Dear Parents and Carers, 

I hope you have enjoyed the fornight and have taken advantage of the season of Lent to pray, almsgive and fast.  I encourage you to take on the fast challenge expressed by Pope Francis.  

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Year 6 overnight excursion at The Tops, Stanwell Park. A huge thank you to Mrs Kipp, Mrs Rathbone, Mrs Sumner and Mrs Leonard for their time, commitment and sense of spirit during the Camp. The students (and staff) all had a wonderful time, built on their relationships, challenged themselves  and learned some new skills and perhaps even something new about themselves.   

On Wednesday, we held the first of our Open Days for 2025. If you know anyone who is interested in enrolling at St Columbkille's please let them know about our next Open Day on Thursday 27 March from 4:30pm.  

Today we acknowledged and celebrated Harmony Day. It is a day to recognise the country's many cultures and Indigenous Australians. Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It was wonderful to see to myrid of cultures in our school community and to hear about some of these cultures from our students this morning. Thank you to Mrs Lattimore for her planning, preparation and organisation of the day. Grazie Mille! 

LENT

This week we have considered the mindset of Jesus and his followers during the transfiguration. We focused on Jesus and how he changed – physically, mentally and spiritually as a result of the transfiguration. The apostles saw his Godly nature.

We are also reminded of how we are transfigured during our whole life when we put ourselves in the presence of God. The peripheral vision of Jesus enabled Him to see the unseen and notice the unnoticed. His eyes were open in every direction, radiating in every direction towards the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.

In our words, thoughts and actions, do we radiate our divine nature to others?

This weekend the gospel focus is the gospel of Luke and the parable of the fig tree.

The man who had planted the fig tree came out to pick some fruit, but there wasn’t any. How do you think the man felt? What did he decide to do? The man had been waiting for three years for the tree to give him some fruit. He was angry and disappointed. He asked his gardener to cut down the tree. But what did the gardener say? The gardener asks for one more year to look after the tree – to dig round it and give it some manure to help it grow. Plants and trees need the right conditions to grow and the gardener hopes that by doing this, the tree will grow fruit.  

 People need the right conditions to live their lives well too. Everyone needs enough food and water to stay healthy and strong. People need other things to live as well like love, shelter, clean air to breathe and peace. 

The fig tree in Jesus’ story is supposed to share its fruit with the man who planted it, but it is not doing what it is supposed to. Sometimes we are a bit like the fig tree. We do not share as well as we could. So, if the fig tree in Jesus’ story is a bit like us, who do you think the gardener is? The gardener is like Jesus. The gardener gives the fig tree another chance and gives it all the things it needs to live. Jesus is always ready to forgive us when we have done something wrong. And Jesus shows us how we should live our lives.  

 God gives us the chance to change, to share what we have and to do all that we can to make sure that all people have the things that they need to live. What will you do during this week of  Lent, to help build a better world?

Third Week of Lent (Week beginning Monday 24 March)

Lam is 27 years old from a small village in rural Vietnam who faced significant challenges due to his short stature. Growing up, Lam often felt isolated due to limited job opportunities and difficulty moving around his community. While his friends started jobs after high school, Lam stayed home with his parents, unsure if he could ever achieve his dream of becoming a graphic designer.

Everything changed when Lam joined the I-SHINE program, supported by Caritas Australia. Through this initiative, Lam completed a six-month course developing his graphic design skills. Along the way, he built confidence, made friends and gained a sense of connection.

Today, Lam runs a successful freelance graphic design business from home, serving clients worldwide and earning a steady income. Lam hopes his story will encourage other young people with disabilities to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.

Lam’s journey shows how your support of Project Compassion empowers individuals to break barriers and transform their lives.

Watch Lam’s story here

Will you walk alongside people like Lam this Lent?

Fourth Week of Lent (Week beginning Monday 31 March)

Irene lives in a remote village in the Kongolo Region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Life hasn’t been easy for Irene. After losing her father in a war, Irene and her family were forced to flee their home. Life became even more challenging when her husband left, leaving Irene to raise her 2 children alone. Without finishing her education and with few job opportunities in her village, she struggled to provide even the basics for her family.

Things began to change when Irene joined the Youth Capacity Strengthening Program (YCSP), run by Caritas Kongolo with the support of Caritas Australia. Through the program, Irene learned sewing skills and was provided with a sewing machine and fabric. Irene also gained farming skills. Now, she grows enough food to feed her family and even shares her sewing knowledge by mentoring other women in her community.

“Before, women depended on men's income, but now, with our sewing skills, we can take care of ourselves,” Irene said.

Your support of Project Compassion helps women like Irene to create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Watch Irene’s story here. (For secondary students and parents)

 Will you stand in solidarity with people like Irene this Lent?

Photo credit: Arlette Bashizi/Caritas Australia 

Please donate today.

You can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation boxes, envelopes or by scanning the QR code above.
Or online at: caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Or by calling: 1800 024 413

Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.

Don't forget to donate tou our basket in the foyer if you have any tins of soup, baked beans or packets of biscuits.

Thank you to those students and families who have been writing their prayers and thoughts in their class Lenten folders.

Our Lenten liturgies continue each Monday morning at 9am. Everyone is welcome.

The Patch

Our Year 4 students, with the help of parents and grandparents, continue to beautify and allow for plants to grow and thrive in 'The Patch.' Thanks to all those who are stewards of God's creation within our school surroundings.

 

Parish / Grade Masses

Just a reminder that parents, grandparents and friends are invited to celebrate Mass with grades each Friday at noon. Today was Year 6, Week 9 is Year 5, Week 10 Year 4 and Week 11 Year 3.

Have a wonderful fortnight!

Mrs Joanne Herring

Religious Education Coordinator

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:

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 cannot be accepted by a Principal, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as urgent family situations, illness, funerals or special religious ceremonies.  

Leniency on this policy has been given during the first half of Term 1, as I understand that many of the leave lodged was booked late in 2024, before the introduction of the new policy, however it should be noted that moving forward an explanation for extended absence may not necessarily be accepted.  

The below Fact Sheets provides further information about the new policy. 

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.

Our core work of teaching is around motivating, engaging and challenging all students so that they can grow in faith, learning and wellbeing. Please join us for one of our Parent Listening Assemblies in Term 2.

What a fantastic celebration we had for Harmony Day this week! It was so special to see our school community come together to recognise and celebrate the many cultures that make us who we are. The parade was a colourful display of pride, joy, and belonging, and the presentations were a beautiful reminder of the importance of kindness, respect, and inclusivity.

A huge thank you to all the parents and families who joined us and supported the day — your involvement helped make it such a memorable event. And of course, a special shout-out to our wonderful students, especially those who wore traditional or cultural dress with such pride. You all looked incredible, and we are so proud of the way you shared your heritage and embraced the spirit of the day.

Mrs Lattimore

Teacher of Dance/Drama

Click the link to see a video about the safe use of the laneway from our Year 6 Community Team.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m8kyX9KSAOESfbvmrSCPgxdIgY31noFS/view?usp=sharing

Last week Year 6 had their school camp in Stanwell Tops for 3 days and 2 nights.

The 2025 SRC have been the only SRC in 10 years to change the school bell - we hope you like the new bell as much as we do!

Last week, Year 4 Blue had their assembly about their learning this term. We loved seeing what they have been doing. It was also amazing to see all of this on the brand new TV in the Hall. 

This Friday, we look forward to celebrating Harmony Day with all of you.

By Dylan Saveski and Sam Raschilla

Diocesan Swimming Selection Trials

The Diocesan Selections trials were held on Friday 7 March. The top 4 swimmers from the South Coast Carnival and top 4 swimmers from the West Region Carnival come together for selection in the Wollongong Diocesan Swim team. From each event, the top two swimmers are selected as part of the Wollongong team and go on to swim at the MacKillop Trials in April. Special thanks to  Charlotte’s Mum Mrs Cassidy for her time in assisting our swimmers on the day. 

Well done to our swimmers on their fantastic results:

Stella H  - 4th 100m Open Freestyle, 3rd 12 yrs 50m Freestyle

Lennox E - 3rd 100m Open Freestyle, 3rd 11 yrs 50m Freestyle, 5th 11yrs Backstroke, 3rd 11 yrs Breaststroke, 5th 200m Medley

Imogen H - 3rd  8yrs 50 m Freestyle 

Indie B - 1st 9yrs 50m Freestyle, 3rd Junior Backstroke

Ella H - 5th 10yrs 50m Freestyle

Ollie S - 3rd 12yrs 50m Freestyle, 6th Senior Backstroke, 4th Senior Butterfly

Theia V - 5th Senior Butterfly

Junior girls relay  - 1st Jett H, Ella H, Charlotte R, Indie B

Senior girls relay - 1st Stella H, Mackenzie S, Mia M, Theia V

Senior boys relay - 3rd Ollie S, Finn G, Lennox E, Kaylan P

Congratulations to Indie B and our Junior and Senior girls' relay teams who will attend the Mackillop swimming trials as a part of the Wollongong Diocesan team. 

A few weeks back Harry F rocked out the Enmore Theature to a packed house.  Canadian band Peach Pit are on a world tour and invited Harry to close their Sydney show. Harry was very honoured. It will be a night he won’t forget in a hurry.  Harry was able to hang out in the Green Room and spend the afternoon with the band.

Well Done Harry! 

Check out Harry rocking it out here. 

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

The video below highlights the work of CatholicCare Wollongong's school counsellors in partnership with Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong. Find out more about the program here. 

A NSW Parliament select committee has been established to inquire into and report on child development, early childhood intervention services, and other foundational and disability supports available for children and young people with developmental concerns, delays, differences, or disabilities in New South Wales.

Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, can be found on the committee's website here. 

As part of the inquiry, the committee is seeking online submissions from NSW residents through the following questions. Responses are due by Monday 31 March 2025.

Responses may be used in the committee's report. Names and contact details of respondents will not be published. The questionnaire will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

Individual contributors can complete an online questionnaire. 

Terms of Reference.

The Illawarra Disability Options (IDO) Expo provides an opportunity for families of NDIS participants to familiarise themselves with local disability service providers and registered training organisations. This annual event is of particular relevance to students with disability planning post school pathways.

When: Thursday 3 April 2025 11.00 am to 3.00 pm

Where: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow