Principal's Message

Dear Families and Friends,

Welcome back to Semester 2! While campus is physically quieter than usual this week, the energy behind the scenes is buzzing. Our Year 9s are currently challenging themselves on the Endeavour camp, and our Year 10s are conquering the wilderness at Mittagundi.

This brief window with fewer students has provided a fantastic, low-pressure opportunity for our newest staff and students to settle in, forge personal connections, and set themselves up for a highly productive term ahead. We cannot wait to have our full cohort back on campus next week!

A Historic Kick-Off: Liverpool FC Academy Partnership

Today marks a massive milestone 18 months in the making. We have officially launched our exclusive partnership with the Liverpool Football Academy!

This partnership will bring:

• World-class coaching and an authentic Liverpool FC training experience directly to Central Australia for the very first time.
• Every football coach in Alice Springs can now sharpen their skills through free development clinics.
• A massive Community Day on 16 August for players of all ages to train with professional coaches.

• After-school training slots and holiday clinics – we’ll release information about those soon

   

Celebrating 35 Years of "Polly"

After more than three decades of extraordinary Christian leadership, our beloved Chaplain, Sarah "Polly" Pollitt, has shared her decision to resign.

For 35 years, Polly has guided our school flock with an open heart, unconditional care, and a brilliant sense of humour. Known for her "love languages" of homemade food and thoughtful gifts, she has been a steady anchor for countless families during times of crisis. While she is stepping down from her official role, Polly is not leaving us—she will remain a cherished part of our community.

Welcoming Rev Dr Eseta Mateiviti

Today we also officially inducted our new Chaplain, Rev Dr Eseta Mateiviti. Eseta crosses the Tasman from New Zealand, bringing a wealth of educational and spiritual experience to our team. Please join us in giving her a warm territory welcome!

We have also welcomed several brilliant new faces across various faculties this term and we wish each and every one a wonderful time at St Philip’s.

Term 3 Dates to Lock In

Grab your white term calendars and make sure to highlight these major upcoming events:

• Week 6: The College musical production of "Newsies" (a guaranteed highlight of the term!)
• Week 8: The Yeperenye Wellbeing and Space Out Festival—a dedicated day for student reflection and mental rejuvenation.
• Term Conclusion: Parent-Teacher Interviews and our student Learning Expo, hosted inside the Discovery Centre.
• Key Reminders: Keep an eye out for scheduling details regarding upcoming school photos, subject advice afternoons, and our formal leadership changeover.

Warm regards,

~ Leslie Tilbrook 

Principal