Kia ora whānau,

As we come to the end of another busy and rewarding term at St Columba’s Catholic School, I want to begin with the Gospel reading from our End of Term Liturgy - Mark 10:46–52, the story of Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside when Jesus passed by. He called out, and while others tried to silence him, Jesus stopped. He listened to Bartimaeus and then offered him a helping hand.

There is something beautifully simple in this Gospel that I think speaks directly to our SCCS community: Stop. Listen. Give a helping hand. Throughout this term, I have seen these qualities in so many people across our school. People stopping to notice someone, taking the time to listen, offering encouragement, helping when things have been difficult, and simply being there for one another. So, as we close Term 3, perhaps there is a question for all of us: 

Who have you stopped to thank, acknowledge and support this week?

As Principal, I would like to stop and take a moment to thank you - our parents and whānau. Thank you for the many ways you support SCCS. Thank you for getting children to school, supporting their learning, attending events, encouraging them in their sport and activities, helping with school initiatives, and for the countless things you do behind the scenes that often go unnoticed. Most importantly, thank you for trusting us with your children and working alongside our teachers and staff. Education is a partnership, and our children benefit enormously when school and home work together.

Term 4 is always a special time at SCCS, filled with opportunities to celebrate our children and our community. One of our major highlights will be our Zoom Production, where our students will bring the story of The Tortoise and the Hare to life in their own unique way. We will also celebrate Grandparents Day, giving our children an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the special people who have played such an important role in their lives.

As we finish Term 3, I encourage everyone to take a moment to stop.

- Stop and recognise the progress your children have made.

- Stop and acknowledge the people who have helped you.

- Stop and give thanks for the wonderful people who make our school community what it is.

And perhaps, most importantly, stop and notice someone who might need you. That is one of the beautiful messages I take from Bartimaeus: Jesus noticed him, stopped for him, listened to him, and gave him hope.

May we continue to be a school community that does the same for one another.

Thank you for a wonderful Term 3. I hope you and your whānau enjoy a well-earned break, have some time together and return refreshed for the final term of the year.

God bless, and have a safe and happy holiday.

Ngā mihi nui,

Gareth Duncan

Background on the Gospel Reading

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus uses the story of a vineyard to remind us about the importance of listening, responsibility, and caring for what has been entrusted to us. The story encourages us to listen to good advice, learn from those around us, and use our gifts to make a positive difference.

God of the earth and sky, as the winter frosts thaw in Aotearoa, we thank You for the bright kōwhai blooms and the return of the tui's song. Just as the land bursts into new life, we pray for renewal in our own lives, communities, and across our beautiful country. Amen

We remember, awesome God, that on the last day of creation, you rested and told us to do the same. Give us rest from our routine during this Spring holiday.  Fill us with joy.

Keep us safe and be with us as we play together and enjoy quiet time alone. We thank you for days of work and learning and days of play and rest.
Help us to love you and to love each other.   
Amen.

A huge thank you to all of our wonderful students who have stepped up to be altar servers this term! Your dedication, reverence, and service to our parish community are truly appreciated.  Please remember to check the roster carefully, as a number of students are rostered on for Mass over the upcoming school holidays.

When you are serving or on the computer, please ensure you arrive at least 15–20 minutes before Mass begins. 

Thank you once again for your commitment, and have a safe and wonderful holiday break.

Katrina Murphy
Director of Religious Education

 Term 4 brings the changeover from Winter to Summer School Uniform.

All students must be in full summer uniform after Labour Weekend (Tuesday 27th October).  The two weeks prior to this, students may choose either full winter or full summer uniform (not a combination of both).

A reminder in accordance with our school policy, the school sun hat is compulsory for all students in Term 4. 
 

A reminder our Opening Hours are:

B4Care - 7.30am to 8.30am

ASCare - 2.45pm to 5.30pm

Holiday Programme - 8am to 5pm 

 

Any questions please contact Deb to discuss on 021 586633. 

Regards & happy holidays to all our families. 

Deb, Gareth and the SCCS Kids Club team 

Registrations for the Term 4 2026 Junior Touch Modules are now OPEN!

Location: Swarbrick Park

Years 1–6: Thursday evenings​

Years 7–8: Monday evenings

If your child would like to play touch in Term 4, please make sure you complete their registration before the end 
of Term 3. 

Touch Registration 2026 Term 4 | St. Columbas School 

ALL students who want to play basketball — whether they are continuing from Term 3 or wanting to start playing — must complete a new online registration form.

Due to the high volume of Touch registrations for Term 4, we need to have a clear and accurate number of students wanting to play basketball. Registrations will not be rolled over from Term 3.

Please make sure your registration is completed by the end of Term 3.

 2026 Term 4 Basketball Rego Form (Yr1-6) | St. Columbas School 

 

We are excited to offer Splash Polo in Term 4!  Splash Polo is a fun, modified version of water polo designed for primary-aged students. It’s a bit like playing football in the water, with players passing, working together as a team and aiming to score by throwing the ball into a floating goal.

No previous experience is required, however students need to be confident and comfortable in and around the water. The game can be physical at times.

Venue:  Hillcrest Normal School
Game Day:  Sundays between 8am - 7pm - depending on the draw
Divisions:  Juniors - Yr 3 - 4 only    Senior - Up to Yr 6
Cost:  $55.00

Competition Dates :

 • Grading games: 1 November 2026

• Round 1: 8 November

• Round 2: 15 November

• Round 3: 22 November

• Round 4: 29 November

• Round 5: 6 December

• Finals: 13 December
 

If your child is interested in playing Splash Polo, please complete the registration form by the end of the term.

 

Splash Polo | St. Columbas School