Principal's Post

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

Welcome to our Week 5 newsletter. The term continues to move along with many things happening in school life, but also in all our lives in general. Over the last few weeks, I have been thinking about just how the actions of those around me speak so much louder than their words. I mean, I just have to look at the swimming squad for the upcoming interschool, then also look at all the efforts being made in organising Columba Runners. There is no question that without parent support, we would not be able to manage this and offer these programs for our students. It is what had me drawn to the quote below. It is so true about everyone involved in these two opportunities for our students.

Jesus was the perfect example of someone, who yes his words had impact, but they paled into insignificance when compared with his actions. Jesus was a man of his word. He stuck to what he said and stayed true to endure whatever may have come his way. Jesus, by his actions, has given us a platform for basing our values and beliefs, making sure our word is kept. This is not easy, but it does make us stop and hold ourselves accountable. Not easy is an understatement, especially when we continue to try to be good people and always wanting the best for others.

This is such a challenge as it is easy to say things, think you are going to be able to follow them through, and then a week later you go to yourself, ‘Man, I should have done that? How did I forget to follow that up? What was that I said I would do?’

Now, this is part of the ‘human’ bit and not thinking we are perfect. We are not meant to be perfect, but we are made in God’s likeness, and this brings with it great opportunities. Last week, I had the opportunity to work with some of our St Col’s kids who were struggling a bit with school and all that comes in their day. This is where I talk about the privileged role I have. From Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6 students I get to assist them in their growth as young people. Our conversations are some of the most rewarding I have in my week. I always focus them on their actions, their behaviours, not their words. I say, pretty directly, to our older students, that I am interested in their actions when they walk back into their classrooms and playgrounds. I am never surprised when they keep their words by following up with their actions. They are not perfect, and that is okay, but they know what is expected. It is okay to be a work in progress.

What I love most, is that I tell them as they walk out the office, I expect they will fail at times, and I am cool with that, what I will not accept is them walking away from our conversation thinking this is not serious. There are clear expectations around how we treat each other and how we demonstrate our values and character as a person, it is about their reputation and what others see. This is why we have quality kids at St Columba’s School, because when I chat with them, I see these are the values you have for them at home and how we work with you here at school. They know what the right thing is. I continue to remind them ‘fail fast, learn fast’ and ‘never give up’ on being the best you can be.

A little story from my week. A bit of light fun about my life. Feel free to skip this if you wish.

So, I am part of a Fantasy Football League. This competition with nine other blokes started in the early 90’s, pre-internet. It was in the days when we had to wait till the Tuesday or Wednesday for a football paper to come out with all the stats. We continue to run the competition the way we always have. Now, why would I talk about this in the context of actions speaking louder than words. Well, we have a Commissioner, Bernard Carney [BC], our esteemed leader, [Played 115 games for the Black Ducks Swan Districts in the 90’s. Kicked over 120 goals] who has set this example this week.

Now, we have mid-season draft this week, which means we can trade and delist players from our squads. I always get over excited about the mid-season draft, so have a tendency to over step the mark in our email correspondence through the weeks leading up. The Commissioner, BC, cautioned me a few times last week about advising him about extending our draft period and engaging other coaches in trade negotiations. BC set a trade period, and I engaged in a trade before it opened. It followed that I received sanctions for the draft night. I subsequently asked for an opportunity to plead my case at the draft night this Thursday evening.

In line with our FFL guidelines, the Commissioner is not required to hold negotiations in regard to any decisions handed down. However, due to his generosity, and the above quote, ‘You are what you do, not what you’ll say you’ll do,’ I will be presenting my case for re-entry to the full mid-season draft. I wish to acknowledge the Commissioner’s understanding and look forward to his favourable decision this evening.

I will send this through to BC as an example of my gratitude for his leadership before draft night. I am sure this will be evidence of my gratitude.

BAKE SALE and the IGNITE AWARDS

The following is being organised by some Year 5 students who are participating in the IGNITE AWARDS, which is a program focused on the service towards others and making their world and our world a place of care. This includes their efforts in preparing the bake sale.

A message from the Ignite Kids:

In April, Cyclone Seroja impacted Northampton and Kalbarri, causing widespread destruction. Many families of St Mary’s School Northampton were affected, and the school has been supporting them by providing school lunches, children’s uniforms, and dinners for the families. Please bring some money for a bake sale on Monday 24 June to support St Mary’s School Northampton. We are baking sweet and savoury treats to raise money for families affected by Cyclone Seroja. Food is all planned, the kids are going with brownies, different biscuits (including egg free ANZACS), cupcakes, milk toffee (gluten free) and cheese bread scrolls. All nut free.

Thank you to everyone for their support of this initiative.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

This week marks the full implementation of the winter uniform. A week of monitoring, will be followed by a week of follow-up notices to parents. This will range from ties, to school shoes versus black sneakers, through to school socks [sport socks and then the white socks for girls or grey for the boys for the academic uniform]. We do have a bit of work to do here, but we will get there. Thank you to our parents that reinforce this with their children. While we understand the pressures around getting kids organised for the morning, and getting uniforms correct every day, we do need to make this a priority. If you ever need support with this, we are here for you. Just let us know how we can assist. The thing about us at St Col’s is we will always have the dignity of our kids as the Number 1 factor in any of our conversations in this area of uniforms. Let’s keep working together on this.

SCHOOL FEES

In line with CEWA and school policy, we need to follow-up with parents on school fee collection. As a part of this process, our Finance Officer, Peta Santella has been making contact with families. It is important to note that this is about supporting our families who may need assistance at present. To be able to facilitate this support, parents need to respond to our correspondence, either by phone or by making an appointment. This information remains confidential between Peta and myself. I wish to thank those families who continue to keep in touch with us about school fees and to all those families who meet their commitments. We acknowledge this is a challenge at times.

NAPLAN ASSESSMENTS

Congratulations to all our Year 3s and Year 5s for getting through the NAPLAN testing last weeks. It was a big week. The most pleasing part of the week was the attitude to the testing that the students applied. Their willingness to have a go and give it their best was the highlight. Thank you to all the staff and parents involved in making the transition into the busyness of the week a smooth one.

SACRAMENT of RECONCILIATION

Our Year 3 students will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Tuesday 25 May [3 Green] and Thursday 27 May [3 White] both at 10.00 am. We keep all our students in our prayers as they prepare for this sacrament. Thank you to our teachers and parents for their support of our children in their preparation.

SACRAMENT of EUCHARIST [Holy Communion]

Fr Andrew has requested we hold an Enrolment Mass for our Year 4s as part of their preparation. This Mass will be on Saturday 12 June at 6.00 pm. Year 4 teachers will send out further details and reminders regarding the Mass, and what you will be able to do if you cannot attend on this date.

SPORTS UPDATE

The Interschool swimming carnival will be taking place on Friday 28 May. Our students have trained with enthusiasm and energy over the last few months. It is always exciting as our Principal to sit with our swimming squad as they represent us with quality sportsmanship and encouragement for their mates on the team. Just quality kids. A copy of the program has been attached to this newsletter.

The Faction Cross Country Carnival will be held on Friday 25 June from 9.00am to 12.00noon. A timetable of events will be provided to parents closer to the day.

KISS and DRIVE FAMILY NAME TAGS

We are continually striving to improve the kiss and drive procedure on Roberts Street. This week children from Pre-Primary to Year 3 will receive a name tag to be displayed in the car. This will include your child’s name and their year level. Please ensure this is displayed at all times when using the kiss and drive. This will help alleviate the traffic for families of the school and for members of the wider community. We thank you for your support.

UPDATE ON Pre-KINDERGARTEN 2022

Our Pre-Kindergarten will operate full days in 2022, not the current two-half day structure. A survey completed in 2020 indicated a trend towards the full days. The day for the initial group will be a Tuesday from 8.45 am to 2.45 pm. Once the first full day is at capacity, we will then open up the Thursday as an option for another full day. Enrolments for Pre-Kindergarten 2022 will commence in the coming weeks.

UPCOMING ASSEMBLIES

There has been a minor amendment of the schedule for assemblies. There will be a general assembly this Friday at 8.45 am where we will catch-up on merit awards and birthdays. Parents and grandparents of merit award winners are welcome to attend the assembly. Our Year 2 Assembly has been moved to Friday 28 May at 8.45 am. Parents and grandparents of the Year 2s and merit award winners may attend.

SCHOOL GATES OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES UPDATE

We have recently updated our opening and closing times for our school gates in line with our risk management review. These include all gates across the school. Start of day opening time is 8.00 am and closing at 9.00 am. End of day opening time is 2.30 pm and closing at 3.15 pm. The Roberts Street main administration gate is open from 11.00 am – 11.30 am and 12.00 pm – 12.30 pm for our Pre-Kindergarten sessions on a Tuesday and Thursday. The Roberts Street main administration gate should be used at all other times throughout the day. If your child attends one of our after school programs, the gate near the church on Roberts Street has an orange cone placed holding the gate open for access to Music Rocks, Redhage Basketball and Bricks4Kids. Thank you for your attention to these amended times.

RECONCILIATION WEEK Thursday 27 May to Saturday 3 June

This year’s Reconciliation Week theme is ‘more than a word – Reconciliation takes Action’

Students are invited to wear their sport uniform and add something yellow on Friday 28 May for a gold coin donation. Children’s Ground works with First Nations communities across Central Australia, and use a First Nations, family-centred education approach. This Reconciliation Week, Children’s Ground asks us to take action with them and Wear It Yellow. This Reconciliation Week commits to learning about the First Nations Country where we live, work and play and support the systems changing work that Children’s Ground is doing – led by First Nations children and their families.

https://childrensground.org.au/

I hope you are able to find a little space for yourself to allow for refueling of your tank. It is easy for the tank to be emptied and for your energy to be drained. Make sure you are taking care of yourself. Hope you get to find some rest this weekend.

Wishing you many good things.

Art

P & F News

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 was held on the 19 April at Frank Drago oval. Columba Runners runs from 3.15-4.15pm and will continue to run each Monday and Wednesday during term time. Cost is $25 per child, parents can join free! Prizes awarded based on total kilometers achieved over both terms, including those parents brave enough to participate! 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.

https://www.cognitoforms.com/StColumbasPrimarySchool/ColumbaRunners2021RegistrationForm

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.

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