Principal's Message
Week 6 - Term 1
Halfway Through Term 1 – A Wonderful Start to the Year
It’s hard to believe that we are already past the halfway mark of Term 1! It has been a calm and settled start to the school year, and I wanted to take a moment to share how wonderful it is to walk through the school after the morning bell and see children transitioning so smoothly into their learning. From the moment they leave the ‘sweet spot’ and move to their classroom meetings, they are engaged and ready for the day ahead. In the junior and middle school, phonics instruction begins swiftly, building essential literacy skills, while our senior students transition seamlessly into their literacy block. It’s remarkable to witness the high level of engagement, not just during these key learning times but throughout the entire school day.
When visiting classrooms, I see our students engaged, focused, and demonstrating self-efficacy in their learning. It’s a testament to the strong culture of learning and belonging we are building together.
This week marks a significant milestone for our Preps as they transition to full-time attendance, and their readiness for learning is a testament to our extensive Prep Transition Program. From day one, they step into a familiar environment, surrounded by familiar faces, already feeling a strong sense of belonging. This carefully structured transition ensures they are confident, settled, and ready to thrive in their school journey.
I am also delighted to share the incredible work our Student Representative Council (SRC) is doing to promote inclusion, friendship, and student voice. They have already met with their classes to gather ideas on what is important to them and have initiated changes to how our buddy bench works, including relocating it to a more accessible spot. They are also working towards creating calm spaces around the school, supporting all students in feeling comfortable and connected during break times. Alongside this, our Year 6 leaders continue to facilitate St Columba’s Kids, fostering connections across year levels and strengthening our school community. This program not only enhances the playground experience but also enriches learning in the classroom, ensuring that children feel known, supported, and connected beyond their own year group—one of the many benefits of being part of St Columba’s.
Excitingly, the upgrade to our sports courts is just days away! This will be a fantastic addition to our playground, and as always, we have ensured that students have a voice in this process. Through a student poll, we gathered their preferences for additional line markings beyond basketball and netball, and they voted for soccer and pickleball—both of which will be included.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the growing sense of community at St Columba’s, which is being strengthened by the active engagement of our families. This term, we’ve seen parents coming together—whether on the playground after school, at PFA events, or through social gatherings—creating a vibrant and connected school environment. The PFA and SAC are working hard to foster these opportunities, ensuring that family involvement continues to enrich our school culture. We love seeing families involved in school life, and our newsletters are a great way to stay connected. They provide updates on classroom learning, school events, and opportunities to engage with our community, as well as insights into current teaching practices and what learning looks like at St Columba’s. I encourage you to take a moment to read the newsletter each month to stay informed and connected to all that’s happening at our school.
Thank you for your continued support in making St Columba’s such a vibrant and welcoming community.
