Week 10 - Term 4

As we bring 2024 to a close, I wish to take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements and milestones we’ve reached together as a school community this term. It’s been a term filled with learning, connection, and celebration—and as a school, we are so proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.

We were thrilled to see our school featured on the IB website, highlighting the strengths of our PYP program to a global audience. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares our students not only for academic success but for lifelong learning. It’s a reminder of the dedication and passion that drive our teachers and students every day.

Being recognised as one of Australia’s innovative schools by The Educator was another standout moment. This acknowledgment shines a spotlight on the incredible work happening in every classroom and across every learning area. It also brought us a wider audience and recognition through the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools media, celebrating our commitment to creativity, innovation, and forward-thinking approaches.

The Year 6 Exhibition this term was a beautiful celebration of our students’ passion, curiosity, and confidence. Thank you to everyone who joined us to witness this amazing event. It showcased how a holistic education at St Columba’s nurtures not only academic achievement but also social-emotional growth and self-efficacy, setting students up for a successful transition to secondary school.

The Carols Night and Art Auction was truly magical. A huge thank you to Steph, Chris, Bec, and our Year 5 PFA team for their exceptional efforts. The evening was a resounding success, raising an impressive $4,000 for our STEAM program while bringing together past, present, and future families. It was a beautiful celebration of the strong community spirit that defines our little school with a big heart.

Our social justice initiatives were also a highlight of the term. We saw our community come together to support the Vinnies Christmas Hampers, showing our commitment to caring for those in need. The connection with Sacred Heart Aged Care continued to grow stronger, with Year 5 students visiting residents throughout the year and sharing their earnest reflections of their experiences during our Grandparents Day celebrations. It was heartwarming to witness these connections deepen, as our students-built relationships and brought joy to the residents. We are also looking forward to participating in an Art Collaboration project with Sacred Heart Aged Care in 2025, which will involve our 4/5/6 students, extending our connection.

We had a wonderful farewell assembly for our Year 6 students last Friday. Their speeches reflected their time at St Columba’s with pride and gratitude, capturing the meaningful experiences they’ve had both in and out of the classroom. It was particularly uplifting to have Fr John and Josh Burns MP present the Dame McNamara award, sharing how the sincerity and insight of our students’ speeches brought them such joy and inspiration.

Tonight at 5:00pm, we gather once more for our End-of-Year Mass—a perfect way to celebrate our shared journey, the achievements of the year, and the community spirit that is at the heart of everything we do at St Columba’s.

As we look ahead to 2025, I feel a deep sense of optimism. We have an exceptional staff, a committed community, a strong curriculum focus, and the invaluable support of our parish. Together, we will continue to provide every child with a well-structured and meaningful learning journey that prepares them for success in all areas of life.

Thank you for your unwavering support, commitment, and for being an integral part of our school community. Please enjoy the St Columba’s Times that your child will bring home tomorrow, which celebrates everything we’ve achieved together. We look forward to a new year filled with even more opportunities, growth, and success.

On behalf of the St Columba’s staff, I wish you all a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and precious family time.

Wishing you all a very happy and restful holiday season!

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