This is the last school newsletter for 2019, published Thursday 19 December 2019.

I sincerely thank the staff, parents, friends and students of St Philomena’s School for a year blessed with opportunities and successes. To the families who leave us at this point in time, we wish you well in life beyond St Philomena’s School. The many volunteers, parents, grandparents, relatives and community members, who have contributed to our great school, deserve recognition and heartfelt thanks. Our school has benefited from a bank of great achievements, created by small and large deeds, contributed by our volunteers.

As a school and diocesan system, throughout the year, we have challenged ourselves around learning, in many ways. We have examined current practices, we have reflected, reviewed and asked ourselves three important questions: How are we going? How do we know? Where to next? These are three key questions which any institution can ask itself in order to set direction for improvement. Improvement is a goal for any institution.

2019 triggers staff farewells across the school. The 2020 line-up will look a little different. I would like to thank and acknowledge the contributions of all staff who are leaving. We are saying farewell to Isabelle Moore, Jessie Simpson, Jonathan McCallum, Kristy Gray, Jessica Jarrett, Toni Boland, Brydi Holmes, Bailey Bourke, Madelyn Picone and myself. The first newsletter of 2020 will provide the opportunity to inform you of the 2020 collective staff group.

The end of the year marks a special point for Year 6 and Year 10 students who have reached milestones in their educational journeys. Our celebration of the Eucharist at Graduation and Thanksgiving Mass was our important way, as a Catholic Learning Community, to acknowledge our faith.

The work of the School Advisory Council and Parents and Friends Association in our school is a vital part of our existence. As in previous years, I am extremely grateful for the collective work of these groups of parents. I extend my thanks to outgoing School Advisory Council members, Glenn Bourke (Chairperson) and Hamish Quilty. New members, Christopher Hartin and Benjamin Cheetham have joined the School Advisory Council. I congratulate Sarah Osborn on her election as incoming Chairperson.

All good things come to an end. My exciting and rewarding experience as a teacher and Principal at St Philomena’s School concludes on 2 February 2020. I am grateful for the long moment of thirty-eight (38) years. St Philomena’s School will always run through my veins. It has been a huge part of my life and one of my big loves. Our school is a great one. Our parent community is a fabulous one. Thanks to the Sisters of Mercy, the Christian Brothers and all those who have worked at St Philomena’s School providing and or supporting great continuity of faith and learning. My sincere thanks to everyone for being part of a team that helps make St Philomena’s School great.

Catholic education in Moree will continue to have a strong and successful presence.

As a Catholic community, the celebration of Christmas is forefront in our minds; the birth of Christ, to the very ordinary people of Mary and Joseph, chosen for this special role. To all our families, I wish you love and peace, which is Christmas, and a great new year!

Karen Jagers

Principal

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

Christmas Eve Mass: Tuesday 24 December 6pm & 8pm

Christmas Day Mass: Wednesday 25 December 9:30am

St Philomena's School Newsletter

Issue 21 · 19 Dec 2019

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