Principal's Update - 21st November

Welcome

Dear Families, 

The year is flying by, with summer and the Christmas season just around the corner! It feels like only yesterday we were starting the year, and now, with warmer days, festive decorations in shops, and that familiar excitement in the air, we’re heading into our busiest time.

As a school, we’re gearing up for all that the end of the year brings—graduation, end-of-year activities, Christmas functions, and, of course, planning for the new year. Our students are adjusting to the warmer weather and feeling a bit of that year-end tiredness, so it’s a great time to be extra kind and look out for each other. Teachers are also working hard on final reports, creating class groups for 2025, and making the most of these last weeks with their students. There’s a lot happening, but we’re excited to make these last days together special!

Staffing Update

At this time of the year, there is still some movement with staffing changes across every school, which, of course, has a flow-on effect for us as a community. As such, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of several valued members of our St Columba’s community who will be moving on at the end of this term. Mrs Julie Molloy will be leaving to take on a full-time classroom teaching position in Creswick, where she currently works part-time. We thank her for her work in the counselling role this year. We also announce that Mrs Sally Latchford will take a well-deserved year of leave to spend precious time with her family. Sally's dedication, warmth, and positive spirit have touched the lives of so many in our community, and her presence will be deeply missed, we look forward to her return in 2026. We are also excited to welcome Mrs Bianca Keogh who is joining our team for 2025. Bianca will join our teaching team and comes to us with over 13 years of experience across various settings in the Melbourne Diocese and the UK. We welcome Bianca and Emily to our community and look forward to them meeting students on Going Up Day in a few weeks.

Uniform Update

This year, our School Advisory Council has decided to add some new uniform options to our current selection. The change will be introduced from next year and is optional. This gives you an advance warning of this change and ensures that if you are buying school uniform items between now and the start of the new academic year, you are aware of the new options available. 

The change is being introduced to improve the current standard of uniforms worn by students in the school. The changes we bring will ensure that our students look smart and respectable at all times.

We will be introducing a new sports polo and a soft-shell winter jacket. These will be available as a pre-order option. The softshell jacket is additional and does not replace the woollen school jumper.

Going Up Day - 3rd December

On Tuesday, 3rd December, we are hosting one of the most exciting days in our school calendar, ‘Going Up Day’. A chance for new beginnings, friendships and connections. For some, it’s an easy and fun-filled time as they reconnect with previous peers and look forward to new adventures. For others, it can be a challenge as they move into what may seem to be the unknown.

One of the most important things we can do as adults in this space is normalise the change. Transitions happen constantly throughout our lives and schooling, beyond starting school or moving to secondary. Remind children that some things will be familiar and others will be different. As adults, be aware that there will be ups and downs with any transitions. Don’t dwell and sit in the negatives; communicate with the school, but also work to build connections and relationships with your child’s new teacher/s. Be aware of what you bring to this time and work to avoid projecting any fears you may have on your child/ren.

Students from Years F- 5 move to new classrooms after roll call at 8:50 am. Students new to the school, including Foundation Students, will arrive at 9:00 am and move into new classrooms, concluding at 11:30 am.

We look forward to seeing you on this exciting morning.

Christmas at St Columba’s - 5th December

On Thursday, 5th December, from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, our grounds will come alive with festive cheer! Enjoy a delightful afternoon exploring the Children’s Market Stalls, where all proceeds will support St Vincent de Paul. Treat yourself to a sizzling BBQ, creamy delights from IL Piccolo Ice Cream, and the heavenly treats of Mrs Browne Bakes. While some of our choir members may be busy at the stalls, the spirit of Christmas will fill the air with background carols, and everyone is welcome to join in the singing! And keep an eye out for a special visitor in red—he might just stop by! Don’t miss this heartwarming event to kick off the season of giving and joy. 🌟

International Disability Day Acknowledgement -6th December

We warmly invite families to join us on Friday, 6th December as we come together to celebrate and acknowledge the importance of inclusion and accessibility.

Morning Coffee: Start your day with a coffee from 8:15 am and enjoy a relaxed chat.

Explore Resources: Gather in the hall to browse a range of resources designed to support individuals and families in our community.

Parent & Caregiver Presentation: At 9:00 am, a presentation will provide valuable insights and highlight ways we can all contribute to an inclusive world.

Student Participation: From 10:00 am to 10:30 am, Students will view a presentation about inclusion, view a video demystifying what Allied Health Therapists do in our school and hear a beautiful picture storybook read about disability. Students will head off to recess and then return to their classrooms to participate in meaningful activities throughout the day at their leisure.

We look forward to sharing this special occasion with our families as we celebrate the strengths and abilities of all. 

Finalisation of School Fees

As we approach the end of the school year, we kindly remind all families to ensure that any outstanding school fees are finalised. Thank you to families that have already done this. Timely payment helps us continue providing high-quality education and resources for all students. If you require assistance or support in managing your payments, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Business Manager, Rebecca Lubeek, who is available to discuss flexible options and offer guidance. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your ongoing support of our school community.

Giving Tree & Christmas Hampers

We hope you are all keeping safe and well. It is that time again when we look to help out our wonderful community around Christmas time. To bring a little more cheer to families in need, we are continuing to run our St Columba’s Giving Tree in partnership with our local St Vinnies and the annual Christmas Hampers. 

The Giving Tree

Families are invited to come in to pick up a tag (9yo boy, 6yo girl, etc) from the Giving Tree in the office. You then have time to purchase a gift for that specific tag. We ask you to send the unwrapped gift, together with the label you picked up, back into the office. It will then be stored and delivered to a special family in the community. 

Christmas Hampers 

This year we will be accepting donations for hampers that will go to our parish community. We invite you to donate any items, such as Christmas puddings, crackers, shortbreads, condiments, etc. There is a collection box in each community, and we would love these items brought in prior to Friday 13th December to allow time to get them out to people in need.

Thank you for your continued support,

The Mini Vinnies Team

School Closure Days in 2025

We are providing some important information regarding pupil-free days at the start of Term 2 in 2025.

The unique structure of the 2025 calendar poses some challenges, as the first week back of Term 2 coincides with two national holidays: Easter Monday (April 21) and ANZAC Day (April 25). This results in only three school days for the first week of term. In light of this, DOBCEL, in collaboration with Central Zone principals, have worked to address this timing by scheduling staff collaboration and professional learning during this short week. By concentrating our professional learning during this period, we are able to reduce pupil-free days at other points throughout the year, minimising disruptions for families.

With these adjustments, students will officially begin Term 2 on Monday, April 28. Given the alignment of the 3-day working week with the school holiday period, we understand and anticipate that some families may choose to extend their holidays slightly, and some staff may also be utilising long service leave during this time. 

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work together to provide the best environment for your children’s learning and growth.

Please find the planned Pupil Free days for 2025 in the table below.

School TV

Neurodiversity in children and adolescents is a concept celebrating the natural variation in how young minds work. It acknowledges that neurological differences, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and giftedness, are not disabilities but unique aspects of human cognition. Embracing neurodiversity fosters acceptance, empathy, and inclusivity in society

Christmas Cards

We will be selling packs of 15 Christmas cards that were designed last year. Cards are available at the school office or via Quickcliq for $5

Important Dates - Term 4

Important Dates - 2025