Religious Education Coordinator
First Holy Communion
Our First Holy Communion booklets and log in details were given out last week. Please work through these at your own pace. Both the booklets and commitment cards will need to be returned on the retreat day, Thursday 15th November. A Compass alert about the specifics of the retreat day will be sent out that week. It is lovely to see so many of these candidates at our weekend masses. May we continue to keep all these children in our prayers.
School / Parish Mass
Next Sunday 6th November is our combined school and parish mass. We need 3 readers, and a family for the offertory procession. If you and your family would like to volunteer, the readings can be forwarded to you to practise. It would be lovely to have some Year 5 or 6 students offering to help, or some Year 3 students who are attending weekend masses as a commitment to their First Holy Communion.
Christmas Art
I was honoured to attend the Christmas Art Competition Awards last Wednesday evening at the Wollongong Art Gallery. Lauren Foster represented our school in the Year 6 division, and although she did not receive a major award, our Director Mr Peter Hill, commended all the children on their amazing artworks. These will be published on the CEDow website when interdiocesan winners are announced shortly. Congratulations Lauren for making it this far.
‘The gift for all of us is the insight and inspiration we receive through the window of the students' eyes, catching a glimpse of their spirituality.' – Jo Kenny, Head of Service, Catholic Life, Education and Mission
The 41 shortlisted works are on public display at the Wollongong Art Gallery in the Community Access Gallery (Level 4) until 22 November. We encourage everyone to visit as the artworks of these talented students are best viewed on the gallery walls. The Gallery details are Tuesday to Friday 10 am - 5 pm and on weekends 12 pm - 4 pm. The Gallery is closed on Mondays.
Crazy Sock Day
On Wednesday 26th October St Columbkille's will once again wear their crazy socks in support of Mission Month. Funds raised will be offered to this years sponsored country, Ethiopia. Your child/ren may be sharing with you some of their learnings so far in RE lessons. Kindergarten classes have taken on board the making of their own "Sockball", as Mission Month is also known as "Socktober".
Our Mini Vinnies team, with Mrs Nicky Bishop's guidance, will be selling "Brownies in a Jar" to also raise funds for our mission country of Ethiopia. Details will be sent out shortly to all families.
Grandparents Day
An invitation has been sent to all parents and carers for our upcoming Grandparents Day celebrations. These will occur on Friday 28th October beginning with a liturgy at 9am, then open classrooms, and the celebration of a lovely morning tea at 10.30am. I am sure most, if not all of you, have already been in contact with your parents, in-laws and elderly friends. Please remember to RSVP by Tuesday 25th October.
Activate Fire
What a wonderful day was had by our Year 6 students and those from Thirroul, Helensburgh and Bulli, last Tuesday. There were times for conversation, prayer and music which were provided by the amazing Wollongong NET team. We continue to encourage these students to live out the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their everyday lives. A huge thank you those parents who helped with cooking and serving the bbq- Sarah Foster, Tanya and Michael Coughlan and Kathryn McKevith.
Activate fire - by Isla, Zac, Christian, Charlee (Year 6)
On October 11th Year 6 participated in a spiritual day alongside three other schools in our diocese. We learnt about how to let the Holy Spirit guide us in everyday life. We connected with multiple different people by playing games and singing songs together. We enjoyed getting to know new people during recess and lunch. The people from the Net Team shared stories on their journey to connect with Jesus' mission.
Vision / Mission Update
St Columbkille's staff continue to review and reinvigorate our Vision and Mission. This process began at the beginning of the year and is almost complete. These statements will align with the current context of our school community and will be celebrated towards the end of the year. Thank you to everyone involved in this ongoing process.
Have a wonderful fortnight
Jo Herring - Religious Education Coordinator