Dear Parents and Carers,

Hope that you have enjoyed a wonderful week.

National Child Protection Week is celebrating 30 years of campaigning for child well-being against abuse and neglect. The theme this year is ‘Putting Children First’. As part of the week we also acknowledge R U OK? and White Balloon Day. This presents us with the opportunity to 'check-in' with family, friends and colleagues.

Today is Bravehearts ’White Balloon Day. This is Australia’s largest campaign dedicated to preventing child sexual assault and exploitation. Each year White Balloon Day unites communities to break the silence on child sexual assault and exploitation and makes a commitment to protecting our children. Please refer to the link attached for further information: https://whiteballoonday.com.au

Bravehearts works tirelessly to make Australia the safest place in the world to raise a child through the 3 Piers to Prevention:

Educate
All children and young people receive evidence-based, age-appropriate personal safety education.

Empower
All adults are trained, aware and motivated to protect children, and adequate specialist counselling and support is available to all child and adult survivors of child sexual assault and exploitation and those who support them. 

Protect
All systems of community and government engage effectively and respond at all times in the best interests of the child.

Students wore predominately white, placed a white ribbon on our school fences, created wonderful artistic drawings on the Front Cement, along with discussing in class the significance of being and feeling safe and supported. 

Yesterday was R U OK? Day. It is a day of action focused on encouraging us to take time and connect with friends, family, and colleagues.  This year's theme reminds us that there is more to say after R U OK?  It's about LISTENING, ENCOURAGING ACTION, and then STAYING CONNECTED, because research indicates that genuine care and concern can make a real difference. Please refer to the link attached for further information: https://www.ruok.org.au

Our Year 3 students celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Wednesday with Father Patrick and Father Rick. Thank you for the work of our catechists Millie and Anna, the ongoing support of staff and parents in their preparation of our students. We look forward to First Holy Communication next term. Congratulations Year 3.

In relation to Catholic Education, Diocese of Wollongong COVID-19 updates we are currently in Phase 3. These directives and protocols will continue for the remainder of the term. At this stage there have been no updates regarding Term 4.  Thank you for your patience, support and effort in continuing to social distance, for morning drop offs and afternoon dismissal. We are working together to ensure that the directives are being adhered to and the safety of our school community is at the forefront of all that we do. Thank you.

Holy Spirit College announced their students leadership teams for 2021. We would like to congratulate and acknowledge former students of St Columbkille's - Lily King (School Captain), Sabine Abou Faissal (Vice-Captain) and Jack Pritchard (Sports Captain) on their new leadership roles. We wish Lily, Sabine and Jack, every success in their respective positions next year. 

Have a sensational weekend and we are looking forward to working together over the next couple of weeks before we have a well deserved holiday.

Take care

Brad Colquhoun - Principal.