Dear Parents and Carers,

This week is Wellness Week and our students have been undertaking activities in class which include reflections on feelings, exercise, relaxation and being in nature. Our staff have also enjoyed wellness time, with walking groups, self-care and a break from meetings.

Remember the coffee van tomorrow located in front of the Admin building - we hope you will take the opportunity to say hello to other parents as we conclude Wellness Week.

Today our swimmers competed in the Interschool Swimming Carnival - their fantastic efforts in the pool earned St Columba's second place overall. Congratulations to Joseph on Year 6 Runner Up Boy.

Parent Teacher Interviews are coming up. Please book your time - information and links are included below.

Enjoy the long weekend and we look forward to seeing families back on Tuesday 7 March.

God bless and keep safe.

Allen McMahon

Principal

Please note all tests are online except for the Year 3 Writing Test.

Students who are absent on a particular testing day are still able to complete the test when they return to school. The NAPLAN testing window is open until Monday 27 March, giving us time to complete any catch-up testing needed.

NAPLAN assesses fundamental skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time through the school curriculum, rather than specific content. It is not a pass-or-fail type test, for which students can study or drill, but rather shows how students are progressing in numeracy and literacy skills against national standards for all Australian children. It also provides information that allows schools and governments to better target efforts to help all students achieve their potential and acquire the basic skills to help them build successful lives.

A public demonstration site is available for parents and students to access. The link below provides access to the NAPLAN Online Demonstration site which provides examples of the different types of question formats as well as practice questions across all 4 testing areas. Public Demonstration Site Link

More information is available at www.nap.edu.au

We invite you to speak with your child’s classroom teacher if you have any concerns regarding the NAPLAN assessment.

The Sacramental Program for 2023 is offered to students in Years 3, 4 and 6.

Please note the Sacraments are Parish-based and not school-based and decisions surrounding the Sacraments are made by the Parish Priest in consultation with the school. Attendance at the St Columba’s Parish Sacramental Enrolment Mass is expected for all students who wish to receive the Sacraments this year.

In 2023, the Sacramental Enrolment Mass will be offered on Saturday, 25 March at 6pm. At least one parent and student candidates are asked to attend the Enrolment Mass.

The Sacramental Enrolment form below will be sent home as a hard copy this week with your child. These are due back to the classroom teacher by Friday, 17 March.

Please also see below the St Columba’s Parish Sacramental Overview for 2023, including key dates and events.

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