Week 10 - Term 1

It only seems like yesterday that we were welcoming everyone back to school for the start of the 2025 school year. It doesn't take long for ten weeks to fly by. As I reflect on the term, it has been incredibly rewarding, and we have achieved some wonderful outcomes as a school community.

One of the most exciting developments has been the long-anticipated upgrade of our outdoor courts. We have eagerly awaited the removal of the existing surfaces and the beginning of drainage preparation work, and we were thrilled when construction began just a week later than projected. Over the holidays, the new court surfaces will be laid, and fencing will be installed, creating a wonderful new space for our children. We look forward to seeing the children experience these new courts for the first time, hopefully in Week 2 of Term 2. This upgrade will also be a highlight of our community celebrations at the Market on May 17.

Throughout the term, our commitment to fostering a culture of welcome and belonging has been evident in so many ways. It has been wonderful to see our school community come together, reconnecting and engaging with one another after the start of a new school year. The PFA has played a significant role in strengthening these connections, providing opportunities for families to gather, share experiences, and feel a deeper sense of belonging within our school. Every year level has hosted a gathering, many of which were held at school, creating a vibrant atmosphere where parents, and children could engage and form new friendships. The energy and warmth at these events have been a testament to the strength of our community.

Our SRC has worked on initiatives to make St Columba’s even more inclusive and welcoming, focusing particularly on student wellbeing. They have identified improvements for the Buddy Bench and Calm Areas, ensuring that these spaces serve as positive and empowering resources for children. Rather than being seen as a space for those without friends, the Buddy Bench is being reframed as an area for connection, problem-solving, and building new friendships. Additionally, the SRC gathered children’s feedback for the court renovations, ensuring student voices were part of the planning process. The inclusion of futsal (soccer) and pickleball alongside basketball and netball is a direct result of their input.

Harmony Day was another highlight, bringing our community together to celebrate the values of respect, inclusion, and hope. Our Year 3-6 children participated in a Harmony Day Mass and St Columba’s Kids wrapped up the week with Harmony Day celebrations, reinforcing the importance of belonging and international mindedness. St Columba’s Kids is coordinated by our Year 6 leaders and is run in house colours, adding a fun and competitive element, with points contributing to an overall house result.

Beyond the classroom, our students have continued to excel. We had an outstanding performance at the Holt District Swimming competition, finishing first on a percentage basis—an incredible achievement given our school’s size. Congratulations to the twelve students who advanced to the next level of competition.

Our commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment is a focus, with continued efforts to ensure smooth and timely morning transitions. Students begin their day with the Sweet Spot before moving into morning prayer and meeting at 8:45 am, followed by structured literacy and phonics learning. Across the school, we are seeing the benefits of consistency in practice, with clear routines and evidence-based teaching approaches strengthening student engagement and academic growth. All teaching staff, including LSOs, have completed Read Write Inc. training, further enhancing our literacy instruction and ensuring a unified approach from Prep to Year 6. This commitment to high-quality, consistent teaching is reflected in the academic progress we are seeing across all areas of the curriculum, with students demonstrating greater confidence, independence, and enthusiasm for learning.

A major focus this year has been the expansion of our STEAM program, and it has been inspiring to see children’s enthusiasm across all year levels. Our STEAM room is now fully operational, and children are engaging in hands-on innovation, including tinkering, coding, robotics, and 3D printing. The 3D printer has been running non-stop as our Year 4-6 children work on their Calm Corner project. The children’s creativity and collaboration has been amazing, demonstrating the many ways they can engage with STEAM learning.

Our partnerships with families and the broader community have continued to grow this term, fostering deeper connections and shared involvement in student learning. The Maths Open Learning Morning was a fantastic example of this, with an outstanding turnout from parents eager to engage in both the information session and classroom activities. It was wonderful to see families actively participating, gaining insight into the strategies we use to teach mathematics, and developing a greater understanding of how they can support their children at home. Research consistently highlights the impact of family engagement on student success, and events like these not only strengthen the home-school relationship but also empower parents with practical tools to reinforce learning beyond the classroom.

Our Annual Sports Day was another highlight, with fantastic team spirit, encouragement, and participation from children, staff and parents alike. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, and we were fortunate that the weather held out just long enough for a successful event. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day special for our school.

As we conclude this term, I want to express my gratitude to our staff, children, and families for their dedication and support. The progress we have made—in infrastructure, academics, and student wellbeing—is a testament to the strength of our community. I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable holiday break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting term ahead.

Community News

St Columba's Hall - Sunday 10am