Saint Philomena School

St Philomena’s is an independent traditional Catholic School in Brisbane, Queensland run by the Fathers of the Society of St Pius X. Our School is unique in that, from the earliest age, we seek to give a classical education to our children. Of all educational methods, the classical curriculum seems to be the most tried and true. It includes learning Latin, classical studies in Ancient Greek and Roman history, and the study of Logic. Only literary classics are studied in class, and French is also taught in the upper grades. Our academic results are reflected by the myschool website, rating St Philomena School the best in the local area, and one of the best schools in Queensland.

Of at least equal importance to us is the study of the traditional Catholic Faith, including studies of the catechism, Sacred Scriptures and Church history, the lives of the saints, prayer and the liturgy. The motto of the school being Sine Deo Nihil(nothing without God), both study and practice of Catholicism is the focal point of the school. The school day begins and ends with prayers; the children attend a weekly school Mass; they conclude each week in the school chapel with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

We see the type of education we wish to impart upon our children as the best means to prepare them for life after St Philomena’s: in high school and beyond. Excellence in every endeavor undertaken is encouraged, and children formed at our school may be confident that their character and academic training will prepare them to meet future challenges.

One of the great features of St Philomena School is the support afforded by the broader School community. We have a great partnership with our parents, and mutually support one another in the formation of their children. A very tangible sign of this partnership is the fact that the Parents and Friends Association annually raises some $50,000!

To provide excellence in Catholic and classical education, for the love of God and learning. At St Philomena School, we value education for education’s sake, and not merely as a means to something else. A true education includes so much more than mere knowledge and includes the formation of a child’s character.

That is why we have high standards in behaviour, manners and courtesy. In many ways, our education philosophy might be termed “old school”, yet at the same time modern methods and technologies are employed to the degree that they are useful. Nevertheless, St Philomena’s is not about technologies and innovative methods; it is about the children. It is about the development of their individual personalities in such a way as to make full use of the various gifts God has given them, and to share these talents later for the betterment of society.

The school motto, Sine Deo Nihil, sums up all that we are striving to achieve, i.e. to form Catholics who, when they leave school, will know their Faith, practise their Faith and, most importantly, have been helped to acquire a love of God and a deep desire to serve Him. We aim to produce young men and women who will leave this school balanced and well adjusted, ready to go out and make the best contribution to society that they are able.

The most important part of education is the formation of character. Someone who has character lives by principles. They are responsible. They fulfil their duty with the proper diligence. They have a good work ethic. They have the courage to refuse to go along with what they know to be wrong while standing up for what they know is right. They choose the good; they reject the bad.

This school strives to be an environment in which your children can be nurtured and directed to grow into mature and responsible adults, strong in the Catholic Faith. The goal is not to form men and women without any ambition to use their talents to further good, but who will rather work to build up the reign of Our Lord around them.

Living the Catholic Faith properly implies striving for excellence. Ideally we use our God-given talents to give back to Him the best of which we are capable. This is the expectation of students at St Philomena School. St Philomena’s classical education curriculum plays a very important role in the formation of character of our students. Through the study of Latin, Logic, Rhetoric, Literature and History, students need to practise self discipline and diligence to learn and master these subjects. They also develop their memory and their abilities to analyse and express themselves.

A classical education means that students at St Philomena School are exposed to the wisdom gained and passed on over the ages. By studying classical literature they consider examples of what is good, what is true and what is beautiful presented in well written language. By the study of history, especially the ancient histories of the Romans and Greeks, our students learn to understand and appreciate Western civilisation. St Philomena School’s vision is quite clear: to give every child an opportunity to know their Catholic faith but also have the strength to live it. May St Philomena protect and bless our work!