Principal's Post

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

How are you going this week? I am sure there is plenty going on for you in life, so always remember self-care is really important. Your wellness is paramount. Are you taking some time to be, some time to refuel? I know, a ridiculous concept, when you are a mum or a dad of little ones. I really do not have answers for how you can do this, but I know as parents you go flat out and have many things you have to take care of, where even thinking of giving yourself 15 minutes of me time a day seems out of reach. I seriously get this for you. I do want you to know, having 15 minutes to yourself to breathe a few times a day is so deserved for you all. I can only imagine how many things race through your mind every minute. You know it is not selfish right? You know, to be selfish for a little bit is okay.

I mean you serve selflessly most of your days as a parent. When do you only think of yourself? Like never right. When was the last time it was only about you? Cannot remember I hear you say. Yep, being a parent is the best thing ever. My hope is you know it is okay to find time for you.

As I head into the final weeks of being a principal, and having the opportunity to write to you, I do find my focus is on you, my staff and our kids. It is all I really think about. Your wellness, my staff’s wellness, our St Col’s kids’ wellness, my family’s wellness and knowing my mates are okay. Why would this be a focus? Well, it is because I have discovered over my years that while there are many wellness programs that come across our day, the one wellness program that I feel is the most important in life, is connection to other humans.

Our life, my life is a beautiful thing because of the people I have in it. This is what wellness is. I am well when I have others around me that get who I am, accept who I am, support me and have a forgiving heart. You know it. Good humans being around us, making us feel we are cared for, is what wellbeing is all about. I know I have talked about this before, but I am grateful every day for the people I meet, the people I end up in conversations with. I think about the times where I have struggled and experienced times of suffering, it has always been the people around me that have brought peace to who I am. Brought a sense of calm back into my life. A sense of it is going to be okay. It has never been a program. I know a program will help, but nothing like a good human in my life.

I get life is not always beautiful, that is what life is. We are always going to be experiencing moments that are tough, that test our resolve, test who we are. Because you make me feel at peace here at St Col’s I do find it easy to share my story with you. I have to say, it is my wellbeing vehicle this Donegal. But I do want you to know when we have tough times, there will be people here at St Col’s that will stop anything they are doing to support you, to make things feel a little better. It is what St Col’s does. It is what I am most proud of as principal. The humans we are creating together. You know all of this rubs off on your kids. It is what they are immersed in, what we are immersed in. Never underestimate this.

It is the one thing I am soaking up in every experience at the moment. It was like yesterday, I bumped into a dad for 30 seconds. I knew he loved mowing his lawn and had about seven [slight exaggeration] lawn mowers in his shed to make sure his lawn looked like a manicured golf course. I know, crazy how good I felt knowing that about him. Funny what you pick up at CSPWA meetings, but I felt connected as you know what the oval means to me. I know, the small things right. Guess the ikigai concept I love is at work. Remember, ikigai is all about the grass being greener on my side of the fence. We stop comparing ourselves and chasing other things, we just get to be. Ikigai is a concept that takes the pressure off. I talked about this in last week’s Donegal.

I re-read it on the weekend after one of the beautiful people in my life, one of my teachers I employed in her first job as a teacher, contacted me to let me know she had read my newsletter. She had just had her second little bub. I mean this is what I am talking about, our connection with others can never be taken for granted. I think of this person as a mum and I know how blessed her two daughters are. My wellness at this time skyrocketed.

Wellbeing for you, our kids, for me, is all about the connections we make with others. Our St Col’s Kids are wonderful at this. They model it every single day. I get to see it. As I said, it is what I am most proud about. As my last people, our St Col’s Kids will always have a special part in my life, like all my kids, in all the schools I have been at. Not just as a principal, but all the kids I taught. It is because of this human connection. There will never be words that will be able to express my gratitude for the wellness your kids bring to my life and will continue to bring when I have left at the end of this year. So thank you for allowing me to be a part of their life. I really cannot wait to thank them at the end of this year.

Anyhow, I really should stop writing so I finish this Post and have it ready for Lisa this morning to place in the Donegal.

NAIDOC WEEK

Thank you to everyone for their involvement in NAIDOC Week. Once again we had wonderful experiences throughout the week. I want to especially thank one of our parents, Kat, who organised a bush food experience for all our students, as well as Gina and Guy who presented the Wanjoo experience through song during the day. I mean, we do have it good, and once again our kids’ engagement, well, let’s just say, they bring our Values alive in their actions and being who they are. Thank you to our team of staff who coordinated the experiences.

SCHOOL DISCO

Thank you to CSPWA for their organisation of the school disco on Friday evening. It takes much to get organised so the kids can have a fun night with their friends. I was unable to attend, so thank you to everyone involved in assisting in some way. I appreciate the effort that goes into such events.

COLUMBA’S RUNNING CLUB

Columba Runners had their wind-up over the weekend. Again, how would we do this without parent involvement? Well, we wouldn’t. This opportunity for our kids would not exist without parents being willing to commit, and it is a big commitment. I know we all appreciated the efforts of the key coordinators and how much goes into the final presentation and wind-up. This goes back to everything I have just talked about in the Principal Post. Gratitude!

PIZZA DAY

Yesterday was Pizza Day. A massive thank you to Simona [Signora DeMaio] and Nunzio [Number 1 Pizza Chef in the World] for making it a wonderful experience. It was engaging and so much fun. Simone brings such a joy to our languages program. Our kids continue to amaze me on days like this and how they engage with those who come into our school. Nunzio was a joy in himself, but the kids brought it to another level with their genuine interest.

MERCY MISSION DAY

Mercy Mission Day is a much-loved event on the St Columba’s School Calendar.

Students wear free dress for a gold coin donation.

While we were unable to hold Mercy Mission Day earlier in the year, we are now planning to celebrate this event on FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER (Tomorrow). The plan for the day is as follows:

9.00 – 9.20 am                  Liturgy (classroom)

11.00 – 11.15 am             Students and staff set up their stalls

11.15 – 12.45 pm             Stalls are open for business

12.45 – 1.00 pm                Students assist with the clean-up of their stalls and surrounding areas

Class teachers will inform parents of any donations they require in order to create their stalls, or any other assistance they would appreciate from parents. Looking forward to another wonderful Mercy Mission Day at St Columba’s. Parents are welcome to come along.

Thanks again for your continued support of everything we do at St Columba’s School. I hope you are able to find a moment for self this weekend to refuel and take care of you. Remember, you spend most of the moments in your day in selfless service, it is okay for moments of selfishness.

Also, please note there will be no newsletter next week.

Goodness your way!

Art

Traffic Warden

The Traffic Warden who works at the Children’s Crossing on Whatley Crescent, near Leake Street is unable to work from Friday the 23^rd of September until Monday the 31^st of October.  Unfortunately there is no relief staff available to cover the position.

P & F News

SAVE THE DATE – ITALIAN NIGHT 4^TH NOVEMBER 

Tommy Sugo Fundraiser

The CSPWA is running a Tommy Sugo fundraiser to help with the cost of new playground equipment. Some Year 4 students have put together a proposal for some new playground climbing equipment and have asked the CSPWA to help fund it.

With each purchase of the yummy pastas, sauces and ready-made meals Tommy Sugo will donate 20% of the sales. So check out the flyer attached to the newsletter, pass it around to family and friends and help the CSPWA by making a purchase.

Not keen to order online, no problem, Tommy Sugo will have a pop-up shop at school this Thursday 20^th October from 2:30pm. Come and purchase your dinner for the evening or purchase a few and freeze them for quick easy delicious mid-week meals.

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 18 October 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

Award Winners

MERIT AWARDS – Term 4, Week 1

PP Green – Jax Fermanis, Luca Isautier, Alliah Parker, Mason Sardelich
PP White – Ella Aldworth, Chase Gilbert, Otis Knox

1 Green – Nate Hoogland, Oliver Minchin, Ethan Borich, Mackenzie Strachan
1 White – Mila Fernandez, Tristan Goh, Thomas Hodson, Talisa Martino Da Fonseca, Maria Mustica

2 Green – Henry Crookes, Mia Fernandez, Cherubim Vu
2 White – Isabella Goh, Alexander Khoo, Tom Ross

3 Green – Aaliyah Brandis, Jaike Evangelista
3 White – Lachlan Eaton, Leo Kennelly

4 Green – Lucas Giuffre, Francis Le, Harry Mawer, Giorgia Trevenen
4 White – Jack Hutton, Moihi Moses-Taratu, Max Pierre, Phoenix Stanmore

5 Green – Grace Hamilton, Elizabeth Wright
5 White – Oliver May, Xavier Miller, Leo Rakitic, Camille Tribut

6 Green – Oscar Durack, Orlando Martino Da Fonseca, Lauren Pincus
6 White – Craig De Mello, Ava Moretta, Kate Rattray

Religious Education and Curriculum News

From our Year 6 Class

On Tuesday, the Year 6 classes visited the Creative and Practical Arts Exhibition at Chisholm Catholic College. They were very impressed with the amazing pieces created by the students and wrote about their favourite. It was fantastic to view pieces of work created by ex St Columba’s students and for those students who are attending Chisholm in 2023 to see where their lockers will be!

Community Notices

ST C DOPHINS

Come join the St C Dolphins/Seals to prepare for the Faction Swimming Carnival!  Children from Years 4-6 with a learn to swim level 6 and above are invited with breakfast provided at school after training”. Cost is $30 for 3 sessions, please complete the form attached to this newsletter and send to ingrid.iaschi@optusnet.com.au or give to Ingrid at training on Friday morning.

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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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Classifieds