Principal's Update - 28th March

Welcome

Dear Families,

As we approach the end of this week, we mark not only the conclusion of the first school term but also the beginning of the Easter period. With anticipation and excitement, we're reminded that school holidays commence this Friday, offering a well-deserved break for students, teachers, and staff alike. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community for their unwavering patience and support throughout the duration of our building project. Your understanding and cooperation have been invaluable during this time of growth and development. As we enter this holiday season, we wish everyone a safe and joyful time filled with warmth and cherished moments. Here's to a rejuvenating break and a happy holiday for all!

School Athletics Carnival

Our students are busily practising in preparation for our School Athletics Carnival, set for Thursday, 18th April, at Llanberris Reserve. Students will be bussed to the event, parents are encouraged to pick their child/ren up prior to 3 pm. Please accept the permission sent out on PAM and indicate if your child needs to be bussed back to school, as we need to finalise bus numbers ASAP. This event will be a wonderful opportunity for our students to gather in their house groups and participate in various events. Thanks to those parents who have registered their intent to support the day. Please note that due to some changes in arrangements at Llanberris, the podium is no longer available to schools.

School Photos

Our school photos will be held on Tuesday, 23rd April. MSP has emailed families their login details so they can access their online portal. If you are an existing family, it will be the same as last year. Students are to wear their full winter uniform with their woollen school jumpers.

If you have any queries about logging in to purchase your photos, please contact MSP directly on 53335577

Sustainability Tip

Here’s a handy little tip for Easter;  Save up all your easter egg foil to make a ball as big as your palm and put it into your recycle bin. Unfortunately, if it’s any smaller, it will fall through the cracks in the recycling belt. You could make it a family competition to see who can make the biggest ball with all their foil! Pop those pesky scrappy bits of foil into an aluminium can to be recycled!'

Winter Uniform

As the weather gets cooler, we would like to remind all families that our school has now transitioned to our winter uniform. 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.

Orders can be made by logging into Quickcliq and orders will be sent home with your child.

Final Mass for Ft. Marcello

We extend an invitation to all families to attend a special mass on Sunday, 7th April at St Columba’s Parish Church to bid our farewells to Fr Marcello Colasante, who has been our Parish Priest for the past 7 years. Fr Marcello will remain at Our Lady Help of Christians at Wendouree and will also be the presiding priest of Daylesford and Creswick. We wish Fr Marcello every blessing and we wish him well as he continues his service at these Parishes.  A morning tea will be served after the 10 am Mass for those who may be able to attend.

ANZAC Day Thursday 25th April

As we return to school, we also want to take a moment to acknowledge and reflect on the significance of Anzac Day, on April 25th, in week two of our term.

Anzac Day is a day of remembrance for all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. It is a time for us to pay tribute to their bravery and sacrifice and to honour their memory. We will invite our Student Leaders to represent St Columba’s at both the Ballarat Dawn and 11:00 am services.

Mother's Day Stall

To celebrate our Mother’s and the Special women in our lives, we will hold a Mother’s Day Stall on Friday, 3rd May. Gifts will be $5 each, and families will be invited to attend the stall together to purchase the perfect gift for their mum. Children have the option of cash on the day or the option of paying via QuickCliq. Please sign in to your QuickCliq account (via the SZapp as you would for Lunch Orders). Scroll to events, and you will note the Mother’s Day Gift Stall, where you can place your order. Gifts are limited to one per child. Cash purchases will be accepted on the day.

2025 Sibling Enrolment

A gentle reminder that if you have siblings that will be starting at St. Columba’s next year, that you must complete the Expression of Interest form via the DOBCEL website.

Important Dates