Dear Parents and Carers, 

We thank the P&F for organising and running our Mother's Day Stall on Thursday which allowed our students to purchase gifts for their mothers and mother figures and this morning, we enjoyed a beautiful Mother's Day Liturgy followed by light refreshments.  I thank Mrs Herring for the organsation and her leadership.  

I take this opportunity to wish all our mothers and mother figures a beautiful Mother's Day. May your celebrations acknowledge all that you do for your families and warm your hearts with love.  

On Wednesday 8th May, we were visited by the Director of Schools, Peter Hill.  Mr Hill met with myself and our leadership team, met with our staff and visited some of the learning spaces, greeting our students and speaking with them. Mr Hill was very complementary of our school environment, the manners displayed by our students and the collective work of all our staff. We should be very proud St Columbkille's! 

If you haven't already done so, could you please take some time to complete the Tell It From Me Survey. The survey results will allow us to celebrate and improve our school.

Have a great fortnight.

Maria Disibio

Acting Principal

6th Sunday of Easter

The theme of love pervades the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter. Love comes from God and is given to all.  Anyone who fails to love cannot have known God. He gives us this love by sacrificing his only son Jesus for us. Jesus has given us an example to follow. He wants us to love one another, even as he has loved us. As Jesus gave up his life for us, he wants us to do the same for one another. The Gospel reading concludes with the message delivered by our friend Jesus: “I command you to love one another.”

Mothers Day Celebration

Today we celebrated a wonderful liturgy and morning tea. We acknowledged the love and care that our mothers, grandmas, aunties and motherly figures give to us. Our blessing reminded us of the courage, wisdom, faith and service they provide us with. Thank you to all those who made this event so special, from our readers to our guest speakers, Mrs Bethany Pons and her children Ciara and Kaylan, to our Year 6 liturgical dancers and singers, along with Amity from Year 5. Finally to our Kindergarten students for their performance, guided by the expertise of Mrs Lattimore. Happy Mothers Day for this Sunday!

Sacramental Evening

Thank you to those parents and carers who were able to attend our Sacramental Information session last night. Father Anthony spoke of the importance of these sacraments and continuing your child's faith journey after Baptism. If you were unable to attend please ask your child to ask for an enrolment form from the office. These will need to be returned asap for Lisa at the parish office to begin the necessary documentation.

Laudato Si Week

The world acknowledges this week from the 16th-24th of May. Laudato Si’ is an encyclical written by Pope Francis, it was published on the 18th June 2015. Encyclicals are open letters written by the pope. Laudato Si’ discusses the damage being inflicted on the Earth by humansand calls on ‘every person living on this planet’ to make urgent changes to our lifestyles and how we consume energy in order to protect the planet. It deals with many environmental issues including pollution; climate change; water; loss of biodiversity and decline in the quality of human life. In his letter Pope Francis implores us to work together to create a better world for future generations and asks us to make the necessary changes in our lives in order to take care of, respect and value our ‘common home’. St Columbkille students will focus on learning associated with ways to look after our precious planet, Earth, and the people who inhabit it.

Have a wonderful fortnight!

Mrs Jo Herring

Religious Education Coordinator

Peter William Ingham, the fourth bishop of Wollongong, died peacefully in the late evening of 26 April 2024. He was 83 years of age and almost 60 years a priest.

Details of the Scheduled Services are below for your information.

Thursday 9 May 2024
● 6:30pm Lying in Repose – Cathedral
• 6:45 pm Evening Prayer of the Dead (led by Seminarians of the Diocese), followed by 7:30pm Vigil Liturgy (not Mass) celebrated by Bishop Mascord

Friday 10 May 2024
● 10.30 am Requiem Mass – Cathedral
• Mass in the Cathedral, with onsite burial to follow.
• Indoor seating will be taken up largely by the clergy and invited guests. Outdoor overflow seating will be available in the carpark, with external screens and speakers.  Light refreshments will be served after Mass in the Office of the Bishop, ground floor reception/kitchen area for clergy and invited guests only.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Students may begin transitioning to the full Winter Uniform from Monday 13th May (Week 3) if the weather is cooler, with the exception being Thursday 16th May (school photos).

The official changeover for all students is Monday 20th May (Week 4).

Students cannot wear a combination of both summer and winter. During this transition period, students must wear either the full summer or full winter uniform.

Transition to New School Uniform - 2025

As you are aware, we are in a transition period between the previous and new school uniforms. This transition period will finish at the end of 2024, with the expectation that all students are wearing the new school uniform from 2025. Consideration will be given to Year 6 2025 as they will be in their last year at St Columbkille's. 

Please see below a list with the updated pricelist from Poppets Direct. 

Mrs Christine Perre

Acting Assistant Principal

As you know from previous newsletters the NSW Premier's Reading Challenge has already begun and closes on Friday 23rd August. Your child/ren will have received a letter with instructions for logging into their PRC Reading Record together with their Username and Password in order to record their books. You can email me for these details if your child/ren mislaid their letter.

We are going to be encouraging all students to take part in this wonderful initiative as it’s achievable for every one of them. The aim of the challenge is to encourage a love of reading for pleasure whilst experiencing quality literature.

Below is a table displaying the number of books students need to read and log to complete the challenge.

PRC book lists can be found on the PRC website - https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html

For Kindergarten to Year 2 students, books can be read to them. 

PRC listed books may be read by teachers in the K-2 years. I will ask teachers to notify me if so and I will put these in the newsletter so parents can check if their child has logged the book in their individual reading record. (Please do not worry if you are not able to do this).

Our library books which are on the PRC lists are labelled to aid selection and I will also be putting tubs of books together for easy access. We need to make this reading challenge as accessible as we can for our students.

Our collaborative challenge is getting students to log into the PRC site to complete their reading record. I will be giving regular reminders in the newsletter as well as discussing supportive strategies for students with teachers.

Please see the PRC website for books lists, tips and further details.

If you have any queries please contact me direct on CarrollK03@dow.catholic.edu.au

WriteOn Competition 2024

The annual WriteOn 2024 opened on 25th March. This competition gives students the opportunity to become published authors and develop skills in writing to express their ideas.

It is open to students in Years 1 to 6. Students compose an imaginative text of up to 500 words, using the image as the stimulus.

Each year, winning entries are published in 'The Best of WriteOn' anthology. These books can be purchased from the NESA shop. 

This year the competition is held in association with the Art Gallery of NSW. The new stimulus image, courtesy of the Art Gallery of NSW is ‘The railway station, Redfern’ (1893) by Arthur Streeton:

Please note, each school/home school can submit a maximum of 3 entries. That is one entry per Stage of learning from each of Stage 1, Stage 2, and/or Stage 3. Only one entry per student can be submitted.

Entries will be assessed on how well the text:

• makes connections to the stimulus image
• maintains the selected form, structure and text features appropriate to context, purpose and audience
• engages the audience in imaginative, interpretive, emotive or creative ways
• uses a range of language forms and features, vocabulary and punctuation.

The school competition entries need to be submitted to Mrs Carroll via email (CarrollK03@dow.catholic.edu.au)  by Thursday 13th June.

For further information you can visit: WriteOn 2024

Scholastic Book Club

Issue #3 of 2024 was sent home with students last week. Orders will stay open until Sunday 19th May. If any student requires another copy of the magazine they can pick a spare copy up in the library.

Thank you for supporting this initiative and helping to inspire a passion for reading in our students!

Mrs Carroll’s Musing

My reflection from our last newsletter centred around the development of the English language and the crucial role oral language plays in setting children up for literacy success in school. Engaging in conversations with our children lays the groundwork for their literacy journey, as oral language proficiency serves as a cornerstone for future reading and writing success. This idea has been on my mind lately, prompting further contemplation.

Over the Easter break, my extended family and I enjoyed a mini-break down the coast together. Among us was the youngest member of our family, my 12-month-old great nephew, Finn (I’m very proud I can now be called a ‘Great Aunt’!). Spending time with Finn has brought me great joy but it has also provided me with further insight into early literacy development. Drawing on the knowledge I’ve researched over the last few years, I found myself truly fascinated and somewhat validated by observing his development.

Throughout the weekend, we all centred our activities around Finn. Babies have a remarkable ability to engage us all. What particularly struck me was the amount of oral interaction he received from his parents. They were constantly talking to him, describing their actions as they interacted with him and tended to his needs. However, it was their approach to play that really caught my attention.

They seamlessly alternated between talking and singing to establish varied and engaging communication with Finn. Despite them both being self-admittedly tone-deaf, they sang to him with gusto! Music, as I’ve learned, is a crucial aspect of child development. It has the remarkable ability to connect different parts of the brain, stimulating cognitive, emotional, and social development in children.

Research has shown that music activates multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, enhancing memory, language, and literacy skills. When Finn’s parents sang nursery rhymes to him, they were not only entertaining him but also laying the groundwork for his future literacy skills. The rhythmic patterns and melodic structure of the songs will help Finn develop an ear for language, making it easier for him to grasp phonetic sounds and syllable patterns.

Moreover, music engages the emotional centres of the brain, fostering a sense of well-being and security in children. When Finn heard his parents sing to him, he felt comforted and connected to them, creating a positive bonding experience that is crucial for his emotional development.

By incorporating music into Finn’s daily routine, his parents are providing him with a holistic learning experience that stimulates his mind, body, and soul. It’s no wonder that nursery rhymes and music have been integral parts of childhood for centuries—they provide not only entertainment but also invaluable opportunities for learning and growth.

Observing Finn's interactions with my family underscored the importance of early oral language development, the power of nursery rhymes in nurturing it, and the transformative impact of music on a child’s overall development. As Finn continues to grow, I’m excited to see how these early experiences contribute to his love for language, music, learning and general communication.

The Crucial Role of Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes have endured for generations for good reason. They offer a plethora of benefits for children's development:

1. Language Development: Nursery rhymes are rich in vocabulary, rhythm, and rhyme. They expose children to the sounds and patterns of language, helping them develop phonological awareness, which is essential for reading and writing.
2. Cognitive Skills: Learning nursery rhymes enhances memory and cognitive skills. Children often need to remember sequences of words and actions, which stimulates their brain development.
3. Social Interaction: Reciting nursery rhymes encourages social interaction between children and caregivers. Whether sung together or acted out, these rhymes foster bonding and communication skills.
4. Literacy Skills: Research suggests that children who are exposed to nursery rhymes early on tend to have better literacy skills later in life. The rhythmic patterns and repetition in rhymes help children understand the structure of language and grasp basic reading concepts.
5. Cultural Heritage: Nursery rhymes are a part of cultural heritage, passing down traditions and stories from one generation to the next. They provide a link to the past and help children connect with their cultural identity.

The Decline in Nursery Rhyme in Our Society

Despite their numerous benefits, nursery rhymes are not as prevalent in early childhood as they once were. Several factors contribute to this decline:

1. Technological Advancements: In today's digital age, children have access to a wide array of entertainment options, from interactive apps to animated videos. While these technologies can be educational, they often overshadow traditional forms of learning like nursery rhymes.
2. Parental Influence: Busy lifestyles and reliance on screens can result in fewer opportunities for parents to engage with their children through traditional activities like singing nursery rhymes. Many parents may not recognise the educational value of these rhymes or may simply not have the time to incorporate them into daily routines. There is absolutely no judgement being made here!
3. Cultural Shifts: As society evolves, so do cultural preferences. Nursery rhymes, once passed down through oral tradition, may not hold the same significance in modern culture, leading to their decline in popularity.

If you have young children (infants, preschoolers, and Stage 1 school age), I encourage you to consider teaching them some nursery rhymes. It can be both nostalgic and enjoyable to engage with your children in this way. Who knows, besides sparking a resurgence of nursery rhymes, you may even find yourself inspired to create your own.

To jog your memory here’s a reminder of some nursery rhymes:

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Mary Had a Little Lamb

Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

Humpty Dumpty

Hickory Dickory Dock

Jack and Jill

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

The Wheels on the Bus

Old MacDonald Had a Farm

Incy Wincy Spider

Sing a Song of Sixpence

Five Little Speckled Frogs

Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree

Dingle Dangle Scarecrow

Until next time from the library - happy singing and best wishes to you all.

Katrina Carroll, SCC Librarian

PS Don't you love a homemade bookmark? ?

On 15th May 2024 we celebrate Principals Day, an occasion dedicated to expressing gratitude for the tireless dedication of our school principals within Catholic Education.

We take this opportunity to honor Mrs. Maria Disibio, who assumed the role of Acting Principal at St. Columbkille's School during Term 1 of 2024.

Maria's unwavering compassion, diligence, and uplifting demeanor consistently enrich the environment at our school, making her an invaluable leader.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Maria for her exemplary leadership and dedication. Thank you, for your invaluable contributions to our school community!

We also would like to extend our appreciation to Mr. Brad Colquhoun, who presently serves as Acting Principal at St. Justin's Catholic Parish School. We extend our best wishes to Brad for success in his interim role.

The Staff at St Columbkille's

As part of our commitment to school effectiveness and to assist with our School Cyclic Inquiry, St Columbkille’s will participate in an online survey called Tell Them From Me® (TTFM®).

This survey will gather feedback from students, parents/carers, and teachers on various aspects of school life, student engagement, and teacher-student interactions.

The survey is anonymous and should take about 20 minutes to complete. You can access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device using the following URL: http://tellthemfromme.com/3qkyd

Today's spotlight is on the fourth of the 'Big Six' keys to reading...Vocabulary.

When children have a large ‘spoken’ vocabulary, meaning they use and understand lots of different words, they are well placed to recognise and understand those words when they see them during reading.

Families can support their child at home with their Vocabulary knowledge by:

• Encouraging them to talk and listen for a range of different purposes
• Reading aloud to your child often
• Become ‘word aware’ as you read aloud. One of the best places for children to hear new words used meaningfully is in great children’s literature. Comment on words you know are new to your child.  
• Get your children to become ‘word detectives’ when out and about. Notice new and interesting words on street signs, at the zoo or museum, on menus or on pamphlets.
• Use a wide vocabulary when speaking to your child. Encourage children to ask the meanings of unfamiliar words and to use new words in their own spoken communication.

It's been an exciting start to the term, with groups of students in Years 4 and 5 participating in online lessons run by the Sydney Opera House in the areas of Writing - Hunting for Inspiration and Making a Music Track.

The Writing lesson focussed on creating a narrative using the structure of: Orientation, Complication and Resolution, along with a range of props. Unbelievably it was our can of tuna that was used by the facilitator to be the antagonist in the story collaboratively created by the participating schools!

The Making a Music Track lesson was facilitated by Luke, whose band is called ‘The Vegetable Plot’. He showed us how to use the free program, Band Lab. He went through all of its features and we suggested the title for one of the two tracks that were created - Candyland. We also created a soundscape and made suggestions about instruments and speed. Band Lab is free to use, with no copyright restrictions.

This week, after a term of enhancing our skills, we officially began our Chess Tournament. By the end of this term our Semester 2 Chess Champion will be announced!

Students in Years 4-6 will have seen some enrichment opportunities appear in their Google Classroom or Seesaw Platforms. There is a Write On Competition and a Short Story Writing Competition that they may like to be involved in.

On Tuesday afternoon our staff was involved in creating tiered tasks with the support of Amanda Nascimento from CEO who works in the area of High Potential and Gifted Education. This is one way that we enrich the curriculum and provide differentiated tasks to support all learners.

Attached to this newsletter is information about the ICAS assessments that students may wish to be involved with. These assessments occur next term, with the information included now for your planning.

Keep an eye on our social media for photos of various enrichment activities.

Michelle Lace

Leader of Enrichment

As the cost of living has dramatically increased, Fresh Start Canteens have advised that they will trial having the St Columbkille's Canteen open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday only, commencing from Week 1 of Term 2.  

Fresh Start are a business that provide the canteen service to our school and like all businesses, it is not financial to run at a loss.  It is hoped that by reducing the operational days from four to three, the business will be more financially successful. 

You can show your support by placing lunch orders for your children or sending spending money with them to school to purchase treats from the canteen window.  

A reminder that lunch orders are now placed through the Flexischools App.

For further information, you can reference our 2024 Parent Handbook in Compass (scroll all the way down to the end!) which will have full details about the canteen.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and support.  

We’re looking at updating our equipment on the school playground. If you have any matchbox cars or miniature monster trucks that are in good condition, that you no longer use or need at home, we would appreciate the donation.

Also if you are a member of a tennis club or know someone who is, could you kindly ask if they have any tennis balls to donate. Our students would love to use these to play handball.  

Other donation items could include:

• Puzzles, Board or Card Games for Wet Weather Breaks

• Buckets and spades for the sand pit 

• Tea sets

• Blocks or Lego

• Basket or Soccer Balls

If you have an item and you aren't sure if it could be used, please email Mrs Stephenson.  

Thank you to the McKevith family, Noah and Hudson Boater's Grandmother, Mrs Pascoe and the Menghi family for donating equipment.

Mrs Melanie Stephenson - Acting Middle Leader

Today (Friday 10 May), parents and children are encouraged to join primary schools all across Australia in walking to and from school as part of the Walk Safely to School Day.

This national initiative aims to encourage children to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle by simply including a walk at the beginning, at lunchtime and at the end of each day. The event also promotes reduced car-dependency, greater use of public transport, cleaner air, improved diets and road safety to primary school children throughout Australia.

The Pedestrian Council of Australia, the organisation behind National Walk Safely to School Day, has developed a range of resources to support parents and teachers in raising healthier, happier kids.  

We saw many of our St Columbkille's families and stduents walking safely to school today. Each student was rewarded with a sticker.  

Well done, everyone!