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Columba Catholic Primary School Acknowledges the Bunurong Peoples’ of the Kulin Nation as Traditional Owners and Custodians and pay respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging.
Columba acknowledges the Bunurong’s continuing relationship to the land and waterways and respects that their connection and spiritual identity are maintained through ancient ceremonies, songlines, dance, art, and living culture.
We pay tribute to the invaluable contributions of the Bunurong and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Elders who have guided and continue to guide our work.
First Reading This Weekend At Mass
Wisdom 3:1–9
“The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God, no torment shall ever touch them.”
Reflection
This reading reminds us that even in difficult times, people who live with kindness, courage, and integrity remain surrounded by peace. When challenges come our way, it can be easy to see only the struggle — but often, those moments shape us and bring out our best qualities.
Just as gold is strengthened in fire, our character grows stronger through testing moments. What matters most is how we respond — with hope, patience, and compassion.
This message encourages us to trust that doing good, caring for others, and staying true to our values always leads to growth and renewal. Even when things don’t go as planned, we can find comfort knowing that love and goodness endure.
At Columba, we see this in our students and staff every day — people supporting each other, persevering, and showing grace through both challenges and successes. It’s a beautiful reminder that when we act with kindness and integrity, we help create a community where everyone can find peace and belonging.
HALLOWEEN
With Halloween falling on today's newsletter I wanted to share how this widely-celebrated tradition connects with our Catholic faith and how we might celebrate it thoughtfully together.
A Catholic Connection
Though many Australians recognise Halloween as a fun, American-style event, its origins are deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. The name “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve”—that is, the evening before All Saints’ Day on 1 November.
All Saints’ Day celebrates all the holy men and women who have gone before us. The following day, All Souls’ Day on 2 November, remembers those who have died and are still journeying toward heaven.
So, in essence, Halloween can be seen not just as spooky fun but as a time of remembering, gratitude and hope—a reminder that we are part of a much larger story of faith, love and life beyond this world.
Why this matters in a CATHOLIC SCHOOL context
At Columba we aim to form the whole child—not only academically but spiritually, socially and emotionally. Celebrating light, life and the hope we have in our faith ties directly into values such as compassion, community and respect. Helping children see beyond the 'witches, zombies and treats' lens allows them to connect more deeply with who they are as a part of the Catholic tradition.
Sacrament dates
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Thur 13th Nov, 5:30 pm at
St James Church Koo Wee Rup
Principal Message 31st October 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we approach the final part of the school year, I’ve been reflecting not only on what we’ve achieved together in 2025, but also on what we’ve built over the last six years.
At the heart of my role as Principal is a simple but powerful purpose: to create the best possible environment for our teachers to thrive. When educators are supported, valued and equipped, they in turn create classrooms where students can flourish. This has always been my guiding focus and it remains the foundation of our work at Columba.
We must never lose sight of our core purpose, striving for excellence in student achievement, especially in English and Mathematics. These are the building blocks for all learning, and every decision we make as a leadership team is centred on how best to support this for our students.
Creating the right environment is complex work, it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes great teachers, supported by a strong community of families, to bring it to life. I am truly grateful for the support you have given to our staff and our school as we continue this journey together.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to share that in the coming weeks we will announce a new Vision for Columba. Alongside this, we will introduce a set of teachable values practical, lived behaviours that will become a beacon for growth and development across our school. These values will be woven into the daily life of Columba and enacted by all students, giving us a clear, shared path forward in 2026.
Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. Together, we have achieved much—and together, we will continue to build an environment where both teachers and students can thrive.

Grade Structures 2026
In 2026 we will have the follwoing classes
2 Prep Classes
2 Grade 1 Grades
2 Grade 2 Grades
2 Grade 3 Grades
2 Grade 4 Classes
3 5/6 Classes
Our school-wide Transition Day will be on Tuesday 9th December.
This is the day your child will meet their new teacher.
I’ll also announce all our staff members and their roles toward the end of November.
We’re currently working through teaching and learning support applications, and we’re in the very fortunate position of having many new educators wanting to join Columba in 2026. These positons will be finalised in the next 2-3 weeks.
As we start planning class lists for next year, we’d like to give families the chance to share any specific educational needs that may affect your child’s placement in 2026.
At Columba, school is about more than just academics. It’s also where children learn to:
- 
Make friends with many, not just a few
 - 
Work alongside different personalities and strengths
 - 
Build respectful relationships
 - 
Adapt to change with confidence
 
We know that moving classes can bring mixed emotions, but it’s also a chance for children to grow—just like starting a new job. Change helps them learn new skills, make fresh connections, and build independence.
How We Build Classes
When creating class groups, we carefully consider:
- 
Each child’s academic, social and emotional needs
 - 
Teaching styles and staff strengths
 - 
Peers your child works well with (not just best friends)
 
We use Class Solver, a tool that helps us create balanced groups across learning and social factors.
Parent Requests
If you’d like to make a request:
- 
Please complete the 2026 Class Request Form below
 - 
Requests must be in writing each year
 - 
Please note: we cannot accept requests for a specific teacher or to keep best friends together
 
? Click here to complete the 2026 Class Request Form
Thanks for trusting us to support your child. With your partnership, we’ll make sure every child is set up for success in 2026.
A Window Into Learning At Columba
CELEBRATING WORLD TEACHER'S
DAY AT COLUMBA
Today, we join schools all across Australia 
in celebrating World Teachers’ Day

We know that teachers have the greatest impact on student growth and learning of anyone in a school. It’s why we take recruitment and retention so seriously—and why, if you are employed at Columba, you are a great educator.
I genuinely believe we have one of the best teaching teams in Australia. Every single member of our staff is all in when it comes to caring for, supporting, and growing every child in our care. We are incredibly fortunate to have a team that welcomes all children and supports them no matter their stage of development, learning style, or wellbeing needs.
As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, I’m sure you will join me in wishing all our educators a very happy day.
Like I am each and every day, I’m deeply grateful for the extraordinary teachers we have caring for the most precious people in our lives, your children.
Regards,
Andrew Greco
Principal
The next Assembly will be on Friday 14th November
lead by 2W with the theme Inspiration
beginning at 2:30 PM in the MPR
Assemblies for Term 4
Week 8 Friday 28/11 grades 3-6 Inspiration hosted by 5-6M
Week 10 Friday 12/12 Respect Whole School
Whole School End of Year assembly Tuesday 16/12
Important Information for this Fortnight


| 
 Teachers have given students leaflets and information to take home regarding our school colour run on November 21. This is a day that is thoroughly looked forward to by students, and it is a big fundraiser for our school! Students earn prizes in accordance with their fundraising efforts, which is a great motivator to raise as much money as possible! It’s not too late to create a profile or start fundraising. Just jump on funrun.com.au to get started. 
The greatest part of the event is that if you are unable to donate yourself, you can share the link with trusted family, friends and colleagues.  | 
Event Details:
FRIDAY 21/11/2025
Time – TBC
Location – Columba Playground!
What to bring:
- White t-shirt or top
 - Old runners (the colour does stain!)
 - Shorts that can be coloured
 - Water bottle (it is a fun run!)
 - Towel (the car/bus will get messy otherwise!)
 - Change of clothes (not compulsory as the event will conclude just before home time)
 - Eye protection (is recommended but not compulsory)
 
We are so excited to see all the HAPPY KIDS & PROUD PARENTS on event day!
Thank you from The Parents & Friends Team

Wednesday 4th February - Teacher Professional Development
Thursday 12th February - Teacher Professional Development
Thursday 2nd April Time in Lieu all staff
Monday 20th April - Teacher Professional Development
Wednesday 27th May - Teacher Professional Development
Tuesday 9th June - Teacher Professional Development
Monday 13th July - Teacher Professional Development
Friday 14th August - Teacher Professional Development
Friday 30th October Time in Lieu all staff
Monday 2nd November - Time in Lieu all staff
Wednesday 4th NovemberTime in Lieu all staff
Thursday 17th December - Teacher Professional Development
Friday 18th December - Time in Lieu all staff
| Monday | 3rd | November | - SCHOOL CLOSURE | 
| Tuesday | 4th | November | - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday | 
| Thursday | 6th | November | - Prep Information Evening (2026 Preps) | 
| Tuesday | 11th | November | - Remembrance Day | 
| Thursday | 13th` | November | - Grandparents Day | 
| Thursday | 13th | November | - Sacrament of Reconciliation - grade 3 5.30pm | 
| Friday | 21st | November | - Colour Run | 
| Thursday | 4th | December | - Grade 6 Graduation 5pm-6:30pm | 
| Tuesday | 9th | December | 
 - Grade 6 Transition Day (High School) - Columba Transition Day (New Classes announced)  | 
| Wednesday | 10th | December | - End of Year Mass | 
| Thursday | 11th | December | - Christmas Fundraiser - Movie Night | 
| Friday | 12th | December | - Grade 6 Gumbuya World (big day out) | 
| Tuesday | 16th | December | - Grade 6 Guard of Honour | 
| Thursday | 18th | December | - Last Day of Term 4 & 2025 (3:20 PM finish) | 
Positions available - School Crossing Supervisors
Are you looking for some part-time paid work, or know someone who lives locally who is?
Are you available each morning and afternoon on school days?
Do you like helping the Community?
Do you like working outdoors?
If you answered yes to each of these questions, and you would be
interested in being the School Crossing Supervisor on Hope Street Bunyip (near railway line)
please log onto the Cardinia Shire website,
search school crossings and
register your expression of interest as suggested at
the bottom of the web page or use the link below.
You will receive full training, a full uniform, and be paid in accordance with the current EBA.
Expressions of interest for Casual school crossing supervisors, Cardinia Shire Council:







































