRE to Year 7 and 8 students every fortnight since February, and there are plans to expand this to Years 9 and 10 in the future.

Mitch has settled into school life by coaching sporting teams, leading a lunchtime Bible study group and simply chatting with the kids.

"I've had suffering in my own life experience, so students with similar experiences have sought me out, when they're not going to put their hand up in class and blurt it out."
Most exciting of all, however, is reaching teens beyond the scope of local church youth ministry.

"These kids have seen a Christianity they wouldn't otherwise have seen," he says.

"Some of them get most of their information about Jesus from "The Simpsons' or "South Park'."

Mitch goes to Dapto Anglican Church, but has a strong friendship with Kiama, Gerringong and Jamberoo parishes.

These three, along with four other churches in the area, form the Kiama Board for Employing Christian Education Teachers (BECET), which employs Mitch to teach at the school, and offers him resources and pastoral support.

Kiama rector, the Rev Steve Fagan says it took three years to gain approval for Mitch to teach in the school, but the rewards are already showing.

"The parents and students have warmly accepted Mitch," says Mr Fagan.

Kiama High's principal Graeme Sutherland says he is happy with Mitch's presence at the school.

"I think it's going very well," he says.

"Mitch brings a youthful enthusiasm, he brings a deep knowledge, and he's able to engage the Year 7s and 8s he's been working with."