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Dear Phil,

As you transition from being busy 24/7 and embark on the journey into retirement, I wanted to say what a ride it has been keeping you on time, in line and occasionally out of trouble.

From dogging calendar clashes like a scheduling ninja to magically conjuring meeting slots out of thin air (even when you were in Truck Lagoon you were all over it "like a fat kid on a smarty"

Co-ordinating last-minute catch ups or syncing your symposiums and gently nugging you towards the source document location. It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside you and will miss seeing the Monday morning or Friday jokes and knock, knock chats.

Wishing you all the very best as you head off on your next adventure- may your calendar be light, your inbox empty and your Wi-Fi strong.

With gratitude well see you round like a rissole.

Angelique Kalman

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Phil

I am so pleased that I chose to accept my position with Catholic Education and in particular working with you as my key sponsor for all my projects. I will miss our colorful discussions, and the unique names used in those talks (HR complaint still pending). There has been no way of not knowing where you were positioned on issues and having that level of clarity and support is not often experienced in organizations and I very much appreciated how you backed my and the efforts your team.

Good luck and best wishes for the next phase of your life, may it be long and full filling.

Nev

PS - Copilot version

Phil,

I’m truly grateful I accepted the opportunity to work with Catholic Education—and especially to have had you as my key sponsor throughout my projects. Your unwavering support, clarity, and candid perspective have been invaluable. It’s rare to find someone who communicates their position so clearly and backs their team so consistently, and I’ve deeply appreciated that.

I’ll miss our colorful conversations and the creative nicknames that came with them (HR complaint still pending!). Those moments brought both insight and laughter to the workday.

Wishing you all the very best in the next chapter of your life—may it be long, fulfilling, and full of new adventures.

Warm regards,
Nev

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Hi Phil,

It's been a pleasure working with you. I'll miss the humour and the BBQ talks in the hallways and car parks. Not so much the tickets you put in that are completely impossible to achieve 😂.

All the best with your future and most of all, have fun.

Kind Regards,

Graeme.

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Phil, I only had a few months in your team but you have left a lasting, and positive, impression. Likewise, I can see that the shoes you are leaving behind are going to be hard to fill! Very much appreciated the direct candour, decisive actions, and overall clarity of communication across all my various projects.

Best wishes on your retirement, I can't imagine a better start than to go on a pilgrimage and then head off for an overseas holiday. Just rinse and repeat that cycle as long as you can.

All the best, Ivan

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Phil, Wishing you all the best in your next chapter. In the brief time I have been at CESA, I was impressed by your decisiveness, clear leadership and genuine support for the team which I saw in my first ARC meeting. Your ability to protect and empower those around you made a strong impression.

Best wishes Petar Bakota

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Good luck with retirement Phil, I hear you will be "living the dream" and I'm sure you have earned it! Just beware of old work buddies and the "come back for a quick project" invite, pulling you back in.. :D Try and stick to the serious business of relaxing and enjoying it! Take care, Mark

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Good luck with retirement Phil, I hear you will be "living the dream" and I'm sure you have earned it! Just beware of old work buddies and the "come back for a quick project" invite, pulling you back in.. :D Try and stick to the serious business of relaxing and enjoying it! Take care, Mark

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Congratulations on your retirement Phil!!!

One chapter ends and a new and exciting chapter begins.

Your dedication and support have made a lasting impact on our ICT team.

Wishing you a fulfilling and fun retirement filled with all the activities you have been waiting to do.

All the best!

Andrew

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Dear Phil,

It’s been lovely getting to know you in the short time I’ve been at CESA.

Your presence will be missed!

Hope you have a good time while overseas, and wishing you all the best for the future!

Cheers,

Tianna

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Dear Phil,

Congratulations on your retirement! As you step into this exciting new chapter, may it be filled with joy, relaxation, and all the adventures you've been dreaming of. You've made a remarkable impact, and your hard work and dedication will always be remembered. Wishing you happiness, good health, and plenty of time to enjoy the things you love. Cheers to the next great journey ahead!

Cheers

Simon Baker

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Phil,

Congratulations on your retirement, I hope you enjoy some much deserved relaxation. It has been great working with you across the inception of such reports as Pulse, Balanced Scorecard, and Student Dashboard. It is great to see your vision not just for the technical landscape but what the schools and teachers might need to ultimately improve student outcomes, creating an appetite for reporting where previously they might not have known what was possible.

All the best,

Jake

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Now it's your time to relax and enjoy life!

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Now it's your time to relax and enjoy life!

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Dear Phil

Congratulations on your retirement. This is such an exciting time to be able to craft your new life out. I am sure you will fill it with lots of adventures, family and simple pleasures. Make sure you enjoy every minute of it, we are all so jealous - you have earned it!!! You will be missed, your hard work, teachings and dedication to be remembered at CESA. All the very best Sandra (from Expose)

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Hi Phil,

Congrats on your retirement decision. I didn't get a chance to work with you directly but heard lot of 'good gossips' from colleagues that you been very supportive and fun to work with. Leadership is all about ensuring team members have enough support and being good listener, I believe you have nailed it.

Enjoy your well-deserved break with your lovely family members and friends. Wishing you safe trip from overseas and enjoy your next chapter with God's blessing.

Best Regards,

Vitoriya

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Dear Phil,

I think it's fair to say you have earnt your retirement. It's noted that you have worked tirelessly on helping direct and shape ICT across CESA, no small task at all. I truly hope you are happy and enjoy your retirement and get to do the things you may not have been able to whilst working. As they say we get one shot at life, and it isn't a dress rehearsal so hope you go for it with the same passion you displayed whilst on the job.

All the best

Ron

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Dear Phil,

Heart-felt congratulations to you! 🙌

It has been a joy and a privilege to work in the ICT Team with your excellent self at the helm. Your brilliant wit and humour, wealth of knowledge, and forever forward-thinking stance has been super appreciated - an outstanding role model, to be sure. 😁

May your post-work journey greet you with delightful challenges and special moments aplenty.

Wishing you love and laughter,

Lynley

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It’s honestly been such a blast working with you. You’re an absolute legend, and I’ve loved being part of the ride. Thank you for for your trust and support along the way.

You’ve led with heart, humour, and a whole lot of wisdom, and it’s been a real privilege to be part of your team.

Wishing you all the good things in retirement — long lunches, spontaneous adventures, well-earned naps, and a glass (or two) of something nice.

Enjoy every minute — you’ve more than earned it!

Love Christine

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Dear Phil,

Throughout my years at CESA, your unwavering guidance of ICT has provided us with our goals, challenges and victories.

You have provided clear and decisive leadership for the team, been a sounding board for anyone seeking advice, all while remaining an approachable and empathetic leader. Your unique style and daily presence will be greatly missed, but I am confident we will be seeing you around, sharing your (good? 😊) humour and wisdom. Wishing you all the best in your retirement! You will no doubt have a busy schedule but remember to take it easy once in a while too. Thanks for your support over the years.  Sandra G

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Its been a fantastic journey working with you Phil. I have learned a lot that from you that will serve me well for the rest of my career, I thank you for that. Your leadership has placed ICT and the entire organisation in a better place, CESA will benefit from it for many years to come. A lasting legacy.

Its a well-earned retirement and will I know you will cherish the family time and have many years ahead to improve your golfing and diving abilities. All the very best in retirement, Adin.

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Hi Phil,

Congratulations on your retirement! It's truly the end of an era. Your leadership, strategic vision, and calm presence have left a lasting impact on the organisation. I’ve learned a lot from your approach to both technology and people, and I’ve appreciated your support and guidance over the years.

Wishing you all the best for this next chapter, may it be filled with health, happiness, and plenty of time to enjoy the things you love.

Warm regards,
Eric

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Hi Phil,

Congratulations on your retirement.

It has been a real pleasure working with you. Your leadership, wisdom, and calm presence have made a lasting impact, and you will be truly missed both professionally and personally.

Wishing you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter. May your days be filled with well earned rest, good health, and plenty of time to enjoy the things you love.

Take care and enjoy every moment of retirement. :)

Cheers

Tina C

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Congratulations on your Retirement and your overseas holiday!

I'm sure you will fill your days during this next exciting chapter with hobbies, golfing and endless quality time with Family & Friends.

I am very appreciative of your support & guidance to me over the many years in ICT - sincere thanks!

During your time as CIO, you have achieved "mammoth" positive changes in technology, cyber security, statistics, reporting tools & many others (too many to mention!), benefiting 'all' CESA staff, schools & communities - reaping rewards now and into the future for in progress projects!!! You are definitely leaving a positive legacy and one that is deserving of applaud & celebration!

Wishing you every happiness, good health, prosperity in all that you pursue in retirement!

God Bless, and best wishes - go well! :)

Grace

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Your retirement marks the end of an era and the beginning of a lot more fun weekends. Your leadership has been appreciated, always championing ICT not just as a support function, but as a driver of real and meaningful improvement. You've stood up for the team, pushed for smarter ways of working and reminded everyone that progress doesn’t happen by accident. Thanks for bringing me back to the 'dark side', for your support, and proving that CIOs can be both strategic and scuba-certified.

Cheers,

Chris F

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Dear Phil,

Congratulations on your retirement! An end to an era. It has been a pleasure working with you. Your knowledge, leadership and strategic vision has helped shaped ICT to what it is today.

Wishing you all the very best for this next chapter, may it be filled with happiness, health and lots of family time. Enjoy!!

Warm regards,

Elisa

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Dear Phil,

Congratulations on a successful career and a well earned retirement. It has been a pleasure working with you. Your leadership and guidance will be greatly missed. Wishing you good health, happiness and lots of great memories in your retirement!

Kind regards,

Don.

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Hi Phil

It has been a great experience to work under your leadership in ICT team. You have been an advocate to the school-based ICT team by emphasising to the schools that jobs should be logged in service-now. We will miss your funny talks and thanks for organizing BBQs for ICT staff. Your leadership, experience, dedication and vision has positively influenced the CESA ICT team. You have reached a special milestone, enjoy your well-deserved retirement. No more CESA Cyber Security concerns for you. Wish you all the very BEST with lots of fun & joy!

Kind Regards

Sonia

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May your retirement be filled with adventure, laughter, and well-deserved rest. It’s been a privilege working alongside you... your legacy certainly won't be forgotten.

All the best! 😊

Viv Fleming

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Congratulations on your retirement. Under your leadership, your team has implemented many changes that has had a meaningful impact, not only for staff at the CEO but all of Catholic Education SA.

It is wonderful to work for an organisation who has an excellent and innovative support team, who supply and assist with the use of ICT across the network.

Thank you, and I hope your next chapter in your life is very rewarding and fulfilling for you.

All the best.

Kind regards

Sarah Heaslip

(on behalf of the Planning & Development team)

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Dear Phil,

it was Pleasure working under your leadership, and Hearty congratulations on your retirement.

All the Best and maybe one day we will see you here on our Golf course

Warm Regards

Rama

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Dear Phil,

Congratulations on an outstanding career and contribution to CESA. Thank you for sharing insights on your journey to CESA, was both impressive and inspiring. Thank you for supporting me and giving me the best possible start in my journey to CESA. Wishing you a wonderful retirement, and may you dive the best reefs in the world! Thank you, and all the best - Gian

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Dear Phil,

As you step into retirement, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication. Your guidance has not only shaped the direction of our IT strategy but also inspired many of us to strive for excellence.

Personally, I’ve appreciated your support and the opportunities you’ve created for growth at CESA.

While it’s hard to say goodbye, I’m excited for you as you begin this new chapter. May your retirement be filled with joy, relaxation, and all the adventures you’ve been looking forward to.

Wishing you all the very best!

Warm regards,

Mirshad.

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Dear Phil,

Wishing you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter of life! It's clear that your contributions have made a lasting impact at CESA and now you get to enjoy the rewards of your hard work. I hope that your retirement brings you plenty of time to relax, explore new passions, and to spend time with loved ones.

Congratulations and best wishes for all that's ahead!

Rachel

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Dear Phil,

Wishing you all the very best as you close this chapter and start your next.

As we all know, the previous chapters have been lengthy and full of adventures, drama and fun.

I will miss our collaboration and banter but most of all, your support and friendship.

Its not a farewell and more of until we catch up again.

Take care now and always... T

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What an amazing time we have had as a team, re-shaping how ICT is seen in the business. The changes that we have been able to implement will be a lasting legacy.

I am sure that you will be able to replace preparing papers, director blues and circulars will be replaced with perfecting golfing swings and indulging a wine or two.

I will miss the strategic meetings and preparing cunning plans for the future - I am hoping that we can continue with the vision shaping technology for schools.

Take it easy in retirement, you have earnt it!

Matt

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Dear Phil,

It has been an absolute pleasure working with you. You have led the team with a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm, and your kind and caring nature has made a lasting impact on all of us. You will be greatly missed.

I hope your retirement is filled with joy and brings you everything you’ve hoped for. Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter of your life.

Peter K

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Congratulations on your retirement!

It’s been an incredible journey working alongside you over the past seven years. Under your leadership and vision, the ICT team, CEO office and school communities have grown and evolved in remarkable ways.

Your unwavering support for the team — and your personal mentorship — have played a significant role in my own professional growth, and I’m truly grateful for that.

Wishing you all the best as you step into this exciting new chapter.

Enjoy the well-earned break from office life and spending more time with family & friends and out on the golf course with plenty of well placed shots.

Enjoy.

Damien