St. Columba's Primary School
NEWSLETTER | TERM 1 | WEEK 7 | 19 MARCH 2020
'God carries us through the storms'
Mary Mackillop
Message from the Principal
Thank you to the families who have been so positive in the wake of the COVID-19 issues that we are currently facing.
I am advising that under the Education Act students are still required to attend school even though we are facing issues with the COVID-19 Virus. This has been clearly articulated by the Prime Minster and Premier over the last couple of days. Until advised otherwise by the Dept of Health, St Columba’s will still continue to deliver the WA Curriculum at school each day.
I have been advised (and I understand) by some families that they have major concerns about their children and family being exposed to the virus at school and as a result are deciding to keep their children home from school. While the school is still open, teachers will still be busy preparing daily class lessons. Due to the time restraints in preparing the daily class lessons, staff will not be sending work home for those families who decide to keep their children home from school. As indicated earlier this week, if there is a school closure then work will be organised for students when they are at home. Please note below the information from our Executive Director yesterday regarding this.
“ Attendance at school (new information as at 18 March 2020)
Should parents choose to keep their child at home without seeking medical advice, it is not a requirement that schools provide curriculum work and activities. We understand that there may be extenuating circumstances where consideration be given to provide support and resources where possible. The priority for staff is to maintain focus on classroom learning programs. In the event of a temporary school closure, schools are asked to enact their curriculum continuity plan.”
I would like to personally thank the many parents and carers who have thanked the school for the regular updates regarding COVID-19. These positive comments are very much appreciated. I would also thank the many parents who have come forward with flour, pasta and mince this week to help the canteen out who were in short supply due to the bare shelves in the supermarkets. It shows the extremely generous nature of our school community and it is great to see such a positive in what has been a very trying time. I have installed extra soap dispensers at the troughs outside the Yr 1 and Yr 4 classrooms to alleviate congestion within the toilets.
Please note that the school office hours are between 8:00am and 4:00pm. Phone calls and emails to the office and staff will only be responded to during these times.
God Bless
Allen
Important dates for next week
19 March - Feast of St Joseph
20 March - Year 4 Assembly - CANCELLED
25 March - School Photo Day Kindy to Year 6 - CANCELLED
26 March - Year 2 Liturgy - CANCELLED
28 March - Campout - CANCELLED
Merit award winners - Friday 27 March
Year 1W - Eden, Thomas M
Year 2G - Taylor, Nathan
Year 2W - Giorgio, Emily S
Year 3G - Aiden, Annabelle R, Duke
Year 3W - Aidan
Year 4G - Chikamuso, Ava
Year 4W - Ahliah, James
Year 5 - Sohfia V, Scarlett H
Year 6 - Andrew
Harmony Day
St Columba's community spirit
Artist of the week
Musician of the week
Kara from Year 6 has played the piano for three years. She learns music at Forte School of Music. Her favourite performance was the La Cucaracha performance at forte school of music. Kara is a high voice in the school choir and the chamber choir. She enjoys swimming and likes to listen to Forever Young by Blackpink (a K-pop band). Kara enjoys doing art at home and catching up with friends on the weekend.
Thank you Mrs Santella
We would like to thank Mrs Maria Santella for giving of her time to create our beautiful alter table cloths.
When we say a prayer in our classrooms, we will thank you for your generosity of giving.
DOSCA Footy Tipping 2020
To register please see Lorraine in the office and pay your $20 registration fee (please have the exact amount) to receive your code for the Dads of St Columba’s AFL Tipping site – it’s that easy! All money raised will go towards the P&F and contribute to school community initiatives.
Happy tipping!
Todd DawsonProject Compassion boxes due 30 March
Each child has received a Project Compassion donation box. These are due back to classroom teachers by the 30th March. For further information on how you can help https://lent.caritas.org.au/#
P&F Fundraiser - buy an Entertainment Book
Library volunteers' roster
Volunteers
23 March - Christine Khose
25 March - Dinithi Kariyakarawana
Student banking on hold
Due to the COVID-19 Virus the Student Banking Program will close from today. We will advise when it will recommence.
Lots on offer to St Columba's School families
Holy Week Mass schedule - St Columba's Parish
Palm Sunday of the Passion
Saturday Vigil 4 April Mass at 6.00pm
Sunday 5 April Mass at 7.30am & 9.30am
Holy Monday, 6 April
Monday of Holy Week Mass at 10am
Second Rite of Reconciliation at 7.30pm
Holy Tuesday, 7 April
Tuesday of Holy Week Mass at 10am
Chrism Mass in St. Mary’s Cathedral
Holy Tuesday, 7 April at 7.00pm
Holy Thursday, 9 April at 7.00pm
Good Friday, 10 April
Stations of the Cross at 10.00am, followed by Reconciliation Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion at 3.00pm (Collection for the Holy Places)
Holy Saturday, 11 April
Silent reflection at the Lord’s tomb
Reconciliation 11.30am to 12.00pm
Easter Vigil, 11 April including lighting of the Easter fire, Paschal candle and renewal of Baptismal Promises at 7.00pm
Easter Sunday Masses, 12 April including renewal of Baptismal Promises 7.30am & 9.30am
Iona Presentation College
Iona Presentation College invites interested families considering an all-girls education for Years 7-12; to attend an upcoming Open Morning.
Tuesday 31 March
Thursday 2 April
9.30am – 11.00am
Palmerston Street
Mosman Park
Register: www.iona.wa.edu.au/openmorning
Important Dates 2020
St Mary of The Cross - Fri Aug 7
Father’s Day Breakfast - Fri Sept 4
School Open Night - Thur Sept 17
School Athletics’ Carnival - Fri Sept 18
Grandparents and Friends Celebration - Fri Oct 23
School Photos - Tue October 27 & Thurs October 29.
School Board and P&F AGMs - Tue Nov 10
School Term Dates 2020
Term 2: Wednesday 29 April to Thursday 2 July
Term 3: Tuesday 21 July to Thursday 24 September
Term 4: Tuesday 13 October to Friday 11 December
Pupil Free Days 2020
Term 2: Tuesday 28 April
Term 3: Friday 3 July, Monday 20 July and Friday 25 September
Term 4: Monday 12 October
Sacrament Dates 2020
Confirmation: Saturday 30 May at 6pm
Eucharist: Sunday 14 June at 9:30am
Reconciliation: Saturday 14 November at 10am to 11:30am
St Columba's Catholic Primary School
Email: admin@stcolumbassp.wa.edu.au
Website: https://www.stcolumbassp.wa.edu.au/
Location: 30 York Street, South Perth WA 6151, Australia
Phone: (08) 6436 9500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Education/St-Columbas-Catholic-Primary-School-South-Perth-173160579973945/