Principal's Update - 26th April

Welcome

Dear Families,

The sudden shift to colder weather reminds us to dust off the jackets, scarves and beanies and embrace the crisp mornings as we bid farewell to the warmth of summer and brace ourselves for Winter. 

Yesterday, our school leaders set a remarkable example of honour and remembrance as they attended the ANZAC service in Ballarat, paying tribute to those who served our country with courage and sacrifice. Thank you to Hailey Eeles and the families of our student leaders who supported them in attending and representing our school so well.

School Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to all involved in the organisation of this wonderful event. Sports day was a great opportunity for our students to gather in their house groups and participate in both team and individual events. Special thanks to Wayne Lynch and his band of wonderful helpers who supported the very smooth running of the day. We were very fortunate that the weather held out. We had some tired little people on the Friday, but we were very proud of their achievements and their participation. Thank you to all of our families for attending and supporting the day.

Cross Country - 29th April

This coming Monday, 29 April, our cross country team will compete at Federation University. Students will depart school by bus with Wayne Lynch and Kylie Prior at 10 am and return at around 2:00 pm. We wish our students all the best in participating on the day. We remind students to be equipped for the weather with a warm coat and layers of clothing, such as track pants, to put on post-event.

Sad News

We ask that you please keep the Murnane and Toye families in your thoughts and prayers after the recent passing of the beautiful Rachael Murnane, a former parent of our School Community. Rachael gained her angel wings after a courageous battle with illness over the past few years. The funeral for Rachael will be held tomorrow at St Columba’s Church.

School Uniform

We remind all families that our school has now transitioned to our winter uniform. 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. Beanies are again available for sale

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.

Catholic Education Week

 Next Friday, our community will participate in a School Mass to acknowledge and celebrate 150 Years of Catholic Education. We welcome families to attend this Mass at St Columba’s Church, commencing at 9:15 am, celebrated by Fr Ed Moloney and Fr Francis.

Mother’s Day Liturgies -Friday 10th May

This year we are excited to celebrate our Mother’s and the special women in our lives with Family group liturgies in LGs here at school. Family Group gatherings will commence at 9:15 am on Friday, 10th May, with all gates open from 9:05 am. Groups will gather in Prayer, and there will be opportunities for children and Mum’s to participate in activities together.

AEDC - Australian Early Development Census

Our school will take part in the AEDC between May and July this year. The AEDC is a national census conducted every three years by the Australian Government in partnership with state and territory governments. It measures how children have developed by the time they start their first year of full-time school.

The AEDC is voluntary and it does not measure how well children are doing at school, nor how their school compares to other schools. Instead, it shows how children are growing and progressing in five key areas, what is being done well and what can be improved. AEDC data is used by schools, early childhood organisations, researchers and governments to help plan and improve services and supports for children and families. This is why all children in their first year of school need to be included in the AEDC. You can learn more about the ways AEDC data is used at https://www.aedc.gov.au/.

Building Update

 On Wednesday this week, we attended our fortnightly site meeting and walked through the site. We are pleased to report that the plastering and roofing is now completed in the Columba wing.

Plastering and deck are still to come in the Iona building. This should be completed in the next 2 weeks, then on to internal fit-out. The external doors have also been installed, which is a great enhancement to the facade and will be a practical addition to the community spaces.

My New Gallery

Important Dates