Dear Parents and Carers,

Our Harmony Week was a wonderful celebration of culture, diversity, inclusiveness, belonging and respect. Our students and staff have been immersed in numerous events and activities that promote this year's theme 'Everyone Belongs'.  Morning prayer has been celebrated in a variety of languages acknowledging the cultural diversity at St Columbkille's. Thank you to Mrs Lattimore for her work and organisation, along with the many students and staff that have participated in the events and activities throughout the week.

"It is with mixed emotions that I announce that I am leaving St Columbkille's for a new role as Middle Leader 2 at St Therese. For the past 8 years, I have been very fortunate to work here with a wonderful group of professionals. The community of St Columbkille's has always supported me and I feel very blessed to have taught here. I will sincerely miss the students, staff, families and community, and I want to thank you all for being a part of my journey" - Mrs Bethany Tirchett

On Wednesday evening we held 'SCC Open Tours' for Kindergarten 2024. It was wonderful to meet our perspective new students and their families. The tour was facilitated by student volunteers from Year 5 with the support of Mrs Disibio and Mrs Pascoe. I was extremely proud of our volunteers collective work, dedication and enthusiasm throughout the evening - they were outstanding. Thank you to the parents who were able to support us in making the 'SCC Open Tours' such a great success.

Congratulations to our Year 5 'SCC Open Tours' Volunteers - Abby, Harry, Milla, Sabina, Sophie, Oscar, Ariah Blue, Eden, Madison, Talon, Chloe, Darcy, Harper, Rosalie, Dylan, Isabella, Scarlett, Jessica, Kynan, Ciara, Ben, Adelaide, Khloe and Jasmin.

As we move through this time of Lent towards Easter, please keep in your thoughts the many people in our lives that need ongoing support, care, compassion and our prayers.

'The greatest gift of Easter is Hope'

Enjoy a sensational weekend with family and friends.

Take care.

Mr Brad Colquhoun - Principal

Lent & Holy Week

As our 40 days of Lent are coming to a close it is time to reflect on our Lenten journey. How are your prayer, fasting and almsgiving goals tracking? Is there an area in which you could focus more for the last 2 weeks and heading into Holy Week? 

Thank you to all those families who have had the opportunity to pray with our Family Lenten Folders. It has been lovely sharing these in class and we hope that this has allowed for a prayerful experience at home.

Our Mini Vinnies Team will be supporting our Project Compassion fundraising throughout the next couple of weeks. We also have some boys in Year 4 who have organised a lolly guessing competition. As always if you have any spare change at home, please forward to your child's class Project Compassion box.

A special mention to Archer Morrisey, in Year 3, who wanted to raise some money to help others so he set up a cookie and lemonade stall out the front of his house. He raised $100 which he is knidly donating to Project Compassion. Thank you Archer for thinking of others!

Fifth Week of Lent
(Week beginning Monday 27^th March)

Project Compassion brings together Australian schools, parishes and supporters to raise funds for people in vulnerable communities across the world. This year, we introduced you to the story of four inspiring people whose lives have been transformed with your generous support: Laxmi, Tereesa, Priscilla and Thu.

Today, they are creating a better world for their families, their communities and for all future generations.

 Project Compassion is a demonstration of the faith, empathy and generosity of our supporters. It is the lifeblood of Caritas Australia – without it, we could not do the vital work we do. Thank you for helping transform lives today and for all future generations.

Please support Project Compassion: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion

HOLY WEEK 
(Week beginning Monday 3^rd April)

As we enter Holy Week, we continue to reflect on the lives of people vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice and how we can respond through supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal. 

Your generosity is the pebble that allows Caritas Australia to create the ripples that will improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, supporting them to flourish and create opportunities for future generations to live to their full potential. 

Thank you!

Annunciation of the Lord

The Annunciation is when Mary received news which changed the whole world. The Angel Gabriel came to her and said, “God has especially chosen you. He has a plan and needs you for it.” Of course, Mary was scared but still said “Yes”. Take some time to reflect on this thought:  You receive an SMS with the news: “Arriving Friday, 24.12, around midnight. Can someone come and pick me up? Thanks, Jesus.” What would you do?

Holy Week/Easter Celebrations

On Thursday 6 April our school community will reenact the week of Jesus' passion - Holy Week. It is always a special time in the church year and our community reflects this through our reverent celebration. You are invited to attend this event from 11.30am-1pm. As this is the last day of Term 1 you may like to take your children after this to get a heads start on you Easter break.

Family / Parish Mass

Diocese Swimming Trials

Monday 13th March saw 16 of our swim athletes compete at the Wollongong Diocese Selection Trials. It was a very wet but warm day.  All athletes did their best with many running back to the team to celebrate PB times.

Senior Boys Relay: Alex Mamouris, Taj Bloom, Randy and Sonny O'Brien

Ms Michelle Emmett - Leader of Swimming


NSW & ACT indoor Rock Climbing State Championship

From this year, parents and carers will get earlier, simpler and clearer information about their child’s NAPLAN achievement based on new, more rigorous national standards.

Education ministers have agreed to change the way NAPLAN results are reported to parents and carers, now that all students are taking the tests online, and with the move to an earlier NAPLAN in March. New proficiency standards with 4 levels of achievement for each year level will replace the previous 10-band structure that covered all 4 levels tested and the old National Minimum Standard set in 2008 when tests were on paper. The new proficiency standards include a baseline benchmark to identify students who are likely to need additional support.

The numerical NAPLAN bands and the national minimum standard will be replaced by the following 4 levels of achievement:

• Exceeding
• Strong
• Developing
• Needs additional support

The descriptors for each category will make it clear to parents what their child’s literacy and numeracy skills are at the time of NAPLAN testing, and support discussions with their school on their child’s progress.

Focus with staff will be on our Annual Improvememnnt Plan Improving Writing Pedagogy initiative

Pupil Free Day - Monday 24 April

ANZAC Day Tuesday 25 April

Term 2 will commence on Wednesday 26 April

P&F AGM

Tuesday 2 May at 6pm in the Library.

In consultation with students, staff, Parent Uniform Team and Poppets (Uniform Supplier), we have a new design for our Sport Uniform that is in line with the changes made to our Summer and Winter school uniform. 

Uniform begining 2024

This March, Mr Lowrie is swimming 1km every day to raise money to support youth mental health with Laps for Life. Mr Lowrie has currently swam 27km (540 laps of a 50m pool) of his 31km goal. 

While donations would be greatly appreciated, also remember to treat others as you would like to be treated and be kind to yourself and others. 

In this time of giving in Lent, if you would like to generously donate to this great cause to help save lives, you can donate here:

https://www.lapsforlife.com.au/fundraisers/adamlowrie. 

Adam Lowrie - Year 5 Blue Teacher 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS REGARDING SCHOOL FEES 2023

St Columbkille's Corrimal School Reunion: 46 Years later from Mary Mouawad (former student).

I, Mary Mouawad started in Kindergarten with many of the ex students that came to the reunion on Saturday 18^th March.

46 Years ago. Most of us walked into the compound of our great primary School St Columbkille’s - Alison Riordan, Andrew Mazarra, Brigitte Torecilla, Craig Mulder, David Kelso/Methven, David Cauduro, Gwen Jouannet, Helen Tadros, Jack Tannous, Linda Duggen, Jacqueline McWilliams, Michael Marciano, Maria Matteazzi, Marie Davies, Peree Donohue, Rosie Lopresti, Rosalba Lopresti, Tamara Knopp, Dino D’Amico, Douglas Wylie, Michael Tagliaferro,

Teachers: Gayle McMcMahon Robyn Menghi Sonia Apolloni.

We were all disciplined, we were challenged but we kept our dreams alive and 46 years after, we are here, we are stronger! Wiser! We are Bold to say that the discipline of those years still stayed with us. 

Seeing my oldest friends and teachers made me nostalgic about our life growing up together. We hugged each other. We thought about the 46 plus classmates or teachers who had passed on. We talked about getting back together again. At the end of the night we all went home with the memories that we would cherish forever!
Remember that the most valuable antiques are dear old friends. 

This past weekend was really great. I loved learning about my old friends, their children and grandchildren. So, to all of my lifetime St Columbkille’s friends,

I hope we have at least one more chance to Do It Again.

Mary Mouawad 21/03/2023

St Columbkille's Fresh Start Canteen is looking for parent volunteers to help out in the canteen on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. If you are interested in volunteering please see the attached letter with the requirements and link to register your interest. 

Sincerly, 
Fresh Start Canteens