Dear Parents and Carers,

St Columba’s between now and the end of the year is in the process of reviewing the school Strategic Plan for the next three years. This will involve surveying families, staff, P&F and the

students to identify our school priorities over the next three years.

Many thanks to the P&F for the funds to purchase books for individual class libraries. They have been a fantastic resource for classrooms.

Our Little Library for parents has been installed outside of Year 6G class. To get it up and running, we would appreciate the donation of good books that other parents may enjoy reading. Our thanks again to the Iozzi family of Timbercraft Furniture for the custom built cabinet.

A reminder to families that parking protocols are to be followed when it comes to parking to ensure the safety of our students. The Kiss and Drive is in operation for all K-6 students.

Families are not to park in the church car park as this is for staff and parish users only. Families, please note that you will need to adhere to the school parking policy and the street

verge signage. Parking is not permitted in the Church cap park or ‘no standing or parking ‘zones and cars that do not follow the street and verge signage face a possible fine from the Ranger.

Parent teacher interviews will commence next week. Please take time to meet your child’s teacher and discuss their progress and future progress this year.

There will be a P&F meeting Tuesday, 21 March at 7:00pm in the school staff room.

A reminder, students will finish this term on Wednesday, 5 April. School will resume in Term 2 on Wednesday, 26 April.

God bless and keep safe.

Allen McMahon

Principal

Sacramental Enrolment forms are due tomorrow, Friday 17 March. Please send these to the classroom teacher to ensure your child is enrolled in the Sacramental Program this year (Reconciliation – Year 3; First Eucharist – Year 4; Confirmation – Year 6).

Harmony Week celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It focusses on inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. The theme is EVERYONE BELONGS. St Columba’s will be celebrating this important week on Tuesday 21 March, with each class participating in special activities. On Tuesday 21st March, students may wear cultural dress. As orange is the official Harmony Week colour, students may also wear an orange t-shirt if they have one, and/or suitable orange accessories.

Students will participate in special activities within their classrooms and Years 1-6 will share in a Harmony Day liturgy together.

We welcome all parents in PP - Year 6 to attend the Edu-dance Performance Concert on Tuesday 4 April, commencing at 2pm. Book this date in your diaries!

The Concert will take place on the top oval (next to the drive through) with specific sections for students/staff and parents.

Please see the information below regarding costume requirements for the Concert.

We ask students to bring their costume to school for their Week 9 Edu-dance lesson on either Tuesday, 28 March or Wednesday, 29 March to allow for a full performance run-through before the actual concert date.

Students are required to bring their Edu-dance costume to school on the Concert Performance Day (Tuesday 4 April) and will have time in class to change into their outfits.

At the conclusion of the concert all classes will return to their classrooms where parents will have the option of collecting their child early from school if they wish.

We look forward to a great experience and memorable event.

Please see your classroom teacher if you have any questions.

Children are naturally optimistic and tend to expect the best out of their experiences. We can all learn from our children’s positive outlook of the world. As significant adults in the lives of our children, we can help to nurture optimism. “Children who practise optimistic thinking are more resilient, they are less likely to give up in the face of challenge and they tend to interpret experiences in a way that gives them a sense of control and confidence.”

If you are interested in reading more on how to encourage optimism, please have a look at this article.

https://www.heysigmund.com/why-parents-should-teach-optimism-and-how-to-do-it/#:~:text=Children%20who%20practise%20optimistic%20thinking,sense%20of%20control%20and%20confidence

We are well into our Kindy 2024 enrolments, with limited places still available. If you know of family or friends who are considering St Columba's, please invite them to book a visit - we would love to show them around.

Applications for Kindy 2025 are well underway. If you know of family or friends who are considering St Columba's, please invite them to book a visit - we would love to show them around. For families who have applied to enrol for Kindergarten 2025, we will be in touch in the coming weeks to arrange interviews. Siblings of current students are not required to attend an interview.

Cash payments are no longer accepted. Payments can be made by credit card - Visit scholastic.com.au/LOOP or download the LOOP app. Your order will be electronically linked to the rest of your school's order. You do not need to complete the order form.

Term 1: Wednesday, 1 February to Wednesday, 5 April 2023

Term 2: Wednesday, 26 April to Friday, 30 June 2023

Term 3: Monday, 17 July to Friday, 21 September 2023

Term 4: Monday, 9 October to Friday, 8 December 2023

Term 1: Thursday 6 April

Term 2: Monday 24 April, Monday 15 May and Friday 2 June

Term 3: Friday 22 September

Term 4: None

Sacramental Program Enrolment Mass: Saturday, 25 March at 6pm

Confirmation: Saturday, 27 May at 6pm

Eucharist: Sunday, 7 May at 9:30am

Reconciliation: Saturday, 11 November at 10am