Principal's Message

Dear Parents & Friends,

Thanks to the parents who attended our Schoolbox, Operoo and St Philip’s App information session and now know how to navigate their way around digitally on all our platforms. I’m grateful to Yvette Valentine and Emma Shearer for sharing their wisdom and helping to keep the communication lines open.

Congratulations to our Indigenous cricket team, made entirely of boarders for winning the Imparja Cup School Cricket Competition. They were supremely captained by Lachlan Blue-Coulthard and coached by Tim Griffin and Davey Tudor.

The first term of 2024 is gathering momentum every week with the Homework Centre, Ex Activities and VET programs underway. Musical auditions were this week, and the actors are eagerly looking forward to finding out their roles for Annie.

The Year 8 Discovery Learners are enjoying many excursions around town and working collaboratively on their projects. The paradigm shift is not without its challenges, and we are continually reflecting on the experience of our students and staff, and working towards a program that best fits our needs. I’m grateful for the extra hours Discovery Learning staff are putting in to develop their projects and the patience of parents and students as we take this bold new step.

The Round Square assembly on Wednesday highlighted the many activities that St Philip’s students of all ages are participating in and based on the IDEALS (Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure & Service) which are embedded in our culture. All our programs such as Outdoor Education, Creative Arts, Duke of Edinburgh Award, national and international exchanges, conferences and service projects are based on the “plus et en vous” philosophy – ‘there is more in you than you think.’ Round Square provides many opportunities for students to develop their individual skills, collaborate with others and have fun.

There is lots on the calendar in Week 5 including information sessions for Years 9 & 11 (Monday 26/2) and Years 7 & 8 (Wednesday 28/2) Outdoor expeditions. The Year 8 exchange information is being conveniently held just before the Outdoor Education session on Wednesday too. Year 7 Immunisations start on Tuesday 27/2 so please make sure the paperwork is returned by Monday.

On Friday of Week 6 (8th March) we are looking forward to our second annual Giving Day to raise funds for play equipment around the new Discovery Centre. Also on that Friday is our Performing Arts Festival, a highlight for our creative students and staff.

Finally, as the unrelenting sun continues to beat down on us, please ensure that students have their hats on their heads and their water bottles handy.

Kind regards,

~ Leslie Tilbrook

Principal