Principal's Post

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

So here I am sitting, contemplating, in the quiet of the evening, to write about this week’s experiences at St Col’s, and before long, I reflect on how many quality people I have come across. What I love most is how naturally you go about looking after each other, but especially with your care for your kids, but more than that, other family’s kids. From the way our Pastoral Care team of parents weave their gentleness into the fabric of our school, to the care taken in the car parks and the Kiss and Drive, under trying conditions, it cannot be underestimated. The joy I see staff have out on duty before and after school, including braving the weather at Kiss and Drive. All the time, still loving it and finding the funny side of everything. So very good for the soul.

I mean, I had wet socks the other day on morning duty. A dad in Kiss and Drive found it amusing, no names to be mentioned. Fifteen minutes later, I saw him walking through the undercover area after having to park and bring his little Pre-Kindy lad in, and he laughed knowing his socks were now soaked. The benefit was he went home and changed socks. Mr Kehoe and myself spent time drying our socks with the hand dryers in the men’s toilet block. Every year we say, next year we will buy Wellington boots. So, maybe next year.

Where am I going with this, well, I am bringing back Ikigai. If you were here in 2019, then you know this Japanese word was my go to for everything. Kids got it, staff got it, and parents got it. Ikigai is all about knowing the grass is greener on my side of the fence. It is all about gratitude, and stop comparing ourselves to others, stop chasing things. I was right into this during 2019, and I know many of you were too. I lost my way with this in 2021, but found it again this year while grounding myself again in the earth and the ocean. Last year, I started comparing myself to others, starting comparing our school to others, comparing myself to other principals, what others may have had or may have been doing with their lives. Lost my habits of gratitude and thankfulness, more about what I was missing out on. Lost the passion for all the things I stood for in some ways.

I know, hard to believe Art not living with gratitude. Even as I write this, I find it hard to believe where I was at as a human. Sort of a year of desolation in some ways. I was surrounded by a loving family, a massive extended family, some of them have kids here, top mates, an amazingly supportive and encouraging school community, our St Col’s kids, a good life, and still found myself chasing and comparing. As soon as we do this, we lose our confidence. You know how it rolls, we actually have this self-talk that has us thinking we are not enough. The not thinking we are enough thing is something that we can all feel at times. Now this is okay to feel like this. We just need time to realise that we are enough. See the quote later in the Post.

It is funny to be honest, because I look back and think about how well I faked it. I think faking it took a toll. It takes such energy. What I have appreciated about everything to do with 2021, is that so many people say to me they would never have known. That is because we can all fake it pretty well for a period of time. We all do it. I just became a master at it. The only time I was not faking it to be true, was when I would ask the kids who was the luckiest principal in the world. The only humans I was not faking it with was with your kids. They just get how I roll, and the human I truly am. I guess that is why teaching has always been my first real love. That is why I am back for these six months. Your kids. Oh, and you and my staff. Probably for a bit of what I need to do as a human, like in giving back to you, for everything you have given me, but also to finish stronger than I started when first here in 2018.

This leads me to another contemplation of mine. Now, okay, this may be about me, not the beautiful bit, that may be about you. I do reckon this is about all of us though. I think it is the world we are a part of nowadays. We are so hard on ourselves at times. Now, if you have been reading my Posts, then the common theme will be coming through about being gentle on yourself and others. Remembering, we start with gentleness for self, then we are so open to gentleness for others. If you did not read the Week 1 newsletter a couple of weeks ago [Thursday 21 July] find the quote about acceptance of our flaws…it will change your world. Just saying, allows you permission to be truly who you are.

With all of this, I really wish for you to take this on. What I write about now, changed me as a dad, a son, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a grandson, a mate, a teacher, a principal, and a not so handy handyman. And most importantly brought the true Art back to being Art. Let me just say, this took some work on self when I was away from the busyness of life. I do not know how you will find time to stop and be, to be able to truly stop underestimating yourself, but maybe it will give you just a moment of time of kindness for you to know it is okay.

 

We should be using this with our kids. In fact, I am going to send this Post, and my last two Posts, to my daughters. I am sure they will read them…hmmm! They deserve to read these Posts, because I actually think they make a difference. This all ties into Ikigai. I want all of us to cut ourselves some slack. Does not mean we become slack, but rather when things do not go to plan, or we are running late for school, or our kids lunch may have things missing because we could not find their tie, or we needed to stop and get petrol at 8.35 am and there were three cars in the line in front and we left our credit card at home, or we did not get our morning coffee, or homework did not get completed, or we were woken five times during the night by our little ones [not me anymore, but I do remember those days], or when we or our kids just have one of those days or those weeks, that it is all okay.

And then I want us to stop comparing ourselves with others. I want us to stop thinking we are being judged. I want us to stop comparing ourselves. I want us to embrace who we are, our differences, our uniqueness. It is what makes us beautiful, well you beautiful, not so much me. Imagine this for all of us. How exciting it is for me to think maybe one other person who reads this can be kind to themselves. Imagine if there were twenty, even 320 of us who could be this to self. Just imagine the world you are creating.

Since I have been back, our school is bringing out the best in me as a human. I thought I was going well when I was away from here, but being back, it is amazing what you are allowing me to bring to my life. I really will miss writing to you next year. So, thanks, thanks for the kindness. There are no other words to be true with what you add to my life as Art the bloke, not just the principal. I think it is around 15 more editions you have to endure. I also want you to know that I am able to write like this because I feel great acceptance from you as my last people in my principalship. I will not forget this. I will treasure it when I am telling stories to my grandchildren. Not that I have any yet. One day, it would be a blessing.

 

A few things to catch-up on:

 

Year 6 Camp

Next Wednesday to Friday, our Year 6s will be attending camp in Waroona. Thank you to all our staff who will be attending. It is such an exciting time for our students. I think staff are just as excited. I will be attending the three days. Niall Kehoe, will be leading our school during this time.

 

Year 6 Confirmation Enrolment Mass

This Saturday at the 6.00 pm Mass, our Year 6s will be enrolling for the Sacrament of Confirmation. We look forward to seeing all our Year 6 students make their commitment to the preparation of this very special sacrament. This doubles as our Community Mass. Other families within our school are welcome to attend.

 

School Photos

A top effort by everyone this week in very trying conditions for a photo week. Let’s just say, the positioning of St Col’s on the top of the hill does make for interesting rain patterns making their way through the school grounds. Our St Col’s Kids were amazing as usual. A big thank you to Kapture staff for their management of the week.

We have been advised by Kapture Photography that orders are still open for this year’s class and individual photos. Order before the closing date (10 days after photography) to avoid a $30 custom service fee. You will be notified when any sports and or special team photos will be available for viewing and purchase.

Please visit www.kapture.com.au using our school code; KADJCM

 

COVID Update

Thank you to all our families for their understanding regarding the impact of COVID within schools. We are encouraging the wearing of masks indoors. Thank you to parents who have been registering any positive COVID cases with children on the school website, under the orange tile – COVID 19 Self Reporting. We continue to be flexible with our school events, and constantly review our plans. We appreciate the support when things change at the last minute. We continue to encourage safe practices at school.

 

Walkway Update

The walkway is nearing completion. The final works on the flashing between the existing classroom buildings and the new roof will be taking place over the coming weeks.

 

JFE Uniforms

Our uniform suppliers will be placing an additional item on the uniform list in the near future. This addition is for girls’ trousers and shorts. JFE have also needed to increase the cost of items due to the current economic climate. We appreciate your understanding.

Please Note: The on-site school uniform shop will not operate for the remaining weeks of August. It will be reopening on a weekly basis from September through to the end of the year. Orders can continue to be placed on-line and will be delivered on a weekly basis to the school. The shop in Osborne Park is open Monday to Friday. If you have any urgent requirements, please see Lisa Slocum in our front office.

 

OSHC Update

Absences from OSHC

Please inform OSHC directly if you have collected your child from school during the day and they will not be returning to school to attend OSHC in the afternoon. It is imperative that if you have booked your child into OSHC and they have been collected due to appointments or illness, that parents notify OSHC directly. Parents can inform staff of an absence from OSHC via the Xplor Home app, Seesaw or text message!  Last minute cancellations are best via text message. We appreciate that lives get busy and complicated, and that changes can happen last minute. Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring we know who is attending OSHC when there are these changes in circumstances.

 

Catholic Performing Arts Festival

The St Columba’s Combined Choirs’ performance at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival is scheduled for Monday 22nd August, 9.30am at the Vasto Club, Balcatta. The students have worked diligently on some challenging music for this event over the past few months and are excited to perform in concert for the first time this year.

Here is a link to the ticketing site should you wish to come to the performance:

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=915926&

 

As we head toward the end of Week 3, may you continue to find gentleness around you. I know, I keep focusing on this, but it is important. Self-care will come from this. Wishing you a wonderful end of the week and weekend.

 

In gratitude

 

Art

P & F News

We are finalising the calendar of fundraising events for the rest of the year and will let you all know dates as soon as we can. One of our most successful fundraisers is always the cake stall at the athletics carnival so please keep that in mind for week 9.

 

Entertainment Memberships

Online memberships are available again this year.  Memberships can be purchased online

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

 

 

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

 

The next meeting is on Tuesday 16 August at 7.00pm.

 

Any questions or queries, I can be contacted via email gtarmstrong@iinet.net.au

Tanya Armstrong

President CSPWA

 

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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

 

A warm invitiation is extended to ALL families to visit the library from 8:15am in the mornings Monday – Friday.  

(If Mrs Cuthbert is unavailable, the library will be closed) 

 

Pre-primary, Kindy & Pre-Kindy families take advantage and come and read all our fabulous picture books with your little ones till 8:45am. 

 

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

At 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

Happy Birthday to:

To the following students who will be celebrating this coming week:

Grace Minchin PK White
Tessa Cavalli 1W
Rosabelle Juma 2G
Teodor Dimitrijevic 2G
Leo Cameron 2W
Sandra Mandujano Liu 3W
Blake Kenyon 4G
Olivia Harris 4W
Harrison Bull 5G
Fergal Mippy 5G
Hannah Pollitt 6W

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TERM 3

Week 4 – 10 August
Week 5 – 17 August

Kindy Green
Week 4 Jake Bouteloup
Week 5 Leo Sharrinovski
Kindy White
Week 4 Archie Raynor
Week 5 Ffion Humphreys
PP GreenWeek 4 Bodhi Laffrey
Week 5 Ella Phillips
PP White
Week 4 Chase Gilbert
Week 5 Ciara Carruthers
Year 1 Green
Week 4 Ethan Borich
Week 5 Harrison MacPherson
Year 1 WhiteWeek 4 Lachlan Stewart
Week 5 Lily Vernon
Year 2 GreenWeek 4 Cherubim Vu
Week 5 Grace Howard
Year 2 White
Week 4 Mia Harstrom
Week 5 Oscar Hamilton
Year 3 Green
Week 4 Alessandro Pizzata
Week 5 Alfie Allison
Year 3 White
Week 4 Estelle Pirone
Week 5 Harvana Bova
Year 4 GreenWeek 4 Giorgia Trevenan
Week 5 Harry Mawer
Year 4 WhiteWeek 4 Hannah Gai
Week 5 Harry Blake
Year 5 GreenWeek 4 Evan Nguyen
Week 5 Grace Hamilton
Year 5 WhiteWeek 4 Clyde Peters
Week 5 Emily Salt
Year 6 Green
Week 4 Chernet Desalegn
Week 5 Christian Parola
Year 6 White
Week 4 Craig De Mello
Week 5 Jackson Lange

 

Award Winners

Term 3, Week 2

PP Green – Hugo Garrett, Aiden Harris
PP White – Matilda Stahl, Marcus Tang

1 Green – Amelia Booth, Arthur Oliveira
1 White – Charlotte de Courcier, Riley Wilkey

2 Green – Alexis Del Borrello, Henry Fry
2 White – Connor Campbell, Shaan Tah

3 Green – Christian Cullura, Kathleen Vaccari
3 White – Sandra Mandujano Liu, Harriet Webb

4 Green – Filip Kryachok, Chloe Smith
4 White – Hannah Hinks, Alexis Stewart

5 Green – Ned Armstrong, James McDougall
5 White – Abbie Hartus, Noah Thomas

6 Green – Georgia De Luca, Natsha Juszkiewicz
6 White – Yana Baldwin, Matthew Li

 

 

Religious Education and Curriculum News

From our Kindy’s

In Kindy we always thank God each morning for our rest and ask him to help us to do our best. We remember that God is always with us throughout our Kindy day. He helps us to make good choices, keeps us safe and always loves us.

 

From our Year 5’s

Year Five has started off this term by learning about ‘free will’. We have learned that God has given people the ability to use our free will to make their own decisions. We are currently creating our own versions of ‘Where’s Wally’ pictures, where students are hiding characters who have used their free will to have different jobs, choose different hobbies or do things to help other people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Pre-Primary Green Class:

This week the children have been busy working in small groups to complete their patterning and friends of ten.  It is wonderful to see them working with their partners to share their reading skills and support each other.  Great collaboration, PPG.

 

Community Notices

Columba Runners

We have had an amazing start to the season with over 100 students signed up for Columba Runners so far. We are still welcoming members, even if you can only make one of the sessions a week. Sessions are held at Frank Drago oval 3.10-4.10pm 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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Welcome to Term 3! There are so many exciting things to share with you and your school community this issue.

We are giving away FREE BOOKS to help celebrate and spread the love of reading in your school. Get up to 3 FREE BOOKS this Issue so you can grow your home libraries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classifieds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Columba’s School Bayswater

32 Roberts Street, Bayswater WA 6053
PO Box 61, Bayswater WA 6933
Phone: (08) 9208 2700
Email: admin@stcolsbays.wa.edu.au