His love of the school, however, will see him ‘on deck’ throughout the holidays with various building works taking place.
“I’ve loved living in the town, being part of the community,” the 63-year-old told The Free Press.
“For example, this year’s Year 12s many I have known since they were at kindergarten with my son Tom.
“Country kids really are friendly and call out ‘g’day’ whenever they see or serve you.”
Mr Rogers began at Rutherglen in the top job in January 2006, having been Assistant Principal at Wheelers Hill Secondary College from 2002 to 2005 and beforehand, from 1995 to 2001, at Footscray Girls High School, mainly as Assistant Principal.
Mr Rogers started his teaching career at Sunshine in 1982, then spent 1986 and 1989 backpacking through Asia, Europe, Africa and North America.
“I wanted to return to the country to bring up Tom and be closer to my parents who were in Cobram,” he explained about his move to Rutherglen.
Many changes have occurred in the last 17 years at Rutherglen High School. “The school has physically modernised compared to old facilities, staff were very competent but operated quite independently and staff now work much more co-operatively,” Mr Rogers said.
Changes to or new facilities include a $500,000 renovation of classrooms in 2008, $1.6 million Trade Training Centre (woodwork and metal) renovations and the construction of a restaurant to complement the commercial kitchen in 2012 and, in 2017, a new $1.6 million science centre.
“What was particularly pleasing was that much of the work of these buildings was done by ex-students of this school – all the trades - builders, bricklayers, plumbers, electricians,” Mr Rogers said.
Rutherglen High School has around 300 students. “We vary between 25 and 30 teachers,” the principal said. “Over the last couple of years we have had extra funding and teachers under government initiatives such as Tutor Learning Initiative.
“Students are still friendly and very much ‘country kids’. Parents seem busier and less involved than they used to be.”
Assistant Principal Jennie Ward described Mr Rogers as “a tireless worker for the school community”.
“He’s been very respected by teachers and students. A lot has been achieved over his years as principal, to the improvement of the school.”
After a long and rewarding teaching career, there will, in due course, be some more deserved time for Phil towards gardening, woodwork and camping.
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