St. Columba's Primary School
NEWSLETTER | TERM 1 | WEEK 6 | 12 MARCH 2020
St Columba's Strategic Focus
'Developing the whole child - mind, heart, soul and imagination - in an environment where children feel safe to learn, discover and explore their unique identity and gifts'.

Message from the Principal
We are over half way through the term and it has been a very busy one, which has been
exacerbated by the COVID-19 Virus. I would like to advise families that St Columba’s Primary School has been following the recommendations from The Catholic Education Office (CEWA) who have a team that meet directly with the Department of Health. As a school we are required to follow the directions given by CEWA and the Department of Health and are endeavouring to work through these directives, making sure that we limit the spread of the virus and keep our students safe.
A reminder to families utilising the Church Car Park as a walk through to classrooms. Children need to be supervised closely as vehicles are driving through during Kiss and Drive. Some parents have voiced concerns over children running across in front of vehicles as they drive through. Please be vigilant as it would be terrible if a child was run over by a vehicle and hurt. Also a reminder that the Church car park is not for parent parking at any time. If grandparents are picking up please let them know, as this will make a safer transition at drop off and pick up times.
Many thanks to Mr Chatt for organising an extremely efficient and well run swimming carnival
yesterday. The students had a great day and really enjoyed the experience.
Many thanks to the Wellness Committee members for organising the Wellness Week activities and Mrs Lam for donating the Wellness Week fruit.
A reminder that there is a P&F meeting next Tuesday, 17 March at 7:00pm in the school staffroom.
A reminder, students will finish this term on Thursday, 9 April and will resume on Wednesday, 29 April 2020.
God Bless
Allen
COVID-19 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ADVICE (NEW INFORMATION AS AT WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH 2020)
Travel Advice : Italy
In line with advice from the Department of Health, and actions taken by the Department of Education, all students and staff members who have travelled from or transited through Italy must now self-isolate for 14 days before returning to school if they remain well during this self-isolation period. If they develop symptoms within this time they should attend a COVID clinic or call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
Important dates for next week
9 March - 13 March - Wellness Week
14 March - Sacramental Program Enrolment Mass 6pm - Years 3, 4, & 6 - compulsory for sacramental candidates.
16 March - Harmony Day Assembly - students can wear orange.
17 March - Feast of St Patrick - students can wear green, ASCS Cricket Carnival - selected Yrs 5 & 6, P & F Meeting 7pm.
19 March - St Joseph's Day
20 March - Year 4 Assembly
Swimming Carnival
their faction over various swimming strokes, distances, relays and novelty games. The students were wonderful sports people cheering their faction and competitors on. At the end of the carnival it was McMahon who proved themselves worthy to win the Carnival and trophy. Students that qualify (reserves if required) for the ASCS Inter School Swimming Carnival on will be notified. A special thank you to any parent helpers and supporters who attended the event. Please see results below:


Blessing of the new playground at bottom oval
Year 6 attend Leadership Forum
NOW OVERDUE: Return Fees Payment Option form
Fees Payment Option forms are now overdue. Please return to the office by the end of the week.
Harmony Week - Fried Rice on canteen menu
In celebration of Harmony Week, the canteen will be cooking Fried Rice. This is in addition to the International food that is offered each week. Cost will be $4.50 a serve and must be ordered online by 9am on canteen days.
Wear green on St Patrick's Day - Tue 17 March
Saint Patrick's Day celebrates the Christian Saint, Patrick, who helped to bring Christianity to Ireland. Students may wear something green or something connected to St Patrick’s Day. Please bring in a gold coin donation for the missions if you wish to participate.
Saint Joseph's Day - Thur 19 March
The spirit of the school is founded on the dedicated work of the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. They have created a wonderful legacy for future generations.
Feast of Saint Joseph is in Western Christianity the principal feast day of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and legal father of Jesus Christ.
Popular customs among Christians of various liturgical traditions observing Saint Joseph's Day are attending Mass or the Divine Service, wearing red-coloured clothing, carrying dried fava beans that have been blessed, and assembling home altars dedicated to Saint Joseph
Wellness Week
What an amazing week we have had in developing, nurturing and nourishing our mind, heart, body and soul. We would like to give special thanks to Belinda Hill and Shalini McCullough for the organisation of Wellness Week and providing insightful activities for our school community. We also give special thanks to Mrs Lam who provided fresh fruit for all of our students and Miss Bechelli who guided us through Waste Free Thursday.
Be part of our Wellness Group:
We invite anyone who can gift their time to run a 25 minute lunchtime Wellness Session to please get in touch with the Wellness Committee:(belinda.hill@optusnet.com.au or shalinipandalai@hotmail.com)
DOSCA Footy Tipping 2020
One week to go to bounce down to the 2020 Footy Season and a modest four registered so far for DOSCA Footy Tipping. 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!
In addition to loads of fun and a bit of banter across the school yard we have weekly prizes for each round for the highest tips with closest winning margin for the first game of the round. All money raised will go towards the P&F and contribute to school community initiatives.
Happy tipping!
Todd Dawson
Dads of St Columba's campout 2020
Where: Lower Oval, St. Columba Primary School
Cost: The cost will $20 per family Bring: Camping gear, torches, drinks, nibbles, etc. *Please note this is a smoke free and nut-free event as per school policy.
Food: BBQ sausage sizzle will be provided for dinner. Brekkie [bacon & eggs rolls, tea & juice] will be provided on Sunday morning.
For further details contact: Dave Palermo 0412 249 002 davep@theagency.com.au
Project 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
Lots on offer to St Columba's School families
Bricks 4 Kids in Easter Holidays
Contact: rachel.koo@bricks4kidz.com
South Perth Young Writers Award
Entries will close Saturday 2 May at 4pm.
Shortlist will be notified mid-May
Finalists will be notified end of June
Awards ceremony will be Thursday 30 July 6pm
To submit online students will need to fill out the attached Entry Form which is an Editable PDF and send their work & the form to spywa@southperth.wa.gov.au.
Name and year level needs to be in the Subject Line.
Important Dates 2020
School Photos - Wed March 25
Mother’s Day Breakfast - Fri May 8
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 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
Sacramental Program Enrolment Mass: Saturday 14 March at 6pm - compulsory for all candidates.
Confirmation: Saturday 30 May at 6pmEucharist: Sunday 14 June at 9:30am
Reconciliation: Saturday 14 November at 10am to 11:30am