Dear Community of St Columba’s,
We are absolutely thrilled with the incredible effort, creativity, and curiosity our students brought to this year’s Science Fair. The participation was outstanding, and the variety of projects showcased the depth of thinking and enthusiasm for scientific exploration across all year levels. We are so proud of our young scientists.
It was especially heartwarming to see such strong family engagement. Thank you to all the parents, carers, and loved ones who came along to support and celebrate the students’ hard work. Your presence made the event even more special.
Our students truly knew their stuff! From innovative experiments to thoughtful presentations, they demonstrated not only knowledge but also a genuine passion for science. It was a joy to witness their confidence and pride as they explained their projects.
Congratulations to Sarah Bolton, our Science Teacher, whose guidance and encouragement helped make this event such a success. Her commitment to fostering a love of science in our students is deeply appreciated.
Congratulations to our Interschool Athletics Team
We are incredibly proud of our students who represented St Columba’s at the recent Interschool Athletics Carnival. Their determination, sportsmanship, and team spirit were on full display throughout the day.
A huge congratulations to our Boys Team, who took home the Boys Shield, an outstanding achievement! Our Girls Team also performed brilliantly, placing third in a competitive field. Overall, St Columba’s placed second, an amazing result that reflects the hard work and dedication of our athletes.
Thank you to Mr Banks and all staff, families, and supporters who cheered on our team and helped make the day such a success. Your encouragement means the world to our students.
Thank you from all our Teachers
Thank you to our wonderful school community for the appreciation shown on World Teacher Appreciation Day. We were surrounded by the beautiful colours of nature through the stunning flowers gifted to us, and we were truly spoiled with the scrumptious morning tea generously provided by our P&F.
To our students, thank you for inspiring us every day with your curiosity, kindness, and resilience. You are the reason we teach, and your growth and joy make every moment worthwhile.
To our families, thank you for your ongoing support, encouragement, and partnership. Your trust and collaboration help us create a nurturing and vibrant learning environment.
Teaching is a vocation, and we are honoured to walk this journey with you. Thank you for celebrating us. We feel truly appreciated.
Notice of Annual Community Meeting
All parents are invited to the Annual Community Meeting on Wednesday, November 26, at 6:00 PM in the School Library. We encourage you to join us to hear the Annual Reports from the School, the Catholic School Advisory Council (CSAC), and the Parents and Friends Association (P&F). We also invite you to consider nominating yourself or another parent for membership in one of our school’s Parent Bodies.
The CSAC is seeking one elected position. We extend our thanks and appreciation to our outgoing CSAC Member, Stephanie Juskiewicz. (Nomination form attached to this newsletter)
To our CSAC Chairperson, Stephanie we are grateful for the time, energy, and heart you have given to St Columba’s. Stephanie’s youngest daughter completed Year 6 at the end of 2024, and we were incredibly grateful when she chose to continue supporting the school into 2025. It was clear that her heart remained with our community, even after Zoe’s graduation.
Steph, your objective perspective, calm wisdom, and genuine care for the school have been invaluable. You have offered insight that has helped shape important decisions.
The P&F are seeking two new members for the Executive Team in 2026. Nominations are specifically sought for a Chairperson and Secretary. (Nomination form attached to this newsletter)
We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the outgoing P&F Executive Team members for their dedicated and enthusiastic service over the past two years. In 2024, these members courageously accepted a one-year co-option to the P&F and went on to strengthen our community further by forming a new committee in 2025.
To our P&F co-Chairs, Nikki Staveley and Davina Goh, thank you for your leadership, vision, and tireless commitment to fostering a strong and inclusive school community, championing new initiatives and supporting the school.
To our P&F co-Secretaries, Courtney Eden and Sarah Sorgiovanni, your attention to detail, organisation, and behind-the-scenes work have been invaluable. You’ve helped ensure the smooth running of meetings, clear communication, and support for all P&F activities.
We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and care you have given to these roles. Your contributions have helped shape a vibrant and connected school environment, and we thank you sincerely for your service.
In Gratitude,
Gina Burns
Principal
Assistant Principal's Updates
KAPTURE PHOTOGRAPHY – PHOTO UPDATE
Parents, please note that Kapture photography have advised that they are running slightly behind on their normal delivery time for school photos. Please be assured that they are working around the clock to get everything to us as soon as possible. We will advise parents once photos have been received. We thank you for your patience.
LOST PROPERTY
Our lost property is over flowing. Lots of uniform items, jackets and drink bottles. Please take some time to have a look through if you have lost anything. All items will be donated to charity or disposed of at the end of term.
Mrs Leesa Vinciullo
Assistant Principal
P & F News
REMINDERS
SECOND HAND UNIFORMS FACEBOOK GROUP
A new private facebook group has been setup exclusively to buying, selling and swapping second-hand school uniforms online. Please note, this group is separate from the main school community group and is purely for uniform-related posts. Search ‘St Columba’s Bayswater | Second Hand Uniforms’ and join now heading into Term 4 uniform-selling-season!
Help Our School Move Forward — Join ‘Your Move’!
We’re inviting all parents to sign up to the Your Move website and join our school group! Every registration earns points for our school — and the more points we accumulate, the more exciting opportunities we unlock (such as grant funding for bike infrastructure). From Connecting Schools Grants to bike education, student leadership labs, and Safe Routes to School guides, Your Move helps us build a more active, connected school community. Whether your child walks, wheels, scoots, or rides, your support helps us inspire healthier habits and access valuable resources. Let’s get moving — sign up today and help our school thrive! https://yourmove.org.au/register
Containers for Change
Get involved with our School yard fundraising by joining the containers for change group. All you have to do is scan the barcode attached to the newsletter with your containers from home — all funds from your deposit goes directly back to fundraising for items that benefit the kids at St Cols.
School Rewards Program — THE ATHLETE’S FOOT Morley Galleria
With $5 from every pair of shoes purchased being donated back to our School, This applies to the whole family across their fantastic range of school, sports, work and casual shoes. Make sure you mention St Col’s.
SAVE THE DATE
Welcome Back School family event / St Col’s 90th Birthday Party — Friday 6th February 5-7pm
Library News
Book Covering
The library has lots of new and exciting books needing covering so that our students can read them before the end of the year. If you can help by taking a small number of books home to cover, please call into the library Monday, Thursday or Friday. Precut covering for books is supplied. Your help is greatly appreciated by students and staff.
Many thanks.
Rita Cuthbert – Library
(Monday, Thursday & Friday)
Pastoral Care
Happy Birthday to:
The following students who will celebrate birthday’s in the coming week:
Banksia Graham KW
Hugh Strickland PKW
Hudson Fernandez Y3G
Marcus Tang Y3G
Monica Jaramillo Restrepo Y4W
Milana Zachar Y6G
Jaike Evangelista Y6W
Would you like to Volunteer with us?
We are always looking for Volunteers to join the Pastoral Care Team. If you can spare a little time on a Wednesday morning after drop off, you can find us in the Church meeting room just as you enter from the basketball court entrance. Come say Hi and see what we are all about or please feel free to reach out to us by leaving a message with Lisa or Kylie in Administration and one of our amazing volunteers will talk you through volunteering with us.
WEEKLY RAFFLE ROSTER
TERM 4
Week 4 – 5 November No Raffle – Science Week
Week 5 – 12 November
Week 6 – 19 November
| Kindy Green | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Chloe Metherell Week 6 – Rosie Moore |
| Kindy White | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Elise Lee Week 6 – Evelyn Nebel |
| PP Green | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – August Knox Week 6 – Ruairi Meenan |
| PP White | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Gursher Lobana Week 6 – Caolan Meenan |
| Year 1 Green | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Francesco Pizzata Week 6 – Ned Moore |
| Year 1 White | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Akira Romeo Week 6 – Peyton Palmer |
| Year 2 Green | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Digby Weaire Week 6 – Mason Meenan |
| Year 2 White | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Harper Raven Week 6 – Leo Sharrinovski |
| Year 3 Green | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Aiden Harris Week 6 – Oscar Harris |
| Year 3 White | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Otis Knox Week 6 – Noah Palmer |
| Year 4 Green | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Maximo Pizzata Week 6 – Tristan Goh |
| Year 4 White | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Owen Metherell Week 6 – Jack Michael |
| Year 5 Green | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Harriet Weaire Week 6 – Not required |
| Year 5 White | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Sera McDougall Week 6 – Luca Marrapodi |
| Year 6 Green | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Alessandro Pizzata Week 6 – Alessia Marrapodi |
| Year 6 White | Week 4 – No Raffle – Science Week Week 5 – Peyton Shute Week 6 – Indi Whitbread |
Class News
From our Year 5 Classes
Future Leaders & Creative Designers!
This term, our Year 5 students have been shining brightly as they step into leadership and creativity! As part of our writing focus, students have been busy crafting their leadership speeches for 2026, reflecting on what it means to be a positive role model in our school community. Their speeches are full of passion, purpose, and persuasive flair – showcasing not only their writing skills but also their growing confidence and vision for the future.
In addition to their speeches, Year 5s have also channelled their artistic talents into designing their leavers shirts for next year. Each design reflects the spirit, personality, and memories of their time at St Columba’s, and students proudly presented their concepts to the class. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their journey and look ahead to the exciting year to come.
We’re so proud of the leadership, creativity, and teamwork shown by every student. The future is looking bright!
Community Notices
