Principal's Post

Dear Parents and Caregivers

With this year’s value being MERCY, we have a wonderful opportunity each week to bring this value to life in what we do. I mean, why else would we have a value. It is easy to have the word, but far more challenging to make it known and present every day. I know it is a big ask to keep the ‘mercy’ present when we are so busy, but it is not about being perfect at it. It is more about the imperfection that ends up providing an opportunity for bringing it alive to others. This is one of the very special things that comes with a focus and a commitment to a value such as mercy. Its mere presence will generate conversations and will hold us to account in how we are with each other.

When we think about how much we all have happening, we do need this sort of stuff to stop us and allow us some time to be. We all do our very best to be good people, to be good to others. What happens is, we put pressure on ourselves and others to be getting it right all the time. Mercy allows us to embrace our imperfections and know that there is an okayness with not getting it right every time. Now, if you are like me, I need to work hard on this, because I can be so hard on myself. I know you get this. We all do it. We can say we do not, but when things do not turn out how we want, or how we had planned, then we get tough on ourselves. It is here we need to show mercy. Even more than this [Brian Ferry song], when others mess up, then that is where we are truly living what we say in the way we show them mercy. Mercy is all about gentleness. Keeping this gentleness front and centre and it will change us.

It is why I immediately connected with this quote about mercy. During this season of Lent, the lead up to Easter, we are all called to believe this quote above. So good isn’t it. The more unworthy we are, the more God shows us his mercy. Like really, we can be imperfect, and God loves us even more by showing us his forgiveness and gentleness. I have to say, this is like the best. We are blessed, very blessed. Who would ever think, the more we let someone down, or the more we disappoint them, then the more we receive their kindness. Now, there is so much we will mess up in all of this, but that is what it is meant to be part of the story we live. Think for just a moment, if we could be some of this some of the time. Imagine the impact we would have on this world, on this community, on our friends and family, just imagine. This allows us to be okay with ourselves. We can actually be okay with not being okay. This is something that takes us all to a new level of self-awareness. People who care about others and self, change the world.

This quote from Catherine McAuley brings much to who we are at St Columba’s School. I think being a Mercy Sisters school, we are called to this. Catherine McAuley was all about how we could bring everyone together as a community. We get the privilege of being able to stand true to this. ‘The tender mercy of God has given us one another’ is a force in itself in our school community. This is driven by all of us within our community, from staff, through to our kids and our families. This is why St Columba’s people look after each other to the highest levels.

Swimming Carnival Year 4 to Year 6 – Friday 12 March:

This will be no more evident than at the Year 4 to Year 6 Swimming Carnival this Friday. It is yet another opportunity to show our quality as people in the way we celebrate every one of our children who have a go at swimming their events. There is a bravery required by our children as they stand on the blocks ready for their events. Just to stand on the blocks. When would have been the last time we stood on a block with 100s of people watching us, then needing to swim a race. Pretty brave, I say. Let’s remember to be gentle on all our kids and enjoy the fun side of the day. Yes, we can still have fun, even though we have the competitiveness that drives us in wanting our faction to win the carnival, or for our own children to shine.

At the Swimming Carnival, we will all need to sign into the Aquatic Centre through the Safe WA App or sign-in register. Please be aware of this on the morning. Also, please remember to let your classroom teacher know if you will be taking your child home directly from the carnival. This will allow us to plan for the returning buses at the end of the carnival.

Please note that there will be no school banking on this day due to the carnival.

Students in Pre-primary to Year 3 are still able to order lunches from Chisholm on this day.

Some final messages for students and parents:

– Students to wear their bathers underneath their sports uniform.

– Goggles – optional

– Towel

– Swimming cap (optional) Mrs McCluskey will have swimming caps which the can students use.

– School hat

– School bag with their water bottle, recess and lunch (if they have not ordered a sausage sizzle)

– Students can wear flip flops/thongs to school.

– Students can wear a rashie underneath their sports uniform.

– Please apply sunscreen before coming to school. The students will reapply sunscreen during the day.

– Students can apply zinc matching their faction house colour, but only a few lines – not full face please.

– No coloured hair spray to be used.

– Students are allowed to bring faction house colour streamers if they wish too.

Staffing Update:

Chelsea De Luca has been seconded to St Pius X School, Manning, for the remainder of the 2021 school year. Chelsea will be commencing her teaching position at the commencement of Term 2, returning to St Columba’s School at the start of 2022. We wish Chelsea many wonderful experiences in her new role. St Pius X are blessed to have Chelsea with them for the remainder of 2021.

We also welcome to St Columba’s School, Bayswater, two new Education Assistants for the remainder of 2021. In the coming weeks, we welcome Nikki Gallagher in Year 1 and Vicky Miranda in Kindergarten White. We know everyone will make them both feel very welcome.

Catholic School Advisory Council:

Our Catholic School Advisory Council [Previously School Board] has prioritised capital works for the walkway/verandah for the Year 3, 4 and OSHC classrooms. COVID-19 put all capital works on hold, restricting our progress in these works. We will keep the community informed of how the planning for this project is tracking throughout 2021. This project must be fully funded from school resources. There is no government grant or loan as part of the build.

Kiss and Drive:

Please continue to take care throughout the Kiss and Drive on both Roberts and Milne Streets. We appreciate the congestion at times, and acknowledge your patience with others. Please be aware of students who may be crossing roads at intersections during these busy times. Thank you for making this a priority. Also, please refrain for doing a U-Turn at the Roberts Street Kiss and Drive. Students who are not collected from Milne Street by 3.15 pm, head to the Roberts Street Kiss and Drive to wait.

Dogs On School Grounds:

A gentle reminder that dogs are not permitted on school grounds unless given specific approval by the principal. Donnelly, our school wellness dog, is the exception. A risk assessment has been undertaken for Donnelly, parents informed of his presence on school grounds and the school has all of his vaccination documents. All other dogs must not enter the fenced school boundary at pick-up or drop-off times. I thank you for your cooperation with this.

Parent Teacher Meetings Interim Reports:

Our Pre-Primary to Year 6 end of Term 1 Parent Teacher Interviews will commence from Monday 22 March through to the end of Term 1. Meetings at the end of this term are before and after school or during selected times during the day. Please remember teachers continue to have full teaching days during these weeks of interviews. Time allocations must be kept to these times and interviews are for 10-15 minutes in duration. Please do not be offended if teachers have to end meetings to remain on schedule. This is then fair to all parents. Teachers will provide parents with a link to book meeting times. This on-line booking link will be out early next week. At these meetings, teachers will discuss the Interim Report. Many teachers and parents have already met to discuss students, therefore, some teachers and parents will not be required to meet again for the Interim Report. Your child’s teacher will manage this with you in the coming weeks. Kindergarten do not hold interim interviews. We appreciate there is already much communication happening between teachers and parents regarding our students in our Kindergarten.

After School Groups – Music Rocks and Redhage Basketball:

When collecting your children from these two after school programs, please use the gate near the church on Roberts Street. Please refrain from buzzing at the main administration gate. Your support is appreciated.

Please note, we have advertised another after school program called Brikz4Kids robotics and engineering in this week’s newsletter. Flyer is attached with the more details.

Here is the Enrolment Page for BRICKS 4 KIDZ Term 2 After School Classes:

https://www.bricks4kidz.com.au/perth-midland/program-events/after-school-programs-lego-bricks/

The program will run at St Columba’s School, here in Bayswater every MONDAY starting 3 May 2021 to 28 Jun 2021 (except 7 Jun 2021) from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Children can come in to the after school class from 3:15 pm. These sessions will be held in the church hall. Entrance to the hall is via the staff car park.

Kindergarten Enrolments:

Please be aware, we will commence sending letters of invitation to our current families for Kindergarten 2022. Please make sure you have your applications in for 2022, as once we have locked away current siblings, we will move to the next stage of the enrolment process. Please be aware, we are hopeful to have all Kindergarten 2022 placements locked away by the end of Term 1.

Pre-Kindy 2022:

In 2022, our Pre-Kindy will be operating with full days. 2021, is the final year of the two half day split. The two days the Pre-K will operate will be the Tuesday and the Thursday full days. Further details out at the Parent Information session later this term.

Students and Fundraising from 2020

In 2020 some of our students held fundraising efforts throughout different stages of the year. The two student groups within the school had put an enormous amount of time into raising money to assist the Perth Zoo in many of their projects. Their efforts were outstanding in how much they cared for their fundraising project, but also for their willingness to give up much of their own time to support a local organisation and their work. The two groups of Year 5 students raised $454.30. We wish to thank – Aoife, Kate, Hannah M, Stella, Gabrielle, Ella G, Cassandra, Hannah P and Yana. This is what St Col’s Kids do as part of what we stand for. Their willingness to be of service to others and to be generous in their giving of time was outstanding.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week and many good things in life.

Art

P & F News

Welcome to all the new families and the existing ones, we hope you have settled well into the new school year. Last month was our first P&F meeting, it was great to see so many people turn up and share their enthusiasm for the School. Thank you to all those who have volunteered to be class reps for 2021 it is wonderful to have you on board.

Wondering how you can read the minutes of the meeting and stay up to date with the P&F news? Then make sure your class rep has your email address so that they can send the minutes to you. If you have any items to add to the agenda, please send them through to your class rep. Everyone is welcome to come along to any P&F meeting to listen to what is happening and share their views.

The next meeting is on Tuesday 16^th March at 7pm in the school Library.

Pharmacy 777 Community Spirit Program

When making purchases at Pharmacy 777 in Bayswater and Maylands not only are you supporting local business, but you are also helping the school. Pharmacy 777 donates a portion of the profits from items sold in store for the next 6 months as part of the Community Spirit Program.

We look forward to working with the School community over the coming year.

P&F Executive.

Together we’re making a difference

At Pharmacy 777, your support makes a difference to your school.
We understand how much your school means to you, that’s why at Pharmacy 777, we’re passionate about making a difference. Our Community Spirit Program makes giving back to your school easier. As a Community Spirit member, for every transaction you make at Pharmacy 777 Bayswater and Maylands, they will give part proceeds back to the school. This contribution accumulates over time and funds raised support causes at the heart of your school. We would encourage all school community members to visit Pharmacy 777 Bayswater and Maylands and join up.

Pastoral Care

Award Winners

Term 1, Week 4

PP Green – Joana Gunawan, Aston Raynor
PP White – Mae Kapsanis, Patrick McGlue

1 Green – Connor Campbell, Ava Gallagher
1 White – Alessandro Balla, Sia Mennell

2 Green – Lachlan Eaton, Eli Felt, Luca Maio
2 White – Havarna Bova, Mason Harper, Spencer Southam

3 Green – Carys Bennetts, Francis Le, Alexis Stewart
3 White – Gabriel Panizza, Phoenix Stanmore, Maya Thompson Mewburn

4 Green – Lucy Gardiner, Sebastiano Pizzata
4 White – Jack Gilbert, Lila Harris, Fergal Mippy

5 Green – Max Kryachok,
5 White – Sidney Carter, Aoife Rattray

6 Green – Zarlia B-Cliffe, Andre Fragomeni, Abigail Hornby
6 White – Xavier Southam, Keelan Stanmore, Piper Walsh

Community Notices

A message from John Bormolini
Principal, Chisholm College

All of the sibling applicants (to date) for the 2023 intake will be notified by written invitation to interview over two evenings next week. There may well be some parents who have forgotten or overlooked that they must complete and submit a full application and all the relevant paperwork prior to these interviews, or they may miss out on being included in the intake.

Year 5 Parents – It is crucial that you get your applications in now or you may lose possible enrollment to new families.

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Mercedes College is currently interviewing Year 4 students who are due to start Year 7 in 2024.  If you are considering enrolling your daughter at Mercedes, please visit the Mercedes College website at www.mercedes.wa.edu.au to request a prospectus or to enrol online.  Applications for Year 7, 2022 and 2023 are also welcomed.  Please contact Mrs Julie Lamb on 9323 1340 if you require further information.

Open Morning
Tuesday 16 March

Located in the heart of Perth’s beautiful heritage precinct, Mercedes College are proud to be celebrating 175 years of Mercy education, which makes the 2021 Open Day special! The Tour provides an opportunity for parents to hear from the Senior Leadership Team and enjoy a tour of College facilities led by some of our Student Representative Leaders.

There are two sessions: 8:30am or 11am. The 8:30am session offers families a morning tea, where you will have the opportunity to speak with some of our Teachers. Please register via the College website; www.mercedes.wa.edu.au/open-morning/

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 CLEAN-OUT

Mrs Vinciullo is collecting all sorts of good quality second hand books for the Mercedes College Second Hand Book Stall (at the 2021 Mercedes Fete). If you have any that you would like to donate, please leave them at St Columba’s school office or drop them at the 6G classroom. She is also collecting clean jars and all sorts of gardening pots – big or small. If you are having a clean-out and think you may have something that she would be interested in, please email her on Leesa.Vinciullo@cewa.edu.au

Thank you so much for your support.

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My name is Alex McLennan and I am the Tour Leader for the State Schoolboys 12 Years & Under AFL Team.  I want to inform you of our trials for this year’s State Team which will take place during 1st term and the April School holidays.

Please be aware that WA is sending a 12 Years & Under Schoolgirls team to the inaugural National Schoolgirls championships also being held in Adelaide at the same time.  Details for these trials can be found on the same website.

This year’s championship will be in Adelaide from August 6^th – 14^th.  The trial dates can be found on the School Sport WA website  https://www.schoolsportwa.com.au/interstate/afl/.

In order to nominate for the trials please refer to the following School Sport WA website link https://www.schoolsportwa.com.au/interstate/afl/boys-12s/ .  All relevant details can be found on this webpage.  If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate in making contact with me or the School Sport WA office (9264 4879).

Please note that only players turning 11 and 12 years of age in 2021 are eligible to nominate.

Please also be aware that School Sport WA sends teams interstate for other sports as well.  To nominate students simply follow the same process as above.  Below is a list of sports and their travel dates.  Nomination details can be found on the same website https://www.schoolsportwa.com.au/ .

Basketball             13 – 20 Aug             Bendigo, Vic

Cricket                   19 – 20 Nov             Bendigo, Vic

Cross Country      19 – 23 Aug             Adelaide, SA

Football (Soccer) 16 – 22 Oct              Darwin, NT

Hockey                  21 – 28 Aug             Canberra, ACT

Netball                  11 – 17 Sept            Sydney, NSW

Rugby League      31 Jul – 7 Aug          Perth, WA

Swimming            7 – 11 Aug                Brisbane, Qld

Diving                    19 – 26 Nov             Brisbane, Qld

Tennis                   22 – 31 Oct              Canberra, ACT

Touch Rugby        30 Oct – 6 Nov        Wagga Wagga, NSW

Triathlon                15 – 18 Sept            Hervey Bay, Qld

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Classifieds