Dear Parents and Carers, 

With only two more weeks of Term 2, 2024 I take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support of our school.  

Student academic reports were distributed via Compass yesterday. The Semester One Report assesses all Key Learning Areas taught and is provided to students Kindergarten through to Year 6. Learning Conversations will follow during Week 9 and 10. Learning Conversation appointments are to be made via Compass Conferences.

Children in Years 1 – 6 are to attend the conversation with their parents, as it is our belief that through engaging the children in the shared conversation about their learning, they can assume an increased responsibility for their learning and also celebrate their personal achievements. These appointment times are available in the coming weeks. 

Our many of our Year 6 students are currently preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Sacrament of Confirmation is a powerful ritual in which baptized Catholics receive the Holy Spirit to strengthen their faith and become full members of the Church. Through the laying on of hands and anointing with chrism, the Bishop imparts the gifts of the Holy Spirit, empowering individuals to live out their baptismal call, boldly profess their faith, and actively participate in the life of the Church. 

I look forward to celebrating Confirmation with our Year 6 students, their families, friends and sponsors on Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd July at 7pm.  

I also look forward to the Around the World P&F Trivia Night being held tonight in our Monsignor Downey Hall. I thank our P&F team for their organisation of the social event.  It should be a very enjoyable evening.  

Have a wonderful fortnight.  

Warm regards, 

Maria Disibio - Acting Principal

Ordinary Time

After our celebration of Pentecost and the solemnities of the Most Holy Trinity and the Body and Blood of Christ, we now enter the time in the Church's liturgical year of "Ordinary Time." There's nothing ordinary about "Ordinary Time", it is a wonderful next four months where time can be set aside for reflecting on and celebrating our call to follow Jesus day by day. As a family there may be opportunites for focusing on the scriptures, learning about the lives of the saints, trying new family prayers or devotions, celebrating the Eucharist at Mass or making mindfulness practices a priority. Truly living as disciples of Jesus is out of the ordinary and could be very extraordinary!

Confirmation

Thank you for keeping in your prayers our Year 6 Confirmation candidates. These students have been preparing for this sacrament within their class lessons and taking part in weekend Masses. We look forward to celebrating their Confirmation with their families and sponsors on Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd July at 7pm. Next Thursday the 27th June, a retreat day will be held at school with the Youth Team from Sydney leading most of the day and culminating with a practise for the liturgy after lunch. Students will be given further information about this day early next week. Please look out for this Compass alert.

N.B. Some parents have asked for the payment details for the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion. These are as follows: 

Acct Name: St Columbkille’s Catholic Church
BSB: 066-711
Acct Number: 003669
Reference: Child’s Name/ Sacrament

Refugee Week

From Sunday 16 June to Saturday 22 June we acknowledge Refugee Week, where we remember all those who have had to flee their homeland for many reasons: war, persecution, famine. The annual "World Refugee Day" is Thursday 20th June. This year’s theme “Finding Freedom” – with a focus on family – encapsulates the profound journey of resilience, strength, and unity that defines the refugee experience. They have left their homeland seeking refuge: a place of comfort, a place to feel safe, a place to call home and people to call family. 

Points to Ponder

How would we feel as refugees in a foreign land?

How are we called to respond to refugees in our midst?

For more resources on this topic a link is below

NAIDOC Celebrations

St Columbkille's will acknowledge NAIDOC Week during the final week of term, as the annual event occurs from Sunday 7th-14th July (during the school holidays).

It is a special week to celebrate First Nations Peoples of Australia, a chance to highlight challenges that need addressing, a chance to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, and a chance to engage with amazing cultures that are thousands of years old. This years theme is “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.

Mrs Jo Herring - Religious Education Coordinator

Students will have a Pupil Free Day on Monday 22nd July 2024, while our staff engage in a Teacher Professional Planning Day, focusing on our school's Cyclic Inquiry. Students will begin Term 3 on Tuesday 23rd July 2024. 

Students will have a Pupil Free Day on Friday 27th September 2024, while our staff engage in a Spirituality Day. Last day of Term 3 for students will be on Thursday 26th September 2024. 

Mrs Christine Perre - Acting Assistant Principal

On Friday 14th June, our dedicated staff engaged in Professional Learning on our school priority of Spelling and Reading. Staff explored the latest research in this area, reflected on their own practice and planned new teaching and learning for their classroom.

Thank you to the 74 parents who completed the Tell Them From Me Parent Survey.  

Listed below are some of the items that were raised by parents who completed the survey. 

Liturgies & Special Events

Parents would enjoy the opportunity to be with their children following special liturgies like Mother's Father's and Grandparents Day. We will definitely take this into consideration when planning our next liturgy. 

Increasing Presence of Casual Staff

Our dedicated staff may take leave for a variety of reasons. With our new Curriculum, our staff are often released from class to build their teacher knowledge and capacity to ultimately improve learning outcomes for your children. Our staff also have family circumstances, experience sickness and have other commitments at various times. Please understand that our student's always remain our priority, and while teachers may be on leave, they prepare detailed day plans for the casual teaching staff, with the teaching and learning that would have taken place if the regular teacher was in class. Information regarding a teacher's leave is not communciated with families unless it is an extended leave period. If and when we are able to give notice to students regarding a teacher's absence, this may be shared prior to the day. We appreciate your understanding. 

What is my child learning about in each Key Learning Area?

Some parents want to know what their child is learning about in each subject area. Each term, class teachers write detailed 'Grade Newsletters' to communciate with families what their child will be learning in each Key Learning Area. This information is shared via Compass at the beginning of each term. They have been attached again below for your information. 

Merit awards are given by all teaching staff and are presented fortnightly at the Award Assembly on a Friday. When children have received five (5) merit awards they will be presented with a Mary MacKillop Award. The children will be required to bring their five merit awards to school and send them to the office, via the office bag. When (3) Mary MacKillop Awards have been received a school medallion will be presented. 

For further details please see link to SCC Reward Policy

Melanie Stephenson - Acting Middle Leader

From the 24th June, Principal Awards (in sticker books) will be distributed at Thursday Morning Assemblies on Balawarri (Front Cement) at 8:50am.

If you would like to come along, you are most welcome. 

Mrs Christine Perre - Acting Assistant Principal 

On the 20th of June, Year 5 received a visit from International UOW students and learnt about many different cultures and some of their practices. The students were from Japan, Solomon Islands, Pakistan and Indonesia. They taught us about their unique ways and their daily lives including, cultural foods, religious beliefs, languages and traditions. Year 5 also learnt how to do Japanese origami and write their name. At recess, we created bonds of friendship and had lots of fun. Afterwards, they taught us how to do a Japanese traditional workout called Radio Taiso and we taught them how to do the Nutbush, an Australian dance. We were sad to see them go, and we thank them for coming to St Columbkille’s to help us experience the many different cultures in our world.

By Juliette Ayers and Keira Fabon.

Students in Years 3 and 5 participated in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) during Term 1. A NAPLAN individual student report will be provided for your child early in Term 3. The same report format is used for every student in Australia. 

NAPLAN results are reported against proficiency standards. There is a standard for each assessment area at each year level. Proficiency standards provide clear information on student achievement. Student achievement is shown against 4 levels of proficiency:

• Exceeding: the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing. 
• Strong: the student’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing. 
• Developing: the student’s result indicates that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
• Needs additional support: the student’s result indicates that they are not achieving the learning outcomes that are expected at the time of testing. They are likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily.

Not even torrential rain and dark clouds could dampen the enthusiasm of the St Columbkille's Catholic Primary School students, staff, and parents who joined together on Friday 7 June 2024 to mark a significant milestone of celebrating 120 years of educating children 

From humble beginnings in an enclosed verandah of a cottage in neighbouring Midgley Street, the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart of Jesus opened their first school in April 1904. Since then, the school has undergone remarkable growth and transformation, becoming a cornerstone of education in the area.

Acting Principal, Maria Disibio, reflected on the significance of this momentous milestone, stating, “The commemoration of 120 years of Catholic education at St Columbkille's serves as a testament to our profound dedication to faith-based education. Through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, we have had the privilege of nurturing generations of students, leaving an enduring and positive impact on their lives.”

Former student, Mr. Peter Riordan, who attended St Columbkille’s from 1948 to 1954, shared his experiences during the celebratory Mass. Reflecting on his time at the school, Mr. Riordan remarked, “​​Four generations of my family have attended St Columbkille’s: my father, myself, our four children, and two grandchildren.” 

Hear more of what Mr. Riordan shared in the video below.

https://youtu.be/kBTgI0Uf5Rc

Our P&F requires an annual audit to be completed on their funds and we are wondering if there is a member of our school community who could complete this for us?  You would need to be a registered accountant and be able to supply an audit report.  

If you are someone you now could be of assistance, please call the School Office or speak with Rosie King . 

Thanks in advance.

Representative Sport News

Congratulations to Harper H who participated in the MacKillop touch trials at a chilly Wagga last Friday 14 June. She was a great ambassador for St Columbkille's and played all games with great sportsmanship, respect and a high level of teamwork. 

Despite the brisk morning chill, our school community came together for an unforgettable day of athleticism and camaraderie at this year's Athletics Carnival. From the first race of the 800m to the final 100m races, students showcased their talent and determination in a variety of events, cheered on by enthusiastic parents and teachers.

As the day progressed, a rain shower added to the excitement, but did nothing to dampen spirits. The perseverance and sportsmanship displayed by all participants were truly commendable.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated parent volunteers whose support and encouragement made this event possible. Your commitment to our school community is invaluable and deeply appreciated.

Here's to another successful Athletics Carnival and to the spirit of teamwork and achievement that defines our school.

Ribbons and Age champion medals will be handed out at morning assembly in Term 3. Date to be confirmed. 

Leader of Sport. - Carla Olima

REMINDER - NSW Premier's Reading Challenge  - there is still time for your child to be part of this reading challenge. The closing date is Friday 23rd August. 

If you would like more details, please contact me. I’m unable to take calls during school hours (I'm continuously working with students) but I will reply to emails during the afternoons. I’d be very happy to assist in any way I can.

Below is a table showing the number of book students are required to read in order to meet 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. 

Please see the PRC website for books lists, tips and further details but if you have any queries please contact me direct on CarrollK03@dow.catholic.edu.au

Scholastic Book Club

Orders have closed today for Issue #4 of the Book Club magazine. I expect these orders to arrive either late next week or early the following week, in Week 10.  I will send home the orders with students as soon as they do. 

Issue #5 of the magazine will be distributed early next term.

As always, many thanks for supporting this initiative.

WriteOn Competition 2024

Our students have submitted their entries for the WriteOn 2024 competition and we are thrilled with the exceptional quality of their work. Choosing which stories to submit has been a challenging task due to the outstanding creativity and effort displayed by all participants.

The winners of our school entries will be announced in the next newsletter. We extend our congratulations to all the entrants for their remarkable contributions.

St Columbkille’s 120 Year Historical Display

We would like to welcome you to visit our library on either of the following two Monday afternoons, 24th June and 1st July from 3pm - 4pm to see the historical display of our school and its community. 

This display commemorates the rich history and enduring legacy of St. Columbkille’s Catholic Primary School, highlighting significant milestones and contributions over the past 120 years. Explore the journey of our school community through carefully preserved artefacts, photographs, and stories that reflect our commitment to education, faith, and community service.

Original Resources Compiled by: Mrs. Paula Russo for the Centenary Celebration, assisted by Mrs. Christine Phillips, an ex-student of the school.

If you would like to visit, please ensure you sign in at the office prior to coming up to the library.

Mrs Carroll's Musing

Our school calendar is incredibly busy for our teachers right now. Reports have been written, teaching programs have been updated, student assessments and class work has been analysed, parent-teacher conversations are being planned, professional development is ongoing, and of course, daily teaching and lesson planning continues. Schools are always bustling environments for both staff and students, but certain times of the year are particularly hectic. I see, not just in our school, how much our educators give of themselves.

My thoughts are with all my colleagues at this time. I am deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment and dedication to their students, and the countless hours they contribute beyond the school day. With my insider's perspective, I can truly say it is an absolute privilege to work at St. Columbkille's with such a wonderful, caring team.

Thank you to the entire SCC Team, I am truly blessed to have such wonderful colleagues.

And if you're attending the P&F Trivia Night tonight, I hope to see you there!

Until next time from the library, best wishes - 

Katrina Carroll - SCC Librarian

Our school will take part in the AEDC this year. The AEDC is a national census that is conducted every three years by the Australian Government, in partnership with state and territory governments. It measures how children have developed by the time they start their first year of full-time school. 

The AEDC is voluntary, and it does not measure how well children are doing at school, nor how their school compares to other schools. Instead, it shows how children are growing and progressing in five key areas, what is being done well and what can be improved. AEDC data is used by schools, early childhood organisations, researchers and governments to help plan and improve services and supports for children and families. This is why it is important for all children in their first year of school to be included in the AEDC. 

The AEDC is completed by teachers based on their knowledge of the children. Children do not need to do anything to be included in the census and will attend class as usual while the census is conducted. The census will start on Monday 24^th June 2024. Teachers will answer questions about the five key areas of early childhood development, which are: physical health and wellbeing, emotional maturity, social competence, language, and cognitive skills (school-based), and communication skills and general knowledge. You can see all the questions at https://www.aedc.gov.au/avedi. 

Melanie Stephenson - Acting Middle Leader

As we move into our new school uniform, I ask you to keep hold of the older uniform items, as we are currently attempting to source a school in need that would welcome and put to use our uniform pieces. 

If you are aware of a school that could use our uniform items, or know of an agency that would assist us in donating our old uniform, please make contact via the school office.  

We don't really want our unwanted uniform items to end up in land fill.  

The Parent-School Partnership Framework is available in six additional languages to help support you and your family. 

The Framework is available in Vietnamese, Hindi, Nepali, Malayalam, Tagalog and Arabic. They are all available for download from the below link:

July Holiday Camps - Registrations now open!

Score big this July with Basketball Illawarra's Holiday Camps.

Whether you're honing your skills with your NBL1 players , or starting your basketbll journey with Aussie Hoops, we've got something for everyone.

Don't miss out!

https://www.snakepit.com.au/holiday-camps

Semester 2 Drama resumes on Wednesday 24th July and there are stiill some places available.

Please see the attached Flyer for further information.

Marianne Patton - Playspace Drama