Principal's Update - 3rd April

Welcome

As we wrap up Term 1, we want to take a moment to thank each and every member of our school community for the positive energy, commitment and care you’ve brought to the start of the year. It’s been a wonderfully successful term, full of growth, learning and connection.

A very special congratulations to our Foundation students and our new families—you’ve made it through your first term! We’ve loved watching you settle in, build friendships and become part of the St Columba’s family. It’s been such a joy to walk past your classrooms and see the excitement and wonder that comes with starting school.

We also extend our warm thanks to our new staff members, who have brought fresh perspectives and enthusiasm into our community. Your impact is already being felt across the school, and we’re so glad to have you on board.

Last weekend’s Colour Fun Run was an absolute highlight—thank you to all who helped organise, attend, and cheer from the sidelines. And yes, while the slime may have taken hours to wash out, seeing the joy on students’ faces made it all worth it! Our community spirit truly shone through.

Throughout the term, we’ve also hosted a number of events and information sessions, and we thank all our parents, carers and staff who contributed their time and energy to ensure these moments were meaningful and smooth-running. It is these day-to-day contributions that help keep the school running as a connected and vibrant place of learning.

Playground Update

We are excited to share that, pending everything going to plan (and Ballarat weather), the installation of our new playgrounds is scheduled for the last two weeks of Term 2. The dates are locked in, and we can’t wait to see students enjoying these new spaces by the end of next term.

Sacraments

This evening, a number of our students will participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation—we hold you in our prayers and congratulate you on this important step in your faith journey.

A reminder that Eucharist preparation and events are also coming up early in Term 2. Registrations below.

Eucharist Preparation Term Two

We are pleased to invite Year 4 students who have recently completed their Sacrament of Reconciliation to participate in the upcoming preparation for the Sacrament of the Eucharist. To commence this important journey, we warmly invite you to a Parent Information Session at the school on Friday, 2nd May, at 9:00 am. Your attendance will provide valuable insights into the preparation process and how you can support your child's spiritual development.

We have been delighted with the facilitation of the recent Reconciliation preparation and are grateful for the exceptional support from the team of schools within our newly formed Cathedral Parish. This collaboration has enriched our programs and strengthened our faith com munity. The facilitation of our recent Reconciliation program was well-received, and the content delivery at school, along with activities at home and the attendance at weekend Masses, was achievable and engaging. We welcome your feedback and will provide a survey in the coming weeks.

We look forward to your participation and to continuing this meaningful journey together.

Swimming Program

Families of students in Years 4–6 will have received details about the upcoming swimming program. Please take the time to review the information and reach out if you have any questions.

PAM permission will be sent next term along with scheduled times.

Athletics Day

A reminder that our Athletic's Carnival will take place on Thursday 8th May (Week 3, Term 2). More details will follow, but it's always a fantastic day of participation and school spirit. Thank you to those people who have indicated their availability to assist. If you do not know your childs house colour, you will find this on their PAM account or please call the office.

2026 Foundation Enrolments

Reminder to families that Enrolment Applications are now open for Foundation 2026 Students.

Register your interest in enrolling your child at a Catholic school in the City of Ballarat by completing an online “City of Ballarat Expression of Interest for Enrolment” form found below.  At this stage, you will be able to nominate St Columba’s Primary School as your first preference.

When completing the Expression of Interest form, you must indicate your first preference school and upload your child’s birth certificate  and baptism certificate (if applicable).

If you have a sibling starting, you must complete the form also.

Looking Ahead to Term 2

A quick note that students return on Monday 28th April, with staff engaged in professional learning the week prior. During this time, staff will be working with Pasi Sahlberg and schools across the Diocese to engage with the Diocesan 10-Year Plan. We’ll also be diving into Teach Like a Champion training on Wednesday, refining our classroom routines and practices to support great learning, and spending Thursday in faith formation, deepening our understanding of our Mercy Charism and history.

ANZAC Day

Our school will be represented by our School Captains at the ANZAC Day wreath-laying service on Sturt Street. We’re proud of their role in this important event as we pause to remember the sacrifice of so many.

Holy Reenactment

We invite families to our Holy Reenactment tomorrow at 1.30pm. This will be presented by some of our Yr6 students displaying the Stations of the Cross.  This will be held outside, weather permitting. 

Transition to Winter Uniform

During the first two weeks of Term Two we transition to Winter Uniform. If you require any new uniform items, please contact the front office or login to Quickcliq to place an order. 

If you would like to purchase any secondhand uniform at any stage, please see our office team they have what is available sorted and ready to buy.

Easter Season

As we move into the holiday break, we wish all families a safe and joyous Easter. May this season be a time of rest, renewal, and reconnection. We hope you find moments to pause, be present, and share joy with loved ones after a busy start to the year.

Thank you once again for all your efforts this term—we’re so proud to be part of such a strong, caring and committed school community.

Community

Important Dates - 2025