Principal's Post

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

It is Thursday morning and what a cracking good day. Just looking out over the valley here at Forest Edge Camp in Waroona, and thinking what a blessing it is to be in such a place. It is still dark, but the morning’s gentle light feels very peaceful right now. I can hear some chatter coming from the camp kitchen. The voices are happy, and the youthful leaders of the camp activities are preparing our breakfast. How nice having someone prepping brekky. I mean, it does not get better than that really. Everyone is still enjoying their slumber, with some small murmurings coming from the kids’ dorms. Times like this I get to appreciate all the good things.

What I am realising about returning to St Col’s for my last six months as a principal, is the amazing humans I get to be with. Having been in schools for 35 years, I am finding that at this moment, I am extremely grateful for people who come across my path. I always have been people focused, like it is just in my genetics, but for whatever reason, there is high connection right now. I really do think it is because I am getting these six months to be very thankful. I mean, just look at my day yesterday. On Kiss and Drive in the morning I witnessed excitement and joy from our kids as they hopped out of  their cars to come into school. They are bubbling with goodness. Parents are feeling this joy.  Manners and ‘Good Mornings’ are off the charts. Our kids run into school. If you have little ones in Pre Primary, they are so independent. The way they organise themselves to get to class is just the best. Niall and I will check in to see if they want us to walk them in, but they are quick to let us know they are all good, especially if they see one of their mates hopping out of the car behind them. Feel good moments at Kiss and Drive are in abundance. Laughter aplenty. I cannot think of a better way to start a day.

As I continue to write about the feel good stuff in life, I have the quote above as a thank you to you for the way you look after each other and the genuine care you have around our theme of gentleness on self and others, with an acceptance of who we are and who others may be. You may not know you are influencing, but I can tell you from where I stand, it is massive. The ripple effect of your goodness is so obvious. You are the charming gardeners who make souls blossom. This is such a great phrase for what is taking place here at St Col’s. Hey, I get it. It cannot always be a day of blossoming souls, but when we do bring this to others, man, crazy that feeling we create, and yes, we do not do it for this reason, but our own soul blossoms. Our kids are the masters of this. It really is special. There is a saying about how we are all pieces of someone else’s puzzle, and how whether we know it or not, whether we feel it or not, we are messengers from God most high.

Yep, how good have I got it? So good! Being a Catholic school allows me to write this. You know it any way. We were created for exactly this. Just take another moment to read the quote above. Imagine if today you are a charming gardener, who through what you do, what you say or by being who you are, that someone else’s soul will blossom. For me, our soul, is that deep yearning within us that centres us to bring goodness to our day. I reckon you can find one thing to say or do that is going to have someone’s soul blossom. The easiest humans to connect in with this are our kids. In fact, going to text Holly right now…a brief pause while I text. Okay, Holly just turned 25, so I get to text. The message I sent was, ‘Such a good kid, Holster x’. As simple as that. She will know what it is related to. Does not take a big effort, but in so many ways it does. Everyone is so busy. You are so busy, finding even these moments are a challenge. Always have something in your head taking up the space. Not saying I don’t have things in my head, but I am actually learning to block out 10 minutes in my day to send off some texts or emails of gratitude. Again, I get you do not have time. Maybe just today you find a minute to send a gratitude message, or just say it. Take ten seconds to sincerely nurture someone’s blossoming soul. How will your kids souls blossom this afternoon with you being their charming gardener?

What I am loving about writing to you is that these are all the things that have realigned me about bringing joy to our life. Not easy by the way, but it will change how we interact with those around us. One of the most challenging things to do as a human is to commit to lifting others rather than ourselves. Just think about what a difference we can all make to others by seeing the ‘good stuff’ and celebrating these with a little encouragement. Our kids are the best at this. At the Talent Show last night, our Year 6 campers, showed this in bucket loads. They were filling every person’s buckets during the different performances. The confidence of our kids and the way they care about others and lift them through their support, and genuinely wanting them to do well, is an absolute stand out for them as young people. What a foundation for our Year 6s and the remainder of their time with us here at St Columba’s School. Their willingness to rise by lifting the spirits and confidence of others is something St Col’s Kids do without even thinking about it.

Being away on camp, limited internet during some activities, so not so much use of the phone and laptop has been a good thing. Not having devices and just being has a profound impact on our relationships with others. I just have to look at the couple of days on camp. So much chatter and laughter with the kids. I do not know. Maybe it is just me, but the kids seem to have time for each other without thinking of the next thing. They have been living in these moments. I guess that is why they have been able to focus on others and not themselves so much. Much of the camp is around the concept of challenge, but also about the support offered to your mates. So many kids are rising to the top, through their action of care. It is in the simple things like lifting kayaks onto the trailer. Some kids have never done this before, never seen it. Yet, we have kids stopping what they are doing to assist and lift these kayaks into position. Helping their mates. Our parents would be so proud of their kids and how responsible they are in making things better for others. One little champion could not find boardies for the water. One of the other lads, straight up, has a pair down to the teachers. I mean, a kid feels a little low as no boardie’s, yet another kid rises in lifting this kid’s spirits. What else would we want in our kids. Everything else can be built from here. This is what we are talking about in the little things of lifting others. Just St Col’s Kids I guess.

The other ripping thing about camp is our kids face challenges and fears. They have a go with no fear of failure. Why? Because camp and school staff create an environment filled with Thomas Edison’s quote. It has been inspiring. Our Year 6 families will hear all about the experiences of camp over the weekend. We love this quote, as it is half glass full. It is exciting. There is so much positivity about having this outlook on life. We know this is good for us, and good for our kids. All ties into what we have been saying throughout our Donegal Posts, allows for gentleness. Immediately, we feel it is all okay when things are not going to plan. Embrace this, I say. I do. Just ask those close to me. Used to be a perfectionist, fearing failing or not getting it right. Now, I just have a 100% crack at doing my best as a dad, husband, son, cousin, friend and principal. Then I am good to myself, when things are not how I may have wished they’d be. Change lives by being gentle. Seriously, I cannot express how I feel this within our school community, and that is a credit to every one of you.

Okay, another big day at camp. Kids will sleep well tonight, as the agenda is jam packed with activities like kayaking, rafting building and abseiling. Thanks again to the staff for attending and to the students who continue to amaze us with who they are becoming as young people.

[Message written on Thursday, although newsletter not out till Friday]

Wishing you a week where you can find a moment to find the good stuff.

Art

JFE Uniforms

Our uniform suppliers will be placing an additional item on the uniform list in the near future. This addition is for girls’ trousers and shorts. JFE have also needed to increase the cost of items due to the current economic climate. We appreciate your understanding.

Please Note: The on-site school uniform shop will not operate for the remaining weeks of August. It will be reopening on a weekly basis from September through to the end of the year. Orders can continue to be placed on-line and will be delivered on a weekly basis to the school. The shop in Osborne Park is open Monday to Friday. If you have any urgent requirements, please see Lisa Slocum in our front office.

OSHC Update

Absences from OSHC

Please inform OSHC directly if you have collected your child from school during the day and they will not be returning to school to attend OSHC in the afternoon. It is imperative that if you have booked your child into OSHC and they have been collected due to appointments or illness, that parents notify OSHC directly. Parents can inform staff of an absence from OSHC via the Xplor Home app, Seesaw or text message!  Last minute cancellations are best via text message. We appreciate that lives get busy and complicated, and that changes can happen last minute. Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring we know who is attending OSHC when there are these changes in circumstances.

Catholic Performing Arts Festival

The St Columba’s Combined Choirs’ performance at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival is scheduled for Monday 22nd August, 9.30am at the Vasto Club, Balcatta. The students have worked diligently on some challenging music for this event over the past few months and are excited to perform in concert for the first time this year.

Here is a link to the ticketing site should you wish to come to the performance:

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=915926&

P & F News

We are finalising the calendar of fundraising events for the rest of the year and will let you all know dates as soon as we can. One of our most successful fundraisers is always the cake stall at the athletics carnival so please keep that in mind for week 9.

Entertainment Memberships

Online memberships are available again this year.  Memberships can be purchased online

https://www.entertainment.com.au/orderbooks/83589g

We have had queries from families who would like to make a contribution to the CSPWA without being involved in purchasing items. This is incredibly generous, and we are always grateful for any donations in whatever form they take.

The CSPWA bank details are below and can be used at anytime to pay online for fundraisers or for contributions. We ask that you include a family name in the description so that we can allocate funds coming into the account

Name – The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth, St Columba’s P&F Association

BSB – 086 006

ACC – 679360271

The next meeting is on Tuesday 16 August at 7.00pm.

Any questions or queries, I can be contacted via email gtarmstrong@iinet.net.au

Tanya Armstrong

President CSPWA

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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.

Library News

Library 2022

A warm invitiation is extended to ALL families to visit the library from 8:15am in the mornings Monday – Friday.  

(If Mrs Cuthbert is unavailable, the library will be closed) 

Pre-primary, Kindy & Pre-Kindy families take advantage and come and read all our fabulous picture books with your little ones till 8:45am. 

The library is a calming and quiet place, making it the perfect spot for students to have a smooth and calming transition in the morning.

Students may like to return and borrow books before school.

Looking forward to seeing you the library.

Reading and activities in the LIBRARY

At LUNCHTIMES

Students may also use this time to exchange their library book.

2022 CBCA Book Week
Dreaming with eye open…

20 – 26 August 2022

Dress Up Parade (Kindy – Year 6)
Friday 26 August 2022
8.45am

All students in Kindy to Year 6 are invited to come to school dressed as their favourite book character. The purpose of this event is to celebrate Book Week, therefore the focus is on participation rather than the costume.

Why no recycle a costume, or put together something from home!
Please keep it simple and stress free 🙂

Please note: Costumes are not restricted to the Book Week theme.

Book Week Events

Friday 26 August – Dress up Parade & Photobooth
Bookmark for each student

Colouring Competition
FREE Entry
Prize: $20 Gift Voucher for a student in each class

Rita Cuthbert – Library Officer – Library - the original search engine

Pastoral Care

Religious Education and Curriculum News

From our Year 4’s

In Year Four, in Religion this week, we are learning about the Rosary. The Rosary helps Catholics to learn about and meditate on the life of Jesus. We are learning about the four Mysteries of the Rosary; Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous, and how each of the Mysteries represent significant events in the life of Jesus.

From our Year 1’s

In Year One Green, we have been learning about subtraction. This week, we practised our subtraction skills with a fun game of ‘Ten Pin Take Away’.

Community Notices

Classifieds