Principal's Post

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Good work by everyone getting to this point of the term. This is such an important day today, RU OK? Day. It says it all. What I love about this day is that it makes us remember what is important. Hope you are going OK. Look after yourself, be gentle on yourself. We get it is not that easy at times, but it is made all okay when we know someone genuinely cares for us. If there is one thing I know since returning this semester, you care for me, so how blessed am I.

You know I always ask the kids whenever I get them together, ‘Who is the luckiest principal on the planet? You know they respond with, You! [Well, that would be me] I then say, ‘Why?’’and they go, ‘because you have us’. And then I think how good do I have it. So, yes I am very okay, especially when a little guy dresses up as me for Book Week. Which must mean he believes I could be an author. Which makes me think I should write a book one day. Well done Hugo.

I mean blessed right. One thing I did want to say this week was that everyone is doing a great job in Kiss and Drive, but also the way parents work around parking. It is so limited, yet you work it so well. I mean have a look at how many parents stop to let you get out of your bays when the traffic is busy. I see it all the time in Kiss and Drive. Parents letting cars flow out of the K and D into the traffic. This is the stuff I have been talking about every week since I have been back. This is how we give out goodness and make a difference in the world. Do the little things often and your impact will be enormous. It is like one of our ripping good blokes, a grandad Nic, who puts out the cones for us at K and D. Why does he do it? Because he loves his grandkids and he loves making our lives easier. Small things mean a heap. Joyful, it is.

For me, I see it as bringing a heart filled with enthusiasm into our school. I am so blessed to be on Kiss and Drive in the morning. The enthusiasm our kids bring to school by jumping out of their cars, saying Good Morning and thank you is off the charts. Their hearts are beaming with enthusiasm and they bring such joy. The thing is, if I could bottle this to show you what I see, your heart would be filled to the full. It is a privilege for me to be a part of it, and I would not swap this part of my job for anything in any part of principalship. What I know is true, is that you know it too. I see your joy in knowing they run through the gates to get into school. I know what you love even more is when one of their mates is in a car in front or behind and how much their faces light up when they see each other. When they call each other’s names with such enthusiasm, it is coming straight from their heart. Hard to express it in words to be true.

And then, I get the extra blessings of going into classrooms to see kids, or spend time out in the playgrounds during the breaks, and I see such goodness. It is action packed and busy, busy, but the way our humans, both staff and kids are working on caring for each other is inspiring. Not easy, we still mess it up. But you know me, I like the messiness, because out of that comes such goodness. One thing we can never question is the hearts of our kids and their enthusiasm to find opportunities to share their goodness. I was out on duty and saw a student go and sit on the ‘Buddy Bench’. I just waited a moment to see if anyone would notice. Well, joy, a kid with a generous and enthusiastic heart, was there within moments. By the time I turned to move towards them, they were both off to play. Truly, is there anything more we could ask for? I was thinking about how this St Col’s Kid was living everything I could ever want from them as humans. One, they have a heart, but two, it is a heart filled with compassion and generosity. There are so many times I see this goodness. I probably need to note them more often so I can write about them so you share in it with me.

Father’s Day Breakfast and Mass

I think of last week’s Father’s Day breakfast and see the enthusiasm that celebrated everything about our community. There was so much support for this by everyone. The work of the mums to get so much food out to the dads, grandads and kids was quite inspiring. How do we ever even think we can put a value on this? It is something that comes from your enthusiasm, from the enthusiasm of the Pastoral Care Team, who receive an abundance of support through donations, but so much more importantly from you. It does not happen without you coming together.

It is what I will miss next year, but it provides me with such happiness to know you all take care of this. It is another sign of why you bring such a joy to our community. The Greek word ‘entheos’ is all about the spirit of God within us. It is what brings us to life. When I think back to the Mass afterwards, if you were lucky enough to be able to stay, how much reverence was there. This is entheos, 100% at work. You know it. You felt it. I certainly did. Our kids get it, our staff get it, and you get it. Such goodness. Moments and mornings like last week are worth bottling.

Sacrament of Confirmation

This week our Year 6 students and families will be celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. This is a very special time for our students as this sacrament brings so much goodness to their lives. It is all about the gifts and fruits we receive from the Holy Spirit. Gifts such as wisdom and courage, and the fruits such as joy and peace. I think I sometimes forget to stop and spend time on this sacrament and all it calls us to be as humans.

A special thank you to Leesa and Penny, our teachers, the parish coordinators and Fr Andrew. To all the children’s sponsors, thank you for what you bring to the children’s lives. The thing about this sacrament is that it ties into the Greek word for enthusiasm, which is my theme this week. Entheos, means enthusiasm from within, which comes from the spirit of God within us. I know, how cool is this? Enthusiasm comes from a special place within our souls. So good. Confirmation is all about the spirit within. Funny how things just come together.

Science Fair

Update:

The Science Fair is next week, Friday 16 September. Please inform us by this Friday 9 September, if your child wishes to participate. Please also inform us of their chosen presentation topic. Thank you to those who have already responded to the Seesaw posts regarding the Science Fair. There has been a lot of interest in the Fair during Science lessons this week.

Several students asked if they must adhere to the theme of glass and if they could record experiments at home on other topics.

• We want to encourage students to demonstrate Science learning and build excitement around Science in general. Please do not feel restricted by the theme. Displays can be in any form and contain videos, posters, moving parts or be a simple diorama.
• Any videos will be collected and placed into a ‘highlight reel’ to play during scheduled class visits throughout the day.
• The Fair will be set up in the church hall from 8.00 am on Friday 16 September.

We are looking forward to seeing how the day turns out as it is all about engaging our kids in being inventive and finding fun in their learning. We are excited by this opportunity for our kids to show their passion for Science.

Thank you for your support

Riccardo Carbone & Sarah Bolton

Athletics Carnival – Thursday 15 September

As we head into the final week leading into the Athletics Carnival next week, thank you to Mr Banks and Miss Kirwan-Ward for all their work in preparing the kids. This is Mr Banks first carnival, so it is a big week coming. Let’s remember, the carnival is all about the kids having the best of times. Yes, there is competition for the champion and runner up champions on the day and in the lead up field events that have taken place over the term, but having fun and giving your best is the focus. What I have loved is seeing kids in their field events pump up their mates for when they have won events. This is what St Col’s Kids are made of. Celebrating others, even when disappointed. Seriously, this is what inspires us as adults. Celebrating others. You know the theory, we rise by lifting others. Makes the world a good place. Looking forward to next Thursday. Such a good day! Further details for next Thursday are attached to the newsletter and will be sent through Seesaw.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Zara Callo (6W) who competed in the 2022 Swimming WA Junior Short Course Championships held at HBF Stadium last weekend. Zara competed in 10 events and won 9 medals including 2 Gold along with many other achievements and personal bests. She is now State Champion for her age in 50m Freestyle and is part of the State Champion 4x50m Freestyle relay team for 11-13yo girls. An outstanding effort Zara. We are very proud of you.

Wishing everyone a terrific week. Take care of yourself and each other, and when things do not go to plan, gentleness is the key. I get it, hard to be gentle on self, but so good for you. Good luck to all our AFL and NRL supporters this weekend, especially Fremantle Dockers fans. Go well!

Good things your way!

Art

P & F News

With the athletics carnival next week, order for sausage sizzles are now open. Please use the link below to order and payment via EFT, details on the form.  Orders must be in by Tuesday 13^th with limited extra’s available to purchase on the day.

https://www.cognitoforms.com/StColumbasPrimarySchool/StColumbas2022AthleticsCarnivalCSPWASausageSizzle

We are also running our annual bake sale at the carnival. Come over and buy something delicious, cash and card payment will be available. Also looking for those keen bakers in the school to donate goods to the bake sale. Please note we are not permitted anything with fresh cream or anything that needs refrigeration. For home baked goods, please have a list of ingredients included and remember the schools nut free policy. Both sweet and savoury donations will be greatly appreciated.

There will be a volunteer sign up for both the sausage sizzle and bake sale posted next week for people to help out at the carnival.

The Subway lunch will still be going ahead for Monday the 19^th , however orders will be via online form rather than Quikcliq. The form should be online this week for orders.

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 20 September 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.

The library has lots of books needing covering.  If you can help by taking a small number of books home to cover, please advise the library. Your help is greatly appreciated by staff and students. 

Thank you everyone!

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

Pastoral Care

Religious Education and Curriculum News

From our Pre-Primary Classes

In Religious Education we have been learning that the Church family celebrates Jesus & the Church building is a special place to gather. We are always welcome to come to Church. Many of the symbols in a Church remind us that the Church is a special place.  We visited our Church and saw crosses, candles, somewhere to sit & kneel, the altar, statues & images and stained glass windows.

From our Year 5’s

The students in Year Five have begun the process of designing their own leaver’s 2023 school shirts. We will be designing our shirts and then make speeches to persuade Mr Lombardi, Mrs Xavier, Mrs Scott and Mr Hubbard why they should choose our design. The chosen design will be worn by all the Year 6 students next year (This year’s Year Fives). Good luck everyone! 

By Dylan and Jack

Community Notices

Mercedes College | A College for every girl in the heart of your city!

We have limited places available in Year 7 for 2023.  Interest welcome in other year levels for 2023.

If you are considering enrolling your daughter at Mercedes College, please visit our website at www.mercedes.wa.edu.au to request a prospectus, to enrol online or to book a tour of our campus. Please contact our Enrolments Officer, Mrs Nicole Kirk on 9323 1323 if you require further information.

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Now taking enrolments for 2024 and 2025

La Salle College is an innovative Catholic co-education secondary school guided by our Lasallian principles.

We embrace the uniqueness of every individual at our College and our safe, inclusive and welcoming environment enables everyone to learn and flourish in their own distinctive way.

At La Salle College we offer a range of learning programs and academic pathways to inspire our students, as well as opportunities in a multitude of areas such as skill-based and work-based learning, music, arts, sport and extracurricular activities.

Our wonderful facilities and generous outdoor spaces provide an innovative and modern learning environment. We believe that success is more than just academic achievement, but the strive for personal excellence.

Through our faith, culture of excellence, values and systems, we equip our students with the tools they need to become life-long learners and positive contributors, voices and leaders in the community beyond their College days.

A Lasallian school is more than just a curriculum, it is a united community connected in values, in spirit and a common experience. Our vision for learning is centred on Transforming tomorrow’s hearts, minds and lives.

To learn more about a La Salle College education visit our website at www.lasalle.wa.edu.au.

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ATTENTION PARENTS. Your wedding was just one day in your life, but your marriage is forever.  A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend can put the newness back into your relationship.   Give yourself and your spouse time away from the pressures of work and everyday responsibilities.  Enjoy the chance to talk and listen to each other. You’ll love the difference a Marriage Encounter Weekend can make. .    We invite you to join us on a WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Weekend to be held at Prendiville Catholic College, Ocean Reef  on 5-6 November 2022. For more information or booking contact:  Valerie & Brendon on 0493 534 865 or Email: wabookings@wwme.org.au  Website  www.wwme.org.au

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CSPWA Parent Pilgrimage

Do you feel exhausted as we come to the end of a very busy term? Book Week, Science Week, Performing Arts Festival, Sports Carnivals – they all take their toll, especially if you are working outside the home as well.

Why not put some time in to recharge, by joining with our Parent Pilgrimage on Sunday 18th September. We often hear of the importance of looking after ourselves first in order to better look after the others in our lives. Spending a couple of hours on a Sunday morning experiencing the ancient faith tradition of pilgrimage provides a wonderful way to recharge the batteries and have some time to encounter God, ourselves, others and nature. Further information, including a copy of the Pilgrim Prayer will be forwarded upon registration

https://www.trybooking.com/CBKXV

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