Dear Parents and Carers

We look forward to the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation next Thursday night at Kotara.  We have 11 children participating in this special occasion.  They will be participating in a retreat day on Friday this week.  We wish them every blessing as they grow in their life as a member of the Catholic church.

We welcome back Mrs Mansfield to Year 3 on Monday.  We’re so grateful to Mrs Stewart and Mrs Dean for their wonderful work in keeping our beautiful Year 3 class working consistently during this time.

Jenny Howard

Wellbeing Focus Wrap-Up: PB4L & Grow Your Mind 

As we wrap up our wellbeing focuses this week, it's been encouraging to see students actively engaging with two important themes: Respecting Shared Spaces and Teamwork. 

Through our PB4L focus, students have been learning to share both play and learning spaces with care and respect. This includes taking turns, using equipment safely, and being mindful of others in shared environments. These behaviours help foster a safe, inclusive school culture where everyone feels valued. Families can continue to support this by encouraging children to reflect on how they include others during play and contribute to a calm, respectful atmosphere at home and school. 

Our Grow Your Mind focus on Teamwork has highlighted the power of collaboration, kindness, and shared responsibility. Whether working together in the classroom, supporting peers in the playground, or contributing to group activities, students have shown that teamwork strengthens our community and helps everyone thrive. 

Thank you for your continued support in reinforcing these strengths at home. Together, we’re helping our students grow into thoughtful, respectful, and connected learners. Next week we will switch our focus to using kind words and actions, accompanied with the character strength of patience.

Taylor Stokes 

Acting Assistant Principal 

Recently there has been much public discussion around the Australian Government's model of funding schools. Catholic Schools NSW have put together some data to explain how government funding for non-government schools—such as Catholic and Independent schools— supports your right to choose the best educational environment for your child while also reducing costs for Australian taxpayers.

Using the most recent data, the report outlines how funding these schools through a mixed education model reduces pressure on public education resources, with savings of up to $6.88 billion annually. The report highlights how school choice benefits families and the broader community alike.

To read more, find the report here: Money invested, Money Saved - July 2025 - Adobe cloud storage.

Safeguarding is a very important part of our responsibility as educators and adults in our school community. Although it is a very difficult topic, it is our responsibility to report any matters concerning the safety of children or vulnerable people immediately. Please remember that if you are a volunteer within our school, you also have this obligation to report to a teacher or an executive member of staff.

Don’t forget the great resources we have in supporting wellbeing through School TV.  We often recommend a particular topic but, this week, here is the link to the home page so you can have a look around at what might interest you.

Home Page SchoolTV | St Columba's Primary School - Adamstown

Let's Work Together to Reduce It

With the changeable weather, we continue to see a large amount of lost property accumulating in our school playground and lost property. Hundreds of dollars’ worth of clothing, drink bottles, and lunch boxes are being left behind. We ask that you help by ensuring names are on all items and by encouraging your children to take responsibility for their belongings.

Too much valuable time is being spent by staff and students checking for names and returning items, provided they are even labelled. It may be worth considering whether having multiple jackets, hats, and other items is leading students to be less mindful of their possessions, thinking that replacements are always readily available. Let's work together to ensure our students understand the importance of taking care of their belongings.

This will be held on Wednesday morning September 3rd, if you have been cleared by the diocese to volunteer and are available on this morning (approx 8.30am-10.30am) please email admin@adamstownsc.catholic.edu.au 

We will also require a volunteer to setup the items the day before.

In our Church tradition.... Sacramental Program Information / Parish Mass / Children’s Liturgy

We continue to pray for our children who are making their Confirmation in the coming weeks. This is a significant milestone in their spiritual journey, and we ask for your prayers and support as they prepare to receive the Holy Spirit. May they be blessed with wisdom, courage, and faith as they take this important step in their faith journey.

Dates for the Sacrament of Confirmation:

• Retreat Day: Friday 15^th August at Kotara (during the school day) - parents please see Compass Event (permission is required). Mrs Harry and Mrs Bryant will attend.
• Ceremony: Thursday 21^st August @ 6:30pm, St Philip’s Kotara, supper to served afterwards.

 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 AND CHILDREN’S LITURGY – 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!

CHILDREN’S LITURGY: 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 and Student Formation Day

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. We will notify you when ordering is availalbe on QKR for the dads/father figures attending.

STUDENT FORMATION DAY: Friday 29^th August (Week 7). On this special day, students will engage in a variety of activities and experiences with their class or stage to strengthen their faith and spirituality. The focus will be on the theme for our Diocese: One Call, One Mission: Pilgrims of Hope. We encourage parents to support and pray for their children as they embark on this meaningful journey.

In our Curriculum.... Module in Focus: Year 2 – Being part of a Caring Community!

This term, Year 2 students are learning about the Christian response to God's love and how to share it by living in right relationship with God and others. They will explore how their actions can reflect God's love and what it means to be part of a caring community

Students will learn about Jesus' commandment to love one another and how to apply this in their own lives. They will also discover the importance of caring for those in need and for God's creation, understanding that living justly is a key part of being in a loving, Catholic community.

Please enjoy some wonderful work completed in Year 2 so far this term:

Building Faith Together: Conversations for Parents and Kids

This section provides conversation starters to help parents engage with their child’s Religious Education and deepen their understanding together.

Conversation Starter 1: Can you tell me about Jesus' commandment to love one another? How do you think we can show love to others in our daily lives?

Prompts for Parents:

• "What are some ways you showed kindness to your friends or family today?"
• "How do you feel when someone shows you love or kindness?"
• "Can you think of a time when you helped someone in need? How did it make you feel?"
• "Why do you think it's important to care for others and God's creation?"

Conversation Starter 2: What does it mean to be part of a caring community? How can we make sure everyone feels included and supported?

Prompts for Parents:

• "Who are some people in our community that might need extra help or support?"
• "What are some things we can do as a family to help those in need?"
• "How do you think Jesus wants us to treat others, especially those who are less fortunate?"
• "What are some ways we can take care of the environment together?"

Have a lovely week and may God bless you always,

Amie Harry and Emma McCulloch

Religious Education Coordinators

Diocesan Athletics

Congratulations to our group of students who were part of the Central Region Team for the Diocesan Athletics Carnival at Hunter Sports Centre last week.  Always such great sports and wonderful team members, our children should be very proud of themselves.

We had wins by Miller Austin in the 200m, 800m and 1500m events, 2 of which broke Diocesan records with the previous 1500m record being set 33 years ago!  Our Junior Girls relay team of Ivy White, Miller Austin, Taytum Paddison and Evie Schmiedel also won the 4x100m event.  With the addition of Makario Bale, Ivy White and Eloise Tranter, who have qualified for discus, we have 6 children going on to represent the Diocese at the Polding carnival in September.

Netball Gala Day

Our Gala Day has been postponed to September 1st. Hopefully, all volunteers will still be able to assist with teams so that the children are still able to participate in the day.

Merewether District Junior Cricket Club

MDJCC- Merewether Tigers

Registration for cricket - now open!

Join Summer Saturday morning fun with heaps of kids from a range of local schools in a wide area. 

Use the link to register to join the Merewether Tigers:

https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/5ca52b?referredBy=b15a5354-650d-49b4-856f-eac0e08a4b00&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwL-UhlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHtcKIkciu-GtPcX5GsgVwCWqoU4GcANo4OcJE1GnjVHN4EGhqwb4z3JNHKPQ_aem_8b08ikukLoJAr7ywhLxGIA

Follow along on Facebook (Merewether District Junior Cricket Club) and Instagram (MerewetherTigers).