Term 4 - Week 1

Catholic Mission

October marks World Mission Month, led through the Catholic organisation Catholic Mission. 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. All money received will be given to Catholic Missions to help communities in Zambia, to help the children of Zambia access food and education.

Pupil Free Day

Playground Update

ChatGPT said:

Following a recent inspection of the trees on our school grounds, a number were identified as unsafe and, unfortunately, needed to be removed to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and visitors. While it’s always sad to see trees go, safety remains our highest priority.

We are now looking ahead to the next stage, planning for the planting of new trees across the school grounds. We aim to select suitable species that will provide shade, enhance our outdoor spaces, and continue to support a natural and welcoming environment for our students to enjoy.

New Blinds Installed in Our Classrooms

New blinds were installed in both our Infants and Primary classrooms at St Columba’s. The upgrade has already made a noticeable difference, helping to create a more comfortable and welcoming learning environment for our students.

The new blinds provide improved light control and temperature regulation, keeping classrooms bright yet comfortable throughout the day. Importantly, they also offer greater privacy from the public, ensuring our students can learn and play in a safe and focused environment. 

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.

Term 3 - School Lunch Orders

Week 1
Hot Dogs

Week 2
Sausage Sizzle

Week 3
Pin Wheels

Week 4
No lunch orders this week - School Excursion

Week 5
Chicken Tender Wraps

Week 6
Pizza & Garlic Bread

Week 7
Taco Bowls

Week 8
Ham & Cheese Toasties

Week 9
Nuggets & Chips

Important Dates - Term 4

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

Please Note - Change to Pool Party Date

CSNSW Term 4 Primary Road Safety 2025

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

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..