Principal's Update - 18th December

Welcome

Dear Families,

As we reach the end of another school year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the incredible achievements and milestones that have made 2024 such a success for St. Columba’s. 

This year, we celebrated the culmination of our building works, which have transformed our learning spaces into vibrant hubs of activity and collaboration. Additionally, we welcomed the installation of a new playground, providing our students with a much-loved space for fun, exploration, and connection, now also with the added safety and functionality provided by our newly installed shade sails.

Our partnership with families continues to be a cornerstone of our success, and this year was no exception. Your support, involvement, and shared commitment to our school community have been invaluable. A special highlight of 2024 has been St Columba’s transition to becoming part of the Cathedral Parish, a change that strengthens our faith community and connection to the wider Church. Our thanks go to Fr Marcello for his support over the past years and also to Fr Ed and Fr Francis for their support as our new Faith Leaders.

We would also like to recognise the incredible work and dedication of our School Advisory Council members for their ongoing support and commitment to our school community. We look forward with anticipation to what 2025 holds for our school in terms of fundraising and community activities that will unite our families, foster connections, and strengthen relationships.

A huge shout-out goes to our incredible staff team for their unwavering dedication and passion and to our students, whose hard work, growth, and joy remind us daily of the privilege we have to journey alongside them in their education.

Thank you for another wonderful year at St Columba’s. We wish you a safe and blessed holiday season and look forward to another exciting year ahead.

Graduation

Last night’s Year 6 Graduation was a truly wonderful celebration, marking a significant milestone in our students’ primary school journey. The beautiful liturgy set the perfect tone, offering a reflective and heartfelt start to the evening. The speeches were inspiring and filled with gratitude, highlighting the incredible growth and achievements of our Year 6 students. A huge thank you to our amazing parents who went above and beyond to organise such a fabulous after-party at the Bowls Club—it was a night to remember! The finale song was also a standout moment, filling us all with immense pride as we watched our students shine. Thank you also to the parents who joined us earlier today for the highly anticipated Students vs Teachers netball match, truly the "match of the century." It was a joyous event that brought our whole school community together in fun and laughter.

Reports

We are pleased to inform you that Semester/End of Year Reports are will be available for viewing later today. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of your child’s achievements and progress in relation to the Victorian Curriculum Standards.

Our teaching staff have dedicated significant time, effort, and care in preparing these reports. This process includes detailed assessment, professional collaboration, and thorough consultation to ensure an accurate and meaningful representation of each student’s learning journey.

We encourage you to take the time to read through your child’s report and celebrate their achievements, as well as reflect on areas for continued growth. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss the report further, we invite you to contact your child’s teacher to arrange a follow-up conversation.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in your child’s education.

Foundation Families:

Please note as part of the reporting package students in Foundation are marked at .5 as their lowest possible score. There is a likelihood that your child may have been marked at this grade mid year and end of year showing no effective progress. This is typically a reflection of the way the reporting package works rather than a lack of progress from your child between mid semester and end of year. Should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher.

Religious Education Dots

Religious Education this semester is being reported on the same grade scale as other curriculum areas. As part of this students may show a ‘progress’ mark for particular strands if they have previously completed this particular strand. This is not an accurate reflection over 6 or 12 months growth like other curriculum areas, but instead reflects the last time this particular strand was assessed for your child.

Medication

All medication that has been kept at the school office will be sent home with children today.

Please make sure you bring all relevant medication, with the attached form and medical plans on the first day of 2025.

Icy Pole Volunteers

We are excited to be welcoming back Icy Poles to the school each Friday. Icy Poles will commence, Friday 7th February and be available each Friday for the remainder of the term.

In order to facilitate this we require 2 volunteers each Friday at 12.20pm. If you are able to assist, please complete this form  to indicate your preferred day/s. Organisers will be in contact with you once a roster is finalised.

Please Note: Helpers must have a valid WWCC and have completed the online induction quiz and forms to be onsite.

Should you have any queries, please contact the school office.

Important Dates - 2025