Dear Parents, Carers, and Friends of St Philomena’s,

As we approach the final weeks of Term 1 here at St Philomena’s, there is a wonderful sense of energy and purpose across our Kindergarten to Year 10 classrooms. While the end of the term is in sight, it is vital that our students remain focused on their learning journey. I encourage everyone to try their very best and stay committed to their individual learning goals and the learning intentions we set in each lesson. By maintaining this momentum, we ensure that every student continues to grow and flourish in ways that honour their unique potential.

We are currently in the liturgical season of Lent, a time for reflection, prayer, and renewal. This year, we are particularly moved by Pope Leo’s Lenten message regarding how we might lead better lives through the way we communicate. The Holy Father invites us to a very practical form of fasting by refraining from words that offend or hurt our neighbour. He calls us to disarm our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, and instead cultivating kindness and respect. This message aligns beautifully with our Living Well Learning Well Framework, which is built upon a foundation of universal and unconditional positive regard for every member of our community. By choosing words of hope and peace over those of conflict, we foster a school environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and respected.

To further ensure our school remains a sanctuary of respect, we have recently updated our documentation regarding community conduct across all schools with the Armidale Catholic Schools system.

In particular: Our school is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment for all students, staff and members of the school community. In accordance with the ACS Living Well Learning Well Student Support Framework, ACS Suspension and Expulsion Policies and Procedures and the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Codes of Conduct, Hate Speech is strictly prohibited. For all Armidale Catholic Schools, Hate Speech is defined as conduct that is an offence under section 93ZAA of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). Any incident of Hate Speech will be treated as a serious breach of ACS policies. Where such conduct places the safety, well-being, or learning of others at risk, or causes significant harm, a significant response must be undertaken. For students, this may include suspension or expulsion in line with ACS and school procedures. The Principal will ensure that procedural fairness is applied in all matters and that appropriate supports are provided to those affected, as well as interventions to address and prevent further incidents. This statement reflects our commitment to upholding dignity, respect and the safety of every member of our school community.

Maintaining a focused and safe learning environment is a priority for us. To support this, all families will shortly receive a letter via Compass outlining our updated policy regarding mobile phones and wearable technologies. This policy is designed to minimise distractions and ensure our students remain fully engaged with their peers and their learning. I ask all parents and carers to review this information carefully once it arrives through the app.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to our students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 for their focus and effort during the recent NAPLAN assessments. Your commitment to doing your best is a testament to the high regard for collective capacity we strive for in our school staff team. Looking ahead, I wish all our students from Kindergarten to Year 10 the very best for our upcoming Cross Country competition next Friday. Whether you are running for a personal best or cheering on your peers, your participation is a wonderful way to build school connection and spirit.

As our term concludes, we enter Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Catholic liturgical calendar. Holy Week commemorates the final days of Jesus’ life, beginning with Palm Sunday and moving through the profound events of the Paschal Mystery. Catholics around the world join in prayer to remember the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, the Passion and death of Jesus on Good Friday, and the joy of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Please note that our last day of school for the term will be on Thursday, 2 April, which is Holy Thursday, thus allowing our families to enter into the solemnity of the Easter Triduum together. I wish you all a reflective conclusion to Lent and a great fortnight of learning as we are moving towards the end of the first term here at St Philomena’s School.

Yours faithfully

Alistair Stewart

Principal

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