The Coracle
Term Two Week 10

Junior School

The last five weeks of Term 2 have been busy in the Junior School and a highlight for us was celebrating Saint Columba Day on Wednesday 9 June. Students attended a Liturgy in the Gym and everyone was involved in singing, praying and celebrating the life of Saint Columba. The Junior School students had great fun at the Fete run by the Middle and Senior School Students. They showed amazing service. Our children felt so welcomed and had lots of fun!

The Junior School staff continue to present Religious Education to students in innovative and relevant ways. This includes the use of Information Communication and Technology (ICT), Drama, Mindfulness and Godly Play. The Catholic Education Office have recently updated the Religion Documents and Curriculum, so we look forward to refreshing staff and student learning in the Religious domain.

Mrs Jane Bailey | R-5 Director of Spirituality

Middle/Senior School

The cold weather and a little rain didn’t stop the enjoyment of Saint Columba Day on Wednesday 9 June. To start the day, we gathered as a whole College for a Liturgy in the Gym. Later, the Middle and Senior School students set up Fete stalls ready for food and fun. Using the Gym and Junior School’s under-cover area, students went from one stall to another, exploring things they could buy and play. A little over $6000 was raised! These funds will be donated to St Vincent de Paul and Anglicare to care for our community.

From Thursday 17 June to Friday 18 June, the Year 12s spent time together on Retreat at Nunyara Conference Centre at Belair. Throughout the two days, students gathered for different sessions that covered topics including ethical and intercultural understanding and personal social capabilities. The Year 12 Retreat is an annual event that aims to bring some balance to year that is often heavy with study, hence, there was also time for relaxation and enjoying each other’s company.

Miss Eugenia Stopyra | 6-12 Director of Spirituality

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 Saint Columba Day where we all came together as a College community to celebrate our patron Saint.

This term our students have also been involved in many extra-curricular opportunities including Sporting Carnivals, Year 3-5 Touch Footy, Kadlitiya Kid's Day for our ATSI students, and a Lunchtime Music Concert. This concert was performed by students who are learning instruments and have a passion for Performing Arts. They were able to showcase their talents and entertain our Junior School students. We celebrate our students’ high level of participation and teamwork.

This term we said farewell to some special staff members from the Junior School. Mrs Shelley Enders, our Community Development Officer, has contributed to our community with enthusiasm and zest and led many new initiatives that have benefitted our students and families. She recently won a national position within the Defence Force and will be missed at our school. We thank Shelley for establishing the Breakfast Club, her work in the Defence Liaison Role, co-ordinating volunteers, supporting our Playgroup, organising programs for our community, and created strong partnerships with outside agencies.

Mr Philip Mathews, our Junior School Chaplain, has been a deeply valued support to both students and families, facilitating ‘Peaceful Kid’ programs, ‘Rock and Water’, social skills groups, supporting our Playgroup and caring for our community. Mr Matthew’s deep sense of faith, compassion and genuine kindness will be missed as he takes up another chaplaincy position closer to home and family.

Mrs Ros Braham has been a Year 1 teacher at St Columba since 2016. During this time, she has worked tirelessly for the best interest of every child, supporting their learning and growth. Mrs Braham has taken on many roles including ATSI key teacher. Her passion for the environment has created lasting change in the way we consider and care for our world. We wish her every blessing as she commences a new role teaching Reception at Our Lady of the Visitation, Taperoo.

In other staff news, Mr Peter Pudney will commence parenting leave for Semester 2 and we welcome Miss Tara Molo as an Education Support Officer. Ms Sarah Lock will commence maternity leave at the end of Week 2, Term 3. We wish them all well.

Recently we have reviewed our behaviour and wellbeing initiatives, including trialling a split play where students from our Early Years and Primary Years have had breaks at different times. This has allowed them more space in the yard and more choice around their play. We have also experimented with changing the time children eat to the end of some breaks before coming back into class for learning. We have noticed improvements in yard play, as well as students feeling ready to re-enter learning spaces. We look forward to sharing some further positive ongoing developments with you next Semester.

Finally, we celebrate the learning and growth of all students. Reports will be distributed this week via SEQTA Engage. If you would like a printed copy, please contact Student Services in the Junior School and they can provide this for you.

Enjoy the holiday break! Stay warm and safe.

Mrs Julie Hancock | Head of Junior School

College Sport

Term 2 has been a busy one for College sport. We have had many students participate in the Year 6/7 Winter Carnival, 9-A-side Football, Years 8/9 Netball, and we also hosted the Year 8/9 Girls Soccer. Participation in College sports is a fantastic opportunity for students to demonstrate College spirit, learn new skills and work effectively in a team.  I want to congratulate all students who have represented our College this term and sincerely thank all staff who have volunteered their time to coach or manage a team.

The Rite Journey – City Bound Discovery Tour

On Wednesday 30 June, the Year 9 cohort embarked on an excursion to the city as one of their challenges as part of The Rite Journey. The activity fosters independence and collaboration amongst the students, as they are required 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, Adelaide University and TAFE SA, as well as other businesses that focus on employment, health and well-being.

School Holiday Ideas!

With the school holidays here, 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.

https://www.kidsinadelaide.com.au/adelaide-school-holidays-july/

Mr Shane Dowling | Head of Middle School

The Senior School has been non-stop in its festivities of celebration in the past five weeks. The highlight for many has been the completion of practical pieces or experiences they have been working towards all semester. The Year 10 Drama performance, ‘Anne-Arky’, was lively and brilliantly executed by students in the PAC on Wednesday 2 June. Our Year 10 students successfully navigated Mount Crawford Forest on their Outdoor Education camp at the end of Week 5. The Year 12 cohort also relished the opportunity to get away for their two-day Retreat at Nunyara Conference Centre in Belair on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 June, where they were given an opportunity to explore how they can be their best selves. An excursion to the Adelaide Holocaust Museum was another highlight for the second half of this term. The Year 12 Humanities students were the first school group in the state to attend the Museum on Tuesday 1 June, which is located on Wakefield Street in the city. It was a sombre experience for all who attended as they listened to stories of survival from the South Australian Jewish community. Our Year 11s have also pushed hard with their academics to ensure their semester of learning was complete. It was a proud moment as Head of School to see so many students walk out of their trial exams in Week 9 delighted with themselves, knowing that their hard work for the past 20 weeks had paid off.  

Mrs Deirdre Walters | Head of Senior School