Principal's Message

Good afternoon parents and carers,

Believe it or not, as you read this we will be closing the book on Week 3 of Term 4.  After what felt like a slow start to the term, the past 2 weeks have just flown by.  

COVID-19 continues to impact school life, with all schools remaining at Level 3 Restrictions.  Unfortunately, remaining at Level 3 Restrictions will cause modifications (or cancellations) to some of our 'normal/usual' end of year activities and events.  We remain in constant communication with the Catholic Schools Office, Armidale as we seek to plan for these events.  We will continue to communicate with our school community (via our Compass Portal) as new and updated information becomes available.

Learning & Teaching Appointments for 2022

I am excited to announce the appointment of Mr Anthony O'Donnell to the position of Leader of Pedagogy commencing in 2022.  Thank you to Mr Jason Hanrahan and Ms Kerrie Priddis, from the Catholic Schools Office, for their contributions and support throughout the interview process.  Mr O'Donnell (Tony) (as part of the St Philomena's Instructional Leadership Team) has led Stage 2 throughout 2021 in an acting Leader of Pedagogy role, continuing to build our Leaders of Learning professional capacity in Contemporary Learning Design, Gradual Release of Responsibility and data literacy in the area of reading and writing.  Congratulations Mr O'Donnell on your appointment.

I am also excited to announce the renewed contracts of the following Primary Leader of Learning positions for 2022:

• Miss Sophie Arthur
• Miss Phoebe McGrath
• Mrs Melissa Crittenden
• Mrs Catherine Moylan
• Mr David Powell

St Philomena's will also be welcoming two new Leaders of Learning to our Primary Learning and Teaching team for 2022; Miss Lauren Smart and Miss Michelle Le.  Miss Smart joins us after approximately 5 years at St Francis Xavier's Primary School, Narrabri where she has led student learning in the Kindergarten to Year 2 space.  Miss Le, is a recent graduate from the Western Sydney University (Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Teaching (Primary), and joins us from Rossmore Public School where she has been co-leading in the Kindergarten to Year 2 space.  Both Miss Smart and Miss Le will spend some time at St Philomena's later in Term 4 as part of their induction to our Catholic Professional Learning Community (subject to COVID-19 Restrictions).  I look forward to introducing both ladies to our school community and I'm sure you will make them both feel extremely welcome.

Secondary Practicum Learning & Teaching Placements

I would like to formally welcome, both Miss Isabella McGrath and Mr Eli Campbell to our St Philomena's Professional Learning Community for Term 4.  Miss McGrath and Mr Campbell are completing their final teaching and learning practicum in our Secondary area of learning.  Miss McGrath's final practicum is in the area of English and PDHPE, while  Mr Campbell's is in the area of Science and Mathematics.  We are extremely excited to host these young professionals, and given the opportunity, know you will make both Isabella and Eli feel welcome as part of our school community.

God bless, and enjoy your weekend.

Jamie McDowall

Principal