Principal's Update - 30th May

Welcome

Dear Families, 

During the term, we have celebrated a number of amazing achievements across our school community: within the classrooms, on the sporting fields and with our St Columba’s Parish.

Confirmation

Over the past few weeks, 52 students have been confirmed as part of St Columba's Parish Community. This significant milestone was marked by our final celebration of the Sacrament last Sunday. The ceremonies were wonderful, reflecting the student's commitment to their faith and our school community's supportive role in their spiritual development. It was heartening to see the students take this important step, surrounded by their families, peers, and educators, all of whom have contributed to their journey. A special thanks to Fr Ed and Fr Francis, Torie and Lucy and group leaders for their support in preparing the children so well.

National Reconciliation Week - Now More Than Ever

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and explore how we can contribute to reconciliation in Australia. This year’s theme reminds all Australians that Now More Than Ever, the work of reconciliation continues. Whether through truth-telling, understanding our history, within education, or by challenging institutionalised in equity, we can be instrumental by being champions of reconciliation. We can do this in many ways in our workplaces, communities, homes and social settings.

Sporting Achievements

This term, many students from the Year 5 / 6 Community participated in Football and Soccer competitions with surrounding Catholic School communities.

Our girls' and boys' teams remain undefeated across both sports, elevating them to the next round, regional finals.

Thanks to our coaches and families, who were able to support the students during the day.

New Flagpoles at St. Columba's

We are thrilled to announce that our three new flagpoles will be installed tomorrow, significantly enhancing our school grounds. This exciting addition has been made even more special thanks to the generous contribution from Catherine King, a local member of Parliament who has kindly donated three flags to fly atop our new flagpoles proudly. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Catherine for her support and commitment to our school and local community.

We will further enhance this area by using pavers donated by families in our school community. Our School Advisory Council is working on a fundraising option for current families to donate a paver with their family names to add to this area.

St Columba’s Feast Day Celebrations / Mini Vinnies Commissioning

St Columba’s Feast Day is on Sunday, 9th of June. We will be celebrating this occasion on Friday, the 31st of May. The school will gather at the Church at 9.30 to celebrate with Fr Francis. Before Mass, each learning group will organise their furniture to create a long table for the students and staff to have a shared lunch after Mass. 

The students will ice a small doughnut to have for dessert as a special treat to celebrate St Columba’s Feast Day. Gathering together to share a meal signifies we continue to make Jesus' presence known in our community.” Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there with you” (Mathew 18: 19-20). The community will participate in grace before their meal. 

We also welcome members of our local St Vincent De Paul committee, who will join us in recognising and commissioning our Mini Vinnies School student representatives as they take their pledge and recite their pledge to support this wonderful local community.

Parents are most welcome to join us and the school community at Mass on Friday.

Parents and Friends - Sip and Social

'Sip and Social'  has been once again organised by our wonderful Parents and Friends commitee. This will be held on Friday 14th June at Grainery Lane.

Tickets are available on Quickcliq now.  Tickets are $40.

Canapes included, drinks at bar prices. 

Mini Vinnies - Winter Appeal

The St Columba’s Winter Appeal, along with a hot chocolate and pyjama day, is on the 17th of June. The Mini Vinnies are taking donations for the Winter Appeal- tin food, any winter clothes/coats, blankets or new beanies, socks. (PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THIS IS NOT THE CHRISTMAS APPEAL, SO NO TOYS PLEASE!)

Please bring any donations to the school and place them in the boxes provided in each learning community.

Some people have to sleep on the streets and not eat food some nights. People who live on the streets don’t get to have heaters on in winter like we do. Homeless people don’t have warm clothes and blankets for the winter, so they just get really cold. The small things that you donate will go to someone and help make them feel comforted.

For our Winter Appeal Fundraiser- Hot chocolates and marshmallows can be purchased on QuickCliq or cash to the office for $5 for a hot chocolate and $1 for marshmallows. (Please remember all profits go to St.Vincent de Paul to help the people who need it most) They need to be purchased by Wednesday, 12th of June. We have an option for soy milk or full cream milk. 

ALL students will also need to bring their own keep-cup to receive their hot chocolate.

We are fortunate to have Craig Schepis and the Soup Bus coming along to school on this day to chat with the Mini Vinnies members about their important role in our local Ballarat community.

If students wish to wear their pyjamas on this day, they are invited to bring one can of soup to donate towards the Soup Bus.

Closure Day - Friday 7th June

Next Friday, 7th June, St Columba’s School will be closed for students so that staff can participate in Professional Learning to continue to enhance and build their understanding of the implementation of the Knowledge Curriculum and the importance of prior learning to students’ literacy skills.

King’s Birthday Public Holiday - Monday 10th June

Please be advised that Monday, the 10th of June, is a School Closure Day for the King’s Birthday Public Holiday. We endeavour to combine our closure days for staff professional learning backed onto these weekends.

Foundation Enrolments 2025

We are excited to announce that the first round of offers for Foundation Enrolments for 2025 will be emailed on - Friday 31st May @ 12pm! It is with great excitement that we prepare to welcome a new cohort of students and their families into our St Columba’s school community. This marks the beginning of a wonderful journey of learning, growth, and discovery. 

We look forward to building strong partnerships with our new families, ensuring every student feels supported and valued. Welcome to the start of an incredible educational adventure!

First round acceptance close - Friday 7th June @ 4pm

Important Dates - Term 2

Important Dates - Term 3