“Holy Father, God of Love, You are the creator of this land and of all good things.

We acknowledge the pain and shame of our history and the suffering of our peoples – especially the grief of those who were taken as children from their homes and families,

taken from all they knew and loved. We ask your forgiveness. Amen”

Dear Parents and Carers

As we reach the midpoint of Term 2, I am continually reminded of the vibrant and nurturing spirit that defines St Columba’s School. The last few weeks have been filled with learning, achievement, and community connection, and I thank all our staff, students, and families for their ongoing support and involvement.

A reminder that Confirmation will be held on 7 June and 14 June at the Saturday evening Masses at St Columba’s Church. Please keep our students in your prayers and thoughts.

We will be celebrating St Columba’s Feast Day Friday week. There will be a Prayer Service at 9:00am and Mission Day. It is also a free dress day for students.

This week, we paused to acknowledge National Sorry Day, a significant moment in Australia’s journey toward reconciliation. At St Columba’s, we gathered as a school to reflect on the importance of this day, recognising the strength of the Stolen Generations and the need for healing and understanding. Our students participated in a prayer service, deepening their awareness of our shared history and our commitment to truth, respect, and unity.

A reminder that students are now able to wear sports uniform on Thursdays and Fridays.

Our annual Cross Country Carnival held today, was a tremendous success! Congratulations to all students for their participation and sportsmanship. A special thank you to Mr Chatt, staff, and parent volunteers for making the day so well organised and enjoyable, particularly with the rain continually threatening . We also commend our faction champions and all those who achieved personal bests.

Teachers are currently finalising student assessments in preparation for Semester One reports. These reports will be live for viewing on Wednesday of Week 10.

Please note that if families choose to take their child/ren out of school for a holiday, the school does not provide work for students during this time. Under the Education Act, children are required to attend school for the full duration of each term unless they are unwell. Teachers recommend that children read and keep a diary during the break. It’s also a great opportunity to talk about how money is spent during the holiday and to involve your child/ren in calculating distances travelled and the hours spent on various activities each day.

A reminder that tomorrow is a pupil free day and Monday is a public holiday.

God bless, and keep safe.

Allen McMahon

Principal

Winning faction: Casey

1. Zara. O
2. Olivia

Year 6 Champion Boy and Runner Up

1. Dongha
2. Angus

Year 5 Champion Girl and Runner Up

1. Esther
2. Lilli

Year 5 Champion Boy and Runner Up

1. Samuel
2. Oscar

Year 4 Champion Girl and Runner Up

1. Claudia
2. Sarah

Year 4 Champion Boy and Runner Up

1. Fletcher
2. Nicholas

Year 3 Champion Girl and Runner Up

1. Arielle
2. Savannah

Year 3 Champion Boy and Runner Up

1. Hugo
2. Reuben

Friday 30 May

• Catholic Day - Pupil Free Day

Monday 2 June

• WA Day - Public Holiday

Thursday 5 June

• Reconciliation Y6 - 9am

Friday 6 June

• St Columba's Feast Day Liturgy - 9am
• Mission Game Fundraiser - Free Dress

Saturday 7 June

• Confirmation Mass Y6 - 6pm

Monday 10 June

• CAPSS Vans Carnival - Success Sporting Fields

On Saturday, 31 May, communities around the world will celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday with a rich history dating back over 2,000 years.

Also known as Duanwu Festival, this special day is marked by exciting dragon boat races, the sharing of traditional foods like zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves), and cultural activities that honour loyalty, strength and community spirit.

The festival commemorates the life of Qu Yuan, a respected poet and patriot of ancient China, whose legacy is remembered through acts of unity and remembrance.

At St Columba’s, we take pride in recognising and celebrating the cultural traditions of our community.

We wish all our families who observe the Dragon Boat Festival a joyful and meaningful celebration!

At St Columba’s, we are proud to recognise and participate in National Reconciliation Week, held from 27 May to 3 June each year.

This important week is a time for all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures, and achievements — and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The dates mark two significant milestones: the 1967 referendum and the 1992 Mabo decision, both powerful moments in the journey toward justice and recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Throughout the week, students will engage in classroom discussions and activities designed to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and reflect on the role we all play in reconciliation.

We invite all families to take a moment during this week to talk with your children about the importance of respect, truth-telling, and working together for a united Australia.

To celebrate St Columba’s Feast Day and the launch of the Bishop’s Lifelink Appeal all students will have the opportunity to wear free dress on Friday, 6 June (Week 6). The Y1-6 classes will begin the day with a St Columba’s Feast Day Liturgy at 9am in the Kalyara Mia.

Students are encouraged to bring in spare change as there will be Mission Game stalls organised by our Year 6 students during the afternoon. This is for the PP-Y5 students to attend, participate and win small prizes. All proceeds will go towards our Lifelink charities.

The LifeLink Foundation was established by Emeritus Archbishop Hickey in 1998.

The Foundation’s current goal is to raise a capital reserve of $10 million which will be prudently and ethically invested ‘to return in perpetuity’ an annual source of operational funding for LifeLink agencies.

On completion, the Foundation will provide LifeLink agencies a guaranteed level of funding and help them continue a tradition of caring for people in need within the Western Australian Community.

We look forward to a great day of celebrating and having fun together.

We are excited to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with our Year 6 candidates at two upcoming Masses on Saturday, 7 and 14 June at 6pm in the St Columba’s Church.

Our canteen is very busy, and we thank families for their ongoing support. With so much to prepare on canteen days, we need to implement an 8:30 am cut-off for QuickCliq orders. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accept late orders. The new cut-off time is effective on Wednesday, 28 May.

Did you know you can order ahead on QuickCliq? This handy feature allows families to place orders days - or even weeks - in advance.

Canteen is available on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Kindy students are able to order lunch (but not recess).

The second round of the WA Student Assistance Payment will be available for every eligible student in Western Australia from 28 April 2025 - 4 July 2025.

Please click on the link below for more information.

Round 11 is wrapped, and it delivered the goods—upsets, blowouts, and a new leader charging to the top!

Mayuran S went bigger with a perfect 9 from 9, Well done!

1. FreeStylerz (Mayuran S) – 9 tips, 8-point margin
2. ATG (Alan G) – 8 tips, 5-point margin
3. Eddies mate (Dan M) – 8 tips, 7-point margin
4. Jensen lads (Joshua J) – 8 tips, 7-point margin
5. TeamBoxsell (Andrew B) – 8 tips, perfect 0-point margin!

Overall Ladder (Top 5):

1. OggAce (Brendon O) – 64 tips, 161-point margin
2. Inkognito34 (Stef F) – 63 tips, 148-point margin
3. mrlunch (Junior B) – 63 tips, 209-point margin
4. Skipjh (Skip H) – 62 tips, 191-point margin
5. ATG (Alan G) – 61 tips, 188-point margin

Margins are getting tighter and every point counts now. We’re heading into the bye's this weekend which kicks off with the Lions hosting the Bombers at 5:30 PM Tonight. Make sure your tips are in on time!

Thanks again to everyone for keeping the banter alive. Good luck for Round 12!

For any questions, reach out at doscafootytipping6151@gmail.com or give me a call at 0411253951.

Cheers, Santhosh

Rugby - Years 1 to 6

- 6 sessions

- 08/05/2025 - 12/06/2025

- Thursdays 3:20pm - 4:20pm

- Cost to Parents: $49 (P&F subsidising the remainder)

- League Stars Pack Included

- Location: Bottom Oval

Volleyball - Years 1 to 6

- 8 sessions

- Commence Week 2, Term 2 (Tuesday, 6 May).

- Time: 3:20pm - 4:20pm

- Includes a Reds Shirt and their annual VWA Membership

- Cost $70

- Location: Bottom Oval

Soccer - Years 1 to 6

- Wednesday and Fridays (one of these sessions will be dedicated to advanced students)

- Commence Week 2, Term 2

- Time: 7:30am - 8:30am

- Cost: $149

- Location: bottom oval

Registration information was emailed to families in the last week of Term 1.

Issue 4 has been sent home today - Orders are due by Wednesday, 11 June 2025.

Did you know that every purchase you make on Book Club earns our school 15% of the order value in Scholastic Rewards? We use these to purchase more books and educational resources for the school. It all helps!

Cash payments are no longer accepted. Payments can be made by credit card - Visit scholastic.com.au/LOOP or download the LOOP app. Your order will be electronically linked to the rest of your school's order. You do not need to complete the order form.

Monday - 10.00AM

Tuesday - 10.00AM

Wednesday - 5.00PM

Thursday - 5.00PM

Friday - 10.00AM

Saturday - 11.30AM (Reconciliation)

Saturday - 6.00PM

Sunday - 7.30AM

Sunday - 9.30AM

Dates: Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 June
Time: 7.00 pm - 8.45 pm approximately (doors open from 6.30 pm)
Venue: Hazel Day Drama Centre
Cost: $25 adult, $20 student
Parking: Please consider our neighbours and park in the View St or Junior School Visitor Car Park

Term 2: Monday 28 April - Friday 4 July

Term 3: Tuesday 22 July - Thursday 25 September

Term 4: Monday 13 October - Friday 12 December

Term 2: Monday 12 May, Friday 30 May

Term 3: Monday 21 July, Friday 26 September

Term 4: Monday 27 October

Confirmation: Saturday, 7 June at 6pm, Saturday, 14 June at 6pm

Eucharist: Sunday, 17 August, Sunday, 24 August, Sunday, 31 August at 9.30am

Reconciliation: Saturday, 15 November at 10am