Dear Parents and Carers

This week we saw again how amazing our children are in the field of Public Speaking.  I know how proud teachers, parents and peers were of each of the children who reached the school finals.  Many thanks to the teachers for their class preparations and to Virginia Dunkley and Louise Walsh for their preparation for the school finals.  We were additionally proud of our audience.  Their beautiful patience in waiting and their support for each of the speakers was so impressive to watch and is a testament to the consistent work of all teachers in PB4L.

What a great promise of spring and the upcoming summer we are experiencing this week. Such a wonderful change after all the rain we’ve had!  Even though we have some cooler mornings, I can't help noticing a spring in our community's collective step this week.

As we don’t have a newsletter next week, I’d like to get in early to wish all the dads, grandfathers and father figures in the lives of everyone in our community a very happy Father’s Day for next weekend.  We look forward to celebrating with you on Friday of next week.

Jenny Howard

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)

This fortnight, our PB4L focus is on Kindness, a key behaviour that supports a safe and respectful school environment. Across the school, students are practicing using kind words, showing care through their actions, and taking time to listen and understand others. These small but meaningful choices help build trust and strengthen relationships.

At home, families can support this focus by encouraging children to notice when others are kind, talk about how kindness feels, and reflect on how their words and actions can positively impact those around them.

Grow Your Mind (GYM)

We’re turning our attention to Patience, a quiet but powerful character strength that helps us manage challenges, build resilience, and maintain positive relationships. At school, patience might look like waiting your turn, listening carefully without interrupting, or persevering through a tricky task without giving up. These moments help create a calm, respectful learning environment where everyone feels supported.

Families can nurture patience at home by modelling calm responses, encouraging children to take a breath when things feel frustrating, and celebrating the effort it takes to wait, try again, or support others with kindness.

Board Game Donations for Wet Weather Days

Unfortunately, the wet weather has been keeping us indoors during break times lately. When this happens, we encourage students to connect through conversation and play. These moments are a chance to switch off devices, be present with friends, and enjoy simple, shared experiences. One way we support this, especially in our primary classrooms, is through board games.

We’re currently building up our collection and would love your help. If you have any board games at home that are no longer being used and would like to donate them to our school, we’d be very grateful.

Some games students have suggested they’d love to play include:

• Jenga
• Chess
• Uno
• Memory
• Snap
• Operation
• Guess Who
• Battleship
• Mouse Trap
• Don’t Say Umm
• 5 Second Rule
• Spot It

Donations can be dropped off at the front office. Thank you for helping us offer fun, screen-free options for students to enjoy and connect during indoor break times.

Taylor Stokes  

Acting Assistant Principal

Regular attendance at school is essential for students to achieve quality life outcomes.  Everyday counts, as regular attendance helps students:

• Develop a sense of belonging
• Develop and maintain friendships
• Be more engaged at school
• Progress with their learning
• Be more aware of career and life options.

Supporting positive school attendance is a shared responsibility - everyone has a role to play in promoting the regular attendance of students.

A big congratulations to Miss Stokes who became engaged over the weekend, we are all very happy for you!

We are now in the transition period for uniform expectations which means, for the remainder of Term 3, parents have discretion to select the appropriate uniform (winter or summer) for the anticipated weather each day.  Sports Days remain the same. Children are to either wear full winter or full summer uniform on Tuesdays and Thursdays, not a mixture.

Please remember that students will likely be wearing and then removing their jackets - more so than they do in the winter and earlier and earlier each day. The best of intentions of placing them near where they are playing to collect later do not always mean it happens.  Please ensure the names are clearly written on all removable items so they can be returned to owner.

At St Columba's, we value open communication with our parents.  To this end, teachers have made themselves available over Week 9, 15^th - 19^th September.  If you would like to meet with your child's teacher, please email them directly or email admin@adamstownsc.catholic.edu.au

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

Congratulations to our wonderful students in Years 4 and 5 who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last week. It was a truly beautiful and reverent ceremony, filled with joy and faith. A special thank you to the Sacramental Team, Sister Lucie, Father Jospeh, Bishop Michael, families and sponsors of the candidates who all played a special part in this celebration.

As these children continue their spiritual journey, we keep them in our prayers as they begin their preparation for their First Eucharist. May they feel the love and guidance of the Holy Spirit every step of the way.

Dates for the Sacrament of Eucharist:

• Online Lessons to complete at home: 25^th August to 1^st September
• Face to face lesson at St Columba’s: Monday 1^st September from 3:30pm
• Ceremony at Weekend Mass (one): 21^st September-Adamstown 8am; 20^th September-Kotara 5pm or 21^st September-Cardiff 9:30pm

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 LITURGY: We have Children's Liturgy at St Columba’s Church in Adamstown at the 8:00AM Mass and Kotara at the 5:00PM Mass. 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 Mission Fun Day (Socktober)

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.

MISSION FUN DAY: Friday 26^th September (Week 10). On this day students are encouraged to come in their ‘Footy Colours’ for a gold coin donation. Stalls and activities will be set up during the middle session to raise money for Catholic Mission / Socktober, with a focus on Zambia. Your donations for this day are always appreciated. Thank you to our Mercy Committee for helping to organise this day and to our Year 6 students who will be running the stalls. We look forward to a wonderful event!

More information about the cause can be found here: https://www.socktober.org.au/

Donations Appreciated from all classes:

To run this day, we are asking each class to donate goods to ensure that every dollar made goes straight to Catholic Mission. Items for donation have been delegated among the classes. Please refer below for details. Your generosity is very much appreciated. 

• Kindergarten: small packets of chips or biscuits **nut free (bought in beforehand or on the day)
• Year 1: water ice blocks (to come in frozen on the day)
• Year 2: cupcakes or slices **nut free (to come in on the day)
• Year 3: lollies for lolly guessing competition and 2 large jars (brought in before the day)
• Year 4: lollies, lollypops, chocolate snack size and zip-lock snack bags (brought in before the day so that we can make up some lolly bags)
• Year 5 and 6: Novelty prizes for novelty games to use as prizes (bought in beforehand or on the day)
• Year 6: Coloured hair spray, nail polish, face paint (bought in beforehand or on the day)

In our Curriculum.... Module in Focus: Kindergarten – Knowing God the Holy Spirit

This term, students in kindergarten are learning about God the Holy Spirit: one of the three parts of the Trinity, along with God the Father and Jesus the Son. They’re exploring how the Holy Spirit is present in their lives and how it helps people feel close to God.

Students will hear the story of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came to the Apostles, and learn how the Spirit continues to be active in the world today. They’ll also discover symbols of the Holy Spirit and the special gifts it gives to help us grow in faith.

I was lucky enough to visit Kindergarten recently and was so impressed by their understanding of Pentecost and how the Holy Spirit is with us. Their enthusiasm and knowledge were truly inspiring!

Please enjoy some wonderful work completed in kindergarten so far this term to showcase their understanding of this module:

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: What have you learned about the Holy Spirit this term?

Discussion Prompts:

• Can you tell me a story from the Bible that shows the Holy Spirit?
• How do you think the Holy Spirit helps people today?

Conversation Starter: What do you think it means to feel close to God?

Discussion Prompts:

• Have you ever felt peaceful or comforted in a way that made you think of God?
• Are there any symbols or signs that remind you of the Holy Spirit?

Have a lovely week and may God bless you always,

Amie Harry and Emma McCulloch

Religious Education Coordinators

The Catholic Schools of Maitland Newcastle High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Team led by Maree Karaka have released a new Blog for families of High Potential and Gifted Students.

Please click the link below for the latest instalment.

Seeing the World Like Leonardo, Einstein, and Aristotle – Three Ways to Nurture Genius Thinking in Your Child

It highlights three ways children view the world - connecting ideas like Leonardo, imagining possibilities like Einstein, and seeking patterns and purpose like Aristotle - and offers practical tips for families to support these strengths.

Link:
https://www.mn.catholic.edu.au/news/seeing-the-world-like-leonardo-einstein-and-aristotle/

Thank you for supporting our HPG learners.

CAROL PATERSON

Congratulations to Phoebe Keeling who has represented at PSSA soccer.

Lachlan Brenton had a great time with the Polding Rugby Union team at NSWPSSA.

NSWPSSA Rugby was held in the Hunter last week. The Polding team had two outstanding games defeating South Coast 46-0 and MacKillop 15-5 finishing top of their pool. Polding then went on to beat Sydney South West 26-5 to make the semi finals where they faced a tough Sydney West team, just going down 12-5. Polding finished equal 3rd overall.

Congratulations to the following students who have recently completed their PRC for 2025.  From Year 1: Layla Holmes, Joey Tranter and Jason Greig; from Year 2: Audrey McFadzien and Lylah Byrnes; from Year 6: Annabelle Brooks and Ceridwen Griffen and from Kindergarten, Leila McFadzeien. Keep reading and recording your titles until 19 September!

This term our library lessons have centered around the CBCA shortlisted picture books.  Below are the winners from the four categories we have been learning about.  They are best picture book, The Truck Cat; best in early childhood category, The Wobbly Bike; best new illustrator Grow Big, Little Seed and best information picture book, Always Was Always Will Be.

I am pleased to say I picked one winner, The Wobbly Bike.  Ask your child if they picked the winner!

 Janet Carmichael (Teacher Librarian)

Parent Handbook 

https://www.adamstownsc.catholic.edu.au/for-parents/parent-handbook/

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.

Parents and carers are the most important educators in their child’s life. To assist you in this important role, a list of upcoming webinars provided by reputable providers, free of charge, has been compiled and is available on the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Catholic Schools webpage.

A snapshot of Term 3 webinars is included below. More information about these webinars, including links to register, can be found on the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Catholic Schools webpage www.mn.catholic.edu.au/our-community/supporting-parents-and-carers/upcoming-parent-and-carer-information-sessions/ Please note, the webpage will be updated regularly with news of additional webinars and you can visit the site at any time.  

Raising Body Bright Children - LIVE WEBINAR

Support for children's body image!  

Children today are growing up in a world where appearance pressures start far too early. Parents and carers naturally want their children to feel confident and comfortable in their bodies, but it’s not always easy to know how to help.

That’s why Butterfly is inviting parents of primary age children to a live, virtual seminar designed to provide the tools, knowledge, and confidence to nurture a positive body image and a healthy relationship with eating and physical activity, right from the start.  

In this practical, engaging session, parents will learn:

• How body image develops in primary-age children
• Common risk factors for body dissatisfaction and how to reduce them at home
• Everyday ways to be a positive role model around eating and physical activity
• The importance of the language used around bodies and appearance
• How to respond if you notice body image concerns

Where to find help and support if needed.

Event Details

Date: Monday, 1st September 2025

Time: 7pm - 8pm AEST (+15 mins for questions)

Via: Zoom. Time limited recording available

Cost: $15

Full Registration Link 

Entertainment Book

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St Columba's Primary School - Adamstown