Principal's Post

Today, we are reminded of God’s love and Jesus’ desire
that we love one another as we are loved.
On this journey, we are learning why this is a challenge for us.
We are experiencing our human weaknesses and practicing ways to be freer,
to open our hearts more fully to God’s love
and to give ourselves in fidelity, every day.

You ask us to express our thanks by self-denial.
We are to master our sinfulness
and conquer our pride.
We are to show to those in need
your goodness to ourselves

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope this newsletter finds you all well.

As we continue to work our way through these high cases of Covid, I have been so impressed at how everyone has banded together and taken a ‘it is what it is, attitude’. Thank you!

As experienced across many schools at this time, we continue to have students who are being tested as positive throughout the year levels, however, we continue to follow protocols and good hygiene practices which is allowing most of our students to continue to work here at school. You would now be aware, that we have a Self-Reporting Form on our school website. I ask all parents to please enter their individual COVID cases if and when the need arises. If you have a positive case, please remember to fill in the form on our website AND notify WA Heath. Please also note that an absentee form is still required to be completed for any absences/isolation by students. The can also be completed via the school website.

I’m sorry for the non-AFL, but I am so excited for this weekend to come along. I am sure that there are many families who join me. Don’t know about you, but I have missed it big time. This afternoon I will meet with my old mate. A Lombardi (you might know him!!!) and no doubt footy will be the main item on the agenda. Unfortunately, he is still a North Melbourne supporter, but that’s okay. To all our footy lovers out there have a great weekend watching your team.

TUITION

Over the last few weeks, it has come to my attention that a few students in our upper classes have been attending tuition classes during school time.

I need to remind all parents that under the School Act, students need to attend school during school times.

If tuition is to occur, this should take place before or after school.

THE CONDUCT STATEMENTS

This week we look at the last of the of the Code of Conduct statements.

CONDUCT STATEMENT 7 – YOU GIVE AND SEEK THE BEST, HONEST AND MOST ACCURATE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EDUCATION AND CARE OF STUDENTS.

GUIDELINES

Parents and teacher are to work together in seeking and giving information relevant to the education, safety and well-being of students, based on primary rather than secondary sources. Do not rely on hearsay, opinion, rumour or assumptions.

CONDUCT STATEMENT 8 – YOU SUPPORT ALL MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY IN MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT STUDENTS.

GUIDELINES

Parents are the first educators of their children and equal partners in the education of students.
You treat the opinions of parents and school staff about the education and well-being of students with respect and dignity, even if you do not agree with it or believe it is misinformed or misguided.

THE CONDUCT STATEMENTS

9. You promote and preserve the trust and privilege inherent in your relationship with all members of the school community.

We aim to work together with all stakeholder in a respectful and trusting manner and build our relationships.

10. You maintain and build on the community’s trust and confidence in catholic schools and the Church.

Our conduct at school and out of school maintains and builds public trust and confidence in our school, we aim for effective relationships between · all stakeholders, and we never place the reputation of the school in place of the safety and well-being of the students.

11. You act reflectively and ethically.

We conduct ourselves according to this Code, the terms and conditions of the school and its school policies and we take care of the safety and well-being of all members of the school community.

12. You allow students to have a voice in their education, safety and well-being..

We allow students and invite all students to participate in decision making about their education, we offer them constructive feedback and we encourage students to inform us of any concerns they may have.

I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable weekend.

Take care and God bless!.

Sandro Coniglio
Principal

HARMONY WEEK

Harmony Day celebrates the cultural diversity that we have in our society – with Australia being one of the most multicultural countries in the world! All students are encouraged to join in celebrating Harmony Day on this Friday 18 March.

Students are asked to wear ORANGE as a sign of meaningful communication, freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect, AND/OR wear a traditional outfit or garment from their cultural background. A gold coin donation to Project Compassion on the day, will go a long way to providing support for those cultures living in poverty and persecution.

Thank you for your support.

Mrs Leesa Vinciullo
Religious Education and Events Coordinator

School Counsellor News

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

A number of St Columbas’ families have requested information on how best to quarantine and isolate, where to obtain information regarding confirmed cases in Western Australia, information on COVID testing and also where the COVID clinics are located.  Please see below four links that will provide this information.  The staff at St Columba’s understand this is a very difficult time and our current COVID situation is causing stress and worry due to uncertainty, please be reassured that we are here to help and support our school community in the best way possible.  The Department of Health Website has wonderful resources and information so please check it out.

https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/Quarantine-and-isolation

https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/Locations-visited-by-confirmed-cases

https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/COVID19-testing

https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/COVID-clinics

Please also find attached to this newsletter some ideas for calmness.

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

P & F News

Welcome to all the new families and the existing ones, we hope you have settled into the new school year, albeit slightly different with COVID still impacting our lives. Last night was our first CSPWA meeting, it was great to see so many people turn up and share their enthusiasm for the School. Thank you to all those who have volunteered to be class reps for 2022 it is wonderful to have you on board.

Wondering how you can read the minutes of the meeting and stay up to date with the CSPWA news? Then make sure your class rep has your email address so that they can send the minutes to you. If you have any items to add to the agenda, please send them through to your class rep. Everyone is welcome to come along to any CSPWA meeting to listen to what is happening and share their views. I am also happy for anyone to contact me directly, my email is gtarmstrong@iinet.net.au

Below is an outline of what the CSPWA donated last year. This year we are looking at funding more musical instruments, books for all year groups and improvements to the ECE areas.

The next meeting is on Tuesday 17^th May at 7pm.

Term 1 Sausage Sizzle

The first fundraising item on the agenda for 2022 was to be the Swimming Carnival Sausage Sizzle. As the Swimming Carnival has been postponed to term 4, we would still like to hold a sausage sizzle for the students on Tuesday 5^th of April to celebrate the end of first term.

Forms for orders will be electronic and payments are to be made through direct bank transfer only. All details will be on the form sent out next week.

Wine Drive

We will be once again teaming up with Hay Shed Hill Winery for a wine drive. Details on how this will work will be in the newsletter next week.

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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

Religious Education and Curriculum News

From our Kindy classes

Lent can be a beautiful way to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us and prepare us for the Easter season. In Kindy we spoke about how during this time the Cross is a symbol of Jesus and how we try extra hard to be like Jesus and make good choices. The children had a special visit from Mr Kehoe where he sprinkled ashes on our heads. The children got to put the symbol of the cross on their face that they created using different materials. 

From our Year 3’s

The Year Three classes have been learning about food and fibre production in Technologies. We have been exploring the milk production process. Last week we made ice cream in a bag, without using electricity or a freezer. It all came down to the shaking!

Community Notices

Classifieds