Principal Message
Kia ora e te whānau o Te Kura o Hato Karama Katorika,
Welcome back to Term 4 at St Columba’s Catholic School! I hope you all enjoyed a restful break and had some quality time together as a family. It’s wonderful to see our children back, full of energy and ready for another exciting term of learning and community life.
Our Term 4 Learning Focus – “Technology”
This term, our school-wide inquiry focus is Technology, exploring its origins, uses and impact on our lives today. Each class will dive into different aspects of technology through creative, hands-on learning experiences. Some teams are exploring themes such as wearable arts and fashion technology, while others are looking at the evolution of tools and communication.
We encourage you to talk with your children at home about what they’re learning. You'll be amazed at how they connect technology to the world around them! Keep an eye out for our Team Showcases later in the term, where students will share their discoveries and creations with the wider school community.
Faith, Stewardship & Our Centennial Year
As we continue to celebrate our Centennial Year, we pause to honour those who came before us, the Mission Sisters (RNDM), the founders of our school and the Catholic community of St Columba.
We remember that our school stands proudly on the whenua of Ngāti Mahanga and Ngāti Wairere, and we continue to play our part as kaitiaki (guardians) of this land. We give thanks for the many hands and hearts that have shaped our school’s story over the past 100 years.
Sports and Summer Uniform
Term 4 is full of sporting opportunities, including basketball, touch rugby and athletics.
Please ensure your child brings their PE gear every day, as classes will be preparing for athletics and spending more time outdoors as the weather warms up.
Important Dates
- Saturday 11th October – FOTS Quiz Night (school fundraiser)
- Thursday 23rd October – NZEI Strike Day – School Closed (including Kids Club)
- Friday 7th November at 7:30am – Mums & Sons FREE Breakfast in Te Manawa
- Friday 7th November - FOTS Outdoor Movie Night in the Village Green. Bring a picnic dinner, sleeping bags and your favourite beanbag and or deck chair to sit on. More information will be provided.
Term 4 is always a busy and joyful time, filled with learning, celebrations and community events. Let’s continue to support one another and keep the spirit of St Columba’s alive through faith, kindness, and service.
Wishing you all a wonderful start to the term. Take care, stay sun-safe, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming school events.
Ngā mihi nui,
Gareth Duncan