Dear Parents,
Welcome back! Term 3 has begun positively, and the students have settled in productively. It looks to be another busy term ahead and there are calendar dates on the front of this newsletter with the main events for the term on it. Please keep this handy and join us for the Masses, Liturgies and Assemblies when you can.
As we begin a new semester, we welcome another family into our school community. Wylie (Year 6), Levi (Year 4) and Bohdi (Year 1) come to us from Y.A.S and are the grandchildren of Michael Collins. On the back of our newest six receptions starting, we currently sit at 97 students. It is important to make mention that in our school, every student is known, valued, and supported. This close-knit community fosters strong relationships, personalised learning, and a sense of belonging, a continual focus for us as we get a little bigger. It is a credit to all SCMS community members that we have such a positive reputation within the SYP region and hence our increase in enrolments throughout the year.
Staff Development
Last Monday, many classroom teachers attended a conference in Adelaide as part of the Catholic Education, Eastern Region. The day was centred around student agency and what schools could be developing within their settings around student voice for learning and creating places whereby students become the best versions of themselves. The conference was an invaluable experience for individual staff members and our school. The knowledge gained, connections made, and the inspiration drawn from the event will contribute significantly to our ongoing work. The day was made extra special by reconnecting with previous staff members Emily Rowe and Scott March.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome back Mrs Angela Grigoras-Oates who returns from a term away and I would also like to introduce Luke Davoli to our school for the next several weeks as he undertakes his practicum in the Year 3/4 class, completing his Master of Education.
Newsletter Structure
Moving forward a decision has been made to reduce the number of newsletters to three per term. We will begin each term with an ‘Administrative’ newsletter, filled with lots of important information, dates and communication to parents. The following two newsletters will be student focussed in weeks 5 and 10.
Uniform Policy
Late last term, staff saw an increase in students presenting in incorrect uniforms. By wearing the correct uniform, students at St Columba’s emphasise our shared values, and create a sense of belonging and unity. The uniform policy will be reviewed at our next Board meeting and will then be distributed to families. This term, I along with support of staff will be monitoring correct uniforms. I encourage all families to adhere and uphold the policy and your support in this matter will be greatly appreciated. If you have any queries regarding the school uniform, please come and speak to either the front office staff or myself.
I look forward to a productive and consistent term ahead and I hope to see many community members around the school.
God Bless,
Luke Buchanan
Principal
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