Principal's Message
Good morning Parents & Carers,
With the end of Week 7 of Term 4, I find myself thinking "where has the time gone?". Thank you to all our families for their support over the past fortnight as the school community was required to respond to the COVID-19 situation within the community. Although COVID-19 is still a high priority, the school continues to focus on leading high quality learning during this challenging and extremely fluid landscape.
Kindergarten Transition & Orientation Program Commenced
Last Friday, St Philomena's opened its gates to welcome our Kindergarten students for 2022 as we commenced our school readiness (transition & orientation) program. Approximately 44 extremely excited students filled the school library, led by Mrs Jen Devney and Miss Lauren Smart, Kindergarten Leaders of Learning for 2022, as they engaged in a range of fine and gross motor skill learning activities. Thank you to our new (and existing) Kindergarten parents for their patience as they signed into the various 'Check-in' systems as part of our COVID-19 Safe Plan. Our Kindergarten 2022 School Readiness Program will continue for the next 2 weeks, extending longer in duration, as we support our new students in preparing for St Philomena's school life next year.
Learning Mandarin at St Philomena's in 2022
In partnership with Meg Global Education and Catholic Schools Office Armidale, St Philomena's will be providing our Year 3 & 4 students (Stage 2) with the opportunity to learn Mandarin as part of extensive curriculum offerings. Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world, and with the support of Meg Global Education we want our students to have all of the amazing opportunities that come with knowing this language. Huān yíng nǐ men! Welcome!
I have included a link from Meg to provide our parents with further information regarding this exciting opportunity at St Philomena's in 2022.
https://meglanguages.com/mandarin-language-program/
Aboriginal Studies in Stage 5
Towards the end of Term 3, our Year 8 and Year 9 students were provided with a list of subject/elective choices for 2022, one of which was Aboriginal Studies. As a result of student demand, St Philomena's will be offering Aboriginal Studies in 2022. Mrs Cathy Downes, along with the support of our ATSI Learning Team and the Catholic Schools Office Armidale, will be leading this exciting elective in 2022. Aboriginal Studies in a NSW Board of Studies approved course and provides students with opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of the diverse cultures, identities and lived experiences of Aboriginal Peoples. It explores the fundamental significance of land and spirituality, the importance of autonomy and self-determination, and contemporary issues affecting local Aboriginal communities and communities across Australia. Students have opportunities to develop research and consultation skills to engage respectfully with Aboriginal communities and become active and informed advocates for a just and inclusive world.
Aboriginal Studies is designed to be inclusive of all students in NSW schools and is of value to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students and non-Aboriginal students.
Click on the following link for more information regarding this exciting course offering.
Stay safe and enjoy the remaining days of Week 7.
God bless,
Jamie McDowall
Principal