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- Principal's Message
- Religious Education News
- Workbooks
- Pupil Free Days 2025
- Feedback from Parent Listening Assemblies
- PB4L
- St Columbkille's Feast Day Celebrations - All welcome for a fun filled day!
- SCC Sport
- Parking Concerns - St Michael's Anglican Church
- Uniform Policy - Updates (Earrings, Socks)
- SRC Salutations
- ICAS
- Application for Extended Absence - Greater than five school days
- Community Sport
- Guess what's coming to our school?
- Council of Catholic Schools Parents Website
- Life Education - Healthy Harold
- Young Engineers Club
- 2025 Winter Holidays Young Engineers Holiday Camp
- SWAP IT Messages
Dear Parents and Carers,
Week 6 of Term 2 already. Time truly does go by fast when you are having fun, and we have been busy learning in an atmosphere of fun!
Last week Year 5 and 6 had a visit by the Police Liason Officer who spoke to them at length about the importance about being safe online and the possible consequnces when the safety guidelines are not followed. I would encourage parents to have on-going conversations about the importance of being safe online and what this can look like.
This week we were blessed with stunning winter weather for our School Athletics Carnival. A hufe thank you to our staff, parent and student volunteeers, especially Mrs Olima for all her planning, organsation and on point execution of the event.
We were also able to celebrate the Festa Della Repubblica on Wednesday by dressing in the colours of the Italian flag and sampling gelato. Grazie Signora Lattimore. We also acknowledged World Environment Day via a Liturgy and Awards. Thank you Ms Moretti and Miss Ah Tong.
Throughout the week we have add seven work experience students from Holy Spirit College, many of them ex-St Columbkille's students themselves who have returned and helped out in classrooms. They have been a huge assistance to all our staff and we have enjoyed seeing them again.
A reminder that along with the Public Holiday on Monday 9 June, we have a Staff Development Day on Tuesday 10 June. Our staff will be engaging with professional learning around Catholic Social Teaching and our Vision for Learning. I hope that you enjoy the extra long weekend with your family and freinds.
Next week we celebrate our school Feast Day of St Columbkille's. He was an Irish abbot and missionary who played a significant role in spreading Christianity. Known for his dedication to scholarship and poetry, Columbkille established monasteries and centers of learning. His teachings emphasised peace, learning, and devotion to God. In today’s context, St Columbkille's commitment to education is incredibly relevant. His focus on knowledge and wisdom can inspire educational institutions to prioritise comprehensive learning and critical thinking. His peace-seeking nature encourages us to resolve conflicts amicably and build harmonious communities.
His devotion to God calls for reflection on our values and purpose, encouraging a life guided by compassion and service. By incorporating his teachings into our daily lives, we honor his legacy and contribute to a more enlightened and compassionate world.
Have a blessed long weekend!
Warm regards,
Maria Disibio
Acting Principal
Sunday Reading Reflection: Pentecost Sunday
This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost, the moment when the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles, filling them with courage, wisdom, and the fire of God’s love. It marks the beginning of the Church’s mission in the world—and reminds us that the Holy Spirit is still at work in each of us today.
As a school community, we are called to be people of hope, unity, and compassion. Just as the Spirit helped the Apostles speak to all nations, we too are called to listen, include, and share God’s love in our words and actions.
Let us take this time to reflect:
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How is the Holy Spirit calling us to use our gifts?
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How can we bring peace, joy, and kindness to others this week?
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How can we build a school community where everyone feels known, valued, and loved?
May the fire of Pentecost light our hearts and guide our journey together.
World Environment Day
For further information please contact Lisa at the parish office on 42843000.
Have a wonderful fortnight!
Mrs Jo Herring
Religious Education Coordinator
On Wednesday 18th June, your child will bring home their English and Religion workbooks. Inside each of these, will be a small slip where your child has reflected on their learning in that Key Learning Area.
We are asking that each family spends some time speaking with their child and discussing the learning that has taken place. Writing a positive comment and signing the slip will help let us know that your child has had this opportunity of sharing their learning.
Please ensure all workbooks are returned no later than Monday 23rd June as the students use these each day.
Kind Regards,
Mrs Christine Perre
Acting Assistant Principal
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
In order to keep our school community informed, we are sharing with you a summary of some of the general feedback we received over the two sessions, some of which will be added to our “Vision for Learning” and shared with the school community in Term 3.
What we are doing well:
- Weekly communication keeping parents informed via social media platforms
- Grade Orientation Meetings at the beginning of Term 1 were informative and useful
- Teachers know their students and how they learn best
- Support for students in the area of Diverse Learning is an area of strength
- Any concerns raised with the school are actioned promptly.
- Behaviour of members of school community at school assemblies – parents and carers to be reminded to remain quiet and set an example for the students
- A need for more frequent communication regarding learning between class teacher and families (sharing of work etc)
- Greater opportunities for extension/challenge
- Homework projects – teaching students more about time management.
What a wonderful day we had at our Athletics Carnival! We were truly blessed with beautiful, sunny weather, creating the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled day of sports, team spirit, and community.
A huge thank you goes to the incredible students from Holy Spirit College, who generously volunteered their time to assist throughout the day. Their enthusiasm, helpfulness, and positive attitude were truly appreciated and contributed greatly to the smooth running of the event.
We were also fortunate to have the support of seven HSC work experience students, who did a fantastic job helping with the Infants rotations. Their presence ensured our younger students had an enjoyable experience.
A very special thanks as well to our amazing parent helpers, who gave up their time to support the carnival; often sacrificing the chance to watch their own children compete. Your contribution does not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for your ongoing support.
It was a memorable day for all involved, and we are already looking forward to next year!
Congratulations to all of our cross country runners (Indie B, Bindi G, Zara E, Elodie M, Hugo E 8th Cohen S, Luca J 6th) who participated last week at the reduced Cross Country selection trial. They ran in extremely windy and cold conditions on the criterium track at Unanderra as the Diocesan carnival at Nowra was cancelled. Congratulations to Indie B - 3rd, Luca J - 6th, Hugo E - 8th) on coming in the top 8 and we wish them the best of luck next week at the NSW CPS cross country carnival as they trial for the MacKillop team.
The Parish Council at St Michael's Anglican Cathedral, located on the South side of our school, have written to us to express ongoing concerns about parents and visitors parking in their car park.
From June 2025, they will be placing bollards in St Michael's lane and installing chains across the driveway, with signboards, to restrict access to their car park. They have clearly stated to us via written communciation that the St Michael's Anglican Church parking will be restricted for St Michael's Church visitors only.
We appreciate your support in ensuring that all visitors to our school do not access their car park.
As we are now in the Winter Uniform, it is a timely reminder to revisit our school's Uniform Policy.
We have had some parents seek clarification around the shape of earrings permitted so we have updated the policy to ensure greater transparency and consistency. The policy stated plain studs, but we have now been more specific about the nature of plain being round or square in shape.
We have also detailed that the girls must wear either navy tights OR navy socks (must be knee-length if wearing the dress).
We appreciate your support in ensuring your child is wearing the appropriate uniform.
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.
Wollongong Running Festival
Congratulations to all of our runners who participated in the Wollongong Running Festival on Sunday. Students participated in the 2km Race, and some completed the 5km run. It was great to see so many St Columbkille's students (and parents) representing us out in the community. Well done!
COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PARENTS WEBSITE
Do you know about the Council of Catholic Schools Parents website? Do you know you can sign up for free to the newsletter?
You can access information on the website for webinars, resources and scholarship links to the ACU. There is also a direct link to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee. Please see link attached for the latest newsletter. https://ccsp.schoolzineplus.com/newsletter/article/481 (click the link to go to the new CCSP website! https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/ )
Dear Parents and Carers,
Please see the attached online store flyer or follow this link Healthy Harold Merchandise to purchase products.
Young Engineers is currently offering unique STEM programs for students in Years 1 to 6, focusing on critical skills for the digital age.
Term 3 spots are now available!
Children can learn and have fun simultaneously. To apply, please use the online link provided on the flyer.