Dear Parents and Carers

It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through the school year! It has been a very productive semester with continued positive partnerships between home and school. So many great events and wonderful learning so far this year, you only have to check our very busy Facebook page.  We look forward to another productive semester after the break, beginning with our celebration of NAIDOC on Wednesday in the first week.

Please consider coming along to the information session on Cybersafety on the 1st day of Term 3, if you’re able.  The police liaison officer is only able to come during the day and is very experienced in this area.  It’s a tricky one to navigate, particularly as the children approach their teenage years.

I wish all our staff, students and families a restful holiday. Stay safe, enjoy the sunshine (fingers crossed there is some) and quality family time together.

Jenny Howard

Lisa Matzanke will remain on leave for Term 3 and Virginia Dunkley will teach Year 5 on a full-time basis.  Taylor Stokes will continue in her role as Acting Assistant Principal. 

From Week 1 of Term 3, Fiona O’Keefe will be joining us on Wednesdays as our 2^nd Aboriginal Education Teacher.  We welcome Fiona to our staff!

Unfortunately, Annette Mansfield remains unable to return and is hoping to be back from August 11.  In her absence, Anna Dean will teach Year 3 on Mondays and Tuesdays while Casey Stewart will continue teaching from Wednesday to Friday.

The Semester 1 reports will be made accessible to parents on your child’s Compass profile on Friday 4^th July.  While, we don’t offer formal interview sessions at this point, but please get in touch to make an appointment with your child’s teacher if you wish to discuss his/her report.  You are welcome to do this at any time.

At this time of year, we will be sending out a letter via email to let you know if your child’s attendance is lower than 90%.  This information is for you solely as a reminder that attendance over 90% is vital for consistent learning and achievement.  Periods of illness and family holidays will have an impact on this so you may still receive a letter even if your child has been on approved leave.

Could everyone please take the time to check uniforms over the holidays, some parents have reported missing jackets with their child's name marked on them, we understand how easy this can happen when they are all the same but would appreciate if you could check the labels.

In our Church tradition.... Sacramental Program Information / Parish Mass / Opening Doors Program

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM FOR THOSE INVOLVED: This is the final opportunity for children to attend Mass on a weekend before the Commitment Mass for Confirmation on the 26^th of July.

Father Joseph would be pleased to greet your child. Please greet Father Joseph as you arrive for Mass or after Mass. He also would like to introduce you to the congregation. Please be informed that he may do so following the final prayer.

Dates for the Sacrament of Confirmation:

• Commitment Mass: Saturday 26 July, St Philip’s Kotara @ 5:00PM (Winter)
• Online lessons: complete at home during 28 July – 4 August (Term 3)
• Face to face lesson: takes place at schools in Term 3
  • St Columba’s Adamstown: Monday 4 August @ 3:30PM
• Retreat Day: Friday 15^th August at Kotara (during the school day)
• Ceremony: Thursday 21^st August @ 6:30pm, St Philip’s Kotara

CLASS MASS: Please see dates below for Class Mass for Term 3. Parents are very welcome to attend. Children will be participating in readings and the offertory during these Masses. 

WEEKEND MASS TIMES FOR ST COLUMBA’S: It is always lovely for children and their families to attend Mass in our Parish. Currently Mass is celebrated each Sunday at 8:00am.

OPENING DOORS: Welcoming you into the Catholic Family

The Catholic Church welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life – anyone who has a desire to learn about and enter into a life of faith in Jesus Christ can become a Catholic. The process of becoming a Catholic is a journey of faith and conversion. It is a time to learn about the teachings of the Church, to grow in one’s relationship with God, and to make a commitment to live a Christian life.

Adults who are interested in how to become Catholic can enrol in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program through a local parish. The RCIA program provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Catholic faith, including its teachings, history, and traditions and culminates in the individual receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. St Columba’s Primary School is part of the All Saints Blackbutt South Parish Community. Adults who wish to become Catholic can after a period of preparation receive Baptism, Communion & Confirmation at the same time. Please contact our Parish Priest, Father Joseph Figurado for more information via the Parish Office on 02 4954 0977.

In our parish Baptisms are celebrated on celebrated on the first, second and third Sundays of the month, 11:30AM at St Philip’s Kotara, except for January. Application forms are available from the Parish Office. Bookings and preparation are essential. Baptism enquiries may be made via the Parish Office on Tuesdays and Thursdays on 02 4954 0977. The Baptism Preparation program is held at 10:30AM every 4th Sunday of the month except December.

More information can be found on the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle website by following the link below. How do I become Catholic? Our Catholic community welcomes those who are searching.

If you have any questions or require support, please contact Amie Harry, our school Religious Education Coordinator on amie.harry@mn.catholic.edu.au

In our Community.... Save the Date - Father’s Day Liturgy and Lunch and Formation Days

FATHER’S DAY LITURGY CELEBRATION: Our Father’s Day Liturgy for this year will take place on Friday 5^th September at 12.30pm. Father’s, Grandfathers and those who are like fathers are invited to join in a liturgy, followed by a lunch and some afternoon activities with the children. More details to come. Save the date!  

STAFF AND STUDENT FORMATION DAYS:

What is it? Faith formation helps individuals grow in their understanding and practice of their faith. It involves learning about religious beliefs, values, and traditions, and how to live them out in daily life. This process supports spiritual development and fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.

Last Monday our teachers and support staff took part in a formation day focused on the Diocesan Theme for 2025: One Call, One Mission: Pilgrims of Hope. To help to develop this in our students, the St Columba’s school community will be having a ‘Student Faith Formation Day’ later next term. On this day, students will work with their class or stage over the day using a variety of activities and experiences to help strengthen their faith and spirituality with a focus on the theme: One Call, One Mission: Pilgrims of Hope. Some of these activities may involve prayer, Gospel reflection, Christian meditation and exploring our Catholic values.

In our Curriculum.... Module in Focus: Year 4

In Term 2, Year 4 students have been learning about the Holy Spirit with Mrs. Bryant. They explored how the Holy Spirit is present in the Church and the world, especially through the Sacrament of Confirmation. The children learned about the symbols and rituals of Confirmation and how the Holy Spirit helps them live like Jesus. They also discovered how the Holy Spirit guides Christians to continue Jesus' work and serve others. This module helped students understand the important role of the Holy Spirit in their lives and in the community.

Building Faith Together: Conversations for Parents and Kids

A new addition to RE News, this section provides conversation starters to help parents engage with their child’s Religious Education and deepen their understanding together.

1. Conversation Starter:
   • Can you tell me about what you've learned about the Holy Spirit in class?
   • Possible Prompt: What are some symbols and rituals associated with the Sacrament of Confirmation? How does the Holy Spirit help you live like Jesus? 

2. Conversation Starter:
   • How does the Holy Spirit guide us in our daily lives?
   • Possible Prompt: Can you explain how the Holy Spirit helps Christians continue Jesus' work and serve others? What did you learn about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation?

Have a lovely week and may God bless you always,

Amie Harry and Emma McCulloch

Religious Education Coordinators

NAIDOC 2025

The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy

As we enter 2025, NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of honouring Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.

This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” celebrates both the achievements of the past and the promise of the future—led by young leaders, shaped by community vision, and grounded in ancestral legacy.

What began as a movement for rights and recognition has become a powerful national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strength. As we reflect on this 50-year journey, we also look forward—guided by our Elders and committed to a future where Indigenous voices lead the way.

Determination to inspire the next generation. With every story, tradition, and act of resilience, we honour a legacy that stretches from the past into the future.

This NAIDOC Week, we celebrate not just a milestone, but a growing movement—driven by community, inspired by vision, and carried forward by those who will shape what comes next.

Official NAIDOC Artwork. ‘Ancestral Lines’

Artist Jeremy Morgan Worrall

“Ancestral Lines is a visual representation of the lines and ties that follow a generation and the songs that come with it. 

When I think of the next generation I think towards my Ancestor Lucy Wright, Enoch Wright, Nonie Wright, all the way from my Nanna Audrie to my Mother Vanessa. 

When I look back at my mob it helps me see towards the future, it gives me hope and strength knowing what my mob have survived through and accomplished amid adversity. 

Each person in the painting depicts a series of lines akin to songlines, that represent what they know, who they were and what they have passed on, the first being that of lore (interpretive), hunting, protecting, and tracking, the second of care, weaving, fishing, and love. 

The third is when we see the two combine into one, and the last two take unfinished elements of them all, to show the passing down of knowledge and care. 

Above them is the essence of the land they live and protect/care for. It is a depiction of my home the cold skies of Tenterfield with the swirling clouds and giant moon, a place around the fire is where the next Generation find their strength, vision and legacy”.

-Jeremy Morgan Worrall (artist)

The staff, students and St Columba’s community are proud to honor and celebrate NAIDOC 2025 with another amazing NAIDOC day on Wednesday 23^rd July.

Parents and friends are warmly invited to join us for the Morning Ceremony (9am – 9:30am) and Closing Ceremony (2:20pm-2:50pm).

We also extend heartfelt thanks to all families who have supported our tireless fundraising efforts to provide our students with another amazing NAIDOC day. Our McDonald’s Family Fun Night was a huge success, and students have loved munching on zoopa doopas each Tuesday lunch time. Congratulations to all our NAIDOC raffle winners!

A big thanks to the below businesses who very generously donated to our NAIDOC raffle

• Anaconda Bennetts Green
• BCF Bennetts Green
• Dullboys Warners Bay
• Harvey Norman Bennetts Green
• Hoyts Charlestown
• Kmart Kotara
• McDonald’s Broadmeadow
• Office Works Kotara
• Office Works Warners Bay
• William’s Chemist Charlestown
• Wilson’s Chemist Adamstown

We also thank the below businesses who have donated items to be used in our NAIDOC workshops

• Bunnings Bennetts Green
• Bunnings Kotara
• Office Works Kotara
• Office Works Warners Bay

Deadly Streaming

Over the past semester, some of our senior Aboriginal students have been working with Uncle Craig Hammond as part of the ‘Deadly Streaming’ cultural mentoring course, presented through the University of Newcastle.

Uncle Craig has shared his knowledge and experiences with students to help build their cultural connections and identity as proud Aboriginal students.

Students received a certificate and specially made, Deadly Streaming shirt to commemorate this awesome course they have worked through with Uncle Craig.  

Significant Cultural Events

Sunday 6^th to Sunday 13^th July: NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country. 

Click HERE for more information

12^th July: Anniversary of the Australian Aboriginal Flag

The Aboriginal flag was first raised on 12 July 1971 on National Aborigine’s Day (a precursor to NAIDOC week) in Victoria Square, Adelaide.

The flag become a recognisable symbol of the Aboriginal people of Australia and is flown during NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week.

The Australian Aboriginal flag was officially declared a proclaimed flag of Australia on 14 July 1995, which means it holds special political and legal status.

Click HERE for more information

Danielle Shaw

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Education Teacher

SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating NAIDOC Week | St Columba's Primary School - Adamstown

Congratulations to the following students who have recently completed their PRC for 2025.  Well done to Adhithi Dhivya Ratheesh (Year 1), Cruze Bunt (Year 4), Charlie Thompson (Kinder) and Abhinav Dhivya Ratheesh (Year 1).  Keep reading and recording your titles until the end of August!

If you are in Sydney over the school holidays and are looking for some excellent FREE events, check out the State Library. It is one of my favourite libraries.  Kids and families | State Library of New South Wales . With this current weather, you might like an indoor and warmer activity.

You may know that our school pays for a subscription to worldbookonline.  We use this student friendly website often in our library lessons for research.  You are welcome to use it at home and will discover some excellent educational games, activities and research ideas to explore. Follow this link Home | World Book Kids. The username and password are the same: scps2289

Janet Carmichael (Teacher Librarian)

Kinder 2026 Enrolment

Online enrolments are now open for Kinder 2026 and round 1 offers have been sent. Please see the link below to complete enrolment if you have a child attending in 2026.

https://www.adamstownsc.catholic.edu.au/enrolment-information/enrolment-information/

Volunteering

Please see the link below if you wish to complete the process to volunteer at St Columba's, please note this can take 2-6 weeks. You still need to complete this process if you are the holder of a working with children check.

https://www.mn.catholic.edu.au/families-communities/volunteers/

Uniform ordering

Below is due to transitioning from BME Uniforms to Yeronga

BME - 1st option 

https://scpsuniformshop.bigcartel.com/?fbclid=IwAR2fp08x9txkjn_M_gojY1clV-EFrH80Wuj9_JUrUzbqcxd-a6Au9gHCuMw

If there are items that are no longer available through BME you can visit the Yeronga Uniforms web site. We are in the process of moving over to this supplier. Link below. Some items not yet available.

Yeronga Uniforms

https://www.yerongauniforms.com/product-category/schools/st-columbas-adamstown/

Application for leave

If your child is going to be away for more than 10 school days (consecutive) the leave needs to be applied for and approved by the school principal. This form is available on Compass under School Documentation.

Adding attendance note to Compass

Full day absence can be added via Compass but partial abesence is to be entered by the parent/carer at the school office on the Compass Kiosk (late arrival/early leave). You can also put in a date range for more than one day.

A reminder that if there is a change to arrangements for your child in the afternoon, please contact the office prior to 1.30pm when possible so the note can go via the note basket, this way we are not interrupting the class learning time with phone calls.

Our PEG meeting will be held on Monday July 21 at 2pm. Our topic is supporting children with cybersafety and social media and will be presented by Senior Constable Cassie Johnston, the police officer who spoke with Year 6 earlier this term. The date, which is the first day of Term 3, is due to the availability of the police officer who will be speaking. To ensure that maximum time will be spent on the topic, Senior Constable Johnston will be speaking from 2pm and Jenny Howard will be available after she finishes for any parents who wish to ask questions on or discuss any other school matters.

If you would like to attend the cybersafety talk please RSVP to admin@adamstownsc.catholic.edu.au If you have anything specific you would like to ask or you would like her to speak about, please include that in your email and I'll pass it on.