Principal
Welcome back
Welcome back to the 2018 school year! In particular, we are always excited to welcome new families to our school community. Partnerships are wonderful arrangements and as a school community, we look forward to each and every one.
As of yesterday, our 2018 Catholic Learning Community is now complete with the arrival of our youngest students- Kindergarten, proudly taking their positions ready for the start of their educational journey at St Philomena's School. Part of their first-day fun involves a gingerbread man hunt through all areas of the school they will need to know about. Everyone loves having their visit from the new Kindergarten students! This group of young folk will finish Year 12 (or its potential equivalent) in 2031.
Office staff returned to duties on 1 February to continue the pre-commenced preparation for 2018. Additionally, teaching staff returned 1 February, engaging in two productive days of professional learning, focusing on planning for guaranteed and viable curriculums. The days were facilitated by staff from the Armidale Catholic Schools Office.
Replacing Father Christopher, newly arrived Father Kingsley Etoh has been welcomed into our parish community. Spending time in St Francis Xavier Parish prior to his ordination in 2016, Father Kinsley is no stranger to the plains and is excited to be returning. St Philomena’s School community looks forward to Father Kinsley’s involvement in our school.
The following teachers have joined St Philomena’s Teaching and Learning Team: Mr Jonathan McCallum (Secondary), Mrs Bronwyn Johnson (Secondary) and Mrs Johanna Jane (Primary). Mrs Kara Carrigan has returned from a period of leave. We look forward to their contributions to our Catholic Professional Learning Community. New members to our Educational Support Team are Brooke Drogemuller, Nicole Burley and Celine Depczynski. Soon we are farewelling Ed Saunders, Aboriginal Educational Assistant. We wish to thank Ed for his service to our school community. Recruitment for a replacement staff member will be advertised in the near future.
On Monday, our school community acknowledged the ten year anniversary of The National Apology to the Stolen Generations. This occasion on 13 February 2008 was a powerful and important moment in our nation's history that must never be forgotten.
As usual, the January holiday break lends itself to major maintenance works. Along with the annual processes of carpet cleaning, painting and pest control, some big ticket items took place. Acknowledging the challenge that evaporative air conditioning presents in our current summer conditions, phase 1 of ducted refrigerated air conditioning was installed. Spaces in both Primary and Secondary were renewed. Pinboard refurbishment in Secondary learning spaces was set in place.
As of 2018, the school newsletter will be published fortnightly. Term 1 publication weeks will be 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. Currently, we are in a week 3 zone, aligning ourselves to the eastern school calendar of our diocese. Our use of supplementary communication tools will keep our community well informed in between formal newsletters.
As a school whose focus is keenly on both learning and faith, this week two significant events in our Catholic community are being celebrated; Ash Wednesday and our Opening School Year/ Leader Induction Mass. Members of our parent, family and wider community are warmly welcome to join us on both occasions. Morning tea follows our Opening School Year/ Leader Induction Mass.