Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that you are well, have enjoyed a lovely couple of weeks and looking forward to the holiday break.

Father Geoff Allen who turned 80 last year, passed away yesterday afternoon following recent surgery and illness in Wollongong Private Hospital. He was ordained 17 Dec 2011 after more than 30 years in the NSW Police Force. Father Geoff was Parish Priest at St Columbkille's for the last 4 years, worked as a Police Chaplain and with the parishes of Thirroul and Helensburgh. He was a compassionate, respectful and a genuine gentleman, who had a deep love and understanding of his faith and church, the police force, family and cricket. Father Geoff will be dearly missed by the St Columbkille's community. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family during this most challenging of times.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

St Columba Day was celebrated with our school community last Friday. The day was highlighted by several events and activities which included Liturgy and presentation of the St Columbkille's Awards. These annual awards are presented to 14 students (one frrom each class) on behalf of their teachers, for living our core values - 'Faith, Learning, Respect, Responsibility, Community and Celebration each day. Congratulations to the following students.

KB George Al Achkar KG Bodhi Powell 1B Imiah Nguyen 1G Brae Cooke

2B Elodie McLuskey 2G Joshua Jenkins 3B Sophie Coughlan 3G Rosalie Larkin

4B Millie Dalton 4G Livinia McLuskey 5B Payten Sims 5G Betty Barry

6B Maddison Beverley 6G Harry Costin

After the Liturgy and award presentation, students and staff enjoyed the 'Festival of Fun' activities which included The Jurassic Park Jumping Castle, The Zoomer, along with tabloid games and sports. Thank you to the P&F Team for providing lunch and drinks for staff and students  

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As a school community, we will acknowledged the week with Liturgy in the MD Hall last Wednesday. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The 2021 theme ‘Heal Country’ calls for greater protections for Aboriginal lands, waters, sacred sites and cultural heritage. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.naidoc.org.au

Today we celebrated our end of term Principal's Luncheon. Throughout the term our students are awarded raffle tickets for following our school expectations of being' Respectful, Responsible and Safe'  in the playground and during Specialist Teachers lessons. Congratulation to the following students who were selected fro the luncheon in Wednesday's raffle draw.

Abbie Stenos , Zaria Ny, Anastasia Auld, Dominic Rashlia, Isaac Ayers, Ciara Pons, Betty Barry, Ivy Powell

In relation to staff, I would like to announce that Mrs McDonald (SSSO) will be taking leave from Term 3 Week 3 to the end of the year due to personal health reasons. We wish Mrs McDonald all the very best and look forward to seeing her back at our St Columbkille's for the beginning of next year.

CHURCH YEAR – Ordinary Time

We have now entered the season of the church year called ‘Ordinary Time’ which makes up most of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church (approximately 33-34 Sundays). However Ordinary Time is far from unimportant or uninteresting. It is called this because the weeks are numbered (or ordered!) It is the period in which we live our lives neither in feasting (as in the Christmas and Easter seasons) or in more severe penance (as in Advent and Lent), but in watchfulness and expectation of the Second Coming of Christ. Green vestments and altar cloths are now used as they have traditionally been associated with this time after Pentecost.

NAIDOC WEEK

On Wednesday our school community celebrated our annual NAIDOC Week liturgy. A huge thank you to Mrs Orphin who helped prepare each Indigenous students acrostic poems titled ‘Heal Country’. Mrs Orphin has also been extremely busy painting 14 tree stumps (one for each class) which will be displayed in the Infants playground for yarning and quiet reflections, as well as stepping logs. We are lucky to have such a passionate advocate for our Indigenous students learning, here at St Columbkille’s. Another big thank you to Ms Patton and our school choir who performed their three pieces so beautifully at our liturgy.

Attached below are 2021 NAIDOC Celebrations for the Illawarra and the Shoalhaven areas. These will be celebrated from July 4-11, the second week of the holidays. Everyone is welcome to attend these events. 

ST COLUMBA FEAST DAY

What an amazing day was had by all (including the teachers who braved the Zoomer swing) last Friday. Our liturgy began the day with a focus on the life and prayers of St Columba. Even though he made some mistakes in his lifetime he asked for God’s forgiveness and prayed and talked to God often. Our St Columba awards were then presented to fourteen students who were very worthy of this achievement. The list of award winners has been provided previously. Then it was time for some fun with our classmates. Although it was an exhausting day the students continued to show the school rules of being respectful, responsible, and safe. Thanks to all for their organisation and participation.

CONFIRMATION

Our Confirmation evenings were wonderful celebrations for our Year 6 students and our friends from various state schools. Bishop Brian certainly speaks from the heart when acknowledging the gifts of the Holy Spirit these students will now endeavour to live out. Congratulations to all involved in the preparation of these children and we continue to keep them in our prayers as they live out their faith.

Mini Vinnies

Today our donations were dropped off to the St Vincent de Paul warehouse in Wollongong. The workers there were amazed by the generosity of our school community and asked me to pass on their heartfelt thanks. The timing of our donations could not be better as their warehouse was in short supply of many items. Thanks for continuing to be such a generous and caring community.

Mrs Joanne Herring - Religious Education Coordinator

Congratulations to the following students:-

Principal's Award

KG - Indie Bulley, Edie Lloyd

2B - Darcy Fursey

4B - Anastasia Auld, Indira Lozenkovski, Daisy Smith

6G - Allegra Calmasini, William MacMillan, Chloe Nightingale, Maricar Santillan, Molly Stephen

Saint Mary of the Cross Award

2G - Reece King x 2

3B - Harrison Esteves

4B - Brody Karhof

5B - Cameron Ritz

5G - Betty Barry, Preston Park x 2, Zac Rosengren

6B - Athanael Disibio

Medallion

3B - Lachlan Miller

5B - Charlee Campbell

6B - Jensen Curbison

6G - Sophia Gualiteri, Jake Mannion

Storms and Shorelines

At this time of the year, we hear the story from Mark’s Gospel of Jesus calming a storm.

You may be familiar with this story. Jesus and the disciples leave a crowd and decide to cross over to the other side of the lake. Jesus climbs into the stern of the boat and is lulled to sleep by the gentle swaying water. Things take a turn and before they reach the other side a great storm hits them. The disciples become distressed and fearful for their lives; they begin to panic, particularly as Jesus, their leader, is still fast asleep. At this point they raise him from his sleep and hasten him to do something as they question his level of concern. Jesus then speaks, “Be calm”, and all becomes calm once more. As the disciples wonder, “Who can this be?” Jesus also wonders, “How is it that you have no faith?”

The storms of our lives take many shapes - relationship troubles, financial hardships, ill-health, grief and loss to name just a few. When these storms thunder into our lives, at times our faith goes sailing away, and fear and anxiety can take hold - just as it did with the disciples. Now, let’s not be too critical, we could say this is fairly normal human behaviour. It’s kind of expected. We could say it’s all part of the voyage of life.

This thought is actually pertinent to the message of Mark’s scripture. That is, Jesus didn’t come to calm, and take away the storms of our lives as what happened with the disciples. There are no two ways about it - storms are and always will be a part of life. Rather, as the scripture alludes, Jesus came to help us cross over to the other side, to sail with us through what might seem like a frightening and impossible journey. In the words of Isaiah, ‘Do not be afraid, I am with you.’

Furthermore, the scripture tells us Jesus is positioned at the stern - the place where one would sit to steer the rudder. Not only is Jesus with us on the journey but he is our source of direction and guidance when all we can do ourselves is hold on and stay afloat, trusting that we will be carried to shore - albeit, probably to a new and unfamiliar place having ‘crossed over’.

Julian of Norwich knew this when she said, “God did not say: you will not be troubled, you will not be laboured, you will not be disquieted, but God did say you will not be overcome.” As the disciples wonder “who can this be?” We learn that there is never a storm too big for our God to handle. We are to have faith knowing that God is in our life-boat enduring the storm with us, steering the rudder and channeling the wind into the sails. All the while forming and transforming life with the promise of something new and worthwhile to be discovered for us on the shoreline of ‘the other side’.

Perhaps the most profound articulation of this message is made through the Passion of Christ. Jesus endures the storm of the crucifixion, faithfully placing his Spirit in God’s hands. His body is laid in the depths of the tomb where stillness and darkness close in on him. And then, beyond all expectation, unimaginably, Jesus rises to new life, stepping out of the tomb as if to gloriously arrive on the shoreline of the other side.

This is where we are called to go when Jesus says, “follow me.”

Have faith. Trust the path. And keep walking.

Reflection Questions:
What have been the lakes of your life? The moments of transition and crossing over?
What has guided you and given you direction throughout these times?
What helps you to hold to faith and stay afloat when fear or uncertainty sets in?
What gives you the courage to step out and arrive on the shoreline of the otherside?

School resumes for Term 3 on Monday 12 July for staff and students K-6.  

Have a wonderful school break! Stay safe!

NAIDOC Week 2021 “Heal Country, Heal Our Nation”

Sunday 4 July - Sunday 11 July 2021
By Karan Taylor – CEDoW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

This year’s NAIDOC theme “Heal Country, Heal Our Nation” is significant for me as a Catholic Aboriginal woman, my spiritual connection to country is inherent to my identity. It is more than a place it connects me to my faith and culture calling for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. God’s gift of creation for all.

As Aboriginal peoples, we call “Country” our “Mother” and we respectfully care for our mother as she continues to sustain our lives in every aspect - spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and culturally.

When we talk about Country it is spoken of like a person. Country is family, kin, law, lore, ceremony, traditions, and language. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it has been this way since the dawn of time (The Dreaming).

Through our diverse languages and songs, we speak to Country; through our ceremonies and traditions we sing to - and celebrate Country – and Country speaks to us.

Increasingly, we worry about Country. The right to protect Country and culture is fundamental.

Destruction and desecration of our sacred lands or ancient sites - some of the oldest human occupation sites on the planet – is an enormous loss for both our nation and the world.

But to truly heal Country we have more to do.

Our lands will continue to burn from bushfires, droughts will continue to destroy our livelihoods, without using traditional practices that have protected this country for centuries.

Healing Country means finally resolving many of the outstanding injustices which impact on the lives of our people. It must be a fair and equitable resolution.

To Heal Country, we must properly work towards redressing historical injustice.

Healing Country is more than changing a word in our national anthem – it is about the historical, political, and administrative landscapes adapting to successfully empower and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, nations, and heritage.

We are all looking for significant and lasting change. After 250 years, our children and our future generations deserve better.

While we can’t change history, through telling the truth about our nation’s past we certainly can change the way history is viewed.

NAIDOC 2021 invites the nation to embrace First Nations’ cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia's national heritage and equally respect the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders as they do the cultures and values of all Australians.

Is an opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.

Sadly, Fr Geoff Allen passed away on Thursday 25 with his family by his side in Wollongong Hospital.  Fr Geoff had remained in Wollongong Private Hospital Intensive Care Unit, after having had a heart stent procedure last Friday (18 June 2021), which doctors said was successful, however, his kidneys had been affected due to all the intravenous medications/dyes he had required for some time and as a result, he was placed on continuous haemodialysis since Saturday.

We prayer for Fr Geoff and his family. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.

As senior members and leaders within our school community, Year 6 are called to live according to a pattern of love and service modeled by Jesus Christ.  Each student is challenged to use their own unique skills and abilities to help bring about peace and grow our sense of community, by modelling how to best be, Respectful, Responsible and Safe. Over the course of the year, Year 6 are invited to participate in activities of service and stewardship, both at a school and community level.

Students are asked to identify areas of need and/or support, endeavoring to promote and provide positive relationships between their peers, other school students, teachers and parents.  In maintaining and sustain these relationships, students will help and support others during their own time, through making themselves available to help others within the St. Columbkille’s, Corrimal School community.

Within their Our Time to Lead booklets, student log their actions of giving which is later signed off by the teacher. 

In Semester One the follow students took up the challenge.  Congratulations to:

Zed Cox, Christian Villella, Harry Costin, Jake Mannion, Maddison Beverley, Matilda Noonan, Grace Docherty, Hamish Dorney, Bowen Bates, Ben Purtell, Mackenzie Kerr, Jakob Yarworth, Indy Ukotic, Alyssa Fitzpatrick, Ileana Lozenkovski, Ben Fenton, Jonothan Logue, Stella Peiris, Aliza Woodford, Orlando Carrasco, Athanael Disibio Ben Harris, Zach Jacobson, Declan Duvall, Jack Kanati, Tom Immens, Marcus Saveski, Jacob Espositio, Ashleigh Gilmour, Chloe Nightingale, Zahli O’Hara, Blake George, Sophia Gualtieri, Allegra Calmasini, Alex Baumeister, Byron Morris, Maricar Santillan, Garper Duggan, Molly Stephen, William McMillan, Phoenix Miller, Eleisha Niew, Harry Cross and Quito Munoz Letham. 

Mrs Maria Disibio - Assistant Principal

On Tuesday 15th June, Year 2 had a Push and Pull Excursion with @rangerjamietours. We built rockets that launched metres into the air, made slime, raced billy carts and so much more. We had the most amazing day! A big thanks to Ranger Bean and Ranger Feather for leading the day!

My favourite part of the excursion was when I got cornflour all over me when I was making slime! Mia 2G

I loved go kart racing with my friends. Sam 2G

The slime was amazing! Darcy 2B

I loved when the soda exploded! Halle 2B

St Columba Day

St Columba Day is very important to St. Columbkilles because our school was named in his honour. We had a great day with rides, ball games, a jumping castle, and a sausage sizzle.

We started our day with a Liturgy, and 14 students were given the St.Columbkille's award for displaying the core values; respect, responsibility, safety, community, celebration and faith. Then we all played different activities but the best thing was probably the Zoomer - you sit in a swing like chair and it will spin around slowly lifting off the ground and gradually getting faster.  

Thank you to everyone who helped out. We couldn't have had such a great day without your help. A special thanks to the the P&F and parents who helped with the delicious sausage sizzle.  

WOOHOO! St. Columba Day was SO much fun!

Reporter - Livinia McLuskey

Year 6 Busking Day

On Monday 1 June, there was a Busking Day were Year 6 held stalls including, nerf gun battles, science experiments, lucky duck, cookie decorating and a hairspray booth. Everyone brought in some money and together we raised $949.25. The money will go towards Year 6 Graduation.  A great effort.  In saying that, 'Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness But It Buys Sugar Which is the Same Thing'.

Reporter - Livinia McLuskey

Year 6 Confirmation

In the month of June,  Year 6 recieved the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is a continual journey of faith and sees the candidates seal their Baptismal graces with the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is all inspiring and draws us closer to Christ giving us the courage to spread the Gospel mission. 

During the service the candidates were able to meet Bishop Brian Mascord and have a chat with him about Confirmation and its important meaning. Each candidate received a special blessing by the Bishop as they announced their beliefs in front of their sponsors & other church community members. 

One particular candidate who had already received & Confirmed into the Macedonian Orthodox Church community at Baptism, was still able to celebrate; share their common belief & acknowledge the Holy Spirit within. This provided Bishop Brian Mascord the opportunity to explain to the congregation the need for this to be celebrated. As the Holy Spirit unites us all in God's love. 

Reporter - Indira Lozenkovski

Our school athletics carnival will take place on Tuesday 13 July at Beaton Park.  As there are no canteen facilities, the Year 6 parents and students will hold a BBQ to raise money for the graduation. Food and drinks will be available to be purchased on the day.

Did you know that you can acces the school calendar via the Schoolzine App? In the Home tab of the App, select School Calendar in the bottom right hand corner and all school published events will appear.  You can also choose an event and then select 'Sync Event' to add the event to the calendar on your device.  This is a great way to keep up to date with up coming school events.  

If you find navagating Compass difficult, then you may find the below help sheet helpful.  

Fostering Futures, CatholicCare are looking for a 'forever home' for a 10-year-old girl, Jessie*.

Jessie is a lovely, sociable girl who enjoys listing to music, riding her bike, and loves animals. She is smart, energetic, and loves to chat! She needs patient and loving carers who can give her time, consistency, and support to thrive and achieve a positive future.

*Child's name has been changed for privacy.

To find out more about becoming a carer with Fostering Futures call 0418 783 956 or email fosteringfutures@catholiccare.dow.org.au.