Dear Community of St Columba’s,

We’ve had a wonderful first term and I would like to express my gratitude for the many events and initiatives that have helped set a positive tone for the year ahead.  

 Junior Liturgies 

A pivotal step in our Catholic School Improvement Plan has been the introduction of tailored liturgical celebrations for our youngest students, recognising the importance of engaging them in the faith journey at an early age. While students in Years 3-6 have the opportunity to attend Mass with the Parish once a term, our younger students previously did not have a developmentally appropriate way to connect with the Church. In a first for the school, we invited students from PP to Year 2 to come together for a special liturgy centered around the theme of Compassion. This event was not only an enriching experience for the children but also for their families, who attended in large numbers, reinforcing the partnership between home and school in nurturing faith. This liturgy marked a significant moment of parent formation, offering an opportunity for families to deepen their own understanding and actively participate in the spiritual education of their children. 

Community Baptism 

Community Baptisms remain a cherished and integral part of the St Columba’s community, and we are proud to continue supporting this sacred tradition as an extension of our commitment to the Parish Sacramental Program. In our most recent ceremony, thirteen children were baptised, with 9 of them being families currently at the school, marking a significant milestone in their faith journey. This celebration not only highlights the strength of our school-community bond but also reflects our shared dedication to nurturing spiritual growth. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those who received the Sacrament and express our gratitude to Leesa for her support of the Church through her dedicated role. Instances such as Community Baptisms and the recent Stations of the Cross are instrumental in fostering a rich and vibrant faith experience for our families. 

Student Christian Service 

I extend my gratitude to all the Year 6 students who generously dedicated their lunch times to prepare the powerful dramatisation of the Stations of the Cross. Their commitment and passion brought the event to life in a meaningful way. A special thank you goes to Music Teacher Karen Gonsalves, her husband Sanjay, and the Choir for their beautiful and soul-stirring voices that elevated the experience. I also want to acknowledge the choir’s unwavering dedication, showing up early every Wednesday morning for rehearsals with a spirit of enthusiasm and commitment. Their efforts have been a testament to the power of collaboration and the strength of our community in bringing the faith to life. 

The generosity of our students in offering their time to serve others is a shining example of Christian service within our school. Another way students have been doing this has been by volunteering their time to referee basketball and soccer games for our Junior Students.  

Whilst the students do not seek recognition or reward because the real reward comes from the joy of knowing they have made a difference, I would like to acknowledge all students by inviting them to the Principal’s Pizza Lunch this Wednesday to express my gratitude.  

Community Spirit 

Our school community continues to thrive with parent volunteers who support sustainability initiatives like the Bike Bus and the Containers for Change Program, parent support networks such as the P&F Class Parent Representative and the Neurodiversity Parent Facebook Page and co-curricular events such as the upcoming Swimming Carnival and Columba Runners. I would like to thank all parents for their ongoing support in these initiatives. 

Parent Help for Term 2 

St Columba’s Primary School will be a polling venue for the Federal Election on Saturday 3 May. Our P&F our organising catering throughout the day for all who will pass through our gates to votes. Please keep an eye out for information from your P&F Class Parent Representative. 

Mother’s Day Breakfast 

Our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast is fast approaching on Friday 9 May and we are reaching out to all parents, but particularly Fathers and Father-like figures who can assist in preparing and serving breakfast to our Mums and children on this day. Once again, please keep an eye out for information from your P&F Class Parent Representative.  

Upcoming Events: 

Please be sure to check out our Calendar on our Website to stay informed of dates and events for Term 2. In particular, please note the date of a much-anticipated Fun Run (with plenty of colour) has been confirmed for Mercy Mission & St Columba’s Day on Friday 6 June. Further details will follow early next term.  

• Thursday 10 April: Year 4-6 Swimming Carnival @ Bayswater Waves  

• Friday 11 April: Stations of the Cross for Years 1-6 @ 1.45 pm  

• Monday 28 April: Pupil Free Day 

• Tuesday 29 April: Term Two Commences for Students 

• Saturday 3 May: Federal Election & Catering Event at St Columba’s 

I will be on System Leaders’ Renewal Leave from Thursday, 1 May, to Friday, 23 May. During this, my tenth year as a Principal, I will be dedicating part of my leave to deepening my faith and spiritual growth through a pilgrimage, where I will explore the lives and legacy of the Great Saints of Italy. I look forward to sharing the insights and experiences gained upon my return. 

In my absence, Mr Niall Kehoe will serve as Acting Principal. I am grateful to Mr Kehoe for stepping into this role and ensuring the continued care and guidance of our school community. Please join me in supporting Mr Kehoe as he leads during this time. 

Wishing each one of you a peaceful and joyful Easter break, filled with moments of rest, reflection, and renewal … and perhaps a little extra chocolate. May this special time bring you closer to those you hold dear and offer a much-needed pause to refresh your spirit.  

For those children who will be joining our Vacation Care Program over the holidays, Jess and Shelby have some wonderful activities planned for you. I hope you enjoy every moment. 

We look forward to all that the next term will bring, with anticipation and excitement for the opportunities ahead. 

In gratitude, 

Gina Burns 

Principal 

Holy Week Services at St Columba’s Parish 

Holy Thursday: 7.00 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper 

Good Friday:   10.00 am Stations of the Cross 

                           3.00 pm Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion 

Holy Saturday: 7.00 pm Easter Vigil 

Easter Sunday: 7.30 am Mass  

                             9.30 am Family Easter Mass 

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Leesa.Vinciullo@cewa.edu.au