Dear Parents and Carers, 

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection in the Christian calendar. It is traditionally observed by Catholics as a day of penance and repentance, symbolising their sorrow for their sins and their commitment to turn away from them. On this day, ashes are placed on the foreheads of believers as a reminder of their mortality. The ashes are made from the burned palm branches of the previous year's Palm Sunday, representing the cycle of life, death, and resurrection.

The season of Lent offers Catholics a special opportunity to deepen our spiritual lives and prepare for the joy of Easter. We are encouraged to engage in prayerful reflection, recognising our need for repentance and renewal. Through increased prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we can cultivate a spirit of humility. By attending Mass and other liturgical services more frequently, we can draw strength and inspiration from the community of faith. Ultimately, the goal of Lent is to grow in charity and love of God and neighbour, allowing the grace of Christ's Resurrection to transform every aspect of life.

Want to give time to our church? St Columbkille's Parish is looking for Primary aged boys, girls, or teenagers, in the parish who wants to become Young Altar Servers. if your child is interested please email Fr Anthony a Volunteer in Parish The Parish also needs help with the Liturgy of the Word (Mass Readers) & Extra-Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: (Extra people to act as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion) Please contact Volunteer in Parish if you can help.

Thank you to our ongoing Parents and Friends committee and congratulations to our newly appointed committee members:

President: Sarah Foster

Vice President: Kelly Saveski

Treasurer: Rosie King

Secretary: Laura O’Shae and Kerry Fabon

I look forward to working with you and celebrating the many events you have planned for our school community.  

Have a wonderful fortnight.

Warm regards, 

Mrs Maria Disibio 

Acting Principal

Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday marks the last day before Lent for Christians and is traditionally a period of abstinence. This is associated with clearing your cupboards of goods such as sugar, fats, and eggs. Pancakes were traditionally eaten on this day to use up such foods before the 40-day fasting season of Lent began. Which is why our Mini Vinnies Team, along with their family helpers, cooked a huge number of pancakes for our school community. Not only did they taste delicious but they raised approximately $270 for Project Compassion. This organisation helps people in need in various parts of the world.

On Shrove Tuesday our school captains and Mrs Disibio attended the Diocesan Launch of Project Compassion at St Francis of Assissi Catholic Primary School in Warrawong. Keira and Sam were also blessed to have their photo taken with Bishop Brian, the Bishop of Wollongong. All schools now embark on their Lenten journey by focusing on Project Compassion and what we as a community can do to help.

Ash Wednesday

Two celebrations marked the beginning of Lent on Wednesday. Kinder and Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 took part in a liturgy where ashes were placed on students foreheads and the students were reminded of Jesus' love for us. Years 5 and 6 attended the parish Mass which was led by Father Patrick. 

LENT

Lent is about the amazing Love that both God and Jesus has for all of us. It's a season of 40 days in which we remind ourselves about the true meaning of our faith. In a world filled with suffering and division, let us embrace this season as an opportunity to seek reconciliation, to serve the poor and marginalised, and to deepen our faith through acts of compassion and charity.

Let us journey through Lent with renewed hope, trusting in the infinite mercy and wisdom of God.

Lenten Prayer Folders will be sent home with students during Lent. These prayer folders allow families to create their own prayers and decide on different actions or behaviours which enable us to change our ways and turn back to God.

We also have a St Vincent de Paul basket in the foyer for those who would like to give this Lent. For the month of March we are asking for tins of baked beans, tins of soup and packets of biscuits. Thank you for your giving.

Finally, you may like to take part in the "40 Deeds in 40 Days" lenten practices as a family. They are attached as a pdf below.

St Patrick & St Joseph

In March we commemorate two special Saints feast days. On Monday 17th March we acknowledge St Patrick, who ministered Christianity in Ireland during the fifth century. On Wednesday 19th March we celebrate the feast of Saint Joseph. Joseph was a faithful and trusting servant of God who wanted to do what was asked of him. We can learn from Joseph to listen to what God asks of us and become faith-filled servants caring for those in need.

Playgroup

A reminder that playgroup continues each Friday during the school term from 9.30-11.30am in St Columbkille's Parish Centre. Please bring a gold coin donation and any questions the contact number is 0423289320.

Yours in faith

Mrs Joanne Herring

To assist with your planning, these are the Pupil Free Days that will occur this year:

Term 3: Monday 21st July and Friday 26th September 

Term 4: Thursday 18th December and Friday 19th December

On these dates, staff will engage in Professional Learning and/or Spirituality Days. 

There are times when changes need to be made that are beyond our control. If there are any changes to these dates, they will be communicated with you as early as possible.

Mrs Christine Perre
Acting Assistant Principal

Application for Extended Absence - Greater than five school days

Complete this form for an absence of greater than five school days that is due to one of the following reasons: misadventure or unforeseen event; participation in special events not related to the school; domestic necessity such as serious illness of an immediate family member; attendance at funerals; travel in Australia and overseas; recognised religious festivals or ceremonial occasions.

Previously when families took leave within the school term, schools issued a certificate of extended leave, approving leave for holidays and other personal matters. As of 2025 the CEDoW Attendance Policy has been updated to reflect the importance of school attendance for all students. This means that schools now issue an Acknowledgment of Extended Absence. This acknowledgement indicates whether the explanation for the absence has been accepted by the Principal or not. An explanation that is not accepted is recorded as an unjustified absence. Generally, an explanation for extended absence for the purpose of travel outside the school holiday period can not be accepted by a Principal, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as urgent family situations, illness, funerals or special religious ceremonies.  

Please email the completed form and supporting documents to info@sccdow.catholic.edu.au
If you have any questions please contact the school office.

Representative Sports News

Basketball  - Mackillop Trials

A huge congratulations to Mackenzie S for making the MacKillop Basketball Team! Her hard work and dedication earned her a spot on the team, and we wish her the best of luck at the upcoming NSW PSSA Tournament in May. Well done also to Theia for her outstanding performance during the trials. Theia impressed everyone with her skills and determination in a strong field of players.

AFL - Wollongong Trials

Maxwell H recently participated in the combined Canberra/Goulburn and Wollongong Diocesan AFL trials and was successful in being selected in the AFL squad to attend the Mackillop trials. Good luck at the upcoming trials in Wagga Wagga Maxwell.

Hockey - Wollongong Trials

Congratulations to Alyssa T for her selection to attend the Mackillop hockey trials. Good luck next month in Goulburn. A big shout out to Abigail E and Finn G for their great effort during the trials. Despite the heat, both of them gave it their all and showed incredible determination. Well done on pushing through and giving it your best!

South Coast Regional Swimming Carnival

Despite the rain, all competitors had a great day at the South Coast Regional Swimming Carnival held on Tuesday at Corrimal Pool.

A big congratulations to the following students who represented our school: 

St Columbkille’s had a very successful day in the pool with all swimmers trying their very best and representing our school with pride. 

Congratulations to the following swimmers who placed in the top 4, progressing to the Wollongong Diocesan Swimming Selection Trials held on Friday March 7, at Corrimal Pool.

Junior Girls Relay - 2nd Ella H

Senior Girls Relay - 1st Mackenzie S, Stella H, Mia M, Theia V

Senior Boys Relay - 3rd Ollie S, Lennox E, 

Indie B - 50m Freestyle 3rd, 50m Backstroke 1st

Lennox E - 100m Freestyle 3rd, 50m Freestyle 4th, 50m Backstroke 4th, 50m Breaststroke 2nd, 200m Medley 2nd

Ella H - 50m Freestyle 2nd

Imogen H -  50m Freestyle 4th 

Stella H - 100m Freestyle 4th, 50m Freestyle 1st, 50m Backstroke 4th, 200m Medley 4th.

Ollie S - 50m Freestyle 1st,  50m Backstroke 1st, 50m Butterfly 1st, 

Theia V - 50m Butterfly 3rd

Congratulations to Ollie S who received 1st Senior Boy Age Champion. 

Overall St Columbkille’s was 3rd overall champion school! Our girls came 2nd overall! 

Southern Stingrays NSW Regional Challenge 

Over the weekend of 28 February - 2nd March, three SCC students Finn G, Alyssa T, and Abigail E took to the field as part of the U12 Southern Stingrays team at the NSW Centre of Development Regional Challenge in Tamworth.

Finn played in the U12 Boys team, while Alyssa and Abigail represented the U12 Girls. The competition featured both 5-a-side and 8-a-side hockey, with teams playing a total of 11 games across the weekend.

With temperatures soaring to 36°C, it was a physically demanding tournament, but they gave it their all, playing exceptionally well, showing great sportsmanship, and making new friends along the way.

Congratulations to Finn, Alyssa, and Abigail on a fantastic achievement—we are proud of you! 

If you are in Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 or Year 6 and play an instrument, we would love for you to join our school band, The Cobras. Please see Mrs Perre or Mrs Disibio if you are interested.

When using Car Lines, please ensure that you stop between the 'Pick Up/ Drop Off' signs and not in the red 'No Stopping' area.

Also please be considerate of others waiting in carline by moving to the furthest position in the drop off area so that we can efficiently have students dropped off and picked up. This will also support our neighbours in having access to their properties.

If you require a nameplate for your car, please ask at the office and a laminated sign will be supplied.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you feel like you need some more support with parenting?

CatholicCare Wollongong offer professional counselling services to support you through life's challenges. Their counsellors provide a listening and independent ear and will equip you with strategies and tools for coping with stress and major life changes.

Counselling is available in-person in Nowra, Wollongong and Campbelltown or via phone or online.

Visit our website to learn more: https://catholiccare.dow.org.au/services-and-programs/family/family-care/counselling/