Dear Parents and Carers.

Hope that you are safe, well and have enjoyed a sensational couple of weeks.

Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of guns falling silent on the Western Front in the First World War: the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Our nation stands in silent reflection for one minute each year to commemorate and honour those Australians who have died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations - Lest We Forget

Yesterday at Corrimal RSL Club, Allegra Calmasini, Isaac Ayers (School Captains) and myself had the privileged to represent St Cloulbkille's at the Remembrance Day ceremony. Both Allegra and Isaac supported the service by reading the Prayer of Nation and Prayer of Commendation with great respect and reverence. At school, we observed a minutes silence and each grade held a Remembrance Day Prayer service. 

In Flanders Fields - John McCrae 1872-1918

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,
    That mark our place; and in the sky
    The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
    Loved and were loved, and now we lie
        In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: 
To you from failing hands we throw
    The torch; be yours to hold it high. 
    If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
        In Flanders fields.

Our Kindergarten Orientation Opportunity will be a wonderful experience that will enable our Kinder 2022 students to meet their teachers and classmates. With NSW Health and CEDoW restrictions easing, students will engage in play activities and be able to familiarise themselves with our school. We are extremely excited to be able to welcome our Kinder 2022 to St Columbkille’s on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 November from 1.45pm to 2.45pm. For more information, please refer to the article below.

After 23 years of dedicated service to St Columbkille's, Mrs Orphin will be retiring at the end of the 2021 school year. Liz has worked tirelessly during this time in supporting teachers and students in the classroom with literacy, numeracy and leading our highly successful Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander K-6 program. Her passion has been working with our Indigenous students, their families and supporting teachers with her expertise, sharing activities and resources.

The aboriginal artwork that we have throughout the school has been inspired by Mrs Orphin with the support of Uncle Kev and her husband Ray. We will all miss 'our Lizzie' - her presence,  kind words, smile, compassion, knowledge and wisdom.  We wish Liz and Ray both health and every happiness moving into the future. Thank you Liz for your suport of our wonderful school - St Columbkille's.

'We are all visitors to this time. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love and then return home'.

Congratulations to Mrs Perre on her successful Middle Leader Appraisal. There were numerous commendations outlined in the report that highlighted Christine’s professional and highly effective approach to her work, along with recommendations to support ongoing learning and growth. Thank you to our support and contributions made via the Middle Leader Parent survey in this appraisal.

Enjoy the next couple of weeks. Stay safe and connected.

Take care

Mr Brad Colquhoun (Principal)

Welcome back to Church

Our Churches have now reopened but please check Mass schedules for any changes to Mass times.

• Limit of 45 people at St Columbkille’s
• Limit of 65 people at St Joseph’s
• You need to wear a face mask
• Sign in with the QR code – or manually (the monitors will help you)
• Temperature will be required to be taken
• Sanitiser is provided
• Windows and doors will be open and the fans on for good ventilation (so you may want to bring a jacket)
• Please note that once capacity is reached no more people may enter so please be kind to the monitors

Both Churches are seeking volunteers for monitoring and reading for our Masses. If you can help please contact Peter Riordan for Corrimal 42845137 or Mark Hall for Bulli 0423119984

Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On Saturday, 21 November we commemorate the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When Mary was asked to be the mother of the Saviour, she was completely free to accept or reject the offer. Her response, “Let it be done to me,” was a great act of faith. Because she did not understand what was happening, she must have known that there would be difficulties ahead.

She replied yes to the angel's announcement and agreed to become the mother of Jesus, and the Church has declared Mary to be the Mother of God. Because she was the first to say yes to the Messiah, the Church has declared her to be the Mother of the Church.

The feast of the presentation of Mary dates back to the 6th century in the East and the 15th century in the West. It is based on an ancient tradition that says Mary was taken to the temple in Jerusalem when she was 3-years-old and dedicated to God.

What we celebrate on this day is the fact that God chose to dwell in Mary in a very special way. In response, Mary placed her whole self at the service of God. Every moment since your Baptism, God invites you to be open to his grace and dedicate yourself to him, as Mary did.

Remembrance Day
On Thursday, 11 November our classes and grades acknowledged and commemorated Remembrance Day. On this day we especially remember those who have died in war, and to pray for attacks and cruelty throughout the world.

We will continue to pray for peace and to think about what we are doing as individuals, as a community and as a country to bring God’s peace into the world.

First Reconciliation
Our Year 3 students have commenced their online preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This sacrament will be conferred by Father Patrick on the morning of Thursday, 2 December. Please keep these children in your prayers.

Blessed
This year’s Advent and Christmas daily reflections booklet has arrived. Booklets are $3 and available at both Churches to purchase.

Sustainability
St Columbkille’s is committed to the ongoing care of creation through numerous environmental initiatives. Within our SEMP (School Environment Management Plan) these initiatives are actioned further and focus on the 8 goals of the ASSISSI framework.

In previous years we have developed a waste management system which is sustainable as a result of school-wide ownership and participation from the whole school community. Our Year 6 Enviro Ninjas and Year 5 WEN Ambassadors are committed to our causes.

One of our future actions aligns with outdoor learning within a grade allocated space. We envisage each grade being involved in their space in various ways, such as activities/tasks linked to the Key Learning Areas, all the while allowing the students to become motivated and engaged in the outdoors.

An Environmental Education grant is being pursued through the Catholic Education Office to buy equipment needed for these areas. Fingers crossed we are fortunate enough to receive a grant. I am sure the staff will enjoy this outdoor learning as much as the students.

Mrs Joanne Herring - Religious Education Coordinator

The Fifth World Day Of The Poor – 14 November 2021 

A colleague teacher stood up on a chilly Monday morning in a staff briefing. He had taken four Year 12 students out on the Vinnies night patrol van the previous Saturday night –  students who had given up a party to prepare sandwiches, cakes, sweets, coffee, and tea – to be with their teacher and help those who hadn't had a lot to eat.

The teacher wanted to tell the staff briefing of the formation he had experienced that night, which would stay with him for a long time.

Andrew, one of the students, returned to the van explaining he was a bit late back as he was talking to a man that made him really think about things. “Tell me about what happened,” my colleague had asked Andrew.

"Well, the line was long and we were able to hand out sandwiches and we got through making the coffees and teas and then I noticed this man," Andrew recalled. "His name was Geoff, and he was standing off to the side. He didn’t line up so I walked over and offered some sandwiches. He was really polite, and I asked him if he wanted a coffee? He said he’d like that if that wouldn’t be too much trouble.

"He was quiet and ate the sandwich very quickly. He asked me my name and we got talking. He said he slept in a great spot in a local car park where the wind was blocked and rain couldn’t come in. He liked it there, as the hostel wasn’t safe, things would go missing all the time and he was targeted in the dorm room.

"He said he liked football and would listen to games on the radio with a little portable transistor he carried around. He loved the South Sydney Rabbitohs and knew all of the years they won the premiership."

“Sir,” Andrew said, "I told him I had to get going as we were packing up the van, and it was good to meet him and he said to me, 'Thank you for the food and coffee but thank you for taking the time to talk with me – you’re the first person I’ve spoken to all week'."

This briefing, for me, became a moment where I looked at poverty differently. Poverty wasn’t just donations anymore. Poverty came in many forms. How could another human being, not speak to another person for a whole week? I won’t forget that morning.

As a staff, we were asked to look at poverty with a bigger perspective that Monday. Sandwiches, coffee, warm clothes, donations and money are so important in reaching out to those who have so little. What we were challenged to do though was to zoom out and take a wider look at people and make a difference to help out when we can see they are without.

Listening to someone who doesn’t get listened to.

The student in the playground alone.

A smile and hello when you walk past someone at school – who knows what sort of a day they’ve had.

Demonstrating an act of kindness to someone who has been in difficulty, that may cost you time and may test your patience.

In preparation for the Fifth World Day Of The Poor on 14 November 2021, Pope Francis said:

“The poor are not people 'outside' our communities, but brothers and sisters whose sufferings we should share, in an effort to alleviate their difficulties and marginalisation, restore their lost dignity and ensure their necessary social inclusion. On the other hand, as we know, acts of charity presuppose a giver and a receiver, whereas mutual sharing generates fraternity. Almsgiving is occasional; mutual sharing, on the other hand, is enduring”.

If we don’t know the meaning of the word though, we can’t engage with the concept. Poverty can be defined as a state of being inferior, or insufficient in amount. Sharing and connecting places us as equals, sharing together can make things sufficient.

We encourage the students not to bring toys from home to use in the playground, as we have lots of equipment available. We only permit students to play with school equipment during recess and lunch.

Students may continue to bring toys from home to share for class news/talk time.

During recess and lunch the students  have access to a variety of sports equipment (hoops, tennis balls, skipping ropes, basketballs). The trampolines are available for the students to use, as well as the mini rockers.

The paddock and infants playground have a variety of equipment that is accessible for all students. Students who wish to play in the basement have access to puzzles, blocks, lego, games, books and drawing.

We thank all families for their continued support in this area.

Mrs Pauline Leonard - PB4L and SEL Leader. 

Congratulations to the following students:

Principal's Award

1G - Brae Cooke
1G - Patrick Luccitti
1G - Cooper Masters
1G - Oliver Park
1G - Samuel Porter
2B - Juliette Ayers
2B - Boston Bennett
2B - Keira Fabon
2B - Bianca Pires
2B - Dylan Saveski
2B - Theia Vincent
2G - Abigail England
2G - Zara Ervin
2G - Brody Foster
2G - Oscar Haafkens
2G - Milla Piacentin
2G - Mackenzie Sims
3B - David Asher
3B - Milla Briscoe-Hough
3B - Nate Elliot
3B - Harrison Esteves
3B - Ben Franco
3B - Andie Lucchiti
3B - Abby Mannion
3B - Isabella Masters
3B - Talon Mayo
3B - Lachlan Miller
3B - Ciara Pons
3B - Ivy Powell
3B - Darcy Shaw
3B - Abbie Stenos
3G - Scarlett Raschilla
3G - Eden Saweris
6B - Isaac Ayers
6B - Jensen Curbison
6B - Grace Docherty

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Award

KB - Kaela Fabon
1B - Isobel Santillan
1G - Ayla King
1G - Patrick Luccitti
1G - Cooper Masters
1G - Austin Merola
2B - Keira Fabon
2B - Bronte Jansen
2B - Dylan Saveski
2B - Alyssa Tatton
2G - Noah Akhurst
26 - Daniel Fleury
3B - Ari King
3B - Andie Lucchitti
3B - Abby Mannion
3B - Ciara Pons
3B - Madison Stone
3G - Adelaide Blacka
3G - Chloe Copson
3G - Dylan Fang
4B - Zali Munoz-Letham
4B - John Tadros
4G - Alex Mamouris
4G - Matthew Munn
4G - Dominik Raschilla
5B - Haydon Sharman
5G - Lauren Foster
6B - Alyssa Fitzpatrick
6B - Zachary Jacobson
6G - Harper Duggan

School Medallion

2B - Juliette Ayers
2G - Daniel Fleury
3B - Andie Lucchitti
4B - Joseph Molina
5G - Lauren Foster
6G - Allegra Calmasini
6G - Maricar Santillan

This year’s virtual presentation will be available to view online tomorrow night at 6.45 pm via a web link on the CEDoW Sport website. 

Hamish Dorney (6B) will be acknowledged at the presentation after being awarded a Diocesan Sports Medallion.

The evening will highlight the achievements of over 190 talented and dedicated students who have proudly represented our diocese at MacKillop and NSW Combined Catholic College events.

Two primary teams and seven secondary teams winning state Catholic school titles will also be recognised.

Our champion 2021 secondary schools will be announced along with the most outstanding primary and secondary athletes for the year.

The evening will also feature interviews with past students and Olympians Blake Govers (St Joseph’s, Albion Park – hockey) and Kieran Woolley (Corpus Christi, Oak Flats – skateboarding) who will relive some of their Tokyo experiences.

This will be the 24th Annual Awards evening proudly supported by the Catholic Development Fund.

This year’s virtual presentation will be available to view online tomorrow night at 6.45 pm. 

Our Orientation Opportunity will be a wonderful experience that will enable our Kinder 2022 students to meet their teachers and classmates. With NSW Health and CEDoW restrictions easing, students will engage in play activities and be able to familiarise themselves with our school. We are extremely excited to be able to welcome our Kinder 2022 into St Columbkille’s.

Below is additional information regarding Orientation Opportunity

• Students will be divided into 2 alphabetical groups and invited to attend nominated Session 1 or Session 2.
• Only one parents can drop off and pick up their child
• Please sign in and QR on arrival and dismissal

 Venue:                     St Columbkille’s – Sign In: Infants Playground (Princes Hwy next to St Columbkille’s Church)

Time:                        1:45pm – 2:45pm

Session 1:                Thursday 18 November                                          

Session 2                 Friday 19 November

For further information, please contact the office.

Congratualtions once again to the winners of the SCC Bake Off challenge.  

Unfortunately due to current COVID19 restrictions the Staff Spirituality Day/Pupil free day on Friday 3 December will be cancelled and school will resume as normal.

Just a friendly reminder that if parents must attend the school site, they must wear a mask and are also required to sign in using the QR Code.  The arent pick up and drop off areas remain as outside the Paddock, infront of the church and via carlines.  

A summary of the changes was provided in a letter last week and the detailed Level 3 restrictions can be viewed here or accessed anytime from the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong COVID-19 Information Centre.

The yummy Cake in a Mug mixes are back! If you haven't had the pleasure of trying these before, do yourself a favour and buy a few packets! Great additions for any Christmas hampers, gifts or sweet dessert treat.

Thanks!