Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Community Members,

Each year Diocesan schools work on an annual improvement plan. Our goal at St Philomena’s this year is tocreate conditions that promote and support meaningful learning, participation and connection to school. The focus has been on creating those tier 1 conditions for all students all of the time. Our work includes embedding universal, supportive conditions for learning, wellbeing and connection to school to create safe, welcoming settings for effective learning, wellbeing and promotion of pro-social behaviours. There is a preventative element when conditions maximise protective factors and mitigate risk factors for successful student outcomes.

We aim to create an environment where children and young people are valued and respected. But it is equally important that the adults in the school setting are made to feel valued and respected. At times we have had to remove children and young people from a setting because they are not making people feel safe, valued or respected. We will not tolerate any threatening behaviours or continuous behaviours that are impacting the learning environment of others. We rely on strong family relationships to support children and young people to navigate what can be a difficult world. 

The adults who work in the school are professionals. They are skilled, helpful and supportive. If children and young people are causing concern then we will discuss mitigating the risk factors to make things better. If children and young people go home and express any concerns about school it is worth checking with the adults first before making any judgements to avoid misconceptions.

Next week we celebrate Catholic Schools week. There are a number of activities planned highlighted by the Deanery Mass to be held on Wednesday 29th May at 11.00 in the school Hall. Parents and friends of St Philomena’s are invited to attend. Next Tuesday we have an information evening for Year 7 2025. Please contact the school if you are interested in attending. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge the work of two people who are leaving us shortly. Mrs Chantelle McGibbon has been an EA at our school for the past 5 years and has made a significant impact on the lives of many of our children. Ms Melita Roache has accepted the position of Assistant Principal and REC at Cobar. This is an exciting promotional opportunity for Melita. I know that both ladies will be missed by staff and students alike and we wish them the best of fortunes as they embark on new careers.

Kind Regards 

Simon Fleming

Principal