Student Leadership

Dear Prospective Year 12 Students and Parents, 

My name is Colonia Benny, and I am the newly instated Head Girl for St Philomena’s Catholic High School for Girls (2025). I am a Year 12 student studying Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology, with hopes of progressing to study Medicine at University. 

My role as Head Girl consists of advocating and representing the student body at St Philomena’s whilst, integrating new ideas and improvements provided by the community.

Having attended St Philomena’s for the past 7 years, I can validate that this institution has been uniquely moulded into providing support, education, and service to students for over 130 years, starting from the Daughters of the Cross. Throughout the years, the most noticeable quality of the school is the impeccable sense of community and the highest quality education provided to each individual attending the school.

Having the opportunity to attend St Philomenas has been imperative for my development and growth of myself as a young woman and as a future leader. As a student starts to transition from primary to secondary school, it is understandable that they may feel nervous, worried and overwhelmed, however, choosing this school is one less problem to think about.

I remember entering the chapel on the first day, admiring the beautiful structure, and envisioning the unlimited opportunities I would be presented with throughout my journey - each one of us was naturally nervous, but, little did we know that those emotions were temporary and would dissipate as soon as we left the chapel. Entering this new chapter of my life was one of the most transformative experiences. 

St Philomena is unlike any other secondary school in the area; the vast number of facilities and opportunities is unmatched. We have a dedicated SEND department, with devoted staff who are on hand during the school day to help each student excel in their education. Our well-being and chaplaincy team are also ready to help with any personal or academic related problems, each year group gets a dedicated education and well-being lead who will always help them. Our school understands that each child learns differently and at a different pace, so will be allowed to purchase a Chromebook in spring term A of year 7, which you can use inside and outside of school. Moreover, we have a scheme where our lower school students have a mentor in the sixth form if in need of peer mentoring. Our school is committed to your daughter's enjoyment of learning - to become a young scholar and fearless learner.

My academic journey has been extremely rewarding, with a vast array of opportunities from participating in STEM competitions (to challenge and widen my knowledge to Year 13 and university level), to committing myself to various societies and extracurricular activities - aiding with my personal and academic growth. Partaking in these opportunities has also allowed me to network and connect with some of the most committed and determined students, which have turned into long-lasting friendships.

Participating in school life outside the balanced curriculum has enhanced my secondary experience as well as, positively influenced my growth and development into being a confident, future leader. I can assure you that St Philomena's is a place where no individual is left alone and once you join us and become a Philomenian, you will be a part of a very special community, a family. A place where each individual will develop physically, academically and spiritually.

For 7 years, I can recall listening to each Head Girl speaking and presenting their unique vision for the school - I always dreamed of taking their position, and continuing their legacy but, not once did it cross my mind that nearly a decade later I’d be in their shoes. The confidence and passion I now possess are all because of the experiences I have had here - the opportunities, the education and all the support provided at St Philomena.

I know that your daughter will be happy that she has chosen St Philomena’s and she will find herself achieving and experiencing more than she could ever have imagined.

Colonia Benny

Head Girl 2024/2025