Dear Parents and Carers,

Hope that you are well and coping with the challenges that we have been presented with over the past 2 weeks.

Thank you for your patience, dedication, durability and flexibility throughout the last 2 weeks as we live in and with, the current Greater Sydney restrictions and remote learning. Together, we have demonstrated great trust, understanding, care and compassion during this time in which we are being continually challenged and tested. Our students are safe, supported and continue to learn thanks to the collective efforts of our parents, carers, grandparents and staff. 

The staff at St Columbkille's have been simply outstanding in their efforts in developing, implementing and maintaining quality learning opportunities for their classes, checking-in on the well being of students and their families, collaboratively working with and supporting each other, whilst balancing both their own professional and personal lives. I thank you and highly commend our staff on their exceptional work throughout Weeks 1 and 2.

Our students both at school and home, have engaged in their learning, demonstrated creativity and problem solving skills, stayed connected via zoom, along with being resilient and determined each day. We should all be very proud of them.

The Walk to Emmaus -  Spiritual Reflection quotes

'It is vital, during these uncertain times we find ourselves living in, that we recognise and remember that we are never alone'.

'There has never been a more pressing time than now to stay on the road and ‘gain access’ to what can help give us strength and courage in these trying times'.

Commencing on Monday, Mrs McDonald will be on leave for the remainder of the year. We wish Trudi and her family all the very best and look forward seeing her back at St Columbkille's in 2022. Mrs Sharon Anderson has been appointed as Acting SSSO. We welcome Sharon to our school community and look forward to working with her throughout Semester 2.

Last term, interviews were held for a uniform provider for St Columbkille's. The process involved applicants applying via the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) tendering process, with the successful applicants then being interviewed by Mrs Trudi McDonald (SSSO), Mr John Sammut (CEDoW), Mrs Sarah Foster (Vice-President P&F) and myself. Our current uniform supplier, Poppets Direct Schoolwear, was the successful applicant. We look forward to working with Poppets moving into the future in their  support of our school community.

On Monday 26 July, we acknowledge the Feast Day of St. Anne and St. Joachim, the parents of Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Our grandparents play in important and valued role in the life of our school community and personally for each of us. We are truly blessed and fortunate to have them in our lives.

'The impact that grandparents have on our children is tremendous from not only their presence but sharing their past experiences and perspectives in the hope of keeping their family’s customs and traditions alive for the next generation'.

Please let me know if there is anything that we can help and support you with moving into Week 3. Look after yourselves and each other. Thank you again for working with us in the ongoing safety, growth and development of the students in our collective care.

Stay safe and connected.

Take care 

Brad Colquhoun - Principal