Dear Parents and Carers, 

As per the CEDoW contracting process for Religious Education Coordinator (REC) positions, the position of REC at St Columbkille’s will be declared vacant at the conclusion of the 2025 school year. As such, a recruitment process will shortly begin to appoint a suitable candidate to commence in the role from the beginning of the 2026 school year. 

I’d like to sincerely acknowledge the wonderful leadership that Mrs Joanne Herring has demonstrated since commencing in the role in 2016. Mrs Herring's achievements include her positive partnership with the Parish Priests and Parish community, her strong staff relationships, her work with Storytelling, Assessment in RE and her role in the renewal of the School Vision and Mission. Please note for transparency, that Mrs Herring is eligible and most welcome to re-apply for the REC position.

Mrs Herring will be taking leave from mid Week 3 (6 August) through to the end of Term 3.  During this time I congratulate Mrs Libbie Tyrrell who will take on the role of Acting REC for the seven weeks. Mrs Tyrrell will remain on class (KG) Monday and Tuesday and will work the additional day on the Wednesday for the REC release day.

During this time Mrs Demitra Rostron will work full time in 5 Blue, Mrs Emma Cotterill will work Tuesday to Friday in 3 Blue, with Ms Melissa Sekulovski taking on Mondays during this time.   

The Talent show held yesterday was a great sucess and we proudly raised $332.85 towards the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal.  Thank you to Mrs Rathbone, Mrs Herring and Mrs Perre for their organisation of the event.  

As Term 2 draws to a close I take this opportunity to thank all our dedicated staff, for the ongoing dedication and professionalism and to thank you, our parent community for your support and time.    

I sincerely wish you all a wonderful school break. I hope you have the opportunity to slow down, spend more time with your family and friends and also find time for yourself and God.  

A reminder that Monday 21st July is a Pupil Free Day as staff will be engaging in a Spirituality Day. Students return for Term 3 on Tuesday 22nd July. 

Happy School Break. 

Warm regards, 

Mrs Maria Disibio 

Acting Principal

NAIDOC WEEK

This Sunday marks Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday and the beginning of NAIDOC Week. This year’s theme resonates deeply with the Jubilee Year of Hope’s overarching theme. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) has prepared a range of liturgical and other resources to support the celebration. See the link below.

The journey of hope is beautifully captured in the Dharawal Dreaming story of Wiritjiribin, the First Lyrebird. To learn more about Wiritjiribin and the spirit of hope, explore pages 6-7 in the CEDoW Guidebook for the Celebration of the Year of Jubilee. See the link. (Note: The use of the acronym ATSI has come directly from the source, not CEDoW).

Our St Columbkille's community will celebrate NAIDOC Week on Wednesday 23rd July, after we return from the holidays. We are fortunate to have the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from John Therry Catholic College leading our celebration. Parents, carers and friends are invited to attend from 10-11am in the Monsignor Downey Hall. 

GRANDPARENTS DAY CELEBRATIONS

On Friday 25th July we welcome our grandparents to St Columbkille's for our Grandparents Celebrations. Our liturgy will begin at 9.15am, followed by open classrooms. Our Grandparents are asked to bring in a token/memory from their schooling days to share with their grandchild/class.

FATHERS DAY CELEBRATIONS

Remember to save the date for our Father's Day celebrations at St Columbkille's- Wednesday 3rd September. We will begin with a sausage sizzle breakfast at 7.30am (just for our dads and father figures). Morning play on Balawarri will be followed by our liturgy at 9.15am in St Columbkille's Church. We look forward to celebrating with our fathers and father figures.

MINI VINNIES TALENT SHOW

Our incredible students took to the stage yesterday for the Mini Vinnies Talent Show, using their creativity and courage to raise funds for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. From singing/dancing and musical performances to joyful laughs, the show reminded us that when we share our gifts, we can bring hope to others.

A huge thank you to all who donated, performed, and supported this special event. All money raised will support families in our Corrimal area especially during these colder months.

SPIRITUALITY DAY

On the first day of Term 3, our staff will gather for a reflective and inspiring Spirituality Day, centred on the mission of Making Jesus Known, Lived, and Loved.

Through prayer, dialogue, and shared moments of faith, we will deepen our connection to Christ and to one another. This special time will allow us to renew our commitment as Catholic educators—to nurture hearts, inspire minds, and walk with our students in faith each day.

On the 26th of June, 16 talented students from both Years 5 and 6 went to Good Samaritan in Fairy Meadow to participate in the first ever Sacred Sparks Octathlon. It was an interesting and fun experience, and we were all honoured to be part of it! 

The 8 subjects we participated in were Science, English, Mathematics, Cartography, Code Breaking, Engineering, Religion and Creative Interpretation (Drama). The other schools there were St Michael’s

, Good Samaritan and St Joseph’s.  

Year 5 came 2nd in Science and received the Sacred Sparks award which showed they demonstrated Perseverance, Integrity and Teamwork throughout the day. They also came 1st in Cartography and Code breaking.

Year 6 came first in English, Cartography, Religion, and the very special Sacred Sparks award!

We were all very proud to represent the school and we congratulated every school for doing amazing jobs, we feel that we did our very best and it paid off! ??

By Keira Fabon and Finn Conway.

This semester has seen our St Columbkille’s Gold Class Students engage with a variety of activities in Music! Take a look at these photos and videos!

Kindergarten Gold Music

Meanwhile, Kindergarten have been singing and dancing to our Feelings song (Hi-5)…they love grooving to this! We always greet each other by singing hello and it is lovely to see so many learning to echo the same pitch! They can sing hello to you at home too! Kindergarten have been introduced to basic note values via our rhythm cards and when playing our wonderful app: Rhythm Cat Lite (Parents…it’s free!). Kindergarten students are also developing their uke hold and are identifying the names and sounds of the four strings (G, C, E, A). Just look at these beautiful photos and videos!

Kindergarten Gold Having Fun in Music! 

 Yr 1 Gold Music

Whilst focusing on our understanding of note values and rhythmic combinations (via our Rhythm Cat Lite App, Rhythm Cards, and our Rhythm Detective Game), Yr 1 Gold have also been learning how to play chords C and Am on the Uke. Our listening tasks saw us take some time out to appreciate Saint Saens’ beautiful composition The Swan, from the Carnival of the Animals. We also discussed which two instruments are used in this piece of music!

Yr 2 Gold Music

 2 Gold have been delighting each other and their Music teacher, Ms Patton, this semester!

They can sing (check out Little People from Les Mis), they can dance, they can identify notes of the Treble Clef (Just look at Oliver go on Speedy Note!), and they can keep up with some tricky rhythms when playing Rhythm Cat Lite…all this whilst starting to learn chords C, Am, F and G7 on the ukulele!

A Couple of Yr 2 Gold Music Videos!

Yr 3 Gold Music

 Yr 3 have really been looking to hone their skills on this accessible instrument (which students from St Columbkille’s engage with from Kinder to Year 6!). Here’s a pic of them as they moved through their progression of six chords: C, Am, F, G7, G and D! And you should see them on Speedy Note! You’ve come a long way this semester 3 Gold!

                                             Yr 3 learn to Form and Strum Chords Progressions!

Yr 4 Gold Music

Yr 4 students have been consolidating their capacity to form eight chords on uke, whilst also learning to play You Are My Sunshine, Waltzing Matilda and Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree. On keys, they have been learning chords C, F and G and playing The Lion Sleeps Tonight, while engagement with our app Rhythm Cat Lite, has seen students clapping along to more challenging levels. The change of season has also seen them listening to Vivaldi’s Winter from The Four Seasons, as they learn to identify the instruments used and appreciate the aesthetic qualities of this well-known composition.  

Check out these short videos of Yr 4 Gold in Music!

                             Yr 4 Gold on Uke, Playing Rhythm Cat and Listening to Vivaldi

Year 5 and 6 Gold Music

Yrs 5 and 6 have been consolidating their extensive knowledge of uke chords (ten chords in fact!) whilst also developing their keyboard skills. Check out the video of Yr 5 Gold playing and singing “I’m Yours’ by Jason Mraz. Our lessons are built on constant rotations of Music Literacy (engaging with our Speedy Note App to enhance their understanding of the notes of the Treble Clef); Keyboard; and Ukulele activities. Yr 6 have also started preparing the songs and hymns for the annual Yr 6 Mass with the Bishop, to be held on Wednesday 6^thAugust…so there’s plenty of singing going on in the Music classroom too!

Snapshots of Yr 5 Gold!

Snapshots of Yr 6 Gold!

Ms Marianne Patton

Music Teacher K-6

The Tell Them From Me Survey is an opportunity for parents to give feedback about our school to support us in celebrating areas of strength, as well as identifying areas for improvement. 

Thank you to the 72 parents who completed the survey.

Some aspects we would like to highlight can be found below. Note that our school mean is first, followed by the region mean in brackets. 

Some common themes that came from the open-response section of the survey are listed below, along with information to help support each:

Areas of Strength:

(1) Students Feel Safe and Supported

An overwhelming theme in the feedback provided was that parents felt their child was safe and supported at school. 

(2) Welcoming Catholic School Community

Parents feel that our staff model Catholic values and that there is a strong sense of our school being a faith-filled community. Parents noted that they felt welcomed and a sense of belonging. We continue to encourage our student's and their families to attend a weekend Mass, and also unpack the Sunday Gospel each week with the students. 

(3) Positive Relationships 

Parents expressed that positive, respectful relationships exist between staff and students and that their child’s teacher knows their child and how they learn best. 

(4) Diverse Learning Needs

Also reiterated at our Parent Listening Assemblies, these survey results suggest that parents feel that the diverse learning needs of our students are a priority and that this is an area that we have made significant gains in. 

(5) Special Events

It was noted that parents are very pleased with the variety of events and opportunities we provide at a school level e.g. Easter Hat Parade, Mothers/Fathers Day Events etc. Parents feel that the sense of community is a clear priority at our school and we do lots of work in fostering belonging and connectedness.  

Areas for Improvement: 

(1) Communication About Learning

Parents are requesting greater sharing of learning between home and classroom. This correlates with the feedback we gained through the Parent Listening Assemblies. In response to this request, all classes K-6, will be utilising the Seesaw platform from Week 1, Term 3. Each student will share a minimum of 1 piece of work with their family each week. We encourage all families to discuss this piece of learning each week and prioritise this learning conversation. More information about this will be shared prior to the commencement of Term 3.

As per Diocesan guidelines, Academic Reports are published twice each year (End of Term 2, End of Term 4) and there is an opportunity to meet with the teacher following each of these. Outside of these two reporting periods, a teacher will make contact with parents should there be a need. We always encourage parents that if you wish to have an update on your child’s learning or have a general check-in on progress (academic or otherwise), please know that you are able to arrange this directly with your child’s class teacher at any time. 

A selection of workbooks are also sent home in Term 2 and Term 3 to share students' learning with their families. We encourage all families to spend some time talking with their child about their work, what they have learnt, what they find challenging etc. Spending this quality time with your child, prioritising conversations about learning, are critical in the progress and development of your child, not only in learning, but also in their faith and wellbeing. 

(2) Communication (Compass, Newsletters, Social Media)

We received a variety of feedback about general communication including:

• Weekly social media posts are beneficial and useful

• Excellent communication on Compass - parents feel well informed 

• Allowing Compass alerts to always be accessible and not expire: The expiry on compass alert coincide with the conclusion of events. Keeping all compass alerts with no expiry makes it extremely difficult to navigate the mass of information. 

• Limit to only the School Newsletter, no need for the term Grade Newsletter as it’s too much information: The Grade newsletter (1 per term) is a way to keep parents informed about the learning that will take place each term, whereas the School Newsletter contains general information, upcoming events etc. 

• Too much information is sent on Compass: It is important that all necessary information is communicated via Compass.

• Event information is shared too late: Information regarding events is given when available and we always aim to give families as much notice as possible. A helpful tip would be for you to subscribe to the school calendar so that you have event dates well ahead of time. Some dates, depending on what they are, are entered for the full year at the beginning of Term 1. Information on how to subscribe to the school calendar is linked in an article below. 

It is clear from the feedback that parents have different preferences that suit their particular lifestyle, work habits etc. We always aim to keep our parent community well-informed and to be clear and transparent in our communication. We will continue to send important notices via Compass and we encourage families to read our fortnightly newsletter and follow our social media pages for the most up-to date information. 

Items for Clarification:

(1) Why do we teach Religious Education?

As a very proud, Catholic school community, our faith and the teachings of our Church are at the heart of what we do every day. This is in addition to the mandated teaching of the Syllabus in all Key Learning Areas. 

(2) Reports 

Reporting expectations are set by the Diocese and we are instructed as to what must be included (e.g. Semester 1 - no general comment, only English/Maths/RE Learning Gains and Areas for Growth). Reports are written at the end of Term 2 and again at the end of Term 4. Information/updates outside of this time can be sought directly with the class teacher. 

(3) Communication Regarding Behaviour

Feedback around consistency in the management of behaviour was highlighted, as well as the need for the school to communicate whose responsibility it is to contact parents in these instances.

Our PB4L procedures were updated at the beginning of 2025 and communicated with all families via the newsletter in Term 1, Week 2. This year we have made changes to ensure there is greater consistency and transparency, and that parents are contacted more regularly than in previous years about low-level behaviours. 

We regularly review our procedures and new updates will be provided when needed. 

Application for Extended Absence - Greater than five school days

Complete this form for an absence of greater than five school days that is due to one of the following reasons: misadventure or unforeseen event; participation in special events not related to the school; domestic necessity such as serious illness of an immediate family member; attendance at funerals; travel in Australia and overseas; recognised religious festivals or ceremonial occasions.

Previously when families took leave within the school term, schools issued a certificate of extended leave, approving leave for holidays and other personal matters. As of 2025 the CEDoW Attendance Policy has been updated to reflect the importance of school attendance for all students. This means that schools now issue an Acknowledgment of Extended Absence. This acknowledgement indicates whether the explanation for the absence has been accepted by the Principal or not. An explanation that is not accepted is recorded as an unjustified absence. Generally, an explanation for extended absence for the purpose of travel outside the school holiday period can not be accepted by a Principal, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as urgent family situations, illness, funerals or special religious ceremonies.  

Please email the completed form and supporting documents to info@sccdow.catholic.edu.au
If you have any questions please contact the school office.

Representative Sport

NSW CPS Golf

Nominations for the NSW CPS Golf close on Friday 15 August. The tournament is set for Blackheath Golf Club on Monday 25 August. Check this FLYER for details.

The Parish Council at St Michael's Anglican Cathedral, located on the South side of our school, have written to us to express ongoing concerns about parents and visitors parking in their car park.

From June 2025, they will be placing bollards in St Michael's lane and installing chains across the driveway, with signboards, to restrict access to their car park. They have clearly stated to us via written communciation that the St Michael's Anglican Church parking will be restricted for St Michael's Church visitors only. 

We appreciate your support in ensuring that all visitors to our school do not access their car park. 

Young Engineers is currently offering unique STEM programs for students in Years 1 to 6, focusing on critical skills for the digital age.

Term 3 spots are now available!

Children can learn and have fun simultaneously. To apply, please use the online link provided on the flyer.

• Fun and Active -  Off screens and running free - fresh air, muddy knees and big smiles are part of the package
• Inclusive for All - AFL Play Welcomes every kid to have fun and play their way - at their own pace, in their own style
• Build Friendships - Play, laugh, and make lifelong friends - that's what footy is all about
• Flexible -  No pressure, just simple, un-serious fun to get kids active and outside, and playing their way
• Out of the Way -  Keep them entertained these school holidays while you stay on top of your schedule!
• Hone Your Skills -  Refine their skills to support their footy journey
• Off Screens into the Outdoors -  Less screen time more playtime