Principal's Message

Principal's Message – Week  5 Term 3

The Power of Belonging: Fostering a Supportive School Community

At our school, we understand that a strong sense of belonging is essential for children’s overall well-being and academic success. As we participate in National Prevention of Bullying Week 2024, with its theme 'Everyone Belongs,' we have used the week to highlight the importance of creating an environment where every child feels valued and included.

A sense of belonging significantly enhances children’s ability to learn. When children feel secure and accepted, they are more likely to engage actively in their education. They develop confidence, are willing to take risks, and are better equipped to overcome challenges. This supportive environment fosters both their academic and personal growth.

When children feel they belong, bullying struggles to find a place. It’s about embracing who we are, respecting everyone’s differences, and standing up together against unkindness. Belonging means we all have a role in preventing bullying. We're encouraged to speak up and create a safe place where everyone feels supported and respected, and our voices are heard and valued. Bullying No Way

In today’s era of social media and screen time, children often face challenges in developing essential social skills. Explicitly teaching these skills is more important than ever. Teaching children to listen, show care and empathy, and practise kindness from a young age is crucial for their social and emotional development. These lessons shape them into compassionate, considerate, and responsible individuals. By helping our children develop emotional intelligence, we enable them to recognize and manage their emotions and empathise with the emotions of others. This fosters effective and meaningful interactions, reducing conflicts and misunderstandings.

Additionally, when children internalise these values and behaviours, they actively contribute to creating a more harmonious and inclusive environment, whether it's at school, home, or within the broader society. Teaching children to be kind and caring goes beyond individual interactions—it encourages them to engage in prosocial behaviour, positively influencing their communities and the world at large. By instilling values such as compassion, kindness, and empathy early on, we not only foster ethical behaviour but also lay the foundation for morally responsible individuals. These qualities can be nurtured through consistent, everyday actions, like actively listening to children, valuing their thoughts and feelings, and encouraging them to express their emotions while responding with empathy.

Our International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) aims to develop knowledgeable and caring young people who contribute to a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

Understanding the interconnected nature of the world and developing an understanding and respect for other perspectives, cultures, and languages helps children at our school to see themselves as members of the global community. Australia is a multicultural society, so it is important that our children understand that the world is comprised of different people and perspectives. Through understanding our similarities and differences, our children feel a greater sense of connectedness to the world and understand that they have a global responsibility to themselves and each other.

This term, it has been wonderful to welcome all our new families and our international students from China to our school. Their presence enriches our community, offering us the opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives and cultures. As we continue to foster a sense of belonging at St Columba’s, we invite all parents and guardians to join us in this mission. Together, we can create a supportive, inclusive environment where every child thrives.

In Week 8 of this term, starting from 2 September, I will be taking long service leave and returning at the beginning of Term 4. The last three weeks of the term are filled with many wonderful experiences for our children, with the Art Show being the highlight. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this fantastic evening of arts and entertainment, which is well underway in preparation. I’m confident it will be a memorable celebration for our school community.

During my absence, Bern Bradley will step into my role, ably supported by Natalie Cromie, Nicole Spence, and our dedicated staff here at St Columba’s. As we approach the holidays, I wish you all a restful break, and I look forward to reconnecting with you in 

Term 4.