Principal's Update - 28th November

Welcome

Dear Families,

As we approach the end of the term, the school is buzzing with activity and excitement. Next week, we look forward to "Going Up Day," a special opportunity for students to step into their next year's classes and meet their new teachers. Alongside this, preparations are in full swing for our Christmas Market Stalls and Carols, promising a joyful celebration of the season. Additionally, we will take time to acknowledge and celebrate International Disability Day, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and the dignity of every individual in our community. It’s a vibrant and meaningful conclusion to a busy term, and we can’t wait to share these special moments with everyone!

Advent

As we enter the season of Advent, a time of reflection, hope, and joyful expectation, we take this opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Advent. Commencing on this sacred journey, Advent beckons us to prepare our hearts and minds for the miraculous arrival of Christ. The liturgical countdown invites us to slow down, embrace the silence amid the holiday hustle, and await the birth of a promise. As each candle flickers, we embark on a spiritual pilgrimage, symbolizing the hope, peace, joy, and love that the Advent wreath embodies. It is a season that invites us to cultivate patience and mindfulness, to pause and ponder the profound significance of the Incarnation. We commence this season of Advent, mindful of the profound mystery and grace it holds. Last week our Year's F-2 celebrated our First Week of Advent in our school hall. Due to the heat of the day, we were unable to host the Liturgy outside, which in turn meant we were unable to welcome our families to join us. We will look to celebrating our next Liturgy in the church to enable families to join us.

Uniform Update

This year, our School Advisory Council has decided to add some new uniform options to our current selection. The change will be introduced from next year and is optional. This gives you an advance warning of this change and ensures that if you are buying school uniform items between now and the start of the new academic year, you are aware of the new options available. 

The change is being introduced to improve the current standard of uniforms worn by students in the school. The changes we bring will ensure that our students look smart and respectable at all times.

We will be introducing a new sports polo and a soft-shell winter jacket. These will be available as a pre-order option. The softshell jacket is additional and does not replace the woollen school jumper.

Thunderstorm Asthma and Allergy

With the change of seasons, the prevalence of thunderstorm asthma is on the rise. As a school, we will continue to monitor the weather forecast daily for possible risks and adjust accordingly. The Vic Emergency App is also a great guide in these circumstances. It is advised to avoid being outdoors during any thunderstorm, especially during the winds that precede them. Students are asked to take their preventative medication as directed, even if symptom-free. Please ensure that student asthma plans are updated, and children are reminded to seek support if they develop symptoms. 

Going Up Day - 3rd December

On Tuesday, 3rd December, we are hosting one of the most exciting days in our school calendar, ‘Going Up Day’. A chance for new beginnings, friendships and connections. For some, it’s an easy and fun-filled time as they reconnect with previous peers and look forward to new adventures. For others, it can be a challenge as they move into what may seem to be the unknown.

One of the most important things we can do as adults in this space is normalise the change. Transitions happen constantly throughout our lives and schooling, beyond starting school or moving to secondary. Remind children that some things will be familiar and others will be different. As adults, be aware that there will be ups and downs with any transitions. Don’t dwell and sit in the negatives; communicate with the school, but also work to build connections and relationships with your child’s new teacher/s. Be aware of what you bring to this time and work to avoid projecting any fears you may have on your child/ren.

Students from Years F- 5 move to new classrooms after roll call at 8:50 am. Students new to the school, including Foundation Students, will arrive at 9:00 am and move into new classrooms, concluding at 11:30 am.

We look forward to seeing you on this exciting morning.

Christmas at St Columba’s - 5th December

On Thursday, 5th December, from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, our grounds will come alive with festive cheer! Enjoy a delightful afternoon exploring the Children’s Market Stalls, where all proceeds will support St Vincent de Paul. Treat yourself to a sizzling BBQ, creamy delights from IL Piccolo Ice Cream, and the heavenly treats of Mrs Browne Bakes.

While some of our choir members may be busy at the stalls, the spirit of Christmas will fill the air with background carols, and everyone is welcome to join in the singing! And keep an eye out for a special visitor in red—he might just stop by! Don’t miss this heartwarming event to kick off the season of giving and joy.

Our communities have been busy planning, designing and producing their Market Stall items. Please take the time to read the attached a list of Stalls with the items to purchase. 

Please Note: This is a cash-only event, so don’t forget to bring along some cash to support our fantastic stalls.

We can’t wait to see you all next Thursday afternoon for this fun-filled event. Come along and support our wonderful stalls – there’s something for everyone! 

Christmas Raffle

During our Christmas celebrations on Thursday 5th December our Parent’s and Friends will be selling raffle tickets. Raffle to be drawn at 5pm on the night!

Tickets will be $2 each or 3 for $5, online purchases via Quickcliq (closing 4th December) or cash on the night.

We have so many wonderful donations from the following businesses: Wilsons, Il Piccolo Gelato, Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, Kelly Sports, Skin Nation, Her Golden Point Photography, Spot on Pots, Sovereign Hill, Mrs Browne Bakes, Ballarat Micro Flower Farm, Showbiz Cinemas, Pancake Kitchen and Many more!

International Disability Day Acknowledgement -6th December

We warmly invite families to join us on Friday, 6th December, as we come together to celebrate and acknowledge the importance of inclusion and accessibility.

Morning Coffee: Start your day with a coffee from 8:15 am and enjoy a relaxed chat.

Explore Resources: Gather in the hall to browse a range of resources designed to support individuals and families in our community.

Parent & Caregiver Presentation: At 9:00 am, a presentation will provide valuable insights and highlight ways we can all contribute to an inclusive world.

Student Participation: From 10:00 am to 10:30 am, Students will view a presentation about inclusion, view a video demystifying what Allied Health Therapists do in our school and hear a beautiful picture storybook read about disability. Students will head off to recess and then return to their classrooms to participate in meaningful activities throughout the day..

We look forward to sharing this special occasion with our families as we celebrate the strengths and abilities of all. 

Finalisation of School Fees

As we approach the end of the school year, we kindly remind all families to ensure that any outstanding school fees are finalised. Thank you to families that have already done this. Timely payment helps us continue providing high-quality education and resources for all students. If you require assistance or support in managing your payments, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Business Manager, Rebecca Lubeek, who is available to discuss flexible options and offer guidance. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your ongoing support of our school community.

Giving Tree & Christmas Hampers

We hope you are all keeping safe and well. It is that time again when we look to help out our wonderful community around Christmas time. To bring a little more cheer to families in need, we are continuing to run our St Columba’s Giving Tree in partnership with our local St Vinnies and the annual Christmas Hampers. 

The Giving Tree

Families are invited to come in to pick up a tag (9yo boy, 6yo girl, etc) from the Giving Tree in the office. You then have time to purchase a gift for that specific tag. We ask you to send the unwrapped gift, together with the label you picked up, back into the office. It will then be stored and delivered to a special family in the community. 

Christmas Hampers 

This year we will be accepting donations for hampers that will go to our parish community. We invite you to donate any items, such as Christmas puddings, crackers, shortbreads, condiments, etc. There is a collection box in each community, and we would love these items brought in prior to Friday 13th December to allow time to get them out to people in need.

Thank you for your continued support,

The Mini Vinnies Team

Graduation

 Graduation is Almost Here!

We are excited to celebrate the achievements of our Class of 2024 as their primary school journey comes to an end.

Graduation Mass: 6:00 PM at the Church

Celebration: Approximately 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM at the Bowls Club

Our dedicated Graduation Committee is busily working behind the scenes to make this a memorable evening for all.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Grade 6 teachers.

Important Dates - 2024

Important Dates - 2025