OVER THE TOP 2026 / JULY 14-16
Welcome to Over the Top 2026!
Over the Top is our annual moment to connect, celebrate, and stand as one united body: NT Christian Schools.
This year’s theme, Living Hope, inspired by 1 Peter 1:3, speaks of a hope that is alive, bold, and unshakeable.
The heart of OTT ‘26 is that we be inspired, refreshed, connected and reignited - ready to carry this living hope back into our classrooms, staffrooms and communities with renewed passion and purpose.
We can’t wait to see you there!
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” [1 Peter 1:3]
LOCK IT IN!
Tuesday 14th
ALL STAFF
Wednesday 15th
ALL STAFF
Thursday
16th
TEACHERS & TAs ONLY!
Want to suss the program? Go for it.
Meet the speakers
Darryl DeBoer is both a Senior Fellow for the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE) at Dordt University and the Director of Education at Surrey Christian Schools. Darryl is also the co-creator of the Christian education framework, Teaching for Transformation, which equips teachers to design learning experiences that invite, nurture and empower learners to play their part in God's story as they engage the curriculum. Away from work, Darryl can be found walking his dog with his wife Jodie, unsuccessfully protecting his lawn and fruit trees from raccoons, and wishing that he was fishing.
Darryl DeBoer
Sam is the Manager of Biblical Foundations at CEN and a lecturer with the National Institute for Christian Education. He previously served as a theology and education lecturer in the School of Social Practice in Auckland, New Zealand. His research interests include systematic theology, epistemology, cultural engagement, metamodernism, new spiritualities, and the study of emerging generations.
Sam presents in a wide range of contexts across Australia and is committed to contributing to the ongoing conversation about Christian education in a changing world.
Sam Burrows
Dr Fiona joined the National Institute as an adjunct lecturer soon after finishing her own Masters with the Institute. At that time, Fiona was teaching mostly in music education and religion studies at Torrens Valley Christian School, a CEN school in Adelaide. Fiona was head of middle school and commenced her Education Doctorate exploring preservice teacher education for the middle years. After completing her doctorate in 2010, Fiona continued to lecture for the Institute and Tabor College Adelaide in adjunct roles. She served as school Professional Learning and T&L coordinator for a few years.
In 2017, Fiona was appointed as state executive officer for the SA CEN schools. She commenced working part time for the Institute and CEN professional learning. In 2023, Fiona took up the full-time role of principal of the Institute. As part of her principal role, Fiona serves on the CEN senior leadership team and is editor of the Christian Teachers Journal.
Fiona enjoys teaching the core subjects and a range of electives for the Institute. She is particularly interested in teacher formation, leadership, and cross-cultural perspectives. Fiona has Noongar Aboriginal heritage, something she is keenly learning more about. On the weekends, Fiona is usually found on her road bike or running and hiking the forest trails followed by a good coffee. She lives in the Adelaide Hills and serves regularly in her church music team.
Dr Fiona Partridge
// FAQ
Here’s some short, sharp, shiny answers to your burning questions about OTT.
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Not just anyone! OTT is compulsory for all employees over 0.5FTE. ELC staff will not be required to attend.
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Childcare is not provided at the conference. You may wish to enquire with urban campus Principals as to whether there is an external provider program available at their school that week that you may be able to utilise.
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Yes, and it gets rave reviews. Be sure to let us know any dietary requirements you have in your registration so we can look after you well!
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Any staff member wishing to apply for an exemption from OTT needs to put their request in writing to their Principal by the end of May.
Please note attendance is a requirement of all NTCS employee contracts and exemptions will only be approved in extenuating circumstances.
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You will attend to your normal work. See your line manager if you need clarification on that!
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NTCS will pay for your fish feeding fun (priceless), but everyone will need to cover their own dinner/drinks at the Sailing Club.