One of the greatest strengths at our College is the Christian culture and the nurturing environment that continues to develop amongst the students, staff and school community. “Connections” are important to us, connecting with people and building caring relationships that are Godly and actually make each individual feel like they are cared for and catered for. Our staff are committed Christians who attend local churches where possible and further nurturing and pastoral care is given. Our connection through the local church has allowed students to find a spiritual home and care outside of the college as well as inside. The local church is seen as the main medium where long term support and personal Christian growth can be nurtured and encouraged.
In educating our students for the ‘whole of their life,' our aim is to develop each student academically, socially, physically and spiritually. Our school runs special programs with a ministry focus to achieve these aims.
Each week we run a chapel service. This is a time for students to be presented with a Christian message and reflect on how this can impact their lives.
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Meet the Wellbeing Team
SPCC Port Stephens sees student and staff wellbeing as one of the most important aspects of the school. Our strongest message for our students and staff is to “Reach Out”. The Wellbeing Team are here to support you and your family, encourage, refer to professional help, make pastoral and safety plans and generally advocate on behalf of the student with staff, parents and students.
Rhianon Hol
Rhianon joined the Wellbeing team last year as the Wellbeing officer. Rhianon studied Bachelor of Education in PDHPE and has more than 15 years experience in teaching Health and Wellbeing. More recently she attained a Graduate Diploma in Divinity and has spent the past few years working as a Chaplain, Youth Worker and Wellbeing Officer. She has a passion for supporting students to feel safe, heard and enabling them to address the challenges they face on a day to day basis. Rhianon loves to be out, being physically active and enjoying the Bay, often dragging along one or other of her two daughters and husband!
Caleb Coles
Caleb joined the wellbeing team in 2021 to support students in their spiritual journey through school, including a focus on teaching Faith & Life classes for secondary students. Caleb has over twelve years’ experience in pastoral youth work which has included various roles within schools to support students. Having studied his Bachelor of Ministry through Morling College, he is passionate about holistic wellbeing and how the spiritual dimension of life is an antidote to many issues facing young people today. Husband to wife Sarah and father to two daughters, Caleb is currently undertaking a Masters of Teaching and moonlights as a musician and YouTube creator.
Stacey Hartwich
Stacey provides support for Defence students and their families as the Defence School Mentor (DSM). She is passionate about this role as she has a long personal history as a Defence spouse, former Defence child and as the parent of a Defence member. Stacey also enjoys supporting students in achieving their Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Stacey is a mum of four and grandma of two (so far). She loves quality chocolate and also English breakfast tea served in fine bone china mugs.
Jess Humfrey
Jess has been our School Nurse and on the Wellbeing Team since 2022. Jess has over 15 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, and has worked as a Clinical Educator, Health Coach and Care Coordinator in community and mental health, and other acute health settings. Jess loves having the opportunity to use her skills to help students feel supported, safe and well. She is normally found in the clinic in the front office, but loves getting out into the sun and fresh air as much as possible.
Bill Brill
Bill joined St Philips Christin College as a School Chaplain in January 2019. He completed studies at CSU where he was awarded B.Bus (Mgt) in 1992. He completed a Diploma of Ministry in 1994 while working on the Mission Field in PNG for seven years. Bill then served 17 years as a local Church Minister in Port Stephens. In 2019 he was awarded a Diploma of Chaplaincy majoring in Mental Health Care.
The role of the School Chaplain often involves providing a listening ear and a caring presence for students, their families and staff. The Chaplain helps people break down their challenges in to manageable chunks with issues ranging from grief and loss, family breakdown, stress and anxiety. The Chaplain provides further support referring students/parents/carers to appropriate external professional care. The role also allows scope for proactive wellbeing by supporting camps, sporting activities and various programs that develop student resilience and promote social and emotional wellbeing. Bill teaches weekly Faith & Life Classes in Years 5 & 6 and helps facilitate our School Chapel Services. Bill is married to Esther and has three beautiful children.