Principal's Message

Dear Parents & Friends,

We’ve had a sad start to this semester with the loss of one of our own. Mikala (her parents have given permission to use her name) was a quiet, reserved young woman with a close circle of friends. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and staff. 

None of us truly know what anyone else is thinking or struggling with on a day-to-day basis. Staying connected to other people is crucial for our wellbeing. There is never any shame in reaching out for help when you need it. I truly wish Mikala had made a different choice and understood her value as a person to those who love her. At assembly on Wednesday, I emphasized that everyone in this community is valuable and matters to me. As principal, I place value on education, but I also place value on every student, as you represent the next generation of possibilities and hope. It’s critical at this time to appreciate your family and friends and let them know how important they are to you.

Though this is a sad start to the semester, it is also a new start for everyone (except for students doing Year12 subjects), everyone else has a clean slate. Today, every student is on 100% in their classes. Whatever happened last semester is history, what matters now is how we move forward. 

Over the holidays students hopefully reflected and learned from their successes and failures. I find failing to be an experience that I learn the most from and redouble my efforts to make changes to my approach, thinking and behaviour. Making the first mistake proves you are trying, however, when you repeat a mistake, it’s not a mistake anymore, it’s a decision. I encourage students to make the changes they need to make in order to improve the outcome. If you need help or guidance, ask your teachers, counsellors or your family.

Last term the Discovery Centre officially opened and this term classes across all year levels are using this beautiful space. It is a testament to our vision of, “Discovering our place in the world through an adventurous education.”

Year 9s & half of Year 10s are involved in Outdoor Education experiences for the next few weeks and I applaud these students for taking up the challenge and finding out that there is “Plus est en vous.”

Finally, a welcome to returning staff, Mrs Felicity Dowdell and Mrs Rachel Kummerfeld. We’ve also welcomed two new gap students, Noah and Maimouna from Germany. 

I’m looking forward to this semester and I hope you are too.

Please look after each other and continue the wonderful support to all members of our St Philip’s family.

Kind regards,

~ Leslie Tilbrook

Principal