NAIDOC CELEBRATIONS

On Wednesday 23rd July, St Columbkille's acknowledged NAIDOC Week with a liturgy and special dance celebration. Our Aboriginal students set the prayer space, while Mrs Johnson and Mrs Rostron led the school in prayer. Our special guests, students from John Therry Catholic College, then performed 2 dances. The first was choreographed by the students whilst the second was a lyrebird dance. They were accompanied by two male students playing their didgeridoos. It was wonderful to have our special guests and families join us for morning tea. Hopefully we will see more from these students in the near future.

CONFIRMATION 

Last Thursday Year 6's retreat day was held with the Youth Ministry Team guiding them through many fun and faith filled activities. Thanks to everyone who helped in the day, our staff, members of the Sacramental Team and the parishioners who helped feed the students, with sausage sandwiches and ice creams. On Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th August these students will receive the sacrament of Confirmation at a liturgy led by Bishop Brian. We keep these students in our prayers, and pray they continue to use the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit to love Jesus and love others.

GRANDPARENTS/GRANDFRIENDS DAY

A huge thank you to our Year 3 staff and students for leading us in our grandparents/grandfriends celebrations last Friday. Not only do we give thanks for the gift of our grandparents but also remember Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, who handed on the faith to their daughter Mary and grandson Jesus. It is so heart warming to see our hall filled with such smiling faces, both from our grandparents and students. It is also exciting to have them visit our classrooms and tell stories about their own childhoods.

Prayer: We thank You for our grandparents and all the elderly. Their quiet witness and lasting love have shaped our homes, parishes, and schools. We commit to cherishing their dignity, listening with respect, and honoring their role in Your saving plan. May our actions reflect our gratitude. May our hearts remain open to the wisdom of age. And may our lives, like Joachim and Anne, hand on the faith with joy. Amen.

YEAR 6 GATHERING MASS WITH THE BISHOP

On Wednesday 6th August our Year 6 students will take part in a gathering Mass, led by Bishop Brian at St Therese Church West Wollongong. Not only does it allow these students to share in the Eucharist, but they also get to meet and catch up with other Year 6 students from nearby schools. Three of our students, Maisie Caine, Amity Fuller and Keira Fabon, have a special role, whereby they will sing the responsorial psalm. A huge thank you to Ms Patton for rehearsing with and finetuning their singing talents.

RELIGIOUS LITERACY ASSESSMENT

On Monday 4th August Year 4 will undertake the annual Religious Literacy Assessment. Online questions will be answered associated with learning from Kindergarten to Year 4. We keep these students in our prayers and thank their teachers for preparing them for this diocesan assessment. The results drive future teaching and learning in Religious Education.

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL & ISLANDER CHILDREN'S DAY

Every year on the 4th August, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is held to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. This day gives all Australians the opportunity to learn about the importance of culture, family and community to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Year 4 will lead the school in an acknowledgement of this day, and students will use resources within the classroom to learn more.

ST MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP FEAST DAY

On Friday 8th August our school and parish will join for 12 midday Mass to celebrate Australia's first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Thank you to our Kinder staff and students for organising and leading this Mass, where we reflect on the life and values Mary demonstrated- faith, service and compassion. Families are welcome to join us for our celebration.

Have a wonderful fortnight, and I will see you back at the beginning of Term 4!

Mrs Jo Herring - Religious Education Coordinator