Jesse Manners has been a member of the St Philip’s Christian College faculty since 2017, having previously been a student at the College from Narnia, culminating in his graduation in 2008. Beyond his professional commitment to the College, Jesse is a devoted father of three and a loving husband to Nicole. His professional endeavours are deeply intertwined with his ministry, and he frequently advocates about the vital role of glorifying God within the family unit. At the core of Jesse's professional ethos is a passion for a holistic approach to education, one that acknowledges and nurtures the God-given passions and purposes uniquely instilled in each individual by their Creator. His work is underscored by a commitment to seamlessly integrate scientific evidence into the biblical truths found in the Scriptures, particularly when addressing the pursuit of a joy-filled and meaningful life.

Name: Jesse Manners

I’ve been at SPCC Gosford for...Seven Years

During that time, I have...been an Inclusive Education Teacher & Stage 3 Core Teacher. My current roles are: Year Advisor, Oversee Strengths for Students and Staff and the Leader of Wellbeing.

I am still here after 7 years because...I am known, valued, grown and a part of a professional community who seek to provide a world class education centred around Christ and his individualised Passions and Purpose for both students and staff.

My best experience at SPCC... Every day within my current role. Being able to have a positive influence on the lives of individuals going through an untold amount of complexities and challenges is a genuine blessing that I don’t take for granted.

A great memory I have from SPCC as a student was...when one of my teachers took the time to pull me aside and speak a whole bunch of life and positive things over my life. They called out the potential they saw in me and it was a game changer for the way I saw my future and capacity.

A great memory I have from SPCC as a staff member was…a number of years ago I had the opportunity to travel to China to speak at a conference for teachers working within underground Christian Schools. Going on the trip was one of the most significant professional development opportunities that I have ever undertaken.

Today I’m motivated/inspired by… God’s plan and purpose for my life. Every new season comes with another glimpse of where he is working and what he is doing. Nothing ever gets old with Him!

The biggest influence in my life... aside from God and his specific calls of ministry upon my life as a father, husband and professional, I have several key influences. I’m a big believer in professional mentors. I have a number of people in various categories both professional and personal that I look up to and am influenced by. I always align myself under the guidance of wiser and more accomplished professionals in my field and so my current influencer that I am learning and growing from the most would be Peter Muddle.

I’m most proud of…finding a balance where I am a present father, loving husband and active professional within my field.

At school, I am famous for...saying the phrase, “Let’s connect”.

My greatest achievement is...bringing up my children to know that God is real, He loves them and actively wants to have a personal relationship with them.

The best piece of advice I ever received...don’t advance professionally at the cost of neglecting the ministry of being a present father and husband. Finding balance to be your best in all three spheres is a difficult undertaking but a worthy quest.