Principal's Post

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome to Week 5 of the term. I know, crazy how time passes by at such a rapid rate. There has been much happening and much to be grateful for. Like Friday night’s Italian Night. A chilled out and relaxed evening where families came together to share food and friendship. We appreciate how busy everyone is, so to see many families enjoy the grassed oval and the playground area with their kids was a wonderful thing. Thank you to everyone involved in the planning for the night and to those that assisted. Events like this take a heap of effort. Still do not know how all the food got out so quickly. My lasagne was amazing, like so good. The two pieces of garlic bread topped it off. Not that I needed it, but the cannoli and the gelato, well that was quality. Never get enough of that.

So with everything on the weekend and everything that comes with our Saturdays and Sundays, I woke this morning [writing this on a Monday evening] resetting myself with my routine of thinking about three things I was grateful for, who I was going to serve and what was exciting about the day. So this is what I had for today. Gratefulness x 3 = Lombardi Lane surprise on Friday at assembly. I had a moment to stop and think about it, away from the rush. Had not thought about it over the weekend, but realised just what an honour it was to be so cared for by my St Col’s people. Kindness in abundance. Speechless for the first time since I can remember. Threw me for the whole assembly. Not sure I made any sense at all for the morning. Number 2 was knowing I had ironed my shirt and trousers for today. Nothing better. I do not know how you all get kids organised for school. Just saying, seriously. Then my Number 3, which will now be obvious, was that my girls who are 23 and 25 do not need me to organise them to get ready for work. Do you actually realise how gifted you are getting your kids here on time and then getting to everything else you have to do in the day? Just think about that for a moment.

The quote below from Richelle Goodrich says it all. Find things to be grateful for, share them, and you will be planting little smiley faces wherever you go, especially your own.

I was then thinking of who I would serve today. Well, that was easy. My focus today were kids who may have been struggling a bit with a few things, so I just needed to connect in with them, and then a few kids who had been giving out good stuff last week when I was out on duty, but even at assembly. I spoke to one lad who received a merit award, and when his mate received one, he turned to pat him on the shoulder. Small things I know, but man they impact. I do need to speak to one of our little champions who I chatted with while their merit award was being read out. Talk about excited, but even more, talk about gratitude. Like how good do I have it? The stuff I witness with kids is off the charts the best.

Talking about excitement, my excitement for today was knowing I was going to Charlie’s and the Corner Butcher to buy chicken cutlets for dinner. Some fresh white bread, and the obligatory salad to make sure I covered all bases. But let’s be honest, if you are cooking chicken cutlets, then having a freshly cooked cutlet in soft white bread, is there anything more exciting than that?

Okay, it is now Wednesday night. Cooked on Monday night and had a few things on so running behind again. How unusual. I mean, I am not chasing kids around, yet I am behind. You must marvel at yourself and how you do it with such efficiency. Good work by you.

The thing is, I reckon I was not meant to finish my Post until tonight. No, truly, this is how God works, just has his plan and then he takes care of business. If I had finished on Monday I would not talk about the three experiences of gratitude I experienced today.

Firstly, Gina Burns, our new Principal visited our school to see the kids and also meet with staff. It was a wonderful day. Now, I spoke about Gina and how grateful she was to be selected as the person to lead you. Well, today that shone through in every experience. We will be blessed to have Gina here, as she will be blessed to have you. There was a positivity that permeated throughout the day. It was a wonderful experience for me as your current Principal.

Secondly, I caught up with a grandad, just before Kiss and Drive. Talk about a blessing for me. You know how it rolls, you start chatting and share some stuff and before you know it I am hugging him like he is my dad. I just reckon when people share their stories, the world opens up and there is so much goodness that comes. Such a random meeting, but maybe it was not so random. Maybe I was meant to walk across the basketball court, rather than head to Kiss and Drive today. I do not know what it is, but you have so much strength some of you that I often stand humbly in your presence. Your gratitude for life and what your journey has been is something I learn much from. I cannot explain how much peace I felt after talking to this grandfather.

Then, 20 minutes later I am blessed again with a conversation with one of our mums. All I can say is that I sat inspired through her story and a journey that resonated with everything we stand for as St Col’s people. How is it we have moments in our day where the stories others share show such humanness that the world of those they meet change forever. I am not being dramatic about this, but the two stories from today will sit with me for some time and will make impact of how I see the purpose of life and why we are here at St Col’s. Like, stop for a moment and ask yourself? I know my why for why I have loved this gig at St Col’s. I mean even the name St Col’s makes you want to be a part of it. I actually said to this mum this afternoon that I felt a peacefulness after speaking with her. So good! Who is the luckiest Principal on the planet? That is easy, me, but the Why? Always being because I have the kids…this will always be Number 1, but having other humans from you as parents/grandparents and my staff, well that is the answer to the extra why.

Remembrance Day

This week is important for us as we commemorate Remembrance Day. At 11.00 am on the 11^th day of the 11^th month we remember. It marks the time agreements were made to end the First World War. This is a day for us to stop and be grateful for all we have in Australia, for all we have that allows us to be who we are, and all the opportunities that are available to us. This time of silence allows us to be present in acknowledging the sacrifices others made for our freedoms and our way of life. These days are always times of reflection where we get moments to show gratitude.

Booklists 2023

The booklists will be rolled out as in previous years, with bulk orders being set by the teachers. Parents will receive details in the coming week regarding payment for student supplies for 2023. We have transitioned to Campion School Supplies for the next school year.

Class Lists 2023

As with every year, teachers work together to organise class lists for 2023. 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 morning on Monday 5 December. Staffing allocations will also be released when finalised in the coming weeks.

As with every week, I wish you an abundance of good things, both for you and your family. You deserve everything that comes your way. May you find time this week to continue to look after yourself so your tank is full and not running on empty.

In gratitude

Art

P & F News

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

Any questions or queries, I can be contacted via email gtarmstrong@iinet.net.au

Tanya Armstrong

President CSPWA

__

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.

Thank you everyone!

Rita Cuthbert – Library Officer – Library - the original search engine

Pastoral Care

Award Winners

MERIT AWARDS – Term 4, Week 4

PP Green – Ezekiel Byrde, Xander De Souza, Bodhi Laffrey, Rose Pearson, Ross Smith
PP White – Ava-Marie Bova, Adam Nguyen, Oscar Walker

1 Green – Ethan Borich, Jacob Mak, Reuben Williams
1 White – Caleb Brennan, Patrick McGlue

2 Green – Chanella Halmich, Corey Nguyen, Kelvin Quach
2 White – Tommy Gibson, Davern Laffrey, Emma North, Quill O’Brien

3 Green – Ella MacPherson, Luca Maio, Hunter Sardelich, Kirana Stahl
3 White – Miranda Ahn, Andrew Gai, Emmanuel Wai

4 Green – Scarlett Fernandez, Abraham Lawes, Sayuthmee Ratnayake, Charlie Weaire
4 White – Kaitlyn Bidwell, Ty Fernandez, Olivia Harris

5 Green – Olivia Cullura, Annabel Inglis, Evan Nguyen, Leo Pileggi
5 White – Xavier Brandis, Brodie Eaton, Ryder Walsh

6 Green – William Buckley, Amie Lan
6 White – Ava Giangiordano, Joshua Hartstonge, Zane Lee, Dylan Peel

Religious Education and Curriculum News

From our Kindergarten Classes

In Kindy we have been learning the story of “The First Christmas”. We have been waiting and preparing for Jesus’ birth.

We have also been waiting for our ladybird eggs to hatch, just like people waited for Jesus’ birth.

We talked about the things we would do to prepare for our ladybirds and how we would look after them when they hatched.

From our Year 3 Classes

Oral Presentations

This term Year 3 students are giving oral presentations about a particular place, for example I did Tristan da Cunha, a remote island. When giving an oral presentation we have to keep eye contact, have good expression, have a nice, clear voice and put a lot of work into it. The audience has expectations too such as not being rude and listening carefully. Oral presentations can be hard. Here is a top tip if you have stage fright. Imagine no one is watching you. An oral presentation can be fun if you put lots of effort into it and are well prepared. Aisling Poulsen

When you first do an oral presentation it’s pretty scary but the more you do the more fun it becomes. Raffaele Parker

Drama

This term in Year 3 we’re doing drama lessons for two weeks. Our class is doing drama with Merylena from Helen O`Grady Drama Academy.

Firstly, we introduced ourselves to Merylena then we got started with our first game. We would dance around, then when she tapped her tambo we would pose low, medium or high.

Secondly, we had to work on our expression. When Merylena said “Go” in a surprised voice we would say, ‘’Oh no! There’s a hole in the roof.’’ We had to fix the roof with our acting skills.

Thirdly there were three lines of tape. One low, one medium and one high. You had to pose at all the lines and make a story. When the music turned sad you had to act like something terrible had happened and when the music turned happy you had to act like you solved your problem. Overall, our class loves drama. Merylena kept on saying that our expressions were great!
Alessia Marrapodi

I love the drama lessons that we’ve been doing because I love acting. Alex Pizzata

Community Notices

—

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

__

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.

—

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.

__

Classifieds