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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.
Poster title
Artist
Ancestral Lines is a visual representation of the lines and ties that follow a generation and the songs that come with it.
When I think of the next generation I think towards my Ancestor Lucy Wright, Enoch Wright, Nonie Wright, all the way from my Nanna Audrie to my Mother Vanessa.
When I look back at my mob it helps me see towards the future, it gives me hope and strength knowing what my mob have survived through and accomplished amid adversity.
Each person in the painting depicts a series of lines akin to songlines, that represent what they know, who they were and what they have passed on, the first being that of lore (interpretive), hunting, protecting, and tracking, the second of care, weaving, fishing, and love.
The third is when we see the two combine into one, and the last two take unfinished elements of them all, to show the passing down of knowledge and care.
Above them is the essence of the land they live and protect/care for. It is a depiction of my home the cold skies of Tenterfield with the swirling clouds and giant moon, a place around the fire is where the next Generation find their strength, vision and legacy.
Religious Education and Sacramental Team
Principal Message 1st August 2025
Dear Families
I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who supported our recent disco. Seeing the joyous energy in the room was truly special. A lot of hard work goes into these events, and it's always worth it when you see so many children (and adults!) leave with smiles on their faces, voices a little hoarse, and feet a little sore. When that happens, we know our job is done.
In many ways, that night was a beautiful metaphor for what we are trying to achieve every day here at Columba. Just like preparing for the disco, we all need to be ready to learn. For the disco, we get dressed in our "best clothes," whether it's a sparkly dress or a comfortable hoodie that lets us move freely.
But what are our "best clothes" for learning? The answer is different for everyone. For one student, it might be a quiet corner and a good book. For another, it's a hands-on project with friends. At Columba, we are working to create an environment that embraces these differences and allows every child to learn in their own unique way.
This is where our school motto, "Let your light shine," truly comes to life. It's not about being the same as everyone else; it's about discovering what makes you a unique learner and having the confidence to pursue it. This approach can be a challenge for our dedicated staff, but it's a challenge we are more than up for. We are committed to fostering an environment where every child feels seen, supported, and ready to learn in their own way, allowing their unique light to shine brightly.
You are a vital part of this journey, and your support at home makes all the difference. We encourage you to continue this conversation at home by talking with your children about what they are passionate about, asking them how they prefer to learn, and celebrating their efforts and unique strengths. Whether it's through a project, a story, or a simple observation, let's work together to nurture their individual brilliance.
Beyond helping your own child, you can also support this vision by fostering a spirit of compassion and understanding for others. We can teach our children to see the unique light in their peers, especially those who may learn differently. In the spirit of Jesus's teachings, we are called to love our neighbours and show kindness to all. By talking with your children about empathy and the importance of including everyone in their learning journey, you help us create a truly supportive community where every child feels valued and their unique strengths are celebrated.
Thank you again for being a part of this wonderful community.
Andrew Greco
Principal
A Window Into Learning At Columba
A Shout-Out to our Amazing Grade 2 Class!
It's been awesome to see the incredible progress our Grade 2 students are making, not just in their learning but in the way they work together. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and it's clear they are approaching every task with pride and determination.
We've been so impressed with the quality of their work. Just today, looking at a recent assignment, we couldn't help but say, "Wow, look at that handwriting!"
But what makes their learning so special is that it's all built on a foundation of respect for each other. The students are learning to listen to their classmates' ideas, celebrate each other's successes, and help one another when someone needs it. This focus on respect is creating a supportive and inspiring classroom environment where everyone can thrive.
Keep going, Grade 2s! Your hard work and wonderful attitudes are an inspiration to us all.
The next time we gather will be on Friday 15th August
hosted by 4-5GR in the MPR beginning at 2:30 PM
The value is Fairness which is the value of MacKillop house, inspired by the work of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop whose motto was,
"Never see a need without doing something about it."
Parents & families are welcome to join us!
Important Information for this Fortnight
Columba Catholic Primary School Supports Vinnies Winter Appeal
This August, Columba Catholic Primary School is proud to launch its support for the Vinnies Winter Appeal, a crucial initiative dedicated to assisting local families and individuals facing hardship during the colder months.
We encourage all students and families to contribute to this important cause by donating essential items. Your generosity will directly benefit those in need within our community. We are collecting:
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Non-perishable food: This includes staples like rice, pasta, noodles, tinned soup, baked beans, canned vegetables, long-life milk, and breakfast cereals.
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Toiletries: Items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, sanitary products, and toilet paper are greatly appreciated.
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Cleaning products: Donations of laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, surface spray, and sponges will also be gratefully received.
All donations will be collected throughout August and delivered to the St Vincent de Paul Society, who will then create hampers for distribution to those in need right here in our community.
As an extra incentive, our student Social Justice Leaders have organized a "Silly Hair Day" on Wednesday, August 20th. Any student who brings in a donation is invited to come to school with fun, colourful, or crazy hair!
Living Our Faith Through Action
As a Catholic school, we are guided by Catholic Social Teaching, especially the principle of the Common Good. This principle emphasizes our collective responsibility to ensure that everyone has what they need to live with dignity. As Jesus reminds us, "Whatever you do for the least of my people, you do for me." (Matthew 25:40).
This appeal is more than just giving; it's an opportunity to embody our faith through concrete actions of compassion and justice.
Thank you in advance for your incredible generosity and support. Together, we can truly make a difference this winter for those most vulnerable in our community.

Student Vision and P&F Support Bring New Netball Dresses to Life
Earlier in Term 2, Minti, Evie, and Isla from 5/6M proposed the idea of introducing school netball dresses. They took the confidence to write a letter to Mr Greco and Mrs W, and their idea was met with enthusiastic support. Following this, the netball dresses were sketched and digitally designed, and the final order was placed at the end of Term 2. We’re excited to share that the dresses arrived on Monday of Week 2, Term 3—and they look absolutely fantastic. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to bringing this idea to life. Here’s a look at the finished product. Thank you so much to the P&F for sponsoring this project. We appreciate your fundraising efforts. We are looking forward to wearing them at our next sports event in a few weeks!


A Smash Hit: The School Disco!
The school disco last night was a complete smash! It was wonderful to see so many children attending and having such a fantastic time. We raised lots of money for our Parents and Friends group, which will be put to great use supporting our school community.
I'm sure even parents living in Garfield could hear the incredible energy and fun coming from our Multipurpose Room! It was a night of singing, dancing, and all-around fun, with every child leaving with a huge smile.
A massive thank you to the P&F for organizing such a memorable event. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated by all of us.
'Pupil-free days, student-free days, school closures' are days of no school for students. These are scheduled days for either Professional Development (PD) for staff, Time In Lieu (TIL) days where staff have worked overtime, or school closures where no one is at school.
Wednesday | 20th | August | - Silly Hair Day |
Wednesday | 3rd | September | - Indigenous Literacy Day |
Thursday | 4th | September |
- Father's Day Event - Father's Day Stall |
Friday | 5th | September | - Book Week Dress Up Day |
Thursday | 11th&12th | September | - Grade 4 Camp |
Thursday | 18th | September | - Last Day Term 3 (3:20 PM finish) |
Monday | 6th | October | - First Day of Term 4 for all students |
Tuesday | 21st | October | - Columba Expo Open Night |
Monday | 3rd | November | - SCHOOL CLOSURE |
Tuesday | 4th | November | - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday |
Tuesday | 11th | November | - Remembrance Day |
Tuesday | 13th` | November | - Grandparents Day |
Thursday | 13th | November | - Sacrament of Reconciliation - grade 3 |
Friday | 21st | November | - Colour Run |
Thursday | 4th | December | - Grade 6 Graduation 5pm-9pm |
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) |