Dear Parents and Carers,

We have enjoyed a sensational couple of weeks at St Columbkille's with several significant events which we have participated in and celebrated as a school community.

Last night, our K-6 students thoroughly enjoyed our first disco for the year. Thank you to the P&F, parents and staff who supported the event - your support was greatly appreciated. 

On Wednesday, we celebrated World Environment Day. This year’s theme was  is ‘Air Pollution’. Thank you to Mrs Russo, Mrs Herring and the Year 6 Enviro Ninja's for their work in acknowledging the day.

 ‘Air pollution may seem complex, but we can all do our part to reduce some of it. Understanding the different types of pollution, and how it affects our health and environment will help us take steps towards improving the air around us’.

Below are links to World Environment Day for further information

https://www.worldenvironmentday.global 

https://www.abc.net.au/btn/classroom/air-pollution/10523778

'Understanding Our Boys' parent session last Monday was well attended and a great success. Thank you once again to Sam Immens and our guest speakers, John Sparks and Dr Kerrie Hayes-Williams. If parents would like the 'Understanding Our Boys' folder with information regarding the three parent sessions, please see the office.

Last Friday we acknowledged and celebrated National Reconciliation Week. The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2019 was ‘Grounded in Truth – Walk Together with Courage’. National Reconciliation Week, invites all Australians to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) cultures and histories, to share that knowledge and help us grow as a nation.

The 'Reconciliation Walk' from Holy Spirit College to Bellambi Public School once again was a very special event and was well attended by students, staff, parents and grandparents. Thank you Mrs Lace and Mrs Orphin for all their work in ensuring our Aboriginal students and their friends get the opportunities to be proud of and connect with their culture on a daily basis, including the Friday ATSI Liturgy and afternoon tea. 

Our staff are currently finalising Semester One reports. I would like to thank them for the time, effort and energy that it takes to write these reports on each of our students. We look forward to sharing with you our students strengths and areas for improvement, along with the conversations that will take place about your child/ren learning and ongoing development throughout the semester. Semester One Reports will be distributed via Compass on Thursday 20 June. Learning Conversations (Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews) will commence on Monday 24 June through to Friday 5 July. You will be notified on how to make a booking in the coming weeks.  

Next Tuesday 11 June is our annual Staff Development Day. This professional learning day for staff will focus on Writing, Spelling and Learning Progressions. This is a 'Pupil Free Day'. School will resume for students on Wednesday 12 June. 

Enjoy the long weekend with family and friends. If you are going away, please travel safe.

Take care

Mr Brad Colquhoun - Principal