Dear St Columba’s School Community - Welcome to the end of week 10
As we reach the end of Term 1, I would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your energy, commitment, and support throughout the term. It has been a full and vibrant start to the year, and I am grateful that our community continues to come together in faith and learning.
As we enter Holy Week and prepare for Easter, may this time offer you peace, reflection, and the chance to be with loved ones. I hope the upcoming break brings rest, renewal, and joy for you all.
Have a safe and refreshing holiday, and I look forward to seeing you all back for Term 2.
Ngā mihi nui, Gareth Duncan Principal
Catholic Character
Thank you to our school community for raising 519 cans and other non-perishable food items in Week 8. These were donated to the St Vincent de Paul Foodbank to help those in need. A fantastic example of almsgiving during this season of Lent!
Holy Week/Easter Liturgies
This week we have had a variety of Holy Week/Easter themed liturgical celebrations. Thank you to our teachers and students who led these. Our liturgical celebrations included:
Washing of the Feet and Last Supper - led by Team 3
End of Term Mass (Palm Sunday theme) - led by Team 2
Stations of the Cross - led by Team 5
This Sunday’s Gospel - Luke 19:28-40
At Mass this weekend, you will hear the story where Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, just as He had told His disciples, and the people welcomed Him with joy, praising God and shouting, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!"
Discussing each Sunday’s Gospel with your children and exploring how they can apply its key messages to their lives is a fantastic way to support their faith formation. For this week’s Gospel, you might discuss:
Welcome Jesus with joy - Just like the people welcomed Jesus, you can welcome Him into your heart by praying, singing, or being kind and thankful.
Share what you have - The donkey’s owner let Jesus use it; how can you share your toys, time, or help with others who need it?
Speak up for good - Jesus said even the stones would praise Him if the people were quiet. How can you stand up for what's right, say kind words, and talk about Jesus with love and courage?
2025 Sacramental Programme
This year’s Sacramental Programme will be run by the Parish of St Columba. Sessions will be taught on Sundays in Term 3 and 4 on the following dates:
10 August/17 August (Reconciliation)
24 August/31 August (Holy Communion)
5 October/12 October (Confirmation)
First Holy Communion and Confirmation will be celebrated on Saturday 18 October 2025.
Should your child require Baptism, please contact the Parish Office for more information via stcol.parish@xtra.co.nz
A Prayer for Lent
O God, help us to see each other as you see us, not by our faults or failings, but by our identity as your own. Give us your eyes to see, your heart to love. Amen.
In the Heart of Euphrasie Barbier Jolan Search Deputy Principal / Director of Religious Studies
Winter Uniform
At the beginning of Term 2 we transition into our winter uniform. There is a two week transition period, however during this time children must be in either full summer or full winter uniform. Please note all children must be in full winter uniform from Monday 12 May.
Please see the list below outling our winter uniform requirements.
Term Dates
Term Dates Term 2 - Monday 28th April to Friday 27th June - Public Holidays - Monday 2 June (King's Birthday) and Friday 20 June (Matariki) Term 3 - Monday 14th July to Friday 19th September Term 4 - Monday 6th October to Tuesday 16th December
KIDS CLUB News…..
Holiday Programme Dates
Week 1 - Monday 14th April 2025 to Thursday 17th April 2025
Week 2 - Tuesday 22nd April 2025 to Thursday 24th April 2025
Enrolments are still open, so get in quickly to secure your spot. We will continue to take bookings through the holidays if there are spaces available, so please text or call Deb to check and discuss.
Lots of fun and exciting activities are planned for each day. We will not know the movie choice until the week before because the movie theatre's screening schedule runs from Thursday to Thursday. As soon as we see the movie pick, Deb will post it on the Kids Club Seesaw. If you are not on our Seesaw Classroom, please ask Deb to be added.
Friendly reminder…… All bookings received to date are now confirmed. If you decide you do not need your booking, the cost still applies. We are only days away from our programme starting, and staff rosters, purchasing, and planning have all been confirmed.
Please text or ring Deb on 021 586633 for any inquiries or to discuss.
If you wish to make a booking, please download a copy of the April HP enrolment form from our school website and email it to Deb at Kidsclub@sccs.school.nz. We can then confirm your place. If your child has not attended ASCare or a Holiday Programme with us before, please contact Deb to discuss your needs and possible site visits before starting. This forms part of our “Conditions of Enrolment” on the enrolment form, page 2.
Overdue Accounts
We appreciate you keeping on top of your family school account and having this current before the holidays start. The ladies in the office will be able to help if you have any concerns or wish to organise a payment plan.
