Principal

It's extremely hard to believe (and comprehend) how we have come together as a catholic learning community to enjoy, and be challenged by what Term 1, 2020 has thrown at us all.  All I can say is "What a term we have experienced!"  Not for a minute would I have thought my move from the Catholic School's Office as the Head of Learning and Teaching back into leading a school community would have looked and felt like this. 

To begin, I would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of my Instructional Leadership Team, Leaders of Learning and all support staff at St Philomena's Catholic School.  Their relentless commitment to our students has been nothing short of extraordinary.  In a period of less than three weeks they have been forced (thanks to COVID-19) to re-design and re-image the way they lead learning in their physical classrooms to an online and remote learning platform, while maintaining a quality and authentic learning experience for our students.  Over the past three weeks, our professional learning community have experienced a range of mixed emotions.  Anxiety, excitement, frustration, satisfaction and finally exhaustion.  No doubt, these are emotions you as parents are also feeling while you continue to work, parent and support your child's learning from home using our Remote Learning Platform.  I would also like to thank you and acknowledge the vital role you have played to ensure learning continues for our students.  This hasn't been an easy transition for any of us, but we do what we do because of our love and commitment towards our children.  The partnership between school and parents continues to be extremely important to me, and the feedback we have received has been appreciated and has given us a different perspective, allowing us to refine our Remote Learning Platform for phase 2.  It is our hope that our children’s education can continue as seamlessly as possible in these strange times.

At this point, learning at St Philomena's will continue in Term 2 in the same way we have in the final weeks of Term 1, that is, through our Remote Learning Platform.  We will continue to be open for the children of essential workers, however, minimal learning supervision will be offered on the school grounds. We will be closely monitoring any changes to the advice provided by the NSW Government. 

Before I forget ... Happy Easter!  Yes, Easter is upon us.  I know for most families this holiday time will look very different, however, I hope and trust, that you will stop and take some time to enjoy (and cherish) this time together with your families.  These are strange and unprecedented times. Times we are unlikely to see again. Have a great holiday, stay safe and we look forward to learning together in Term 2.

Go gently, stay safe and enjoy this well earned break.  I look forward to seeing you (virtually or from a distance) when we return for Term 2.

God bless

Jamie McDowall

Principal