Dear Parents and Carers, 

Welcome to Term 3 of the 2024 school year. It was most delighful to see all our students return last week. Our Kindergarten students looked much older on Monday as they celebrated 100 days of Kindergarten. Perhaps 100 days of school has aged them! 

During the week I was able to share that Mr Jacob Bow-Smith was the successful applicant for the 6 Gold teacher position.  Mr Bow-Smith is currently employed at Good Samaritan, Fairy Meadow until the end of Week 4 and hence will start at St Columbkille's from Week 5.  

I take this opportunity to once again thank Mrs O'Connor for her time at St Columbkille's and warmly welcome Mr Jacob Bow-Smith to the St Columbkille's community.  

Today we celebrated the Olympic Games in Paris by wearing green and gold.  It has been wonderful to watch the athletes competing in the games. Olympic athletes are beacons of inspiration, showcasing the pinnacle of human physical achievement and resilience. Their dedication, perseverance, and unwavering spirit ignite a spark in our hearts, reminding us that greatness lies within us all. Their stories of triumph over adversity inspire us to push our limits, chase our dreams, and strive for excellence in every aspect of our lives. Who knows perhaps one our St Columbkille's students will be an Olympian of the future. 

Thanks in advance to our Year 5 staff for accompanying our Year 5 students to Canberra on Thursday and Friday. It will no doubt be fresh, but the learning experiences gained will be invaluable.

"We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count."

Warm regards, 

Maria Disibio 

Acting Principal

ST VINCENT DE PAUL- THANK YOU

Mr Riordan, the President of our local Corrimal St Vincent de Paul chapter, was overwhelmed by the support of our recent Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal. He and his wife Lee, came to school on the last day of Term 2 and picked up many baskets full of items for the needy in our community. Below is a letter from Mr Riordan expressing his and the St Vincent de Paul organisations gratitude.

Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal

 A big THANK YOU to the Mini Vinnies students at both St Columbkille’s and St Joseph’s for organising

the Winter Appeal to support the work of our Corrimal Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society. I would also like to thank the parents and teachers for your generosity and support. We were overwhelmed.

 We received over $1500 worth of non-perishable food which will assist in supplying much needed necessities to families finding the cost of living difficult to manage. At the moment we are finding many individuals and families needing food until their next payday.

 It is most encouraging to our conference members to see so many students involved in Mini Vinnies, learning about the conditions under which some people live and appreciating how we can give people a “hand up” rather than just a “hand out”.

 Well done girls and boys. We hope to see some of you in our conference in years to come.

 
Peter Riordan, President.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Both the school and the parish are working towards finalising all necessary documentation required before our Year 3 students will commence their Communion classes. The booking code has been sent out to parents/carers and Mass weekends are being organised. Any further enquiries please contact Lisa at the parish office on 42843000. Mrs Stephenson and Ms Connery are looking forward to guiding these students through this sacrament and for our school and parish community to celebrate with them.

MARY MACKILLOP FEAST DAY

Mary MacKillop is not only the first Australian to be recognised by the Church as a Saint, she is truly a very Australian saint. She characterises the spirit of the Australian mythology. She was a prodigious hard worker who put the needs of others before herself. She exhibited something of the larrikin spirit: constantly in dispute with authority but pressing on, regardless. She used the strengths of others but also didn’t tolerate those who were not genuine. Her commitment to the schooling of children from poor and rural communities established a model of Catholic education that continues to today. A Saint for and of Australia!

We pause on 8th August to pray that we may join St Mary of the Cross in Heaven, together with all the Josephite sisters who set their hearts on the Father’s kingdom and His saving justice.

Reflection by Greg Sunter

Our St Columbkille's school and parish will gather for Mass at 11.30am on Thursday 8th August. All are welcome. 

YEAR 6 MASS WITH BISHOP BRIAN

On Wednesday 7th August our Year 6 students will attend the annual Year 6 Mass with Bishop Brian. They will travel to St Pius Catholic Church at Unanderra for a special eucharistic celebration with a number of other schools. Three students will be leading the Mass by singing the Responsorial Psalm. A huge thank you to Ms Patton for organising these students and rehearsing with them. We know Ariah-Blue, Khloe and Talon will represent our school proudly.

RELIGIOUS LITERACY ASSESSMENT

On Monday 5th August our Year 4 students will sit the annual Religious Literacy Assessment. Each Year 4 student in the diocese takes part in this which further guides student progress and future school planning. We pray for these students and thank Ms Ah-Tong and Ms De Francesco for supporting them. We also acknowledge and thank all their class teachers from Kindergarten to Year 4, in guiding their knowledge in the Catholic tradition and development of their faith.   

PARISH/SCHOOL MASS

Our Term 3 Parish/School Mass falls on the Feast of the Assumption. This is when Mary (the mother of Jesus and our mother) was assumed into heaven, both body and soul. Our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 staff and students will be leading this Mass with Father Patrick. If you are able to make it for this special feast day, please join us at 6pm on Thursday 15th August in the St Columbkille's Church.


GRADE MASSES

Everyone is welcome to attend our Grade Masses at 12 noon each Friday. Certain grades attend each week, and a Compass alert is usually sent to the parents/carers of the grade attending. It has been lovely to see some parents/carers join us and then staying on to enjoy lunch with the grade.

SAVE THE DATE

Father's Day Celebrations- Friday 30th August. More information will be provided however a basic run through of this celebration is as follows:

8.30-9am: Picnic breakfast (BYO) & social play on Balawarri (Front Cement)

9:10am-10am: Liturgy & Celebration

10-11am: Open Classrooms (Yrs 4-6 10-10:30am, K-3 10:30-11)

Have a blessed fortnight!

Mrs Joanne Herring - Religious Education Coordinator

Over the course of the past eight weeks, we have encountered several instances of inappropriate behavior in the school's student toilets. Specifically, we have discovered faeces on the floor in the corner of the boys' restrooms on a number of occasions.

If you are aware that your son is experiencing anxiety related to using the school toilets, or if you possess any information that you believe may be beneficial in assisting this student, please establish contact through the School Office.

On Sunday the 25 July 2021, Pope Francis established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. This year it will be celebrated on Sunday 28 July, the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Grandparents of Jesus.

For the 2024 celebration, Pope Francis has chosen a line from Psalm 71--“Do not cast me off in my old age”--as this year’s theme. The Vatican stated, “By cherishing the charisms of grandparents and the elderly, and the contribution they make to the life of the Church, the World Day seeks to support the efforts of every ecclesial community to forge bonds between the generations and to combat loneliness.”

Grandparents and the elderly offer us immense wisdom, time, and creativity, especially in times of difficulty and uncertainty. They are a divine gift, harnessing and strengthening our communities to flourish. Their presence is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for future generations.

Becoming a grandparent transforms one's understanding of grandparenting, enriching life in countless, wondrous ways. The joy of loving and being loved by such a vulnerable and precious soul, who embodies the essence of their parents, grandparents, and generations before them, is a profound blessing. This child, a unique gift to the world, grows before their eyes, reflecting parts of their grandparents and lineage.

As grandparents watch them grow, they are reminded that this child enters life with a divine purpose, a mission bestowed upon them by God. This realisation deepens their focus on the sacred responsibility God has entrusted to them.

Grandparents are called to support the child's parents and contribute to their spiritual formation. Their role is to nurture the child's spirit, guiding them with love and wisdom, and helping them fulfill their God-given purpose in this world.

In this journey, grandparents understand that grandparenting is not just about sharing love and joy but also about being spiritual guides, beacons of faith, and steadfast supporters of the child's spiritual and personal growth. By embracing this divine role, they can bless the child's path and help them grow into the person God has intended them to be, fulfilling their unique mission in His grand design for this world.

Through their wisdom and life experiences, grandparents provide invaluable lessons and serve as pillars of faith, nurturing the child's connection to their spiritual and faith heritage. This profound relationship not only enriches the grandchild's life but also strengthens the family's bond, rooted in shared values and faith.

As we celebrate this important day, let us reflect on our grandparents and the significant contributions they have made to our lives.

Their influence has brought us to this ‘place’, where we can live out our calling and purpose, truly experiencing ‘Life to the Full.'

Ss Joachim and Anne, pray for all grandparents.

Amen.

As a school community we will celebrate Grandparents day on Friday 29 Novemeber.  

Over 350 children and young people in NSW are urgently seeking foster care. Close to 100 of the 350 are living in our diocese alone. CatholicCare is doing all it can to meet this need – but more carers are desperately needed.

Bishop Brian has recorded a short video that outlines the challenges of the foster care system and is urging all parishioners within the Wollongong Diocese to discern if you can help.

For more information on becoming a foster carer, please contact CatholicCare on phone number: 02 4227 1122 or email fosteringfutures@catholiccare.dow.org.au.

CatholicCare will provide you and your family with training, emotional support, and financial assistance to ensure that you are supported every step of the way.

From time to time, we understand that students may need to attend various appointments during the school day.

If this is the case and you wish to notify the school prior, please send an email to the school office: info@sccdow.catholic.edu.au

Emailing individual class teachers is not required.

Students attending appointments need to be signed out/in at the school office by a parent/carer.

Mrs Christine Perre

Acting Assistant Principal

Our 2024 Annual Improvement Plan (AIP) has been centred around Domain 6: Leading Systemic Curriculum Implementation with our goal being: Students will demonstrate growth in spelling through evidence-based assessments. 

In the coming weeks, we will be finalising our 2024 AIP Goal and considering recommendations from our recent Cyclic Inquiry to determine our next priorities. 

Mrs Christine Perre

Acting Assistant Principal

Our staff are involved in a number of Professional Learning opportunities to further build their capacity as teachers and school support officers, in order to provide the best possible outcomes for our students. This means that casual staff are employed to replace these staff members. Professional Learning takes placed both on and off school site. 

Some of the Professional Learning Opportunties that our staff will be involved in this term include:

• Cyclic Inquiry- all staff
• Learning for Leadership - Mrs Herring and Mrs Leonard
• Year 1 SPOT Training - Mrs Page and Mrs Barrett
• 3-6 English and Maths Curriculum - all Years 3-6 Class teachers
• Collaborative Planning Sessions (focusing on our school priority of Spelling) - all K-6 Class teachers
• Spelling (PETA Assosciation) - Mrs Rathbone
• Road Safety Planning - Mrs Lace
• Catholic Life Education Mission - Mrs Page and Mrs Connery
• Curriculum Focus Day - Mrs Perre
• Primary REC Meeting - Mrs Herring
• Year 1 Phonics Screening Check - Mrs Page and Mrs Barrett
• Personalised Planning Meetings - all K-6 Class teachers
• Assistant Principal Retreat - Mrs Perre
• Principal Retreat - Mrs Disibio
• Lamplighters Spiritual Formation Program - Mrs Rathbone and Mrs Perre
• Alight for the World Program - Miss Connery
• Another Cup of Life Program - Mrs Sumner, Mrs Carroll, Mrs Abdulnour

Mrs Christine Perre

Acting Assistant Principal

Term 3 promises to be yet another busy term in the area of enrichment opportunities.

Chess: 35 students from Years 4-6 participated in the Semester 1 Chess Tournament. These students have each received a participation certificate. Congratulations to Luka Scekic (4G) who is our Chess Champion. From next Tuesday the Semester 2 Chess Tournament will begin for Years 4-6 students during lunch times in the basement. Students do not have to commit to participating every week as results of games are collated and used to facilitate finals.

The Diggers: On Tuesday 9th September Mrs Lattimore will take a group of students to the Diggers to showcase their dancing skills to the residents.

Spelling Bee: Students from Years 3-6 have nominated to participate in the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee. Just under 50 students are interested in participating and we look forward to seeing who our champions are.

ICAS: The ICAS assessment portal has now closed and those students who entered will complete the assessments throughout August.

Year 3 Excursion - Killalea Regional Park

On Tuesday 31st July, Year 3 went on an excursion to Gumaraa Killalea, Killalea Regional Park. Students learnt about the local Aboriginal heritage and the significance of Country/Place to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Students enjoyed going on a food tucker walk, throwing a boomerang, learning about Aboriginal artefacts, learning about and listening to the didgeridoo, Indigenous body painting and ritual decorations and much more.

Touch Football Gala Day

On Tuesday 30th July, Year 6 participated in the NSW Touch Gala Day at Thomas Dalton Park. The weather was very cold and windy, but that did not deter the students who thoroughly enjoyed the day, showing great skills and sportsmanship throughout the day. A huge thank you to our parent helpers who assisted with our
two senior boys and senior girls team. A great day.

Colleen Kipp

FNSW Futsal Championships

On Thursday the 25th of July, students from Year 5 and 6 competed in the FNSW Futsal Championships at Menai. Our 4 teams competed against other schools from the Sydney region. 

We have a contact who is wiling to collect and ship our old school uniforms to a school in Fiji.  She will require old suitcases to pack the unforms within and although she usually funds the cost herself, I'm sure we can support her through some fundraising when the time comes.  

If you have any old St Columbkille's uniforms that are in good condition (no rips, major stains or buttons missing) and that you no longer need, please send them to school washed and folded. We will pack them in suitcases ready for pick up.  

Should you have any old suitcases, that are in fairly good condition, that you no longer require, these can also be dropped off at school. I am told that the suitcases are also put to good use as wardrobes once they have transported the clothing items.  

Thank you in advance for your support. 

Thank you to the families who have chosen to use morning drop off and afternoon carline pick up.  

Just a reminder that the laneway is STRICTLY A NO STOPPING ZONE therefore parents and carers should not park in the laneway prior to afternoon dismissal.

Parents/carers are not to arrive before 3pm.

All children are supervised and safe. Arriving at this time greatly reduces the congestion and inconvenience caused to our local residents and neighbours.

Please ensure that the following guidelines are adhered to for the safety of all:

• Children must only be dropped off or picked up in the clearly mark designated area only.
• Children must enter and exit from the driver side of the car only where possible
• Please be aware and mindful of students being picked-up by their parents outside of carlines
• Family names are to be clearly displayed in the front of all cars. The sunvisor is the best place.
• Overtaking a stationary vehicle is not permitted

Should you require a name plate, please contact the School Office and one will be made for you. Thank you for your onging support and patience in ensuring the safety of our school community.

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. 

Family Transitions Triple P Online, developed by the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, is an easy-to-use online resource that gives proven tips and strategies for managing the transition in a way that can boost parenting confidence and minimise the impact on children.

Our very own Ella Hartup and Carter Milne from 4B are starring in the Black Cat Theatre's Production of 'Finding Nemo JR.' 

Please see the flyer for further information and to purchase tickets to the production.