Principal's Post

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Welcome back to Term 3! Yes, already into the second half of the year. The nice thing about the start of a new semester is that we all get to reset. This includes all of us as staff and parents, but most importantly our kids. It really is like a fresh start. Our teachers review Semester 1 and all the teaching and learning that has taken place and commence their planning over the holiday break for Semester Two. Our teachers are focused on how to improve outcomes for our St Col’s kids. This is where they start in all their planning. How do they make it better for their students in their classrooms? How do we get our students to be at their best?

‘Every kid needs a champion.’

Rita F. Pierson (TED Talks)

As a parent, and as a teacher, I get how much energy we all put into the wellbeing of our kids. This is why being a parent, or being a teacher, or being both, is one of the most rewarding things ever. I love knowing there is no perfect science to it as well. I love that there are thousands of books written on parenting and teaching, but I also know that the book I write on parenting and teaching will be different to all of those. I guess what I am saying is, do what the Nike slogan says, ‘Just Do It!’ Do it your way. The best way you can. With all its beauty and with all its imperfection. I mean, how good is it to be so blessed to be a parent, or to be a teacher. When I talk about teachers, I refer to all of us in schools who are with your kids.

Now, I like the fact that when I look at Holly and Skye, that I can go, ‘not a bad job done by Linda and Art’. Even better, I know there were bucket loads of good times, but also those many moments we all go, ‘really, like seriously.’ So as I watch my girls continue to become the humans they become, I do think about their many influences. The influences from the teachers and staff in the schools they attended, but also their family and their friends, their coaches, their lecturers, their bosses at work. It is a culmination of everyone’s input, and most importantly Holly and Skye’s willingness to believe in self and them knowing there were people who championed for them.

The quote above is connected to this YouTube clip below. It is TED Talk that inspires me to be better as a person, not just as a teacher. When we are the champions for our kids, we grow their self-worth and their belief in who they are.  Although, we know we will fail at this at times [and we must be kind to ourselves when we do, just saying] then we will see the connection between us and our kids become something very special. I am sure I have probably sent the link in another Donegal at some point, but I had not watched it for so long. This seven-minute clip will make you feel pretty good about what we do as people, whether we teach or not. This clip is directed at teachers, but applies to all of us. We all need champions who look out for us. We all know we have these champions that have helped mould us into the people we are right at this moment in time. Just embrace it and embrace our kids. Cannot wait to see my girls now that I am writing this. Cannot wait to see your kids here at school each day. Just saw one heading to the library…hang on…let me catch them for a second. Just asked them, ‘Who is the luckiest principal on the planet? Her answer to me, ‘You, Mr Lombardi’. I mean seriously put my name on the end. Then asked her, ‘Why?’ Her answer, ‘because you have me’. My life is so good. Our lives are so good when we get the kids being champions back to us.

Quick Update on a couple of not so important things:

Art’s Family Update:

I thought, just in case anyone missed it due to the holiday break, North Melbourne 10.10 70 def West Coast 8.12 60. I have to say, my daughters who have not seen North win a game they have been at for four years did have a pretty good time. I know you will feel happy for them. Not that either of them carried on much. I was down south so did not get to the game, but Holly Face Timed us for 15 minutes as they sang the song all the way to the train station. Obviously, get this side of them from their mother. They did say the West Coast supporters were very kind to them.

Art’s Fantasy Football League Update:

I also know there is high interest regarding my standing in the FFL competition. Basically, the FFL is for old blokes who can no longer kick more than 20 meters. The Commissioner has finalised our standings as we head into the finals this week. I know, finals already. Very exciting times ahead as I scraped in by 2 points. A very lucky draw a few rounds back secured my run to the finals. I play the Commissioner in this week’s Elimination Final, but have lost one of my stars Josh Dunkley for the next two weeks. Need Liberatore back and will require Tom Hickey to keep firing up along with Guthrie, Laird, Parker and Cunnington. Tom Stewart has been outstanding as my marker, along with Jake Lloyd in defence. My forward line of Tom McDonald, Bailey Fritz and Taylor Walker, along with Nick Larkey will no doubt kick a bag of goals to have me continue into the next week. Let’s see how we go!

It has been an absolute joy seeing the kids and families back at school, as well as our staff. Thank you for all starting the term with gentleness and kindness. There is nothing better.

Look after each other this week and remember if you need anything, our staff are here to support our families. Enjoy!

Gratitude!

Art

HEAL COUNTRY
NAIDOC 2021

On Friday 30 July 2021 we will be having our NAIDOC Assembly. Events will begin with a ‘Welcome to Country’ and ‘Smoking Ceremony’ presented by Aboriginal elder, Barry Winmar.

‘Heal Country’ is this year’s theme. Heal Country calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.
Country means more than the land on which we stand. Country is inherent to our identity. It sustains lives in every aspect – spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and culturally.
Country is family, kin, law, lore, ceremony, traditions, and language. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it has been this way since the dawn of time.

Please join us Friday 30 July at 8.45am to celebrate NAIDOC Week and help ‘HEAL COUNTRY’.

School Photo Days

School photo day is coming!

Monday 2 August
Tuesday 3 August
Thursday 4 August

Personalised student photo order flyers from Kapture Photography containing your child’s unique codes for ordering school photos online are being sent home this week.

KEEP YOUR FLYER SECURE!

The unique codes contained on the flyer will be issued only once.

Order EARLY for sibling photography

 Sibling photos can ONLY be ordered online. Once you receive the personalised flyers for your children, it is imperative that you order your sibling photo early to avoid missing out! There is a physical limit in the school schedule to how many sibling photos can be taken. Once the maximum capacity of sibling orders has been reached, no more sibling orders can be placed.

If maximum capacity is not reached, sibling orders close 12pm midday sharp, one business day prior to the first photo day.

The school or the photographers cannot accept late orders for sibling photography. Please do not ask as your request simply cannot be accommodated.

Order EARLY for discount photo day prices

Order your photos within 10 calendar days of photo day to receive discount photo day prices. Late orders are handled separately to the school delivery and incur a $20 custom service charge.

Other information

We will notify you in a few weeks when team and special group photos are available to view and purchase on the Kapture website. Please note; class, individual and sibling portraits are not available to view online prior to purchase.

Kapture offer a money back guarantee for any parent who is not fully satisfied with their photo package. Should you have any queries before or after photo day, please check the FAQ’s on the Kapture website.

All students will be photographed individually on photo day for school administration records AS WELL as included in their class group presentation available for purchase to all families. Should there be any reason why your child should NOT be included in the photo shoot –please contact the school office.

Uniform Shop

The uniform shop will NOT be open next Wednesday 28 July. Online orders will still be delivered to the school for Thursday morning 29 July. We apologise for any inconvenience.

School Counsellor News

6 Things To Say Instead of “GOOD JOB!”

Nicole Leach
School Counsellor
St Columba’s (Wednesdays and Thursdays) Phone 08 9208 2700

P & F News

Entertainment Memberships are still available for purchase and details are on the parent Facebook page. The school receives $14 for each membership purchased and you save $$$$.

Our next CSPWA meeting is Tuesday 17^th  of August at 7pm in the library, all are welcome.

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

—

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

Interschool Cross Country

On Friday, 25 June students participated in the Faction Cross Country carnival. There were some amazing performances throughout the day from the students and all who participated should be proud of their achievements. The following children achieved outstanding results and will be part of the interschool training squad in preparation for the Cross-Country Interschool Carnival next Tuesday 27  July at UWA Sports Park.

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.

—

Classifieds