The Coracle - Term 2, Week 10

JUNIOR SCHOOL

This term has been a busy term in the Junior School with some new things happening in Religious Education. For the first time, we have held Liturgies in the Chapel for our younger students in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. The students loved visiting this calm quiet space and spoke about how much they were looking forward to having Liturgies there again. There is lots of evidence to show that having a special place to pray and explore the word of God really helps children’s understanding and experience.

Establishing a 'Spirituality Squad' in the Junior School has been another new initiative this term. These students had to apply and were interviewed to be in the squad. They were able to express how they could support the religious ethos and values of our college. They will be busy people in Term 3 and 4, and I look forward to working with them. Members of the Spirituality Squad received their badges in the final assembly of the term, which was also a Crazy Beanie Day - hence their strange headgear!

Our 'Faith in Action' event for this term was a Crazy Beanie Day. Students were asked to create crazy beanies whilst focussing on keeping people warm this winter. Families were asked to donate warm socks, gloves, scarves and beanies to help those who are experiencing homelessness this winter. This will support Anglicare in conjunction with City Reach Church in North Adelaide. Thank you for your amazing donations. Your generosity is very much appreciated.

I wish you a safe and blessed holiday.

Mrs Jane Bailey | Director of Spirituality R-5

MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL

House Liturgies

After a time of not being able to gather together, is has been lovely to once again celebrate House Liturgies in the Chapel. The theme of Easter and later Pentecost (the coming of the Holy Spirit) was explored and prayers offered for our community and the world.

Year 12 Retreat

From Thursday 23rd June to Friday 24th June, the Year 12s were at Nunyara Conference Centre in Belair for a time of reflection and relaxation. One of the highlights of the time away was the presentation from One50 Dance, a Christian Hip-Hop group, about taking courage and enjoying the journey. Throughout the two days there was a mixture of activities dealing with the future ahead and developing relationships. Feedback from the Year 12s was that the time away was a great experience.

Casual Clothes Day & Food Collection

Thank you again to the St Columba community for the generous donations of non-perishable foods which we held earlier in the term. St Vincent de Paul and the Edmund Rice Flexi School were very appreciative when the food arrived. These two centres cater for many of our families and individuals in the area with meals and food parcels.

Ms Eugenia Stopyra | Director of Spirituality 6-12

Term 2 has been an exciting and busy time of learning for our students, and we are thankful for the wonderful opportunities that have presented themselves.

A highlight, of course, was the Year 5 Camp. Thank you to all the teachers who supported our Year 5 students while on their three-day camp at El-Shaddai in Wellington. Another special mention to the Year 5 teachers who spent many weeks organising this outstanding learning experience and liaising with families to ensure that all students were able to experience camp and all that it has to offer. The feedback from the Year 5 students was that it certainly was a rewarding experience.

I thank our parent community for your patience, understanding and cooperation during this term when winter sicknessess and COVID again impacted our schooling. I also extend my gratitude to all our Junior School staff, as well as our regular TRTs, Ms Ros Braham and Ms Urszula Kotsnowska, who ensured that teacher programs and - most importantly - student learning continued to occur.

Staff in the Junior School have been continuing to recognise students who demonstrate positive behaviour at school. A special mention goes to Year 2 Jones/Griguol (457 Gold Slips), Year 3 Henderson (255 Gold Slips) and Reception Walters (217 Gold Slip) for their explementary efforts in leading this initiative. Our top 10% of students also enjoyed a pizza lunch on Tuesday as a reward for their effort and commitment to displaying 'A choices' while at school. Congratulations to these students.

This week, our St Columba College community farewells; Mrs Inge Forbes, Miss Lydia McCarron, Mrs Gina Dunning and Mrs Michelle Jones. Mrs Forbes now moves into maternity leave, as she is expecting her first baby and Miss McCarron is joining Mercedes College. Mrs Jones and Mrs Dunning would be well known in the St Columba College community for their long-standing service, beginning at the College in 2006 and 2011 respectively. We thank them for their commitment and contributions they have made to the community. Our students and their families have been so lucky to have these outstanding educators guiding them. We also extend our congratulations to Mrs Princess Galicia on her recent marriage to Larry.

Next term we welcome back Mrs Jess Murray (Monday/Tuesday) from Maternity leave. Mrs Murray will be team teaching with Mrs Tracey Palmer (Wednesday/Thursday/Friday) in our Year 1 class. We are also lucky enough to the following teachers joining us in the Junior School; Ms Lisa La Vence (Indonesian), Ms Samantha Moore (Year 2) and Ms Sarah Koch (Reception).

This week, we celebrate the learning and growth of all students through our End of Semester 1 Reports. These will be distributed on Friday via SEQTA Engage. If you would like a printed copy, please contact Junior School Student Services and they can provide this for you.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the last six weeks in my role of Acting Head of Junior School. I have learnt so much and am grateful for the opportunities and experiences. Thank you to everyone for their continuous support and encouraging words. Next term we welcome back Mrs Julie Hancock while I return to my role of Assistant Head of Curriculum and Learning.

May your family have a relaxing Term 2 holiday break and enjoy some time quality and restful time together.

Ms Michelle Arthur | Acting Head of Junior School

Student Leadership - YLead Altitude Day

Written by Lachlan Arias, Middle School Captain

“On Thursday 2 June, a group of 17 Year 9 students participated in a program called ‘Altitude Day’ which was hosted by ‘YLead’ at the Playford Civic Centre. We took part in a range of different activities with other groups of Year 9 students from several other schools.

We listened to different guest speakers share their stories of optimism, resilience, and determination and were given a great opportunity to meet students in the same situations as ourselves, to make new friends, and to share our ideas and worries with them.

We learnt a lot about perseverance and never giving up on ourselves and our dreams. We discussed taking risks instead of ‘playing it safe’ so that we can be happy in what we are doing and not feel stuck in a position that dulls our spirits. Overall, Altitude day was a great day and an amazing opportunity for the Year 9 students.”

The Rite Journey – City Bound Discovery Tour

On Wednesday 6 July, the Year 9 cohort embarked on an excursion to the city as one of their challenges for The Rite Journey. The activity fosters independence and collaboration amongst the students, as they have to organise, plan and navigate themselves around the CBD in their group to certain checkpoints. Students visited key educational institutions such the University of South Australia, The University of Adelaide and TAFE SA, as well as other businesses that focus on employment, health and wellbeing.

School Holiday Ideas

With the school holidays fast approaching, I thought I would share a link that promotes ideas and activities for families to participate in. The July school holidays can sometimes be a bit cold and wet, but that’s no reason for the kids to be bored! There are loads of activities, events, things to do and places to see these July School Holidays - click here.

I wish all families a restful break.

Mr Shane Dowling | Head of Middle School

The Senior School finished the first semester in a haze of events! From cake masterclasses in Food Technology to lawn bowls in Sports Studies, our students have thrived in hands-on education. It was great to see students demonstrate their learning with the Year 12 Drama Performance and the Year 11 Trial Exams during Week 9. All students successfully engaged in this process and overcame their nerves to walk on stage and into the exam room.

Mental health has been a big focus in the Senior School with presentations by Dr Tabitha Healey, an executive and personal life coach, and Jana Gomes from ‘In your Skin’. These presentations allowed students to learn about the impact of diet, sleep and exercise can have on their everyday life, as well as how to make positive decisions with their peers.

The Year 12 Retreat, held at Nunyara Conference Centre from Thursday 23 June to Friday 24 June, was a real highlight this term. It was an amazing experience which saw students connect with their five love languages, explore what their ‘future brand' was and strengthen bonds with their peers during some ‘down time’ away from the hustle of Year 12.

I wish all our senior students a safe and relaxing break! 

Mrs Deirdre Walters | Head of Senior School