At St Columba we have a strong desire to engage with our community, many of whom are new to our country, new mothers with young children and those who need a helping hand.
If any of these activities interest you, you are most welcome to come along, or maybe you would like to join one of our teams of volunteers if you have a passion to serve.
Community
Playgroup
Our Playgroup is open from 9:30am to 11:30am on weekdays during school terms.
Pre-schoolers, together with a parent or caregiver, enjoy some wonderful educational activities, craft, music, and playtime including a great area for safe outdoor play. Playgroup is not just for the children – our aim is to encourage and equip parents to learn new skills and make new friends in a friendly relaxed atmosphere.
Our KidSpace is a modern purpose-designed facility, approved by the Ministry of Education Early Childhood Development Unit.
Cost is $5 per family per session.
Please register before attending for the first time.
Special Kids Playgroup
The group meets from 9:30am to 11:30am on the second-to-last Saturday of every month during school term, in the KidSpace area and function rooms.
For families & care givers with pre-school or primary aged children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Cost is $2 per family per day.
Contact the office or Talita De Lange at specialkids.families@gmail.com
Opportunity Shop
Our Op Shop is open for business from 9am to 12:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.
We serve our community by supplying quality clothing and bric-a-brac at very reasonable prices and our ‘fill a bag’ and end-of season sales are extremely popular.
The Op Shop is located on the lower level. Come in the main carpark entrance, drive around to the back and park in the underground carpark, or come via the rear carpark off Tiger Drive.
English Conversation
The English conversation and friendship group meets in the Lower Lounge every Tuesday morning from 10am to 12pm during school terms.
It provides an opportunity for newcomers to New Zealand to improve their English language skills in a safe and friendly environment. We welcome anyone who would like help with conversational and written English and we can also introduce you to Kiwi culture and how things operate in New Zealand.
Gold coin donations per session toward cost of refreshements
If you would like to join the group, just come along to a Tuesday session.
Foodtogether
The pop-up shop is open every Wednesday from
11:30am to 1:00pm in Function Room 1
except during school holidays.
Buy a large bag selection of fresh fruit and vegetables for only $15. Other items may be available in season such as strawberries, eggs and other fruits.
Pre-order online before midday Tuesday or just shop the pop-up on the day.
Botany Babies
About three times a week, one of our Botany Babies team visits new mums at the Botany Birthing Unit.
Our main aim is to build a bridge to the community by being the feet for Jesus, bringing his love and blessings to those that we visit. Each Mum receives a gift for their baby that has been lovingly knitted by our knitters - a Beanie, booties or teddy, a welcoming card from St Columba and information about St Columba Playgroup.
It is wonderful to be able to share in the joys of the birth of a new baby and sometimes we have visited second and third babies of the same family.
Breakfast Club
St Columba at Botany is one of many supporters of a breakfast club which takes place at both Randwick Park and Glen Innes Primary Schools.
Breakfast Club is way MORE than just a "breakfast club". Head over to breakfastclub.org.nz to find out just what this is all about. It's amazing. Join their Facebook page to get regular updates.