St Philip’s Christian Education Foundation was first was approached in 2019 by the Yadha Muru Foundation, led by prominent Aboriginal community leader, Sean Gordon and UNSW's Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, Prof Leanne Holt to propose the idea of the establishment of an Aboriginal school-within-a-school as part of the St Philip’s Christian Education group. It quickly became evident that due to the multi-school nature of the St Philip’s group of schools, the structures in place would provide a foundation conducive to success in this venture.
St Philip’s developed an Aboriginal Education Team who worked alongside the Worimi Community to begin a journey toward the establishment of an Aboriginal school which would address both the academic and cultural need for our Aboriginal students.
In partnership with the Worimi community and its organisations, St Philip’s Christian College Gilibaa was launched at SPCC Port Stephens in January of 2024.
Gilibaa means 'The Place of Light' and the desire of the community at St Philip’s is that the school will be a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will have the opportunity to develop not just in education but also in their understanding of local Aboriginal culture. Students will learn in both English and the Gathang language (the language of the Worimi people) and be embedded within the broader community at St Philip’s Christian College Port Stephens.
‘This is a great thing for our community. Our kids will be receiving the best of both worlds. To be able to learn in both English and our Gathang language is truly special. Our kids will grow up speaking our language and then teach their family at home, our language begins to thrive again. My hope for this school is to instil in our kids the sense of cultural strength and high educational morals. We are teaching the next leaders in our community and I fully support what they are trying to achieve. I know our old people would be proud.’
Nadine Russell is a Worimi Registered Owner, Worimi LALC Board Member and Knowledge Holder.