Friday 1 May 2026 marked a deeply meaningful milestone in the life of St Philip’s Christian Education, as we officially broke ground on the new Young Parents College and Narnia Early Learning Centre at Wyong on the Central Coast.
Perfectly positioned beside Wyong Train Station, this purpose-built facility represents a significant step forward in supporting young parents and their children - offering not only education and early learning, but a safe, nurturing environment where futures can be reshaped with hope and purpose.
Speaking at the ceremony, Graeme Irwin, CEO of St Philip’s Christian Education, reflected on the importance of foundations. “Foundations shape what follows,” he said, emphasising that this project is about more than constructing a building. It is about laying foundations for safety, healing, and transformation - built on the Rock and intended for God’s purposes for generations to come. This centre is being built by love, and by people who care deeply about the lives entrusted to it.
A significant moment in the ceremony was the dedication of the site, the future building, and the young parents and children who will one day fill its classrooms. Board Chairman Les Holland led a prayer of dedication, giving thanks for God’s provision and lifting up the young parents and children who will occupy the facility.
In his prayer, Les asked that the young parents would come to know that God’s plans are for their holistic wellbeing, that He is shaping a new and beautiful story for their lives. He prayed for strength, patience, courage, and purpose, and for strong support from staff, families, and the wider community. Special prayer was also offered for the wellbeing of the children, and for leaders and educators to serve with wisdom and compassion. Above all, the prayer committed the facility to being a place where Christ is exemplified in word and action.
This milestone would not have been possible without the generosity and expertise of many. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our donors, Stanton Dahl Architects, Loyalty Management Solutions, Redeye Constructions, and to the committed St Philip’s staff who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this vision to life.
Heavenly Father, we come before you today with thankful hearts for your provision. We lift up to you the young parents and children who will occupy this facility. Lord, may the young parents know that your plans are for their holistic wellbeing and that you are shaping a new and beautiful story. Give them strength each day to love their child with patience and tenderness and to walk in courage and to trust that you have a purpose for their life. We pray that you will bless them with support from teachers and staff, their families and community. Father, we pray for the wellbeing of the children and those who care for them, leaders to lead with wisdom and compassion.
Father, above all, we pray that this facility will be a place where Christ is exemplified, We pray these things in the wonderful and majestic name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
Les Holland - Chairman of the SPCE Board - 1 May 2026
