Term 4 - Week 3

Prayer - All Saints Day

November begins with a double feast in remembrance of those who have died. The feast of All Saints is celebrated on November 1. This celebration serves to honour God’s saints. These are the great number of individuals who have been known and canonised, as well as those who are unknown. It is an opportune time to consider the examples that the saints offer us today, and to reflect on how we can imitate their holiness. As we commemorate the saints of our Church, we challenge ourselves to look at their example and to try to live out our own faith with the selflessness and devotion that they model. 

We also pray for them on November 2, All Souls Day. On both of these days, we are reminded of all who have lived as faithful Christians. They encourage us to grow in our own faith.

Our Christian faith tells us that one day, we will be reunited with God in heaven, because we share in the resurrection of Jesus. This belief is known as the ‘Communion of Saints’. All through the month, we offer prayers to remember the dead and to thank God for their lives.

Year 5 - Experience St John’s College

The Year 5 students attended a Spirituality and Experience Day at St John’s College on Friday, 31st October.
The day provided Georgia, Mitchell and Morgan the opportunity to experience what St John's College, Dubbo has to offer. The students met new friends from other feeder schools, explored their faith and engaged in new learning experiences.

World Teachers Day

This week, we celebrated the dedication, care, and passion of our teachers, who inspire and guide our students every single day at St Columba’s. Their commitment goes far beyond the classroom, sparking curiosity, building confidence, and helping each child reach their full potential.

To all our staff members, thank you for everything you do, both seen and unseen. The impact you make in nurturing faith, shaping lives, and guiding futures is truly extraordinary.

We also extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful parents, who provided a delicious lunch to celebrate the day. Your kindness and support mean so much to our staff and school community.

Term 3 - School Lunch Orders

Week 4
No lunch orders this week - School Excursion

Week 5
Chicken Tender Wraps

Week 6
Pizza & Garlic Bread

Week 7
Taco Bowls

Week 8
Ham & Cheese Toasties

Week 9
Nuggets & Chips

Important Dates - Term 4

TBC = The School is waiting for confirmation from the Cabonne Shire Council to confirm the bookings for Yeoval Swimming Pool.

Please Note - Change to End of Year Mass & Presentation Night

CSNSW Term 4 Primary Road Safety 2025

New Social Media Age Restrictions

NEW SOCIAL MEDIA AGE RESTRICTIONS – WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW 📱🚫

From mid-December, children under the age of 16 will no longer be able to hold accounts on certain social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube. (Online gaming and standalone messaging apps are not included in this change.)

This new law is not about punishing or isolating young people - it’s about protecting their health and wellbeing. Research shows that being logged into social media accounts makes it more likely that young people will face pressures and risks such as:

• Constant notifications and alerts, leading to less sleep, reduced attention and increased stress.
• Content designed to keep them online for longer, sometimes exposing them to harmful material.

By delaying account access until 16, young people are given valuable “breathing space” to develop important life skills like digital literacy, critical thinking, impulse control, and resilience. It also gives parents and carers more time to guide children through safe online behaviours, discuss risks, and show them where to go for help.

As these changes come into effect, it’s important for families to:

• Talk openly with children about the new age restrictions.
• Find out how they currently use social media.
• Support them in understanding both the risks and the benefits of online platforms.

This change is designed to give young people the best chance to thrive - helping them build confidence and resilience before stepping fully into the online world at 16.

✅ Tips for Parents
Here are some simple ways to support your child with the new age restrictions and safe social media use:

• Start conversations early – Talk with your child about the new age rules and why they are in place.
• Check in regularly – Ask about how they use devices and what they enjoy or find challenging online.
• Set healthy habits – Encourage balanced screen time, good sleep routines, and offline activities.
• Model safe use – Show your child positive ways to use technology and social media responsibly.
• Know where to get help – Remind your child to come to you if something online makes them feel uncomfortable.

Attendance

School Uniform List

Lifeline - Central West

Community News