Welcome to St Philip’s Christian College Gilibaa – a place of light, learning, and belonging.
It is with great joy that I introduce our school, which opened in January 2024 to serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across Years K–2 and is growing to cater for Kindergarten to Year 6 by January 2026. Gilibaa is located on Worimi Country and operates in close partnership with SPCC Port Stephens, sharing facilities and community while offering a distinct and culturally rich learning experience.
At Gilibaa, we are committed to providing a quality Christian education that nurtures both academic growth and cultural identity. Our students benefit from individualised learning plans, small class sizes, and a strong focus on literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development.
A key part of our daily learning is Gathang, the language of the Biripi, Gurangay and Worimi people, taught by educators with deep personal and professional connections to Aboriginal languages. This cultural immersion helps students build confidence, pride, and a strong sense of belonging.
The name Gilibaa, meaning “The Place of Light” in Gathang, reflects our hope in Jesus – the true light of the world – and our prayer that this light will shine through our students, their families, and communities.
Gilibaa is more than a school. It is a partnership – a place where we learn from one another, celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and grow together in understanding of our shared national story.
We are excited for what lies ahead and invite you to be part of this journey.
Yours in Christ,
Mr Martin Telfer
Principal
