Term 3 - Week 10

Catholic Mission

Here in Australia, October marks World Mission Month, led through the Catholic organisation Catholic Mission.

World Mission Month is celebrated every year in every country, wherever there are Christians committed to building a better world for all of God's people, a world where everyone has all they need to live a dignified and fulfilling life. It is a time in which we reflect on the urgency to proclaim the Gospel in our times.

St Columba's is dedicated to working to raise funds to support Catholic Missions. This year, Catholic Mission is raising awareness and funds for communities in Zambia, to help ensure children have access to food and education, giving them the chance to build a brighter future.

The students at St Columba's are inspired to participate in Soctober. The children's ideas are:
Children are invited to bring in a coin donation so they can wear casual clothes for the day.
During the day, the school will participate in a World Mission Liturgy, make a sock-ball and play sock-er games.

All money received will be given to Catholic Missions to help communities in Zambia, to help the children of Zambia access food and education.

More information (dates, how to make a sock-ball) will come next term!

Pupil Free Day

Year 5 - Experience St John’s College

The Year 5 students have been invited to attend a Year 5 Spirituality and Experience Day at St John’s College on Friday, 31st October (Term 4, Week 3). Further information is attached. This special day provides students with the opportunity to: Meet new friends from other feeder schools, Explore their faith, Engage in new learning experiences, Enjoy a taste of high school life. Transport will be organised by St Columba’s, with Mr Corben accompanying and transporting the students to and from St John’s College on the day. Permission slips will be sent to you via Compass. Please inform the school if you do not wish your child to participate.

Summer Uniform - Term 4

As we begin Term 4, all students are required to wear their full summer uniform. 

Please take the time to check that uniforms are labelled with your child’s name. Hats are a compulsory part of the summer uniform, and we remind families of our “No Hat, No Play” policy to ensure students are protected during outdoor activities.

We appreciate your support in helping students present themselves well and be ready for a successful final term of the school year.

2026 Enrolments Open

Term 3 - School Lunch Orders

Week 10
Chicken Burgers

Important Dates - Term 4

TBC = The School is waiting for confirmation from the Cabonne Shire Council to confirm the bookings for Yeoval Swimming Pool.

New Social Media Age Restrictions

NEW SOCIAL MEDIA AGE RESTRICTIONS – WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW 📱🚫

From mid-December, children under the age of 16 will no longer be able to hold accounts on certain social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube. (Online gaming and standalone messaging apps are not included in this change.)

This new law is not about punishing or isolating young people - it’s about protecting their health and wellbeing. Research shows that being logged into social media accounts makes it more likely that young people will face pressures and risks such as:

• Constant notifications and alerts, leading to less sleep, reduced attention and increased stress.
• Content designed to keep them online for longer, sometimes exposing them to harmful material.

By delaying account access until 16, young people are given valuable “breathing space” to develop important life skills like digital literacy, critical thinking, impulse control, and resilience. It also gives parents and carers more time to guide children through safe online behaviours, discuss risks, and show them where to go for help.

As these changes come into effect, it’s important for families to:

• Talk openly with children about the new age restrictions.
• Find out how they currently use social media.
• Support them in understanding both the risks and the benefits of online platforms.

This change is designed to give young people the best chance to thrive - helping them build confidence and resilience before stepping fully into the online world at 16.

✅ Tips for Parents
Here are some simple ways to support your child with the new age restrictions and safe social media use:

• Start conversations early – Talk with your child about the new age rules and why they are in place.
• Check in regularly – Ask about how they use devices and what they enjoy or find challenging online.
• Set healthy habits – Encourage balanced screen time, good sleep routines, and offline activities.
• Model safe use – Show your child positive ways to use technology and social media responsibly.
• Know where to get help – Remind your child to come to you if something online makes them feel uncomfortable.

Attendance

Regular school attendance helps your child build the skills and knowledge they need to succeed now and in the future. Establishing a consistent morning routine and practicing time management supports learning, wellbeing, and lifelong habits. Encourage healthy habits, limit distractions, and guide your child to take responsibility for their learning every day!

RISE Youth Festival (Year 6-9)

RISE Youth Festival (Year 6-9) – Thursday 2 to Friday 3 October 2025

RISE Youth Festival is for young people in Years 6 to 9, with those in Years 10 to 12 invited to participate as youth team members. Led by the Diocesan Youth Ministers, the festival is packed with fun, friendship, small group challenges, workshops, games, music, and plenty of opportunities to encounter Jesus. It will take place at Ridgecrest Christian Education & Convention Centre

Parent Engagement Newsletter

Please find below a link to the first edition of the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB) Parent Engagement (PEN) Newsletter for 2025. This newsletter aims to share information with Principals, parents, carers, and families within the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst schools and will be published twice a year.

Please take some time to read the interesting information contained within the publication.

Council of Catholic School Parents

The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) have recently updated the Our Catholic Faith handbook for 2026.
This resource is for all parents and carers. It is a popular guide to the Catholic traditions, celebrations, symbols and prayers. This resource will continue to explore the depths of the Catholic faith, that is, the very foundation of our schools and find within it the heart of a God who has loved you and your children from the beginning of time.

School Uniform List

Lifeline - Central West

Community News

Orange CYMS Cricket Club runs two Blasters programs in Molong:
Junior Blasters: Fun drills and games to build basic skills. Aimed at kids aged 4-6.-Master Blasters: Modified and safe matches for kids who have the ability to bowl with a straight arm and hit a moving ball. Aimed at kids aged 7-9.
Both programs will be held at 3.30 pm on Thursday afternoons. The programs run for 5 weeks in Term 4 of the 2025 school year and 5 weeks in Term 1 of the 2026 school year. Blasters programs are priced at $110, which includes all required clothing and equipment, as well as insurance coverage. The first 100 players registered this season will receive a $50 registration refund, thanks to McDonald's Orange and Cowra. NSW Government Active Kids Vouchers (valued at $50) can also be used when registering..