St Columbkille's Catholic Parish Primary School Corrimal eNewsletter

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Hope that you are enjoying all the wonders of Spring.

This week, we celebrate and acknowledge both Child Protection Week and World Creation Month.

Child Protection Week engages, educates and empowers Australians to understand the complexities of child abuse and neglect so we can work together to prevent it.

The theme for 2023 Child Protection Week is 'Where we start matters'. The message that ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’ complements this year's theme and is supported by the care, diligence and understanding for all.

As part of National Child Protection Week, I invite you to read and provide feedback on our Draft SCC Child Safe Plan. In developing this document, we have been supported by Catholic Education Office Staff Member Beth Woodstone (Team Leader: Senior Child Protector Adviser) and referenced the Office of the Child Guardian - Child Safe Standards. Any feedback RE the Draft SCC Child Safe Plan, would be greatly appreciated and can be sent through to me at colquhounb01@dow.catholic.edu.au

Please refer to the Draft SCC Child Safe Plan article within the newsletter.

Next week as part of our ongoing commitment to our students, we will be celebrating our first Student Wellbeing Week. Students will be involved in several activities across the week that will support, engage and challenge their social and emotional learning in this space. Thursday's mufti day will acknowledg R U OK Day. This day is a check-in for our family and mates in asking the question Are you OK? and the conversation that comes with this.

Thank you to Mrs Leonard and our staff for their work in preparation for Student Wellbeing Week.

World Creation Month is the opportunity to renew our commitment to the stewardship of Creation. This year's theme “Let Justice and Peace Flow.” highlights the importance of caring for and connecting with creation. Kinder and Year 4 have been wonderful advocates for Justice and Peace of Creation through song and Liturgy.

Cleo Mancini's (4 Blue) - Reflection about God and His Creation

Congratulations to our Year 3 staff and students on the feedback they received on their recent excursion to a number of Wollongong's historical sites. John Shipp (Museum Manager at Illawarra Historical Society and Museum) was highly complementary of our Team Year 3 during their visit. Well done!

Please see his message below:

Dear Mr Colquhoun

Two groups of children from St Columbkille's visited the Illawarra Museum yesterday, 6 September. They were a delight to have. Without exception the students were polite, well-behaved and interested which made our volunteers feel very appreciated.

We were delighted by the efficiency and involvement of the accompanying teachers. The students and teachers were a credit to the school and we hope they return at some point in the future.

John Shipp

Museum Manager - Illawarra Historical Society and Museum

The annual Diocesan Christmas Art Competition is being held at Wollongong Art Gallery. Stage 3 students from across the Diocese are invited to compete in this competition with 6 students from each school able to enter and exhibit their artwork. Year 5 and Year 6 teachers and staff will collect efforts in creating 'The Christmas Story' representations through a variety of artistic mediums was outstanding. Congratulations to the following students, who have been chosen to represent SCC at these awards.

Year 5 - Eoin Vanghan, Rosalie Larkin and Laila Smugreski

Year 6 - Bronte, Ireland, Noah Bell and Natalie Harris

P & F Meeting - Term 3

Our Term 3 P&F meeting will be held on Friday 3 November at 1:15pm in the Library. During this meeting we will discuss our Annual Improvement Plan 2023, Child Safe Plan and events in preparation for 2024. All parents and grandparents are most welcome to attend.

Enjoy a wonderful weekend and we look forward to enjoying the final 2 weeks of Term 3 together.

Take care

Brad Colquhoun - Principal