Important Announcement — Mr Phil Gallagher

After numerous years of excellent service to the community of Cessnock, particularly within our Middle School, Mr Phil Gallagher our Head of Middle School has accepted an exciting career opportunity. We are thrilled for what is ahead for Phil and his family, and commend his decision as a life-long learner to continually grow in his profession.

Phil joined St Philip’s Christian College Cessnock in January 2018, fulfilling the role of Head of Middle School. Since then, Phil has been the driving force of Middle School’s successes. He has fostered a leadership style of professional learning within a culture of opportunity, where staff achievement is celebrated. With a clear sense of vision, seeing and shaping the future of Middle School, enthusiasm for his students’ success, and a clearly demonstrated desire to live out his Christian life through everything he works at, he has been a highly visible role-model for both students and staff.

Under his leadership Middle School has won an Innovative Education Award. More than that, Middle School teachers have received nominations for Teacher of the Year, featured numerous times in The Educator, and won Da Vinci Decathlon’s. The Middle School has further increased its focus on student engagement, academic rigour and success, taking part in and winning several local and national competitions. We have seen success in Wakakirri, Hunter Region public speaking and debating, and we have continued to find success and recognition in a variety of local and state sporting competitions.

Not only will we be farewelling Phil, but also Chloe Gallagher, a fantastic educator within SPCC Cessnock and their three children and students at the College, Phoebe, Lachlan and Callum. The Gallagher’s have been an important and active part of the wonderful community here, and they will be sorely missed.

Phil, we wish you the greatest success in this new and exciting phase of your career! We are fortunate to have Phil remain with us at SPCC Cessnock until the end of Term 4 2021, before commencing this new role.