Dear Community of St Columba’s,
Stations of the Cross
Every Friday during Lent, we participate in the Stations of the Cross to remember and think about the very special journey that Jesus took when he was on his way to the cross. Each Station tells a part of the story and helps us understand how much Jesus loved everyone. It is like walking with Jesus through the tough parts of his day, and by doing this, we learn about kindness, love, and helping others. The Stations help us remember how Jesus showed us how to be brave and caring, even when things are hard.
Please join our Year 6 Students, School Choir, Staff and Parishioners next Friday evening 4 April, as the students lead us through a dramatised version of the Stations of the Cross at St Columba’s Church at 7.00 pm.
Lockdown Practice
Next Monday the whole school will be practising a Lockdown. We rehearse a lockdown to make sure everyone knows what to do if there is ever an emergency. Whilst this is an unlikely event, we practise so we can do things quickly and safely when we need to.
During a lockdown, we stay quiet, stay in a secured place, and wait for adults to tell us it is safe to leave. Practising helps us remember what to do and makes us feel calm if something scary happens. Just like practising fire drills, rehearsing a lockdown helps keep everyone safe. You may wish to discuss this information with your child, prior to Monday.
Uniform Shop Closure Reminder
Today will also be the last day that the Uniform Shop will be open onsite for sales. Due to the limited space available at our school we will be transforming this space for our Technology and Science Staff who require a dedicated space whilst OSHC is in operation both before and after school.
Following March 26, uniforms can be purchased through the following arrangements:
- Library satchels/homework folders 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.
- You may also visit JFE located in Osborne Park.
Please remember that students will wear the Winter Uniform during Terms 2 and 3. They are permitted to wear the Summer Uniform for the first two weeks of Term 2 as a tranisiton period.
School and OSHC Closure Reminder
A reminder Friday 28 March will be a Pupil Free Day for the School. Outside of School Hours Care will also be closed to allow our OSHC Staff time for their own professional learning. Staff at St Columba’s will be engaged in Professional Development on the CEWA Aboriginal Education Improvement Map (AEIM). This is a framework for schools to enhance their Aboriginal education practices by focusing on cultural competence, inclusive teaching practices, and engagement with Aboriginal families and communities.
The AEIM is required by all CEWA Schools and is designed to guide educators, school leaders, and support staff in creating a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment.
SunSmart Uniforms
As we develop SunSmart practices at our school, students are permitted to wear SParms arm sleeves as a SunSmart option with their Uniform. The link below will give you further information.
Students are permitted to wear white SParms, to go with either the Sport or Academic Uniform. Black will also be accepted for our uniforms.
Upcoming Events:
- Parent/Teacher meetings are occuring all this week.
- Wednesday 26 March : Final day uniforms will be available for purchase onsite.
- Friday 28 March : Pupil Free Day for School. The School and OSHC are closed.
- Sunday 30 March : Community Baptism Event
- Friday 4 April : Stations of the Cross at 7.00pm in the Church
Thank you for your continued support in helping us nurture a safe, inclusive, and caring environment at St Columba’s.
In gratitude,
Gina Burns
Principal
Assistant Principal's Updates
COMMUNITY BAPTISM : SUNDAY 30 MARCH 10.40AM
This Sunday we have eleven members of our St Columba’s Community coming together to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism. The Baptisms will take place after 9.30 Mass on Sunday morning. The St Columba’s community are welcome to join with us on this special occasion.
NEURODIVERSITY WEEK
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.
P & F News
CURRENT FUNDRAISING
Easter Wine Drive (Please see form attached to this newsletter)
LAST CHANCE — Easter Wine Drive orders due Friday 28th March
Support Our School with Hay Shed Hill Wines! We’re thrilled to continue our successful partnership with Hay Shed Hill Wines, a 5-star winery from Margaret River! For every dozen sold, they’ll donate $30 to our P&F, directly benefiting our school! Every bottle counts toward funding classroom resources, library books, playground equipment, and much more!
Swimming Carnival Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser
Swimming is hungry work – and what a better way to fill the kids up than to pre-order your sausage sizzle for the Year 4-6 Swimming Carnival on 10th April. Head to the link to place your family order now: Sausgae sizzle order form NOTE: Orders must be submitted and paid for by 9pm Friday 4th of April. Late orders will not be taken. Volunteer your prepping skills, cook a few snags or help pack down — sign up now to support this special sports day for the kids: Volunteer sign-up.
Mother’s Day Breakfast (is around the corner)
We are looking for interested Dads in the community to help volunteer at the Mother’s Day Breakfast this year. Please reach out to your Class Rep with your contact details if you’d like to be part of the celebration.
REMINDERS
THE ATHLETE’S FOOT Morley Galleria — School Rewards Program
With $5 from every pair of shoes purchased being donated back to our School, This applies to the whole family across their fantastic range of school, sports, work and casual shoes. Make sure you mention St Col’s!
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
- Open NOW — Wine Drive Fundraiser – ENDING 28 March
- 10 April — Swimming Carnival Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser
- 10 April — Free dress gold coin Fundraiser (PK to Year 3)
- 9 May – Mother’s Day Breakfast 7.30am
Pastoral Care
Happy Birthday to:
The following students who will celebrate birthday’s in the coming week:
Louise Vu KG
Samuel Young 2G
Harvey Kemmy 3G
Annabelle Cornish 3G
Alessia Scagnetti 3G
Luciana Pulido Vargas 3W
Cohen Lee 5G
Matilda Meenan 5G
Aaliyah Brandis 6G
Zoe Alugbin 6G
EASTER RAFFLE
With Easter around the corner, the Pastoral Care team will be holding their annual Easter Raffle. Tickets will go on sale from Week 9, Thursday 3 April until Week 10, Wednesday 9 April, before school outside the library. Winners will be drawn and prizes delivered to winning families on Week 10, Wednesday 9 April. Tickets are 50c each or three for $1. Cash only please. Donations towards prizes are greatly appreciated and can be dropped to the basket in the library or to the front office from today. As always thank you for your support of the Pastoral Care Team.
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 9 – 2 Apr
Week 10 – NO RAFFLE
| Kindy Green | Week 9 – Ezra Halls |
| Kindy White | Week 9 – Rumi Duff |
| PP Green | Week 9 – Amelia Easton |
| PP White | Week 9 – William Giblett |
| Year 1 Green | Week 9 – Alexander de Courcier |
| Year 1 White | Week 9 – Aletheia Charles |
| Year 2 Green | Week 9 – Alessia Cullura |
| Year 2 White | Week 9 – Leo Duff |
| Year 3 Green | Week 9 – Faye Gallagher |
| Year 3 White | Week 9 – Felix Halls |
| Year 4 Green | Week 9 – Charlotte de Courcier |
| Year 4 White | Week 9 – Xander De Souza |
| Year 5 Green | Week 9 – Ava Gallagher |
| Year 5 White | Week 9 – Imogen Halls |
| Year 6 Green | Week 9 – Christian Cullura |
| Year 6 White | Week 9 – Lachlan Eaton |
Religious Education and Curriculum News
From our Year 4 Classes:
In Religion this week, the Year Fours are learning about Lent. We have been learning that people show love and forgiveness. People love others when they forgive those who have hurt them, treated them badly or offended them. In this way, they show mercy and love. We have been exploring the definition of Mercy… showing love, kindness, patience and forgiveness to someone, even when they may not show the same in return.
From our Year 1 classes:
In mathematics, we have been learning to use a balance scale to compare and order the masses of common objects around the classroom.
Community Notices
Event Details:
- What: BUNURU at the Station – Discover the season of Bunuru through food tastings, art, native plants, and much more at the Bayswater Station.
- When: Sunday, 30th March, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
- Where: Bayswater Station.
- Activities: Enjoy a range of art activities inspired by the Noongar season of Bunuru, taking place in the station forecourt.
- Special Highlights:
- Free food tasting with Wardandi Bibbulmun Yorga Dale Tilbrook
- Free walk and talk with Noongar Yorga Bel Cox.
- Free Native plant giveaway with Trillion Trees
- Craft stalls hosted by Bel Cox and Element Advisory.
- Aboriginal Art Stall.
- Limited spots available for some activities, so we encourage families to register in advance via this link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/bunuru-at-the-station-tickets-1235328694379
