Principal's Post

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Welcome to Week 7 of Term 1. It is certainly scootering along. Hope you are all going okay as it is around this time of term when our kids start to feel a little weary. There will be a book written one day about Week 7 in schools. Hopefully, you get to find a little space for self, even if it is ten minutes to stop. I know, for you with young children, this may be at 11.00 pm at night, then have a wake up at 3.00 am as well. I am writing about something from the Gospels this week, about faith and believing without seeing. But before that, I think the quote below is one that you will really like. Finding rest in a quiet moment, talking to the bloke upstairs and asking him to look after you, brings a gentleness that will wash over you. Try it just before you go to sleep each night. You will sleep well. I have to say there are some nights I can say a bundle of Hail Marys as I try to feel this gentleness, so just go with it I reckon. The most important thing about this is that it helps us to look after ourselves. Anyhow, see how you go.

As we head towards the end of the Lenten Season, our time of preparation for Easter has us reflecting on what is it we truly believe. As Catholics, we believe without having seen. It is one of the great things about being Catholic. Even though there are many Catholics that are not ‘churchy’, their belief in Jesus is still strong. Their commitment to their faith is not diminished. Why? Because they believe in what Jesus stood for. He stood for the qualities we hold true as good people. Jesus lived a life of compassion, forgiveness and acceptance.

Faith is the first word in our school motto. It is what we are called to as St Columba’s people. Being faith-filled is important for us. One of the reasons we believe so strongly, only my thoughts, not any theology behind it, but Jesus was a good bloke, plain and simple. This is how he is often described by people, especially during the times of the two main celebrations that bring people back to church. Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, reconnect people back to the church. This is a good thing as it is what belief is all about. Although we may not attend every Sunday, possibly at no other time of the year, except on these two days, the underlying feeling is that God still embraces us when we do return.

There is no doubt in my mind that God looks down at Easter and Christmas and celebrates what He is seeing. As much as He would love to see more families at Mass during the year, I believe He feels like our grandparents or parents do when we visit after having not seen them for a while. No judgement, just pure joy and elation to see us. Don’t you agree? This is why we believe in Him, God. Easter allows us this time to remember just how good this stuff is, this connection to something. It really is about gentleness and compassion. [I think I am correct that whenever we use God as a He or Him, we use capitals]

It is interesting how it works, but I also sense that the reason parents will bring their kids to a Catholic school is because it is the enabler for reconnection. It is like when we were first baptised, we were welcomed into the family of the Church. Such excitement because we belonged. Our Catholic schools are the link back to our faith. It is what we are called to be a s a school, that is why I was so excited by our families’ response to the Community Mass, but also our school Masses in previous years. This is why it will be exciting when these return in the future.  As humans, we yearn for connection back. Faith, believing without seeing, requires us to trust beyond what we know. This is freeing and allows us to be open to what comes our way in life. The wonderful thing I believe about St Columba’s people is there is this commitment to care for others, a relentless passion for who we are. This is something that will never be quantified with data, it will be marked simply by ‘the vibe’.

For me, and I guess Linda, my better half, we have been in the Catholic teaching game all our lives, so the connection sort of happens as a part of what we do. I sometimes take it for granted just how important this is, this connection to Jesus, but believing without seeing seems to be ever present. We are blessed in our school here at St Columba’s, that we have a church that links directly to our playground. We get access all day, every day. We have the original church as the centrepiece of our school, where the stories and soul of our community is marked. Symbolism links and connects us. Next time you walk by the ‘old church’, just take a moment to know there is a great history here at St Columba’s and a connection to the human history of those who came before us and those that will follow.

As we continue to move through this Easter season, remember it is your faith that brings you here. Even if there is only a small flicker of light, you know it to be true. You want to be connected. I wish you many opportunities for connection to others over the next week. Rediscover what it is you hold dear and close to your heart this week. I have got it good, because where I park means I walk through the church in the morning and afternoon. I get to walk through the church passageway and find connection immediately. It is so calming, quite special really. I need to stop rushing through this space and dwell for 30 seconds to acknowledge this moment of grace I am afforded every day. Hope you find space for you this week.

STAFFING NEWS

If you have had children in our Pre-Primary classes over the last few years, you would know Andrea Gilbert, one of our EAs, very well. You may have also noticed that Andrea has been on leave this term. The reason for Andrea’s leave has been that Andrea was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year. Andrea is in good spirits and remains in contact with many of our staff. Andrea commences treatment in the near future. Andrea misses everyone at St Col’s especially the Kiss and Drive on Roberts Street where she pretty well knows every car and which child it belongs to. I know everyone at St Columba’s School will have their thoughts and prayers with Andrea and her family.

Megan Dwyer returns from her Long Service Leave at the commencement of Term 2. Megan will be teaching our Pre-Kindy classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We welcome Megan back after her wonderful break. Early in Term 2, our current Pre-Kindy and support teacher, Laura Dawson, will be taking parental leave. This is such an exciting time for Laura and Michael as they look forward to the excitement and joy that comes with starting a family. We wish Laura and Michael many moments of happiness. Blessings your way in abundance.

WHOLE SCHOOL MASS [Year 1 to Year 6]

We will be celebrating a whole school Mass next Thursday 1 April from 9.00 am. The Mass will only be for students and staff as there is no capacity to have parents with the 1.5 m social distancing and 75% capacity ruling current for churches and their restrictions. We are looking forward to having our first whole school Mass in nearly 12 months. We have missed this opportunity to bring us together and cannot wait till we are able to return to full whole school Masses at 100% capacity and no social distancing so all families can be included.

Please note: The Stations of the Cross presentation that was planned for Thursday 1 April at 2.00 pm will not be held in 2021.

PROJECT COMPASSION BOXES

Project Compassion boxes were sent home to each family earlier this term. If families would like to return the boxes to their classroom teacher before Holy Thursday, they will be passed onto the Parish. Alternatively, families can return the boxes to St Columba’s Parish.

PROJECT COMPASSION FREE DRESS DAY

On Thursday 1 April, we will hold a free dress day for Project Compassion. Gold coin donation on the day. The funds raised go to support communities around the world in building sustainability within their communities through access to fresh water and irrigation for crops, plus so much more.

COMMUNITY MASS and COMMITMENT CEREMONY [Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist]

This will be held on Saturday 1 May at 6.00 pm. At our Community Mass, our Year 3 and Year 4 children will also make their commitment to their sacramental preparation.

IMPORTANT DATES

As we move into the final week of the term, I wish to thank you for working closely with our staff in creating a positive environment across our classrooms. There is always going to be ‘stuff’ we need to work through at different times, but this is what I love most about our work in schools. The key is to always bring gentleness and calm and remain focused on what is best for our children. When we keep this focus, all things become aligned. We know in alignment, things come with ease.

Enjoy your week and hopefully your footy, soccer, rugby and basketball teams are going well. Even with North Melbourne being beaten on the weekend, I found great joy in seeing a few of the young lads play well, and the old boy, Jack Ziebel across half back. I feel for our Dockers supporters after the injuries from the last few weeks. With West Coasters, well they just keep unveilng new champions. Oscar Allen could be anything with the way he clunks the ball when taking pack marks. The next JK. As for my NRL team, go the mighty Penrith Panthers. Heard there was a new addition to the Penrith fan club with the birth of a new little guy in one of our families. Good to see the numbers growing.

Have a great week!

Art

ASSEMBLIES

• This Friday 26 March.
• Parents and grandparents of Merit Award winners may attend the assembly.
• 8.45am start.

School Counsellor News

The Emotional Cup Theory

Imagine that every child had a cup that needs to be filled – with affection, love, security, and attention. Some seem to have a full cup most of the time, or know good ways to get a refill. But most children get a little nervous when their cups get near empty…… how can I help my child fill up their cup?

Please see the poster attached to this Donegal.

Nicole Leach
School Counsellor
St Columba’s (Wednesdays and Thursdays) Phone 08 9208 2700

P & F News

Update

At the last P&F meeting an idea was suggested to organise a fundraising event such as a Bingo night. Other events such as the Movie Night, Fair and Quiz night have also been tabled at meetings. Whilst these are wonderful ideas and ones that would be a great fundraising and community event, the P&F Executive have decided that this year we will not be organising any big events that take months of organisation (by volunteers) and large monetary outlays in case we are subject to another lockdown due to Covid-19 and therefore the event can not go ahead. We have spoken to Bayswater Council and they advise that we are still in a state of emergency with Covid-19 meaning that we could go into lock down at any time, as we saw in February this year. Until the state of emergency status is lifted, we feel that we need to be conservative with our fundraising ideas as the P&F can’t afford to lose funds on events that potentially won’t go ahead. We decided to put a statement in the Newsletter to advise of our thinking behind the choices and reasons in our fundraising efforts for 2021 as not everyone can get to meetings to hear our messages. We are not shying away from these such events but feel this year it is not right. We are hoping that next year after the vaccination roll out, we can have these big and wonderful community events and we look forward to welcoming your ideas and organising them.

Wine Fundraiser

By now you should have received a paper copy to order your Hay Shed Hill wines. This is a wonderful opportunity to stock up on wine before we go into Easter and the school holidays. It would be wonderful if you could please share it with family and friends as Hay Shed Hill are very generous in the amount given back to the school per case of wine. Wine order forms are also attached to this Newsletter if you have not got one.

Orders need to be back at school by Monday 28^th March.

Orders will be ready for collection on Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31^st March.

Swimming Carnival Thankyou

Thankyou to all the volunteers who put their hand up and helped at the Swimming Carnival to ensure the hungry swimmers were fed. From cooking the sausages to running the prepared hotdogs to the different factions, we could not do this without you.  The sausage sizzle made a profit of $340.

Next P&F meeting is on Tuesday 18^th May at 7pm in the Library.

P&F Executive.

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.

Pastoral Care

Award Winners

Term 1, Week 6

PP Green – Lucas Scali, Hugo Zachar
PP White – Jenson Kootje, Mackenzie Strachan

1 Green – Jude Allison, Isabella Goh
1 White – Elizabeth Kennewell, Sera McDougall, William Parks

2 Green – Sofia Restrepo Jaramillo, Raffaele Parker
2 White – Michael Baldwin, Grace Masnyk, Lucinda Tran

3 Green – Scarlett Dudley, Ty Fernandez
3 White – Alexi Brammer, Edmond Cavalli

4 Green – Eliza Joewono, Xavier Robinson
4 White – Olivia Cotellessa, Hudson Taylor

5 Green – Zoe High, Lauren Pincus, Riley Thomas
5 White – Jack Katich, Jackson Lange, Andrea Mandujano

6 Green – Willow Bull, Max Gardiner, Noah Smith
6 White – Oliver Bonnett, Asha Campbell, Miel Fuentes

Community Notices

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These April school holidays METRONET will have a full-scale model on display at Yagan Square, giving people an early opportunity to see inside Perth’s new C-Series trains.

METRONET would like to invite families to attend the free family-friendly event from Saturday 3 April to Sunday 18 April between 9am and 5pm.

Visitors can walk through the carriage and along the railcar, there is a 1:50 scale model on display, and kids can get involved with a scavenger hunt.

Thursday mornings between 9am-10am are reserved for Quiet Hour, where the display will be low sensory to cater for those who prefer to experience the train in this environment.

Walk-ins will be welcome and families wanting to skip the queue will be able to register for free VIP tickets at www.metronet.wa.gov.au/all-aboard.

As the biggest railcar order in the state’s history, the METRONET Railcar Program will deliver 246 new C-series railcars to Perth’s rail network.

The trains will service an increased demand from METRONET projects and replace the A-series trains that currently operate on the Armadale/Thornlie, Fremantle and Midland lines.

Find out more about the Railcar Program and METRONET at www.metronet.wa.gov.au.

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Classifieds