SAC News
Update on the Sports Courts Project and Community Market
Dear families,
As you may have noticed, work has begun on our new Sports Courts. The old courts have been removed, and our contractors are now preparing the area with new drainage and ground levels.
Unfortunately, due to a clerical error by our architects there’s been a delay in getting council approval for the new fencing. This means the project will be pushed back by about a month.
We had hoped to have the courts ready by May 13, but we’re now expecting them to be completed by mid-June.
We know this is disappointing, especially as we had planned to showcase the new courts at our Community Market on May 17. However, we’re confident our temporary playground arrangements during recess and lunch will continue to support safe and active play during the extra construction period.
Rescheduling the Community Market
Given the delay, and after speaking with our Parents and Friends Association, we’ve decided to reschedule the Community Market to late November.
This event is an important one for our school. It helps raise valuable funds and gives prospective families a great sense of our learning and play environment. With the courts still under construction in May, we felt it would take away from the experience and not reflect the vibrant spaces we’re so proud of.
A big thank you to Tanya, Pamela, and all the volunteers who’ve already put so much time and energy into preparing for May 17. We’re excited to work together toward an even bigger and better event later in the year.
Federal Election Polling Place at St Columba’s
We’re pleased to share that our school has been chosen as a polling place for the upcoming Federal Election on May 3, which is an excellent opportunity for fundraising!
We’ll be running a BBQ, lemonade stand, ice cream stall, and possibly a bake sale (we’ll confirm soon). If you’re able to help out or donate baked goods, we’d love your support! Please email Helena Walden hfwalden@gmail.com to get involved.
Letter from MACS & VCEA about the Election
As part of the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) and Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) networks, we’re sharing the letter below from the CEO of VCEA.
The letter outlines the major political parties’ policies on funding for Catholic schools, to help families make informed decisions.
We want to be clear: this is not about telling anyone how to vote. Sharing the letter is a requirement from our governing bodies and complies with all relevant not-for-profit guidelines.
If you have feedback or questions about the letter, you’re welcome to contact VCEA or MACS directly.
Thank you for your continued support of St Columba’s.
Daniella Maddalena and Andrew Catterall (SAC Chair)
Professor Elizabeth Labone
Chief Executive Officer
T: (03) 84179301 M: 0412485190
A: Level 6, 486 Albert Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002
A: PO Box 4220, Fitzroy VIC 3065
E: elabone@vcea.catholic.edu.au
Letter to schools in Macnamara
Dear parents and carers,
Ahead of the Federal election on 3 May, I wanted to share some important information for you to consider as you make your voting decision.
Catholic schools play a vital role in Victoria’s education system with our sector educating one in five Victorian students.
Australian Government recurrent and capital funding is critical to ensuring that our students have access to the quality learning and teaching programs and facilities that they need to achieve their full potential.
In Macnamara there are 1,453 students across the five schools in the electorate from 1,179 families. All students and families in Catholic schools in Macnamara should be able to have confidence in ongoing Federal support for their choice to access a high-quality Catholic education.
To date, the Australia Labor Party (ALP) and the Liberal National coalition have committed to continuing current funding arrangements for Catholic schools into the future.
Conversely, the Greens political party has made multiple policy proposals that exclude families who have chosen Catholic schools.
Please take this letter into consideration ahead of the Federal election and thank you for your ongoing support of our school.