God of all life…
May your love and light shine in and through me today
In a way that no mask can hide.
May my eyes dance with the laughter and joy
Replacing my hidden smile.
May my actions of care and concern
Speak louder than my muffled voice ever could.
And may the generosity of my heart
Radiate out through who I am
And how I respond to the world around me
So that others may not see my mask
But your image shining out
Moving in and through me today.
Amen
Please keep our community, especially our Year 6 cohort in your prayers during these difficult times.
COVID
Again, I would like to thank our school community and especially our Year 6 parents on being so understanding, patient, supporting and trusting with our COVID case on Tuesday. While it was a stressful and busy day talking with the Health Dept and with CEWA representatives and then trying to get information out to the school community, we were pleased at how quickly we were able to respond to the situation.
I would also like to thank those families who emailed the school with some beautiful supportive messages.
It is so much easier when we all work together for these beautiful children we have here at St Columbas.
ABSENTEEISM
On Wednesday I sent out some information regarding absenteeism in case of COVID.
To clarify queries, the following points should be followed.
If a child is showing any COVID like symptoms they must Not attend school and you are asked to have your child tested.
If the test comes back as a positive result you:
- Will need to follow Health Dept. protocols which will see the child having to isolate for 7 days.
- While waiting for results your child needs to remain at home until results are known.
- The school will then provide remote learning for that child.
If your child presents a negative result you:
- Need to have your child back to school.
If, however, you choose to keep your child at home they will be marked as absent, and no work will be sent home.
QR CODES
Most of you would have noticed new QR codes around the entry points into the school. We encourage all visitors into the school to please use these when entering the school.
CODE OF CONDUCT
As a Catholic school, we are required to have a Code of Conduct as part of the CEWA System Agreement with the Minister for Education.
In 2017, all schools in the system were required to adhere to a Code of Conduct on child safety in accordance with a standard determined by the Minister under section 159 (1). This Code of Conduct will not only need to be abided by the staff of St Columbas, but also the parents, students, volunteers and visitors of the school.
I am sure that you will be aware of this code from previous years, but I thought it was a good idea that we revisit the Code and refresh our minds.
Catholic Education WA developed a Code of Conduct that was implemented in all catholic schools on the 1st January 2017. This code formulates staff employment and professional conditions as well as the enrolment policy of families new to the school, and also applies to all existing families, staff, volunteers and visitors.
The best way to protect children everywhere – including beyond the school gates – is to teach them to choose healthy relationships based upon modelling what those relationships look like.
The Code of Conduct describes healthy relationships.
Over the next few weeks, we will re-address the 12 statements in our Code of Conduct that describe minimum standards of conduct in all behaviour and decision making to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.
CODE OF CONDUCT STATEMENTS
- YOU ACT SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY.
Putting the safety of all students ahead of every other relevant but secondary consideration, performing our roles professionally, students and parents receiving accurate information, informing the Principal of any relevant information in regards to maintaining student safety and well-being (this can be in regards to people’s behaviour, maintenance issues…), referring students to appropriate experts if a student requires skills and experience outside our core competencies.
- YOU GIVE PRIORITY TO STUDENTS’ SAFETY AND WELL-BEING IN ALL YOUR BEHAVIOUR AND DECISION MAKING.
All decisions and actions taken need to ensure the safety and well-being of the students as the primary focus, we all respectfully communicate in plain language and in a way that all understand, ensure that the student has a voice, we recognise the importance of the students education – being to class on time, limit family vacations throughout the school term, parents are not to take action for their children by means of solving issues by approaching other students or other parents – a need to follow due process is required.
- YOU ACT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VALUES OF THE GOSPEL AS DEFINED IN THE CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT.
All stakeholders keep the Gospel values at the forefront of all decision making, that we all strive to live out our relationships with all stakeholders in the school in a manner that is based on gospel values, respect and dignity for each person, commitment to building and fostering welcoming and positive relationships, confidentiality – we don’t speak about others, being held accountable for our actions.
DID YOU SEE AN OLD LADY OR A YOUNG LADY?
As you can see, at the beginning of this section there is a picture.
The picture reminds us that there are two ways of seeing things. In this case how do you see our Code of Conduct?
Is it a waste of time, or is it our greatest gift to child safety and wellbeing? Is it political correctness gone mad or is it common sense? Is it an invitation for parent complaints or is it an invitation for staff/parent expectations? I’m sure that the questions go on, but something to ponder on.
By the way in the picture above these is both an old lady looking down and a younger lady looking sideways over her right shoulder.
PARENTS BE AWARE!
Just a quick message to all parents and something to be aware of in the Cyber-Safety area.
There is currently an APP called Roblox which some children are using. This is another, on-line game for children, however, there have been reports of trolls on this platform.
Please be vigilant of what your child(ren) are using and playing.
ENROLMENTS 2023
- Enrolments for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten 2023 are filling quickly. Please note interviews take place this term for 2023.
- Pre-Kindy 2023 – children born between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020.
- Kindergarten 2023 – children born between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019.
- If you have younger children in these age brackets and have not submitted an application, please ensure this is completed at your earliest convenience.
UNIFORM SHOP
Due to the recent positive Covid case at St Columba’s, jfe has temporarily suspended counter sales from their Osborne Park office.
All uniform purchases will be through on line orders only. All online orders will be delivered to the school weekly.
If parents need to change sizes etc they can email JFE direct or pop into their showroom in Osborne Park. Returns/exchanges can be left at the school office.
Sandro Coniglio
Principal
P & F News
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.
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:
Harry Whelan PPG
Ella Aldworth PPW
Jude Allison 2W
Emily Salt 5W
Isaac Iaschi 6W
PASTORAL CARE RAFFLE IS BACK!!!!
The PC raffle will commence this week. The cost is 20c per ticket. 3 tickets being the maximum purchased. Rosters are published each week the Donegal and a copy of the roster is outside each classroom. Please remember the preferable prize is a book not exceeding the value of $10. It has always been the tradition to give a book of any description ie: colouring, joke or novel.
For the benefit of our new families to our wonderful school here’s an introduction about Pastoral Care.
Some years ago, a small group of parents established Pastoral Care at St Columba’s as a way of fostering a feeling of community in our school. Over the years, families and individuals in our school community were supported and assisted during both difficult times and more joyful occasions. We would like to continue to offer help to families at Saint Columbas.
Thank you everyone for always supporting the Pastoral Care Team and we look forward to continuing our yearly events being the Easter Raffle, Mother’s Day Breakfast and Father’s Day Breakfast.
TERM 1
Week 4 – 23 February
Week 5 – 2 March – NO RAFFLE – ASH WEDNESDAY
Week 6 – 9 March
| Kindy Green | Week 4 Jake Bouteloup Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Juliette Cahill |
| Kindy White | Week 4 Asher Borich Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Leo Duff |
| PP Green | Week 4 Florence Crooks Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Jax Fermanis |
| PP White | Week 4 Charlie Bateman Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Aurora Cameron |
| Year 1 Green | Week 4 Alessandra Cahill Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Isaiah Chong |
| Year 1 White | Week 4 Caleb Brennan Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Cerys Chaloner |
| Year 2 Green | Week 4 Mia Fernandez Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Rosabelle Juma |
| Year 2 White | Week 4 Oliver Hoyne Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Quill O’Brien |
| Year 3 Green | Week 4 Richie De Mello Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Zozie Higgs |
| Year 3 White | Week 4 Mason Campbell Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Andrew Gai |
| Year 4 Green | Week 4 Neve Gerick Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Filip Kryachok |
| Year 4 White | Week 4 James Hodson Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Sebastian Kaless |
| Year 5 Green | Week 4 Olivia Cullura Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Tayla Green |
| Year 5 White | Week 4 Brodie Eaton Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Eliza Joewono |
| Year 6 Green | Week 4 Georgia De Luca Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Ava Fragomeni |
| Year 6 White | Week 4 Zara Callo Week 5 NO RAFFLE Week 6 Alyanna Genete |
If there are any parents out there that love cooking and are able to help us with meals please contact Jeannie – jeanzbeanz@bigpond.com.
Your continued support is greatly appreciated by our school community.
Pastoral Care Team
Award Winners
Term 1, Week 2
PP Green – Jasper Fry, Mia Yanez Del Gesso
PP White – Elliott Bonnett, Tessa Koch
1 Green – Aimee Alexander, Alessandra Cahill
1 White – Tessa Cavalli, Marcus Chong
2 Green – Xavier Balm, Rosabelle Juma
2 White – Sajad Aljabry, Leo Cameron, Matilda Meenan
3 Green – Mason Harper, Ivy Hoogland
3 White – Michael Baldwin, Eli Felt
4 Green – Carys Bennetts, Grayson Harris
4 White – Chloe Bouteloup, Jaydyn Duong
5 Green – Madden Dean, Tyson Hayward,
5 White – Sebastiano Pizzata, Khrish Tah
6 Green – Leo Migliore, Charlotte Pitter
6 White – Zoe High, Joshua Murnane
Music – Blake Poletti
Religious Education and Curriculum News
From our Year 1’s
In Year One we are learning about the Bible, which is a very special book made up of two parts. We know that the Bible is like a long letter written from God to those that God loves. We understand that people learn about God from the Bible, and this week we are learning about the Creation Story found in the Old Testament.
From our Year 5’s
In Art, students have worked hard to create symmetrical art pieces of their faces. Students need to measure their facial features to create their reflection and experimented with shading to create their piece. They’ve done a wonderful job!
Community Notices
Enrolments
Interviews for enrolments for Year 7 2025 students are being conducted this Semester for sisters of current and past Mercedes students. If you have not enrolled your daughter, please contact our Enrolments Officer, Nicole Kirk, on 9323 1340 or enrol online via the College website at www.mercedes.wa.edu.au as soon as possible.
Mercedes College Open Day | Tuesday 15 March
Located in the heart of Perth’s beautiful heritage precinct, Mercedes College are proud to be opening its gates for prospective families. The tour provides an opportunity for parents to hear from the Senior Leadership Team and enjoy a tour of College grounds and facilities led by some of our Student Representative Leaders.
There are two sessions on offer: 8:30am-10.30am or 11am-1pm. Both sessions conclude with some light refreshments and the opportunity to speak with some of our Teachers. Please register via the College website. Limited places available; www.mercedes.wa.edu.au/open-morning/
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WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER – Take time out for yourself and your spouse with a weekend that will focus on your relationship. It will be the best gift you’ll give each other this year. We invite to you attend a WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER weekend and come back with a marriage that is refreshed and exciting. We invite you to join us on our next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend 12-13 March 2022 (Live-out at Prendiville College Ocean Ref) or 29-31 July 2022 (Live out Atrium Hotel Mandurah). For more information or booking contact: Valerie & Brendon on 0424 220 625 – Email: WAbookings@wwme.org.au Website – www.wwme.org.au
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Classifieds
