Principal's Post

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I hope this newsletter finds you all well.

No doubt most of you would be aware that COVID continues to play havoc with us, and with most schools.

At this time, we think of all our students and staff with COVID. Please keep all of our community members in your prayers.

Over the last few years and possibly more, I along with a number of my peers have noticed the rise in numbers of students with anxiety. There are a myriad of reasons for this, however, one that I have found, when talking to students, is over thinking things and making things more complicated than what they are.

I found this passage a while back that may help parents to explain it to their children. Feel free to share it with them. Hope it helps!

The Parable of the Pencil

The Pencil Maker took each pencil aside, just before putting it into a box. “There are five things you need to know before I send you into the world,” he told each one. “Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.”

– You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to do your best.
– You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you’ll need it to become a better pencil.
– You will be able to correct mistakes you will make.
– The most important part of you will always be what’s on the inside.
– On every surface on which you are used, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with a genuine sense of purpose in its heart.

Now, replacing the pencil with you as an individual, always remember the advice and never forget it, and you, too, will become the pest person you can be.

– You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand. You must also allow other human beings to access the many gifts and talents you possess.
– You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time by going through various problems. You’ll need each sharpening to make you a stronger person.
– You will be able to correct some of the mistakes you make. Be wise and grow through them.
– The most important part of you will always be what’s on the inside.
– On every surface on which you walk, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to serve God in everything you do. You make Him visible in this world.

If we understand the message of the Pencil Maker and remember these things, we will live with great purpose in our hearts and have a meaningful day-to-day relationship with our Maker.

This is just a nice reflection to think about, sometimes we overcomplicate things and when we get back to the simple task and doing our role as best as we can, we are achieving everything that we need to.

RECONCILITION – REFLECTION DAY

Today, our Year 3 students enjoyed an engaging day for their Reconciliation Reflection Day. This was held in the Parish Hall. The facilitator for the day was Karl Brown from Faith Retreats. The children experienced a memorable day full of content, games, activities and reflections. It was also great to see the catechists children join our students for this reflection day.

Today is a build up for these Year 3 students as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation next week. Year 3 G, 24 May and Year 3 W, 26 May. Both sacraments will take place in our Parish Church commencing at 10:00am. Please keep these students and their families in your prayers during this exciting time of their faith journey.

The children also received, as a special treat and icey pole at lunch time.

COVID KITS

Many thanks to those parents who have come in to collect their RAT Tests. We still have, however, a few families that have not collected their kits, so I encourage you to please call into the Administration Office to collect your kit.

NO CANTEEN!!!

Please be aware that next Wednesday 25 May, there will be no lunch orders from Chisholm Canteen. We have just received notification from Chisholm Canteen to say that most of their helpers now have COVID as well, hence they will have no-one on deck to help on this day.

Please ensure that you have lunch for your child(ren) on this day.

Normal ordering to resume on Thursday 26 May.

MOTHER’S DAY RAFFLE

The Pastoral Care team will be holding a belated Mother’s Day raffle.   Tickets are again the bargain price of 50c each or 3 for $1 to be sold every morning at 8.15am – 9.00am from 15 to 20 May.  Please could we impose once again for more donations which can be left in the office.

The raffle will be drawn after final ticket sales this Friday 20 May. Prizes will be delivered to your child’s class.

RECONCILIATION WEEK

As part of our Reconciliation Week this year, on Friday the 27^th of May, we will be encouraging all students and teachers to ‘Wear It Yellow’, to raise funds for a First Nations organisation, Children’s Ground.

All Students are permitted to wear their sport uniform on this day and we ask them to add a piece of yellow for a gold coin donation. It could be something like wearing a yellow shirt, tutu, socks or adding ribbons.

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2022 is ‘Be Brave, Make change.’ This theme encourages all Australians to make brave changes in their everyday lives to progress the Reconciliation between First Nations and Non-First Nations Australians. That is why our school has chosen to participate in ‘Wear It Yellow Day’.

Reconciliation Week, including ‘Wear It Yellow Day’, will see students engage in a variety of Reconciliation activities and have vibrant discussions about First Nations issues.

For more information on Children’s Ground, head to https://childrensground.org.au.

Sandro Coniglio
Principal

P & F News

Entertainment Memberships

Online memberships are available again this year. There is currently an Easter promotion with a bonus eGift card when you purchase a membership. Memberships can be purchased online

https://www.entertainment.com.au/orderbooks/83589g

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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 all students, every morning before school from 8:15am – 8:45 am.

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

At 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 Year 1’s

In Year One RE, we are learning about The Story of the Holy Spirit. This week, we learnt some of the symbols for the Holy Spirit are wind, fire, and a dove.

Community Notices

St. Michael’s Parents and Friends Association invites St Columba’s parents to join them for a parent information seminar on online safety presented by eSafeKids.

Thursday June 9

6:30-8:30pm in the school/parish hall (entry via Hamilton St)

RSVP via this link: www.esafekids.com.au/events

Cost: A small donation on the night would be gratefully accepted

*Please note, this seminar is not affiliated with Catholic Education WA’s Child Protection Framework and curriculum guidelines. This seminar is for parent information and support purposes only.

Columba Runners

We would love to invite all those children wishing to join us for Columba Runners in Terms 2 and 3 to do so. The first session commenced last Monday at Frank Drago oval 3.10-4.10pm and continue on Mondays and Wednesdays. Cost is $30 per child, parents can join free! Prizes awarded based on total kilometers achieved over both terms, including those brave enough parents! Please complete the online registration.

This club is run by volunteers. Any parents who are able to attend and assist with marking laps and encouraging everyone, we would love to have you. Those attending OSHC are also considered, please chat to the lovely Jess.

If your child is in Yr 2 and below, they must be accompanied by a parent or older sibling. It is the responsibility of the parent/caregiver to ensure the safety of the students between school and Frank Drago.

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Mercedes College | A College for every girl in the heart of your city!

We have limited places available in all year groups for 2023 and are currently interviewing for 2024 & 2025.  If you are considering enrolling your daughter at Mercedes College, please visit our website at www.mercedes.wa.edu.au to request a prospectus, to enrol online or book a tour of our campus. Please contact our Enrolments Officer, Mrs Nicole Kirk on 9323 1323 if you require further information.

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Understanding John’s Gospel

The Council for Catholic Women Perth warmly invite you to hear Dr Mary Coloe PVBM at two free events in Perth.  Mary is a Presentation sister and a professor of New Testament Studies at Yarra Theological Union. Her primary focus in teaching and writing is the Gospel of John. An inspiring and informative speaker, Mary explores John’s positive message that affirms life and speaks to the heart of human desire.  RSVP by Thursday 9 June to Kerry at kerrymacfarlane2@gmail.com/ 0400 886 835. All welcome

The Passion Gospel of John – Friday 10 June 6-8.30pm at James Nestor Hall Catholic Education Office 50 Ruislip St West Leederville,WA.  Gather at 5.30pm for light refreshments.

Understanding The Woman at the Well Story – Saturday 11 June 9.30am -12 noon at Treacey Hall, Iona Presentation College Junior School Campus. Enter from 43 Victoria Street, Mosman Park (Next to Playing Courts and opposite Cafe).

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Classifieds