Dear Community of St Columba’s,
Mid Year Reports
Your child’s Mid-Year Report will be uploaded to Seqta Engage on Wednesday 2 July. If you have any issues logging on to Seqta Engage, please contact the school office. You may wish to try logging on before next Wednesday.
These reports are an important part of how we communicate your child’s progress and achievement with you. They provide an accurate and objective summary of how your child is going in each learning area, based on the Western Australian Curriculum achievement standards.
At the end of Term 2, teachers make a “point in time” judgment about your child’s progress so far this year. This means the grade reflects how your child is achieving right now, based on the teaching and learning completed during the semester. At the end of Term 4, a final grade will be given that reflects your child’s achievement across the whole year.
These reports also give insight into your child’s social development and learning behaviours, and highlight both strengths and areas where further growth is needed.
We encourage you to read through the report with your child, celebrate their efforts and achievements, and talk about goals for the next semester. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the report further, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.
Thank you for your continued support in your child’s learning journey.
We are a URSTRONG School
URSTRONG’s whole-school friendship strategy has improved the social climate in schools around the world, connecting over a million kids, parents, and teachers with a common language of friendship. We are proud to be a URSTRONG School and are committed to empowering your children with friendship skills.
Please remember as a parent you are invited to take advantage of a FREE Parent Membership to access hundreds of resources – including an 8 session video series. This will allow you to learn the same language & strategies being taught in the classroom through the Friendology 101 curriculum. We hope that, as a URSTRONG Family, you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, & kindness at home.
As a next step, we would recommend:
- Click here to view an overview of URSTRONG.
- Activate your FREE Parent Membership and explore all the resources available to your family.
- Explore the hundreds of resources available to you!
We believe that empowering our students with these skills will create a culture of kindness at our school and we hope that, together, we can support your children to have healthy, feel-good friendships.
Please continue reading on for an article I would like to share this week.
Pastoral Care
We also want to take a moment to acknowledge that some members of our school community may be facing personal challenges. If you or someone you love is unwell or going through a difficult time, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We may not always know what others are going through, so let’s all remember to be kinder than necessary, a small act of kindness can make a big difference.
If there is someone within our community who needs extra support, please be sure to contact one of our members of the pastoral care team or you can check in with Lisa Slocum or Kylie Harbrow at our front office.
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 for all to learn and grow.
In Gratitude,
Gina Burns
Principal
The Science Behind Children’s Friendships
Research conducted by Dana Kerford, Founder of URSTRONG, reveals that the experiences and feelings related to friendships are remarkably similar for both boys and girls. This challenges the prevalent misconception that boys and girls navigate friendships differently.
According to Kerford, “Children, regardless of gender, share common desires and challenges in their friendships. They want to feel liked, cool, and accepted by their peers. This desire transcends gender, race, socioeconomic status, and all other factors. It’s a universal truth – all kids want to get along and belong.”
All children seek connection and acceptance. Whether they identify as girls, boys, transgender, or non-binary, every child experiences emotional ups and downs in their friendships. Feelings can get hurt due to gossip, relational aggression (which is often mistakenly viewed as exclusively a female issue), physical aggression (mistakenly viewed as an exclusively male issue) , and the all-too-familiar Silent Treatment. Kerford emphasizes that “Boys and girls experience similar Friendship Fires®, the term we coined at URSTRONG for conflict in a friendship,” illustrating how their struggles in relationships are more alike than different.
Despite these similarities, historical socialization based on gender has led to some noteworthy differences in how some children navigate friendships:
- Girls are often advised to “Just ignore her! She’s just jealous,” while boys may hear, “Suck it up! Be a man!”
- Girls are encouraged to maintain a sweet demeanor, being told to “Be friends with everyone!” On the other hand, boys are sometimes permitted to express friendship through physicality, encapsulated in the phrase “Boys will be boys.”
- While girls are expected to express emotions openly, boys may face stigma for showing vulnerability through tears.
The impact of gender stereotyping and other cultural influences tend to present themselves as children approach adolescence. The damaging messages surrounding gender roles can significantly influence how children build and engage in their relationships.
Through Friendology, URSTRONG’s friendship skills curriculum for schools, these stereotypes are challenged. The program encourages discussions that provide children with a common language to express themselves and understand their friendships better. By fostering an environment that celebrates individuality rather than conforming to gender norms, students learn to honor and appreciate their unique differences. The Friendology curriculum provides language and strategies to support children in creating healthy friendships and, ultimately, healthy relationships.
Nearly two decades of research from URSTRONG underscores the importance of recognizing the similarities in children’s friendship experiences, while also addressing the societal pressures that shape their interactions. As Dana Kerford states, “When we empower all children to appreciate their differences, we pave the way for healthier, more inclusive friendships.” This understanding is essential for educators and parents alike, as we strive to nurture the next generation’s relational skills.
Click here to learn more about the impact URSTRONG Schools are having on children’s friendships.
Assistant Principal's Updates
COMMUNITY BAPTISM – TERM THREE
The St Columba’s Community Baptism Event has become a much-anticipated occasion on the school calendar! In the three years we have been offering it, we have assisted in organising Baptisms for over 65 children of varying ages.
In Term Three we will be holding our third Community Baptism for the year.
Dates to note:
Thursday 31 July : Baptism Information Evening for parents and those to be Baptised. In the St Columba’s Church at 6pm.
Sunday 17 August : Baptism Ceremony at 10.45am after the 9.30 Mass
If you are interested, or have any questions about this event, please contact me.
Best wishes
Mrs Leesa Vinciullo
Assistant Principal
Leesa.Vinciullo@cewa.edu.au
SCHOOL UNIFORM – WEEK 10 BLITZ
Staff will be conducting a Uniform Blitz next week. All items of the school uniform will be checked – including hair and jewellery.
Please note that wearing of the school tracksuit top is only suitable when wearing the tracksuit pants/sport shorts. 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
CURRENT FUNDRAISING
Mid Year Raffle tickets on sale
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, presented by Dan Bull at assembly! You’ve gotta be in it to win it – don’t miss out!
Tickets on sale each morning until next Tuesday 1 July, drawn at the last assembly of term! Cost: $1 each OR 6 for $5
Parent QUIZ Night – Not many tables left!
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 update!
Thanks again for supporting our Monstar Colour Run on Mercy Mission Day! PRIZE UPDATE: prizes are on their way and should be delivered to classes during Week 10, just in time for the holidays. Stay tuned, in the School Community FB group, for parent requests to help sort and distribute. Your help is always appreciated.
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 Student Raffle – Tickets now on sale before School, drawn at the last assembly of Term 2 – Tuesday 1 July at 2.00pm.
St Columba’s School Parent Quiz Night — Saturday 2 August 6.15pm
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
A HUGE Thank You to the following families that have kindly covered library books during the semester:
Allison, Billington, Bova, Charles, Halls, Jeganathan, Khoo, Lumsden, McIntyre, McShanag, Nebel, O’Callaghan, Patten, Sanders, Verma, Wallace & Winspear.
Your assistance and support is greatly appreciated!
Mrs Cuthbert and the students of St Cols.
Pastoral Care
Happy Birthday to:
The following students who will celebrate birthday’s in the coming week:
Hendricks Kaler – KW
Theo Fagionato Dezajacomo – KW
Hugo Di Giallonardo – PPG
Nathaniel Byrde – Y2W
Aimee Alexander – Y4G
Charlotte de Courcier – Y4G
Lachlan Stewart – Y4W
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 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
Kindy classes – RE
Our Kindy students have been thanking God for the gift of Australian animals. We were very lucky to have West Oz Wildlife introduce us to Gummy the koala, Caesar the sugar glider, Rosie and Savannah the pythons and Lizzie the blue tongue lizard.
It was amazing to see God’s beautiful creations up close and learn all about them.
Pre Primary classes – Print Making
The Pre-Primary students explored media artworks by using clay to create symbolic prints. Inspired by Australian art, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks, they then pressed carved shapes into clay to represent their own ideas, stories, and responses.
Community Notices
HEALTH NURSE TIPS AND INFORMATION
How much physical activity should my child be doing?
- School age children need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. But more is better, so encourage your child to be active for up to several hours each day.
- Children need a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. ‘Moderate activity’ is any activity which is similar in intensity to a brisk walk e.g. bike riding or active playing. ‘Vigorous activity’ is any activity which makes your child “huff and puff” e.g. organised sports, ballet, running or swimming laps.
- Any activity that requires your child to expend energy should be encouraged. Go to http://raisingchildren.net.au for more information.
Physical activity – family activities
If you’re looking for ways to help your family be more active, why not try…
- walking or riding to school together
- visiting the beach to play cricket or Frisbee
- taking the dog for a walk
- doing some gardening (try building a veggie patch!)
- visiting the local swimming pool
- playing at the park together.
- going for a bike ride
- bush walking
- outings that involve walking (like the zoo)
- participating in a community walk
- buying children presents that encourage physical activity (like sports equipment or a kite).
For more ideas visit www.natureplaywa.org.au/ or http://raisingchildren.net.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
Midvale Hub Parenting Sevice – Parent Programs Term 3
City of Bayswater
Circle of Security Parenting https://events.humanitix.com/circle-of-security-parenting-maylands-739jl2s3
The Emotion Coaching Toolkit https://events.humanitix.com/the-emotion-coaching-toolkit-bayswater
Online Platform
Circle of Security Parenting https://events.humanitix.com/circle-of-security-parenting-online-platform-8vgls4mv
Protective Behaviours https://events.humanitix.com/protective-behaviours-online-platform
Below is the link to our website information which explains our service and programs that we offer.
https://www.midvalehub.org.au/copy-of-parenting-and-family-suppor
Our Facebook page link – we share some great parenting information. Also the program that we run are in the events section.
https://www.facebook.com/midvalehub/
Humanitix link – all our live events
MIDVALE HUB PARENTING SERVICE PERTH NE | Humanitix