Principal's Post

Dear Parents and Friends of St Col’s

I hope you are all going okay with keeping up with everything at the moment. I am feeling it as I head into the final five weeks of being your Principal. It comes with a rush doesn’t it? Like seriously, so much is happening. There have been so many leadership training days and Principal days over the past month, I do find it hard to keep to a schedule. Like you, it is amazing how many things can be demanded of us as humans. Just make sure you are looking after yourself and keeping your tank semi-full by finding pockets of rest. I have been by getting up as soon as I wake up or the alarm goes, no pressing snooze does make a difference. A bit of a habit these last few weeks and the routine seems to work for me at the moment. So early to rise, and just getting on with the day. Also, keeping to my Thursday footy with the lads, is something that does sustain my wellbeing. Please make sure you are finding some moments to recharge. Hey, I get that having little ones does make it hard, but hopefully some pockets of time for self, open up for you. And if they don’t, know that we know how much you have going on. Be gentle with self and others.

I also made myself attend a Principal retreat day last Friday. I wanted to avoid it as I felt I had no time for this. Made an excuse to go and pick up Greg Martin and drive him to the monastery for the retreat. It meant I had to go once I committed to taking Greg, otherwise I would have made some excuse by the morning. Anyhow, it was a cracking good day. Like, even at 56 we can still learn new things that can make a real difference in how we interact with others and the world. I know, who would have thought. 56, been a Principal for 19 years, and I am hit with a lightning bolt during one of the sessions on the idea of being in ‘communion’ with others. Far deeper than connection.

It was about listening, but more than that, it was about listening in ‘communion’ with the other. Fr George, a champion bloke, brought a sense of peace to everything. I do not know what it was about him, but he had an ability to bring everyone to a stillness. I mean, how often do we get to be still? Not often, always something to do. Our brain is always thinking of what is next. Well, the opportunity to stop and be, allowed us to listen. When we are open to listening with a willingness to understand the other, listen to their story, we are open to being in communion with the other. This is about truly understanding and listening. Quite a unique thing, to just listen. As the proverb says, ‘Those who are wise, listen’.

One of the things I realised upon reflection on Friday, is that many times when we are in conversations, or prepare for a meeting with another person, whether it be about school, and a child’s learning, or whether it be for our work in whatever field we are in, or whether in a family situation, we can over prepare for it. We can think being diligent and getting everything planned for and organised, thinking of what might be asked, having all the answers, thinking of what we will say, predicting what the other will say, only adds to the pressure of a conversation, and does not allow for real listening, real communion. I know I do it. I can prepare for a parent meeting, staff meeting, even family stuff, and think far too much about it, rather than going with the flow, and simply listen. The quote above about how the wise person listens, is so true. You know it is. Through listening, we 100% discover story, and once we discover another’s story, we can listen with understanding. As life would have it, I have failed at this a few times already, you know, trying to have all the answers, but have taken a moment to reflect and think about how I could have been different in certain situations. I have the ‘It’s OK!’ model Ric Carbone made me on the 3D printer to remind me every day when I mess up, that it is in fact OK! It means I get another chance in my next conversation.

When we over think it, and do all the talking, dominate the conversation, give advice and basically talk too much, and continually think of what our response will be, then it is hard to listen with empathy and understanding. It is a wonderful challenge to place on ourselves to not always have the answers. I get it, some others demand we have the answers. What I say is, it is okay not to have all the answers. We are far more engaged with each other if we keep high respect for each other and come with a willingness to listen. The responses will come. Everyone will feel more open to talk about what needs to be talked about, but to also listen. I think what I loved about the day was that it stood out for me the quote that I always use, ‘No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care’. Is this not the perfect link into everything we believe in as St Col’s people? When others know we care, then the world is a better place.

This ability to listen, and not already have all the answers and all the responses prepared, is something I very much look forward to talking to leaders in schools about when I venture into my new role next year. As a Principal, I do find that I sometimes feel I have to have all the answers, or have to know what is coming up in a conversation. Imagine how much pressure we take off ourselves if we listen in the moment and focus on what the other is saying. In the listening, I guess we will also find God’s voice. This again takes a willingness to listen rather than having to always respond.  The quote above is so true. Listen to God’s voice in all our conversations, will also bring a calmness that we can all carry into our days. I think with all the noise, and all the pressure that comes with being in schools, but being in life generally, your lives, my life, maybe this is the way to bring a sense of peace to the chaos we may experience at times. In the end, this is all about being present with others, something I feel we all try to do as best we can, when we can, when we have the capacity and energy.

Mercy Mission Day Fundraiser

Thank you to everyone for their support of the Mercy Mission Day earlier this term. The students raised a total of $4 388.10. This is an amazing amount of money that we can share between Mercy Missions and other Catholic organisations that support the vulnerable in our own community, but also more broadly nationally and internationally. The efforts by everyone on the day are a true representation about your care for others. In gratitude.

Annual Community Meeting

The Annual Community Meetings for the School Advisory Council and the Catholic School Parents WA, will be held next Wednesday 23 November at 6.00 pm. All parents are welcome to attend. The meeting will be held in the school library.

Booklists 2023

The booklists will be rolled out as in previous years, with bulk orders being set by the teachers. Parents have received details regarding payment for student supplies for 2023. We have transitioned to Campion School Supplies for the next school year. Please read the information carefully and note the closing date of 31 December for payments. Thank you for following this up over the next few weeks.

Class Lists 2023

As with every year, teachers work together to organise class lists for 2023. Many variables are worked in to manage these class allocations of our students. Teachers are focused on what is best for their students. These will be out later in the term in time for our transition morning on Monday 5 December. Staffing allocations will also be released when finalised in the coming weeks.

As we head to the back end of Week 6, I wish you many good things. Thanks for the support you keep offering each other within our families. I know our Pastoral Care Group of parents are amazing at doing this for others. I think they have created this culture of care that we are all immersed in and have taken ownership of in our own way. Such a good thing!

Take care and be good to you and others.

Art

From the Pastoral Care Team

The Pastoral Care Team would like to thank all of our St Columba families for their support this year. As our last act of community spirit we will be holding a Christmas Raffle where we will award a 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prize to three lucky families!

What we need from you….absolutely nothing…this raffle will be community funded…meaning we will not be selling tickets…each child will be entered into the raffle and 3 lucky families will be drawn as winners. Prizes will be given out in the last week of term.

With graduations comes a change in Pastoral Care. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank our amazing retiring Secret Ninjas this year. To Jeanie and to Jen thank you for all your years of co-ordination, sneaky care package making and all your contributions to our team, especially your excellent coffee dates and great conversations. You will be missed greatly!

If you would like to volunteer with the Pastoral Care team we meet weekly on a Wednesday morning during term in the Church meeting room just inside the double doors from the basketball court from 8.20 to 9.30am. All are welcome.

P & F News

Tommy Sugo Fundraiser

The CSPWA is running a Tommy Sugo fundraiser to help with the cost of new playground equipment. Some Year 4 students have put together a proposal for some new playground climbing equipment and have asked the CSPWA to help fund it.

With each purchase of the yummy pastas, sauces and ready-made meals Tommy Sugo will donate 20% of the sales. So check out the flyer attached to the newsletter, pass it around to family and friends and help the CSPWA by making a purchase.

Not keen to order online, no problem, Tommy Sugo will have a pop-up shop at school this Thursday 20^th October from 2:30pm. Come and purchase your dinner for the evening or purchase a few and freeze them for quick easy delicious mid-week meals.

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

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.

Thank you everyone!

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

Pastoral Care

Religious Education and Curriculum News

From our Year 4 Classes

In Year 4 we have learnt how people belong and participate in their Church community through the Sacraments. Belonging to a community helps people develop relationships with others and an understanding of who they are. Members of the Church community gather to celebrate the seven Sacraments at all stages of Christian life. Our focus this term was Baptism.

From our Pre-Kindergarten Classes

In Pre-Kindy we have been learning about The First Christmas. We worked together to make the Christmas Star, the brightest star in the night sky. We know that Baby Jesus was born under the Christmas Star ⭐️. We made stars out of play dough too and love singing the lullaby Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star 🌟

Community Notices

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Enrolments are now open for VacSwim swimming lessons during the summer school holidays. VacSwim offers fun lessons at beach or pool locations. They are a great school holiday activity and they teach valuable safety skills to help keep your child safe in the water.

Enrol at education.wa.edu.au/vacswim

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School Holiday Athletics Clinic for boys and girls aged 8 to 16 years. Mon 16^th & Tue 17^th January 2023. WA Athletics Stadium. 8.30am-3pm. $110 per day. Or $200 for both days. Includes a personalised certificate. Choose ANY 4 events per day. More Info: http://sprintingfast.com/

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Classifieds