Principal's Update - 12th June

Welcome

Dear Families,

As the chill of Winter settles in, so too does the season of sniffles! A gentle reminder to keep an eye out for the usual winter colds and flu, and to encourage plenty of rest, hand hygiene, and staying home when unwell to help keep our community healthy.

A heartfelt congratulations to our wonderful First Eucharist communicants who recently received this special sacrament. These were beautiful celebrations of faith, family, and community, we are so proud of each of you.

Meanwhile, our amazing Mini Vinnies team has been busily preparing for this year’s Winter Appeal. With generous hearts and a strong sense of mission, they are organising ways to support those doing it tough during the colder months. Their efforts will culminate in a fun and meaningful event to wrap up the term,  a Hot Chocolate and Pyjama Day, where students can come to school cosy and comfy while supporting a great cause. More information to come…

Thank you for your continued support and care for one another as we move through this season together.

Sacrament of Confirmation

We are looking forward to beginning preparation early next term for students in Year 3 whose families wish them to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2025.

Confirmation is a significant step in a child’s faith journey, deepening their relationship with God and affirming the promises made at Baptism. It is a special time of learning, reflection, and spiritual growth, supported by both family and our school community.

Further information about the program, including dates for family information sessions, preparation gatherings, and the celebration of the Sacrament, are listed below. Please register HERE if you have not already.

We invite families who would like their child to be part of the Confirmation Program to begin having conversations at home and keep an eye out for enrolment details.

We look forward to supporting our students and families as they prepare for this important milestone in their faith journey.

Parent information meetings

• St Columba’s Primary School at 9 am on Friday, 25th July (For St Columba’s families)
• Parish info session in the Glowrey Room at St Patrick’s Cathedral at 5.30 pm on Thursday 24th July (Open to all) 

School dismissal programs to commence from the week of  28th July.

Presentation of candidates at Masses

Commitment Weekend - Presentation before the Parish

Saturday 26th July 5:30 pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral or Sunday 27th July, 10:00 am (St Columba’s), 10:30 am & 5:00 pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral

Prayer Weekend - Prayer Card

Saturday 2nd August 5:30 pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral or Sunday 3rd August, 10:00 am (St Columba’s), 10:30 am & 5:00 pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral

Presentation Weekend - Rosary Beads

Saturday 9th August 5:30 pm or Sunday 10th August 10:00 am (St Columba’s) 10:30 am & 5:00 pm

Sacrament of Confirmation Celebrations

Sunday 17th August 10:00 am (St Columba’s Parish Church)

Sunday 24th August 10:00 am (St Columba’s Parish Church)

Social Media Reminders

 Responsible Use of Social Media and Digital Device

As part of our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing and safety, we would like to remind families about the responsible use of social media and digital devices by children and young people.

It is important to note that most social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Messenger, have age restrictions of 13 years and above. Students who are under this age should not have personal accounts on these platforms.

We strongly urge all parents and carers to:

• Monitor their child’s use of digital devices regularly.
  
• Supervise what their child is accessing and posting online.
  
• Be aware of any online groups or chats their child is part of, particularly those not sanctioned or supported by the school.
  

St Columba’s has a zero tolerance for any form of online bullying or inappropriate online behaviour. While what occurs outside of school hours is not within our jurisdiction, we ask families to remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring their child’s online interactions.

Additionally, we do not condone the use of the school's name in any Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, or Snapchat groups or platforms used for personal messaging. These are not affiliated with or supported by St Columba’s, and we do not oversee or manage any such chats.

Let’s continue to work together to ensure all students can learn and grow in a safe and respectful environment, both in person and online.

Nut Awareness for Student Safety

Anaphylaxis and Food choices for lunches

At St Columba’s, the safety and well-being of all students is our highest priority. We have several students with severe nut allergies, and exposure to even small traces of nuts can result in life-threatening reactions.

To support a safe environment for all, we ask families to please be nut aware when packing school lunches and snacks. Where possible, we request that you do not send food items containing nuts or nut-based spreads, such as peanut butter or Nutella. As students grow and develop greater independence, we also encourage them to take responsibility for their own actions by:

• Washing or sanitising hands after eating.
• Cleaning their desks or eating areas thoroughly after meal times.
• Being considerate of peers and staff with known allergies.

Your ongoing support in helping us maintain a safe and inclusive environment is deeply appreciated.

Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal – Pyjama and Hot Chocolate Day!

Our wonderful Mini Vinnies Leaders are busy planning this year’s Winter Appeal, with a range of meaningful activities designed to support those in need during the colder months.

To wrap up the term and celebrate our school’s spirit of giving, we’re excited to announce that our culminating event will be a Pyjama and Hot Chocolate Day on the last day of Term, Friday 4th July, commencing at 1:15 pm, ready for an end of Term Dismissal at 2:05 pm.

Students are invited to come to school in their cosy pyjamas and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate while helping raise awareness and support for those doing it tough this winter. We may offer a sweet treat option to be purchased on the day. 

Students are asked to make a monetary donation to the Winter Appeal as part of their PJ Dress Ups.

As part of this special day, Mini Vinnies will also lead our final assembly for the term, during which members will be officially commissioned by Fr Francis and Ed. This is a proud moment for our Mini Vinnies team as they continue to live out our school’s values through action.

More information will follow soon, including details on how families can support the Winter Appeal.

Thank you for your continued support!

Bravehearts Incursion

Personal Safety Education for Foundation – Year 2 Students

On Tuesday, 1st July, our Foundation to Year 2 students will take part in a Bravehearts Personal Safety Incursion, a meaningful and age-appropriate program that empowers our youngest learners with the knowledge and confidence to keep themselves safe.

At St Columba’s, we are committed to supporting the well-being of every child, and personal safety education is a vital part of our education program. The Bravehearts program helps children to understand their rights, the difference between safe and unsafe situations, and most importantly, how to speak up if they ever feel unsure or uncomfortable.

Delivered in a gentle and engaging way, through Ditto’s Keep Safe adventures, the incursion encourages open conversations around body safety and reinforces the important message that everyone has the right to feel safe always.

We look forward to this important learning opportunity and encourage families to continue the conversation at home to help strengthen these vital messages.

Bunnings BBQ

We are very excited to hold our Bunnings BBQ this Saturday at Creswick Road.

Please come down to buy a snag and support our wonderful school community. Running between 8.30am and 4pm, so plenty of time between your weekend sporting activities.

Meet our new staff

Hello, my name is Kara and I work in Education Support- a role I find deeply fulfilling as it allows me to contribute to the growth, learning, and confidence of students everyday. Supporting young people as they navigate their educational journey is something I'm truly passionate about and I take pride in helping create a safe, inclusive and encouraging learning environment. 

Outside of work, I’m a proud mother of four wonderful children who I raise with my husband Steve. Our children keep us on our toes and fill our lives with joy and purpose. We have a pet dog Darla, a cat, two rabbits and a fish. As a family we love spending time outdoors fishing, bush walking, playing basketball and soccer. We often go to rugby to cheer on the Melbourne Storm and to the local football early Sunday mornings to watch our son play. These moments help us stay active, connected, and grounded. 

Balancing family life and my role in education support has taught me patience, empathy and the value of teamwork. I am really enjoying working with the St Columba's Community and have been warmly welcomed by all.

Farewell

Kristen Mckinley recently resigned her position at St Columba's. We would like to thank Kristen for the time, energy and care she brought to her role during her time at St Columba’s. Her contribution to our school community has been truly valued, and we are grateful for the impact she has had on both staff and students.

While we are sad to see her go, we wish Kristen all the very best for the future and hope that the next chapter brings success, fulfilment and new opportunities. While we look to secure a suitable replacement for the Performing Arts position , Georgia Loader will take on the role until the end of term.

School TV

Many parents have reported excessive screen time as the number one health concern affecting kids, especially now in the hyperconnected world we live in. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that there should be no screen time at all for children under two, less than an hour a day for children aged from two to five, and less than two hours for five to 17 year olds. However, these guidelines have been disputed by experts and often ignored by families. Parents must play an important role in modelling a positive approach to using screens, and assisting children to navigate the content they access.

P&F Fundraiser - FOR THE LADIES

Community

Important Dates