Principal's Post

Most mornings and afternoons, I get to see many of our students hopping in and out of cars and I get a sense of just how important all of us are in their lives. It is hard to explain I guess, but like you, all I want is the best for those we care for. You are the same, you know this. I look at my own family, I look at the kids that we have here at St Col’s, your precious gifts, and I do think about what is their little dent they are making in the universe every day. What is their impact on the world, our world?

This quote by Steve Jobs, ‘We are here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise why else are we here?’ can relate to what Jesus accomplished in his life. He certainly made a dent. The ‘J Man’ loved unconditionally, he loved with truth and commitment and above all he was willing to place others wellbeing before his. We, as parents do this every day. This is the greatest dent we make in the universe, because its impact is on our children and those close to us. The way Jesus lived his life is the greatest example we have for ensuring the dent we make as parents is something special, something positive. As I think about the number of people I meet on a daily basis, from the walk through the grounds before school, to my time in classrooms, to staffroom and corridor chats, I realise that I have an opportunity to make a little dent every time I have an interaction. For all of us, these times of interaction are our moments for the dent.

What is the dent we make? We all get the chance in every moment to make this difference. We all know from the many interactions we have, that if we can take the pressure off another person, this is a dent of greatness in the universe. There is nothing better than when we can make someone else’s world a little better by looking after them. I spoke with our Year 6s the other day about selfless versus selfishness and how much they can impact. They were so impressive in how they looked at this. I know they are kids, so it will be for the moment they remember, but the goal is now to make it a part of their day by popping in as many times as I can to remind them. A little reset every day. You know the deal, drip feeding. Just look after people and give out good stuff.

Humour, and bringing some lightness at times to a stressful situation is really important as well. It makes a dent. Our humour (or trying to be funny) can be like letting the pressure valve off. Releases so much worry at times. There are times when there are things we over think, we over analyse. We can become caught up in so much of the stuff that we can lose sight of the lightness in our day. This is where others help us through. I know that for me, when I am finding it tough, someone brings a sense of perspective through their humour, and all of a sudden I feel better about the situation. It is all about knowing someone is there for you. This is a massive way to make a dent in the world. After all, the world has become a very serious place, as has education. They do say that having humour in our lives, our school, our families and our work, does have a great impact on positive relationships and high levels of learning. Not sure who they are, but I like it. Maybe I just thought of this now as I write.

Steve Jobs was one of the disruptors. Who is the next disruptor? Disruptors are those that challenge our thinking, they change things and thinking, they have an impact and make their dent. You just never know, are you the next disruptor for positive impact. I am going to try to think from this moment on, what is the impact I make when I do what I do, say what I say, act like I act. This is so good for us.

Roy Disney was an executive for his dad’s and uncle’s company Walt Disney. When he was questioned about why they do what they do, he had the answer in the quote above. It does relate to the Steve Jobs quote about our impact and influence on others. Walt Disney based their decisions around production and what they created on a solid values system that was set up by the two brothers. Roy commented that the company’s values were paramount in all their decisions and that because of these values that were rock solid and immovable, making decisions was easy. It was about staying true to the vision of the family business. The family name was always held in high regard because of the values they had set. Therefore their impact was always seen as a positive on the world of the movie business.

This is why when we all are placed in the situations of our own lives, in the places we are put, we have a responsibility to impact with goodness, to make little dents in this place for the wellbeing of others as the priority. If it ever becomes about us, if the small dents we make are about us, then we have missed the point. The dents are about making things better for others. The dents are about seeing others smile, others finding peace and happiness.

Student Data Collection

Please find attached to this newsletter an information letter to parents and caregivers for the collection of student background data.

If any of your information has changed recently (including “occupation”) please completed the attached data collection form and return to admin@stcolsbays.wa.edu.au by Tuesday 15 June 2021.

The collection of this data contributes towards the Government funding the school receives therefore any incomplete or incorrect data may result in underestimating our funding requirements.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the office on 9208 2701 or email at the above address.

Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

Year 6 Sacred Saints

This Thursday, 10 June, we have our Year 6s involved in their Sacred Saints sports carnival. It is an exciting day for all our students who are participating in netball, soccer and football. Thank you to all our staff and parents assisting on the day.

Year 4 Holy Communion Workshops and Reflection Day

This week, our Year 4s are continuing their preparation for the sacrament of Eucharist which is taking place at the end of the month. On Tuesday evening, we held our parent/child workshop and this Thursday, we have our reflection day. As part of this engagement with our parish, we have our Enrolment Mass this weekend – Saturday evening, 12 June, at 6.00pm  for our Year 4 students and their families.

Parking in Neighbours’ Driveways

Please be aware that parking in the driveways of neighbours, and blocking their driveway, can lead to receiving an infringement notice from the City of Bayswater Rangers Service. We appreciate there are times we are rushing to get into school, and that there is limited parking. Our neighbours are 100% supportive of our school, so we need to maintain courtesy in this area. Thank you to all our parents and grandparents that do the best they can to follow the rules around the school with regard to parking. A big thank you to our parents and grandparents using the Kiss and Drive areas. Patience is required at times, but on the whole, we continue to be impressed with the efficiency of the K and D.

Uniform Shop

Effective immediately, there will be no need to complete an order form and email through to Jenny Franklin Enterprises (jfe) . Orders can now be placed online with jfe using the following link:

https://www.jfe.net.au/orders-9137.html

This link will always be available on the school website, under the ‘School Uniform’ tab.

The form will also be on the website until the end of this week.

Take care this week and enjoy your time of impact. Stay safe and always look for the good things that are surrounding you. I know that is tough sometimes, but remember there is something special about every one of us that makes us who we are. Now, get out there and make your positive and joyous impact on the world.

In gratitude and appreciation.

Art

P & F News

Thanks to all families that have purchased an Entertainment Membership, these are still available for purchase and details are on the parent Facebook page. The school receives $14 for each membership purchased and you save $$$$.

We are running an amazing raffle for the next couple of weeks to be drawn on the 18^th of June. First prize is a choice of a Nintendo switch with accessories or $500 rebel voucher. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 and will be available before school and a couple of lunchtimes. Please see the flyer attached to this newsletter and Facebook for details. Thanks to Lisa Baker and The Athletes Foot for their generous donations.

Our next CSPWA meeting is Tuesday 15 June at 7pm in the library.

All are welcome.

Please email through any items for the agenda to your class reps.

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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.

Pastoral Care

Award Winners

Term 2, Week 7

PP Green – Oliver Minchin, Juliana Versaico
PP White – Alessandra Cahill, Riley Wilkey

1 Green – Oliver Hoyne, Wyatt Palmer
1 White – Leo Cameron, Quill O’Brien, Lucia O’Toole

2 Green – Lana Ly, Aisling Poulsen
2 White – Sasha Mazurak, Shylo Verma

3 Green – William Armstrong, Zoe Juszkiewicz
3 White – Natalia Milhinch, Alberto Yanez Del Gesso

4 Green – Kai Fermanis, Tayla Green, Lily Katich, James McDougall
4 White – Madden Dean, Oliver May

5 Green – Lucas Bentley, Jett Mann
5 White – Ava Giangiordano, Kate Rattray

6 Green – Isabella Fernandez, Mia Partington, Thomas Wright
6 White – Sanya Bajaj, Zoe Ierace

Community Notices

Enrol with us at Mercedes College!

Mercedes College is currently interviewing for Year 7 2023 & 2024, with limited places available for Year 7 2022.  If you are considering enrolling your daughter at Mercedes, please visit the Mercedes College website at www.mercedes.wa.edu.au to request a prospectus, to enrol online or book a tour of our campus.  Please contact Mrs Nicole Kirk on 9323 1323 if you require further information.

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Classifieds