Nurturing each other to grow, learn and achieve Term 2 Newsletter Edition 4
Friday 12 May 2017
Message from the Principal
Key dates this term:
This Sunday is a very important and special day for all
mothers, throughout the world. It is a time when we
acknowledge the great job that our mothers do in
looking after us and guiding us through our lives. On
Friday we celebrated Mother’s Day with a liturgy for
the mothers and grandmothers of our school
community. The children led by our Year 6 leaders
organised a beautiful assembly to celebrate Mother’s
Day and it was wonderful to see that so many of you
were able to join us in the hall for this occasion. Thank
you to the wonderful team who helped organise the
Mother’s Day breakfast and to the Prep mothers who
helped with the Mother’s day stall.
They say, “It takes a village to raise a child”.
May
19 Yr 3-6 Cross Country
20 Yr ¾ Parish Mass 6:00pm
22 School Closure Day
25 Yr 1/ 2 Storytelling Night 6-7pm
29 Prep Class Mass 9:15am
June
2 School Sports Day
9 St Columba’s Feast Day Mass
9am
12 Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday
16 Confirmation 6:30pm
22 Netball Lightening Premiership
23 Football Lightening Premiership
This proverb exists in different forms in many languages. The basic meaning is that a child’s upbringing is a communal effort.
This sentiment is so eloquently expressed in these words by Hilary Clinton, “Children exist in the world as well as in the family.
From the moment they are born, they depend on a host of grown-ups, grandparents, neighbours, teachers, priests,
employers, political leaders, and the untold others who touch their lives directly and indirectly. ... Each one of us plays a part
in every child’s live: It takes a village to raise a child.”
During May, Catholic Schools will celebrate Family Week, this is an opportunity for us to reflect on the ways our families and
community share responsibility in ‘raising children’. Children treasure their families and feel they are special and
irreplaceable. Families, both immediate and extended, provide children with a sense of belonging and identity. They are a
source of emotional support and comfort, warmth and nurturing, protection and security. Family relationships provide
children with a critical sense of being valued and with a vital network of historical linkages and social support. There is
amongst families a sense of reciprocity—a giving and taking of love and empathy by every family member.
Families are much more than just groups of individuals. They have their own goals and aspirations. They are places where
every child and adult should feel that he or she is special and be encouraged to pursue his or her own dreams; a place
where everyone's individuality is permitted to flourish. Although every family has conflicts, all family members should feel as
though they can express themselves openly, share their feelings, and have their opinions listened to with understanding. In
fact, conflicts and disagreements are a normal part of family life and are important in so far as they permit people to
communicate their differences and ventilate their feelings.
The family helps to instruct children and gives guidance about personal values and social behaviour. It instils discipline and
helps children to learn and internalize codes of conduct that will serve them for the rest of their lives. It helps them develop
positive interpersonal relationships, and it provides an environment that encourages learning both in the home and at
school. Families give children a sense of history and a secure base from which to grow and develop. Yet, as important as
these functions are, they do not happen automatically. Every parent knows it takes hard work and the support of their wider
family network to keep the family going as an effective, adaptive, and functional unit.
“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every passer-by leaves a mark.” Chinese Proverb
OUR PLACE
Blessed is the place, the home, the neighbourhood in which we live. Blessed is the family that nurtures us.
Blessed is the local and global community in which we spread our wings. Blessed is the Church Community
where we grow in our faith. Blessed are the people who support each other. And we are blessed when
God smiles on us, Jesus guides us and the Holy Spirit inspires us.
Thanks, Daniella
We acknowledge the East Kulin Nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which our school now stands. May we take
care to always walk gently on this land.
As always if you have any ideas, concerns or queries we would love to hear from you:
Principal:
Ms Daniella Maddalena
E-mail: [email protected]
Deputy Principal:
Ms Bern Bradley
E-mail: [email protected]
Administration:
Ms Paula Ryan
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: 24 Glenhuntly Rd, Elwood Vic 3184 | Ph: 03 9531 6560 | Fax: 03 9531 5271
Web: www.scelwood.catholic.edu.au
School Uniform
Absences
It is now compulsory to now wear the full winter uniform this includes ties and correct
colour socks. As the UV is still quite high at the moment all children are also required
to wear their school hat until advised otherwise.
Can we please ask parents to
please advise the office either by
phone or Caremonkey if your child
will be absent.
Parish Social Event: A Taste Of Italy
Saturday 13th May, St Columba Primary School Hall, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Join us in celebrating 'Dine with Heart Month' this May, by enjoying our own parish event “A taste of Italy”. Indulge in a plate
of fresh home-made gnocchi, created by Melbourne's own Daniel Tonin and his many apprentices from his Danny Pasta
pasta-making masterclass. Not only will you get to enjoy a hearty plate of gnocchi with a sauce of your choice for just $10,
you can also indulge in something sweet for $5. Meal proceeds will support our Parish community. Entrance is a $5 donation
(gold coin donation for children) which will support Sacred Heart Mission's Meals Program through the 'Dine with Heart
Month' campaign. On the night, special guest Daniel Tonin, of Danny Pasta, will share his secrets to a fabulous Italian pasta.
You will be able to order and pay for your food on the night. Please bring your own drinks and glasses. All are welcome!
Please register for this event by Wednesday 10th May, as will need this for catering purposes. To register:
Contact our parish organiser: Carlo on 0419 251 629 /[email protected], or contact the parish office: Jane on 9531
6120, or online: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a-taste-of-italy-tickets-33850741479
BASC News
School will be closed on Monday 22nd of May due to a PD Day. BASC will be open on this day from 7am-630pm. If you need
care, please contact Andy on 0407558316. We are having a face painting and ballooning workshop, cooking and lots of
arts and craft. Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea will be provided on the day by The Olive Tree.
Thank you to everyone who has brought in any kitchen supplies and containers as we collect them for a school in Fiji. You still
have time to bring anything in if you would like. We’d really appreciate it!
SAVE THE DATE- The Annual BASC Wine and Cheese Night will be held on July 21st at 7pm for Christmas in July and all St.
Columba’s parents are welcome to join.
St Columba’s Sports Day
Great New Books For Children!
Our annual Prep - Year 6 Sports Day is coming up very soon on Friday 2nd June. The
carnival will run from 9.30 am – 1.30 pm at Sandringham Athletic Park and parents
and friends are most welcome to come and watch the children participate in
different events.
If you are on the lookout for some
new quality literature for your
children, the children's book
council has just announced the
shortlisted books for this year's
awards.
Each child knows their team colour which is either RED,
BLUE or YELLOW. The Year 6 leaders will be having team
practises leading up to the day where they will practise
their team chants and cheering.
We need parent helpers on the day for various jobs so if
you are able to help either set up before or help during
the carnival can you please let Sharelle know
[email protected]. The books are categorised under
different headings- early
childhood, picture books, younger
readers, older readers, information
books and new illustrators.
These great books will be in our
school library shortly, but you may
be interested in purchasing some
for your own collections at home.
Go to the CBCA website for the
complete
listhttps://cbca.org.au/short-list-2017
Missing World War Two Medals
On ANZAC Day a parishioner attended the ANZAC Day ceremony wearing her Father’s World War 1 medals. She put the
medals on when she arrived at the beach, she had the medals in an envelope, in the envelope was her father’s identity
disc. However, when she got home she could not find the envelope or the identity disc. She has asked whether anyone has
handed it in.
The disc (circular) has the following information on it:
E Wall
15 Field Ambulance
C of E
Anyone coming across this please advise Paula
Cathy Freeman Foundation
On Thursday 20th April, the Social Justice team caught the train into the city, so we could participate in the Cathy Freeman
Foundation day for schools. We learnt all about what the foundation does. They help indigenous people to receive an
education. They have worked with many indigenous tribes around Australia. Some of the other schools there were Elwood
Primary, St Anthony's, Middle Park Primary and a few others. We all got to know each other by playing a really funny game.
We had a snack break and ate some really yummy fruit from three massive fruit platters. After that we watched a
PowerPoint with some extra facts, our school even featured in their information! Then we played the funny game one more
time before we left. The day was lots of fun! On the way home, we had a little treat! But that's a secret! Nina
On Thursday 20th of April the social justice team went into the city to take part in a Cathy Freeman foundation workshop.
We meet Mr Mill at Elsternwick station at 8.30 and travelled into the city by train and it took 45 minutes to get into the city.
The workshop was about learning about the foundation and plan a
fundraising activity to raise money for the Cathy Freeman foundation.
There were also other schools at the workshop that also came up with
ideas to raise money for the foundation also. We also did some
games that helped us focus during the workshop. When we finished
the workshop we took the train back to Elsternwick station and
walked back to school. When we were walking back Mr Mill bought
us all a special treat. My favourite part of the entire trip was planning
the fundraising activity for St Columba's. Alexander
On Thursday on the second week of school term two the Social Justice team took a train the city for the Cathy Freeman
Foundation. We went to the AMP tower on the middle floor on the twenty-four story building. We were greeted by this guy
called Stef who taught us about what the Cathy Freeman Foundation does and how they help Aboriginal people to have
equal rights as the normal people. There were five other schools with four to six students representing their school. We got to
do activities about how we could make our school a better place by having fun activities such as discos, special lunches or
a school fair. We had lunch and I had some apple juice, watermelon and grapes and it tasted good. We got to see famous
people that have given their money to the foundation instead of keeping it for themselves. We stayed until lunchtime and
took a train back to Elsternwick Train Station. Theo
On Thursday the 20th, the Social Justice Team went to the city to work with the Cathy Freeman foundation. There were
about five schools to learn about the Cathy Freeman foundation. We learnt some useful things for everyday life. One of
them was if you don't have breakfast, you have less concentration. We also had a chat about things for some social skills.
Then we had some snacks. We had some fruit and juice. After, we then planned out what we were going to do for the
Cathy freeman foundation. Then we did some compliments on other school students. We then went back on the train and
went back to school. We also had a little treat but because it was top secret! Carlos
Confirmation Year 6
On Thursday the year sixes participated in YEP day. This was part of our preparation for our confirmation. Our first activity was
making a chocolate milkshake theology. We talked about we are the plain milk and, when mixed into us the chocolate is
the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We then split into groups to complete some fun activities. Our first activity was in the staff room. We
read the story of Jericho and re-enacted it as if we were in the story. We then talked about the barriers and walls holding us
back, like racism and discrimination. Our second activity included the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We talked about talents and
gifts that each of us have. We then drew ourselves on some paper people and described what gifts we have and why. In
Our third activity we meditated and reflected on the story of Jericho. We then traced Paolo on some paper and wrote the
fruits of the Holy Spirit we think we have and people around us have. Our fourth and final activity was outside. We crafted
little packs out of Popsicle sticks and wrote the fruits on them. We then had a great lunch to finish our fun day. Kiera
On Thursday the 27th of April The year 6’s had the confirmation day. Lots of other kids from different schools came. We
started the morning off with introducing ourselves and we said a prayer. Then we got into groups and had all different
activities. The activity teachers were Christine, Mrs Saliba, Miss Pimenta and Mr Mill. We talked about talents and how we
can use the gifts of the holy spirit with Christine. In Miss Saliba’s group we had a meditation session and she read us a story.
We drew up a trace of a team member and wrote down some people in our lives that have some gifts of the holy spirit.
Then with Miss Pimenta we made a chain out of icy pole sticks. It was fun decorating them. Our last activity was with Mr Mill.
He told us a story about a wall and people trying to knock it down. Then we came up with words that could help them
believe in themselves to knock down the wall. After a yummy lunch (spaghetti Bolognese) 2 girls from Sacred Heart College
came to us to talk about the Holy Spirit and how they can see it at work. Then Angelina’s dad from the Salvation Army
came to talk about how he helps people. It was such a fun day and I met so many new people. Zara
On the 27th of April the Grade 6’s from our school and other surrounding schools came to St.Columba’s for a Confirmation
reflection day. Firstly we introduced ourselves and read a prayer. Then we split up into groups and did activities. In my group
we had Tom, Jack, Sam, Luis, Lucia, Molly, Genevieve, Gillian and myself. Our first activity was with Miss Pimenta where we
wrote the Fruits of the Holy Spirit on paddle pop sticks and we decorated it. Our second activity was with Mr. Mill. We heard
a story of people breaking a wall and then we wrote down what stops us from doing things. After that we wrote what would
make us be able to do things. After we had snack we were with Christine. We watched an Ellen video where people show
their hidden talents. Then we had to write what Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit we have and how we show them. Our final
rotation group was with Ms. Saliba. We drew an outline of Luis’ body then we wrote outside of the body what important
people are in our lives. Then we wrote inside the body what gifts we have and what gifts we need to improve on.
After lunch people came in from Sacred Heart College and told us about their trip to the Philippines. They said even though
they didn’t have much they were still happy with what they had. Then we had Angelina’s dad come in and talk about his
experience and the Salvation Army. He said he really enjoyed working there and meeting the new people. Mark
A reminder the last Confirmation Preparation Masses will be held this Saturday at 6:00pm and Sunday 9:00am.
PFA News
DONATIONS Please!
Some ideas of donations….
We are collecting donations to auction at our Major Fundraiser, If you have a business or work for a business
“The Glam Disco” and we need everyone’s help.
• Is the business able to donate a voucher, product or
We are hoping to raise $20,000 at the event so we can replace
service?
the concrete in the playground with soft fall synthetic surfacing • Do you have any contacts or networks that would be
this year.
able to donate something?
As the sponsorship process is very time consuming and we are
relying on the help of volunteers we need all donations or
business/contact information to be provided as soon as
possible.
If you are an individual
•
•
All sponsors will be acknowledged and promoted within the
school as well as at the event with greater coverage for larger •
donations.
•
We appreciate that asking for donations can make some
people feel really uncomfortable, please contact Diana or Elio •
with your suggested sponsorship details and we are happy to •
make the request for you. Our experience is that businesses St. •
•
Columba’s Primary families are connected to are far more
likely to donate that those who are cold called.
Thanks in advance for your time, effort and donations – every
bit helps!
Diana Nicoloudis
Elio Mastrangelo,
0404912994
0420 905 785
[email protected]
[email protected]
•
•
•
Do you have a holiday house that you could donate for
a weekend?
Are you able to ask for a voucher/product or service to
be donated by
Your child’s swimming, tennis, dance, gymnastics,
basketball, soccer, golf, AFL lessons provider?
Your child’s music or art lessons provider?
Your gym, yoga class, boot camp or driving range?
Your hairdresser, beauty therapist or nail salon?
Your favourite café, restaurant or bar?
Your regular car dealership, cycling store, sporting store,
clothing store?
Your builder, plumber, pest-control, electrician or
gardener?
Your favourite designer lighting, home ware or furniture
store?
Do you have tickets to an event you can’t attend
anymore?
Would you like to sponsor part of the event? The
photographer? The DJ? The table hire? The decorations?
The bar? The projector? The lighting?
Community News
The Social Justice Team wanted to say a big
thank you to everyone for bringing in your Project
Compassion boxes and donating so much
money.
The Friendship Fair last term raise $920.50 and from
the boxes we raised $934.55.
We also thank Ned, Pippa and Jude for raising
$73.00 and also Scarlett and Lila for running their
stall raising $112.10.
Together we raised $2040.15
Well done St Columba’s
Thank you for supporting Project Compassion
2017.
You are helping to empower our most vulnerable
neighbours worldwide to build a better future for
their families and communities.