Dear Parents and Carers,

Hope that you are well and enjoying your week.

We travel together into the season of Advent. This season signifies the coming of Jesus, and Advent being a season of preparation for His arrival. While we regard Advent as a joyous and festive season, it is also a time of preparation, prayer, giving and service to others in our care.

"Advent is the time we are given to welcome the Lord who comes to encounter us, and to look forward and prepare ourselves for Christ's return" - Pope Francis.

Preparations for our Christmas Concert are in full swing, with rehearsals across K-6 coming along well. Ms Finlay-Joseph and the SCCC Team have done an amazing job in organising the 'Prepare Ye' celebration. We look forward to seeing and singing along with you in Monday 12th December at 6pm.

This year's SPLICED theme was “Taking Up Space: The Length and the Breadth, the Height and the Depth”. This is a conceptual unit designed for differentiated learning for gifted students from all domains. We had a number of our students participate. The following students have been recognised for their workand will receive a SPLICED certificate and CEDoW. Congratulations to Sabina Santillan, Dylan Fang, Talon Mayo, Claude Vincent and Mrs Tirchett for her dedication, support and organisation throughout the SPLICED this year.

We have successfully achieved and signed off on this year's School Improvement Plans with Catholic Education, Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW).  Below are our newly formed Annual Improvement Plans that we will be focusing on throughout 2023:

LTW 2023+ Focus Area:  Student Learning and Wellbeing

SMART Goal: By the end of 2023, K-6 staff  will engage in contemporary writing pedagogy through professional learning that supports student growth and achievement. Implementation of Improving Writing Pedagogy initiative.

Link to NSIT: Domain 1: An Explicit Improvement Agenda, Domain 2: Analysis and Discussion of Data , Domain 8: Effective Pedagogical 

LTW 2023+ Focus Area: Belonging in a connected Community

SMART Goal: By the end of 2023 students are  engaged, safe and have the confidence in their ability  to navigate challenges  through the development and implementation  of the  Child Safe School program.

Link to NSIT: Domain 2: Analysis and Discussion of Data , Domain 9: School-community Partnerships

LTW 2023+ Focus Area: System Support for the Core Work of Teaching 

SMART Goal: By the end of 2023 staff have a shared understanding of the K-2 NSW Curriculum in Literacy and Numeracy through implementation of the syllabus in their teaching practice.

Link to NSIT: Domain 2: Analysis and Discussion of Data, Domain 5: An Expert, Domain  6: Systematic Curriculum Delivery

Student academic reports for Semester Two have been distributed via Compass. The Semester Two K-6 Reports, assesses all Key Learning Areas taught using the A to E reporting scale. Our students should be proud of their efforts as they countinue to learn growth and development. 

Enjoy your weekend and looking forward to our last few weeks of 2022 together.

Take care

Brad Colquhoun - Principal

Advent

Advent, which begins the Church’s liturgical year, began on Sunday December 3rd 2022. Advent encompasses the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to the celebration of Christmas. The Advent season is a time of preparation for our hearts and minds for the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. Last week we lit the first Advent candle which symbolises HOPE. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah. This weekend is the second Sunday of Advent and the candle represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

Celebrating Advent is an excellent way to prepare your mind and heart for Christmas.

First Holy Communion

Both our First Holy Communion Masses were special events in which our students received the Body of Christ. Father Patrick was most impressed with the students reverence and acceptance of this blessed sacrament, which was supported by our staff, families and sacramental team. The students especially enjoyed their retreat day led by the NET team.

Family / Parish Mass

This weekend is our final Family / Parish Mass for the year, Sunday 4th December at 9.30am. We have volunteers for this celebration and would like to say thank you to those families. A huge thank you to all those students, staff and families who have helped in many ways this year to make our Masses so special. If you are attending please don't forget to bring a plate of food to share. The children's playground next to the parish centre will be opened for families to enjoy. We look forward to sharing this morning with you.

Mini Vinnies

Our annual support for the St Vincent de Paul organisation of Corrimal has begun. Our Christmas hampers can commence being filled with specific items for each grade. Kinder: Christmas cakes and puddings, Years 1 & 2: Mince tarts and biscuits, Years 3 & 4: Tinned ham, tinned fruit and jelly crystals, Years 5 & 6: Cordial, custard and chocolates. These hampers are always endorsed by our families to help others in need, especially at Christmas. We will hand over these hampers during our Christmas Concert, which is a blessed community event.

Christmas Concert

Our grades, staff and other community members have been busy putting on the finishing touches for our community Christmas Concert and celebration. Everyone is invited to our musical liturgy "Prepare Ye" along with Christmas carols on Monday 12th December at 6pm in the school grounds.

Advent & Christmas Reflection Book

The Advent program is a pocket-sized book that includes daily reflections from the beginning of Advent to the Baptism of the Lord. It also includes beautiful artwork from the Masters with accompanying artwork reflections. Booklets are available from St Columbkilles Church until sold out. Cost is $5.

Parish Christmas Get Together

All parishioners and families are invited to celebrate Christmas and friendship at the 2022 Parish Dinner.

When & Where: Friday 16 December in the Monsignor Downey Hall, St Columbkille's School

Time: 6pm for a 6.30pm start

Cost: $20 per head / $50 per family (with Primary school children) / $10 per head High School students

BYO drinks and nibbles to start. Contact Mille 42840662, Lee 42845137 or Lorraine 42847487 before 3/4 December.

Alpha is coming to Corrimal and Bulli Parishes!

A growing number of parishes are offering Alpha in the diocese. Over the past few months Fr Patrick and a team from both parishes have been working towards bringing the Alpha experience to our Parishes.

What is Alpha?

Alpha is an opportunity to explore life, faith, and God in a friendly, open, and informal environment.

Who is Alpha for?

Alpha is for everyone! It is not so much a course but an experience! We will gather once a week over several weeks. Alpha brings people from all walks of life together. We will share a meal together; we will listen to a talk and then gather in small groups to discuss. Whether you are an atheist, an agnostic, or a lifelong believer or unsure of your faith – everyone is welcome!

We are now looking for Facilitators who would like to be part of the team that leads small group discussions. A Pilot program will start on Wednesday 1st February at St Columbkille’s Parish Centre

If you are interested in being a facilitator, please contact Anna on 0432 592 031 or Millie: 0409 999 196

If you would like to know more about Alpha and what it means for our parish communities click here. https://www.alpha.org.au/basics

Have a great fortnight.

Jo Herring - Religious Edication Coordinator 

Earlier this term, Year 5 was given the opportunity to participate in the Greenfest Competition organised by Corrimal Rotary Club.

Diocesan Touch Trials

On Thursday 24^th November, a number of students from Years 4 & 5 participated at the Diocesan Touch Trials at Dalton Park, Fairy Meadow. Congratulations to Sonny and Randy O’Brien (Year 5) who were successful in being selected in the Squad. Well done to all.

Dragon Tag Gala Day

On Thursday 24^th November students form Years 4 & 5 attended the Dragon Tag Gala Day at Reed Park, Dapto. It was a wonderful day, the weather was fantastic and the students had a great time improving their throwing and catching skills. I’m sure there will be a number of them asking if they can join a team when they get home. Thank you to our parents that stepped in to assist with teams and to Mrs Runko for organising the day.

Mrs Colleen Kipp - Leader of Sport 

Year 6 students from St Columbkille’s have recently undertaken an education tour of our national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributes funding of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Bethany Tirchett - Year 6 Teacher

Dear Parents and Students,

The PlaySpace Drama classes fill quickly, so now is the time to get your name down for Semester One, 2023. Drama is held after school each Wednesday afternoon in the St Columbkilles School Hall. It is a fun-filled programme available to Yrs  1-6 (existing students have priority placement, but just need to confirm that they wish to retain their spot). Many games, activities and scripts see Drama students develop voice skills, stagecraft skills, expressive skills, co-operative skills and empathy. 

Classes commence Wed 1st Feb. 

Yr 1-2 Drama: 3.20 – 4.20pm

Yr 3-4 Drama: 4.20 – 5.20pm

Yr 5-6 Drama: 5.20 – 6.20pm

See the flyer below for further details (contact teacher directly via email).

Kind Regards, 

Marianne Patton