Dear Community of St Columba’s,
Sacrament of First Eucharist
On behalf of St Columba’s Parish and School, I congratulate all our children on receiving their First Holy Communion. The children looked wonderful and dressed so beautifully for this sacred occasion. Their smiles lit up the church on both occasions.
We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to Father Andrew and Father Marco for leading the celebration. We are blessed to have the guidance and blessings of two priests!
A sincere thank you to our teacher Sarah Lombardo, Tiala Papali, Leesa Vinciullo and all their team of staff helping, who have spent so much time and care preparing the children for this important sacrament. Your dedication has helped lay a strong spiritual foundation that will support them for years to come.
To all the parents and families, thank you for the love and support you have given your children on their faith journey. The joyful celebrations reflected your devotion and encouragement. May this be the beginning of a lifelong friendship with Jesus.
Congratulations and God bless you all!
School Assemblies
This year the school assembly time has been moved to take place in the afternoon, specifically Tuesday afternoon. The assembly time was moved to the afternoon to ensure all classes can have an uninterrupted literacy block each day before lunch. The increase in time allocated to Specialist Classes has reduced the available time for core subjects like English and Maths to be taught during what we consider the most effective learning period. Additionally, we aim to make the most of our Education Assistant support during the morning hours. Many of our Education Assistants are only contracted until lunchtime, and with limited school funding, it is important that we use their time wisely to best support student learning.
Teachers have seen many benefits to the change and have provided feedback for further improvements to our assembly. Thank you to parents who have contacted the school to also do this.
If you would like to do the same, you may contact the school in writing. Your feedback is considered as we work to minimise any unintended impacts resulting from this change.
Bricks 4 Kidz
Looking for a fun, educational, and engaging program for your child? Bricks 4 Kidz® offers hands-on STEM learning using LEGO bricks that sparks creativity and boosts brainpower, all while having a blast.
Enrolments are now open to enrol your child into Bricks 4 Kidz in Term 3. Sessions take place in our School Library, after school on Tuesday.
Upcoming events:
- Friday 27 June: NAIDOC Performance by Aquinas College Students @ 8.45 am. All families are welcome to join us ahead of NAIDOC Week Celebrations in Week 10.
- Tuesday 1 July: Year 1 Assembly
- Friday 4 July: Final Day of Term 2
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school a safe and healthy place to learn and grow.
In Gratitude,
Gina Burns
Principal
Assistant Principal's Updates
SACRAMENTAL CELEBRATIONS
Over the past few weeks our Year 3 classes have celebrated the Sacrament of First Reconciliation, and our Year 4 classes have celebrated their First Holy Communion. These are both special Sacraments for a variety of reasons, but they are extra special because they can be received over and over again!!
Congratulations to all of the students involved, and sincere thanks to Father Andrew, Father Marco, their teachers and of course their families, for all of the work that goes into preparing for these events. God bless you all.
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION AT ST COLUMBA’S SCHOOL – UPDATE
At the end of last year, Mrs Olivia Ioppolo, our Students With Disabilities (SWD) Coordinator, retired after working extensively with students with additional needs for a number of years. Having worked closely with Mrs Ioppolo for the past couple of years, and with a passion for those students who have additional needs, I have added the SWD role into my areas of responsibility as Assistant Principal. Inclusive Education will now incorporate all of our SWD students, as well as all students with additional needs.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me at any stage if you have any questions or concerns around Inclusive Education – or you just want to touch base! I would like to take this opportunity to request any documentation that has not previously been provided to the school, regarding any testing, assessment or diagnosis, be sent through to me for our records. It is always important for the school to have all of this documentation, to ensure we are providing the best possible support for our students, as well as complying with all legal requirements. Your assistance with this is truly appreciated.
Mrs Leesa Vinciullo
Assistant Principal
Leesa.Vinciullo@cewa.edu.au
SCHOOL UNIFORM – WINTER UPDATE
Please note that wearing of the school tracksuit top is only suitable when wearing the tracksuit pants. When in academic uniform, students are to wear the school jumper.
Thank you for your support with this.
Mr Niall Kehoe
Assistant Principal
JFE SHOWROOM OPENING HOURS
Parents please note JFE showroom opening hours over the school break.
JFE Will be closing from 2pm, Friday 4th July, normal hours resume Monday 14th July.
Any online orders placed for collection after Friday 4th July will be ready to collect Monday 14th July.
Also, a reminder JFE have now supplied the school with some sample uniform items for try-ons on Wednesday afternoons from 2.30pm – 3.00pm at the front office. Please note that all orders must still be placed online through JFE.
P & F News
EVENTS COMING
Mid Year Raffle
Join the excitement and grab your ticket for our Annual Mid-Year Raffle! Amazing prizes are up for grabs, and every ticket brings us closer to supporting our school fundraising goals. FIRST PRIZE is a $500 voucher for your choosing! You’ve gotta be in it to win it – don’t miss out! Tickets on sale from this Thursday 19th June, drawn at the last assembly of term! Cost: $1 each OR 6 for $5 – See Mid Year Raffle Poster attached to this newsletter
We need parent help to sell tickets before school between now and the draw date of Tuesday 1/7. TWO parents per morning shift, starting sharp at 8am. Should you sign up, then life happens and you are unable to volunteer, please just let Bridie Stazzonelli know. This raffle is always a HUGE hit with the children of St Columba’s and we thank you for your support to help make these fabulous events happen! Please contact your class rep if you are able to help out.
80s & 90s QUIZ Night – Book Your Table Now! – Flyer attached to this newsletter
Join us for a night of retro fun at Bayswater Bowls & Recreation Club on Friday, August 2nd. Doors open at 6:15pm, quiz starts at 7pm. Dress in your best 80s/90s outfit, BYO food, and enjoy cheap drinks from the bar. Adults only. Tables of 8 – $160. Tables are limited, so grab your crew and book now for a totally rad night! Buy your table here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/StColumbasPrimarySchool/PFQuizNight80s90sThrowback?fbclid=IwY2xjawK-VglleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCcmFMbnFVOFFoSlFZaUpCAR58RphcpQyZhoInGLgsTyPTPHx44jb-vGzpxXfYURCXsa9E6Kt867MbHvvsWw_aem_IL4T1HJe31uWQxOw1h6K3g
REMINDERS
Colour Run Prizes
We will have an update in the next newsletter for details around collection.
Containers for Change
Get involved with our School yard fundraising by joining the containers for change group. All you have to do is scan the barcode attached to the newsletter with your containers from home — all funds from your deposit goes directly back to fundraising for items that benefit the kids at St Cols.
School Rewards Program — THE ATHLETE’S FOOT Morley Galleria
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
Mid Year Raffle – Tickets on sale Thursday 19th June before School, drawn at the last assembly of Term 2
Parents Quiz Night — Saturday 2nd August 6.15pm
P&F Meeting — Tuesday 29th July 6.30pm
Library News
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF READING
Register your child for the Premier’s Reading Challenge! From 7 April to 27 June 2025, students from Kindergarten to Year 12 can discover the joy of reading and log their progress for a chance to win weekly prizes.
Visit https://www.premiersreadingchallenge.wa.edu.au for more information.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO REGISTER AS
ST COLUMBA’S SCHOOL BAYSWATER
BOOK COVERING HELP REQUIRED
Book coverers urgently needed!
If you can cover some books in the school holidays, please call into the library. Added bonus, lots of holiday reading!
Precut covering for books is supplied.
Your help is greatly appreciated by students and staff.
Many thanks.
Rita Cuthbert – Library
Pastoral Care
Happy Birthday to:
The following students who will celebrate birthday’s in the coming week:
Zahlia Phillips – Y1G
Hannah Ferguson – Y1G
Clarisse Hong – Y1W
Cristian Evangelista – Y2W
Oliver Howard – Y2W
Adam Nguyen – Y3W
Mackenzie Strachan – Y4W
Emma North – Y5G
Connor Campbell – Y5G
Lachlan Eaton – Y6W
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 2
Week 9 – 25 June
Week 10 – NO RAFFLE
| Kindy Green | Week 9 – Wylder Regan |
| Kindy White | Week 9 – William Phan |
| PP Green | Week 9 – Vera Pirone |
| PP White | Week 9 – Brigid Murphy Grace |
| Year 1 Green | Week 9 – Hugh Murphy Grace |
| Year 1 White | Week 9 – Ava Sanders |
| Year 2 Green | Week 9 – Ruby Palmer |
| Year 2 White | Week 9 – Ezra Ta |
| Year 3 Green | Week 9 – Ivy Quach |
| Year 3 White | Week 9 – Smith Robertson |
| Year 4 Green | Week 9 – Talisa Martino Da Fonseca |
| Year 4 White | Week 9 – Darcey Poulsen |
| Year 5 Green | Week 9 – Wyatt Palmer |
| Year 5 White | Week 9 – Kelvin Quach |
| Year 6 Green | Week 9 – James Mason |
| Year 6 White | Week 9 – Estelle Pirone |
Religious Education and Curriculum News
Year 4 classes – RE: First Holy Communion
Over the weekend, our Year 4 students took a special step in their faith journey as they received the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It was a beautiful and reverent occasion shared with family, friends, and the wider parish community. We are incredibly proud of the students for their preparation, reverence, and commitment during this important milestone.
Year 5 classes
Exploring the Weird and Wonderful: Student Information Reports Take Flight!
This term, our curious young writers have been diving into the world of Informative Writing, crafting detailed and engaging Information Reports on some of nature’s most bizarre and brilliant creatures. From the transparent Glass Frog to the mysterious Axolotl, students have researched, organised, and presented fascinating facts that showcase their growing skills in structure, clarity, and creativity. Their reports not only inform but inspire, revealing the wonders of the animal kingdom through the eyes of budding authors. Keep an eye out for their work—it’s wild, wonderful, and well worth the read!
Year 6 classes
The Year 6 students have been exploring famous bridges as part of their Art studies. Each student selected a bridge of interest and recreated it using a variety of artistic techniques. Their creativity, attention to detail, and effort were truly outstanding, resulting in a collection of impressive and unique artworks.
Community Notices
HEALTH NURSE TIPS AND INFORMATION
Parenting support
As parents, you are the most important person in your child’s life.
Many parents find life with a child a joyful but challenging experience. Children’s needs change as they grow, and each stage brings new challenges. You may find the following resources helpful from time to time as you navigate some of these challenges as a parent:
- Raising Children Network raisingchildren.com.au
- Healthy WA http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Healthy-living/Parenting
- Triple P – Positive Parenting Program healthywa.wa.gov.au/Triple_P
- Ngala ngala.com.au/
- Child and Parent Centres http://childandparentcentres.wa.edu.au/
School Counsellor News
SEMINAR
Join Australia’s leading Cybersafety expert, Susan McLean, for a powerful and informative session tailored for parents and carers. Known for her direct and no-nonsense approach, Susan will uncover the reality of the online world and equip families with the knowledge to keep children safe.
This session is both eye-opening and empowering—a must-attend for anyone raising or caring for young people in today’s digital world. Includes Q&A. This presentation will take place at Padbury Catholic primary school on July 23rd at 6pm. Tickets are available via the Trybooking link below.
https://www.trybooking.com/DCOMO
Ngala are running a free event with Karen Young Strengthening Children & Teens Against Anxiety workshop:
Date: Thursday 19th June 2025
Times: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Venue: Our Lady of Grace Primary School
5 Kitchener Street, North Beach
Multi-purpose area (MPA)
Click on the below link for further details:
https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ngala.com.au%2Fworkshop%2Fkaren-young-strengthening-adolescents-against-anxiety%2F&data=05%7C02%7CNicole.Leach%40cewa.edu.au%7C6104de06aa0e4afaab6308dd8c4a2c95%7Cc5852f2336334f29b38651da53e35e23%7C0%7C0%7C638820972448466475%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=I3uNEFTSaavP45F9WPMz7TAxo0Ey1fUxB1L5%2FRHYnuY%3D&reserved=0
Single – Session Workshops
‘Protective Behaviours Parent Workshop’ – Presented by WA Child Safety Services – Online Platform – Thursday 12 June 6.30pm – 9pm https://events.humanitix.com/protective-behaviours-parent-workshop-presented-by-wa-child-safety-services
‘Raising Children in a Digital World’ For parents and carers of children aged 4 – 12 years – Online platform – Tuesday 1 July 7pnm – 9pm https://events.humanitix.com/raising-children-in-a-digital-world-online
(flyer attached to this newsletter)
Peer Support Group
‘WA MyTime Online’ – Mondays 7pm – 8.30pm
MyTime is a free peer support group for parents and carers of a child with a disability, chronic medical condition, developmental delay or other additional needs https://events.humanitix.com/wa-mytime-online-peer-support-group
(flyer attached to this newsletter)