St. Columba's Primary School
NEWSLETTER | TERM 1 | WEEK 4 | 25 FEBRUARY 2021
God,
May Lent be for us, a time of learning to see
where Christ is crucified today, a time of learning
to recognise the complex roots of injustice, to recognise the Gethsemanes
in our global community.
May we witness the suffering of God’s children
as Mary witnessed her beloved son’s suffering.
Amen
From the Principal
Dear St Columba’s school community,
Welcome to the 200th Anniversary year of Catholic Education in Australia and the 50th Anniversary of Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia. On top of this, Pope Francis has commemorated the 150th Anniversary of the declaration of St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church by proclaiming 2021 to be the ‘Year of St Joseph’. So, 2021 is a busy year of celebrations!
This week has been a week of meetings. I attended the CEWA Leaders’ Forum with Alison Purvis on Monday, the first P&F Meeting of the year on Tuesday, the School Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday and the Catholic Primary Principals Association Regional Meeting at Aquinas College this afternoon. I have walked away from all of these events with lots of inspirational ideas of what we can do here at St Columba’s but also a strong sense of confidence that we are so lucky and fortunate to have such dedicated staff working with our students delivering wonderful learning opportunities.
One of the queries that has been raised on a number of occasions is Interm Swimming Lessons. At St Columba’s the decision has been made that swimming lessons is an extra curricula activity that can be pursued by parents out of school hours and will not be part of the educational program offered at the school.
Just a reminder to parents about the school uniform. Uniform is important, therefore please make sure your child is wearing the correct uniform with pride each day. For more information regarding the uniform expectations please click on the link provided https://www.smore.com/z4015
As we make it through to the halfway point of Term 1, I would like to wish everyone a wonderful long weekend. Enjoy the sunshine and spending time with your loved ones.
God bless
Rebecca Clarke
Principal
Every Child Counts Campaign
As we draw closer to the State election, Catholic Education WA (CEWA) and Catholic School Parents WA (CSPWA) have launched a joint campaign titled ‘Every Child Counts’ to raise awareness around the issue of equitable education funding to Catholic schools. Catholic Education makes a very significant social and economic contribution, and our students deserve the same access to mental health and support services and ongoing investment in contemporary learning facilities.
Western Australia deserves an educational funding model that is needs-based, sector blind and supports diverse, non-government schools in all communities where they are needed. CEWA has asked the incoming WA Government to recognise the contribution of Catholic Education in WA and support our role as a partner in educating tens of thousands of Western Australian children.
We need the support of every school community to ensure the voice of parents is heard. I encourage you to read more about the ‘Every Child Counts’ campaign at https://www.everychildcounts.net.au/
Merit award winners - Friday, 5 March
Year 1W - Matilda, Arthur
Year 2G - Athena, Samuel
Year 2W - Lauren, Xavi
Year 3G - Harry, Talin
Year 3W - Valentina, Giorgio
Year 4G - Vivienne, Emma R
Year 4W - Chelsea, Alexander
Year 5G - Maya, Shyla
Year 5W - Chikamuso, George
Year 6 - Chloe, Marisa
Siblings to apply for Kindy enrolment 2023
Application for enrolment is now open for children due to commence Kindy in 2023 (born between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019).
Siblings of students already enrolled in the school are required to have an application for enrolment completed, which can be found on our website.
Please submit your application for enrolment along with copies of the required documents. Online is our preferred method, or you can email, post or drop the documentation at the office.
The pre-enrolment information must also be provided at the same time as your application.
Return Dental Forms and Medical Action Plans
If you have received a dental form can you please return it to the office by Tuesday, 2 March.
School Fees
School fees have been sent to all families via email. If you have not received your statement please inform the office. All families must complete the Payment Option form and return by 8th March 2021.
If you hold a current Health Care Card, please complete the form below and send by email to finance@stcolumbassp.wa.edu.au and bring your card in for photocopying.
The form and current Health Care Card must be provided to the Office to receive discount
Seeking Library Helpers
Canteen Helpers Roster
Wednesday - Julie Hyde
Thursday - Emma Whitfield
Friday - Catherine Rodgers
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.
Canteen Menu - Have you seen our new canteen additions?
Cold rice salad (available on the Thursday only special)
Home made pizzas (available on the Thursday only special)
Warm chicken salad wrap (available on the Friday only special)
This year celebrate writing, reading and so much more with your children at Perth Zoo this Sunday. See below
Our Keeping Safe Curriculum
Our Keeping Safe Curriculum reminds us that "Pre-schools, schools and classrooms that value diversity and are inclusive in their practices can make important contributions to the safety and well being of children and young people with disabilities and additional needs." We can honour and value individual strengths and abilities as well as needs in all our children and young people.
The Australian Government has signed the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability. This means all Australian National, State and Territory laws maintain these rights and protect your child's rights to equality and services.
Here are some ideas about how you can engage in conversation on this topic with your child, in an age appropriate way.
Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting on Tuesday night. We really appreciate those who have put their hands up as class reps. We welcome you all and look forward to the year ahead. We have many ideas and events for us all to enjoy this year.
Our first fundraiser is Hot Cross Buns from Lawley"s bakery. More details next week on how to order and prices.
The students Disco is on Friday 5th March Check start times. Cost is $5.00 per student and please return your rsvp slip and money to the office in an envelope. The children always enjoy this event. We would like to thank Francine Palermo and Brooke Pink for their hard work organising everything. The Year 5 classes will be assisting.
We look forward to the Welcome Community Picnic on Sunday 14th March 2pm to 5pm. We will have a bouncy castle and a blow up obstacle course on the bottom oval. Please come along with your picnic and say "Hi" to everyone and catch up.
We look forward to all working together as one big community village of St Columba's.
God Bless
Lara Tulett
P&F President
School Disco
COST $5 per student. AS NO CHANGE WILL BE GIVEN, please ensure the correct money is put into the envelope.
Forms and money must be in by Tuesday, 2 March.
Scholastic Book Club
New catalogues will be coming home soon. These will be due by 10 March.
Cathedral Choir Auditions
SPJFC Auskick and Female Team Invitation
Registrations for our Little Stingers (pre-primary) and Auskick (year 1 and 2) programs at South Perth Junior Football Club (SPJFC) are now open! If you are yet to register your child, please do so here: https://spjfc.org.au/register/
At SPJFC we conduct and promote junior Australian Rules Football for girls and boys in and around the South Perth area. Last year, we had a number of children from your school play with us and we'd love to see more of you down the club.
Auskick provides the best introduction for kids into the world of Australian Rules Football. Auskick is inclusive for everyone, no matter if you know the game of not, and we provide a fun, safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
We are currently forming teams so please register without delay.
If you have an interest in coaching your child's team this season please drop our Registrar an email at: auskickregistrar@spjfc.org.au. No prior experience necessary :)
Please drop me a line if you have any queries.
Thank you.
Best,
Kristy RewellP&F Meetings
Tuesday, 23 March at 7pm
Tuesday, 11 May at 7pm
Tuesday, 15 June at 7pm
Tuesday, 10 August at 7pm
Tuesday, 7 September at 7pm
Tuesday, 26 October at 7pm
School Advisory Meetings
Wednesday, 24 March at 7pm
Important Dates
Monday, 1 March - Public Holiday Labour Day - No School
Tuesday, 2 March - CAPSS Cricket Tompkins Park Year 5 and 6 - 9am-2pm
Friday, 5 March - Year 4W Assembly
Friday, 5 March - P&F School Disco
Monday, 8 March - Swimming Trials Aqualife Centre Year 4-6
Friday, 12 March - Year 2W Assembly
Saturday, 13 March - Sacramental Program - Enrolment Mass 6pm Year 3-6
Sunday, 14 March - P&F Welcome Back Picnic
School Term Dates
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
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/