Our donated desks, chairs and library books have finally reached Samban School. Through the amazing work of HEAPS PNG the desks were shipped; loaded onto trucks for the four hour journey to Angoram township at the mouth of the Sepik River; then a six hour outboard engine boat ride; and finally a 2km walk to Samban School. Everyone is very grateful for this wonderful gift to the students.

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back everyone to the start of Term 2.

I am hopeful that all had a restful break and enjoyed the holidays. Spending quality time with families is so important.

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers the students who will be making their Confirmation and First Holy Communion this term. I know that the teachers will have them well prepared for the celebration of these Sacraments and it will be an exciting time for the students. The First Holy Communion Mass will take place next Sunday, 7 May at 9:30am at the St Columba’s Parish.

Our school community would like to welcome Miss Isabelle Mercer to the 3G classroom teacher role at St Columba’s this term. Mr Jermaine Beins has accepted a teaching position at St Jerome’s and we thank him for his service to our school and wish him all the best.

Our ANZAC Day Assembly will be held this Friday in Kalyara, commencing at 9am. We invite parents to attend. Anzac Day is a time for all Australians to recognise the more than 1.5 million service men and women who have served our country in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations. It's also a time to remember the over 103, 000 Australians who sacrificed their lives in our country's name.

Our wonderful P & F are working with our Sustainability Team at school to create a sustainable garden space. The next phase of this project is the introduction of the Worm Farm. Students in Years 2-6 will participate in worm farm incursions in Week 3, with further information about this exciting initiative later in the newsletter.

The annual ‘Dad’s Camp Out’ details have been confirmed and we thank the new team for their organisation and enthusiasm. Check out the P & F Section in the newsletter for all the information you need.

A reminder that Monday, 15 May (Week 4) is a Pupil Free Day.

We look forward to an exciting and memorable term ahead.

Jesse Yock

Acting Principal

We will gather tomorrow as a whole school to celebrate ANZAC Day. We remember all those who have served our nation during war, those who have died, and those who have returned. Let us pray for all who fought for our country believing in the gift of peace. Students will participate in an Anzac Day Assembly at 9am this Friday 28 April, led by our Year 6 leaders.

Our Year 6 students are busy preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this term. Parents of those candidates receiving Confirmation in 2023 will meet for the Parent Information Evening next Monday 1 May at 6pm in the Church. One parent from each family is asked to attend the session, which should take about 45 minutes.

All Year 2-6 classes will attend a P&F funded worm farm incursion session in Week 3 – see schedule below.

Worm Farm Incursion Schedule Y2-6 classes

Worm Farm Incursion Details – Action Item for Parents

All students will need to collect a clear plastic drink bottle each to make their mini worm farm(1.25L bottles are best). We will begin collecting these from tomorrow, Friday 28 April. We also ask parents to please bring in any extras from your homes if available.

We ask parents to cut the necks off the bottles so that they become a cylinder shape and label these with your child’s name before sending into your child’s classroom prior to the incursion.

Refer to photo below:

Book Club Issue 3

Orders due by Wednesday, 10 May

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

Term 3: Friday 22 September

Term 4: None

Confirmation: Saturday, 27 May at 6pm

Eucharist: Sunday, 7 May at 9:30am

Reconciliation: Saturday, 11 November at 10am