Principal's Update - 18th May

Welcome

Dear Families,

As we near the midway point of the term and school year, we wanted to take the opportunity to update you on some of the exciting things happening at our school. We've been hard at work both inside and outside the classroom to ensure our students have the best possible learning environment.

Our staff have been engaged in some thought provoking professional learning opportunities, with a particular focus on literacy development and how we learn to read. A number of our staff have completed course work with Latrobe University around the Science of Language and Reading and we are now in the process of exploring the implications of this in our classrooms. We believe that strong literacy skills are essential for success in all areas of life, and we are committed to ensuring our students have the tools they need to excel. We are also continuing to work on promoting our positive behaviours, so that our students can develop the social and emotional skills they need to thrive.

On the building front, we have been working closely with our architects and contractors to plan our upcoming building project. We're excited to let you know that we will be going out to tender shortly, with work commencing later this year. We will keep you updated as we progress, but we are confident that the end result will be a fantastic addition to our school.

Meanwhile, we have also been focusing on our yard space. We have recently met with Groundworks around our spaces and have plans underway to resurface and grade the basketball court. Despite some additional setbacks related to fire hydrants and drainage we are now back on schedule to complete these works, with a goal of having the new court open by Term 3. Given the current state of the weather, we suggest that students bring along some 'cover up' clothes for break time that they can get dirty in.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the incredible work our school community has done supporting the school while we have been engaged to manage St Augustine's Creswick. As our time supporting them winds back, we are looking forward to being able to focus on a number of major projects coming up for St Columba's.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our school. We're incredibly proud of our students and staff, and we know that together, we can achieve great things.

Medical Update

We have a small but climbing number of students out at the moment with COVID or COVID related illnesses and a large number of students particularly in our junior years experiencing gastro like illnesses. A reminder for everyone to please not send your children to school if they are feeling unwell, and ensure they remain at home for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped as per health guidelines to ensure your child is clear of infection.

Mother's Day

Thank you to the Dad’s who again organised and facilitated this year's Mother’s Day Stall. The students were most delighted with their gifts for their Mum’s, and it was wonderful for families to attend the stall together to choose gifts.

Our Mother’s Day Liturgy was a beautiful celebration and tribute to our Mother’s and the special women in our lives. Thank you to all who attended this special celebration. A special thank you also to Lucy and Torie for coordinating this celebration and to our wonderful staff for providing a delicious morning tea.

School Uniform

We would like to thank families who have supported the transtion to winter uniform. We would like to remind all families that our winter uniform includes pants or tunic and navy socks/tights. Shorts are only permitted to be worn on the days that your child has thier allocated sports lessons.

It is important that we all take pride in our uniform and appearance, as it reflects the values and identity of our school community. Wearing the correct uniform is also a way of showing respect for ourselves, our peers, and the school, and helps to promote a sense of unity and belonging. Thank you for your continued support in making this school one we can all be proud to be a part of.

Gate Opening Times

A reminder that you are welcome onsite at the beginning and end of the days once the gates have been opened. Howard Street Gates will now open at 8:20 am for early drop-offs pre-arranged with the Principals, whilst both Gregory Street and Armstrong Street will be open at 8:30 am. Students will be supervised from 8:30 am, with classes commencing at 8:45 am. Please be aware that children arriving early must remain seated near the Year 1/2 Community until supervision commences.

Please note that ALL gates will be locked from 8:45 am. Students arriving at school after 8:45 am must enter through the Administration Office to ensure they are marked as present for student attendance.

Important Dates for Term 2

Kind regards,

Bambi Afford & Shaun Mohr
Co-Principals