In 1983, a young Graeme Evans found himself praying for direction. Having completed his teaching degree a few years earlier, he had worked casually around Newcastle but wasn’t sure what the next step should be. That’s when he received a call from university friend Michael Dunn, who was teaching at a small two-year-old Christian school in Waratah. At the time, Graeme felt called to be a Christian teacher in the public system and wasn’t convinced that Christian schooling was for him—but he decided to give it five years.

We recently caught up with Graeme to hear how that decision sparked a lifelong passion for Christian education, the freedom he found in integrating faith with teaching, and his reflections on the incredible growth of the school community, along with some treasured memories from his remarkable 41-year journey.

During my time at SPCC, I have... taught Years 3–6 (mostly Year 6) before becoming Middle School Coordinator in 2000 to help launch Middle School in 2001. I moved into the Deputy Principal role in Term 3, 2017, and then transitioned to the Foundation Office in July 2019, where I became Head of Executive Services. Since around 2022, I have served as Deputy CEO. While I miss the daily buzz of school life, I felt called to support the broader organisation, including all Colleges, Dynamic Learning, and Narnia. My role involves meeting with Principals and Executives, managing escalated complaints, leading projects like gender support and global partnerships, developing policy, and providing support to Graeme Irwin to free him up for strategic leadership.

I am still here after 41 years because... I felt called by God to join St Philip’s, and that calling has never left. I know this is where I’m meant to be. Also, because St Philip’s is always growing and striving for excellence, no two years have been the same so there's never been a chance to get bored. The relationships I've built with staff and students, some who are now colleagues, over the years have been incredibly enriching. Seeing lives changed by the love of Jesus throughout these years is the greatest joy. On a personal note, all my kids went through St Philip’s, and now I have a daughter working at SPCC Cessnock and grandsons there too. It’s pretty special to still be part of it all. Plus, my wife Jane has worked at Waratah for over 25 years, so St Philip’s has been a big part of our family life.

What traditions or events at the school have you enjoyed being a part of the most, and why?

I’ve loved being part of outdoor camps and adventures, especially the Year 6 Coachwood Camp that ran from 1992 until COVID, and the Year 8 hiking and sailing camps. As much as I enjoy the challenge and fun of these trips, what I love most is seeing students outside the classroom rise to the occasion—digging deep, showing resilience, and looking after each other. I remember a petite Year 8 girl carrying her own hiking pack and a friend's up a steep hill, and another student who gave up her spot with friends to stay with someone feeling anxious. It’s moments like these that show the real heart of our students and make these events so memorable.

Today I’m motivated/inspired by… I’m blessed to be in my current position as Deputy CEO and work across all of the St Philip’s schools. In this role I’m constantly inspired by the young teachers coming through, creating innovative, engaging classrooms and making such a difference in students' lives. I guess I see a little of my younger self in them, and it brings me such joy to see these teachers guiding and caring for their students. 

The biggest influence in my life... My faith is a huge influence in my life. In terms of people, Graeme Irwin has always been a role model and influence in my life. I’ve respected him from the moment I met him at uni, when he was leading the Christian fellowship. I thought he was a great leader back then, and I still think that today.

I’m most proud of… helping to instigate and create Middle School. My heart will always be there.

My greatest achievement is... my family: Jane, Sam (his wife Alyssa and son, Leon), Eliza (her husband Dan and children Micah, Reuben and Adeline) and Alice. I love them all dearly and find there’s nothing better than when we are all together. I love the connections they have with St Philip’s too, it really is in our blood!

The best piece of advice I ever received... came from my grandfather who wrote me a letter on my 21stbirthday. He was elderly and unable to travel to join our family. His life had not been easy, but his faith was incredibly strong. In part, the letter said, ‘You will not always find things go the way you would like, so we must be prepared to accept what life has for us. Try to do the best you can and trust in The One who is always with us no matter what comes’. This was the anthem of his life, and I’m honoured and humbled by his example and try to live the same way. I still have that letter today, and if my house ever caught fire, it would be one thing I’d battle through the flames to rescue. 

One last thing... life is short and unpredictable. You never know whether good times or tough times are around the corner. Take God’s hand and walk confidently with Him, enjoying those you are with and making the most of every day. There’s no better way.