Secondary Sports Uniform Days

Stage 5 Ag Quip

Our Stage 5 students headed to Gunnedah for an informative day at AgQuip—Australia's premier agricultural field day. From watching live equipment demonstrations and discovering cutting-edge industry products to sampling great food, our students fully immersed themselves in the future of farming.

A huge thank you to all the innovators and suppliers who made it such an informative experience!

#AgQuip25 #AgEducation #SchoolExcursion #HandsOnLearning #Gunnedah 🌾🚜

TAFE - Term 3 Automotive

Shae, Mia & Kate Group

Re-time the engine by adjusting the timing marks.

Mitch, Beau & Justin Group

Putting the pistons and crankshaft back into the 4-cylinder petrol engine.

Kristian, Tommy & Noah Group

Pulling apart a John Deere mower LA105 engine that has broken balance weights. Taking parts from the same engine out of another mower that blew a hole in the block.

TAFE - Term 3 Manufacturing

💥 Sparks are flying in the workshop! 💥

Our Stage 5 Manufacturing students have been absolutely crushing their practical learning lately, diving headfirst into mastering their welding skills! 🛠️⚡️

The TAFE teacher had nothing but massive praise for their focus, technique, and positive attitudes. Huge shoutout to the entire crew for stepping up and bringing their A-game. Keep shining bright, team! 🚀👨‍🏭👩‍🏭

#FutureTrades #Manufacturing #HandsOnLearning #WeldingLife #StudentSuccess

Debating

Our Stage 4 debaters recently went head-to-head against Holy Trinity, Inverell, tackling the topic: "That all exams should be replaced with prepared assessment tasks." Arguing from the Affirmative position, our students delivered sharp, 4 to 5 minute speeches that kept the opposition on their toes.

Frances set a strong foundation as first speaker, followed by Issy, who built on our key arguments, and Emily, who closed out the case with a sharp third speech rebuttal. Behind the scenes, Eliza supported the team brilliantly as a silent speaker, while Tilly kept everyone on schedule as timekeeper.

A special shout-out goes to the brave team members who stepped up just five minutes before the debate began to take charge! The entire squad represented St Philomena’s with outstanding teamwork, quick thinking, and true sportsmanship. We are proud of their hard work and adaptability. Well done, girls!

Year 9/10 Excursion - The Great Aussie Bush Camp

In Week 4, our Year 9 and 10 students embarked on an unforgettable adventure to The Great Aussie Bush Camp at Tea Gardens. Throughout the trip, students threw themselves into an action-packed schedule featuring high-energy activities such as the Dual Flying Fox, Rock Climbing, High Ropes, Abseiling, Sea Kayaking, Archery, and Commando course. Each activity was deliberately designed to challenge students mentally, physically, and emotionally. Every single student pushed past their comfort zone, overcoming obstacles and conquering activities at their own personal pace. In doing so, many discovered hidden talents and developed an awareness of just how much they can achieve when pushed. The "Leap of Faith" proved to be particularly daunting, but in an inspiring display of courage, every student stepped up and gave it their best shot…as did Mr King and Mr McKenzie!

The excursion was fast-paced, high-energy and fostered incredible team-building skills. Guided by our two fantastic camp instructors, Lachie and George, who offered endless support and expertise, students supported and cheered each other on through every challenge. The excursion culminated in the Giant Swing, providing the ultimate adrenaline rush before packing up and heading home. Our Year 9 and 10 students were nothing short of amazing throughout the entire journey, showing resilience, camaraderie, and outstanding spirit, and a wonderful time was had by all!

Term 3 Awards Focus - Learning With Grit

We continue with our Term 3 awards focus - Learning With Grit: Breaking Barriers and Achieving Excellence. Last week at assembly, we discussed the concept of the "Learning Pit". We are officially halfway through Term 3, which is the exact moment in the school year where the excitement of a new term has completely worn off, the fatigue is setting in, and the wall hits back. We are sitting in the "Learning Pit". We spoke about the fact that, when you’re at the bottom of that pit, you can start to think, "You’re not smart enough for this," or, "Just do the bare minimum, because trying hard and failing feels worse."

The struggle students are feeling right now is not evidence that they are failing. It is the absolute, non-negotiable proof that they are growing. You cannot build muscle without tension, and you cannot build intellect without confusion. Our final message was, "Stop fearing the drop". When the work gets hard, don't shut your notebook. Don't hide behind a joke or put your head on the desk. Raise your hand. Ask the extra question. Try a second approach, and a third.

Congratulations to the following students who received our Week 5 awards for "Learning with Grit".

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