Good afternoon parents and carers,

I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. I am delighted to share with you a reflection on this years Catholic Schools Week that transpired throughout the week. This year, our theme "Renew with Hope," was a powerful call to rejuvenate our faith, purpose, and commitment to providing an exceptional Catholic education.

During Catholic Schools Week each year, we have the opportunity to celebrate the unique qualities that make our school community truly special. It is a time to reflect upon the blessings we enjoy as a faith-filled learning environment, and to express our gratitude for the dedicated educators, staff, students, and families who contribute to its vibrancy and Catholic spirit.

This year's theme, "Renew with Hope," invites us to look ahead with optimism and embrace the opportunities for growth and transformation that lie before us. It reminds us of the tremendous impact our Catholic education has on the lives of our students, empowering them to become compassionate and resilient individuals who will make a positive difference in the world.

One of the highlights of Catholic Schools Week was our celebration of Open Classrooms. On Monday 22nd, we invite parents, guardians, and community members to step inside our learning environments and witness firsthand the inspiring teaching and learning that takes place every day. It is a chance for us to showcase the dedication and expertise of our talented Leaders of Learning and to demonstrate the academic excellence and our inclusive culture that defines our school.

Following on from the Open Classroom experience, we officially opened our Catholic Schools Week with a whole school Mass. This special liturgical celebration serves as a powerful reminder of our shared faith and our collective commitment to Christ and his Catholic teachings and foundational principles. A special thank you to all the members of our school community for joining us in this joyful celebration, as we unite in prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving for the gift of Catholic education.

Throughout the week, we planned a range of engaging activities and events that celebrate our theme of "Renew with Hope." These activities provided opportunities for our students to deepen their understanding of our faith, engage in acts of service, express their creativity, and build connections with one another.

On Thursday our St Philomena's School Band we chosen to perform the music for the official Diocese of Armidale Catholic Schools Week Mass which was celebrated by all schools in the diocese at the St Mary's & St Joseph's Catholic Cathedral in Armidale. Congratulations to Mr King and the School Band students for their outstanding achievement throughout the Mass. The music truly lifted the celebration and provided a wonderful energy within the cathedral.

Later that afternoon, our very own Miss Phoebe McGrath, was acknowledged for her dedication and contribution to Catholic Education at the Diocese of Armidale Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. Miss McGrath received the Early Career Teacher Award, which is awarded to a teacher who has been teaching for five years or less. Congratulations Phoebe on this outstanding achievement. We are all so extremely proud!

Catholic Schools Week is not only a time for celebration but also an opportunity for us to reflect on the importance of Catholic education in shaping the hearts and minds of our students. It is a chance for us to renew our commitment to fostering an environment of faith, love, and academic excellence.

As we conclude this special week, let us remember and embrace the theme of "Renew with Hope" and strive to be beacons of light, inspiring hope in the lives of others. Together, let us renew our dedication to providing an exceptional Catholic education that empowers our students to be the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow for a hope filled future.

May God bless each and every one of you, and may our Catholic Schools continue to be filled with joy, gratitude, and a renewed sense of hope for our community.

Yours in faith and education,

Jamie McDowall

Principal

Whole School News

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