Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

St Philomena's has continued to provide our students with a taste of 'normal school life' over the past fortnight with events such as the K-2 games night, followed by the annual Kindergarten Sleepover.  A special thank you to the P&F for providing the students with a sausage sizzle and a cold drink on the night.  The children danced up a storm to some wonderful music, with a range of fun games played throughout the evening.  Thank you also to Mrs Schweitzer, Miss Johnson, Mrs Drogemuller and Miss Lenton for giving up their evening to provide our Kindergarten students with this wonderful 'sleepover' experience.

Over the past eight weeks, our Stage 4 & 5 Debating Teams have competed against the other secondary schools in the Diocese of Armidale.  Early this week, our Stage 4 team completed their final debate and has come out victorious. This is a significant achievement, as they have gone throughout the duration of the competition undefeated! Congratulations to Matilda Hayes, Harmony Phillips, Grace Grantham, Tabitha Cobb, Arabella Drogemuller, Megan Cory, Selena McGrady, Kailee Stevens, all members of the Stage 4 Debating Team.

Yesterday, our Stage 5 Team debated on the topic "we are moving in the right direction" against Holy Trinity, Inverell.  After a powerful demonstration of matter, manner and method, our passionate and dedicated team walked away victorious. Congratulations to Bella Nash, Hannah Bailey, Sienna Ritchie, Georgia Brown and Lilly South. 

It is with mixed emotions that I announce the resignation of Miss Katie McMeniman after 4 years of service at St Philomena's Catholic School.  Miss McMeniman has been successful in her appointment to St Joseph's Primary School, Glen Innes for the 2021 academic school year.  Miss Meniman will be greatly missed by staff and students.  On behalf of the St Philomena's learning community, I wish Katie all the best in her new endeavors, as she continues her professional journey in primary education at St Joseph's, Glen Innes.  

Finally, with temperatures consistently around 40 degrees (or higher), it is extremely important that all students (Kindergarten to Year 10) are coming to school with water bottles and hats.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are not permitted to allow students to drink from the bubblers, but rather, only allow them to refill their own water bottles.  Surprisingly, our secondary students are the main group (of students) that are not coming to school with water bottles and or a hat.  Your support on this matter would be greatly appreciated.  

God bless,

Jamie McDowall

Principal