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- Principal's Message
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- Celebrating Advent With Your Family
- PB4L Focus
- Introducing....KLA End of Year Awards
- Fresh Start Canteen Lunch Pack - Thursday 12th December 2024
- Pupil Free Days- Term 4
- 2025 - Term 1 Dates
- SCC Sport
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- Year 5 2025 iPads for Learning
- St Columbkille's and St Joseph's Parish Bulletin
- Enrol now for PlaySpace Drama 2025
- Positive Partnerships
- Dion's Bus Service
- Young Engineers Programs
- Bulli PCYC Summer School Holidays Activities
- The UGG Boot Factory
Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you to those of you who were able to attend and join us in celebrating the story of Christmas on Wednesday afternoon. We have received positive feedback about the celebration from parents, students and staff. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Ms Patton and Mrs Lattimore (and their team) for their outstanding efforts in organising and planning the Christmas Concert. Their attention to detail and commitment to creating a memorable celebration are commendable.
Yesterday Semester Two Academic Reports were published via Compass. A heartfelt thank you to our teaching staff for their commitment, dedication, and tireless efforts in completing the Student Academic Reports. As Principal I have the pleasure of reading all the reports and it is always wonderful to see the learning growth and achievements of the students. If you would like to further discuss your child's report with their class teacher, please be in contact to arrange a suitable time.
With regards to staffing for 2025, Rita Finlay Joseph has decided to take 12 months leave from her position at St Columbkille’s to take up secondary teaching work in Dubbo. I wish Rita all the very best with this relocation to the Orana region of New South Wales and look forward to hearing tales from the north west once she has settled in.
I am delighted to announce that Mrs Perre has been appointed as the Acting Assistant Principal for 2025. I would also like to acknowledge Mrs Stephenson, who has accepted the Acting Middle Leader position for the same year. Both are experienced educators who are committed to student success. These recent appointments have meant further changes to 2025 staffing have needed to be made. I will share teacher class allocation with you on Monday, but advise that not all positions have been filled.
Students will have the oppourtunity to meet their 2025 teacher on Thursday 12 December from 2pm. This experience assists with the transition as students begin to become familiar with their new classroom enviornment and the teacher. It is normal to be slightly anxious about the change in year group and class and as adults we need to model and talk to our children about how they can manage these feelings in a positive way.
We will publish the final Newsletter for 2024 mid Week 10.
Have a lovely few weeks.
Warm regards,
Maria Disibio
Acting Principal
Vice Captains: Sam Raschilla, Zara Erven
Mackillop- Stella Howell & Jed Bell
Joseph- James Andary & Flynn Karhof
Downey- Indie Humphries & Zali Mayo
ADVENT
This weekend we continue the season of Advent, with a focus on the second candle - the candle of PEACE. One of the hallmarks of the Christmas story is when the angels appear to the shepherds and proclaim, “Peace on earth,” in Luke 2:14.
Jesus brings us peace in a number of ways.
Firstly, he gives us inner peace. Because of his work on the cross, we have a chance to receive salvation and be guided by the Holy Spirit. This grants us an inner peace (John 14:27). Not only do we have the peace that comes from our promise of salvation, but we also have the peace of mind knowing God will heal this broken world and will come again.
Secondly, we have peace with others. We put aside our differences (Galatians 3:28), especially with other believers, because we belong to the same family. We have the same purpose: to let others know about the peace of Christ.
Advent is a time of great joy and expectation. Throughout December, students at St Columbkille's are learning what Christmas truly means and how we can prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. If you’re looking for ways to engage with your son or daughter during this special time, the Catholic Education Office of Wollongong have put together a few ideas.
Link to the article:
https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/news/celebrating-advent
Let us pray...
The Christmas decorations are starting to appear, carols are playing softly in the shops, and there's a buzz of excitement in the air. But before we get swept up in the festivities, the Catholic Church invites us to pause and enter into the season of Advent.
Advent, meaning "coming" in Latin, is the period of four weeks leading up to Christmas. It's a special time of preparation where we not only anticipate the joyful celebration of Jesus' birth, but also reflect on his second coming. Think of it as a journey – a journey of hope, peace, joy, and love, leading us to the manger in Bethlehem.
In your child's Catholic school, they'll be embarking on this journey through Scripture readings, prayers, and perhaps even creating beautiful Advent wreaths. You can join them on this adventure at home too! Here are some simple ways to bring the spirit of Advent into your family life:
1. Light the Way:
- Advent Wreath: The Advent wreath, with its four candles, is a beautiful symbol of the season. Each candle represents a different theme: hope, peace, joy, and love. Gather as a family each Sunday to light the candles, say a prayer, and reflect on the readings of the day. Let the growing light illuminate your path towards Christmas.
- Jesse Tree: Another wonderful tradition is the Jesse Tree. This unique tree visually tells the story of salvation history, tracing Jesus' ancestry all the way back to Abraham. Each day, you add an ornament representing a person or event from the Bible, connecting the dots from the Old Testament to the birth of Jesus.
2. Acts of Kindness:
Advent is a time for giving and serving others, just as Jesus came to serve us. Encourage your child to participate in acts of kindness, such as:
- Donating to those in need: Choose a local charity or organisation together and donate food, toys, or clothes.
- Helping with chores around the house: Even small acts of service can make a big difference.
- Reaching out to someone who is lonely: Encourage your child to write a card or make a small gift for an elderly neighbour or relative.
3. Sharing the Story:
Share the story of Christmas with your children in engaging ways:
- Read children's books about the Nativity: Visit your local library or bookstore for a wide selection.
- Sing Advent hymns and carols: Fill your home with the beautiful music of the season.
- Watch age-appropriate movies about the birth of Jesus: This can be a fun and engaging way to learn about the Christmas story.
4. Finding Moments of Peace:
In the midst of the holiday busyness, make time for quiet reflection.
- Set aside a few minutes each day for silent prayer: Encourage your child to talk to God about their hopes and dreams for the season.
- Practice waiting patiently: Advent is a season of waiting and anticipation. Help your child understand that good things come to those who wait, just as we wait with joyful expectation for the coming of Christ.
By incorporating these simple practices into your family life, you can help your child experience the true meaning of Advent and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Jesus' birth.
5. Preparing for an Eco-Friendly Christmas:
Inspired by Laudato Si’, we are all called to care for our common home by embracing sustainability and making the holiday season as eco-friendly as we can. To do this, you can:
- Reduce waste, choose eco-conscious gifts, and support local artisans.
- Honour creation by prioritising natural, organic, and fair-trade products.
- Reflect with your family on how your daily choices impact the planet and our neighbours.
In order to further acknowledge and celebrate student engagement and effort in their learning, we are introducing Key Learning Area (KLA) End of Year Awards.
In each class, students will be selected to receive these significant awards in the following KLA's:
- English - 1 student per class
- Maths - 1 student per class
- Religious Education - 1 student per class
- Science - 1 student per class
- History/Geography - 1 student per class
- Creative Arts (Music) - 1 student per class
- PDHPE (Physical Education) - 1 student per class
- Italian - 1 student per class
Students are not necessarily selected for high achievement in this KLA, but rather, may be selected for one or more of the following reasons:
- Engagement in learning
- Demonstrating a positive attitude
- Persistence
- Consistent effort
- A love of learning
- Demonstrating growth throughout the year
These awards will be presented at the final Award Assembly in Term 4 each year and will count towards receiving a Mary Mackillop Award (5 Merits/KLA Award= 1 Mary Mackillop).
The Final Award Assembly for 2024 is Friday 13th December, beginning at 2:10pm. Check the school calendar for updates to time.
If your child is selected to receive a KLA End of Year Award, you would have been notified via compass last week.
Mrs Christine Perre
Acting Assistant Principal
The final day for Term 4 for students is Wednesday 18th December.
Thursday 19th December and Friday 20th December are Pupil Free Days.
Staff return for Term 1 in 2025 for two Teacher Professional Planning Days on Friday 31st January and Monday 3rd February. Students do not attend on these days.
Students in Years 1-6 begin Term 1 on Tuesday 4th February 2025.
Students in Kindergarten begin Term 1 on Wednesday 5th February 2025.
On the 22, 23 and 24th November, I was selected to play in the NSW Champion of Champions Tennis tournament at Penrith. I came 3rd in the u10 boys. It was a very hot three days, but I had lots of fun.
Kaylan Pons (4G)
Student School Library Books
As we approach the end of the school year, we’re asking that all library books borrowed by students be returned by the end of Week 9. Over the holidays I will be conducting a stocktake of our student library collection so unfortunately books cannot be kept over the summer break.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting our library by keeping track of any overdue book notifications you or your child/ren may have received recently. I’m pleased to say that we currently have very few overdue books, so returning the remaining ones by the end of Week 9 should be a breeze!
Thank you for your support in helping us maintain our library for our students.
Mrs Carroll’s Musing
Advent is a special time in the Christian calendar, marking the beginning of a new liturgical year and a season of joyful anticipation as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. It’s a time for reflection, renewal and hope, a chance to focus on the light that Jesus brings into our lives.
On Monday we came together as a community for a beautiful Advent liturgy which set the tone for this meaningful season. Advent is not only the start of the new liturgical year but also a time when we can celebrate new beginnings, both in our faith and in our lives.
As you may have read in one of my previous musings this year, I’ve been on a faith journey and had the privilege of joining an Alpha programme, which turned out to be a truly transformational experience for me. What I didn’t share earlier is that this transformation led me to a deeply personal decision: I would like to become Catholic.
Although I was baptised Presbyterian, I’ve never actively followed any particular Christian denomination. However, in recent years I’ve felt increasingly drawn to communities of faith. During my time at St. Columbkille’s, I’ve naturally embraced many aspects of the Catholic faith - attending Mass, praying, supporting its teachings and striving to live my life following in the footsteps of Jesus. Despite this, I’ve never been able to fully participate in the Eucharist and now, I feel called to take that step and join the Church fully.
What strikes me most in this journey is the way God gently guides us through life, patiently waiting for us to open our hearts to Him. He never forces His way in; He only enters when we invite Him. There’s a beautiful humility and love in this and I’ve come to understand it in a profound way during this journey.
I’d like to share something that has deeply resonated with me on this point, something that has filled me with a clearer understanding of God’s infinite love. Recently, I connected with a local parish priest, seeking his guidance and support as I take steps toward becoming Catholic. In our conversations, which have been both comforting and deeply meaningful, he shared an analogy that has stayed with me.
He described our hearts as having countless doors - hundreds, thousands or even millions. Each time we make a decision, however small, we open one of these doors, allowing a little bit of God’s love to enter. These daily choices, though seemingly minor, gradually let His light and love into our lives. Then, there are moments when we make a bigger decision, when we choose something significant and a larger door opens, allowing a much greater flow of God’s love to fill our hearts. And finally, there are extraordinary moments, moments when we open a truly massive door, one that leads to a profound event in our spiritual growth. These are the moments of transformation: Renewal, when we rediscover our faith and see it with fresh eyes. Conversion, when we make a life-altering decision to follow God’s call. Deeper surrender, when we trust fully in God’s will for us. Opening to grace, when we allow His love to heal and guide us.
Each door we open brings us closer to God and as I take these steps toward becoming Catholic, I feel as though I am opening one of those larger doors, inviting God in to shape my life in new and beautiful ways, particularly through a place of renewal and an opening to grace.
This analogy beautifully aligns with Jesus, who described Himself as the “door” (John 10:9) through which believers enter to receive salvation. In this time of Advent, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the beginning of a new liturgical year, I hope you too find doors in your hearts that you are ready to open. May you let in God’s love and experience the joy and peace He brings.
Not so much of a “musing” from me this time, more of a “sharing.” A sharing of something rather personal with the hope that in opening my heart, I can reach out and share God’s love with you too.
Best wishes to you all -
Katrina Carroll
SSO/Library Administrator
Our Year 5 2025 students will be required to Bring their Own Device for iPad for Learning from Thursday, Week 1 (6 February 2025). This device needs to be an Apple iPad.
If your child currently has an iPad for their exclusive use at school, then that iPad would be fine. Please note that in 2025 your child will do the NAPLAN tests on their iPad which needs to be an iPad Air 3 or later (those sold in the last 5 years). If you need to purchase a new iPad, the latest iPad is Generation 10, however, please note that this device is quite expensive and also does not have a headphone jack. The iPad (9th Generation) can be purchased. A device can be purchased via EduComIT at school prices or alternatively, you may wish to shop around for a more competitive price.
The iPad Mini does NOT meet the minimum size requirements for NAPLAN Online testing, and so, should not be purchased for your child’s use. We also recommend that the iPad is WiFi only — not Cellular. This means there are no additional internet usage charges, and your child will only be connected to the internet when WiFi is available (at school for example).
We highly recommend purchasing a survivor type case for the ipad as this type of case provides greater protection when carrying the iPad in school bags. Your child will not require a blue tooth keyboard nor an Apple pen.
Should you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me via email for via the school office.
Maria Disibio - Acting Principal and Technology Leader
