Principal's Message
Welcome to the 2025 School Year at St Philomena’s!
Dear St Philomena’s Community,
What a fantastic start to the school year we have had!
It was wonderful to welcome students, families, and staff back on Monday as we gathered for the first time in 2025. There was a great sense of excitement as we reunited after the holidays, ready for a year of learning, growth, and community.
As the new principal of St Philomena’s, I feel privileged to join this vibrant school community. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, engaged families, and incredible students to create an environment where every learner is supported to achieve their best. My passion lies in fostering a school culture built on faith, respect, and high expectations, where each child is encouraged to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
One of the highlights of our first week was our Swimming Carnival on Wednesday.
The energy and enthusiasm of our students were incredible, and it was wonderful to see so much school spirit on display. A huge thank you to our staff and volunteers who made the day such a success.
Our Kindergarten students have also had an exciting start to their school journey, with their Best Start interviews helping us to understand their learning strengths and needs. We are so pleased to have them as part of our school family, and we look forward to seeing them grow and flourish this year.
Today, we came together as a school for our Beginning School Year Mass with Fr. Juvi. This was a beautiful way to reflect on the year ahead and ask for God’s blessings on our students, staff, and families. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a meaningful and prayerful celebration.
As we step into this new year, I want to highlight something that will define our journey together as a school community —the power of learning. Learning is more than just achieving good grades; it is about growth, perseverance, and stepping outside our comfort zones. Every lesson, every challenge, and every new experience is an opportunity to become the best version of ourselves.
At St Philomena’s, we are not just a school—we are a community of learners built on faith, respect, and a belief in each other’s potential. True success does not come from natural talent alone but from effort, resilience, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. When we support each other, when we lift each other up, we all grow stronger together.
So, as we embark on 2025, I encourage every student to:
- Set high expectations for yourself.
- Be open to new learning experiences.
- Support your classmates and build each other up.
This year is filled with opportunities, and I have no doubt that with commitment and determination, we will make it a year of growth, achievement, and success. Let’s take on this journey together.
Wishing you all a fantastic Term 1!
Alistair Stewart
Principal