Principal
Karen Jagers
Final School Mass and Prizegiving
Our 2016 final school mass of the school year, Thursday 15th December, is an opportunity to celebrate in many ways. The mass will take the opportunity to thank and acknowledge all who contribute to making our St Philomena’s community a wonderful one; students, parents, carers, grandparents and staff. We will recognise students in Year 6 and 10 who are graduating from key points on the educational journey. Lastly and importantly, we will honour and thank Father Paul, who will begin his retirement in Armidale, commencing mid February. Please accept our invitation to join us at our final school mass. Following our mass, will be the K-10 Prizegiving Ceremony, which again everyone is invited to stay for. Students receiving awards will have an emailed invitation sent to parents.
Newsletter Survey
Thank you to the parents who provided feedback in regard to the newsletter survey regarding your preference for weekly or fortnightly publishing. A total of 94 responses were received with a strong preference for a weekly newsletter with 69 votes. In 2017, the school will revert back to a weekly newsletter.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy
On Monday, Father Paul, myself, Ed Saunders, Shirley Johnson and three fabulous students; Jamira McKellar, Ronnie Duncan and Chloe Brazel travelled to Walgett to be part of the the launch of a new diocesan policy; The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy is an important document for our catholic schools of the ARMIDALE diocese. This policy significantly marries two important matters - education and culture - which cannot be separated nor should be attempted to be separated. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy is built around Reconciliation, Cultural identity and Education.
Gratitude: in Good Hands
Gratitude; teaching about and acknowledging this emotion is increasingly being written about in educational forums. It is of significant recognition that some of our Year 10 boys, who have been recipients of many years of volunteer parents at junior cricket, are giving back. This season, these teenagers are volunteering their Saturday mornings at junior cricket, ensuring another generation of young ones get to participate in an active lifestyle, learn some new skills and play a team sport. Congratulations to Riley and Royce Carrol and Patrick and John Montgomery.
Beyond Blue Bash
Yesterday was an important day in building the growth mindset of well-being. The school was a blaze of blue as our community raised money for the Beyond Blue Organistaion. Thanks to our parents who supported this event, assisting their children to participate so enthusiastically. Kara Banson, Anna Reed and the Year 10 students were responsible for organising and facilitating the day. It was fantastic, thank you!