Principal's Message
Dear Parents, Carers, and Community Members,
As we move rapidly toward the end of the academic year, our school grounds are buzzing with the energy that only Term 4 can bring. From camps and excursions to solemn liturgies and community celebrations, it has been a fortnight where the spirit of St Philomena’s—and our commitment to Living Well, Learning Well—has truly shone through.
Last week, we gathered as a school community to commemorate Remembrance Day. It was a reverent liturgy that allowed us to pause and reflect on the sacrifices others have made to allow us to lead the lives we have today. In my address to our Secondary students, I spoke about General Sir John Monash, an Australian leader who perfectly embodied our Term 4 focus of Support Success.
Monash was not just a soldier; he was a brilliant engineer who believed in using "skill and care" to protect his people. He understood that true leadership involves a deep concern for the welfare of others. Just as Monash worked to ensure his troops were cared for, respected, and valued, we too are reminded that Support Success is about actively creating a positive environment where we help each other thrive. It is about being that skilled, helpful person for your peers.
Our parish community has also celebrated significant milestones recently. Two weekends ago, we congratulated our Year 3 students who received the Eucharist for the first time. It was a joyous occasion to see them joined by their families for their First Holy Communion. We pray that this special sacrament marks the beginning of a lifelong, Christ-filled journey for each of them.
On that same day, we acknowledged the rich tapestry of history that built our faith community by celebrating the Religious Congregations that have served Moree. We honored the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, The Daughters of Charity, The Christian Brothers, The Missionary Sisters of Service, The Sisters of St Joseph, and the La Salette Missionaries. Their contributions to education and pastoral care have shaped the very foundations of our parish and school.
Looking ahead, we are preparing to celebrate the Feast Day of St Francis Xavier, the Patron Saint of our parish, on Wednesday, 3 December 2025. St Francis Xavier was a beacon of courage, compassion, and faith, known for his tireless missionary journeys to India and Japan to awaken hearts and minds.
The Parish has organised a wonderful St Francis Xavier Festival to celebrate his life with faith, music, and community.
- 3:30 PM: Afternoon tea outside the church.
- 4:30 PM: Mass celebration led by Fr. Vic and Fr. Juvi.
- 5:30 PM: Outdoor activities begin, featuring a performance by the St Philomena’s School Band, a dramatic retelling of St Francis Xavier’s journey, a sing-along with the choir, and a lucky draw.
I encourage all families to attend this joyful gathering under the evening sky.
Our students have been broadening their horizons with several off-site learning experiences. Our Year 9 students recently returned from their excursion to Sydney, and currently, our Year 5 students are enjoying their time at Lake Keepit.
Next week, our Year 10 students will head to Melbourne for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF). This is a significant national gathering of Catholic youth, and I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Armidale Catholic Schools for providing the opportunity for our students to attend this celebration. You can read more about the festival here: https://acyf.org.au/.
Next week also promises to be colourful here on campus, as the St Philomena’s Parents & Friends Association will be holding their Colour Run. We thank the P&F for their energy in organising this fun event for the students.
As we approach the end of the year, we have some staffing changes to announce.
Mrs Adri Buys has tendered her resignation. I want to thank Mrs Buys for her contributions to both our primary and secondary teaching teams over the past two years. It was fantastic to be able to run a German LOTE subject at St Philomena's this year, enriching our curriculum. I wish her all the best for her future endeavuors.
Mr. Guy Sweeney has also shared his decision to resign and will be saying farewell next Thursday, November 27th. Guy has been a valued member of the St Philomena's community as the groundsperson for the past four years. We sincerely thank you, Guy, for all the dedication and effort you've put into caring for our beautiful grounds. Wishing you all the best in your future adventures!
Regarding staffing for 2026, we are currently finalising our planning. Further information regarding classroom teachers for the new academic year will be released to the community in the coming weeks.
We are delighted to report strong enrolments for 2026 and are very much looking forward to welcoming new families into our school community. If there is anyone in our existing community who has not yet enrolled their child for 2026, please contact the office as soon as possible to secure their place.
Finally, a reminder that Friday, 5 December, is a Pupil Free Day. Staff will be participating in Professional Learning focused on our Annual Improvement Plan for 2025. This planning is vital to ensure we continue to offer the best educational outcomes for your children. Next year's Annual Improvement Plan will be shared with our community before the end of the school term.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Alistair Stewart
Principal