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- Principal's Message
- Religious Education Coordinator
- Spiritual Reflection "You shall be my witnesses”
- Kindergarten Orientation and Transition to School Dates
- iPads for Learning - Year 5 2023
- SCC Sport
- Library News
- Grandparents Day - Friday 28 October
- ICAS Assessments
- Year 5 Mini Vinnies - Fundraiser
- Congratulations - Martinus & Suyasa Families
- Condolences
- SCC Christmas Concert - Monday 12 December
- Readers at St Columbkille's Mass
- Women's Basketball World Cup
- Parish Bulletin
- School Travel
- Wollongong Workshop Theatre: The Crucible - Bronte Ireland
- Young Writers Program
- IMS Womens Writing Competition
- Called to Holiness: Family Camping Weekend
- Growing Good Men
- Lord Mayors Picnic
- Gel Blasters
- PCYC Bulli Blue Light Disco
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to Term 4.
I hope that you are well and that enjoyed some time over the holiday break, with family and friends.
We welcomed Ms Belinda Howard, our new Senior School Support Officer to St Columbkille's last Monday. Ms Howard comes to us with 12 years’ experience in the Finance and Administration industries. She was previously Office Manager at Relm International. Ms Howard will be a brilliant addition to our school community.
This Monday, we invite our Kindergarten 2023 parents to our Kinder Orientation. This will be followed by the commencement of our Transition to School program the following week for both students and parents. It is a wonderful time for the many new and existing families that will be part of this exciting learning journey. Below is an outline of key dates:
- Monday 24 October: Welcome and Orientation 1:00pm – 3:00pm (Parents only) - Monsignor Downey Hall
- Kindergarten 2023 Transition to School Playground commences on Monday 31 October from 2:00pm – 3:00pm (Student and parents)
Students and parents will get the opportunity to:
- Get to know the school
- Meet their teachers
- Learn through play
- Make new friends: students and parents
- Prepare for school: faith, learning and well-being
It is wonderful to have the opportunity celebrate Grandparents Day once again. Friday 28 October 9:10 Liturgy 10am K-6 Open Classrooms 10:30 Morning Tea. Further information can be located in the flyer within the newsletter.
Enjoy the coming weeks.
Take care,
Brad Colquhoun
First Holy Communion
Our First Holy Communion booklets and log in details were given out last week. Please work through these at your own pace. Both the booklets and commitment cards will need to be returned on the retreat day, Thursday 15th November. A Compass alert about the specifics of the retreat day will be sent out that week. It is lovely to see so many of these candidates at our weekend masses. May we continue to keep all these children in our prayers.
School / Parish Mass
Next Sunday 6th November is our combined school and parish mass. We need 3 readers, and a family for the offertory procession. If you and your family would like to volunteer, the readings can be forwarded to you to practise. It would be lovely to have some Year 5 or 6 students offering to help, or some Year 3 students who are attending weekend masses as a commitment to their First Holy Communion.
Christmas Art
I was honoured to attend the Christmas Art Competition Awards last Wednesday evening at the Wollongong Art Gallery. Lauren Foster represented our school in the Year 6 division, and although she did not receive a major award, our Director Mr Peter Hill, commended all the children on their amazing artworks. These will be published on the CEDow website when interdiocesan winners are announced shortly. Congratulations Lauren for making it this far.
‘The gift for all of us is the insight and inspiration we receive through the window of the students' eyes, catching a glimpse of their spirituality.' – Jo Kenny, Head of Service, Catholic Life, Education and Mission
The 41 shortlisted works are on public display at the Wollongong Art Gallery in the Community Access Gallery (Level 4) until 22 November. We encourage everyone to visit as the artworks of these talented students are best viewed on the gallery walls. The Gallery details are Tuesday to Friday 10 am - 5 pm and on weekends 12 pm - 4 pm. The Gallery is closed on Mondays.
Crazy Sock Day
On Wednesday 26th October St Columbkille's will once again wear their crazy socks in support of Mission Month. Funds raised will be offered to this years sponsored country, Ethiopia. Your child/ren may be sharing with you some of their learnings so far in RE lessons. Kindergarten classes have taken on board the making of their own "Sockball", as Mission Month is also known as "Socktober".
Our Mini Vinnies team, with Mrs Nicky Bishop's guidance, will be selling "Brownies in a Jar" to also raise funds for our mission country of Ethiopia. Details will be sent out shortly to all families.
Grandparents Day
An invitation has been sent to all parents and carers for our upcoming Grandparents Day celebrations. These will occur on Friday 28th October beginning with a liturgy at 9am, then open classrooms, and the celebration of a lovely morning tea at 10.30am. I am sure most, if not all of you, have already been in contact with your parents, in-laws and elderly friends. Please remember to RSVP by Tuesday 25th October.
Activate Fire
What a wonderful day was had by our Year 6 students and those from Thirroul, Helensburgh and Bulli, last Tuesday. There were times for conversation, prayer and music which were provided by the amazing Wollongong NET team. We continue to encourage these students to live out the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their everyday lives. A huge thank you those parents who helped with cooking and serving the bbq- Sarah Foster, Tanya and Michael Coughlan and Kathryn McKevith.
Activate fire - by Isla, Zac, Christian, Charlee (Year 6)
On October 11th Year 6 participated in a spiritual day alongside three other schools in our diocese. We learnt about how to let the Holy Spirit guide us in everyday life. We connected with multiple different people by playing games and singing songs together. We enjoyed getting to know new people during recess and lunch. The people from the Net Team shared stories on their journey to connect with Jesus' mission.
Vision / Mission Update
St Columbkille's staff continue to review and reinvigorate our Vision and Mission. This process began at the beginning of the year and is almost complete. These statements will align with the current context of our school community and will be celebrated towards the end of the year. Thank you to everyone involved in this ongoing process.
Have a wonderful fortnight
Jo Herring - Religious Education Coordinator
October is World Mission Month and Pope Francis’ theme this year is "You shall be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8) which refers to the Risen Jesus’ last conversation with his disciples before he ascended into heaven.
Pope Francis has chosen to emphasise the plural form of the exhortation which highlights the community aspect of the missionary call and reminds us that no missionary acts alone. Pope Francis includes in his address, the fact that the disciples are sent by Jesus to “not only carry out the mission, but also and above all to live the mission entrusted to them; not only to bear witness, but also and above all to be witnesses of Christ.”
The Acts of the Apostles is attributed to the authorship of St Luke so it is fitting that this week we also give thanks for the life of St Luke as we celebrate his feast day. Luke is a wonderful example of someone who carried out the mission with the greatest commitment and today we still benefit from the choices Luke made in this pursuit. Luke was originally a Greek Gentile from Antioch, a city known at the time for its high culture and learning. He was a well educated physician who enjoyed high social standing and the many material comforts that life can offer, so his decision to follow Jesus included giving up the many privileges of this life and sacrificing the comfortable lifestyle he enjoyed. Today he is the patron saint of physicians and surgeons.
We appreciate some features unique to Luke’s Gospel including a loving focus on Mary, the mother of Jesus; the Annunciation to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus and the beautiful prayer of the Magnificat; the Presentation of Jesus to the Temple and then losing Jesus from the convoy leaving Jerusalem. Of particular note at this time of World Mission Month is Luke’s devotion to the poor and a tenderness for those who suffer. Luke took seriously the mission to go out in pairs and announce the Kingdom of God. This is evidenced by all the places he visited with St Paul and by remaining a faithful companion of Paul, the Apostle, in spreading out to accomplish the work Jesus had given them. He was a dedicated disciple of Jesus and models for us what it means to respond to the call to discipleship and minister to others, assuring them that God was present in their lives.
We are each called in our way to announce the Kingdom of God and exercise love towards others and especially, at this time in our year, to those who are vulnerable, poor and marginalised. Every act of reaching out to another, every act of kindness, every contribution to the common good and the flourishing of others is an expression of being a disciple like Luke.
During this World Mission Month, how will you choose to follow the example of St Luke and extend your love to others in our world and carry out the mission entrusted to you?
Monday 24 October: Welcome and Orientation 1:00pm – 3:00pm (Parents and Carers only)
Parents and carers are invited to attend the Welcome and Orientation in the Monsignor Downey Hall. Just parents need to attend.
Monday 31 October: Kinder 2023 Transition to School Playgound 2:00pm – 3:00pm
You and your child are invited to attend the St Columbkille’s Transition to School Playgroup.
It is a great opportunity for your child to:
- Get to know the school
- Meet their teachers
- Learn through play
- Make new friends: students and parents
- Prepare for school: faith, learning and well-being
Pre-school aged brothers and sisters are welcome. A parent, other family member or carer are asked to attend with their child/ren for the duration of the playgroup
Families are encouraged to try and have their child attend as many playgroup dates as possible to help them prepare for school. While the children play parents/carers will have opportunities for information, questions and meeting staff.
If you are looking at purchasing a new iPad for your child moving into Year 5 2023, the following link to EduCom It may be of interest. The link will allow you to view EduCom It prices and iPad models and if interested place an order.
Further information regarding 1:1 iPad Learning in Stage 3 will be shared in coming weeks, as it was only this week that Apple released the newer iPad 10th Generation.
Please feel free to contact me, shoud you have any questions.
Mrs Maria Disibio - Leader of Technology and Assistant Principal
Last term the following students competed at the Mackillop Athletic Trials at Homebush.
Amelia Rutledge, Harry Esteves, Sonny O’Brien and Randy O’Brien.
From these trials, Sonny O’Brien received a gold medal for the 11 Year Boys High Jump. He then represented Mackillop at the NSWPSSA Athletics at Homebush yesterday. Sonny finished 14th, thorughly enjoying the challenge and competition.
We congratulate all of the students for their wonderful effort.
Mrs Colleen Kipp - Leader of Sport
Hello from the SCC library!
As announced at the end of last term, I have taken over the Library Administration role and can now be found there every afternoon.
The library is a wonderful learning space for the students. It is open to students daily for recreation time at the 11am recess and some lunchtimes throughout the week. As well as maintaining and updating the various library collections we have, part of my role is to ensure the space is vibrant and interesting. This week the students have been enjoying some jokes and riddles on display; there may even be some riddle competitions soon! If you think your child would be willing to write a book review, I would love to put them on display. I will be trying lots of different strategies to get everyone reading!
In the future I am hoping to start some recess or lunch clubs but for now I will be getting used to learning the ins and outs of the library whilst helping students to find a book they might like to read. I have four teenagers and am quite experienced in finding a well matched book for the most reluctant reader!
Katrina Carroll - Library Administration
|
Addison Davis - KG |
Oscar Murray - 1G |
Charlotte Reid - 2B |
Jessica McKevith - 4G |
|
Imogen Howell - KB |
Kaiyah Sloan - 1B |
Abigail England - 3G |
Oscar McKevith - 4B |
|
Florence Atkinson - 1B |
Hugo Vincent - 1G |
Stella Howell - 3G |
Luca Calmasini - 5B |
|
Grace Beckman - 1B |
Amelia Andary - 2B |
Theia Vincent - 3B |
Millie Dalton - 5B |
|
Emily England - 1B |
Jacinta Auld - 2B |
Georgia Allmen - 4G |
Christian Da Silva - 6G |
|
Isabel England - 1B |
Sebastian McIndoe - 2G |
Harrison Esteves - 4G |
William Jones Murphy - 6G |
|
Isla Jones Murphy - 1G |
Aisling Murray - 2B |
Isabella Masters - 4G |
Lola Shaw - 6G |
Congratulations to all of our students who participated in the UNSW Global Science and Spelling Bee ICAS Assessments for 2022. A special mention to the following students for their outstanding results:
Science:
Merit: Dylan Fang and Sabina Santillan
Credit: Brody Foster, Isabella Masters, Ciara Pons, Alissa Bishop, Christian Da Silva and Cameron Ritz
Distinction: Hunter Moskwa
Spelling Bee:
Merit: Lauren Foster
Distinction: Brody Foster and Rosalie Larkin
Mrs Bethany Tirchett - Middle Leader Two
Congratulations to the Martinus family. Aimee, Tom, Sophia (3B), Olivia (1G) and Arthur welcomed a new baby daugher, Eloise on into their family on Friday 23rd September.
Congratulations also to Sebastian (KB) and Daniela and Kadek for the safe arrival of their brother/son Xavier.
Deepest Sympathies to the Merola Family, Dean, Roslyn, Kynan, Austin and Lucinda for the recent passing of Dean's mother.
Condolences to the De Gori Family on the recent and unexpected loss of Harrison's Nonno, Vito Silvio De Gori. Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael, Dejanna, Harrison and family.
George and Joseph's Al Achkar's great aunt, Natalie , passed away on Friday 14 October. We keep George, Joseph, Sara and Elie in our thoughts and prayers.
Masses at St Columbkile's are returning to two readers at Masses. If you and/or your Year 5/6 child woudl like to become a Reader at Mass, please contact Peter to arrange time for a practice and to discuss availability.
0403 315 035 or pariordan@optusnet.com.au
Peter Riordan - St Columbkille's Parish Member
In the school holidays, Juliette Ayers (3G) and Mackenzie Sims (3B) were given the wonderful opportunity to represent Basketball Illawarra at two games in the Women's Basketball World Cup in Sydney.
The girls went on the court before both the Belgium v USA and the Mali v Japan games at the Sydney Superdome at Qudos Bank Arena. They stood with the World Cup players during each country's National Anthem, went in the team huddle and were broadcast on TV. They even got to have a photo with the Australian U18 women's basketball team. It was an amazing day and one that Juliette and Mackenzie will never forget!
Wooglemai Catholic Camping Facility/Environmental Centre, Sheehys Creek Road, Oakdale (15 minutes from Picton).
This will be an awesome opportunity for families throughout the diocese to come together in a relaxed camping environment for connection, formation, walks, fun, meals, prayer, games, music, and Sunday Mass with Bishop Mascord.
It will be a self-catered weekend, tents and caravans are permitted and with limited spots for a male and female bunk room. The cost is $50 per adult, or $100 per family regardless of size. Please register here.
For more information or to help with the organisation email helen.bennett@dow.org.au.
