Dear Families of St Columba’s,
My thanks to all parents and friends this last week who have taken the time to consider how they may be able to volunteer for just one thing to make St Columba’s School an even better place to work and play.
Sacrament of First Eucharist
Our prayers and best wishes to all students who will be receiving the Sacrament of First Eucharist (Holy Communion) this weekend. Jesus loved us so much, He thought of a simple yet clever way to continue to nourish us spiritually. May this be the first of many times the students can come to the Table of our Lord at Mass to receive Him in Communion.
Mid Year Reports
This week I have been busily reading all student Mid Year Reports in preparation for these to be released to you next Wednesday.
It is highly evident that since the beginning of the year, students have been working hard in class to apply the feedback provided by teachers to continue to grow in their learning. All your children need to be congratulated on their growth this semester. Below is some information to assist you to understand your child’s report.
We hope this information assists you to understand the reporting process at St Columba’s Primary School. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask your child’s teacher.
P&F Crazy Hair & Silly Sock Day
Please refer to the flyer attached to this newsletter for further details.
Students are permitted to spray hair with coloured hair spray, however this must be done at home before coming to school. No hair sprays will be permitted at school.
In gratitude,
Gina Burns
Principal
Understanding Your Child’s Report
Parents will receive two formal academic reports this year:
The report you receive in July is called a “Mid-year Report.”
In December you will receive the “End of Year Report.”
JULY – MID-YEAR REPORT
This report provides parents with a ‘snapshot in time’ of how their child is progressing in relation to the end of year Achievement Standard for each learning area for their year level. The grade provided is taking into account the curriculum which has been taught and assessed to that point in time.
DECEMBER – END OF YEAR REPORT
This report provides parents with an overview of how their child has progressed, across the entire year, in relation to the end of year Achievement Standard for each learning area for their year level. The grade provided is taking into account the curriculum which has been taught and assessed across the entire year, not just Semester 2.
Understanding the Grading System
Is a ‘C’ grade good? Yes, you should celebrate C grades as this indicates that your child has progressed to the desired level of understanding for his/her year level.
Is a ‘C’ grade just a pass like it used to be? No, a C grade today, is the expected Achievement Standard for each year level and each Learning Area.
Does an ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade mean my child is working a year or two above their current grade? No, an ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade means that your child is responding to the content taught to a deeper level. They may be thinking more critically about the content, which is a wonderful skill to demonstrate.
How are final grades determined? Teachers collect numerous samples of work and assessments to determine the final grade. The grade is determined with the use of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority’s (SCSA) Judging Standards. For more information on this go to https://parent.scsa.wa.edu.au/
P & F News
Volunteering once a year, opens a door of opportunities for our kids. Giving back, means the world to them. Assist our St Columba’s P&F with your role of choice for events, fundraisers or even part of the Class Representative team.
Our “Just one Thing” volunteer sign up is now live. Please consider volunteering especially if you haven’t done so before. It’s a great way to meet new parents and make new friends. Thanks to all those that have already registered for their “One Thing”. Please use the link below to access the sign up form:
We have two fundraisers running for the last two weeks of term 2 that will help meet the costs of the new playground that is being installed over the school holidays.
The first is a raffle. After all the excitement of the Nintendo and Rebel voucher last year, first prize will once again be either a $500 Rebel voucher or a Nintendo switch and accessories to the value of $500. Tickets will be $1 each or 6 for $5. We will be taking both cash and card payments. Please see the attached flyer for more details. The raffle will be drawn at assembly on Friday 30 June.
The second fundraiser is Crazy Hair and Silly Sock day on Friday 30 June. Students are invited to wear sports uniform with Crazy Hair or Silly socks for a gold coin donation for the P&F. Students are permitted to spray their hair colours, wear a wig or create a crazy do. They can couple this with their silliest socks for fun!
All funds raised for both of these will be going towards the playground.
Entertainment Memberships
Online memberships are available again this year. Memberships can be purchased online.
https://www.entertainment.com.au/orderbooks/83589g
Our next P&F meeting is Tuesday 8 August at 7.00pm in the library. Items for the agenda must be submitted by 5pm Friday 12 May. Any items after this time will be tabled for the next meeting.
Any questions or queries, I can be contacted via email gtarmstrong@iinet.net.au
Tanya Armstrong
President P&F
Library News
Library 2023
Dear Parent, Carers and Students
The library is open every morning before school:
PP – Year 6 : 8:15am – 8:30 am
PreKindy & Kindy : 8:15am – 8:45am
(accompanied by Parent/Carers)
The library is a calming and quiet place, making it the perfect spot for students to have a smooth and calming transitions in the morning.
Students may also like to return and borrow books before school.
Looking forward to seeing you the library.
Reading and activities in the LIBRARY
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 $12.
Parents please order via the school Uniform Shop.
Rita Cuthbert – Library Officer – Library - the original search engine
Pastoral Care
Happy Birthday to:
To the following students who will be celebrating this coming week:
Zahlia Phillips KG
Hannah Ferguson KW
Oliver Howard PPG
Nathaniel Byrde PPW
Adam Nguyen 1W
Mackenzie Strachan 2G
Aimee Alexander 2G
Lachlan Stewart 2W
Connor Campbell 3W
Paris Whitbread 6G
Kaleb Smart 6W
WEEKLY RAFFLE ROSTER
TERM 2
Week 10 – 28 June
| Kindy Green | Week 10 – Margot Juniper |
| Kindy White | Week 10 – Grace Minchin |
| PP Green | Week 10 – Rico McCort |
| PP White | Week 10 – Andrea Gunawan |
| Year 1 Green | Week 10 – Filip Pizzata |
| Year 1 White | Week 10 – Rohan Hurly Swiderski |
| Year 2 Green | Week 10 – Oliver Minchin |
| Year 2 White | Week 10 – Joana Gunawan |
| Year 3 Green | Week 10 – Luke Magee |
| Year 3 White | Week 10 – Rosabelle Juma |
| Year 4 Green | Week 10 – Mia Moore |
| Year 4 White | Week 10 – Allegra Pizzata |
| Year 5 Green | Week 10 – Filip Kryachok |
| Year 5 White | Week 10 – Maggie Ma |
| Year 6 Green | Week 10 – Oliver Landis |
| Year 6 White | Week 10 – Fergal Mippy |
Award Winners
MERIT AWARDS – Term 2, Week 8
PP Green – Ayla Bennett, Cristian Evangelista
PP White – Juliet Cahill, Leo Duff, Violet Zachar
1 Green – Ciara Carruthers, Filip Pizzata, Orlando Smith
1 White – Elliott Bonnett, Alessia Scagnetti, Jesse Smith
2 Green – Amelia Booth, Mackenzie Strachan, Riley Wilkey
2 White – Joana Gunawan, Brooky Hamilton, Owen Metherell
3 Green – Isabella Goh, Bianca Milhinch, Stefano Mustica
3 White -Thomas Armstrong, Xavier Balm, Ava Gallagher, Rosabell Juma, Amelia Wilkey
4 Green – Lana Ly, Hunter Sardelich, Lucinda Tran
4 White – Lachlan Eaton, Olivia McShanag, Allegra Pizzata
5 Green – Harry Blake, Natalia Milhinch, Seraphim Vu
5 White – Chloe Bouteloup, Edmond Cavalli, Phoenix Stanmore
6 Green – Ned Armstrong, Eva Magill
6 White – Justin Ahn, Kalani Brammer, Kai Fermanis, Ryder Walsh
Religious Education and Curriculum News
From our Kindergarten classes:
In Kindy we have had lots of fun learning all about God’s creations. We have focussed on God’s animals, and we were so lucky to have a visit from Barnyard Buddies. Everyone loved patting and feeding the animals and we learnt so much about how to care for them.
We have read stories about animals and really enjoyed investigating Mrs Wishy Washy’s Farm. We painted our favourite part of the story, acted it out with the animals and got to paint and wash the animals in a tub just like in the story.
We have loved thanking God for all the beautiful animals.
From our Pre-Primary’s
In Religion we are learning about how the Holy Spirit helps people follow the example of Jesus. We had a discussion on when we might need the Holy Spirit to help us, and when we don’t. For example we need the Holy Spirit to help us to make good choices even if we don’t want to, and we probably don’t need the Holy Spirit to help us choose what to have for lunch!
From our Year 1’s:
The Year 1 students have been eagerly exploring patterns through their mathematics rotations, finding joy in working together to create and identify patterns using shapes, numbers, symbols, and letters. Currently, they are undertaking an exciting project where they are collaboratively designing an octopus, with each of its eight legs showcasing a unique pattern. This hands-on activity allows them to apply their creativity and teamwork skills while gaining a deeper understanding of patterns.
Classifieds
