Dear Community of St Columba’s,
As I write this, our students are enthusiastically practising their EduDance routines, filling the playground with music, movement and laughter. These everyday moments are a wonderful reminder of the vibrancy of our school community and the joy that our children bring to each day. There is certainly a growing buzz of excitement around the school as the end of the year approaches.
Afternoon of the Notables Presentation
We are looking forward to our GATE students sharing their learning tomorrow at the Afternoon of the Notables. This event provides students with the opportunity to delve deeply into the lives and achievements of significant historical and contemporary figures, developing their research, critical thinking, creativity and presentation skills along the way. A sincere thank you to Jenny McLeod for her coordination of this program and for the countless hours invested in guiding and supporting students throughout the process.
Idle Off Initiative
The Idle Off campaign highlights an important issue that affects school communities everywhere, vehicle idling and its impact on children’s health.
When vehicles are left running while parked, they produce concentrated exhaust pollution. Children are particularly vulnerable to this pollution because their lungs are still developing, they breathe more rapidly than adults, and they are often positioned closer to the ground where emissions are at their highest concentration. Research indicates that regular exposure to transport-related pollution can have long-term impacts on children’s health, including effects on the lungs, heart and brain.
The encouraging news is that this type of pollution is entirely preventable. Simply switching off your engine while waiting to collect children or while parked near the school can significantly reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality for everyone.
We kindly ask all parents, carers and visitors to support this initiative by turning off vehicle engines when waiting in the areas surrounding our school, particularly during pick up time. This simple act helps create a healthier and more comfortable environment for our students, staff and families, particularly in learning and working spaces where windows can be open.
Thank you for your support in helping us care for the wellbeing of our school community and the environment we share.
Upcoming Events
- Thursday 5 November: Afternoon of Notables Presentation by GATE Students, 1.30 pm.
- Tuesday 10 November: Assembly @ 2pm
In gratitude,
Gina Burns
Principal
CSPWA Term 4 Newsletter
Welcome to the latest edition of our Schoolzine eNewsletter!
Visit the link below to view your newsletter:
https://cspwa.schoolzineplus.com/enews?nid=77
Assistant Principal's Updates
UR STRONG
FIERY FRIENDSHIPS
Friendship Fact #1 reminds our students that no friendship (or relationship) is perfect. It’s very normal to have conflict in a friendship (Friendship Fires!) and also very normal that some friendships are little ‘fiery’ than others. Here’s an article with lots of tips to support your child in a high-conflict friendship.
https://urstrong.com/high-conflict-friendships/
SCHOOL PHOTOS
All photos are currently still available to purchase, but they will be removed from our website at the end of Term 4 in readiness for next year.
Mrs Leesa Vinciullo
APRE and Inclusive Education Coordinator
P & F News
Want to be part of the P&F in 2027?
We’re looking for enthusiastic parents to join our Parents & Friends (P&F) Committee in 2027!
The P&F plays an important role in bringing our school community together through fundraising, friendship and fun! From organising school events to supporting initiatives that benefit our students, it’s a wonderful way to get involved, meet other families and make a difference.
Nominations are now open for four positions:
- Chairperson
- Vice Chairperson
- Secretary
- Treasurer
You don’t need any previous committee experience, just a willingness to get involved, work as part of a team and contribute to our wonderful school community.
The P&F meets approximately once a month on a Tuesday evening, and we’d love to see some new faces and fresh ideas in 2027!
Interested in joining?
Please submit your nomination in writing to our Principal, Gina Burns, at gina.burns@cewa.edu.au by THIS Thursday 5 November 2026.
For more information about the roles and responsibilities, please read the P&F Terms of Reference.
Whether you’re a familiar face or looking to get involved for the first time, we’d love to have you on board.
Thanks,
The P&F team
Library News
“A massive thank you to our wonderful family volunteers below who spent time covering and protecting our library collection. Covering hundreds of books is no easy task, but your dedication ensures our students can borrow their favourite tales all year long.”
- de Courcier
- Elliott
- Khoo
- Lumsden
- Nebel
- Patton
- Webb
If you are able to help out in 2027 please contact the library. All precut contact is supplied.
Looking forward to your continued support in 2027 in reaching as many students as possible with the gift of reading!
Sincerest thanks
Rita Cuthbert
Library
(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
Pastoral Care
Happy Birthday to:
The following students who will celebrate birthday’s in the coming week:
Vera Pirone 1G
WEEKLY RAFFLE ROSTER
TERM 4
Week 4 – 4 November
Week 5 – 11 November
| Kindy Green | Week 4 – Koa Nguyen Week 5 – Patrick Olds |
| Kindy White | Week 4 – Maeve Sinfield Week 5 – Nylah Ta |
| PP Green | Week 4 – Oisin O’Gorman-Smith Week 5 – Isla Quispe |
| PP White | Week 4 – Isla Rintoul Week 5 – Azbileg Telmuun |
| Year 1 Green | Week 4 – Ruairi Meenan Week 5 – Zara Parker |
| Year 1 White | Week 4 – Caolan Meenan Week 5 – Charlie Walker |
| Year 2 Green | Week 4 – Lily Sinfield Week 5 – Ezra Smart |
| Year 2 White | Week 4 – Jayden Win Week 5 – Adam Tuma |
| Year 3 Green | Week 4 – Isaac Tran Week 5 – Edith Parks |
| Year 3 White | Week 4 – Sebastian Setzinger Week 5 – Ezra Ta |
| Year 4 Green | Week 4 – Jesse Smith Week 5 – Samuel Kootje |
| Year 4 White | Week 4 – Alessia Scagnetti Week 5 – Alliah Parker |
| Year 5 Green | Week 4 – Thea Setzinger Week 5 – Jenson Kootje |
| Year 5 White | Week 4 – Juliana Versaico Week 5 – Maria Wai |
| Year 6 Green | Week 4 – Quill O’Brien Week 5 – Lucia O’Toole |
| Year 6 White | Week 4 – Corey Nguyen Week 5 – William Parks |
Student Achievements
CONGRATULATIONS
Another superstar to celebrate! BROOKY
A huge congratulations to our amazing Irish dancer, Brooky!
Brooky has had an incredible year, placing 3rd in Australia at the Australian National Championships held in Adelaide in September 2026, and she hasn’t stopped there! Most recently, Brooky travelled to London to compete in The 2026 Great Britain Irish Dancing Championships (CLRG Major Feis), where she placed an incredible 17th out of 70 competitors!
What an amazing achievement & a wonderful reflection of all the hard work, dedication & passion she puts into her dancing.
Congratulations, Brooky !
PADDLING SUPERSTAR!
Following in her big brother’s footsteps, Talisa has made quite a splash of her own!
Talisa took home not one, but TWO fantastic awards at the Paddle WA Awards
U10 Female Marathon Paddler of the Year
U12 Female Sprint Paddler of the Year
Congratulations, your hard work & determination are certainly paying off, Talisa.
Community Notices
