ST VINCENT DE PAUL- THANK YOU

Mr Riordan, the President of our local Corrimal St Vincent de Paul chapter, was overwhelmed by the support of our recent Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal. He and his wife Lee, came to school on the last day of Term 2 and picked up many baskets full of items for the needy in our community. Below is a letter from Mr Riordan expressing his and the St Vincent de Paul organisations gratitude.

Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal

 A big THANK YOU to the Mini Vinnies students at both St Columbkille’s and St Joseph’s for organising

the Winter Appeal to support the work of our Corrimal Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society. I would also like to thank the parents and teachers for your generosity and support. We were overwhelmed.

 We received over $1500 worth of non-perishable food which will assist in supplying much needed necessities to families finding the cost of living difficult to manage. At the moment we are finding many individuals and families needing food until their next payday.

 It is most encouraging to our conference members to see so many students involved in Mini Vinnies, learning about the conditions under which some people live and appreciating how we can give people a “hand up” rather than just a “hand out”.

 Well done girls and boys. We hope to see some of you in our conference in years to come.

 
Peter Riordan, President.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Both the school and the parish are working towards finalising all necessary documentation required before our Year 3 students will commence their Communion classes. The booking code has been sent out to parents/carers and Mass weekends are being organised. Any further enquiries please contact Lisa at the parish office on 42843000. Mrs Stephenson and Ms Connery are looking forward to guiding these students through this sacrament and for our school and parish community to celebrate with them.

MARY MACKILLOP FEAST DAY

Mary MacKillop is not only the first Australian to be recognised by the Church as a Saint, she is truly a very Australian saint. She characterises the spirit of the Australian mythology. She was a prodigious hard worker who put the needs of others before herself. She exhibited something of the larrikin spirit: constantly in dispute with authority but pressing on, regardless. She used the strengths of others but also didn’t tolerate those who were not genuine. Her commitment to the schooling of children from poor and rural communities established a model of Catholic education that continues to today. A Saint for and of Australia!

We pause on 8th August to pray that we may join St Mary of the Cross in Heaven, together with all the Josephite sisters who set their hearts on the Father’s kingdom and His saving justice.

Reflection by Greg Sunter

Our St Columbkille's school and parish will gather for Mass at 11.30am on Thursday 8th August. All are welcome. 

YEAR 6 MASS WITH BISHOP BRIAN

On Wednesday 7th August our Year 6 students will attend the annual Year 6 Mass with Bishop Brian. They will travel to St Pius Catholic Church at Unanderra for a special eucharistic celebration with a number of other schools. Three students will be leading the Mass by singing the Responsorial Psalm. A huge thank you to Ms Patton for organising these students and rehearsing with them. We know Ariah-Blue, Khloe and Talon will represent our school proudly.

RELIGIOUS LITERACY ASSESSMENT

On Monday 5th August our Year 4 students will sit the annual Religious Literacy Assessment. Each Year 4 student in the diocese takes part in this which further guides student progress and future school planning. We pray for these students and thank Ms Ah-Tong and Ms De Francesco for supporting them. We also acknowledge and thank all their class teachers from Kindergarten to Year 4, in guiding their knowledge in the Catholic tradition and development of their faith.   

PARISH/SCHOOL MASS

Our Term 3 Parish/School Mass falls on the Feast of the Assumption. This is when Mary (the mother of Jesus and our mother) was assumed into heaven, both body and soul. Our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 staff and students will be leading this Mass with Father Patrick. If you are able to make it for this special feast day, please join us at 6pm on Thursday 15th August in the St Columbkille's Church.


GRADE MASSES

Everyone is welcome to attend our Grade Masses at 12 noon each Friday. Certain grades attend each week, and a Compass alert is usually sent to the parents/carers of the grade attending. It has been lovely to see some parents/carers join us and then staying on to enjoy lunch with the grade.

SAVE THE DATE

Father's Day Celebrations- Friday 30th August. More information will be provided however a basic run through of this celebration is as follows:

8.30-9am: Picnic breakfast (BYO) & social play on Balawarri (Front Cement)

9:10am-10am: Liturgy & Celebration

10-11am: Open Classrooms (Yrs 4-6 10-10:30am, K-3 10:30-11)

Have a blessed fortnight!

Mrs Joanne Herring - Religious Education Coordinator