Dear Parents and Carers,
We have definitely begun to feel the cooler temperatures and just in time for our school uniform change over to winter uniform that occured this week. All students are required to be wearing the full winter uniform. I thank all parents and carers for ensuring our students are in the correct uniform each day.
As you are aware, we are in a transition period between the previous and new school uniforms. This transition period will finish at the end of 2024, with the expectation that all students are wearing the new school uniform from 2025. Consideration will be given to Year 6 2025 as they will be in their last year at St Columbkille's.
Today was Mrs Susan Smyth's final official day with us. We wish Mrs Smyth all the very best with the new journey ahead and look forward to seeing her back at St Columbkille's in a casual capacity down the track.
Interviews for the part time postition in Year 1 Blue were held this week and it is with pleasure that I announce that Miss Rose Plunkett will be joining our staff as of next week. Miss Plunkett will teach 1 Blue on a Thursday and Friday. Mrs Barrett will continue in 1 Blue Monday through to Wednesday.
Anna Cindric, Head of Continuous Catholic Improvement from the Wollongong Education Office, visited our school on Thursday. Anna completed Learning Walks in various classrooms and discussed with our staff and students the progress of our Annual Improvment Plan which this year focuses on improving learning gains in spelling. Anna was very impressed with our progress and journey thus far and commended the clear collaboration between staff.
Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day will be acknowledged next week. National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconcilation in Australia. National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generation Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generation and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.
Mrs Perre and myself have completed many of our Kindergarten 2025 interviews. It is always lovely to meet new families, gain feedback from our exisiting families and welcome back parents who attended St Columbkille's as students. Our Core Value of Community truly resonates during this time.
Take the time to be truly present over the next few weeks and take care of yourself.
Warm regards,
Maria Disibio
Acting Principal
