Principal's Post

Dear Parents and Friends of St Col’s,

Hope everyone is going okay as we head into the final week or so of the school year, please note the following information regarding the events and happenings during this time. It is a busy time of year, so continue to look after yourself.

YEAR 6s and THEIR FAMILIES

Our Year 6’s and their parents move to their next phase of schooling into high school at the end of this year. We have a beautiful group of Year 6 students who have continued throughout their schooling to set high standards for others to follow. The importance of friendship, looking out for one another and being accepting of every person is what stands them apart. We thank our Year 6’s and their families, for the contribution they have made to life here at St Columba’s School and for the positive influence they have had on others that will follow their lead into the future. Our Year 6’s will be missed. May their transition around the next corner, be one that is smooth but filled with excitement. May you always find a quietness, a peacefulness and a kindness in your heart for all those who come across your path in the future.

We wish our Year 6s well as they move into high school and know that God will keep them safe, blessing them with much happiness and peace throughout their lives. To our Year 6 families who leave us at the end of the year, we wish you blessings of happiness also. For many of our families, it will be their last year here at St Columba’s. This is a time for all of us to be grateful for the many contributions you have made to our school and its people. Your presence here will be missed. We thank you sincerely, not only for your love of your children, but also your love for our school.

FAMILIES LEAVING END OF 2022

To other families within in our school, who move on at the end of the year, thank you for what you have given to us as a community. Thank you for your support during your time here at St Columba’s School. May you be blessed with good times and much happiness. We wish you all the very best for the future. To our kids who leave us, your new teachers are going to love teaching you. You will always be St Col’s Kids. Always!

As families leave St Columba’s, we also have many new families coming to our school for the first time next year. There will be many new families in our Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and also throughout the school. We very much look forward to them joining us and the special qualities they will add to our school community.

It has been another fantastic year in 2022. As you know, and I tell our kids, I am the luckiest principal on the planet. Why, because they once again shine with the way they go about caring for each other. They have such pride in being St Col’s kids. This is why they are stand-outs, they just love it. They love being here and we love working with them. They are a reflection of what a terrific job you do as parents, and how dedicated our staff members are to supporting you in their education. As parents and staff of St Columba’s School, we have a responsibility to live the words of ‘having our kids shine’

Special Notice:

With the following information, please be aware that with any events held at school, parking is always at a premium. Please note, the City of Bayswater Rangers are out and about at these times. It may be an idea to drop your family off and find a parking spot that is a little walk away to ensure no fines come your way. This is not something we have any control over as a school.

END OF YEAR DANCE CELEBRATION

• This Friday 2 December, commencing at 6.00 pm.
• Our Kindergarten children will perform their dance on Friday afternoon at 2.15pm. Parents please arrive by 2.00pm.
• Information has been sent home via Seesaw regarding the evening.
• There will be some chairs out for parent seating, however you may wish to bring your own fold up chairs to the evening, as we will not have enough chairs for everyone to be seated.
• It is a relaxed evening to celebrate the work our kids have done through the dance program this term.

END OF YEAR WHOLE SCHOOL MASS – Monday 5 December

• Our last whole school Mass, for PP to Year 6, will be held in the undercover area at 9.00 am Monday 5 December.
• This special occasion will include a dramatic presentation of the nativity by the Pre-Primary classes and a farewell to families leaving St Columba’s at the end of 2022.
• Students leaving at the end of the year will receive a small cross for their family to remember their time at St Columba’s School.
• Parents are most welcome to attend the Mass.

YEAR 6 FINAL ASSEMBLY – Wednesday 7 December

• Next Wednesday, 7 December, at 8.45 am, our Year 6 students will be presenting their final assembly. Mercy Awards will also be presented. We will also farewell them at the end of the assembly.

CLASS LISTS 2023

• Class lists will be out on Monday 5 December. These will be placed outside classrooms at the end of the day.
• We keep this low key with the children. If class lists are ready before this date, parents will be notified.
• Teachers and leadership spend much time in ensuring classes are allocated in the best interest of our children.
• We have 100% faith in our teachers and in the process we follow regarding allocation of classes. We know you trust us with your children.
• It is important to note that our teachers work very closely with each other when allocating classes.
• Enjoy the excitement that comes with a new school year.

TRANSITION HOUR – Pre-Primary to Year 6 classes for 2023 [not Kindergarten]

• On Monday 5 December from 11.15 am -12.15 pm we will be holding our transition hour.
• Students will meet their 2022 class teacher and be with their 2023 classmates for this hour of transition. It allows teachers and students to make connections before the start of the new school year.

Pre-Primary to Year 6 REPORTS

• Reports are planned to be available to parents Wednesday [7 December] afternoon next week. These will again be available to parents through SEQTA.
• All our students have worked to be their best.
• Look for the positives and acknowledge the best part about being at school is that there will always be areas for improvement.
• Thank you to our teachers for the efforts that have gone into the preparations of the reports for the end of the year.

BOOKLISTS 2023

• This information has already been sent out via seesaw.
• All lists are now bulk orders. Teachers have sent bulk orders through to our school supplies provider, who will deliver all items to St Columba’s before the start of the school year.
• The fee will need to be paid directly to the supplier by the end of the year.
• Please follow all details on the forms sent out.
• Your support for this is appreciated.

SCHOOL FEES

• School Fees are now due and full payment is required before the end of this school term. (Except for families that are on direct debit or have made alternative arrangements)
• Thank you to all our parents for the efforts in maintaining payment of the school fees. Method of payment is either by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, BPay.
• With our new audit procedures, the school is required to account for outstanding school fees at the end of each year.
• If you are unable to pay the account in full and have no alternative arrangements in place, please contact Janine Witherow on 9208 2705 or email witherow@cewa.edu.au to make a repayment plan.
• Please remember, we are here to support families experiencing financial hardship and we are happy to meet with you to discuss this or any other matter. We understand that these are not easy conversations to have, but also know we are genuine in our support of your family.
• Your attention and co-operation to this matter is appreciated.

ENROLMENTS 2024

• Enrolments for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten 2024 are filling quickly. Please note interviews take place in Term 1 next year for 2024.
• Pre-Kindy 2024 – children born between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021.
• Kindergarten 2024 – children born between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020.
• If you have younger children in these age brackets and have not submitted an application, please ensure this is completed at your earliest convenience.

TERM PLANNER 2023

The Term 1 Planner will be sent home during next week, with the full calendar being uploaded to the school website before Friday 16 December. Please be aware that this may change over the coming months and that it is important to continue to check for updates in the Donegal and the website during the year. Whole year start and end of term dates, along with the Pupil Free Days being held during 2023 will be outlined in next week’s newsletter.

SCHOOL LEADERS 2023

Head Girl:                           Eliza Joewono
Head Boy:                           Oliver May

Deputy Head Girl:           Charlotte Armstrong
Deputy Head Boy:           Hudson Taylor

FACTION CAPTAINS

Columbanus:                     Milla Robbins                     Xavier Robinson
McAuley:                             Camille Tribut                    Leo Pileggi
Russell:                                Zara Bell                              Xavier Brandis
Pascal:                                  Lucy Gardiner                    Xavier Miller

MINISTRY LEADERS

Lily Katich                            Ned Armstrong
Abbie Hartus                       Jack Gilbert
Isla Felton                            Ryder Walsh
Amelia Dorozenko             Blake Poletti
Tayla Green                         Sebby Pizzata

Take care and enjoy the upcoming final week or so of the school year.

Art

Art’s Farewell Assembly

Art’s Farewell Assembly will be held next Thursday 1st December at 9.00am. Each year level have been working on something special to present to Mr Lombardi at this Assembly. The choir will be performing and Mr Coniglio will return to say a few words. Art’s family and other VIP’s will be in attendance and we invite all St Columba’s parents to come along and wish Art well.

Please note that parking around the school will be at a premium and there is availability at the Bayswater Bowling Club. Please be respectful of our neighbours and only park in marked bays and not blocking driveways or footpaths. The Rangers may be around to fine people who park illegally. There will be some car bays on Roberts St designated to VIP’s. Seating will also be reserved for VIP’s.

We hope you will be able to join us to celebrate Mr Lombardi.

P & F News

Tommy Sugo Fundraiser

With the busy end of year now upon us it is time to have quick convenient meals at the ready. Tommy Sugo meals are quick and delicious whilst also being nutritious. Click on the link below to order today and have it delivered tomorrow to your doorstep.

This will be the last week to order fresh pasta meals from Tommy Sugo.

https://form.jotform.com/TommySugoEasyMeals/st-columbas-bayswater-tommy-sugo

Hayshed Hill Wine Fundraiser

Christmas is just around the corner so order your wine in time for the festive season. See the order form attached to the newsletter. Delivery will be to the school on Wednesday 7^th December and can be collected from the school. Orders need to be emailed to simonnemoretta@gmail.com by Sunday 4^th of December.

All money raised from these events are to purchase the new playground equipment.

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

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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 Wardrobe
• Under Beds
• Under the Couch and/or cushions
• In your car
• Under chairs
• On the bookshelf
• In a backpack
• Lost and found
• OSHC

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

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

Pastoral Care

Award Winners

MERIT AWARDS – Term 4, Week 7

PP Green – Ivan Masnyk, Orlando Smith
PP White – Vincent Del Borrello, Hudson Fernandez, Astor Foley, Jessica Kennewell, Caiden Thompson Mewburn

1 Green – Mathea Co, Spencer Landis, Thomas Pinnington, Katelyn Westley
1 White – Arden Bezich, Asher Shrivastava, Xavier Tobin, Juliana Versaico

2 Green – Alessandro Balla, Vaughan O’Reilly, Wyatt Palmer, Max Nguyen, Teodor Dimitrijevic
2 White – Oscar Hamilton, Mia Harstrom, Oliver Hoyne,

3 Green – Shishir Berigai, Milana Zachar, Agnes Zoou
3 White – Stella Kent, Estelle Pirone

4 Green – William Armstrong, Sana Bezich, Tony Masek, Sam Villamar
4 White – Bianca Balla, Sebastian Kaless,

5 Green – Kai Fermanis, Sophie Jagger, Harvey Lindsay, Blake Poletti

6 Green – Liam Jarvis, Dominic Treacy
6 White – Zara Callo, Hannah Pollitt, Charlotte Smith, Alexander Ward

YEAR 6 GRADUATION AWARDS

Religious Education and Curriculum News

From our Pre-Kindergarten Classes

In Pre-Kindy we have started eating our morning recess and lunch outside. We have to carry our lunch boxes and drink bottles to our new eating area and then pack away our belongings before going to play. We love eating in the kindy area 🥰

From our Year 2 Classes

In Mathematics we are investigating “Mass.” Mass is the measurement of how heavy or light something is and informal units can be used to compare mass. We have been comparing the mass of objects using balance scales and small cubes.

Community Notices

The St Columba’s Parish Christmas Carols will be held in the Church.

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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