Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to the start of Term 3.

We have had a wonderful start to the term and have enjoyed working with our students and staff with a renewed energy and optimism. Whilst are are still engaged in the Phase 3 COVID-19 cycle, it has be wonderful to embrace a greater sense of routine, structure and consistency within the context of the school community.

Next Saturday is the Feast day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop who founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.  Mary and her Sisters played a significant role in Catholic education in Australia. At the time of her death in 1909, the Sisters of St Joseph numbered over 300, with 112 Josephite schools formed across Australia and New Zealand, and over 12,000 students enrolled with St Columbkille's Corrimal being one of these schools. As a school, we will celebrate St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day on Thursday 6 August.

Prayer to Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop 

God, who loves us dearly, we thank you for the life of

Saint Mary MacKillop. She showed us how to love and

care for each other and how to trust you when

everything seemed wrong.

We ask her to pray for us at this time.

May Saint Mary MacKillop help us to follow Jesus always.

We ask this through Jesus.

Amen.

Every 4 years of a Principal's contract, a Principal's Appraisal is undertaken. Last Wednesday was my first appraisal and I was extremely satisfied with both the process and the outcome. The appraisal panel consisted of Dr Michael Slattery (former Director of Schools: Newcastle/Maitland Diocese), Mrs Cynthia McCannon (CEDoW: School Improvement Services) and Mr Neil McCann (CEDoW: Leadership and Growth).

The process included survey feedback from Catholic Education Office Diocese of Wollongong CEDoW and SCC staff, parents, grandparents and carers. On the day Father Patrick, CEDoW and SCC staff, students, parents and grandparents were interviewed.

Thank you to all the members of our school community that participated in the appraisal via survey and/or interview. I greatly appreciated your time and support throughout a very successful process.

Have a sensational couple of weeks. 

Take care 

Brad Colquhoun - Principal