Journal Entry

St. Philomena Catholic School - Peoria, Illinois

St. Philomena was established in 1946. It is a Catholic grade school and part of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, Illinois. Their academic program focuses on Faith, Fine Arts, Literacy, Math, Social Studies, Science, PE, and Technology. There are 465 students in grades Pre-K - 8.

St. Philomena SchoolSt. Philomena School - Peoria, Illinois

A word from teacher Sue Tony:

The students at St. Philomena are excited to follow this expedition. We were able to be a part of Alex's 2012 expedition to study Weddell seals in the Ross Sea. This year, the students are anxious to go back to see what exciting things the researchers have discovered.

Alex's 2014 expedition allows our students in grades 6-8 to see how science is being used in the field by research scientists. It is a fun way for them to see how science connects to the real world problems.

Thanks again for letting us follow you on this new adventure.

Sue Tony St. Philomena School Peoria, Illinois

Check out what these students are doing this year!

This is a very imaginative group!

They’ve created a Weddell seal wall with postcards from dozens of students. But these postcards won’t be staying on this wall... they’re actually on their way to Antarctica and are expected to arrive November 1, 2014. The postcards will then be mailed back to the students with a postmark from the U.S. Post Office in McMurdo Station!

If all goes as planned, expect to see them before the holiday!

Weddell seal wallWeddell seal wall at St. Philomena School. Photo courtesy of Sue Tony.

Let’s zoom in for a closer look.

Aren’t they amazing! It’s hard to pick a favorite because they are all so good.

Do you have a favorite?

Close up of postcardsClose up of postcards. Photo courtesy of Sue Tony.

Flags, flags, flags!

They’re all over the classroom! Check it out!

Flags everywhere!Flags everywhere! Photo courtesy of Sue Tony.

Working in small groups, these students created some remarkable flags. It never ceases to amaze me what you can accomplish when you work together as a team! Here are a couple of students hard at work!

Working on flagSt. Philomena students working on their flag. Photo courtesy of Sue Tony.

Ahhh finished!

These students proudly display their finished product! Great job ladies! I can’t wait to fly this flag on the ‘ice’. Be sure to look for it in one of my expedition journals!

Finished flagOne of three flags which will fly in Antarctica. Photo courtesy of Sue Tony.

Tremendous thanks to Sue Tony and the students at St. Philomena.
Keep up the good work and thanks for following!