Dear Families
A big thank you to all families, grandparents, friends and anyone the helped care for children (our students) on Wednesday. The day was full of learning for our teachers, but the effort families put in to find care for their children is appreciated.
On Wednesday, staff build on their knowledge on the teaching of Mathematics. Together we explored what best teaching practice is mathematics and how as a team, we can ensure our students are challenged in their learning, curious with 'what's next' and courageous in taking risks to solve problems and 'choose challenge'. As a staff we continue to grow and learn together and Wednesday was another big step in the right direction. Our staff mantra, 'We grow together making small improvements every day.'
Below are our pupil free days for 2023. I am hopeful by giving these dates to families as early as possible, you are able to plan holidays, care, supervision early to avoid the stress closer to the dates.
Pupil Free Days - NO STUDENTS 2023
Thursday - 16th February
Monday - 24th April
Wednesday - 17th May
Monday - 10th July
Wednesday - 16th August
Monday - 6th November
On Saturday 19th November, our Parents and Friends have organised a Comedy Night in the Bunyip Hall. If you are available on Saturday night, I ask that you consider attending as it is a nice opportunity to connect with new community members. All family and friends are welcome, any families not just Columba families can attend the event. The Parents and Friends group organise a community event at least once a year to provide the opportunity for families to meet new people and come together as community. So why not come along for a laugh, meet some new people and brink along some drinks (reminder it is adults - over 18) all in your home town.
As today was Remembrance Day, our 5/6 and Prep students walked down to participate in the service at the Bunyip Memorial, while our 3/4 and 1/2 students were at school for our ceremony. It was wonderful to
see how respectful all students were of the ceremony. The pause for reflection was very powerfull as the students and staff were asked to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.
I am hopefull that days like today can continue to remind everyone of the sacrifices others have made for us, and to be moved by love's power to unite the living and the dead. In the end, I find myself reflecting (in faith and hope) on the following words of Oscar Wilde: "The mystery of love is greater than the mystery of death."
Lest we forget!
RAISING GIRLS
Overview of this edition
It is no surprise that girls today are transitioning to puberty a lot earlier than they did a century ago. The physical, psychological and emotional changes that occur during this time can be challenging for girls, but also their parents. Some parents and carers may feel uncertain about how best to support their daughter through the ups and downs of adolescence. With the rise of social media and technology, mental health difficulties in girls are increasing as often they are facedwithonlineee images that make it difficult to see themselves as acceptable. Many are being exposed to pornsexualisationnn and innuendo from a very young age. Girls need positive role models in their lives to step up and help them shine with self-respect and confidence.
