Dear Community of St Columba’s,

I have returned feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to be on pilgrimage exploring the Great Saints of Italy, particularly during the time of the announcement of our new Pope, Pope Leo XXIV. 

I extend a heartfelt thank you to Niall Kehoe for his outstanding leadership during my absence over the past three weeks while I was away on pilgrimage. His calm committed presence ensured everything continued to run smoothly. Thank you also to Leesa Vinciullo, and to each one of you who supported them in both seen and unseen ways.  

Unlike a holiday, which is centred around rest and recreation, a pilgrimage is a spiritual journey, one that invites prayer, reflection, and a deepening of faith. As pilgrims, we walked in the footsteps of great saints such as St Peter, St Paul, St Francis and St Clare of Assisi, St Catherine of Siena, St Anthony of Padua, and St Padre Pio. These men and women lived with extraordinary faith, often through very ordinary, and sometimes painful, experiences. Their stories remind us that holiness is possible in every season of life.  

Pilgrimage is not always easy, and the occasional unforeseen circumstance such as early morning cold showers, long walks and delays are part of the experience, offering powerful opportunities for reflection and grace. That said, I was very well fed and yes, I did manage to enjoy a gelato and cannoli along the way! I look forward to sharing some photographs of these experiences on my next class visits. 

Mercy Mission Day Colour Run 

We are excitedly looking ahead to this year’s Mercy Mission and St Columba’s Day celebrations, which will conclude with a vibrant and much-anticipated Colour Run, generously organised by our wonderful P&F. 

On Friday 6 June, classes will walk, under teacher supervision, to Bayswater Primary School Oval at their allocated times to take part in the Colour Run as part of our Mercy Mission Day activities. Full details were shared via Class SEESAW on Tuesday 27 May, so please refer to that post for all key information. 

This event has been eagerly awaited by our students, and we extend our sincere thanks to the P&F Executive and Bec Wilkey (General Member) for their incredible planning and preparation. 

If you have any questions about the event, we encourage you to check the Frequently Asked Questions at School Fun Run:
👉 www.schoolfundraising.com.au/faq 

We look forward to a day filled with fun, colour, and community spirit! 

First Reconciliation 

We extend our warmest blessings to our Year 3 students who will be making their First Reconciliation tonight. This is a very special moment in their faith journey, as they experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. 

Also known as Confession, Reconciliation is a sacrament of healing in the Catholic Church. It offers a chance to reflect, say sorry, and receive God’s loving forgiveness. Through this sacrament, we are reminded of God’s endless mercy and the opportunity to begin again with a renewed heart. 

We thank the dedicated teachers who have thoughtfully prepared the students for this important step, helping them understand the meaning of forgiveness, grace, and God’s unconditional love. 

Please keep our Year 3 students and their families in your prayers during this meaningful time. 

Congratulations Fr Marco

With immense joy and gratitude, we offer our heartfelt congratulations to Deacon Marco on his ordination to the priesthood. It was truly a blessing to witness the beautiful and sacred ceremony last Friday evening that took place at St Mary’s Cathedral.

Father Marco, we know you will be a compassionate and faithful shepherd to all those you will serve. May the grace of God continue to guide you as you begin this sacred ministry. We also extend our sincere thanks to Father Andrew, whose guidance, mentorship, and support have played a vital role in helping Fr Marco reach this important milestone. His example of priestly service has clearly left a lasting impact. May the Lord bless you abundantly in your priesthood and fill your ministry with peace, strength, and joy.

Upcoming events: 

• Thursday 29 May: Reconciliation Ceremony, 6.30 pm 

• Thursday 29 May: Cross Country 

• Friday 30 May: Pupil Free Day – School and OSHC are closed 

• Tuesday 3 June: Year 2 Assembly, 2.00 pm 

• Tuesday 3 June: First Eucharist Family Workshops (4G @ 4.30 pm, 4W @ 5.45 pm) 

• Friday 6 June: Mercy Mission and St Columba’s Day  

A special thank you to everyone, especially parents of younger children, for your cooperation in ensuring our playgrounds remain clear before and after school hours. Your efforts are truly valued. 

In Gratitude, 

Gina Burns 

Principal 

A reminder to parents that the uniform shop is no longer available at the school to purchase items.  All uniform orders must be placed online through JFE via the school website.  However JFE have recently supplied the school with some sample sizes that are available for try-ons on Wednesday afternoons from 2.30pm – 3.000pm at the school office.

Mrs Leesa Vinciullo