Principal's Update - 31st January

Welcome

Dear Families, 

The students have had a fantastic start to the new school year, settling in beautifully and embracing their new classrooms, teachers, and routines with enthusiasm. It has been wonderful to see them quickly adapt to expectations, engage in their learning, and reconnect with friends. The positive energy across the school is evident, and we look forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and success for all.

Parent Information Night - Tuesday 4th February

We invite families to attend our Information Evening on Tuesday, 4th February, from 5:30 pm – 6:15 pm. This session will provide valuable insights into the year ahead, including key learning focuses, school expectations, and how we work together to ensure success for all students. It is a great opportunity to connect with teachers and leaders, gain a deeper understanding of the school’s approach and ask any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you there and partnering with you for a fantastic year ahead!

Beginning of the Year School Mass

We warmly invite you to join us for our Beginning of the Year School Mass at St Columba’s Church on Friday, 7th February, at 10:30 am. This special celebration marks the start of our school year as we come together in faith and community.

Our theme for this Mass is "Be the Light – Carry the Light Inside Your Heart and Shine." As we embark on a new year, we encourage our students to embrace kindness, hope, and the courage to shine their light in the world around them.

We would love for you to be part of this beautiful occasion. We look forward to seeing you there!

Reconciliation

This year we invite our Year Four students who wish to prepare to undertake the Sacrament of Reconciliation under the St Patrick's Cathedral parish to compete the attached form.  The sacramental program is coordinated by the parish and supported by the parish schools. The parish and parish schools look forward to supporting your child as they continue on their sacramental journey.

A parent information session for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held at St Columba’s  Primary School on Friday, 14th February at 9:00 am. Fr Ed and Fr Francis and Lia will provide more information about preparing the Sacraments and the celebration.

Invitation to Open Classroom & Family Welcome Picnic

We invite all families to join us for an informal Open Classroom opportunity on Wednesday, 5th February, from 3:15 pm – 3:45 pm. This is a wonderful chance to meet our 2025 teachers and staff, explore the classroom spaces, and ask any questions you may have following the Information Night. Afterwards, we welcome you to stay for a Family Welcome Picnic on the school grounds—a great way to connect with other families and celebrate the start of the school year together. As it will be a warm evening, please bring plenty of cold drinks to stay refreshed, and kindly note that this is an alcohol-free event. We look forward to seeing you there!

ECSI (Enhancing Catholic Schools Identity) Survey

The school will be undertaking a survey related to the Enhancing Catholic School Identity (project) this survey takes places every five years and is a measure of the Catholic Identity and attitude towards faith within the school. We would invite parents to complete a survey online and we will send details out around this in the coming weeks.

Communication

This is a reminder that the majority of our school information sharing is electronic. Our main form of communication with parents is via the SchoolZine App. This includes regular Principal Updates containing the most recent information. You can access many of our other platforms from this app, including reporting an absence when your child is away from school. The code 5900 will be required when selecting St. Columba’s School. Throughout the year, information directly related to your child’s learning will be shared via their journal on the Seesaw App. Your Parent Access Module (PAM) can be used to access permission forms, student reports, attendance records, parent-teacher bookings, and updated medical information, among other things. If you are having any issues connecting to one of these platforms, please reach out to our Office staff, who will be more than happy to assist you. 

School TV - School Transition

Whether it’s starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade, or beginning the journey through secondary school, transitions are a significant milestone for both children and parents. These moments are filled with excitement and pride as children grow and take on new challenges. However, they can also bring feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Adjusting to new routines, expectations, and environments can be overwhelming, but with the right support and reassurance, children can navigate these changes with confidence. At our school, we are committed to ensuring that every student feels welcomed, supported, and prepared for the journey ahead.

Transitions can be both exciting and challenging for children, and parents play a key role in helping them navigate these changes with confidence. Being aware of your child’s feelings and providing reassurance can help minimise any anxiety, making the process a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Attending transition or orientation programs is essential, as familiarisation with the new environment, routines, and expectations can significantly reduce stress. Open conversations about responsibilities and expectations also help children feel more prepared and in control. By working together, we can ensure a smooth and positive transition for all students. (School TV, 2024)

Parent Teacher Interviews

Our upcoming Parent-Teacher Interviews in week 6 on Tuesday 4th & Wednesday 5th March, provide a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, discuss their progress, and set goals for the year ahead. These meetings are an important part of fostering strong home-school partnerships and ensuring the best possible outcomes for our students. 

If your child has a Program Support Group meeting (PSG), a separate meeting time will be arranged, and they will not require a Parent-Teacher Interview. Further details on booking your interview time will be shared soon.

We look forward to these conversations and working together to support your child’s learning journey.

The purpose of these meetings is to provide dedicated time for you to meet with your child’s teacher, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of your child, as well as your expectations and aspirations for 2025. These conversations help build a strong partnership between home and school, ensuring the best possible support for your child’s learning and development. To facilitate open and meaningful discussion, these meetings are designed as a private opportunity for parents and teachers to connect without the presence of the child. We appreciate your participation and look forward to working together throughout the year.

P & F Fundraiser - Save the Date

Colour Run

Sunday 30th March

1pm - 4pm

@ Invermay Recreation Reserve, Muscatel Street.

Important Dates - 2025