Dear Parents and Carers, 

I hope the start of Term 4 has been a positive one for you and your family.  

I take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs Christine Perre for her recent appointment to St Brigid's as Assistant Principal commencing 2026 and I welcome Miss Danielle Muse to our school community. Miss Muse will teach Kindergarten Blue every second Thursday and each Friday.  

The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, a devotion with a rich history. According to a 15th-century account by Dominican Alan de la Roch, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Dominic in 1206. This appearance followed St. Dominic's prayers. Mary commended his efforts and then presented him with the Rosary. She described it as a powerful weapon, explained its uses and efficacy, and instructed him to preach its practice to others.

Congratulations to many of our students for receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion last week and also this weekend. It has been a pleasure to see you grow in knowledge about the Sacrament and to see you all receiving the Sacrament with great reverance and respect. Thank you to our parents for supporting their children during this process and also a huge thank you to our Parish and teachers for giving the students the skills and knowledge.  

A great way to celebrate Catholic Mission Month on Monday was wearing crazy socks, and crazy socks I did see.  In total we raised $415.55 for Catholic Missions. I thank Mrs Tyrrell, Mrs Barrett, Miss Muse, Mrs North, Mrs Page and Mrs Leonard for their organisation of the Mission Month Liturgy which was a wonderful way to commence Week 2.  

As HSC students undertake their exams, we hold them in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant them calm minds and settled nerves, and may they remember they are always worth more than their exam results.

Go well and enjoy the fornight. 

Maria Disibio 

Acting Principal

Sunday's Gospel

Jesus told a parable, "Two men went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stood and prayed, "I thanks God that I am not a sinner like this tax collector." The tax collector stood with his eyes lowered and beat his breast, "Have mercy on me, a sinner." I tell you, it is this man, the tax collector, who is at rights with God."

No matter how good a person may be, we are always in need of God's grace and mercy. Often those who are most humble and aware of their sinfulness and brokenness are the ones who are most open to God's love.

This week be like Jesus and practice being humble in your words and actions. Being humble is an important part of being sincere, so that you can accept when you are not always right and admit your mistakes.

First Holy Communion

Last weekend, and again this weekend, a number of students received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion at St Columbkille's Parish Church. These children were a beautiful example of reverence and faith as they received the Body of Christ for the very first time. Congratulations to all the communicants and their families on reaching this significant milestone in their faith journey. Also a huge thank you to those who prepared these students. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to deepen their relationship with Jesus through the Eucharist.

Mission Month

On Monday morning our Kindergarten staff and students, alongside our captains and faith team, led the school in a reflective liturgy for Mission Month. This year our fundraising centred on the African country of Zambia, and the theme "Missionaries of Hope among all Peoples". Thanks to our generous donation of approximately $420, these people will be filled with greater hope for their future.

Month of Mary

October is the month of the Rosary. Each night a student from each grade has been invited to spend some time praying to Mary, either by using the rosary beads or writing and illustrating prayers in their class prayer book. It is a wonderful opportunity for students and families to join together in prayer.

Catholic Social Teaching

On Wednesday Years 5 & 6 took part in learning based on the "7 Marks of A Bearer of Christ's Love". The main message, presented by Mr Gearin from the CEDoW office, is to embody the 7 principles of Catholic Social Teaching- Human Dignity, Economic Justice, Option for the Poor, Subsidiarity and Participation, Solidarity, Stewardship of Creation and the Common Good. Daily practices of these principles remind us how to live like Jesus.

Christmas Story Art Competition

On Wednesday afternoon the annual awards for the Diocesan Christmas Art Competition were held at the Wollongong Art Gallery. Well done to Matthew, Roma and Chamonix who represented our school as finalists. These three students were among 46 other finalists from the Diocese. There were many amazing artworks on display, as well as some extremely thoughtful and inspiring reflections. Congratulations to Roma and Chamonix, who received a Highly Commended prize for their artworks. St Columbkille's is extremely proud of your efforts and achievements.

Reconciliation Year 2

Year 2 parents should have received enrolment forms from their teachers for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please either email the details to the parish office or send into school so we can pass these on. Any questions please speak to Lisa, our Parish secretary, on 42843000.

Have a wonderful fortnight!

Joanne Herring

Religious Education Coordinator

Ms Kathy Uroda, our Principal from 2026, will be attending our School Assembly on Friday, 31 October from 2:20pm. We warmly welcome Kathy to the St Columbkille's School community.

From 158 entries submitted by students across our diocese, the artworks were shortlisted to 46 artworks for exhibition at the Wollongong Art Gallery. All three of our Year 6 school finalists were shortlisted and are currenlty on display at the Wollongong Art Gallery.  Well done Chamonix, Matthew and Roma! Artworks from both Roma and Chamonix recieved Highly Commended Awards. Congratulations.  

The quality of work created by each talented young artist is remarkable, and we congratulate all the finalists and award winners.

Student artwork can be explored online here. 

Our 2025 School Strategic Improvement Plan (SSIP)

At St Columbkille’s, our School Strategic Improvement Plan (SSIP) outlines our long-term goals for growth and excellence. For 2025, our key focus has been to “build the skill, knowledge, and confidence of our Catholic educators.”

Following a review of staff professional learning needs, several strategic priorities were identified for 2025:

• Revising the school’s Vision and Mission

• Deepening confidence and engagement in topics of faith and life

• Participating in targeted Religious Education (RE) professional development

Throughout 2025, staff have been actively involved in a range of faith-formation and professional learning initiatives, including:

• Termly RE Teams – Each term, staff work collaboratively with the REC to plan, organise and implement Religious Education and Catholicity events, supported by the school’s RE timetable.

• Catholic Social Teaching Professional Learning – Staff engaged with a CEDoW Education Officer to explore Catholic Social Teaching. This learning introduced a new initiative, “The 7 Marks of a Bearer of Christ’s Love,” which will continue to be a key focus for staff and students in 2026.

• Scripture Focus Staff Meetings – Staff explored “The Resurrection Experience and Early Christianity” and participated in professional discussions on using Scripture in the classroom, examining the three worlds of the text: Behind the Text, Of the Text, and In Front of the Text.

• Religious Education Agreed Practice Review – Staff collaborated to review and refine our agreed practices in RE during Term 3 Professional Planning Day.

• Staff Spirituality Day – Guided by a CEDoW Spiritual Formation Officer, staff reflected on their own prayer life and personal spirituality, nurturing both faith and wellbeing.

As we prepare for 2026, the continued development of our Vision and Mission will remain a key priority, aligning with CEDoW expectations and supporting our incoming leadership team—Principal, Assistant Principal, and Religious Education Coordinator—as we move into this next chapter of faith and learning.

Joanne Herring

Religious Education Coordinator

Our 2025 Annual Improvement Plan (AIP) Goal is: Students will demonstrate growth and achievement in identified areas of literacy. 

In the coming weeks, we will be finalising our 2025 AIP Goal.

Mrs Christine Perre

Acting Assistant Principal

Sport Uniform Days – Term 4

St Columbkille’s has been fortunate to receive Sporting Schools funding for Tennis this term.

Students in Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 will participate in the Tennis program on Tuesdays (Weeks 2 – 5) and are required to wear their sports uniform on Tuesdays during this time.

Students in these grades may also wear their sports uniform on Mondays if they choose, for Dance lessons.

Kinder and Year 1 sport uniform days remain the same:

• Kinder – Tuesday
• Year 1 – Monday

On Thursday, I went down to Shellharbour to participate in the Diocesan Public Speaking Competition. My topic was 'The Impact of Technology' and I did very well - sadly not placing - but still getting a cool certificate! I practised my speech lots because I wanted to do well and be prepared. There wasn't too many people in the crowd - about 50. My speech had to be 3-4 minutes which was difficult! I had lots of fun and hope to go again next year! Amelie A (Year 5)

Yesterday I went all the way down to Shellharbour to participate in the Diocesan Public Speaking Competition. Our hosting school was very gracious and we had loads of fun! I also represented SCC last year and there were a lot more people this year! My topic was 'Being Hopeful when all seems Hopeless'. I did not place but I still did better than last year, and that was an accomplishment in itself. My speech was for 4-5 minutes which is very long! I greatly appreciate this opportunity and I am so grateful for the support of my mum, Mrs Rathbone, all my classmates and friends. Keira F (Year 6)

Last term we had 2 teams proudly represent us at the Innovate for Impact event in Wollongong. Today we received word that the 'Little Helper' team of Maisie and Elodie (Year 6) has been selected to enter the Catholic Network Australia STEM MAD National Student Showcase. We congratulate them on their selection and wish them well in their endeavour to make a difference in our world.

Michelle Lace

Leader of Enrichment

Our 2025 Book Fair is Almost Here!

It will run from Friday, 31st October to Friday, 7th November in Gunya (the basement), just like previous years.

Every purchase counts!

When you buy a book, you’re helping us refresh our school library with brand-new, exciting titles for our students to enjoy all year round.

Opening Hours

Morning: 8:20am – 9:00am
Afternoon: 2:45pm – 3:45pm
You can browse and buy during these times AND don’t forget, the Book Fair is the perfect place to stock up on early Christmas gifts! 

Want to Volunteer?

We’d love your help!

If you can assist during the fair, please contact Mrs Carroll via email - CarrollK03@dow.catholic.edu.au

Thank You for Your Support

Every book purchased and every donation made directly benefits our school library and supports a lifelong love of reading in our students.

We can’t wait to see you at the Fair - come find your child’s next great read!

Congratulations to Samuel P (Year 5) who participated in the Wollongong Autumn Chess Tournament. For details about the Wollongong Spring Chess Tournament which is on Sunday 30 Novemeber, please contact Bevan Clouston, bevanc@nswjcl.org.au

Our Year 5 2026 students will require to Bring their Own Device for iPad for Learning from Wednesday, Week 2 (4 February 2026). This device needs to be an Apple iPad.  

If your child currently has an iPad for their exclusive use at school, then that iPad would be fine. Please note that in 2025 your child will do the NAPLAN tests on their iPad which needs to be an iPad Air 3 or later (those sold in the last 5 years). If you need to purchase a new iPad, the latest iPad is Generation 10, however, please note that this device is quite expensive and also does not have a headphone jack.  The iPad (9^th Generation) can be purchased. A device can be purchased via EduComIT  at school prices or alternatively, you may wish to shop around for a more competitive price.  

The iPad Mini does NOT meet the minimum size requirements for NAPLAN Online testing, and so, should not be purchased for your child’s use. We also recommend that the iPad is WiFi only — not Cellular. This means there are no additional internet usage charges, and your child will only be connected to the internet when WiFi is available (at school for example).

We highly recommend purchasing a survivor type case for the ipad as this type of case provides greater protection when carrying the iPad in school bags.  Your child will not require a blue tooth keyboardn nor an Apple pen.  

Should you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me via email for via the school office.  

Maria Disibio

Acting Principal and Technology Leader

QBE Sydney Swans Academy

We are thrilled to celebrate a significant achievement for one of our students, Maxwell Hammet, who has been selected to join the QBE Sydney Swans Academy for their 2026 program in the Under 11 age group. Maxwell participated in a rigorous Open Athlete Assessment Trial, where his athleticism, effort, and skill profoundly impressed the coaches. This selection is a testament to his dedication and hard work in AFL.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Maxwell and wish him the very best as he begins this exciting next step in his sporting journey.

Our school car line is designed to ensure a safe and efficient drop-off and pick-up process, supervised daily by dedicated teachers and staff. Families are provided with a printed surname plate to display prominently on their vehicle’s dashboard during pick-up and drop-off times. This allows staff to quickly identify arriving vehicles and coordinate a smooth transition for each student. The car line moves in a single direction through the designated area, with staff members stationed along the route to assist students in and out of vehicles safely. We kindly ask that all families remain in their vehicles and follow staff directions to maintain a steady flow of traffic and ensure the safety of all students.

Please scan the QR Code to request a car line name plate to be created for your family.

Click HERE

AFL After-school AUSKICK program

Illawarra AFL are once again offering a 4 week after-school AUSKICK program to our students on Thursdays starting week 3, 3:15 - 4:15pm on Garrur Bamburr.

Please see the attached flyer and go to: https://play.afl/play/auskick, click find a centre and enter the postcode 2518, and St Columbkille's will come up or scan the QR code from the flyer your child brings home.

All students attending will also receive an AFL merchandise pack including AFL ball.