Dear Parents and Carers

As we begin our 3^rd term (Where has this year gone so quickly!) we look forward to another term of great learning and partnership with you.  Learning can be busy, active, noisy and even messy. It can be frustratingly slow, and it can be impressively quick. It can be individual or collaborative and it doesn’t always happen when we think it is going to. Learning is unique to every learner.  It is our ongoing commitment at St Columba’s to ensure we are meeting every learner where they are at, provide opportunities for their best learning by always knowing, supporting, and enabling their next steps. We look forward to another great Term!

On Wednesday last week we had a wonderful celebration of NAIDOC.  Many thanks to Danielle Shaw for the work put into bringing this day together.

Jenny Howard

PRINCIPAL

Welcome back to Term 3!

I hope everyone enjoyed some extra time with family over the holidays. I’m looking forward to continuing to work alongside our wonderful school community in my role as Acting Assistant Principal this term.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)

Our current PB4L focus is on sharing our play spaces respectfully. When students willingly share these areas, they help create a safe, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Families can support this focus by encouraging children to take turns, use equipment safely, and talk about how they can be considerate of others - both at home and at school.

Grow Your Mind (GYM)

This term, we are exploring Teamwork as a character strength - an essential part of building a thriving school community. Teamwork means working well with others, listening actively, sharing ideas, and supporting one another to achieve common goals. At school, this might look like students collaborating in the classroom, helping peers in the playground, or showing kindness and respect during group discussions.

Families can nurture this strength at home by encouraging cooperative play, modelling respectful communication, and celebrating moments when children show empathy or help others.

Thank You!

Thank you to the families who supported our wellbeing initiative last term by ordering a copy of A Good Enough Kid. Your orders should have made it home by now - happy reading! Please let us know if you are still waiting for your copy.

Taylor Stokes 

Acting Assistant Principal 

Our Year 6 class recently undertook an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

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

Dates for the Sacrament of Confirmation:

• 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.

Children's Ministry Meeting – You're Invited!

Whether you're new, a helper or a seasoned facilitator of Children's Liturgy of the Word, or someone curious about sharing the joy of the Gospel with young hearts, come join our welcoming parish network meeting. This is a chance to connect, learn, and grow with others passionate about nurturing faith in children.

When: Sunday 17 August – after 9:30AM Mass

Where: St Kevin’s Cottage Meeting Room

Come for the inspiration, stay for the community. Enjoy a cuppa. We’d love to see you there!

Note: We have Children's Liturgy at Adamstown 8:00AM Mass and Kotara 5:00PM Mass and commencing at Cardiff 9:30AM Mass aiming to start on 24 August. You are encouraged to bring your children along each week to help strengthen their faith. 

In our Community.... Save the Date - Father’s Day Liturgy, Lunch and Activities

FATHER’S DAY LITURGY CELEBRATION: Our Father’s Day Liturgy for this year will take place on Friday 5^th September from 12:30pm. Father’s, Grandfathers and those who are like fathers are invited to join in a liturgy under the COLA, followed by lunch and some afternoon activities with the children. An order form for lunch for the dads will be sent home soon. Please keep an eye out for this.

In our Curriculum.... Module in Focus: Year 1

In Term 3, Year 1 students in Religious Education lessons will explore how they belong to a larger faith community - the Church, by learning about their identity as part of the Body of Christ and the importance of building connections within this spiritual family. They will also be introduced to Baptism as the sacrament of initiation, helping them understand how it marks the beginning of their journey as members of the People of God.

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.

Conversation Starter: Can you tell me how you are part of the Church family?
Prompt for parents: This question encourages your child to reflect on their sense of belonging within the Church. You might follow up by talking about your own experiences with church or community, and how being part of a faith family helps us feel connected and supported.

Conversation Starter: What did you learn about Baptism and why it’s important?
Prompt for parents: Use this question to explore your child’s understanding of Baptism as a special way people are welcomed into God’s family. You could share stories or photos from their own Baptism (if applicable), or talk about Baptism in your family to help make the learning personal and meaningful.

Have a lovely week and may God bless you always,

Amie Harry and Emma McCulloch

Religious Education Coordinators

NAIDOC 2025

Wow!!!

Our fourth annual St Columba’s NAIDOC day did not disappoint!!! What a fabulous day we shared celebrating NAIDOC’s 50^th year of honouring Indigenous voices, culture and resilience. Our NAIDOC day also honoured local Awabakal Country as well as the 2025 NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy

Our day began with a beautiful Morning Ceremony, led by Stephanie Phoenix of the Gringai clan, Wonnaruah nation and Mauri Perry, a proud Worimi man. Students were led through a traditional smoking and a dance display, encompassing some of our Aboriginal students.

Following our Morning Ceremony, students then rotated to various hands-on workshops. They included;

‘Traditional Dance interwoven with Hip Hop' workshop led by Hilary McEntyre, a proud Worimi woman and owner of the local business, 'Dreamtime Dance Company'. Students loved learning traditional dance movements with a hip hop 'spin'.

'Local Bush Tucker Tasting' workshop led by Stephanie Phoenix. Students bravely tasted many native plants and meats including crocodile, emu and wallaby. They also enjoyed their own drink using native ingredients.

‘Aboriginal Culture Through Digital Music’ workshop led by Kaleb Green, a proud Worimi man and music produce. Students experimented with sounds from nature and created their own class songs using digital technologies.

‘Connecting with Message Sticks’ workshop led by Daniel Durston, proud Awabakal man and teacher at Trinity College, Adamstown, along with Aboriginal high school students from Trinity College. Our students made their own wooden message stick and explored the long cultural practice of these.  In commemoration of our day, all message sticks from each class will combine to create a message stick display.

‘War Cry and Clearing Dance’ workshop led by Maurice Perry. Male students learnt a war cry as part of ‘men’s business’ and female students learnt a clearing dance as part of ‘women’s business’.

‘Cool Coolamons’ workshop led by proud Awabakal woman, Kirsty Keelan. Students loved learning about and making their own coolamons using air dry clay.

‘NAIDOC Poster Art’ workshop led by classroom teachers. Students explored the official NAIDOC artwork, ‘Ancestral Lines’ by Jeremy Worrall and coloured in their own outline of this artwork.

Our Closing Ceremony concluded our day. All male students came together and performed the war cry they had learnt in Mauri’s workshop. All female students came together and performed the clearing dance they had also learnt in Mauri’s workshop.

In our ongoing effort to strengthen relationships within our school community, it was lovely to have some family members take up our invitation to join us for the Morning and Closing ceremonies. We were also proud to host Kate Levido from the Catholic Schools Office.   

Significant Cultural Events

4^th August: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

Children’s Day is a time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities, and all Australians, celebrate the strengths and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

It is a chance for us to learn about the importance of culture, family and community in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Click HERE for more information

9^th August: United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

First declared by the United Nations in 1994, the International Day of Indigenous Peoples aims to strengthen international awareness and cooperation for solutions to the problems faced by First Nations people in areas such as human rights, development, the environment, education and health. The day marks the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations, held in Geneva in 1982.

There are an estimated 370 million indigenous peoples in some 90 countries around the world. They make up less than 5% of the world’s population, but account for 15% of the poorest. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures.

Click HERE for more information

Danielle Shaw

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Education Teacher

Elevate – Showcasing Young Entrepreneurs of the Future

Featuring: Orson Palmer, Imogen Hayles, Amelia Kachur, Eloise Tranter and Penelope Bowes

In Semester 1, Orson, Imogen, Amelia, Eloise and Penelope participated in Enterprise, one of the Virtual Academy’s most dynamic programs, which develops future-focused entrepreneurial skills.

Over the semester, these students designed innovative business proposals that demonstrated critical thinking, creativity, and an understanding of financial planning, social responsibility, and digital literacy.

In Term 2 Week 10, their hard work was showcased at Elevate, a virtual event where students pitched their business proposals to an audience of peers, educators, and families. Each student thoughtfully articulated their business concepts, explaining how they identified problems, developed solutions, and designed sustainable models.

The event celebrated not only the culmination of their learning but also the resilience and adaptability needed to be future-ready problem-solvers. Orson, Imogen, Amelia, Eloise and Penelope should be incredibly proud of the leadership and innovation they demonstrated throughout their projects. 

 Eloise Tranter – Year 4

At Future View, we’re on a mission to sprinkle a little tech magic into your lifestyle! We tackle the quirks of gadgets and the chaos of daily life, turning tech troubles into triumphs—and maybe cracking a few smiles along the way. So, let’s upgrade those ‘what-the-tech’ moments into ‘ah-ha!’ adventures, one quirky gadget at a time. Because when life gets complicated, we’re here to make it fabulously fun!   

 Penelope Bowes – Year 4

At FoodChecker, we believe that everyone deserves access to food that not only meets their dietary needs but also brings joy and nourishment to their lives. Our mission is to empower individuals by providing compassionate support and personalised resources, ensuring that every choice they make is informed and uplifting. We are dedicated to fostering a welcoming community where respect and understanding guide us as we help people navigate their unique dietary journeys. Together, we strive to inspire healthier, happier lives, one meal at a time. 

 Amelia Kachur – Year 5

At Chuba, we believe that every child deserves a safe, reliable, and joyful journey to school, while every parent deserves the peace of mind to focus on their work. Our mission is to bridge the gap between family and professional life by providing a dependable transportation solution that nurtures the next generation. We are committed to fostering independence in children and supporting parents in their daily lives, all while building a community that values trust, safety, and connection. Together, we are creating a brighter future—one school day at a time. 

 Imogen Hayles – Year 6

At EasyLunch, we believe that everyone deserves a delicious and nutritious meal, no matter how busy life gets! Our mission is to bring joy and convenience to lunchtime by crafting delightful lunchboxes that cater to the unique tastes and needs of our customers. We are dedicated to inspiring our team and our community with passion, creativity, and a sprinkle of happiness in every bite. Together, we make mealtime a moment to savour! 

 Orson Palmer – Year 6

At Orson's Tennis Program, we believe in the power of play and connection. Our mission is to inspire young athletes to step away from their devices and embrace the joy of tennis. We foster a supportive and fun environment where kids can develop their skills, build friendships, and cultivate a lifelong love for the game. Together, we are shaping confident, active individuals who not only excel on the court but also carry the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship into every aspect of their lives. Let’s serve up some fun and make every lesson an adventure! 

Congratulations to the following students who have recently completed their PRC for 2025.  Well done to Freya Paddison (Year 1), Fergus Stewart (Year 3) and Taytum Paddison (Year 4). Keep reading and recording your titles.  The challenge date has now been extended to 19 September so this gives you two more weeks 

to complete your reading log and hand it in.

For those of you tha

t might be looking for a Book Club for your kids, check out this new and exciting initiative from MacLean’s Booksellers. 

Janet Carmichael (Teacher Librarian)

Cross Country

Big congratulations to Miller Austin who placed 2^nd in the state for cross country last week.  Miller will now be representing NSW at the national event in September.

Diocesan Athletics

We wish the best of luck to our Athletes competing at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival next week. We’ll be cheering for you and wish you all a P.B. and lots of fun.

Netball Gala Day

Best of luck to the children attending the netball gala day in Newcastle on Monday.  Many thanks to Ella Gibson for her organisation and to the wonderful group of parent volunteers who are assisting with the teams for the day.

With the ongoing conversations about children and access to social media, YouTube etc, it may provide helpful information to have a look at this topic on our school TV page.

Digital Reputation | St Columba's Primary School - Adamstown

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.