Principal's Post

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I hope this newsletter finds you all well.

While I have been working from home firstly as a close contact and then testing positive with COVID, I have reflected on the Term just gone. I wanted to find a real crunch word to describe this term, but all I could come up with was…”WOW!”

Wow, what a term. I seriously cannot recall in my 30 plus years in education where we have had a busier term in regards to changes on what we can and can’t do, where we can and can’t go, what we need to do at times and the list goes on. I have never had as many TEAMS meetings as I have this term and as you are all aware you, have probably never had as many letters/notes or updates as you have this term.

At the end of the day it is what we have to do and at the moment it is our day to day life. (And that’s okay!) We adjust!

I would seriously just like to say a big thank you to you all for your patience, understanding and support throughout this term. In particular, I would like to thank those amazing people who in the last few weeks have sent in emails of gratitude and thanks, giving support for the work we have been doing.

As a whole community, I think we have done pretty well.

With all that has been going on our staff have been magnificent. They have gone about their work without complaining. They have worked even harder, in the sense of preparing work for students on-line and also in class. Teaching is certainly a different game now and I just admire the talented and hard working team we have here at St Columba’s.

Peta and Lisa, our admin ladies, have been exceptional. Without a complaint they have just gone with the flow of all our COVID protocols and changes. Especially in regards to ordering RATS and masks for the school. Ensuring that extra cleaning has been carried out by our cleaners and the biggest one… continually keeping our parents up to date with communication during the week and weekends.

Lastly, I would like to thank our students who are probably the most resilient out of all of us. They have just got on with school life without asking many questions at all. They have remained hard working, happy kids. When mask wearing was introduced for our students from year 3 – 6, there was hardly a complaint. They just got on with it.

I must single out Mr Kehoe for his outstanding leadership this term. Niall has been a pillar of support and strength to me this term. In particular I thank him for his excellent work throughout the last two weeks of term.

Holy Week

This coming Sunday, (Palm Sunday), we commence the most important week in our Christian calendar, Holy Week. Up until now Jesus has been in the desert and Sunday commemorates the day when Jesus enters into Jerusalem (on a donkey) to observe Passover.

The week between Palm Sunday and Easter, is observed with special solemnity as a time of devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ.

This week is important to us because it reminds all Christians of God’s sacrifice of his son, and also God’s love for his people. Christians can learn much about Jesus through the last week of his life.

COVID REPORTING

Thank you for your amazing support throughout Term One. By standing alongside our teachers and staff you have enabled us to support your child’s learning in the most challenging of times. Your child’s attendance at school underpins their learning, social and emotional development, as well as their physical and mental wellbeing.

I recognise how concerning it has been for many of our families who have faced a COVID-19 diagnosis and understand the stress this may have placed on many households. Thank you for doing the right thing by isolating for the required period of time.

The Department of Health (WA Health) has brought to my attention that some of our parents have reported a positive COVID-19 RAT result on the school’s COVID-19 Self-Reporting Portal, but have omitted to do so on the WA Health RAT Register, as is required by the WA Government.

As a reminder, if your child has a positive RAT result you need to:

· Self-isolate for a minimum of 7 days. · Register via the WA Health RAT Register.

· Register via the school’s COVID-19 Self-Reporting Portal – even during the school holidays.

· At day 7, if symptoms are still present, continue isolating until symptoms clear.

· If no symptoms are present after day 7, you can leave self-isolation. No testing is required.

HOLIDAY and TERM 2 ARRANGEMENTS

On Tuesday 29 March, an announcement was made by Ministers for Health and Education, the Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson and Hon Sue Ellery, about the new operating guidelines for very high caseloads, to be implemented in schools for Term 2.

Based on the latest health advice, effective from the beginning of Term 2 at 12:01am on Tuesday 26 April, very high caseload (Level 1) measures currently in place in schools will be eased. The modifications, while based on current modelling may be subject to change at any time, following advice from the Chief Health Officer and WA Health.

Students in Year 3 and above will, however, continue to wear masks.

We ask all families to please continue to load their children’s COVID-19 positive information onto the Self-Reporting Portal over the course of the school holidays, if positive cases were to occur.

Parents and Caregivers (On School grounds)

Parents and Caregivers must comply with the health and hygiene conditions previously outlined and must continue to follow mask wearing requirements. Parents/caregivers are not allowed into classrooms for now and only allowed on school sites for the following purposes:

• outdoor drop-off/pick up of their child
• assemblies (limited to year group)
• parent/teacher meetings
• to volunteer in roles outside of the classroom that are essential for the operations of the school.
• Infrequent special events in line with community venue capacity and density limits, and mask wearing requirements.

Parents/caregivers attending school sites must adhere to physical distancing requirements where possible.

WORK

Work has begun on the new Covered area. This is on the western side of the school running along the grassed area. Because of the hold up in supplies we will aim to have the main structure erected over the holidays and then the roof will be completed later in the term, if not next holidays.

WINTER UNIFORM

 Students will be expected to be in full winter uniform as Term 2 commences. Please note that there is usually a two-week grace time for transition.

On behalf of our staff I would like to wish all our families a safe and happy Easter. Please ensure that you all have a well-earned break with your children.

God bless!

Sandro Coniglio
Principal

PROJECT COMPASSION

It has been wonderful to see the staff and students of St Columba’s wholeheartedly embracing Project Compassion this year. With the Lenten season (and our school term) coming to an end, could we please have all Project Compassion boxes returned to school this week. Students may hand them to their classroom teacher, or directly to the school office.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support of Project Compassion this year, and to wish you all a safe and holy Easter.

With thanks and best wishes

Leesa Vinciullo
Religious Education and Events Coordinator

King William Street and Whatley Crescent intersection

The intersection will now reopen at 3.00pm on Tuesday 12 April 2022.

The closure date is still 7.00pm on Thursday 7 April 2022.

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

Award Winners

Term 1, Week 9

PP Green – Thea O’Reilly, Harry Whelan
PP White – Harvey Kemmy, Alessia Scagnetti

1 Green – Zara Fantoni, Katie Kim Oliver
1 White – Jack Michael, Lily Vernon

2 Green – Cohen Lee, Abigail Vernon
2 White – Elizabeth Kennewell, Luke Magee, Stefano Mustica

3 Green – Sasha Mazurak, Jack Wilson
3 White – Havarna Bova, Allegra Pizzata, Poppy Robinson, Luca Scagnetti

4 Green – Braelyn Carruthers, Alyssa Clark
4 White – Zoe Juszkiewicz, Archer Laffrey

5 Green – Milla Robbins, Xavier Robinson
5 White – Zara Bell, Rafael Martino Da Fonseca

6 Green – Ella Gerick, James Giuffre, Manon Miller
6 White – Lucas Bentley, Katie Kealley

Music – Sebastian Strachan

Religious Education and Curriculum News

From our Pre-Kindy’s

In Pre-Kindy we talked about the cross on the hot cross bun and how it reminded us of Jesus. We made the sign of the cross and then traced the cross on the bun. We ate our hot cross buns together and remembered to be kind to one another just as Jesus was always kind to everyone.

From our Year 2’s

This term in Year 2, we have been exploring humour and character descriptions through Roald Dahls book, The Twits. We drew our favourite character, described Mr Twits dirty beard using the App Chatterpix and talked about kindness and having an open heart.

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 will be on Monday 2 May at Frank Drago oval 3.10-4.10pm and continue 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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La Salle College – Transforming tomorrow’s hearts, minds, lives

La Salle College is an innovative Catholic co-education secondary school guided by our Lasallian principles.

The uniqueness of every individual is embraced at our College and our safe, inclusive and welcoming environment enables everyone to learn and flourish in their own distinctive way.

At La Salle College we offer a range of learning programs and academic pathways, as well as opportunities in a multitude of areas such as skill-based and work-based learning, music, arts, sport and extracurricular activities.

Our wonderful facilities and generous outdoor spaces provide an innovative and modern learning environment that inspires our students to explore their potential both within and beyond the classroom.

Our vision for learning is centred on Transforming tomorrow’s hearts, minds and lives.

Through our faith, culture of excellence, values and systems, we equip our students with the tools they need to become life-long learners and positive contributors, voices and leaders in the community beyond their College days.

To learn more about a La Salle College education visit our website at www.lasalle.wa.edu.au.

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Classifieds