A Strong Start to the Year:

As we end our sixth week of the school year, it is wonderful to see our students settle into their learning routines with enthusiasm and commitment. Classrooms are buzzing with activity, friendships are strengthening, and a strong sense of school spirit is evident throughout St. Philomena’s. Our staff and students have embraced the new year with positivity and determination, setting the stage for a successful and enriching year ahead.

Thank you for your calm response last Friday. Our school community faced a critical incident when a truck took out a power pole. We are incredibly grateful for the calm and measured way in which everyone responded. The safety of our students was our highest priority, and we appreciate the cooperation of families in ensuring that all students were collected in a timely manner. Your support and understanding in such situations are truly valued.

Year 7 Excursion:

We hope that our Year 7 students had an enjoyable and enriching experience at Lake Keepit this week. This camp provides a fantastic opportunity for students to develop friendships, build resilience, and engage in outdoor learning activities. More information about the camp experience will be shared in our next newsletter.

Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Freedom Rides:

Last fortnight, members of our school community came together at the Moree pool to participate in a significant local event commemorating the Freedom Rides. This event provided a powerful opportunity to reflect on history, acknowledge progress, and reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity and respect.

Our Year 10 student leaders and Aboriginal Education Assistants and Aboriginal Dance Group proudly represented St Philomena’s. The students performed with confidence and passion, engaging the audience in a moving and meaningful way. I would like to thank all students and staff involved for their dedication and commitment to making this event memorable.

Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent:

Thank you to all families who joined us for our Ash Wednesday Mass this week. It was fantastic to have Fr. Juvi celebrate the Mass and share in his homily what Ash Wednesday means to him. Your presence and participation made this a special and reflective occasion for our school community.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a significant season in the Catholic Church. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and preparation for Easter. The ashes received on Ash Wednesday symbolise humility and a commitment to spiritual renewal. Throughout Lent, Catholics focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to grow in faith and strengthen their relationship with God. We encourage our students and families to embrace this season with open hearts and a spirit of generosity.

Farewell and Thank You, Mrs Cathy Downes:

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the career of Mrs Cathy Downes, who will be retiring at the end of Term 1 after an outstanding contribution to St Philomena’s School. Cathy’s final day as Assistant Principal (Community Engagement and Wellbeing) will be the 25th of April 2025.

Cathy first joined St Philomena’s in 1986 and, after a period away to focus on her family and business, returned in 1997. She has served in roles such as classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, Aboriginal Focus Teacher, and Leader of Wellbeing. Since 2012, she has been Assistant Principal, making a lasting impact on our school and wider community.

With Cathy’s retirement, St Philomena’s will return to two Assistant Principals—one for Primary and one for Secondary. We will work closely with Armidale Catholic Schools and Karen Tighe (Subject Matter Expert: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education K-12 Mission & Learning) to develop a role that continues to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, students and families.

We sincerely thank Cathy for her dedication, leadership, and commitment to our school and wish her every happiness in her retirement. We also look forward to seeing her continue to support St Philomena’s in a casual teaching capacity later in the year.

Inspiring Growth and Determination:

At our recent secondary school assembly, I spoke about striving to be the best version of ourselves. We discussed how personal growth requires grit, preparation, and the support of those around us. I encouraged students to set goals, embrace challenges, and work with perseverance, reminding them that success is not about avoiding failure but about pushing forward despite obstacles.

The message of teamwork and encouragement was also central to our discussion. We are stronger as a school community when we support one another. Just as our students demonstrated leadership and unity at the Freedom Rides event, we must continue to uplift and inspire each other in our daily lives.

As we continue through Term 1, I encourage all students to reflect on who they want to become and take intentional steps towards personal and academic growth. Let us work together to build a school community where every individual is supported, valued, and inspired to achieve their best.

Alistair Stewart

Principal

St Philomena’s School, Moree

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