NEWSLETTER
29th March 2001
Dear Parents,
The Mission Day was a great success due to the support of students, teachers and parents. The school raised a record $1350 dollars for the Pontifical Mission Society on the day. Mr Barry Unwin from the Society visited the school to accept the cheque at a school assembly and would like to feature St Columban’s on the society’s national website to encourage other schools in their efforts for Catholic Mission in Third World Countries. Many thanks to all the families who supported the school. It was a great effort.
NEWS ABOUT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION. The Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation. During the past few weeks, a number of families have asked when will the children receive the Sacraments this year. The following information may help you.
Before Father Bill left for his study leave, the Parish Sacramental Team met with him and the decision was made that the Sacramental Program will commence on Fr Bills return – 1st June onwards.
The dates for the preparation meetings, program, Retreat Day and the Celebration of the Sacraments have not been decided upon as yet.
Easter Liturgy. On Holy Thursday, 12th April, the school community will present the story of the Feast of Easter.
Venue: the church Time: 10:00am – 10:50am
SPORT. Best wishes to Dominic Conway, Roberts Puliuvea, Matthew Casserly, Jake Partridge, Bradyn Perry and Christopher Breton who will compete at the Diocesan Winter Sports Trials today. The school AFL team was undefeated in the Newcastle Zone of the Paul Kelly Cup and now progress to the Hunter Region Finals on May 23. Good luck to the team.
The AUSTSWIM swimming scheme has been very effective with over 80% of our primary students in recent tests now swimming 50 metres or more which is a satisfactory level of competence for survival swimming. While carnivals become more focused on representative swimmers, the number of primary children who cannot swim effectively has grown. We have sought to address the problem for these children, who can get into difficulties in backyard pools, dams, rivers and the surf. The Surfunsafe program will be run in Term 4 for senior primary students at Nobby’s Beach.
HEALTHY EATING. Next week children with a piece of fruit for recess will receive a short early mark. The school is involved in a health promotion with the Australian Red Cross and the Hunter Area Dental Health Service. Promotional displays will be set up in the library with some special visitors attending. A dental assessment will take place for those who returned permission notes (K-6). A copy of school lunch box ideas will be sent home next week (K-4.) The brochure is courtesy of the Heart Foundation.
EASTER HOLIDAYS: SCHOOL CLOSES APRIL 12
SCHOOL RESUMES APRIL 30
SCHOOL FAMILY BUILDING LEVY. The Director of Schools, Mr Mick Bowman, has requested a copy of the discussion paper for the Family School Building Levy be distributed to all families before regional presentations are organised. The presentations will be open to all members of the local Catholic communities. A copy of the discussion paper is attached.
TOBRUK DAY COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE. The school has been nominated by the Tobruk Rats and Gallipoli Legion to receive their book tribute at the commemorative service in Civic Park at 11:00am this Sunday. A representative of the school will be in attendance to receive this tribute and we thank the Legion and the Tobruk Rats for this gesture.
The school will again be represented at the Combined Schools Anzac Day Commemorative Service in Newcastle City Hall on April 11.
NO SMOKING ZONE. Parents and visitors are reminded that you need to smoke outside the school quadrangle.
EASTER EGG RAFFLE. Donations of eggs and chocolate goodies are required for the lucky draw on Holy Thursday. Raffle tickets went home today.
Children wishing to take part in the Easter Bunny Rabbit colouring in competition need to return entries by tomorrow to the office.
Thank you to Mr Bell of Bell’s Newsagency for the excellent prizes.
SCHOOL FEES. School Fee accounts were sent home on Tuesday. It would be appreciated if these accounts could be finalised before Friday April 6.
Families who seek concessions are reminded that these need to be negotiated each year. They do not rollover from one year to the next.
INSERVICE DAY. The Behaviour Management Inservice Day was very successful last Monday. For those who like to plan ahead the date of the Term 2 Inservice Day is May 18 and involves all North Region Schools.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION SATURDAY 31ST MARCH & SATURDAY 7TH APRIL. The course encourages couples to think about what marriage means for them, how their family history will influence their marriage, how to communicate well and solve conflict. Contact Sue at Centacare 4961 3155.
NEWCASTLE PCYC JUNIOR CHESS CLUB. Between Broadmeadow Station and District Park – at the corner of Melbourne Rd and Young Rd, Broadmeadow. Fridays 6:30 – 9:00pm (only during school terms – not on school or public holidays). Improve your chess skills! Make new friends!
Michael Doyle
PRINCIPAL
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