Principal's Update - 26th June

Welcome

Dear Families,

As we step into the second half of the year, there is much to be grateful for—moments of growth, shared laughter, small successes, and the resilience we witness in our young learners each day. While the world around us may feel uncertain and overwhelming at times, there is also a great deal of light.

In our Catholic tradition, we are reminded that even in the midst of challenge, we are called to be people of hope—people who walk together in unity, who uplift one another, and who believe in the power of small acts of love to transform lives.

Now is a moment to pause and ask ourselves:

• Am I bringing light to those around me, or am I getting stuck in the shadows?
• What quiet dreams am I nurturing that could make the world a better place, even in the smallest of ways?
  
• How do my words, my actions, and even my thoughts shape the world for others?
  
• Am I taking time to notice and celebrate the good in the people around me?
  

The truth is, our world needs kindness more than ever—and it often starts with something as simple as acknowledging the good in others.

So this week, I invite you to take a moment to do just that.

Reach out to someone—a friend, a colleague, a loved one—and let them know what they mean to you. Let them know that what they do matters.

Because when we speak life into others, we not only lift their spirit, we also strengthen the fabric of our community.

New Playground

It’s exciting to be able to launch our new playground spaces; these spaces provide another opportunity for our students to explore and play during their break times. Funding for these playground spaces comes from the incredible fundraising efforts of our school community, enabling us to secure a loan through the Catholic Development Fund to cover the costs. A big thank you from all our students to those who put in the behind the scenes work to bring these incredible events to life, and the contribution of all of our families throughout the year. These new spaces will continue to provide students with experiences and memories for years to come. A reminder for families that the school grounds/playgrounds need to be vacated by 3:30 pm as part of our workplace health and safety policy.

Wet Weather

As we continue through the winter months, we are experiencing colder, wetter weather across the school day. During this time, it is common for the grounds to become damp and muddy, which can lead to slips and spills during outdoor play. 

We encourage all families to ensure their children are dressed appropriately for the weather, including wearing warm layers such as jackets and beanies. Unless there is heavy rainfall, students will continue to go outside during breaks, so it is important that they are prepared for the conditions.

If you feel your child may benefit from having a spare set of clothes (particularly pants and socks), we recommend sending a labelled set in their bag. This can help avoid discomfort should they become wet or muddy during the day.

Illness

We have recently seen a notable rise in reported cases of influenza, along with a general increase in illness across our school community. In the interest of student and staff wellbeing, we kindly remind families to please keep children at home if they are unwell or exhibiting any symptoms of illness, such as fever, cough, sore throat, or fatigue. This precaution helps to reduce the risk of transmission and supports a healthier school environment for everyone.

Reset Room Implementation

As part of our ongoing work in Child Safety we are continually reviewing our classroom management strategies. One of the tools we have introduced this year is a centralised time out room. This reduces the load on teachers individually managing time off the yard for students and allows the opportunity to work with students on restorative practices. Starting in term 3 we are trialling a new element of this, parent notifications. If your child is sent to the reset room you will receive a notification in PAM of this event.

Sacrament of Confirmation

We are looking forward to beginning preparation early next term for students in Year 3 whose families wish them to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2025.

Parent information meetings

• St Columba’s Primary School at 9 am on Friday, 25th July (For St Columba’s families)
• Parish info session in the Glowrey Room at St Patrick’s Cathedral at 5.30 pm on Thursday 24th July (Open to all) 

School dismissal programs to commence from the week of  28th July.

Presentation of candidates at Masses

Commitment Weekend - Presentation before the Parish  - Sunday 27th July, 10:00 am,  St Columba’s

Prayer Weekend - Prayer Card - Sunday 3rd August, 10:00 am,  St Columba’s

Presentation Weekend - Rosary Beads - Sunday 10th August 10:00 am, St Columba’s

Sacrament of Confirmation Celebrations

Sunday 17th August 10:00 am (St Columba’s Parish Church)

Sunday 24th August 10:00 am (St Columba’s Parish Church)

Social Media Reminders

 Responsible Use of Social Media and Digital Device

As part of our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing and safety, we would like to remind families about the responsible use of social media and digital devices by children and young people.

It is important to note that most social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Messenger, have age restrictions of 13 years and above. Students who are under this age should not have personal accounts on these platforms.

We strongly urge all parents and carers to:

• Monitor their child’s use of digital devices regularly.
  
• Supervise what their child is accessing and posting online.
  
• Be aware of any online groups or chats their child is part of, particularly those not sanctioned or supported by the school.
  

St Columba’s has a zero tolerance for any form of online bullying or inappropriate online behaviour. While what occurs outside of school hours is not within our jurisdiction, we ask families to remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring their child’s online interactions.

Additionally, we do not condone the use of the school's name in any Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, or Snapchat groups or platforms used for personal messaging. These are not affiliated with or supported by St Columba’s, and we do not oversee or manage any such chats.

Let’s continue to work together to ensure all students can learn and grow in a safe and respectful environment, both in person and online.

Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal

ORDERS CLOSE TOMORROW! Purchases to be made via Quickcliq - Please note that you need to put the order under each individual child (in their correct LG) to avoid children missing out.  

If you have any troubles please contact the school office.

School TV

The current state of youth mental health is concerning, with recent research indicating a rise in mental health disorders among young people. The pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues among young people, with increased anxiety, depression, and stress levels reported. Academic pressure and social media use can also negatively impact youth mental health, leading to higher levels of stress and negative emotions. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting healthy habits, encouraging open communication, and seeking professional support when necessary. Parents can play a vital role in supporting their children's mental health and well-being by staying informed and engaged in their children's lives.

Community

Important Dates