St Philomena's School Newsletter Week 1 Term 4 2025
Principal Message - Ms Rosie Harrison
The Value of Swimming Lessons at School
Welcome back to Term 4!
I can't quite believe I'm writing this. The year is flying by and we have a busy term ahead.
I wanted to touch base this week for a few reasons, but primarily, to allay any concerns which parents may have regarding our upcoming swimming program.
Swimming is a vital life skill, and learning it at an early age provides children with confidence, competence, and resilience. School-based swimming lessons at St Phil's offer a structured, supportive environment where students can develop essential water safety skills and build self-assurance both in and out of the pool. Whether they be a first time swimmer, or currently involved in private lessons, each child will be assessed individually on the first day ensuring their specific needs and swimming ability are catered for.
For many children, entering the water for the first time can be a challenging experience. Stepping bravely into something unfamiliar helps them develop perseverance and confidence — qualities that extend well beyond swimming. Over time, students gain a sense of accomplishment and resilience as they master new skills.
Withdrawing children from swimming lessons, while understandable in response to initial anxiety, can actually reinforce their fears and make future participation more difficult. Continued engagement, however, allows children to build familiarity at their own pace, reducing anxiety and fostering a positive mindset.
If your child is already participating in private swimming lessons, this is a wonderful way to compliment and reinforce what they are already learning.
In addition to the safety benefits, swimming lessons provide opportunities for children to participate in broader school activities, such as competitive events and school carnivals. Developing these skills equip students to confidently engage in community and recreational activities throughout their lives.
Like everything we do at St Phil 's, these lessons will be conducted in a way that is safe and supportive of all students at all levels.
By supporting your child’s participation in swimming lessons, you are giving them the tools to stay safe, grow in confidence, and develop essential life skills.
Anchored in Faith
Rosie
https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/stay-safe-active/communities/how-to-keep-children-safe
https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/research-and-policy/drowning-research/national-drowning-reports
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
A huge thank you to our P&F and all of the volunteers who raised almost $10,000 at this year's V8 Race Weekend Parking.
This is our major annual school fundraiser, and it does not happen without a lot of time, coordination and effort.
Thank you to Mrs Ashcroft for organising floats, eftpos machines and banking, to Mr Wotton for cordoning off the parking areas, to our P&F for coordinating the volunteer rosters and signage, and to the wonderful families who gave up their time to help park cars across the weekend. A massive thank you to Jane Donaldson and Donna Seage. You continually go above and beyond in organising our P&F volunteers to support our little school, thank you.
Monies raised will help run programs that include whole of school swimming lessons, creative and performing arts curriculum and school dance events.
UNIFORM GUIDELINES
Summer Uniform
With a change of season comes a change of uniform. Our summer uniform is to be kept at the same standards as our winter uniform. Please ensure you familiarise yourself with the requirements of the summer uniform in our guidelines, paying particular attention to the colour of socks (girls have moved to white socks for summer), jewellery and hair.
No false / long fingernails, died hair and jewellery is to be as per the guidelines below.
Term 4 Planner
YEAR 6 FUNDRAISER
Year 6 will be selling ice creams again this term, Wednesday at lunchtime, $1 each.
Vanilla ice cream in a cone (very popular last year!)
Ice cream sales will commence this Wednesday (tomorrow) with all funds raised going towards the year 6 gift to the school.