Principal's Update - 17th October

Welcome

Dear Families,

As the days grow warmer and brighter with the arrival of Spring, we are reminded of the promise of Summer just around the corner. After the well-deserved break, we hope everyone has had the chance to rest, recharge, and reconnect, ready to take on the final leg of our journey for the year.

Term 4 is always a busy one, filled with exciting opportunities and important milestones. This is the time to make every day count—focusing on what we can achieve together rather than simply counting the days to the finish line.

Let’s embrace the challenges, celebrate the small wins along the way, and make these last weeks of the school year ones to remember.

Pilgrimage Reflection - Bambi

Embarking on a pilgrimage through Ireland and Scotland was an enriching journey that deepened my understanding of faith, perseverance, community and connection. Visiting the sacred sites associated with various religious congregations and their founders left a profound impact on me, as I saw firsthand the legacy of those who dedicated their lives to service, compassion, and justice.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the pilgrimage was following in the footsteps of St. Columba, the Patron Saint of our school. Tracing his path was both a personal and spiritual experience. The highlight of this journey was visiting the Isle of Iona in Scotland, which truly felt like entering a "thin place" – where heaven and earth seemed to meet. The peace and presence I felt on that small island were overwhelming, reminding me of the strength of contemplative moments in nurturing faith. It was easy to understand why St. Columba chose Iona to establish a monastery that would become a beacon of faith for generations. The single-track roads to get there, however, were not for the faint-hearted and certainly a memory I will never forget.

Throughout the pilgrimage, I was also deeply inspired by the legacy of amazing women like Nano Nagle and her tireless efforts to educate and uplift those most in need. Her work reminded me of the transformative power of education and compassion, qualities that are essential in our school community. Similarly, the courage of Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy, resonated with me. Her commitment to faith and determination to serve the marginalised, even when faced with resistance, was a call to embrace perseverance in the face of challenges.

St. Brigid’s connection to the land and her profound relationship with the people of Ireland further added depth to the experience. Her legacy was a powerful reminder of the importance of grounding ourselves in the values of generosity, hospitality, and unity with creation. Brigid’s spirituality was not just about individual faith but about weaving communities together, much like the work we strive to do at St. Columba’s.

The pilgrimage was more than just visiting historical sites; it was a call to action. The lives of these founders have inspired me to reignite the Mercy charism at St. Columba’s – living with perseverance, courage, and determination. As I return to the school community, I feel a renewed sense of purpose, committed to carrying forward these values and leading with the same spirit these incredible religious figures have modelled.

This journey has left an indelible mark on me, reminding me that the mission of those who walked before us continues through our work today. It was a privilege to walk in the footsteps of saints and founders. Now, it is our responsibility to honour their legacy by making their values present and alive within our school community.

Sunsmart

As the sun begins to emerge, we are reminded that daily sun protection times are forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology for UV levels based on location. In Victoria, UV levels typically reach 3 or higher daily from mid-August to the end of April. At these levels, sun protection is recommended for all skin types.

Given this, children will need their hats effective immediately and will be advised when to wear them according to the day's UV rating. If children have hats at school, they will be encouraged to wear them for the entirety of this term.

Thunderstorm Asthma

P & F Fundraiser

School TV

Physical activity and exercise is not only vital to a child’s overall development but it has so many other benefits. With children spending more time on computers being sedentary, it is even more important to get kids moving more. Heading into warmer weather it is a great time to get outdoors both at school and at home.

Important Dates - Term 4

Important Dates - Term 1 - 2025