Whole School News
School Advisory Council Nominations for 2019
The School Advisory Council is seeking nominations from parents interested in assisting the school as a Council Member for 2019.
This year one (1) position is available to fill. There are six elected positions in total. A term of office for elected members shall be for a period of two years.
Nomination forms are available as a Google Form which can be completed online via the below link, the Skoolbag App, or alternatively, complete the nomination form below and return to the school office.
Nominations will close on Monday, 26 November, therefore forms must be submitted/returned to school office before then.
Voting will take place at the AGM on 28 November, at 6pm.
The School Advisory Council AGM will be held on Wednesday 28 November, 2018 commencing at 6pm. The location is to be confirmed. This meeting is the only School Council meeting which non elected members are able to attend. We would be very pleased to see members of our parent community at this meeting.
The School Advisory Council is an advisory body which supports the Principal and Parish Priest. This group is not a decision making body. It is responsible for offering advice/support on school operational policies, finance, building and maintenance, staffing and curriculum and to keep in touch with the school community. Some sub committees are formed to assist these functions. Members are required to attend a handful of meetings each year. A high level of integrity and confidentiality is required.
The current members are:
Ex Officio Members:
Parish Priest: Fr Abmar Dumayag
Principal: Mrs Karen Jagers
Finance Officer: Mrs Maree Lovett
Nominated Members:
Teaching Staff: Belinda Bremner (primary)
Richard Clark (secondary)
Elected Members:
Chairperson: Glenn Bourke
Secretary: Sarah Osborne
Austin Finlayson, Anna Humphreys, Scott Antees
2019 School Fees
While remaining always sensitive to the needs of families in difficult and traumatic situations, the school has significant expenses and responsibility for the maintenance and provision of the outstanding facilities that have been provided here over many years.
The school is therefore essentially a user-pays organisation and full fees are expected from all who seek enrolment here.
School fees are set out each year detailing tuition, resources, insurance, excursions and other costs as determined by the School Advisory Body Finance Committee. The school expects that fees are paid promptly either by direct debit, at the time of acceptance in the school or at the time of receipt of the account.
For overseas students, one full term’s fees must be paid to validate enrolment acceptance.
The special circumstance of current drought has been compassion for, and support of families in special circumstances will always be a priority.
In certain cases, provision exists for extensions of time for payment or some consideration of amounts, but only when the school is accorded the courtesy of immediate contact by parents to explain circumstances and to make alternative arrangements.
It is unreasonable and unjust to ignore fee accounts or to fail to contact the school promptly when problems affecting payment may arise. Debt collection processes will be initiated when necessary, in accordance with the Diocesan Fee Policy.
We have systematically provided various support systems to help families meet their payment of student fees.
A copy of the 2019 fee schedule, along with information regarding payment options, is provided below for your information.
No family is excluded from fee paying obligations.
Real Talk Australia
Real Talk is coming to St Philomena's School in November, running sessions for students in years 4, 6, 7 and 9.
Real Talk Australia is an organisation that is all about getting REAL on the topics of sex, relationships and personal identity. Based on Catholic Christian values, Real Talk provides up-to-date resources, presentations and programs that help young people to understand God’s amazing plan for love and life.
It is important for young people to know that they are of great value, that they have a purpose and also for them to have an understanding of the topics of relationships and sex. Young people today receive countless mixed messages about these topics, and can be unaware or confused about the precious gift they hold. (Cf: Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1632; Sacred Congregations for Catholic Education, 1997, 18).
We appreciate the importance of the role of parents in the education of their children. Our aim is to complement and not replace, the present instruction of your children. (Cf: Familiaris Consortio, 37)
Real Talk’s Love and Life Seminars are an opportunity for young people to hear from trained outside presenters about these topics. Real Talk presents this topic in a fun, interactive and contemporary way whilst being real and honest with the students. We seek to encourage and empower students to make positive choices that show respect for others and for themselves.
Parents of students in Year 4, 6, 7 & 9 are invited to, and strongly encouraged to attend.
WHO: parents of students in Year 4 and 6
WHEN: Wednesday 7th November from 6pm - 7:30pm
WHERE: Stage 3 Learning Space
WHO: parents of students in Year 7 and 9
WHEN: Wednesday 7th November from 6pm - 7:30pm
WHERE: Learning Centre