Filter Content
- Principal's Message
- Religious Education News
- Spiritual Reflection - Mindful Pauses: Embracing Silence in a Busy World
- R U OK?
- Kindergarten 2024 - Orientation and Transition to School Playground
- Library News
- SCC Sport
- SCC Sport - Diocesan Representative Nominations for 2024
- ANZAC Art Competition 2024: Eoin Vaughan - 5Gold
- P&F Meeting - Friday 3 November at 1:15pm
- St Columbkille's and St Joseph Parish Bulletin
- Corrimal SLSC
- After school programs: AFL and Motiv8 Multisport program
- Savvy Kids Running Program for Term 4
- Ride Wollongong
- Free Season Access to Liberty A League
Dear Parents and Carers,
Hope that you are well and that you have enjoyed a wonderful Week 9 and 10.
As we move into the Term 3 holiday break, a sincerely 'Thank You' for what has been an amazing term full of learning, challenges and celebrations. We have enjoyed numerous excursions, activities and events from Kindergarten to Year 6. We should be extremely proud of our school community and our collective work for the students in our care. Each day, we endeavour to live out our Vision - Learning together , Shaping futures through the lens of our Core Values - Faith, Learning, Respect, Responsibility, Community and Celebration.
Noah will have the chance to receive one of the prizes on offer including the Archbishop's Choice Trophy, the Executive Director's Trophy, the Spirit of Christmas Trophy, the Artistic Achievement trophy, the Notre Dame Trophy and the Student's Choice Trophy. We wish Noah the best of luck as he represents the Wollongong Diocese.
Next term, we welcome our new Kindergarten 2024 students and their families to SCC. The Kindergarten 2024 Orientation (only Parents and Carers are required to attend) will take place on Thursday 19 from 1:30pm in the MD Hall. This will be an opportunity to provide parents with more detailed information about starting school and the routines of school life. Following the Kindergarten 2024 Orientation, the Transition to School program will commence in the MD Hall with 8 sessions in total. Please find dates below:
• Monday 23 October 2pm-3pm Thursday 26 October 2pm-3pm
• Monday 30 October 2pm-3pm Thursday 2 November 2pm-3pm
• Monday 6 November 2pm-3pm Thursday 9 November 2pm-3pm
• Monday 13 November 2pm-3pm Thursday 16 November 2pm-3pm
We greatly appreciate your feedback and support with our draft SCC Chlid Safe Plan. There were several ideas, thoughts and further information presented that will support and enhance this document. We look forward to sharing with the final SCC Chlid Safe Plan with you before the end of Term 4.
Enjoy the time with your child/ren, travel safe if holidaying and we will see you on Monday 9 October for the started of what will be a sensational Term 4.
Take care
Mr Brad Colquhoun – Principal
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
The 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees will take place on the last Sunday in September (24 September 2023).
Catholic communities across Australia are being encouraged to reflect on the Holy Family’s experience as migrants as the Church prepares to mark this special day.
To access the resources, please visit: Resources published for World Day of Migrants and Refugees, or directly via this link.
Cursillo in our Diocese is offering an opportunity for women over 18 years to experience Cursillo by joining a 3-Day Weekend at Carmel House, Varroville in October this year. It is a great opportunity to refresh and learn more about our Catholic faith. There is a PDF attached and a link on the DOW website- https://www.dow.org.au/events/cursillo-diocesan-womens-retreat/ . To find out more please email cursillo3dayweekend@hotmail.com or ring Geraldine Dayball on 0421 329 365 or Pru Hall on 0422 540 484.
Sacramental Information
“We had been moving too fast and had to wait for our souls to catch up.”
There are moments when we feel the need to keep pushing forward, even when it's clear that taking a break would be more beneficial. This tendency doesn't serve us well because we can't give our best to others or ourselves when we’re running on empty. It's crucial to remember the importance of pausing, to acknowledge that we are more than the sum of our tasks and responsibilities, and to reconnect with what our heart is trying to tell us about the world around us.
Looking at the example set by Jesus, we see a powerful model of self-care and spiritual nourishment. He frequently sought out quiet places to spend time in prayer, sometimes going off by himself (Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:46–47; John 6:15). In fact, there are instances where he would go to the mountain and pray all night (Luke 6:12). His disciples observed him leaving to pray and returning later refreshed and recharged. We must keep this in mind the next time we’re tempted to push through rather than taking the time to rest our minds and refocus on what truly matters.
The September school holidays are just around the corner, and an ideal opportunity to allocate some time for rest. This may be a challenge, especially if you're accustomed to the fast-paced nature of school life. It's tempting to pack every day of the holidays with activities we miss out on during the school term, however, consider making an effort to prioritise some unscheduled downtime.
Consider spending some moments simply basking in the sun, diving into a good book, taking a quiet leisurely stroll, or surprising a friend with an unexpected phone call. Afterward, take a moment to reflect on how this pause has affected your inner self, your 'soul.'
“I’m here, I’m listening.”
Today we acknowledge R U OK? Day and are reminded to check in with our friends and family who may be feeling the impact of life’s challenges.
The question R U OK? opens the doorway to a meaningful conversation and may allow someone to share authentically how they are travelling.
The focus for this year’s R U OK? Day is on genuine listening and letting people you care about know you’re here to really hear them. This sounds like a simple task and yet our many distractions and devices can make this very challenging.
This reminder to check in with each other is needed this year more than ever. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety and depression prevalence has increased by 25% globally (11 April 2023).
As we read through the scriptures it is clearly evident that Jesus knew the value of checking in with all those he loved and of enquiring further. When Jesus approached the blind man he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Mark 10:51. Jesus didn’t presume anything. He asked and listened attentively. And from this listening Jesus was able to respond in a compassionate and healing way to the blind man.
At times, in our efforts to support others, we presume or anticipate what people may be feeling or needing and we are tentative about enquiring further. We do many actions to express our love, however, more often than not, people are hungering for face-to-face interactions and for a listening ear.
Dr Susan David, a psychologist and author suggests that there are three words that have the power to transform our relationships and conversations with others, and these words are, “Tell me more.” Susan David goes on to say that when we slow down and respond with intention, inviting someone to tell us more about a concern, we invoke curiosity, exploration, and compassion.
After asking the question R U OK?, there is an opportunity for us all to listen more deeply by opening the door.
“I’m here, I’m listening.”
“Is there something I can do for you?”
“Tell me more.”
All of these words provide a framework which allows a person to name more authentically and deeply the pain or struggle they are enduring.
Whilst we may all aspire to be supportive and attentive to others in their pain, it is not always an easy path. Our faith and prayer life can offer us important sustenance. In our times of prayer, we can hear that voice that says, “I’m here, I’m listening.” And in that experience of being heard and held in love, we are more able to sit with one another.
R U OK? is calling on all of us to let the people you care about know you're here, to really hear them.
People commonly mentioned three things:
- Trust: they need to know the person they speak to is someone they trust, and, for many, someone they are close to.
- Authenticity: they want to know the person asking them genuinely wants to hear answer.
- Environment: people prefer to have these conversations in a private space with enough time to share what they want to say.
As Term 3 comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable blend of fun, excitement, and busyness that has defined our time in the library. This term has been a thrilling journey filled with significant milestones, including the successful conclusion of the Premier’s Reading Challenge, the MS-Readathon fundraiser of which our students raised over $2000, the inaugural whole-school Story Writing Competition, and a week-long Book Week extravaganza.
To cap off this term's adventures, we recently celebrated 'International Talk Like a Pirate Day' on Tuesday, September 19th, adding a touch of lively humour to our literacy explorations. The library transformed into a vibrant hub where students eagerly engaged in rounds of 'Captain's Coming.' Assuming the role of Captain (a connection I playfully attribute to my distant relation to the Pirate Queen of Ireland, Grace O'Malley), I relished barking out commands to the enthusiastic crew members who enthusiastically participated. With spirited calls like "climb the rigging," "scrub the deck," "man overboard," and "shark attack," the library was abuzz with nautical excitement.
It's a matter of debate who enjoyed it more - myself or the students!
As students prepared to depart from the library at the end of recess or lunch, they were greeted with the tempting opportunity to take a dip in Mrs. Carroll's treasure chest if they embraced their inner pirate persona by saying a pirate phrase. The air resounded with hearty cries of "Arrrrrr me hearties!" and the occasional "Shiver me Timbers!" There was no shortage of enthusiasm as the library echoed with pirate merriment.
As educators we know that children often learn best by observing, questioning, exploring and experimenting but sometimes, in the words of Fun Boy Three and Bananarama, “It Ain’t What You Do, It’s The Way That You Do It”.
And on that note, lovely SCC families, I bid you a farewell from the library for this term and look forward to seeing you and your children in Term 4.
Enjoy the school holiday and take care of each other.
Katrina Carroll - Library Administrator
MacKillop Atheletics - NSWPSSA Championships
On Monday 18th of September five students from St Columbkille's competed in the MacKillop trials for Athletics. Harry Esteves competed in the 1500m, Hugo Immens in 800m and Sonny and Randy O'Brien competed in a number of track and field events. Year 6 were lucky enough to cheer on students via a video link courtesy of Mrs Olima.
Sonny O'Brien placed 2nd in High Jump and our Senior Boys Relay Team, made up of Sonny O'Brien, Randy O'Brien, Hugo Immens and Claude Vincent placed 1st in Senoir Boys Relay final. Sonny and the SCC Senior Boys Relay Team will now compete in the upcoming NSW PSSA. Well done to all these students.
Leader of Sport - Mrs Adelaide O'Connor
Junior BasketBall Gala Day
On 14th September, four teams from SCC attended the CEDOW Junior Basketball Gala Day. Our students were exceptional in their play, their respect of the officials and the sports like behaviour with other schools and their representing teams.It was a day of sports celebration and fun. The photos say it all!
Thanks for allowing us to have the best day!
Mrs Kipp, Ms Plunkett and Ms Finlay-Joseph
Nominations are now open for Representative Sport for 2024. Students who meet the following criteria are invited to nominate for their individual sports:
- Students must be enrolled in Year 5 or 6 in 2024
- In some sports, students in Year 4 are eligible and they include Basketball, Hockey, Softball & Touch.
- This is a representative pathway program and it is important to note that these trials are generally for those students that MUST demonstrate an ABOVE AVERAGE ability, HIGH LEVEL OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT or in particular demonstrate REPRESENTATIVE playing experience in this nominated sport.
- The APPROVED students should:
- Have experience playing regular competitions outside of school.
- Rep experience is recommended as but not necessary however MUST demonstrate an ABOVE AVERAGE ability, HIGH LEVEL OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT .
- Appear on the relevant Association website applicable to the sport if selected in rep teams.
Sports include:
- AFL Girls & Boys
- Basketball Girls & Boys
- Cricket Girls & Boys
- Soccer Girls & Boys
- Hockey Girls & Boys
- Netball Girls
- Rugby League Girls & Boys
- Rugby Union Boys
- Softball Girls & Boys
- Touch Boys & Girls
Nominations can be completed by parents via the link below.
Form Link
Alternatively you are able to copy and Paste into your browser:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdh_NNVzT3F2PYjc6KA3SViRPx-NHqJAPLT5fTGmqcVBPGuIw/viewform
Nominations close on the 13th of October 2023. After this date no further nominations are accepted. Please note, this is a nominations process and does not guarantee entry into the selection process.
Further information can be found via the attachment.
If you have any questions regarding the nominations process please contact either myself or Mrs Carla Olima via email.
Sincerely
Adelaide O'Connor
Leader of Sport
Congratulations to Eoin Vaughan (5G) for completing his submission for the 2024 ANZAC Art Competition.
If successful, Eoin’s artwork will feature on the 2024 Order of Service booklet. Eoin has paid respect to Australia’s military history, and to the service and sacrifice of servicemen and women of the Australian Defence Force through his artwork.
We wish Eoin all the very best in this competition.
Our Term 3 P&F meeting will be held on Friday 3 November at 1:15pm in the Library. During this meeting we will discuss our Annual Improvement Plan 2023, Child Safe Plan and events in preparation for 2024. All parents and grandparents are most welcome to attend.
After school programs: AFL and Motiv8 Multisports program
St Columbkille's has recently had the pleasure of welcoming some sports coaches in to provide AFL clinics with some of our classes and Kindergarten participated in a Multi-sport program with Coach Alex from Motiv8 sports.
AFL NSW have offered St Columbkille's an after school program for Term 4 (4 weeks, $50, 1 hour)
Motiv8 sports have offered St Columbkille's a multisport program for Term 4 (8 weeks, $110, 1.5 hours)
Thank you to those parents who have already completed the expression of interest. If you are yet to do so, could you please fill in your expression of interest in the form below and we will let you know if we have enough interest to run either or both of these exciting opportunities for our students.
Kind regards,
Mrs Carla Olima - Physical Education Teacher
Ride Wollongong Festival of Cycling is a celebration of life on wheels! On September 23rd and 24th get involved in the FREE community ride, FREE family ride, FREE all abilities ride or competitve road races! A celebration of cycling, inclusivity and community. The Festival will have something for everyone! Alongside cycling the festival will also feature a community expo, food stalls, entertainment, all abilities exhibitors, bike workshops and more! For information and to register for one of the FREE community rides see the following link
Under 16 year olds can see football heroes play live and free in Australia!
Register for your FREE Liberty A League Pass.
