Beyond Blue Bash

On Wednesday 23rd November, St Philomena's hosted a #beyondbluebash. The whole of K-10 was involved and the focus of the day was advocating the importance of mental health. Thanks to a Year 10 student's initiative, part of the day involved a tasty True Blue BBQ for lunch and students and staff dressing in blue to raise funds for the beyondblue organisation. Prizes for the best “blue” dressed student in each year were awarded!

By hosting a beyondblue Bash, St Philomena’s is helping beyondblue make a real difference to the lives of individuals, families and communities affected by depression, anxiety and suicide.

A total of $611.90 was raised on the day. Thank you to everyone for your generosity for such a wonderful cause.

Why is this an important day?

Many of us have been affected by depression and anxiety, either personally or through family, friends or colleagues. Right now, over 1 million Australian adults have depression and 2 million are experiencing anxiety. On average, almost eight people take their lives every day in Australia. (beyondblue.org.au)

Mental Health Awareness and Education at St Philomena’s

Wellbeing has formed part of the school’s 2016 Strategic Plan. Over the year, there have been educational workshops for both students and staff to increase awareness, understanding and capacity to manage challenging situations. Mental health is also an important curriculum outcome that is taught at St Philomena’s to all K-10 students. They learn to enhance their sense of self, improve their capacity to manage challenging circumstances and develop caring and respectful relationships. They also develop and apply the skills that enable them to adopt and promote healthy and active lifestyles. Beyondblue is a valuable resource that supports the delivery of Health Education. Students learn that the organisation works to reduces the impact of depression, anxiety and suicide by supporting people to protect their mental health and to recover when they are unwell; reduce people’s experiences of stigma and discrimination; and improve people’s opportunities to get effective support and services at the right time.

Pymble Ladies College visit

Free Dental Van Visit

Earlier this year, St Philomena's provided the opportunity to all students, to receive free onsite oral care services from fully trained dentists, oral health therapists and dental hygienists.

We are surveying the school community asking whether

St Philomena's should access this free service again, and if so, how often. To access the survery please click on the below link. The survey will be open from 24th November until 1st December 2016.

https://goo.gl/forms/hiFENWKT2aQsM76i2

Claim the Date

Wednesday 14th December

Year 10 Dinner Dance

Thursday 15th December

Year 6 and 10 Graduation Mass

K-10 Prize-giving

Friday 16th December

Last day of school

Parents & Friends Association News

Parent and Friends November Meeting

Parenting Ideas