Principal
Karen Jagers
Annual School Survey
In August, our parent community was invited to take part in an annual process of seeking feedback, across a range of areas, related to St Philomena’s School. MYP Corporation was commissioned to undertake this process in each school in the Armidale Diocese. All schools, in all sectors, offer this annual opportunity to their parent community. Thank you to those who participated. The statistical data informed us that responses were received from 180 of a possible 431 or 41.8% of our parent/guardian community.
> The six (6) key areas in which parent feedback was sought were: Catholic Ethos, Leadership, Teaching and Learning,Resources, Improvement Processes, General
> Parent responses were reported back to the school, using the following the seven (7) categories: Excellent, Good, Requires Attention, Requires Immediate Attention, Above Average, Below Average
> Our summary report provided the following data:
Resources & General: Excellent Score rating
Improvement Processes, Catholic Ethos, Leadership Teaching and Learning: Good Score rating
Major Excursions
Following discussion with the School Executive and consultation with the School Advisory Body, changes have been made to the line up of major excursions. These changes reflect a combination of curriculum justification, travel time and cost. In 2017,the school will continue to subsidise these two major excursions.
Year 6: Lake Keepit
(Active Lifestyle -4 days- Term 3)
Year 10: Lake Ainsworth TBC
(Active Lifestyle - 5 days- Term 4)
Primary Aquatics
The organisation and implementation of the aquatics strand of the Primary PDHPE curriculum have been closely examined, using a sharp focus, and consequently changes have followed. These changes reflect minimising the cost to our parents and reducing interruption to learning. Previously, the aquatics strand involved multiple trips to the pool incurring multiple pool entry and bus travel costs, with 45 minutes at the pool. By having one longer session, maximises the time, reduces costs and minimises interruption to other areas of learning.
City Visitors
Next week we welcome into our school community a group of Year 10 girls, accompanied by two teachers, from Pymble Ladies College Sydney. Their visit forms part of a voluntary work program, with this group choosing a western rural experience.
Students not returning in 2017
The school is, at this point in time, planning extensively for 2017. Other than students in Year 6 and Year 10, if your child/children will not be returning to St Philomena’s in 2017, please complete the form attached to this link. Thanks to those who have provided this information.