Whole School News
NAIDOC Week 2020
St Philomena’s was thrilled last week to celebrate NAIDOC Week. We had a jam-packed week of excursions and activities to engage the students in the theme, 'Always Was, Always Will Be'.
NAIDOC Week kicked off with our first whole-school outdoor gathering since the COVID-19 restrictions have been in place; and what a special time it was. We were fortunate to have Aunty Bron and Tash working with the Murri Yulu Gaay students to practise and perform the Clearing Dance during our liturgical gathering. Tash conducted a smoking ceremony as students presented the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal flags. Congratulations to Lily Key, Hunter Rowe and Denna McGrady, who were the recipients of St Philomena's NAIDOC Week awards.
Year 7 went to the cemetery and participated in the Aboriginal Diggers Soundtrail. The students were very respectful of the space. They read the plaques in the tranquility area as they listened to stories shared by local people. Afterwards, everyone sat down on the grass while Shirley debriefed and students shared their thoughts on the day.
Year 9 visited Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre to listen to a Soundtrail about the Freedom Rides. The students read the text and viewed the image on the plaque at the entrance of the pool before engaging on a walking loop as they listened to the historical stories. Once we arrived back at school, we all sat in the cool shade as the students discussed their experience with Shirley, Alyssa and Tileah.
Year 8 visited the Myall Creek Massacre site and participated in the Soundtrail walk. The students were respectful, even on the way there. On the ride to Myall Creek students observed one minute silence, as the bugle played over the radio for Remembrance Day. We were lucky to have a member from the Myall Creek committee member visiting the site at the same time and was willing to give a brief talk about the site's history. Year 9 were on their best behaviour and there will be a catch up this week to talk about their experience and answer any questions they may have. Due to the sensitivity of this excursion, Sharon Cooke wanted the students to have a week of reflection first.
Kindergarten learnt about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags before engaging in a Creative Arts activity.
Year 1 and 2 boys learnt about and painted didgeridoos, and the girls painted boomerangs for their activity. This could be considered as mens’ and womens’ business as only the men can play a didgeridoo. Shirley also took two real didgeridoos from the office to class for the boys.
Year 3 learnt about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags before painting and making an Aboriginal flag spinning wheel. They all did a deadly job at painting and putting the spinning wheels together.
Year 4 learned about the significance of raffia as well as the didgeridoo. The boys painted didgeridoos while the girls made raffia bracelets. Once the boys finished painting, they wanted to make bracelets also. This activity was a big hit for all the students.
During their lessons in History, Stage 3 learnt about how Australia has changed over the 20th century. This involved hearing from Shirley about her local upbringing here in Moree. We thought NAIDOC Week was an appropriate time to reflect on their understanding and engage with stories in situ. This involved the students walking down to the Common where Shirley used to live, which is located down the road from St Philomena’s on Gwydir Street.
There were additional activities which were accessible across the entire school such as profiles of significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, traditional Indigenous sporting games, flag colour day, and Dreaming stories recorded and read aloud by staff and secondary students.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we were thrilled to be able to celebrate an adjusted NAIDOC Week within our school. Thank you to all the people who made it possible, especially Gina Munro and Lillian Greenup-Smith who we liaised with in the planning process.
Planning for 2021
Planning for 2021 is well underway. If you know that your child/children will not be returning to St Philomena’s in 2021, parents are asked to complete thisform. We appreciate your early notification.
Uniforms
Parents are reminded that the phasing in period for the new school uniform ends this year. Students are required to wear the new uniform in full from February 5, 2021.
Due to COVID restrictions, the Uniform Shop is currently open by appointment only.
2021 Term Dates
