Phil was born in Frankston, grew up on the Mornington Peninsula.  Currently 45 years old and happily married to Leah.

An educator since 1993 to present; totalling 24 years.  Beginning my career teaching multi-age classrooms of 32 students in Hampton Park 11 Prep/10 Year One/11 Year Two.

 

Taught in big growth schools in Berwick (1200 students) and smaller schools around the state as well as overseas in Malaysia.  Founded the International School Exchange Program between Langwarrin and Selangor, Malaysia in 2008.

Phil has taught all year levels, an art specialist teacher and spent 15 years as a music specialist, as well as an Assistant Principal for 7 years and Acting Principal in a large Primary School of 650 students in Langwarrin.

 

Phil has been an active member of many charity groups and township committees throughout his career, moving to Warrnambool to take on the Principal tenure in 2015 at Warrnambool West Primary School.

 

Poo Long and the surrounding areas of Langwarrin holds a special place in Phil’s life, there may not be the conveniences offered in a larger community (shopping requires travelling to Warragul) but the spirit of the town folk and amenities for local sporting facilities were to be admired.  The Fracking Industrty met its fate initially in Poo Long.

 

At the age of 40 Phil broke his back and told he may not walk again, this event made him passionate about what matters in life.  Being a part of a community, assisting to build communities, creating partnerships enables opportunities for growth; local arts centre was one achievement.

 

Phil sees his role as Principal at Warrnambool West Primary School (WWPS) to provide stability, increase capacity, develop teamwork and improve the community’s perception which will in turn increase enrolments.

 

Phil’s beard is almost a trademark for the project – ‘Beards 4 Bandicoots’ (Eastern Barred Bandicoots) listed as extinct in the wild, this endangered species has given the student’s focus in raising awareness and donating funds to assist in a breeding program.  The relatively small number of students at WWPS did not hold them back in raising the most amount of money donated to the breeding program from one organisation.

 

The students and school community have been involved in a beautification program to identify the school with bold signage at the front gates.  WWPS now provide a ‘nurture room’, a safe place for students to begin their day with breakfast in a calming environment (some homes may have traumatised backgrounds).  With programs to support student’s, real gains can be seen.

 

Phil has a musical background and he has now put his expertise into music workshops at WWPS; Ukuleles have been purchased from a Grant to stock the Music Classroom … rock band coming (watch this space!).

 

Kids can do anything if given the right direction, Phil can attest to this in his own life.  WWPS has a receptionist who was employed from WDEA.  Small contributions make a big difference, providing stability and building connections in the community. 

 

In thanking Phil for his address this evening, Anne Adams mentioned her association with Poo Long for a launch with the Dairy Industry.