St. Columba's Primary School
NEWSLETTER | TERM 1 | WEEK 2 | 11 FEBRUARY 2021
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers
Welcome to the 2021 school year and what a start we have had! Monday was a wonderful day for me, and I was as excited about meeting students and parents as they were about meeting me. It was fabulous to be met by smiling faces! A special welcome to our new families who have joined St Columba’s community, and especially our new staff. I sincerely hope that you enjoy your time with us.
On Monday, the students had an opportunity to find out a little about me as we had our first ‘Welcome Assembly’ together. I spoke with the students about my aspirations for the year and then they had an opportunity to ask me some very interesting questions – all of which I answered as honestly as possible.
One thing I did stress with the students was my strong belief in the idea of respect, in particular respect for ourselves and for those around us. The way we speak to each other and act towards people must always be done respectfully and it is an expectation of mine. I also spoke with the students about the importance of wearing the school uniform correctly and in a manner that shows school pride. This shows respect to our school values and history. I was thrilled to see most students wearing the correct uniform and was quietly pleased to see shirts tucked in during class time.
As our first week together comes to an end, I wish to thank my staff for everything they have done to ensure things went as smoothly as possible. The beginning of the school year is always challenging, let alone the added stress of dealing with Covid-19 restrictions and having to wear facemasks at school. I feel very blessed to have joined a school community where all staff are dedicated to the educational needs and wellbeing of all our students.
I wish everyone a wonderful weekend and ask that you keep those affected by the bushfires and floods in your prayers.
God bless
Rebecca Clarke
Principal
Year of St Joseph
Pope Francis on December 8, 2020 published an Apostolic Letter Patris corde (With a Father’s Heart), commemorating the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of St Joseph”, running from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021.
Student Attendance
It is a legal requirement for all children from Pre-Primary to Year 6 attend school each day and a written explanation is required for each and every absence. The school begins duty of care as of 8:25am. Any child that arrives earlier than that must sit outside their classroom until doors open. A reminder that Camp Australia offer wonderful before and after school care for our school community. The teacher keeps an electronic attendance roll on SEQTA which is marked twice daily at 9.00am and 1.30pm. Late arrivals (after 8:50am) should be signed in by a parent at the Front Admin office. A daily SMS message to inform parents that their child is absent is electronically generated between 9:15 and 9:30 am. For day-to-day absences, please complete the online absentee form on the school website or via the school Admin email address.
Parents are encouraged to make medical and/or specialist dental appointments outside of school hours.
The School does not encourage extended family holidays during school time. When students go on extended holidays in school time, parents are required to provide a written note to the Principal requesting the leave at least two weeks prior to departure. Please be aware that no schoolwork will be provided during this leave.
Parents on Campus
Parents are expected to depart the school grounds in the morning at the ringing of the bell. It can be disconcerting to a child adjusting to the new routine if they can hear their parents chatting outside their classroom. Similarly, parents are requested to arrive no earlier than 3.00pm when collecting a child at the end of the day. I strongly encourage parents and caregivers to utilise the Kiss and Drive option or meet children at the gates. This year, the only gates that will be open to families will be the tennis court gates and the side gate on Alexandra Street. Please be aware the gate between the office and tennis courts will only be for staff access.
A reminder is given to all parents, caregivers and visitors that you must sign in at the Admin Office outside normal school start and finish times and scan the SafeWA QR code. If a child needs to be collected early, please come to the Admin Office to sign your child out and one of our Admin staff members will collect your child from the classroom. At this stage, due to Covid-19 restrictions, no parents will be able to enter the classrooms.
Parent Information Session
Medical Action Plans
School Fees
School fees will be sent to all families via email in the next couple of weeks. Please ensure that your email address is correct to ensure that you receive your fee statement. If you hold a current Health Care Card, please bring this to the office for photocopying and complete a current 2021 form.
Canteen Helpers Roster
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday - Christine Khose
If you are on roster and are unable to make your roster day, please endeavour to find a replacement and advise our office immediately via phone or email.
If you would like to be a canteen helper please complete this form and return to the office or canteen.
Kindy and PP parents invited to meet our social worker
Come and meet Hillary our social worker and find out about forthcoming Circle of Security Workshops and how she can support students and families.
MONDAY 22ND FEBRUARY
9 am - 10 am in KALYARA MIA
Register to attend via
New uniform is compulsory in 2021
Uniform is important - it unites us as a school, makes us all equal and we wear it with pride. From Term 1 2021 all children will need to meet the new school uniform requirements.
NELL GRAY STORE:
30 Kembla Way, Willetton WA 6155,
Phone: 08 9270 4669
Email: willetton@uc.nellgray.com.au
Order online https://www.nellgray.com.au/Schools/St-Columba-s-Catholic-Primary-School
The school is selling bags and dresses - please follow the link.
The P&F would like to welcome everyone for the year 2021. We hope all families have a wonderful year.
The P&F look forward to a fun-filled year for the students and adults. We welcome and encourage everyone to put their hands up to volunteer in any aspect. We need the many minds and hands of our school community village.
The P&F need and want volunteers to be class reps from each class. It's a great way to get to know your teacher, class and year families and the wider school community. Please contact your class teacher and put forward your name and they will then pass it onto myself. We have a meeting once a month on a Tuesday evening; if you can't make each meeting, that is alright. Everyone is welcome to the meetings.
Save the date for the School Disco on 5th March.
The P&F Picnic will be rescheduled soon.
I look forward to seeing you and meeting everyone.
Lara Tulett
P&F President
St Vinnies' Appeal
Parish News
Scholastic Book Club
The school receives 20% of total books bought to buy books for our library. Your support is greatly appreciated.
All orders are to be placed online. No cash orders accepted.
Student Banking
If anyone is interested in volunteering this year to contact me on michweldon81@gmail.com or my mobile 0439639068
We have 6 very loyal volunteers but the more the better.
Many thanks
Michelle
Marshall's Tennis Academy
Important Dates 2021
Monday, 15 February - Constable Care Incursion - Pre Primary-Year6
Tuesday, 16 February - Shrove Tuesday
Tuesday, 16-Friday 19 February - Year 6 Camp
Wednesday, 17 February - Ash Wednesday Mass - Year 1-5 at 9am
Monday, 22 February - Meet the Social Worker - Kindy-Pre Primary Parents 9am
Friday, 5 March - School Disco
School Term Dates for 2021
Term 2: Tuesday 20 April to Thursday 1 July
Term 3: Tuesday 20 July to Friday 24 September
Term 4: Tuesday 12 October to Friday 10 December
Pupil Free Days for 2021
Term 2: Monday 19 April
Term 3: Tuesday 8 June, Friday 2 July, Monday 19 July
Term 4: Monday 11 October
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/