Dear Parents and Carers,

Our students have been working well and we are fast approaching the end of Term 1. This year the P & F will be organising a St Vinnies Easter Egg appeal and raffle. Further information will be sent during the next week. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the P&F for their support with the Easter Egg Appeal.

This week Miss Bechelli, Mrs Daniele and myself will be attending the Solla Conference as part of the work we are doing with the Science of Reading from Yr 3-6.

Mr Yock will be in charge while I am away.

A reminder that I will be on long service leave for weeks 9 & 10 this Term and weeks 1 & 2 of Term 2.

Families please note that you will need to adhere to the school parking policy and the street verge signage. Parking is not permitted in ‘no standing or no parking' zones and cars that do not follow the street and verge signage may be issued a fine by the Ranger, as he has been out and about issuing fines.

A reminder that families are not to park in the Church carpark before and after school as the bays are for staff and parishioners who are attending Mass in the Church. Your help in this matter will be very much appreciated.

A reminder to families that if your child is showing symptoms of the flu or Covid please keep them home until they are well.

God bless and keep safe.

Allen McMahon

Principal

Please note all tests are online except for the Year 3 Writing Test.

Students who are absent on a particular testing day are still able to complete the test when they return to school. The NAPLAN testing window is open until Monday 27 March, giving us time to complete any catch-up testing needed.

NAPLAN assesses fundamental skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time through the school curriculum, rather than specific content. It is not a pass-or-fail type test, for which students can study or drill, but rather shows how students are progressing in numeracy and literacy skills against national standards for all Australian children. It also provides information that allows schools and governments to better target efforts to help all students achieve their potential and acquire the basic skills to help them build successful lives.

A public demonstration site is available for parents and students to access. The link below provides access to the NAPLAN Online Demonstration site which provides examples of the different types of question formats as well as practice questions across all 4 testing areas. Public Demonstration Site Link

More information is available at www.nap.edu.au

We invite you to speak with your child’s classroom teacher if you have any concerns regarding the NAPLAN assessment.

The St. Columba’s Pastoral Care Group has been running for over 7 years and aims to provide caring support within our school community. It provides confidential, appropriate and timely assistance for families in their time of need.

The Pastoral Care Group is able to provide:

1. Meal support to those in need. This will be achieved by providing fresh meals as required, made by volunteers within the school community.

2. Pick-ups/drop offs to and from school.

3. Canteen vouchers can be arranged to ease the burden of lunches, as well as frozen sandwiches, cakes and yoghurt.

This Christian example will allow our students to witness their parents serving and supporting others in our community.

The Pastoral Care Group has three points of contact:

1. School Office (Amy Venturini / Andrea Creek) 08 6436 9500 (admin@stcolumbassp.wa.edu.au)

2. Louise Valerio 0430 922 184 (louise_valerio@hotmail.com) – Year 5 and Year 1 parent

3. Shalini McCullough 0403 233 338 (shalinipandalai@hotmail.com) – Year 1 parent

Class Reps usually seek contact with the Pastoral Care Group when a need is identified.

A list is held of volunteers who are willing to assist with this confidential service. When needed, volunteers are contacted by Louise or Shalini.

CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS!

If you would like to volunteer to cook a meal or two throughout the year – please contact Louise, Shalini or the School Office.

Your assistance would be much appreciated!

Issue 2 - due Thursday, 16 March 2023

Cash payments are no longer accepted. Payments can be made by credit card - Visit scholastic.com.au/LOOP or download the LOOP app. Your order will be electronically linked to the rest of your school's order. You do not need to complete the order form.

Term 1: Wednesday, 1 February to Wednesday, 5 April 2023

Term 2: Wednesday, 26 April to Friday, 30 June 2023

Term 3: Monday, 17 July to Friday, 21 September 2023

Term 4: Monday, 9 October to Friday, 8 December 2023

Term 1: Thursday 6 April

Term 2: Monday 24 April, Monday 15 May and Friday 2 June

Term 3: Friday 22 September

Term 4: None

Sacramental Program Enrolment Mass: Saturday, 25 March at 6pm

Confirmation: Saturday, 27 May at 6pm

Eucharist: Sunday, 7 May at 9:30am

Reconciliation: Saturday, 11 November at 10am