Phil Beecher: Principal 2008 to present

Phil Beecher was appointed as Principal to Canberra High School in 2008 .

Phil began his teaching career in the ACT in 1984. Prior to that he worked in the NSW system teaching in Yass and Queanbeyan.  His first teaching appointment was to Kaleen High School where he taught English and Drama. In 1990 he transferred to Dickson College and taught English. His first promotion was to Calwell High School in 1995 where he was the Executive Teacher for English, Languages and Student Support.  In 1999, Phil transferred to Hawker College where he was the Executive Teacher for Student Support area, affectionately known as The Den.  Whilst at Hawker College, Phil was promoted to Deputy Principal and acted as Principal in 2006. He was then promoted to Principal to Canberra High School in 2008.

Phil grew up in Goulburn and his father worked on the railways. His was the third eldest in a family of four boys. He attended Goulburn High School for his secondary education, and was a keen sportsman and represented Goulburn in hockey. Phil moved to Canberra in 1977 to study at the Australian National University and lived on campus at Burgmann College. In 1981, he moved to Wollongong to study for his Diploma in Education.

Phil married his wife Gai (the current principal of Gungahlin College) in 1984 and has three grown up children – Andrew, Stephen and Michelle.

During his teaching career Phil has combined his keen interest in sport – playing, coaching or managing teams at club and, state and international level.  In 1995 he was appointed Tour Manager for the Australian Schoolboys Rugby League team that toured England and France.  He is currently the national secretary for the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League and was awarded Life Membership of this organisation in 2011.

Phil has always had a passion for public education and providing opportunities for all students. This has continued at Canberra High as he has supported programs and activities that provide all students with opportunities to challenge and extend themselves to be the best person possible.  

Credit: Paul Branson provided this bio of Phil.