St Columba's News

SAC & PFA News 

Thank you – SAC

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the School Advisory Council. 

Chair: Michael Ilott

Secretary: Seamus Power

Members: Imogen Lewis, Nick Mitchell, Simon Lewin, Bern Bradley, Fr John

 

You have each brought a depth of experience and expertise that plays such a big part in ensuring our SAC is representative of our school community and is grounded in a commitment to ensuring all children who attend St Columba’s will flourish. I would like to thank Imogen and Simon for their advice and assistance with the Masterplan. Your expertise in this area was invaluable, and we are very grateful for your support. On behalf of the community and especially the children who are the recipients of your work, I would like to say thank you for all your time, expertise, care and generosity.

Thank you

 

I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the following longstanding families in our community. The Carrick family, Clothier family, Diaz family, Doolan family, Patten family, Thivend family and the McLaughlin family, all who are seeing the last of their children through St Columba’s. These families have been members of this community for more than 10 years, some close to 18 years!

 

I would also like to take the opportunity to thank two of the founding members of the Parent Green Team Anna Malone and Sam Smith. Both women have been instrumental in assisting the school to achieve its 5 star rating. It has been their vision and passion that has enabled us to complete many of the works that the school has completed. To Sam and Anna, thank you for securing the many grants that we have been recipients of and for seeing them come to life. We have been very fortunate to have people of such passion and inspiration and we are grateful for the legacy you have left us.

PFA

On behalf of the school community, I would like to thank the PFA for the work they have undertaken this year to raise funds and provide social engagements for our school community. The PFA are a vital to a school. Without the support of the PFA many of the extras just would not be able to go ahead. I thank each volunteer for the time and support they have given. 

 

I would like to thank the current class reps. Thank you for keeping things going for your year levels. For the extra catch ups, social nights and for drumming up the volunteers. Your support has been incredible especially as we re-emerge from the COVID years.

Expression of interest welcome for the St Columba’s School Advisory Council 2023

 

As of January 2021, like all the Catholic parish and diocesan schools in the Melbourne Archdiocese, St Columba’s Primary is now under the guidance of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS).  As such every school has a School Advisory Council as a way of giving parents and guardians a chance to be involved in the school.

 

Over the years, we have emphasized the importance of parents and guardians being involved in partnering with the school and the way this helps your children in their education. 

 

Below are listed some of the ways a School Advisory Council can give advice to the Principal and Leadership in the school – there are many other areas as well.

 

  • The Religious Education program
  • Curriculum
  • Enrolments and enrolment policy
  • School resources
  • Improvements in the school
  • Annual Report to the school community
  • Family partnerships

 

I am now calling on expressions of interest from within our community to become a member of the School Advisory Council in 2023. I invite you to nominate yourself in writing to me, dmaddalena@scelwood.catholic.edu.au,. Please provide any relevant information that would support your expressions of interest e.g. areas of particular interest and expertise. Closing date 31 January 2023.

I hope many of you will see this as another chance to support your school and your children and will take up this opportunity.