Principal's Post

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Again, I welcome you all back to Term 2.

It is great to be back at school after missing the last two weeks of last term due to COVID. As we have heard on the news and in the media, this is something that we are now learning to live with and move on with our lives. As I say that, I also think we need to continue to be vigilant of where we go, what we do and know when we should still be wearing masks.

You would all have received the email that we sent out to our school community on Monday in regard to new changes with COVID protocols.

Since last week’s newsletter things have changed considerably. As outlined in the letter, I will be sending home new guidelines to our community as soon as I receive it. A few noticeable differences that we will see will be:

• Students not required to wear masks;
• Assemblies can now go ahead and
• Parents are permitted into classrooms to support learning (at teacher request) as volunteers or to view student work.

These will be a few of the changes that we will see and obviously the guidelines will have more updated information.

For those of you who do not know CEWA have been given permission for our new Catholic school to open in Dayton next year. Along with permission from our Director General, Lisa Rodgers, we also received registration for the school. This is exciting news for myself as I now can commence planning and organising for this in second semester.

Because of this, last week I travelled over east to visit a school along with a CEWA representative. The visit was very successful, and at the same time we also obtained some good information to bring back with us. When travelling around and seeing other schools in operation it also gives one the opportunity to compare what we do to what other schools do. I can honestly say that St Columba’s is doing a great job in educating and looking after its students. This is a real credit to Mr Lombardi, (some of you may know him as Art), and the whole staff at this school. It really makes you wonder if the grass is always greener on the other side.

HOLIDAY WORK

Last week we mentioned about some work that was carried out over the holidays. I thought I’d add a few photos so that you can see some of the work.

In week one we had the verandah roof replaced around the PP and Year 1 area. I would like to thank Mr Sandon, and Mr Sorgiovanni (Maintenance men) along with Mr Kehoe and Mr Lombardi who volunteered day 1 of the holidays to come into school and take the old roof off.  It only took us a few hours to take down and saved the school a good amount of money. Actually, Mr Lombardi even had a couple of chances to lean on some of the posts and give instructions!!! The new roof in this area will make a huge difference especially with the winter rain and also being cooler in the summer in this area.

The other project was the commencement and Stage 1 of the new undercover area along the western side of the school. The posts have been fitted, as you can see in the photo, and now we await the roof and painting to be carried out. As is the case in the building trade at the moment, there has been a delay with the roofing material. We aim to have this completed in the near future.

KISS AND DRIVE

A quick reminder to all parents that Kiss and Drive finishes at 8:40 am. If your child is later than this time you must report to the office to sign them in.

WINTER UNIFORM

There is a two-week transition period at the start of the term as we move into wearing our winter uniforms. At the start of Week 3, Monday 9 May, students will be required to be wearing their winter uniforms. We will push this out a week if the weather is still on the warm side.

As per the school’s Student Uniform and Dress Code Policy boys can either wear grey school trousers or grey school shorts. Pinafores for the girls are no longer an option to purchase, however students in Years 1 to 3, who still own a pinafore, can still wear it if they wish.

Unfortunately, due to COVID protocols, the uniform shop is unable to open at school this week. It will now open Week 3, Wednesday 11 May.

MOTHER’S DAY

This coming Sunday is a very special day for our mums. It is a day that gives us the opportunity to celebrate and give thanks for our mums.

Our mums are so important to us and continue to give of their love unconditionally. Sunday will allow us to stop and spoil them and to think of them.

I would like to wish all our special mums and grandmothers a day full of happiness and love with their family. I hope you all enjoy the spoils of the day.

Dear Lord

Please watch over and support all mothers

here on earth and in heaven with you.

Help them to know how much they are loved and appreciated

 on this Mother’s day and every day.

Sandro Coniglio
Principal

P & F News

The next meeting is on Tuesday 17^th May at 7pm.

We have had queries from families who would like to make a contribution to the CSPWA without being involved in purchasing items. This is incredibly generous, and we are always grateful for any donations in whatever form they take.

The CSPWA bank details are below and can be used at anytime to pay online for fundraisers or for contributions. We ask that you include a family name in the description so that we can allocate funds coming into the account

Name – The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth, St Columba’s P&F Association

BSB – 086 006

ACC – 679360271

Entertainment Memberships

Online memberships are available again this year. There is currently an Easter promotion with a bonus eGift card when you purchase a membership. Memberships can be purchased online

https://www.entertainment.com.au/orderbooks/83589g

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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.

Library News

Library 2022

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

The library is open to STUDENTS in Years 1 – 6 ONLY, every morning before school from 8:15am – 8:45 am.

SORRY NO PARENTS ALLOWED.

The library is a calming and quiet place, making it the perfect spot for students to have a smooth and calming transition in the morning.

Students may like to return and borrow books before school.

Looking forward to seeing you the library.

Reading and activities in the LIBRARY

Junior and Senior LUNCHTIMES

Students may also use this time to exchange their library book.

Homework/Library Bag    

Just a reminder that students require the school green

‘Homework and Library Bag’ in order to borrow from the Library.

Many students will already have the green school

‘’Homework and Library Bag’ from previous years.

‘Homework and Library Bags’ can be purchased

from the Uniform Shop at a cost of $10.

The library has lots of books needing covering.  If you can help by taking a small number of books home to cover, please advise the library. Your help is greatly appreciated by staff and students. 

Rita Cuthbert – Library Officer – Library - the original search engine

Pastoral Care

Religious Education and Curriculum News

From our Year 6’s

The Year Six classes are learning about Vocations and how they can carry out God’s work. In the Gospels, Jesus taught people to share in God’s work by his words and actions. He did this by caring for himself, others, the sick, the outcast and creation.  At the moment , the students are writing a newspaper article from the point of view of one of the people in the parable, The Good Samaritan. In this parable, Jesus taught his followers to show love and concern for ALL people, not just their friends.

From our Science Specialist

This term, in Science, we are studying Chemistry. We are learning about the observable properties of the 3 states of matter: Solids, Liquids and Gases. Year 4 students recently learnt about the manufacturing process that produces a solid (plastic) from a liquid (crude oil) and analysed the biodegradability of certain plastics. Our Year 5s were asked to measure the time it took for 5 liquids to travel between 2 points to compare their viscosity (how thick or sticky a liquid can be due to the friction of particles). The Year 6 students are pictured observing the unique behaviour of different solids to determine if solids could be malleable and change shape.

Community Notices

Columba Runners

We would love to invite all those children wishing to join us for Columba Runners in Terms 2 and 3 to do so. The first session commenced last Monday at Frank Drago oval 3.10-4.10pm and continue on Mondays and Wednesdays. Cost is $30 per child, parents can join free! Prizes awarded based on total kilometers achieved over both terms, including those brave enough parents! Please complete the online registration.

This club is run by volunteers. Any parents who are able to attend and assist with marking laps and encouraging everyone, we would love to have you. Those attending OSHC are also considered, please chat to the lovely Jess.

If your child is in Yr 2 and below, they must be accompanied by a parent or older sibling. It is the responsibility of the parent/caregiver to ensure the safety of the students between school and Frank Drago.

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BRICKS 4 KIDZ® will be back in St Columba’s School Bayswater in Term 2 for After School Classes.  Attached to this newsletter is a flyer.

Enrolment page is located here:
https://www.bricks4kidz.com.au/perth-midland/st-columbas-school-bayswater/

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Classifieds