Dear Community of St Columba’s,

Welcome back! We hope your family enjoyed a restful and refreshing break. It is hard to believe we are already in the final term of the year!

While most of us were enjoying some downtime, a few dedicated staff members continued working behind the scenes to ensure everything was ready for a smooth start. A big thank you to our OSHC Staff Jess, Shelby and the team of Educators, our Finance Officer Janine and our Ground staff Joe, and Uncle Joe for their hard work and commitment over the holidays.

Unfortunately, we did experience a break-in at the Groundsperson’s Shed during the first weekend of the holidays. Thankfully, no one was harmed, and all items are replaceable.

On a brighter note, all student toilets received a thorough deep clean, giving our students a fresh and hygienic start to the term. Our school oval also received a dose of much needed nutrients and together with a little rest and sunshine is looking lovely.

You may notice that the swing is currently out of action. A part needs replacing and is on order. We know the students will miss it, so we appreciate your help in explaining the temporary closure to them.

This term, our Student Leaders will be taking on a new role during Monday morning announcements. They will be celebrating student birthdays by reading out names and handing out birthday pencils. This initiative not only helps younger students who may forget their birthday dates but also encourages leadership and care among our senior students.

We are looking forward to a positive and productive Term 4! Please continue reading for further important updates.

2026 Class Placements

As we begin the term, the teachers and I have started receiving information about class placements for next year. I would like to share our procedure for this with you.

Many aspects are considered when creating a class list, such as ensuring a mix of gender and addressing students’ learning, social, and emotional needs. Additionally, consideration is given to students with disabilities. Teachers are responsible for generating the class composition, while the School Leadership Team approves it and is responsible for the appointment of staff to each class.

We include each child’s voice in this process. All students are asked to identify six other children from the entire cohort they would like to be with. Please note that students in Kindy and Pre Primary are supported appropriately to identify their chosen children.

Along with the information and insights the teachers have, this input helps ensure that each student has at least one strong, positive connection with another student. You may wish to take some time between now and next Monday to discuss with your child whom they would like to include on their list.

Parental requests are one of many factors we consider when balancing classes. However, we can only accommodate these requests in exceptional circumstances. If you believe your child’s situation qualifies, please submit your request in writing to the Principal between Thursday 16 October and Friday 24 October.

This is your opportunity to detail the exceptional circumstances. Please note that we cannot accept requests after this date. Requests can be forwarded via gina.burns@cewa.edu.au

I will confirm receipt of your letter, but I am unable to respond to individual requests or hold meetings regarding your request. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Requests are only valid for the year they are submitted to ensure we are making our decisions with the most current information.

A great deal of thought and time goes into generating class lists and staffing throughout the school so that all students can be in a safe and thriving environment. Please trust that the environment your child is moving into has been carefully selected. Students will be advised of their new class for 2026 on the morning of transition day, Monday 8^th December. No changes will be made to class lists after this.

Finalised class lists will be made available outside classrooms on the afternoon of Monday 8^th December. To maintain all students’ confidential details, these are not to be re-distributed in any form.

Farewell to Mr Hubbard

As many of you know, Mr Matthew Hubbard has been on leave this year, exploring teaching opportunities in London. We are delighted to hear that his experience abroad has been both enriching and rewarding.

To fully embrace this new chapter, Matt has made the decision to resign from his position at St Columba’s. While we will miss him greatly, we support his choice and wish him all the very best as he continues his journey.

Matt has brought passion, joy, and genuine care to his work, leaving a lasting impact on our school community. Of his 11 years in Catholic Education, eight were spent here at St Columba’s, and we feel privileged to have been able to support him on his journey.

We thank Matt for his dedication and the many contributions he has made to our school, and we hope London continues to bring him wonderful opportunities and experiences.

Matt has requested a farewell message be shared with the community. Please see his farewell message further below.

Upcoming Events

• Friday 17 October: P&F Student Disco
• Tuesday 21 October: Assembly @ 2pm
• Wednesday 22 October: PP Uniform Try Ons
• Wednesday 22 October: Kindy Health Checks
• Thursday 23 October: Lockdown Practice
• Friday 24 October: Evacuation Practice

Gina Burns

Principal

Farewell from Mr Hubbard

To the St Columba’s Staff, Students and Families

After being involved with St Columba’s since 2014, I am formally resigning. I began my journey at St Cols as a relief teacher and instantly fell in love with the school and its community. After a year of full-time teaching elsewhere, I returned in 2017… I was the youngest on staff back in the day!

In my eight years of full-time teaching at St Columba’s, I’ve grown in countless ways and been mentored by some truly amazing people. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible colleagues, many of whom have become lifelong friends and like family.

I’ve also had the privilege of teaching so many wonderful students and working with so many families over the years. To all the students I’ve taught — thank you for your energy, curiosity, and the many laughs we’ve shared along the way. You have constantly reminded me of why I am so lucky to have this job. My first class at St Cols are now preparing for their Year 12 exams, and it feels like the right moment to move on. While I continue to love the St Columba’s community, I’m also enjoying the opportunities and challenges of teaching in London, and I’d like to give myself more time to experience these fully. Unfortunately, this means I must formally give up my position.

2025 has been a year of tremendous growth, filled with both challenges and amazing opportunities. I encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zones and try something new — it’s truly one of the best things I’ve ever done.

Thank you for everything you have all offered me, and I look forward to our paths crossing again one day.

Warm regards,

Matt