Kia ora koutou e te Whanau,

We have enjoyed another fabulous week of learning and participation at St Columba’s Catholic School.

A special congratulations to our Year 7 and 8 students who attended the Tōtara Springs Winter Sports Camp last week. It was wonderful to see our students embracing new challenges, building friendships and participating in over 20 different sporting activities throughout the week. These experiences create lasting memories and help develop confidence, resilience and teamwork.

I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many parents, coaches, managers and volunteers who have given their time to support winter sport across our community. Whether through rugby, netball, football, hockey or any of the other winter codes, your commitment provides incredible opportunities for our young people. On behalf of our school community, thank you for all that you do.

This term, our learners are taking a deep dive into The Arts Curriculum, with a particular focus on the performing arts. We are excited to see our students exploring creativity, storytelling and performance as we prepare for our school production, "Zoom", based on the timeless tale of The Hare and the Tortoise.  This delightful story provides a wonderful lens through which to explore themes such as power and humility, perseverance and patience, strength and vulnerability, and the importance of valuing each person's unique gifts. These themes connect strongly with our school values and our commitment to supporting one another, serving our community and growing together in faith and learning.

Thank you for your continued support of our school and for the many ways you contribute to making St Columba Catholic School such a special place.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Gareth Duncan
Principal

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus reminds his disciples that even when life feels challenging or uncertain, they are not alone. He encourages them to have courage, trust, and faith, knowing that he is always with them.

This message inspires us to face challenges with confidence, support one another, and remember that small acts of kindness and encouragement can help others through difficult times. These are values we strive to nurture in our school community every day.

 

 ⛪Welcome Mass⛪
Last Wednesday, we celebrated our special Welcome Mass, where we warmly welcomed our new students and their families into the St Columba’s School community. The children sang beautifully and helped make the celebration very meaningful.

A special part of the Mass was our traditional candle ceremony, symbolising the light of Christ and the warm welcome extended to each new member of our school family. It was a lovely celebration of faith, belonging, and community.

School Parish Mass:  Week 6, Sunday 23rd August in the Church 

Everyone is welcome. This will be compulsory for Year 2 and 3 students. 

Father’s Day/ Special Persons Liturgy: Week 7, Friday 4th September 

End of term Mass: Week 10, 24th September in the Church
See you there!

 

All children aged 3–8 are warmly invited to join St Columba’s Children’s Liturgy, held during the 10:00 am Sunday Mass throughout the school term. The children enjoy singing songs, praying together, and taking part in a fun activity or craft connected to the Gospel.  All are welcome to attend!

Have a great week 

Katrina Murphy

Director of Religious Education

 

Term 3 Volleyball registrations are now open. Registrations close 22nd August 2026.

 

Registrations are officially open across all divisions for the 2026/27 Waikato Touch Representative Programme!

From our U10s right through to O55s, there is an opportunity for players of all ages to get involved and represent Waikato.

Selected teams will compete at local and regional tournaments, with some divisions also attending national events.

Visit our website for division information, eligibility criteria, trial dates and registration links:

https://waikatotouch.co.nz/representative 

 

 

Some general reminders about Kids Club ~

Kids Club opening hours during term time are:

B4Care - 7.30 am to 8.30 am

ASCare - 2.45 pm to 5.30 pm

Kids Club Holiday Programme - Information about the next School Holiday programme  (Week 1: 28th Sept - 2nd Oct, 
Week 2: 5th - 9th Oct)  will be available by the 10th September. The holiday programme runs daily from 8 am to 5 pm.  If you have any questions regarding the holiday programme content, please contact Deb.

If your child is going to be absent from Kids Club (including if they are collected from school early), please send a message to 021 586633

Please find all details regarding enrolment on our school website, or call into the school office.

Have a great week.
Deb and the Kids Club Team
 021586633

School Photos will be given out when they arrive.  We are not expecting them to arrive until closer to the end of this Term or early in Term 4. 

 Attached is the leaflet for ordering class photos for any parents who have missed out.  

Ordering with free pick up from the school closes on the 20th of August. Any orders placed after this date will be charge for postage to their chosen address.