St Philomena's School Newsletter Week 3 Term 4 2025

Principal Message - Ms Rosie Harrison

Dear Families and Caregivers,

What a busy few weeks  for us to start Term 4!

In Week 2 our whole school swimming program proved to be a huge success for all students. I was particularly impressed with the manner in which our youngest students stepped up and managed this change to school routine each day. Across the school, students demonstrated real strength in managing first day nerves, juggling clothing changes, bus travel and changed learning environment at the Aquatic centre admirably. Parents will be very proud to hear that staff from the Bathurst Aquatic Centre congratulated our teaching staff on the behaviour and manners of our St Phil's students during their swimming lessons. We have received great feedback around the swimming program and we will take this forward for our 2026 planning. Thank you again to our P and F for making this whole school activity possible with your funding support for this life long learning skill.

This week we have celebrated NAIDOC week, joining the march on Monday with many other Bathurst schools and local Aboriginal groups and families. It was wonderful to have some of our mums and dads join us at the march and celebrations in the park afterwards. A big thank you to our acting AEO Max Martinez for the organisation of our participation in this community event. Tomorrow we celebrate all things NAIDOC at St Phil's with a Liturgy, Dance performance, Traditional Indigenous Games (TIG) and sausage sizzle BBQ lunch. Please see the accompanying flyer with the timetable of events coordinated by Mr Martinez. A big thanks also to our teaching and Admin staff in their generous support of Mr Martinez to make this day a valued learning experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait community and culture. The following quote from the Uluru Statement of the Heart is very apt for the cultural experiences offered by both St Phil's and wider Bathurst Aboriginal community groups this week.                    

Uluru Statement of the Heart - 'When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish. They will walk in two worlds and their culture will be a gift to their country. '

A big thank you to staff who have assisted with our Emergency After School Care this week. An interim measure for working families who have no safe / suitable alternative between the end of the school and working day. We will continue to provide updates as to after school care services as we receive them. OSHC is currently recruiting for these roles. If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact Centacare.

On Monday morning our Year 5/6 students headed off to Camp for three jam packed days in Canberra. By all accounts they have had a wonderful experience so far and we will see them return later this afternoon around 6pm. Keep an eye out for the photos already posted and further updates on Compass over the next few days. Thank you to Vanessa Galloway Smith, Clancy Dowling and Jacob Parslow for ensuring the camp experience for the students has been a happy and memorable one.

Our Year 2 students also enjoyed a lovely morning out at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum on Tuesday. The rain cut short a planned experience and lunch on the bank of the Macquarie River, however it did not stop children from having a wonderful day.

Next week we welcome our 2026 Kindergarten class for the first of their Orientation days at St Phil's. Included in this newsletter is an outline of the orientation programs for families. We look forward to welcoming families both old and new to these sessions over the next three weeks.

Years 3 and 4 will also enjoy a day out on Monday, visiting the Secret Creek Wildlife Sanctuary! How lucky are our children to be enjoying such a variety of exciting experiences this term. We also have our final Pupil Free Day scheduled for this year, Monday 24th November. Please see the updated Term calendar  below.

As you can see, lots of things happening, so please stay up to date with communications via Compass and Seesaw. 

Anchored in Faith

Rosie

A huge thank you to Mrs Donaldson for kindly baking and dropping in some sweet treats for our after school care students. On a cold and rainy day, to venture out and drop these to us in time for after school was so kind. We are extremely grateful to have such wonderful people in our school community.

Assistant Principal - Mrs Clancy Dowling

Socktober

A huge thank you to all our amazing students and parents for your enthusiastic support during Crazy Socks Day! Your generous gold coin donations made a big difference, and we’re so grateful for your kindness and community spirit.

It was fantastic to see students rocking their wildest, wackiest, and most colourful socks with pride. From polka dots to stripes, and even socks with laces, ears and bows, the creativity on display was truly a sight to behold!

Thanks again for helping us turn a fun day into something meaningful. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Swimming

We’re thrilled to share the success of our recent swimming lesson initiative at the Bathurst Aquatic Centre! Students from Kindergarten to Year 4 took part in daily lessons, diving into both fun and essential water safety skills.

Throughout the week, students listened attentively to their instructors and showed fantastic water-safe behaviour by following pool rules and respecting their surroundings. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow with each session.

We’re sure parents have heard all about the excitement — from splashes to strokes — as students embraced the joy of swimming and the importance of learning this vital life skill. In a country like Australia, being water safe isn’t just fun — it’s essential. Thank you for supporting this initiative!

Year 5 Leadership Day

Last week, our Year 5 students took part in a special Leadership Day designed to prepare them for their exciting role as school leaders in 2026. The day was filled with engaging activities, thoughtful discussions, and opportunities to reflect on what it means to lead with integrity, kindness, and confidence.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Stannies Youth Group for facilitating the day and inspiring our students to think deeply about leadership and responsibility. Their guidance and energy made the experience truly memorable.

Students are now busy drafting their leadership speeches, and we’re sure the experiences and insights they gained will shine through in both their words and actions next year. It’s inspiring to see them already stepping up and thinking about how they can positively impact our school community. We can’t wait to see the leaders they become!

Year 6 Orientation Day
Our Year 6 students recently attended their Orientation Day at either MacKillop College or St Stanislaus College in preparation for Year 7 in 2026. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to explore their future schools, meet new teachers and peers, and get a taste of the exciting journey ahead.

We’re proud to share that our students represented our school with outstanding behaviour, showing respect, enthusiasm, and maturity throughout the day. Their positive attitude and willingness to engage made a great impression and reflected the values we hold dear. Well done, Year 6 — you’re more than ready for the next chapter!

Play is the Way

This term, our Play is the Way focus has been all about understanding the importance of having reasons for the things we say and do. Whether it's making a choice in the classroom, on the playground, or with our friends, we’re encouraging students to pause and ask themselves: Why am I doing this? and Is it the right thing to say or do?

By thinking before we act, we build stronger relationships, make better decisions, and grow into thoughtful, respectful individuals. It's all part of learning to be our best selves.

Religious Education Coordinator - Mrs Rebecca Rizzo

Grandparents Day Mass

On Wednesday 15^th October, we celebrated our grandparents with a special Mass and morning tea. We celebrated and gave thanks for our grandparents and the significant impact that they have on our lives. It was wonderful to welcome our families into our school, in particular our grandparents, for a beautiful Mass lead by our Infants students.

Grandparents bestow upon their grandchildren the strength and wisdom that time and experience has given them.

Grandchildren bless their Grandparents with a youthful vitality and innocence that help them stay young at heart forever.

Together they create a chain of love linking the past and the future.

The chain may lengthen, but it will never part…….

Author Unknown

World Missions

October is the month where we raise awareness of Catholic Mission Australia and the wonderful work that they do for people less fortunate than ourselves.

This year, the campaign is focused on supporting communities in Zambia, specifically providing farming equipment and training to mothers to help them produce more maize and create a sustainable future. 

A huge thank you again, to all of our wonderful families who supported our Crazy Sock Day last week. We were able to raise $190.50 which will be going directly to Catholic Mission Australia from our school community. If you would like to find out more about the wonderful work they do in disadvantaged areas please visit the following link at  https://www.catholicmission.org.au/

All Saints Liturgy

Each year the Church recalls the example, witness, and prayer of the holy women and men who have been identified by the Church as Saints. These Saints are more than just role models; they are family members with whom we continue to share relation, in a bond of prayer, called 'The Communion of Saints.’

On Friday the 31st October our students will celebrate All Saints Feast Day with a whole school Liturgy at 9.15am. To help celebrate this special day the students will have a 'Saint’s Activity' afternoon where they will learn about the different Saints and the miracles and good deeds that they did throughout their lives.

Altar Servers

On Friday 17^th October 4 of our students were asked to altar serve for James Sheehan’s Staff Faith Formation Day at the Cathedral Church with Bishop Michael and Fr Greg Bellamy presiding. These students did a wonderful job serving at this special Mass.

Sacramental News

Congratulations to our students who have received their sacraments. May you all know the love and strength of our loving God. 

A Prayer to St Philomena 

We pray to Saint Philomena, Patron Saint of our school and young people, for anyone in our school community who is suffering from loss or illness at this time. 

O St Philomena,

You were so young when you gave your life to protect your faith.

Through His compassion God granted you powerful intercession for those who seek your prayers.

O great Saint! We humble ask for your miraculous prayers and protection for us. We pray that you may be a light to us and our families.

Amen

Aboriginal Education

This week our students participated in the NAIDOC March and bbq at Kings Parade, hosted by the Aboriginal Lands Council.

It was a great opportunity to connect with students from right across Bathurst who all attended the event.

This Thursday, we will celebrate with a number of activities including Traditional Aboriginal Games, art, craft, dance and a special BBQ lunch for all students.

Mr Max Martinez, Aboriginal Education Officer

Term 4 Planner

P&F News