Principal's Post

Dear Parents

Welcome everyone to Week 5 of the Term. It is a Sunday afternoon, and I am planning for the week ahead. I realise, as I sit here, there is always plenty happening, plenty to do and plenty to get through. I can plan my week knowing I can pretty much stick to the routines and manage the week. What I then realise, is while sitting at the front desk in the office a couple of times this last two weeks, just how much, as a parent there is so much more going on.

Seeing parents come and go throughout the school day, whether collecting their children for appointments, or children feeling unwell, a forgotten lunch and more, it does not surprise me that routines and plans go out the window. I do remember those days when my kids relied on me to be 100% available. It really is a special thing to be a parent, but it is also high-level time management to be across everything. Reminds me of when I was teaching in the classroom that required 100% availability as well to the kids in my class. Parenting and teaching, I see so many crossovers between the two. In the end it all relates to the care we all have for our St Col’s kids, whether as a parent or a staff member. This is what I notice whenever I am out at Kiss and Drive, in the playground, in classrooms, or when working in the front office. It is so obvious.

Over the coming weeks, as we head into a very busy time of the year for everyone, my hope is we all find some time to stop.

And I guess this is where this quote comes in. This Psalm does bring us the hope that as busy as it is for all of us, God will whisper to calm the waters for us. We probably do not even think about it, but there is so much goodness in our lives that it is tangible. Like I can sense it. I know you can too, because I see it every day in the gentleness of how we look after each other. Our kids shine at this.

I just have to think of assembly the other day. You should see the faces on the kids when their friends are getting awards. Truly, it was even with one of the younger brothers, who starts Kindy next year, calling out his sister’s name when she received her award. Other kids were so excited when their friends came back to sit down. It is just what happens I guess, but then again, it is something that just happens, or have we all contributed to what is being created within our kids. I reckon it is the latter.

Funny, last week, I was speaking to a group of our boys who are just struggling a bit with each other. Not a catastrophe or anything, but just a struggle. The challenge for them is how do they keep kindness in the midst of some frustrations they may have with each other. It was the best conversation of my day. Such genuine kids. The interesting part for me was how one of the young lads was the calm in the storm. He had a calmness about him. Maybe these are the moments the psalm is speaking of, as the next five minutes of conversation brought with it some peacefulness, with a couple of moments of laughter that broke the tension. They also looked so tired. I think it is just the time of the year and the amount that is happening for them. The best part was bringing them back to our values. They were all able to relate to these, which was wonderful to see. I know these Mercy Values created this year, will be living within our kids over the coming years, as it is already having an impact.

With Remembrance Day this week. I know it will be acknowledged with a respectful and reverent service. It is just what our community do. I remember last year, I walked out of my office into the undercover area to silence. There was not a sound. These are very special moments. Our kids get this idea of high respect and show such understanding. Our children always sing with passion and listen with intent. I will speak about how we have in our motto at St Columba’s School, ‘Live in Peace’, and how we are called to be this with everyone. We give thanks for those that have served in the past and present and asked God to bless all people with courage and kindness. Living with gentleness and compassion for others and knowing their story is what we remember during this week of remembrance.

Class Lists 2022

As with every year, teachers work together to organise class lists for 2022. Many variables are worked in to manage these class allocations of our students. Teachers are focused on what is best for their students. These will be out later in the term in time for our transition day on Monday 6 December. Staffing allocations will also be released the week before our transition morning.

With much happening, both at school and in life, I wish you the best as we all head into the waters that may be stormy at times, and a gentleness to hush those waves that come rolling our way.

Take care and look after yourself.

Art

P & F News

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.

Pastoral Care

Award Winners

Term 4, Week 4

PP Green – Mathea Co, Jacob Hofmann, Asher Shrivastava
PP White – Arthur Oliveira, Oaklyn Payne, Lily Vernon

1 Green – Henry Fry, Corey Nguyen, Emma North
1 White – Le Hieu Anh Hoang, Max Nguyen

2 Green – Jaike Evangelista, Ella MacPherson
2 White – Stella Kent, Theo Smart

3 Green – Emme Moretta, Max Pierre, Giorgia Trevenen
3 White – Neve Gerick, Archer Laffrey

4 Green – Harvey Lindsay, Dylan Sardelich
4 White – Sophie Jagger, Oliver Landis, Clyde Peters

5 Green – William Buckley, Ava Moretta
5 White – Zara Callo, Daphne Wishart

6 Green –
6 White –

Community Notices

We have been advised by Kapture Photography that all portraits and class groups, sports and/or special team photos taken this year are still available for purchase.  Sports and or special group photos will not be available for viewing and purchase after this school year.  

Please visit www.kapture.com.au using our school code; QH3THZ

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

We have limited places available in all year groups for 2022.  If you are considering enrolling your daughter at Mercedes College, please visit the Mercedes website at www.mercedes.wa.edu.au to request a prospectus, to enrol online or 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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THURSDAY 18 November 5.30-8.30pm – Continuing the Dialogue: Observations and reflections on the First Plenary Council Assembly

The opening session of the Plenary Council concluded on October 10 after an intense week of prayer, discussion and discernment. 

The Council for Catholic Women Perth warmly invites you to hear Perth’s women members share their experience of the first assembly of the Plenary Council.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions and to contribute to this dialogue. Men and women are all welcome.

Venue : James Nestor Hall ,Catholic Education Office 50 Ruislip St West Leederville

When: Thursday 18 November, 5.30pm – 8.30pm (Light refreshments served 5.30pm – 6pm)

RSVP: Tuesday 16 November by email kerrymacfarlane2@gmail.com or mobile 0400 886 835

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Kora Centre

Childcare in Bayswater – Refer to flyer attached to this newsletter.

Kora Centre Inc. – Licensed childcare service at Bayswater

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Enrolments are now open for VacSwim swimming lessons during the summer school holidays. VacSwim offers fun lessons at beach or pool locations. They are a great school holiday activity and they teach valuable safety skills to help keep your child safe in the water.

Enrol at education.wa.edu.au/vacswim

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Classifieds