Dear Community of St Columba’s,
This morning, students from Years 3 to 6 attended Mass with the Parish to mark the beginning of Lent, observing Ash Wednesday. Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter, is a time for reflection and self-examination, reminding us of the importance of Christ in our lives. During Mass, students received a reminder of this reflection as a cross was placed on their foreheads. Students from Kindergarten to Year 2 also received the cross in their classrooms afterwards. The cross serves as a powerful symbol, reminding us of our commitment to live out our faith more deeply.
Lent calls us to grow closer to Jesus through three key practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, or works of charity. Today, we heard about some of the things children are giving up during Lent, like chocolate, coke and less time on computer games. We are also encouraged to replace these sacrifices with acts of kindness and compassion. Whether it is helping someone without being asked or putting a little extra coin in the Project Compassion Donation Box. These simple actions reflect the spirit of Lent.
At the end of the 40 days, if we have truly embraced serving others as Christ served us, we may find that the joy we experience in helping others becomes a lasting part of our lives, something we won’t want to give up.
Upcoming Events:
- 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)
Uniform shop opening days:
March 12th WEEK 6 – from 2.30pm – 3.15pm.
March 26th WEEK 8 – from 2.30pm – 3.15pm.
In gratitude,
Gina Burns
Principal
P & F News
Hi Families,
Next meeting!
Our agenda is currently being finalised for the second meeting of the year so please watch your class socials or email spaces for this shortly. Everyone is welcome to attend and help encourage friendraising and fundraising for our School community.
Early call out – Mother’s Day Breakfast (Term 2)
Hello Dads! Do you have some time to get on board and organise/prepare breakfast for the Mums of the community this year? Contact your Class Rep if you’re able to lend a hand. There will be a coffee truck for your caffeine needs during the morning and also a bunch of other Dads giving it a go!
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 (PK to Year 3)
Pastoral Care
Happy Birthday to:
The following students who will celebrate birthday’s in the coming week:
William Giblett PPW
Theodore Billington Y1G
Kieran Vernon Y1W
Oscar Harstrom Y2G
Ezra Ta Y2W
Amelia Booth Y4W
Oaklyn Payne Y4W
Poppy Lillico Y5W
Estelle Pirone Y6W
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 6 – 12 March
Week 7 – 19 March
| Kindy Green | Week 6 – Leroy Etheridge Week 7 – Lucas Evangelista |
| Kindy White | Week 6 -Blake Cruthers Week 7 – Chase Dawson |
| PP Green | Week 6 – Xavier Bosley Week 7 – Lewis Christie |
| PP White | Week 6 – Indigo Chin Week 7 – Isaac Comber |
| Year 1 Green | Week 6 – Amelia Congdon Week 7 – Liam Chipperfield |
| Year 1 White | Week 6 – Mia Etheridge Week 7 – Ayla Christie |
| Year 2 Green | Week 6 – Zoe Chin Week 7 – Bodhi Chipperfield |
| Year 2 White | Week 6 – Odin Dupont Week 7 – Clara Fuller |
| Year 3 Green | Week 6 – Annabelle Cornish Week 7 – Florence Crookes |
| Year 3 White | Week 6 – Astor Foley Week 7 – Chase Gilbert |
| Year 4 Green | Week 6 – Aimee Alexander Week 7 – Marcus Chong |
| Year 4 White | Week 6 – Michael Congdon Week 7 – Isaiah Chong |
| Year 5 Green | Week 6 – Connor Campbell Week 7 – Henry Crookes |
| Year 5 White | Week 6 – Savannah Ceric Week 7 – Isabella Goh |
| Year 6 Green | Week 6 – Mason Campbell Week 7 – Lennox Harris |
| Year 6 White | Week 6 – Elliot Dorozenko Week 7 – Jaike Evangelista |
Award Winners
MERIT AWARDS – Term 1 , Week 4
Our apologies to the following students who were missed on the list last week for Merit Awards.
2 Green – Oscar Harstrom
3W – Adam Nguyen
Religious Education and Curriculum News
From our Year 1 Classes:
This term, our students have been actively engaged in exploring important aspects of our faith. As we approach the sacred season of Lent and prepare for Easter, we celebrated Shrove Tuesday by learning about its history and the tradition of making pancakes. To make the day extra special, we paired up with our Year 5 buddies to cook and enjoy pancakes together! The students discovered that Shrove Tuesday marks the last day before Lent, a time of fasting and reflection.
On Ash Wednesday, we came together to learn about the significance of this day and received our ashes, marking the beginning of Lent. We also discussed what we could give up for Lent, reflecting on how this practice helps us grow in faith and devotion. Additionally, we explored the significance of the colour purple, which symbolises penance, humility, and the preparation for the joyful celebration of Easter. It’s been a meaningful journey of growth as we approach this busy and important season in the Church calendar.
From our Year 4 classes:
In English, the Year 4s are currently learning how to write a recount. The students have been learning the importance of including the five W’s (who, what, when where and why) in the introduction and how the events that occur must be written in chronological order. They have also learnt the importance of including a reflection of how they felt the event went and what they might like to happen in the future.
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