Principal's Post

Dearest Parents/Carers

Hope you are all well and enjoying the week. I know we are all busy, so make sure you are taking care of yourself.

I would not usually write back to back Principal Posts, but why not when you are in the writing mood. I appreciate the readership is gaining momentum as many parents commented on the Fantasy Football League story from last week. I will give a quick update later. I do find writing to you in the Donegal grounds me. So this week, I drew back on some things I had reflected on last year at this time and thought it was good to use it again. The thing is, when you ground yourself, which is basically about keeping your feet planted in your beliefs, but also being connected to the earth, then amazing things happen in your life. My wife Linda is right into this grounding. Linda always talks to me about this grounding and connection to the earth, feeling the earth under your feet. It is as simple as getting into the garden and weeding, or turning the soil over. It is the walk along the river and the banks of the Swan, anywhere where we get back in touch with nature. That is the connection to the earth. This is a physical grounding that keeps us centred. We do not do this anywhere near enough, but I do get what Linda is talking about.

This physical connection to the earth is important, but so too is the connection to grounding ourselves emotionally and spiritually. One of the things I am very grateful for is that we get this opportunity every day in a Catholic school. It is through our relationships, those moments where we can make a difference in the lives of those around us. It is what we all do in schools, finding the good, and embracing this in everything we do. You know it, because all of you get into this big time. Just think about how much emotional goodness you give out to your kids, to other families here at St Col’s. Seriously, just think about it for a moment. We cannot help be drawn into it. Best part is, no one here ever expects to be recognised for it. You all just do it because you are good people. All I can say, this is a blessing. This is spirituality at work. Our care and respect for others.

This concept of grounding is something that I also found throughout the week as I have reflected on National Sorry Day today, and then the commencement of National Reconciliation Week tomorrow. This is a week for us to stop and acknowledge the significance of our aboriginal people’s documentary through the eyes of a young man on his way to seeing this connection. This was a documentary from 2020. There are two things that stood out for me. One, his deep love for his grandmother, and his family. Secondly, the importance of his connection to the land. This is where he found his grounding. Finding your ground and where you stand is so important for all of us. During this week, we have a chance to stop and reflect on our connection to our aboriginal people. All our sporting codes across Australia recognise National Reconciliation Week during the games played over the next two weekends. I know the Essendon/Richmond game on June 5 is always the AFL blockbuster, and while the football itself is always a cracking event, those minutes before the game are pretty special. This is the grounding I am talking about.

So this awareness of what is happening around us, in the moments, in the challenges, in the good times, is where we need to find ourselves. Awareness of others and their stories is something we always talk about. I would say this 20 times a day to myself. There is nothing better in life than being able to have a conversation, whether it be 30 seconds, or 30 minutes, to be aware of where the other person might be at that time. For me, this awareness stuff is all about ‘empathy’ and being able to stand in someone else’s shoes. Do not get me wrong, there are moments I find this very hard to do. There are times I just do not want to stand in someone else’s shoes. That is the human part that I always talk about as well. The key is once that has passed to be able to reset ourselves to try again to be better at this. Best part is failing to be perfect, embraces the concept I also always live by, ‘embracing the imperfection’.

Anyhow, just be gentle on yourself and others when things do not go to plan. Remember, it will all be okay in the end, and if it is not okay, then it is not the end. Life is always going to throw curve balls. Just keep your head up, eye on the ball and smack it out of the park. Always remember if you need a hand or support with hitting the ball with the sweet spot of the bat, we are here to help with that. You just need to reach out to us.

Congratulations to Laura and Michael Dawson

Congratulations to Laura and Michael on the birth of their little boy Chase Alan on May 19. Laura had a wonderful time teaching her Pre-Kindy class during Term 1, so I know they will be excited to hear the news. Wishing Laura and Michael an abundance of joyful moments during this special time.

Fantasy Football League Mid-Season Draft Update

As you may have read, last Thursday I had my mid-season draft night for our FFL. If you read this last week, here is what happened on the night.

• The Commissioner called for submissions of support for all sanctions to be lifted from my draft position. Limited response from current members in the FFL as they know I am a premiership threat, except from a man of character, Paul McAllister, who is a champion bloke, who the rest could learn from. Even my bro and bro-in-law declined opportunities of support. Very disappointing.
• I had character references from mates via video link. Next level!
• And of course, made a phone call to mum, who knows the Commissioner well, from the days he played footy with my brother, and all the nights he was at our place for dinner [spaghetti and cutlets].
• Now, with the phone call to mum, all I had to say was that BC, the Commissioner was going to sanction me in the draft. Well, let’s just say BC pretty well immediately called all sanctions off, especially as mum had cooked pasta alforno [with small meatballs, ham and egg] for the draft night dinner, BC’s favourite. Mum expressed her disappointment in BC even contemplating sanctions on her favourite son. Mum may have mentioned something like, Bernard, you are better than that, and any sanctions would be like sanctioning her. I think BC had a tear in his eye knowing mum’s disappointment in him.

This is what life is about isn’t it. Good fun, a laugh, with good people. These FFL blokes are top shelf. I have to say, the draft nights are a highlight of my year. For those interested, I traded out T Lynch from the Tigers for T McDonald and B Fritz from the Dees [did this for Mason in Year 2, a Melbourne supporter], along with C Sinclair from Sydney for D Sheed, for all our West Coast fans. Drafted blokes like Zac Smith, Isaac Smith, Oleg Markov [because of his moustache], Jack Higgins, Sam Berry and big lads up forward like D McStay and H McLean. Not that it was much help on the weekend with my opposition having H Greenwood as his tackler, 16 tackles = 16 goals. Let’s just say I was a little like my North Melbourne boys in how the weekend rolled out.

Year 3s and the Sacrament of Penance [Reconciliation]

Congratulations to our Year 3s who made their First Reconciliation this week. Year 3 Green made theirs yesterday and tomorrow we have our Year 3 White class liturgy. This is a very special sacrament that brings a peacefulness to our lives. Our children were beautifully prepared by our teachers and parents. The understanding that forgiveness for others and for self makes the world a better place is what makes this such a special moment.

St Columba’s Feast Day

Our Year 2s continue a busy stretch of events over the next week, as they prepare for our St Columba’s Mass for next Thursday 3 June at 9.00 am. Parents are welcome to attend. As we need to do our best to maintain social distancing for indoor venues, we will ask that only Year 2 parents attend the Mass. Students may wear free dress on the day. No gold coin donation required.

Students will also be involved in activities in their classrooms on the day, along with receiving an ice cream after the lunch break. Kindergarten children will receive their ice cream on the Friday.

Life Link Day

The Archbishop’s Life Link Appeal will be launched next Wednesday 2 June. I along, with Deb Klatt, will be taking our student leaders to this event. This appeal supports many of the Archbishop’s community groups and organisations within Western Australia. Without the support of our Catholic schools, many of the services provided would be impacted upon. We will hold a free dress day later in the term to support this appeal.

School Uniform

I wish to thank parents and students for doing their best as we transition into the winter uniform. We are all very understanding of this, as we are Ubuntu, and we meet all situations with kindness and compassion. So we must stand true, however we do have the following expectations. We do our best to meet these, but we also know there is always a story behind why things are how they are, and that we always take care of the human first that stands in the uniform.

1. Predominantly white sport shoes. Term 1 was outstanding in this area of the uniform, however, I know what happens after a long lay-off with uniform and this may be one of the items that slips in standard.
2. Black school shoes, not black sport shoes are part of the academic uniform.
3. School ties are part of the winter uniform. I know ties go missing, so please do your best with this. Trying to find these at home can be a challenge since last winter, and I appreciate how busy you all are at the moment.
4. Girls winter uniform is white socks and black tights/stockings.
5. Sport socks must be worn with the school sport uniform.

Sacrament of Eucharist [Holy Communion]

Fr Andrew has requested we hold an Enrolment Mass for our Year 4s as part of their preparation. This Mass will be on Saturday 12 June at 6.00 pm. Year 4 teachers will send out further details and reminders regarding the Mass, and what you will be able to do if you cannot attend on this date.

Sports Update

The Interschool swimming carnival will be taking place on Friday 28 May. Our students have trained with enthusiasm and energy over the last few months. It is always exciting as our Principal to sit with our swimming squad as they represent us with quality sportsmanship and encouragement for their mates on the team. Just quality kids. A copy of the program has been attached to this newsletter.

The Faction Cross Country Carnival will be held on Friday 25 June from 9.00am to 12.00noon. A timetable of events will be provided to parents closer to the day.

Kiss and Drive Family Name Tags

We are continually striving to improve the kiss and drive procedure on Roberts Street. Last week children from Pre-Primary to Year 3 received a name tag to be displayed in the car. This  includes your child’s name and their year level. Please ensure this is displayed at all times when using the kiss and drive. This will help alleviate the traffic for families of the school and for members of the wider community. We thank you for your support.

Upcoming Assemblies

Our Year 2 Assembly has been moved to this Friday 28 May at 8.45 am. Parents and grandparents of the Year 2s and merit award winners may attend.

School Gates Opening And Closing Times Update

We have recently updated our opening and closing times for our school gates in line with our risk management review. These include all gates across the school. Start of day opening time is 8.00 am and closing at 9.00 am. End of day opening time is 2.30 pm and closing at 3.15 pm. The Roberts Street main administration gate is open from 11.00 am – 11.30 am and 12.00 pm – 12.30 pm for our Pre-Kindergarten sessions on a Tuesday and Thursday. The Roberts Street main administration gate should be used at all other times throughout the day. If your child attends one of our after school programs, the gate near the church on Roberts Street has an orange cone placed holding the gate open for access to Music Rocks, Redhage Basketball and Bricks4Kids. Thank you for your attention to these amended times.

Reconciliation Week Thursday 27 May to Saturday 3 June

This year’s Reconciliation Week theme is ‘more than a word – Reconciliation takes Action’

Students are invited to wear their sport uniform and add something yellow on Friday 28 May for a gold coin donation. Children’s Ground works with First Nations communities across Central Australia, and use a First Nations, family-centred education approach. This Reconciliation Week, Children’s Ground asks us to take action with them and Wear It Yellow. This Reconciliation Week commits to learning about the First Nations Country where we live, work and play and support the systems changing work that Children’s Ground is doing – led by First Nations children and their families.

https://childrensground.org.au/

Public Holiday

Monday 7 June

Enjoy the week ahead and we look forward to seeing you around school or through the Kiss and Drives. Good things in abundance your way.

Art

P & F News

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 was held on the 19 April at Frank Drago oval. Columba Runners runs from 3.15-4.15pm and will continue to run each Monday and Wednesday during term time. Cost is $25 per child, parents can join free! Prizes awarded based on total kilometers achieved over both terms, including those parents brave enough to participate! 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.

https://www.cognitoforms.com/StColumbasPrimarySchool/ColumbaRunners2021RegistrationForm

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 2, Week 5

PP Green – Marcus Chong, Mila Fernandez
PP White – Megan Hutton, Lachlan Stewart

1 Green – Connor Campbell, Thomas Gibson
1 White – Asher Felton, Cherubim Vu, Eveline Zekas-Crooks

2 Green – Jessica Lee, Alessia Marrapodi
2 White – Allegra Pizzata, Luca Scagnetti

3 Green – Violet Petersen, Harison Smith
3 White – Sana Bezich, Harry Blake, Harry Lange

4 Green – Brodie Eaton, Isla Felton
4 White – Ned Armstrong, Quinn Wolters

5 Green – Orlando Martino Da Fonseca, Rhylan O’Shea
5 White – Joshua Hartstonge, Leon Migliore, Joshua Murnane

6 Green – Lila Brown, Isabella Fernandez, Matilda Panizza
6 White – Anay Bhujbal, Eve Bristow-Baohm, Nadia Raschella

Community Notices

Classifieds