Principal's Update - 14th December

Welcome

Dear Families,

As we approach the end of another school year, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we have undertaken together. It has been a year filled with growth, achievement, and the unwavering support of our wonderful community. On behalf of the entire St. Columba's School staff, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for your continuous support throughout the year.

Your commitment to your children's education, your involvement in school activities, and the collaborative spirit you bring to our community have truly made this year exceptional. Our students have flourished academically, creatively, and socially, and much of this success is owed to the partnership between families and our dedicated educators.

First and foremost, we want to extend our deepest thanks to each member of our incredible community who contributed their time, talents, and enthusiasm to make our Christmas Carols event a resounding success. Whether you were part of the organising committee, a performer, a volunteer, or simply an attendee, your presence and commitment helped in creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.

The beautiful voices and musical talents showcased during the carol performances were nothing short of enchanting. It was heartening to see individuals of all ages coming together to celebrate the spirit of Christmas through song and fellowship. Your dedication and passion were evident, and it truly made the event a reflection of the strong sense of community that defines St. Columba's.

A special thank you goes out to our volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that every detail was attended to and that the event ran seamlessly. Your hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, and we are immensely grateful for your selfless contributions.

To our sponsors and donors, thank you for your generosity and support. Your contributions helped make the event not only possible but also allowed us to create a festive atmosphere that brought joy to all who attended.

Lastly, to all who joined us in celebrating the Christmas season, your presence added a special magic to the evening. Your smiles, laughter, and shared moments created a sense of unity and community spirit that will be cherished by all.

In reflecting on the success of the Christmas Carols event, it is clear that St Columba's is not just a school but a vibrant and caring community. Together, we have shown that when we come together with a common purpose, we can create something truly beautiful.

Once again, thank you to each and every one of you for your role in making the Christmas Carols event a night to remember. May the joy and spirit of the holiday season continue to fill our hearts throughout the coming year.

As we approach the Christmas season, a time of reflection, joy, and celebration, we extend to each and every one of you our warmest wishes for a Happy and Holy Christmas. May the festive season bring you moments of love, laughter, and togetherness, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends.

As we look forward to the summer break, we encourage you to take this time to relax, rejuvenate, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether you embark on exciting adventures or savour quiet moments of tranquillity, may your summer be filled with joy and the simple pleasures that bring peace to your heart.

Thank you once again for being an integral part of the St Columba's School community. Your support is the foundation upon which our shared success is built, and we are truly blessed to have such a vibrant and caring group of families.

May the coming year be filled with abundant blessings, continued growth, and countless moments of happiness. We eagerly anticipate the return of our students in the new school year, ready to embark on another chapter of learning and discovery together.

Wishing you a Christmas filled with love and a summer break that is safe, restful, and filled with the joys of the season.

Baby News

We would like to congratulate Keely and Darren on the announcement that they are expecting their first bundle of joy next year. As you can imagine this is an exciting time for Keely & Darren and their families and our school staff. We wish them every happiness and joy throughout this exciting journey.

Leaving Families

It is always sad to say farewell to many families who are moving on either to secondary school or beyond. We wish these families every blessing for their future and take this opportunity to thank them for their support over the years.

The Bourke Family (Elliott)

The Burton Family (Joey)

The Chetcuti Family (Zara)

The Clark Family (Finn)

The Eeles Family (Addi)

The Gleeson Family (Sam)

The Grant Family (Charlotte)

The Hoiles Family (Bodhi)

The Jones Family (Sadie)

The Joyce Family (Inigo)

The Kinniburgh Family (Mali)

The Lin Family (Shanae)

The Mardling Family (Ethan)

The Martin Family (Poppy)

The McCarthy Family (Tanner)

The Newton-Powell Family (Jie and Lun)

The O’Keeffe Family (Liam)

The O’Keeffe Family (Samara)

The Ripper Family (Arli)

The Taylor Family (Patto)

The Valenzuela Family (Harry)

The Reus Family (Trixie)

The Ormrod Family (Madeline)

The Parkinson Family (Seth & Lily)

The Pougnault Family  (Jonte, Sebastian, Reuben)

Year 6 Graduation

Congratulations to all students who will participate in the Year Six Graduation Ceremony tonight. It will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with family and friends and mark this special occasion. Thanks must go to our Staff, in particular, the 5/6 Staff for their organisation and ensuring the Graduands are well prepared. Thanks also to our band of parent helpers who have willingly given their time to ensure the students have a night to remember.

End of Year Reports to Parents - via PAM

Your child’s school report is now available for download from the PAM. These reports represent your child’s achievements to the end of this current year. Thank you to our teachers and band of proofreaders for supporting this process.

2024 Revision of Student Medical Needs

PAM medical accounts will be reset next week. We ask all families to take some time over the holiday break to ensure their child/ren’s medical needs are updated. If your Child suffers from Asthma, Anaphylaxis or any other medical condition, please ensure you see your Family Doctor over the break to request an updated medical plan. Please ensure you provide this to the Administration Staff at the commencement of the year. Thank you for supporting this important process.

2024 Student Free Days

Local School Closure Days:

Student-free days are days where students do not attend school within the gazetted attendance period but are designated for staff professional development, school professional development activities, planning. Each year, the first day of term one and the last day of term four will be a student free day in all schools. 

In exceptional circumstances, the Executive Director of Catholic Education Ballarat or delegate can approve days beyond the normal 6 Student Free Days.

Foundation Wednesday Rest Days for Term 1

Wednesday 7th February
Wednesday 14th February
Wednesday 21st February
Wednesday 28th February
Wednesday 6th March
Wednesday 13th March
Wednesday 20th March
Wednesday 26th March

Important Dates for Term 1

Kind regards,

Bambi Afford & Shaun Mohr
Co-Principals