ST. COLUMBA’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
Committed to the total development of the whole child in a nurturing family community, revealing Jesus Christ.
“With humility, charity and truth on our part, all will in the end be well..” Mary MacKillop
Newsletter #38 December 8, 2016
Let us welcome God’s bright and shining morning star,
a child born in a manger.
A son sent to redeem the world.
A saviour come to renew all things.
May his light shine on you,
may his light shine in you,
may his light shine through you.
The light of God’s Christmas star be with you,
in this season of new birth.
Dear Parents and Carers
Our school year has rapidly come to an end. It has been a very busy term and we are now down to the last day.
Congratulations to our Year 6 students who participated in their Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday night. I would like to thank
Mrs Robinson for her work in having the students ready for the night. All the best to our Year 6 students as they move to high
school. I am sure they will settle smoothly into high school life. The parents from Year 5 and 6 who were involved in organising
the setup of the undercover area, the food preparation and serving are to be congratulated on their wonderful efforts. It made
the night a memorable celebration.
Sincere congratulations also go to the Year 6 Award Winners who were announced at the Graduation Ceremony.
Mary MacKillop Christian Leadership Award
2016 DUX
City Of South Perth Citizenship Award
Science Award
The Arts Award
Italian Award
Endeavour Award Year 6M
Endeavour Award Year 6R
Aramis Tilli
Matthew Donovan
Sasha Rimington
Audrey Pike and Paulo Mathew
Alicia Tory
Biork Alia
Imogen Gracie
Harrison Power
Thank you Mr John McGrath (MLA), Kate Doust (MLA), The City of South Perth, Woodside, Camp Australia and Scitech for
their support of these awards.
Many thanks to Monsignor O’Loughlin, Mrs Komnick and Mrs Robinson for organising our end of
year Thanksgiving Mass. It was a very moving occasion with the announcement of the student
leaders for 2017, and the hand over from the 2016 student leaders to the 2017 student leaders.
Congratulations to all Year 5 students who nominated for positions. The school looks forward to
the Year 6 class of 2017 leading by example. It was also the last time the 2016 Year 6 class will
attend Mass in the church as a class group. A big thank you to all the parents and carers who
made time to attend the Mass.
Student Leaders 2017:
Head Boy
Head Girl
Liturgy Officer
MacKillop (Gold) Captains
Casey (Green) Captains
McMahon (Red) Captains
Communications Officers
Environmental Officers
Arts Officers
Oscar Palermo
Kate Bourne
Stella McGann
Owen Purcell and Ella Dodgson
Levi Carle and Amelia Jessen
Marcus James and Abby Lin
Jack Rundle and Alvarez Dharma
Chelsea Rimington and Willow McCulloch
Donnay Brown and Heidi Graves
I would like to thank the school community for the support shown last Friday night for the P&F
Sundowner and the student Carols Night. There was a huge turn out and the students sang
beautifully thanks to the efforts of Mrs McDonald. It was a wonderful community night.
To those families who are leaving St. Columba’s, we thank you for your help and support throughout your time here and I
wish you God’s blessings with your future endeavours.
The St. Columba’s staff are also to be acknowledged for their hard work and commitment to our students throughout
2016. Many hours outside of school hours are given by the staff in preparing lessons for the students. Congratulations to
all students for their efforts and achievements over the year. Some of these endeavours will be reflected in the students’
reports being available for viewing from tonight. The school Board and P&F are to be commended and thanked for the
work they have put into supporting the school community throughout 2016. A special thank you to the office staff
Mrs Jenaway and Mrs Underwood who are the quiet achievers with the amount of work they manage to get through in a
week.
Thank you to the many volunteers who have helped with school activities throughout the year.
Your help is very much appreciated. It is this help and involvement that gives St. Columba’s such
a great community spirit. A special thank you must go to Emma McGann, Sarah Fiel and the
regular volunteers in the canteen and uniform shop who provide valuable assistance each week.
A very special thank you also goes to Vanessa Wainwright for organising the school banking so
efficiently. Thank you to the volunteers who regularly assist in the library, shelving and covering
books. I know how much your assistance is welcomed by the staff and the school community.
Congratulations to Mrs McFarland and her husband Brad as they now have a new addition to the family, Parker. This
means a change of lifestyle including sleepless nights and running around to many after school activities in the coming
years.
From the first day of school in 2017, Wednesday 1 February, parents will be asked to enter the Kiss and Drive from
Alexandra Street alongside the undercover area. This is due to there still being safety issues with families walking and
cars having a blind spot as they enter the church car park, and the banking of traffic in the afternoon on Forrest Street.
The process will be: cars will drive west down Hopetoun Street, then left into Alexandra Street, and turn left into the
school entry near the undercover area. It will be the reverse process of what we currently have. Cars are not to come
down Alexandra Street and try and turn right into the school entry as this will most likely cause bottleneck issues.
Reports will be able to be accessed from tonight. If you have any questions please contact the office to make an
appointment with the class teacher. We do not expect many parents to request an interview as teachers would have
contacted you if they had any concerns regarding your child during the course of the semester.
Catholic Education WA has been coordinating and developing a Code of Conduct to be implemented in all catholic
schools from the 1st January 2017. This code will now formulate staff employment and professional conditions as well as
the enrolment policy of families new to the school, this also applies to all existing families, staff, volunteers and visitors.
All catholic schools are now required to have a Code of Conduct as part of the System Agreement with the Minister for
Education. Clause 6 (3) of the System Agreement states: By 2017, all schools in the system will be required to adhere to a
Code of Conduct on child safety in accordance with a standard determined by the Minister under section 159 (1) (I). This
Code of Conduct will not only need to be abided by the staff of St Columba’s but also the parents, students, volunteers
and visitors of the school. The Code of Conduct has been written by CEWA for implementation by schools and then
subsequently covers the requirements as stated above for all at St Columba’s Catholic Primary School.
Please note, Term Four concludes for students tomorrow, Friday 9 December. School resumes for students on
Wednesday 1 February 2017.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all of our school community a Happy and Holy Christmas.
God Bless
Allen McMahon
(Principal)
Friday 9 December
Last Day of the School Year 2016 for Students
Tuesday 24 January
Uniform Shop Open — 8am to 9am
Booklist Collection — 8am to 9:30am
Students Commence
Wednesday 1 February
Dear Parents and Carers
As another school year draws to a close, I reflect on all the reminders of events that have been published in
this newsletter that have enriched the lives of our students and school community.
Our final Mass today was a fitting way to give thanks for all the blessings and opportunities we have been
fortunate to experience during the course of 2016.
I would like to wish all St. Columba’s students and their families a blessed and joyful Christmas, and safe holiday season.
Thank you for the smiles you all bring to school everyday. I feel truly blessed and privileged to work in such a supportive
and dynamic school community.
Ondine Komnick
Assistant Principal
The Musician of the Week is Chelsea Rimington from Year 5. She has played piano for 2 terms.
Her favourite piece to play is "Silent Night", which she enjoys playing for her family. Chelsea is in
the school choir and likes to play netball.
Imogen Gracie and Evie Wells
Well done to all of our students from Kindy to Year 6 for your beautiful presentations at Friday night's Carol Concert. It
certainly put me in the Christmas spirit. Thank you to everyone who helped set up and pack away. It was wonderful to see
the fabulous St. Columba’s team work especially when the rain started.
Thank you to our choir who have been spreading the joy of Christmas in the
community with your beautiful voices. In Week 7 we performed in the Chapel at the
Convent, and in Week 8 we spread a little happiness at the South Perth Senior
Citizens Centre. Both concerts were very much appreciated. Our final performance
was the two pieces at our own Carol Concert. I thank all of the choir students for all we
have achieved together and look forward to seeing many of them again next year.
Thank you to our Instrumental Ensemble who performed at the Carol Concert and at the final assembly on Monday. I
know the other students loved to hear you play your Christmas songs.
And to our final performance for the year, congratulations to our Instrumentalists who performed at today's concert. You
have entertained us all once more.
Finally a sad farewell to all who are moving on to new schools. It has been great fun working with you all and I hope many
of you take up the opportunity to sing in a choir, play an instrument or be part of a school production in the future.
Merry Christmas!
Mrs Louise McDonald
Music Teacher
A big THANK YOU to our library monitors for this year. You have been great!
Have a wonderful Christmas and holiday. We look forward to seeing you next year. Happy
reading!
Mrs Malarkey (Teacher Librarian) and Mrs Shaw (Library Officer)
A reminder, tomorrow, the canteen will not be serving recess or lunches. There will be limited drinks and icecream sales only.
Many thanks to all volunteers who assisted this year. The canteen cannot operate without you. I have enjoyed the fun and
laughter we have shared. I look forward to seeing you in the canteen in 2016.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas.
Emma McGann
Canteen Manager
The Uniform Shop will be open on Tuesday 24 January 2017 from 8am to 9am. This is the same day and time for families
that have ordered and arranged to collect their booklist requirements from the school for 2017.
Thank you to Mrs Sarah Fiel and the parent volunteers who have ensured the smooth operation of the Uniform Shop.
Students making the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation in 2017 (Years 3, 4 and 6 students) will be
asked to complete a registration form in Term 1. External candidates, including past pupils of St. Columba’s, wishing to
make any of these Sacraments, will need to contact Connie Carol, the St Columba’s Parish Sacramental Coordinator, at
the commencement of the new school year, on 94742271, to request a registration form.
Sacrament Dates for 2017
Confirmation — 3 June 2017 at 6pm
Eucharist — 11 June 2017 at 9.30am
Reconciliation – Date to be Announced.
(This Sacrament usually takes place during the month of November.)
All Catholic children who are eligible to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation
in 2017 are requested to register for their respective Sacramental Programs by Sunday, 5 February 2017.
Registration forms can now be obtained by sending an email to the Sacramental Program Coordinator at the following
address: [email protected]
Registration forms are also available in the Holy Family Church foyer. Completed forms can also be placed in a
designated box in the church foyer by Sunday, 5 February 2017.
Please see the flyer attached with this newsletter for the 2017 St. Columba’s Running Club. Details available via this link
https://goo.gl/forms/1gkwoq5p4cjaIrVC2 .
Thursday 15 December at 7pm
The Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle
Join us for a beautiful evening of sacred music, readings and congregational carols to highlight the meaning of the
Christmas gospel in our world today. Come a little early to enjoy the organ recital from 6.30pm. Catholic Mission presents
this inaugural event to mark the beginning of the Christmas season in partnership with the Basilica of St Patrick and the
University of Notre Dame. Held in support of Catholic Mission’s work overseas with refugee communities and children
who are affected by conflict. Tickets: Adults $30 / Concessions $20 / 12 and under free / www.trybooking.com/NRVQ /
Catholic Mission 9422 7933 / on the door.
There are still limited vacancies for Kindergarten in 2017.
To attend Kindy in 2017 your child needs to have been born between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2013.
Please contact the school office for further details.
Compared to adult skin, children’s skin is more sensitive to the sun. Your children deserve to be protected from the
summer sun. Be sun smart, prevent your children from getting sunburnt and teach sun smart habits.
When caring for children:
 Use protective clothing, hats, eye wear, seek shade and limit sun exposure.
 Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 10am and 2pm (intense sun & high UV).
 Make sure you apply the correct amount of sunscreen, so you have good protection (eg at least one 1 teaspoon per
limb). Be generous with sunblock!
 Protect skin based on individual skin type (skin type/eye & hair colour) and the total time spent in the sun.
Wishing you all a 2016/2017 Sun Smart school holiday.
Early in 2017, Mercedes College will commence interviewing Year Five students who are due to start Year Seven in
2019.If you are considering enrolling your daughter at Mercedes and have not yet requested an information pack, please
contact Mrs Julie Lamb on 9323 1340 as soon as possible. Further information about enrolments is available on our
website, www.mercedes.wa.edu.au .
Carols are from 6:30pm and Mass at 7pm
Children are invited to dress as angels, shepherds or wise men and join the entrance procession.
Come early.
Christmas Day Masses at 7:30am and 9:30am
For the 9:30am Mass, children are invited to dress up and join the procession. A volunteer for Mary and Joseph are
needed and parent volunteers from the Children’s Liturgy roster to present during the Mass as usual. Further details
please contact Diana McKenzie on 0433 328 785.
On Thursday 24th of November the Year 5’s went on a camp to the Perth Zoo. At 4.30pm they assembled at the
entrance of the Perth Zoo. Once their teacher Mr P signed them in, they went in. The zoo camp staff introduced
themselves and told the students where they would be staying. The Year 5s arrived at the barn and put their
things down. After that, the students listened to the zoo rules. The Year 5s got ready to play a game called
‘Race to Save’. Then it was time to have dinner, which was pizza and soft drinks. Next the Year Fives did an
enrichment activity. Later they went on a night walk, where they saw lots of animals. In the morning the students
had breakfast that consisted of cereal, toast and juice. Then the Year Fives had two hours to explore the zoo.
Finally they walked back to school and had Subway for lunch.
By Marcus and Keira
On Thursday 24th of November, the Year 5s went to zoo camp at Perth zoo. At 4:30pm they assembled at the
main entrance. At 5:00pm, after they had all arrived and the zoo had closed, they went inside. They met the zoo
staff and from the entrance they walked up to the barn. They got ready to play a game called ‘Race to Save’. To
play you have to follow a map of the zoo and walk to places. There you collect facts and complete a crossword.
For example, did you know that a painted dog’s fur is as unique as a human’s fingerprint? Or did you know that
a Cassowary can’t fly?
After the ‘Race to Save’ the students had dinner, which was pizza. Afterwards they split into two groups. One
group went to a room and did an activity learning where some animals live and found out some interesting facts.
Next they did the enrichment activity. You had to grab a pinecone and put fruit and vegetables in the slits. A
piece of string had to be tied to the top. That was how they made it. The students went back to the barn and got
back into groups. Last, before brushing their teeth and going to bed, they went on the night walk. In the morning
they had breakfast that consisted of cereal, toast and juice. Last, but not least, they had an hour and a half to
walk around the zoo before they walked back to school.
By Isabelle
Well Done!
Mary MacKillop Christian Leadership Award
Aramis Tilli
DUX Award
Matthew Donovan
City of Perth Citizenship Award
Sasha Rimington
Science Awards
Paulo Mathew and Paulo Mathew
The Arts Award
Alicia Tory
Italian Award
Biork Alia
Endeavour Awards
Imogen Gracie (Year 6M) and Harrison Power (Year 6R)
Liturgy Officer
Stella McGann
Head Girl
Kate Bourne
Head Boy
Oscar Palermo
House Captains
MacKillop (Gold)
Casey (Green)
McMahon (Red)
Owen Purcell and Ella Dodgson
Levi Carle and Amelia Jessen
Marcus James and Abby Lin
Communications Officers
Environmental Officers
Arts Officers
Jack Rundle and Alvarez Dharma
Chelsea Rimington and Willow McCulloch
Donnay Brown and Heidi Graves
E-News is published on the 8th day of each month and distributed via email.
http://www.marymackillopplace.org.au/
See main school noticeboard for more information.
 Swimming WA Splash and Dash Carnivals 2017 — Hosted by Victoria Park Swimming Club.
Contact details: [email protected] / wa.swimming.org.au/sunsmartsplashanddash
 Leisurelife Centre — Summer Holiday Program Just 4 Kids
Contact details: 9373 5450 / victoriaparkleisure.wa.gov.au
 Kidz’n Sport—Summer Holiday Programs. Enrol on line at www.kidznsport.com.au .
Contact details: Mike Lee 0417 923 084 / [email protected]
 Grasshopper Creative Academy — Coding and Digital Art Workshops for Girls — Summer Holiday
Contact details: www.grasshoppercreativeacademy.com
 Perth Symphony Orchestra — “The Snowman” A magical Christmas Story with music and film.
Saturday 17 December 2pm and 4pm. Tickets: perthsymphony.com
Contact details: www.thesnowman.com
 Corpus Christi College — Applications for Admissions
Contact details: College Registrar Susanne Pass 6332 2567
 Guinness World Records — Form the Biggest Human Blood Drop — Australia Day 26 January 2017
Contact details: 9368 7589 / greataussiebloodgroup.org.au
 Carols in the Park — Burswood Park Foreshore — 11 December 2016
Contact details: Burswood Park Board 9361 4475 / www.burswoodpark.wa.gov.au
 Complete Youth Cricket Development — School Holidays Summer Cricket Camp
Contact details: David Virgo 0439 091 418 / [email protected] / www.cycd.com.au/services
 Basketball for Juniors — Get Active Sports
Contact details: 1300 772 106 / www.getactivesports.com.au
 Code Using Robots—January School Holiday Program for Kids aged 7 to 12
Contact details: Michael @ UPlay 0427 059 257 /
Email: [email protected] / Subscribe uplay2.wixsite.com/uplayoz
 Mercedes College Alumni — Mercedes College All Year’s Reunion — Saturday 11 February 2017
Contact details: Joanna Creighton [email protected] / 9323 1366
Wishing everyone a happy and Holy Christmas.