Dear Parents and Carers, 

Term 2 started well and it has been lovely to hear the sounds of learning, laughter and life fill the classrooms and playgrounds.  

Mrs Perre and myself have commenced 2026 Kindergarten Enrolment Interviews, with a few more next week.  It has been great to meet and hear from both our current and future families. If you or someone you know still needs to enrol a child for 2026, please begin by completing the enrolment form as soon as possible.    

The Parent and Friends (P&F) are sincerely thanked for their wonderful organisation of yesterday's Mother's Day Stall. Our students clearly enjoyed selecting their gifts, and we are confident that the mothers and mother figures receiving these thoughtful and loving presents will be equally delighted.

Today's acknowledgement and celebration of mothers and mother figures was a truly lovely occasion. The picnic lunch, liturgy, and open classrooms were very well attended, and we received numerous positive comments regarding these events and the opportunity for families to spend quality time together at school.

From Monday we change over to full Winter uniform.  Please ensure your children are wearing the correct uniform. This is especially important on Thursday 15 May, as we have School Photographs on this day.  We ask that hair is neat and tidy and that shoulder length hair is tied back, at least in a half-up style.  Gold or blue ribbons only.  

I encourage you to complete the Tell Them From Me Survey (TTFM®). This survey gathers feedback from students, parents/carers, and teachers on various aspects of school life, student engagement, and teacher-student interactions. The survey is anonymous and should take about 20 minutes to complete. You can access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device using the following URL: http://tellthemfromme.com/8jzdh  The closing date for the survey is Friday 30 May 2025. I thank you in advance for your participation.

I wish you a wonderful weekend and fortnight.  

Warm regards, 

Mrs Maria Disibio 

Acting Principal

Each Sunday, we provide a weekly school event update for the upcoming week via Social Media (Instagram and Facebook). We have had so much positive feedback about these being helpful in family planning for the week. 

Starting this term, we will also be adding some family activities that help reflect on the Sunday's Gospel Reading. As a proud Catholic School Community, we strongly encourage all families to talk about the reading and the messages of the Scripture.

If you are able to engage in the suggested family activities, we would love for you to send us photos/written reflections that we could share via our newsletter or social media. These can be sent directly to Mrs Perre at perrec01@dow.catholic.edu.au

We will also be discussing the Sunday's Gospel with our students each Monday morning. This supports our work on our School Strategic Priority that by 2028, staff and students are able to articulate their faith and our mission as a proud, contemporary Catholic school, through word and action.

If you do not already follow our school's page on Instagram and Facebook, we highly recommend you do as it contains the most up-to-date information about weekly events. 

Mrs Christine Perre

Acting Assistant Principal

Sunday's Gospel Reading Reflection

This week was from the Gospel of John- Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. I have given them life forever and they will never be lost."

Reflection for this week- 

The image of God as a shepherd was a powerful one for the Jewish people. The shepherd in Jesus’ time knew each sheep and when the sheep needed to be moved, he would lead them in front and they would follow. The shepherd would even sleep with them to protect them during the night. This week our family might like to draw and cut out the good shepherd and some sheep and give each one the name of a family member.

Trustworthiness is a quality in someone we can depend on to be honest, work hard and keep our secrets. Who are your friends who are trustworthy?

We know we can trust Jesus, because like the lost sheep, He always gathers His sheep and as the Good Shepherd, Jesus never abandons us. Sometimes we are not always dependable, as we should be. This week practise being trustworthy each day so others can rely on you.

Anzac Day Commemoration

Last Tuesday 29th April our school community commemorated Anzac Day on Balawarri. Thank you to our Year 3 staff and students who read so wonderfully, and to all for participating so reverently. I know a number of students, quite young, turned up at dawn on Anzac morning to commemorate this significant day, so thank you to their parents/families.

Our community was also able to reflect on the wonderful life of Pope Francis, who has now joined our Lord in heaven. We pray that the Holy Spirit descends upon the cardinals within the conclave, as they prayerfully discern our next Pope.

Mothers Day Celebrations

Today we were blessed as a community to celebrate Mother’s Day. It was a meaningful occasion as we prayed with the help of our Year 6 Faith team, listened to students responses, and were entertained by Kinder's song. Thank you to our Kindergarten staff who helped with our liturgy. We hope you appreciate the small gift, and had a wonderful picnic lunch with your families. We also hope that you all have a wonderful day on Sunday spent with loved ones. Enjoy being spoilt.

Laudato Si' Week 2025- RAISING HOPE

Join the global Catholic community in celebrating Laudato Si’ Week, marking the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ which Pope Francis signed on the day of Pentecost, 24 May, 2015.

This special week commemorates Pope Francis' landmark encyclical on climate change and care for our common home—rooted in centuries of Church teaching on creation. With this year’s theme "Raising Hope", we come together in faith and action, continuing the legacy of Pope Francis and renewing our commitment to ecological justice and a sustainable future for all.

Please note the global celebration is 24–31 May, but in Australia, many choose to acknowledge Laudato Si’ Week from 16–24 May, so as not to clash with Reconciliation Week.

The following resources may be of interest to you in marking Laudato Si’ Week 

• Laudato Si’ Movement Laudato Si’ Week 2025
• Catholic Earthcare Caritas Australia Laudato Si' Week 2025 Resources
• Liturgy for Celebrating Laudato Si’ Week 2025 Word doc and PDF doc.
• Laudato Si’ Week Bookmark and Daily Reflection Posts
• Pope Francis’ Ecological Legacy.

“Let us sing as we go.
May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope.”
Laudato Si’ n244

Last week we started offering a range of lunch clubs, targeted at a range of interests, and they were a huge success!

This is a trial this term. The success of these clubs will determine whether or not this is something we implement long term.

The clubs are a great opportunity for students to join in on activities that are of interest to them, or an opportunity for them to try something completely new!

This term, the following clubs will be offered:

• Monday Lunch - Dance Club (available to K-6)
• Wednesday Lunch - Music Theatre Club (available to Years 3-6 only)
• Friday Lunch - Games & Craft e.g. chess, knitting, crochet and more (available to K-6).

You might like to talk with your child about whether or not they would be interested in joining one (or more) of these clubs.

Mrs Christine Perre

Acting Assistant Principal

Transition Week: From Monday 5th May - students may choose to wear Winter Uniform, depending on the weather, but are not to wear a combination of both. 

Changeover to Winter Uniform for all students K-6: Monday 12th May.

Poppets in Fairy Meadow are fully stocked with all Winter Uniform items- including the new jacket. 

The Parish of Our Lady Help of Christians invites you to join us for the Corpus Christi Event! If you're seeking a deeper understanding of the Eucharist, the origins of the Mass or want to deepen your faith then this day is for you! You will never celebrate Mass again the same way! Join us Sunday 22 June (10am to 3:30pm) at Our Lady Help of Christian's St. Joachim Hall (adjacent to the Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School) (80A Demetrius Rd, Rosemeadow). Please note: We welcome all adults over 18. Any person under the age of 18 must attend with a parent or legal guardian. Due to content and nature of material the minimum age of attendees is 14 years. For more information on the day and to register please use the QR code provided.

One of our amazing school dads, Kelvin, has generously offered his time and talent to build a picnic table and seats for our playground. Thank you Kelvin, and of course your wonderful helpers, Isabella and Xavier.

Thank you to all the students who have shown interest in this competition. It has been wonderful to see the focussed efforts of the participants during our Friday lunch club. Please ensure that entries are given to me by Friday 6 June so that winning Stage entries can be selected and readied to enter formally by the 20th.

Michelle Lace

Middle Leader Two

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.

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.

Representative Sport

NSWPSSA Swimming Championships

Congratulations to our Senior girls swim relay team - Mackenzie S, Stella H, Mia M and Theia V who participated in the NSWPSSA Swimming Championships at the end of last term as part of the MacKillop team. They came 17th in NSW which is an amazing achievement. We are very proud of you girls!

Wollongong Diocese Football (Soccer) Trials

This year saw an exceptionally high number of nominations across the Diocese for Football (Soccer), with initial trials held in both the South Coast and West regions. From these competitive trials, selected students were invited to a second combined trial the following week.

We would like to acknowledge the outstanding calibre of students who represented our school in these trials. Their skill, determination, and sportsmanship were clearly evident and truly commendable. Being selected to progress through such a competitive process is an achievement in itself.

A huge congratulations to the following students for their efforts and representation: Boston B, Lennox E, Luca J, Austin M, Sam R, Wilfrid W, Elodie M

A special congratulations to Boston B and Sam R  who were selected to attend the final combined trial. Although they were not chosen for the final team, reaching this stage is a significant accomplishment and reflects their high level of talent and perseverance. Well done!

Wollongong Diocese Rugby League Trials

Well done to Jed B, Beau J, Luca K and Lachlan W who trialled for the Wollongong Diocese Rugby League team. They faced strong competition and put in a solid performance, showing great determination and skill. Congratulations on your efforts! We wish all our athletes the very best as they continue their sporting journeys. Keep up the fantastic work!

Opportunity for Year 6 students - flyer attached

YOUNG ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM – 6-WEEK PROGRAM STARTING MAY 2025
The Young Athlete Development Program is designed for school-aged athletes (12–15 years old) of all skill levels. This comprehensive program focuses on strength & conditioning, injury prevention, agility, holistic health, and nutrition, providing young athletes with the tools to excel in sport and life. Participants will also receive athlete pathway support (including the US College Pathways), helping them navigate their sporting journey, and develop a growth mindset to achieve long-term success on and off the field. This program introduces athlete training, open to all young people who are eager to enhance their skills and unlock their full potential, regardless of their background, experience level, or sport. The Young Athlete Development Program offers similar content for younger age groups, serving as an introduction to our high-performance program.

 There will also be 6 weeks free at the UniActive gym for parents who have their kid/kids participating in the 6-week program. 

 Each component of the program is delivered by expert coaches:

• Claire Rayner – Athlete Wellbeing Specialist

• Sam Burford – Lifting Technique Specialist

• Charlotte Flynn – Personal Trainer 

Program Details:

• Start Date: May 21st ( Wednesday for boys), May 22nd (Thursday for girls) – the program runs for 6 consecutive weeks. 

• Finish Date (Last Sessions): June 25th (Wednesday for boys), June 26th (Thursday for girls) 

• Location: UniActive Wollongong Campus (Sports Hub)

• Schedule:

• Wednesdays for boys 4:30pm – 6pm

• Thursdays for girls 4:30pm – 6pm

Registration & More Info: The Young Athlete Development Program

Give your child the opportunity to develop key life and sporting skills with expert guidance!

Join us for an unforgettable day where young runners can experience the joy of movement, build confidence, and make new friends. Our festival offers age-appropriate races designed to inspire and challenge children in a fun, supportive environment.

Our school, ‘St Columbkille’s’, has been set up on the Wollongong Running Festival registration page of the website. You can find it under 'Join A Team' when registering for the event.

Getting involved is easy. Simply register your child for the Peoplecare 2km Kids Fun Run or 5km Fun Run*, then select your child's school under the 'Join A Team' tab on the registration page.

Did you know: The school with the highest number of student registrations will win $500 and the Wollongong Running Festival perpetual trophy! Don't miss this opportunity to cheer on your young runners and celebrate their accomplishments. Register today and let your child experience the thrill of the race!

Carla Olima - Leader of Sport 

We are pleased to welcome our new school canteen provider, The Lunch Lab Illawarra!

Please find the new menu attached below for your reference.
Kindly note that the following items will only be available on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The menu will be updated shortly to reflect this change:

*Pizzas *Rice Paper Rolls

Some important information:
The canteen is open 3 days a week—Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday—for both recess and lunch. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Ordering is done through Flexischools, the same online system previously used by our former supplier. For all canteen-related enquiries, students and parents are asked to contact the canteen directly, rather than going through the school office.
There will be NO change to the Flexischools app!
 

How do I use the Flexischools app?

1. Parents can download the Flexischools app on their phone from the Google or Apple Store or you can sign up online via flexischools.com.au website and create your email account this way.

2. To order your child’s lunch, click the Order Food button of the home page. 

3. Select your child's name.

4. Choose which service you would like and date you would like to place the order.

5. Make your chosen selections by clicking add items.

6. Click View Order and double check your order is correct.

7. Check out and pay online. 

8. Online orders are preferred.  Late orders that arrive after 9am will not be accepted - This applies for students and teaching staff. In this case, the canteen will provide a student a cup of noodles for $4.00. (Payment will still be required by the parent at a later date).
    

Can I cancel my order? Yes you can cancel an order as long as it is canceled before 9am that morning. To do this:

1. Click on Orders

2. Click the cancel button.

3. The full amount of the order will be automatically reimbursed to your Flexischools Wallet. 

Can I make a standard paper order if I do not wish to use the app? Yes. Parents can write their students name, class, date and lunch order on a paper bag or envelope. The money is placed in the envelope and taken directly to the canteen. (Please do not take this to the office). If the canteen is closed in the morning, please place the order in the order box out the front of the canteen or in the Lunch Tub when class commences.

Parents are warmly invited to assist in the canteen and we value this support. Should you be able to volunteer, please email canteen@sccdow.catholic.edu.au. 

For further information, please contact:

Lisa Weston, The Lunch Lab Illawarra

Image courtesy of Netflix

For any parent who has watched the Netflix drama Adolescence and was left highly disturbed by the harmful impact that social media is having on young men and boys, you are not alone. 

It’s hard to think of a show that has captured the world’s attention so fully and shone a much-needed light on the dangerous impact of misogynistic content, algorithms and influencers on the minds of young men and boys.  

Shockingly, despite our best efforts as parents to raise great kids, it is not a fair fight when tech companies and algorithms can influence our teenagers within seconds.  

As Australia’s national online safety educator, nothing is more important to us than ensuring young people are safe to create, connect and explore the wonders of technology and the internet.

eSafety Resources

eSafety resources to help you and your community navigate the risks facing young people online:

• Register for our free 45-minute parent webinar, exploring the online experiences of boys and young men, to understand the impact of social media, gaming, and influencers on attitudes, behaviours and sense of identity 
   
• Listen to ABC Fran Kelly and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant unpack the themes of Adolescence, including toxic masculinity and the online manosphere
   
• Listen to ABC Big Ideas! to hear eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant and other experts in their fields discuss how parents can better support young people to navigate the risks and threats online
   
• Read our blog about how eSafety is shining a light on the dark forces manipulating our teenagers
   
• Read eSafety's young men online research series which explores young men's experiences and how they can be supported to develop healthy and positive masculinities 
   
• For the young person in your life: explore our resources for young people.