Principal's Post

Dear Parents and Friends of St Col’s

As we head into the last couple of weeks of the school year, it is timely to write about our Year 6s. At their Graduation on Monday evening I talked about the three things I love about them, but also about our school crest and its importance in our lives. Here is a snapshot of what I talked about:

Our Year 6 Class of 2020

The three things I love about them:

1. That they listen to my theories on life with far more attentiveness than my own daughters. They also get how I roll. I can walk into their classrooms and be grumpy about something that is going on, and within a couple of minutes I walk out feeling happy. They are amazing at how well the connection has formed over the last three years.
2. They are genuine in their care for each other. As parents and teachers of this group of Year 6s, we know this to be true.
3. They have a sense of Joy. They bring their light to others. It is what they do. As a Principal, there are so many moments of joy that come to being in how they relate with others.

The Crest:

1. To Grow in Faith – Jesus was such a good man. Remember one of the greatest things we have in life, especially in a Catholic school, is to be able to see Jesus in other people and find the good in them, even when things are tough.
2. To Seek Wisdom – The opportunity we are given in our education to gain knowledge and greater understanding of the world and its people.
3. To Live in Peace – What we are all called to do by Mother Teresa. The way we care for others and embrace the imperfection of others is what creates a sense of calm and peace in our day. Through kindness we bring much peace to others.

I then spoke about the following Brene Brown quote, which talks about being awkward, being brave and being kind. I spoke to the Year 6s about how life can get a bit awkward for them, for their mates, for everyone, and the key is to know this is all okay. Being awkward will happen, whether it is when they walk into a Science class with no one they know, or catch a bus for the first time by themselves, or need to find their mates when the lunch bell goes and there are a thousand kids around. How brave they need to be and then how kind they must be on themselves during these moments. It is such a wonderful concept for kids, for all of us really. We only ever need someone else to be kind to us for this to be all okay. Imagine us being with our mates in a Year 7 classroom, and a new kid comes in who knows no one, what is it we do as St Col’s Kids? We are St Col’s Kids forever, so we have only one option. We welcome the new kid to our group. We are brave in standing up to make them feel at home, and we are kind. We bring a peace to the new kid and make their world a better place for that moment. We change lives of others as Mother Teresa asks with those nearest to us.

I spoke with the Year 6s about the theory of ‘Paying It Forward’. The kindness we receive is what drives us to show kindness to others. I spoke about how there was a day this year where a Pre-Primary mum had made some pasta for the kids. They were so kind to me, that they brought me a bowl. Immediately, I knew the sauce was made the Napolitano way. It was made the way my dad’s family made sauce, from Naples. I went into the room to thank the mum. All I had to say was this Napolitano…and yes it was. The next day, I received a bottle of homemade sauce to take home with some pasta from Naples. That day I gave out so much goodness to others. This is paying it forward. Such kindness causes the ripple effect. Here is a picture below of the sauce and meatballs I cooked with the sauce I was given. Delizioso!

I wish to thank all our Year 6 parents for their support and trust in what we do for your children. With the support of parents, there is so much good that comes. To our staff, especially, Leesa and Clare our Year 6 teachers, along with Shelby and Rob, your care for our students is something very special. So clear in how the events of the term have had a sense of oneness and unity across all our students and their families. To everyone involved in the Mass, from Megan and Kerry, to our choir, Fr Andrew, what a cracking good man, our special guests who care so much for our school and bring such positivity. We are truly blessed to be St Col’s people.

We thank our Year 6 parents for the graduation event they held for the kids on Saturday evening. It was an example of how much joy your kids bring you. They had an amazing evening, filled with the one thing they are known for, FUN! It is what they bring whenever they are together. Here is a picture of the kids on the night.

TEACHER LINE-UP 2021

Our teaching line-up for 2021 is on the table below. Please note, Mr Niall Kehoe, our new Early Childhood Education Assistant Principal will be teaching two days in Year 3. We will be appointing the teaching partner for Niall in the coming weeks. We will keep the families of Year 3 White informed of the decision once we have made the appointment.

PRE-PRIMARY NATIVITY and FAREWELL to FAMILIES LEAVING St Columba’s School

This Thursday, tomorrow, we have our Pre-Primary Nativity in the undercover area. We will commence at 9.00 am with a blessing from Fr Andrew. Our Pre-Primary students will then present their nativity, followed by a presentation of candles to our families leaving St Columba’s School. We wish all our families who finish their time here in Year 6 and across all year levels an abundance of blessings. We thank you and know that you will always be a part of our St Col’s family.

BULK ORDER BOOKLISTS 2021

In 2021, we will be continuing our bulk ordering system for Booklists. It assists in reducing booklist costs, but also assisting in the management of stationery across the year. These booklists will come through at the end of next week. Parents will be required to complete this order through our stationery provider. Specific details will be forwarded in the correspondence next week. A date will be set for final payment which will be set for mid to late January.

CLASS LISTS 2021

• Class lists will be coming out this Thursday 3 December. These will be placed outside classrooms in the afternoon.
• We keep this low key with the kids, however we do know that the release of class lists can be a time of anxiety for parents and kids, as well as staff. It is just the human part of the deal.
• Teachers and leadership spend much time in ensuring classes are allocated in the best interest of our kids. We have 100% faith in our teachers and in the process we follow regarding allocation of classes. We know you trust us with your kids.
• It is important to note that our teachers work very closely with each other, with a key target for 2021 being our students collaborating across the classrooms in their learning.
• Our teachers at St Columba’s School, work diligently in making every one of our families feel very welcome in their new classroom.
• Enjoy the excitement that comes with a new school year and remember to be positive about the year ahead with your children.

TRANSITION SESSION Monday 7 December at 9.30 am

This quote applies for our staff, myself as Principal, and for all our parents. Does our face light up when we see our kids? Does our face light up when we see each other? I know the transition morning is always super exciting for our kids. As with each year, our students will spend an hour with their new teachers for 2021. This transition session will take place on Monday 7 December between 9.30 am and 10.30 am. New students for 2021 will also be in attendance.

UNIFORM SHOP

The uniform shop will be open on the morning of the transition session – 8.00am to 10.30am. This will be the last time the shop will be open for 2020.

EDUDANCE AND END OF YEAR CONCERT

Details have been sent out through the Class Seesaw App. Details for the evening are also attached to the newsletter. Thank you to everyone for abiding by the rules for COVID-19 protocols for 2020.

END OF YEAR CLASS PARTIES/WATER SLIDE DAY

• Years 1 – 5 will have their water slide day next Thursday 10 December.
• Details of the day will come home through your classroom teachers. Class end of year parties and celebrations will be modified due to COVID-19 regulations. We appreciate all families abiding by the details sent through classroom teachers.

CHISHOLM COLLEGE CANTEEN

Chisholm College canteen will be available as normal next week – last week of term (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Please note that as the year winds down and supplies run low, orders placed may not be filled with exactly what was ordered, however students will receive items of similar nature/price instead. Chisholm canteen will endeavor to fill orders as best they can. We apologise for any inconvenience.

OUTSTANDING SCHOOL FEES 2020

School fees are required to be finalised by 30 November 2020. Families who are not on a direct debit, repayment plan or have previously made alternative arrangements, please ensure that payment is made in full by Monday 30 November 2020.

If you are unable to pay the account in full, please contact Peta Santella on 9208 2705 or email peta.santella@cewa.edu.au.

Thank you to all our families for the support with school fee collection in 2020.

Your attention and co-operation to this matter is appreciated.

SCHOOL BANKING

The last school banking for 2020 will be tomorrow, 3 December. Thank you Ariane for volunteering your time and we look forward to the return of school banking in 2021.

Wishing you all a wonderful week. Look after yourselves and thanks again for always being so supportive of what we do here at St Columba’s School. Goodness your way!

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.

Library News

It’s the time of the year to have a look for any library or class books that you may still have at home. Don’t give up hope yet. Here are some places you might not have looked yet. Over the years, we’ve found missing books in many of these spots. 

• In a closet
• Under Beds
• Under the couch
• In the vehicle
• Chair and couch cushions
• On the Bookshelf
• In a backpack
• Lost and found
• etc

Thank You to the amazing families who have helped with book covering this year. Your help is greatly appreciated.

The library has some of books needing covering.   

If you can help out by taking a small number of books home to cover over the holidays, please call into the library Week 9. Your help is greatly appreciated by staff and students. 

Homework/Library Bag    

Just a reminder that students require the school green

‘Homework and Library Bag’ in order to borrow from the Library.

Many students will already have the green school

‘’Homework and Library Bag’ from previous years.

‘Homework and Library Bags’ can be purchased

from the Uniform Shop at a cost of $10.

Parents please order via the QuickCliq website

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

Pastoral Care

Community Notices

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INTERVIEWS FOR ENROLMENTS FOR YEAR 7 2024 are being conducted early next year for any students wishing to attend Mercedes College.  If you have forgotten to enrol your daughter, please contact Mrs Julie Lamb on 9323 1340 or email jlamb@mercedes.wa.edu.au. An applicable form may be downloaded from the College website. If you are still interested in ENROLMENTS FOR 2021 we have limited places available, please submit your application form as soon as possible.

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CHRISTMAS CLEAN-OUT

Mrs Vinciullo is collecting all sorts of good quality second hand books for the Mercedes College Second Hand Book Stall (at the 2021 Mercedes Fete). If you have any that you would like to donate, please leave them at St Columba’s school office or drop them at the 6G classroom. She is also collecting clean jars and all sorts of gardening pots – big or small. If you are having a clean-out and think you may have something that she would be interested in, please email her on Leesa.Vinciullo@cewa.edu.au

Thank you so much for your support.

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Enrolments are now open for VacSwim swimming lessons during the summer school holidays.

VacSwim in January offers fun lessons at beach or pool locations during the long break. Not only are they a great school holiday activity, they teach valuable safety skills to help keep your child safe in the water.

Your children can start as young as five years old.

Don’t wait! Enrol your children in VacSwim now at education.wa.edu.au/vacswim

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Classifieds