Dear Community of St Columba’s,
NAPLAN
The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an assessment conducted annually in Australian schools. These assessments take place in Year 3 and Year 5, however they provide information about the learning that has taken place up until the beginning of Year 3 and then once again, all the learning that has taken place up until the beginning of Year 5.
The results of the assessment help us identify areas of strength and areas for improvement, both at an individual level and within our school community. We encourage all our Year 3 & 5 Students to participate in NAPLAN 2025.
It is important to note that while NAPLAN provides valuable data, it is just one measure of a student’s abilities, and it does not encompass the full range of skills and talents that our students possess. Therefore, it is essential to approach NAPLAN with a balanced perspective, emphasising the importance of doing one’s best while also maintaining a positive attitude towards learning and growth.
The assessment schedule is as below for both Year 3 and Year 5 Students:
- Wednesday 12 March: Writing
- Thursday 13 March: Reading Comprehension
- Friday 14 March: Conventions of Language
- Monday 17 March: Numeracy
Leading up to NAPLAN, students will have an opportunity to complete a practice test to familiarise themselves with the layout of the assessment and time constraints.
Students complete assessments everyday as part of the class and school procedures. Please encourage your child to approach this assessment with a positive mindset, focusing on their abilities and efforts rather than feeling pressured by the test.
Pastoral Care Team
At St Columba’s, one of the most cherished aspects of our community is our Pastoral Care Team, a group of dedicated volunteer parents who offer their support and kindness to families in times of need and celebration.
As in previous years, our team helps families and individuals within our school community through various challenges and milestones, whether it is during a time of hospitalisation, injury, the birth of a sibling, or when families are experiencing hardship.
A key way funds are raised is through the Wednesday class raffles. Each class has a roster, and the raffle details are shared in our weekly newsletter, so families know in advance when it is their turn to donate a small prize (approximately $5–$10 in value). These prizes can include items like books, puzzles, or school supplies, and each child is asked to donate once per year.
The raffles are drawn on Wednesday mornings in the classroom, with the help of our wonderful Year 6 students. Tickets are available for $1 for 3 tickets, with a maximum of 3 tickets per child.
For any confidential inquiries, please feel free to reach out to Stephanie at stephanie_anile@outlook.com
With permission from Kate and the Minchin family, the School and the Pastoral Care Team share details of how you can further support a family in our school.
Here is the link to the GoFund Me page
Thank you so much for your ongoing support. We look forward to working together to make a positive difference in our community.
Uniform Shop
Due to the limited space available at our school for both students and staff to work, learn, and play, we regret to inform you that we can no longer accommodate the uniform shop onsite.
The space will be repurposed to provide additional working space for our staff.
The final day the uniform shop will operate on campus will be Wednesday, March 26. Please note that the uniform shop will also be open on Wednesday, March 12.
Following March 26, uniforms can be purchased through the following arrangements:
- Library satchels and hats will still be available for purchase onsite at the school office.
- You can place orders online at JFE via the School Website. If you are unsure about sizing, uniforms will be available to try on at the office on Wednesdays between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm. Orders are delivered to your child each Friday.
- You may also visit JFE at Unit 1, 85 Guthrie Street, Osborne Park WA.
Please remember that students will wear the Winter Uniform during Terms Two and 3. However, they are permitted to wear the Summer Uniform for the first two weeks of Term 2.
We appreciate your understanding as we work to make the best use of our available space.
Uniform shop opening days:
March 12th WEEK 6 – from 2.30pm – 3.15pm.
March 26th WEEK 8 – from 2.30pm – 3.15pm.
Enrolment into Secondary School
A reminder that enrolment into Secondary School does not occur automatically. Parents need to complete enrolment application forms for the school chosen for their child. Please refer to the information each school provides regarding their enrolment process and timelines.
Please see the below correspondence from Mr John Bormolini, Principal of Chisholm Catholic College.
“I urge parents and guardians to ensure there is nothing outstanding in regard to the required paperwork accompanying application forms, if you have not already.
Demand for places at Chisholm remains highly competitive and is stronger than ever. This continues to reflect that the College is well regarded in attending to all of the facets that make up a well-balanced Catholic school. This is only further emphasised when families consider the comparative value of the educational opportunities and facilities that make up our College.
I urge parents not to be complacent in submitting applications along with the required paperwork. Our cut-off date for the first round of application processing and interview scheduling is Friday 14 March. This includes Catholic siblings who are not guaranteed a place if we do not receive the required application and information, something we remind parents of every year.”
Upcoming Events:
- Tuesday 4 March: Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Tuesday)
- Wednesday 5 March: Ash Wednesday Mass @ 9.00 am (Years 3-6 only)
- Tuesday 11 March: Assembly
- Tuesday 11 March: P&F Meeting @ 6.30 pm
- Wednesday 12 March: NAPLAN Writing Assessment (Year 3 & 5)
- Wednesday 12 March: Year 4 Swimming Tryouts
- Thursday 13 March: NAPLAN Reading Assessment (Year 3 & 5)
- Thursday 13 March: Chisholm Open Day & Year 4 Twilight Tour
- Friday 14 March: NAPLAN Conventions Assessment (Year 3 & 5)
Secondhand Uniforms
Donated secondhand uniforms are located in the filing cabinet across from the sport shed near OSHC. Items are free. At this stage we have a huge amount of items. Please keep the area neat and tidy at all times.
Thank you to the Pastoral Care Team for managing the secondhand uniforms.
In gratitude,
Gina Burns
Principal
TUESDAY 4 March, 2025
In order to celebrate Pancake Tuesday and commence our Project Compassion alms giving, at recess on Tuesday all students will be able to purchase a pikelet / pancake with butter and sprinkles, for a gold coin donation. Gluten free options will be available, however if you have any concerns, please notify your child’s classroom teacher.
P & F News
Hi Families,
Fundraising update
Our sausage sizzle is being held at the swimming carnival again this year – orders will be open for your family soon! On the same day, the P&F is running a gold coin free dress day alongside for the younger years not participating in the pool. The wine drive is now being finalised and forms will be available for orders in March shortly.
Call for agenda
Please send through any items for discussion on the agenda to your new class reps by Tuesday 4th March. Fresh year, fresh plans – everything is considered and we are open to hearing your thoughts!
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
- 11th March — P&F Meeting #2 at 6:30pm, School Library
- March/April — Wine Drive Fundraiser
- 10th April — Swimming Carnival Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser
- 10th April — Free dress gold coin Fundraiser
Pastoral Care
Happy Birthday to:
The following students who will celebrate birthday’s in the coming week:
Samuel Kootje Y3G
Clementine Espie KW
Digby Weaire Y2G
Holly McMenamin Y2G
Ivy Quach Y3G
Elliott Bonnett Y3W
Marcus Chong Y4G
Isaiah Chong Y4W
Shylo Verma Y6W
The WEDNESDAY class raffles are starting up again!
Three Chances to Win for $1
To participate we ask that each child bring in $1 which gives them 3 chances to win the weekly prize.
Rosters for the Weekly Prize
Term rosters are placed on the classroom door and printed in the weekly newsletter for you to check when your child/children are due to donate the prize (one prize donated per child a year) for their class. The idea is to provide a small gift (eg book, puzzle, pencils etc) to the approx. value of $5.
The child rostered to donate a prize is kindly asked to hand the prize to the class teacher before the morning of their roster.
Would you like to Volunteer with us?
We are always looking for Volunteers to join the Pastoral Care Team. If you can spare a little time on a Wednesday morning after drop off, you can find us in the Church meeting room just as you enter from the basketball court entrance. Come say Hi and see what we are all about or please feel free to reach out to us by leaving a message with Lisa or Kylie in Administration and one of our amazing volunteers will talk you through volunteering with us.
WEEKLY RAFFLE ROSTER
TERM 1
Week 5 – 5 March
Week 6 – 12 March
| Kindy Green | Week 5 – Thomas De Paula Couto Week 6 – Leroy Etheridge |
| Kindy White | Week 5 – Jordan Coniglio Week 6 -Blake Cruthers |
| PP Green | Week 5 – Luke Coniglio Week 6 – Xavier Bosley |
| PP White | Week 5 – Clara Charles Week 6 – Indigo Chin |
| Year 1 Green | Week 5 – Holly Bunko Week 6 – Amelia Congdon |
| Year 1 White | Week 5 – Harper Bradley Week 6 – Mia Etheridge |
| Year 2 Green | Week 5 – Norah Cregan Week 6 – Zoe Chin |
| Year 2 White | Week 5 – Asher Borich Week 6 – Odin Dupont |
| Year 3 Green | Week 5 – Ciara Carruthers Week 6 – Annabelle Cornish |
| Year 3 White | Week 5 – Jax Fermanis Week 6 – Astor Foley |
| Year 4 Green | Week 5 – Ethan Borich Week 6 – Aimee Alexander |
| Year 4 White | Week 5 – Mathea Co Week 6 – Michael Congdon |
| Year 5 Green | Week 5 – Leo Cameron Week 6 – Connor Campbell |
| Year 5 White | Week 5 – Alessandro Balla Week 6 – Savannah Ceric |
| Year 6 Green | Week 5 – Richie De Mello Week 6 – MAson Campbell |
| Year 6 White | Week 5 – Havarna Bova Week 6 – Elliot Dorozenko |
Award Winners
MERIT AWARDS – Term 1 , Week 4
PP Green – Angus Fort, Hannah Linke, Luca LoSurdo, Charlie Williams
PP White – Madison Aung Than, Jack Franich, Ivaan Kaushal, Violet Mulherin
1 Green – Austin Hoek, Grace Minchin, Marie O’Callaghan, Eva Woodley
1 White – Harley Johnson, Luke Molony, Clara Pearson, Ava Sanders
2 Green – Oscar Harstrom, Archie Raynor, Georgia Whelan
2 White – Harper Raven, Ezra Ta, Cillian Tierney, Heidi Zekas-Crooks
3 Green – Hudson Fernandez, Rohan Hurley Swiderski, Mason Sardelich, Alessia Scagnetti, Mia Yanez Del Gesso
3 White – Olive Caruana, Felix Halls, Otis Knox, Caiden Thompson Mewburn
4 Green – Aimee Alexander, Brooklyn Hamilton, Maximo Pizzata, Jude Stubbs
4 White – Parker Connell, Monica Jaramillo Restrepo, Alec Mather, Juliana Versaico
5 Green – Leo Cameron, Wyatt Palmer, Anzo Tan,
5 White – Imogen Halls, Huw Humphreys, Rosabelle Juma, Alexander Lilleyman
6 Green – Shishir Berigai, Ivy Hoogland, Raffaele Parker
6 White – Grace Masnyk, Theo Smart, Indi Whitbread
Religious Education and Curriculum News
From our Pre Primary Classes:
In Pre-Primary we have been learning that there are many ways that people are created different from one another. We have been discussing how we are all unique and special and that we have been given different gifts from God such as, being good at certain things and how we learn differently from one another. We have also been exploring how we can share these gifts with one another. Here are some of our beautiful and unique paintings.
From our Year 5 classes:
Year 5 have been exploring the art of narrative writing , learning how to make their stories more engaging, exciting, and entertaining. A key focus has been on creating “sizzling starts” – powerful opening lines designed to immediately capture the reader’s attention.
Here are some fantastic examples of sizzling starts from our budding authors:
- ‘Something wasn’t right, my friends had disappeared, and I was all alone in the pitch, black dark.’
- ‘As the night sky gleamed on the abandoned city, the stars twinkled like the sunlight on the buildings, it looked like it was creating an image.’
- ‘Bang! Crash! The golden lion that escaped the zoo was pounding at the door. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears.
- ‘BANG! Whoosh, Millie woke up as the wind blew into her room loudly’
- ‘As the clock struck 2, Matilda ran for the door, just when she saw a black scaly dragon.’
- ‘Have you ever found a little dragon in your pillow?’
We are so proud of the creativity and enthusiasm Year 5 have shown in their writing journey. Keep an eye out for more incredible stories to come!
Community Notices
Please find below a message from Mr Bormolini, Principal, Chisholm Catholic College.
“I urge parents and guardians to ensure there is nothing outstanding in regard to the required paperwork accompanying application forms, if you have not already.
Demand for places at Chisholm remains highly competitive and is stronger than ever. This continues to reflect that the College is well regarded in attending to all of the facets that make up a well-balanced Catholic school. This is only further emphasised when families consider the comparative value of the educational opportunities and facilities that make up our College.
I urge parents not to be complacent in submitting applications and the required paperwork by our cut-off date for the first round of application processing and interview scheduling, which is Friday 14 March. This includes Catholic siblings who are not guaranteed a place if we do not receive the required application and information, something we remind parents of every year.”
School Counsellor News
Dear Community
Many parents at St Columba’s have experienced neurodiversity in their lives. Parents have found to feel isolated and unsure where to turn for advice. Our School Counsellor, Nicole Leach and Mia Lowry (St Columba’s Parent) have joined together to create a Parent Support Group for Neurodiverse Children.
Why We’re Creating a Parent Support Group for Neurodiverse Children
Parenting a neurodiverse child is a unique journey—one filled with joys, challenges, and moments that can feel both rewarding and overwhelming. Many parents find themselves searching for guidance, connection, and a sense of community. That’s why we are setting up this support group.
Our goal is to create a safe, understanding space where parents and caregivers can:
✅ Share experiences, challenges, and successes
✅ Gain insights and practical strategies for supporting their children
✅ Connect with others who truly understand the journey
✅ Access resources, expert advice, and advocacy support
By coming together, we can empower each other, celebrate our children’s strengths, and navigate the challenges with greater confidence. Whether your child has autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other neurodivergent traits, this group is here to support you.
You are not alone. Let’s build a strong, supportive community together!
Please join our Facebook page, you will find us under ‘St Columba’s Neurodivergence Support Group’.
In Term 2, a Neurodivergence Seminar will be held at the Bayswater Tennis Club on Wednesday 14 May @ 6.30pm. More information will be sent out closer to the date. Please keep the date free.
If you would like further information or have any queries, please feel free to email nicole.leach@cewa.edu.au
Nicole Leach
School Counsellor
Please see other helpful parenting links below:
ADHD and your Child – https://events.humanitix.com/adhd-and-your-chid-maylands
Raising Children in a Digital World- https://events.humanitix.com/raising-children-in-a-digital-world-maylands
Supporting Your child’s Emotional Development – https://events.humanitix.com/supporting-your-child-s-emotional-development-maylands
My Time Peer Support Group (online) – https://events.humanitix.com/my-time-virtual-group-gf49wgtw