A Window Into Learning At Columba
We recently celebrated our Prep students reaching a major milestone: 100 days of school! While the planned parade was unfortunately a wash-out due to the rain, the incredible costumes were definitely the highlight of the day. Our Preps and their families showed amazing creativity, with many dressing up as 100-year-old men and women. The sight of our students with painted wrinkles, grey hair, and walking sticks was both hilarious and heartwarming.
Even without the parade, the day was packed with fun activities that all revolved around the number 100. Our students participated in a variety of challenges
The day was a fantastic celebration of how much our Preps have learned and grown over the past 100 days. A big thank you to all the parents for their incredible effort with the costumes and for making this a truly special and memorable day for our youngest students.
We are excited to share that three of our wonderful teachers, Lizzy Cunningham, Erin Howlett, and Janine Kilmartin, recently attended The Resilience Project's Teacher Seminar. This professional development event was a great opportunity for them to learn new strategies to enhance our classroom practices and further support student wellbeing.
During the seminar, they learned about the importance of Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness (GEM) and how to incorporate these practices into daily classroom activities. The teachers also participated in a workshop on teacher wellbeing, helping them develop their own self-care plans, which in turn will benefit our entire school community. They also explored the power of vulnerability and authentic connection to help build strong relationships with our students.
Our teachers will be bringing these invaluable resources and ideas back to school to empower our students and staff with positive mental health habits and resilience. The strategies will be integrated into our school's approach to wellbeing, ensuring every student feels supported. We believe that by focusing on gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness, we can enhance the overall support for our students and create a positive and resilient learning environment.
A special bonus for the teachers was that they met a new friend while they were there.
Martin Heppell's SHOUT OUT to the Columba Family
Sad Farewell to Our Old Tree
It is with a heavy heart that we share some sad news. One of our special trees has needed to be been cut down. For many years the graduating class was invited to sign their name on the tree. It became part of the rite of passage for our year 6s to wander over and sign the tree. Over the proceeding months, the signatures gradually faded intot he bark, leaving space the next graduates to sign.
While we are saddened by its loss, the decision was made for the safety of our school community. Recent inspections revealed a significant split forming down the trunk, which posed danger. With the potential for high winds, there was a serious risk that the tree could have fallen, causing a major accident.
We know this tree held a special place in the hearts of many of our students and staff. Its presence was a familiar comfort and a beautiful part of our school landscape.
However, we are committed to honouring its memory and ensuring our green spaces continue to thrive. We have plans to plant an established replacement tree in a safe location, so that a new tree can grow and flourish for future generations.
In a wonderful display of turning a difficult situation into a positive one, the large stump of the old tree will not be removed. Instead, it will be incorporated into our yarning circle, providing a grounding and meaningful piece for students to gather around and share stories for years to come.
Watch The Giving TreeIn this enchanting tale, an ordinary treehouse transforms into a portal for extraordinary adventures. Join a group of friends as they discover a world of magic, mystery, and wonder with every turn of the page. The book celebrates the power of friendship and imagination, reminding us that the greatest journeys are often found in the most unexpected places.
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The Year 1s used role play to practice being 'upstanders' against putdowns
Their catch phrase against putdowns - "no way! no joke!"
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Be Bold: You have the power to help
Being bold doesn’t mean putting yourself in danger – it means choosing to do what’s right. Standing up shows others that bullying is not accepted.
Be Kind: Small actions make a big impact
Kindness builds connection, and connection helps stop bullying before it starts.
Speak Up: Speak up against bullying
When you speak up, you become an upstander—someone who chooses to help instead of watching from the sidelines.
Think before you post or speak
The words we use can build someone up or tear them down. That’s why it’s so important to think before we speak, type or post.
Together, we can stop bullying – a whole of community approach
The best way to stop bullying is by working together. That means students, teachers, families, and friends standing up, speaking out, and supporting each other.
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Bullying No Way: National week of action, 11th-15th August, 2025