Dear Parents & Carers,
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A Family Prayer for Advent:
God of Love,
Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us.
He is a sign of your love.
Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent,
As we wait and prepare for his coming.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior.
Amen.
‘Going Up’ Day
Next Tuesday 6th December from 11.00am till 1.00pm we welcome 46 new Prep students to our school. At this time all students will move into their classes for next year with their new teacher. They will stay in next year’s class till 1.00pm.
Most of our grade 6 students will attend their secondary school on this day for transition.
Your child/ren will be notified of their 2017 Learning Group and class teacher on the morning of ‘Going Up’ day (Tuesday 6th December).
I ask that parents respect the decisions that have been made with the class groupings and not request changes.
Open Learning Environments
As the building works continue teachers are hard at work gaining a deeper understanding of what it looks like to work in an Open Flexible learning space. As part of this we have been unpacking some of the underlying beliefs about learning and teaching at St. Columba’s and how the new learning spaces will support these. As much as the physical changes within the environment are important, it is the culture that they allow us to develop that is the real value in this.
A collaborative environment allows greater interaction between all students and educators helping us to fulfill one of our core beliefs – ‘learning is more effective when teachers have a shared ownership for all student’s learning’. By increasing the number of people involved in a student’s education we increase their support network and are able to draw on the expertise of all teachers.
An Open Flexible learning environment encourages collaboration and interaction between students across learning groups. It, along with a personalised curriculum, enables students greater choice in their learning and supports the development of self-regulation, a critical skill for future success. In addition to this it allows educators greater opportunities to design purposeful learning spaces that support specific skills than would be possible within a four wall classroom. (Shaun Mohr)
Kris Kringle
This year we will not be organizing Kris Kringle in Learning Groups with the students. Instead we are encouraging our students to focus on the Christmas message of giving to those in need. Families are encouraged to support our school’s Giving Tree.
End of School Mass and Parent Helpers Thank You Lunch
On Wednesday 14th December we will celebrate the 2016 school year through Mass. All parents, grandparents and friends are invited to join us in this celebration at 12 noon in the St Columba’s Church.
Following Mass will be a Parent Helpers Thank You Lunch.
We invite ALL parents (grandparents, friends ….) who have assisted the school and the students in any way this year to come along and share lunch with the staff to thank you for your generosity and support. The lunch will be held in the staff room at 1pm.
The school would not be able to function as it does without the help and support of parents and friends of the school. Help is given in so many different ways, and we would like to acknowledge and thank all those who have supported us. Please pass on this invitation to grandparents, and friends who have assisted.
Final school Assembly
On Wednesday the 7th December, we will hold our final assembly for 2016 at 2.30pm in the Church. It will be led by our School Sports Captains. We hope to see you there.
Kim Butler
Principal