Principal's Post

Dear Parents of St Col’s School,

As our 2020 school year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the year. Here are a few of my thoughts after our Edu-Dance concerts last Friday evening, as this was a true symbol of what we stand for and who we are. The timing is perfect as we are heading into Christmas. Friday night is what it is all about. The unbridled joy that comes from our kids and their love for being is why we all do what we do. Whether we are parents, grandparents or staff, we all knew that the way our kids embraced their dance routines was something special. They were phenomenal.

When I think about their enthusiasm, I think of a word I often reflect on, entheos. It is driven by the belief that enthusiasm is our God within. Is there anything better than to know Jesus, who brought such joy to the world at Christmas, is within us through our enthusiasm for life and what we have. Gratefulness abounds in enthusiasm.

I spoke about mutual respect a few weeks ago, even did a Facebook Post. I know, need to do a final one for the year. Will try and find time next week do complete a final wrap of 2020 and just how good we have it. The Queen does a Christmas message, as does the Pope. Not that I am in their league, but maybe I will do my first Christmas message for 2020. Now, this mutual respect was at its highest level again on Friday night. It is so obvious that we have enormous respect for each other, whether it be for our kids and their respect back to us, or whether it be between parents and staff. Nights like Friday night make this all come to life.

It is why peace is brought to earth, brought to St Columba’s. As I said in last week’s newsletter everything aligns here when we stay true to what we believe. If we just look at our crest and the motto around, ‘Live in Peace’, then we quickly find ourselves making this a part of our day. Nothing is perfect, we know that, and we know the messiness of life, the disappointments, the times we let ourselves down. I mean, the whole idea of living in peace, and peace on earth, during the season of Christmas, is about trying to be the best humans we can be. Friday night again showed just what good humans we have here at St Columba’s. I reckon we sometimes forget, but then in a moment in time we see it through our kids and in their performance at the Edu-Dance concert. I mean, really, was there anyone that did not leave with peace and joy in their hearts. Like seriously, how good do we have it? So good!

I mean you just need to think about the upcoming Busy Bee that might interest you. It is more about a chance of getting parents together and getting some work done around the school that saves some $$$. There will be food and refreshments during the morning along with some lunch.

DEEPEST SYMPATHY

On behalf of our school community I wish to offer our deepest sympathy to Jennifer Scott and her family on the passing of their mum and grandmother.  Our prayers and thoughts are with all the family during this time of sadness. I know there is great comfort in knowing there is so much support from our St Columba’s family.

BUSY BEE this Saturday 12 December

On Saturday morning, 12 December, from 8.00 am till 12.00 pm, we will be holding a school busy bee. If you are available on this morning, and would like to be involved, please email me directly at art.lombardi@cewa.edu.au. Please include the time you are available. Jobs will include painting posts, digging out and removing the mulch from the Pre-Primary and Kindy area, plus laying new lawn on the oval.

We will need to know numbers so we can prepare and organise for the morning. Thank you to parents who have already offered to assist this weekend. We will send out an email to all those who have responded later this week. Gratitude!

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 US AT THE END OF 2020

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.

REPORTS

• Reports are coming out today through SEQTA.
• All our students have worked to be their best throughout a challenging year for all.
• Look for the positives and acknowledge the wonderful gifts our children have. It is also an opportunity to look at what we can do to continue the growth of our children in their learning.

BOOKLISTS 2021

• This information will be out tomorrow.
• 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 and will be due by mid January (date to be confirmed).
• Please follow all details on the forms which will come home.
• 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 Peta Santella on 9208 2705 or email santella@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.

TERM PLANNER 2021

The Term 1 Planner will be sent home at the end of this week, with the full calendar being uploaded to the school website before Friday 18 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 are confirmed below, along with the Pupil Free Days being held during the year.

Term dates – 2021

Term 1 Start Date Students                Monday 1 February
Term 1 End Date Students                  Thursday 1 April

Term 2 Start Date Students                Monday 19 April
Term 2 End Date Students                  Thursday 1 July

Term 3 Start Date Students                Tuesday 20 July
Term 3 End Date Students                  Thursday 23 September

Term 4 Start Date Students                Tuesday 12 October
Term 4 End Date Students                  Friday 10 December

Pupil Free Dates Professional Learning Days [Staff] – 2021

Tuesday 27 April
Friday 2 July
Monday 19 July
Friday 24 September
Monday 11 October

Please note, these dates are subject to change. If these dates for Professional Learning do require amending, parents will be notified well in advance.

START OF THE YEAR PARENT TEACHER INFORMATION NIGHTS 2021

Parent information sessions will be held on the dates listed below. At these evenings I will welcome all our parents to the new year at 6.00 pm. This will be followed by meetings in your classrooms at 6.15 pm. There will then be a second session in the classrooms at 6.45 pm on the same evening for parents who have children in two of the year levels. Kindergarten meetings have already been held at the end of this year.

Tuesday 2 February                 Year 1, 3 and 5            Sessions at 6.15 pm and 6.45 pm

Wednesday 3 February           Year PP, 2, 4 and 6      Sessions at 6.15 pm and 6.45 pm

SCHOOL UNIFORM – PREDOMINANTLY WHITE SPORT SHOES PLUS A COUPLE OF OTHER ITEMS

• Brilliant work with this in 2020 by everyone. Day 1 next year there will continue to be no exemptions with this school uniform rule.
• When purchasing new sport shoes over the holidays, please follow this policy.
• The same applies to the wearing of the black school shoes with the academic uniform. Students cannot wear black sport shoes with the academic uniform.
• The school sports socks MUST be worn with the sports uniform.
• School uniforms can be ordered through Jenny Franklin Enterprises. Please see the school website for the school’s uniform policy and full instructions for placing orders.
• The uniform shop will be open on Thursday 28th January 9.00am to 10.30am and then every Wednesday 2.30pm to 3.15pm during term time.

UNIFORM SHOP

• Jenny Franklin’s offices will be closed from 22 December 2020 to 11 January 2021. Parents will be able to continue to place uniform orders online over this period.
• Any online orders received over the Christmas period will be available for collection on the “Shaking off the Nerves” day, Thursday 28^th January 2021 from 9.00am to 10.30am.
• These pre-paid orders and other back orders can be collected from the canteen via the external window.
• New orders for uniforms can be purchased from the uniform shop located in the breezeway between OSHC and the canteen.

The staff of Jenny Franklin Enterprises wish all parents and caregivers a safe and merry Christmas and happy New Year.

SHAKING OFF THE NERVES

• On Thursday 28 January, the school will be open from 9.00 am to 10.30 am if you wish to pop in with your children to shake off the nerves. Our Kindergarten staff will not be here, but all other teachers will be working in their classrooms during this time.
• This is optional if you feel like breaking the ice before Day 1 on Monday 1 February.

WHOLE SCHOOL START OF YEAR MASS

At our first school Mass of the year, Friday 5 February, at 9.00 am, we will present our 2021 student leaders from Year 6. Our School Board and P & F Executive members will be commissioned for the year.

CHISHOLM COLLEGE CANTEEN

Chisholm College canteen will be available as normal this week. 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.

It has been another fantastic year in 2020. 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’.

Stay safe! God bless you and your family during this special time.

Gratitude in abundance 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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Classifieds