St. Columba's Primary School
NEWSLETTER | TERM 4 WEEK 2 | 22 OCTOBER 2026
A Prayer for Respect, Kindness and Compassion
Loving God,
you made each of us in your image,
precious and worthy of love.
Help us to show respect to everyone we meet,
to listen with open hearts,
and to honour the gifts and differences of others.
Fill us with kindness,
so our words build others up,
our hands are ready to help,
and our smiles bring joy to those around us.
Give us hearts of compassion, like Jesus,
to notice those who are hurting or left out,
to walk beside them,
and to offer comfort, friendship and hope.
May our school be a place
where everyone feels safe, valued and loved.
Through the inspiration of St Columba,
we ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Dear Parents, carers and friends of St Columba’s
THANK YOU TO OUR P&F
A huge thank you to our P&F and their wonderful team of volunteers for an amazing Colour Run last Friday!
It was a joy to experience my first St Columba’s Colour Run, and the energy, laughter and colour on the day were something special. The teamwork and efficiency of the volunteers were outstanding, and every detail ran smoothly from start to finish.
Each time the P&F organises an event, I am impressed by the thoughtful planning, clear communication and genuine care that goes into it. Events like this do not just happen. They are the result of many hours of generous work behind the scenes. Thank you for the way you bring our community together and create such happy memories for our students and families.
CONGRATULATIONS MRS McDONALD
This week Mrs Manfredi and I had the privilege of attending the CEWA Awards afternoon. This is an annual event that recognises excellence in education across our system. It also is a time for educators and leaders to reflect on years of service in the system. Mrs McDonald was recognised for her 30 years of service to Catholic education. We extend our gratitude to Mrs McDonald for sharing her passion and influencing the young minds and hearts of so many children.
SMART GLASSES IN CATHOIC SCHOOLS
Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) has confirmed that smart glasses will be prohibited in Catholic schools.
This follows the Western Australian Government’s decision to prohibit smart glasses in public schools and reflects CEWA’s commitment to maintaining safe, respectful and secure learning environments for students and staff.
Smart glasses are wearable devices that may incorporate technology such as cameras, microphones, internet connectivity, artificial intelligence and recording or communication capabilities. Their use may create risks relating to privacy, child safety and wellbeing, unauthorised recording or sharing of information, information security and the integrity of learning and assessment.
Students and staff must not wear, use, charge or store smart glasses on school premises or at any school-organised event or activity.
Parents and caregivers, visitors and contractors must not bring smart glasses onto school premises or to any school-organised event or activity.
We may approve an exemption where smart glasses are required for school-approved medical, accessibility or assistive technology purpose. An exemption may also be approved where smart glasses are being used as part of an educational program specifically authorised by the Principal.
If your child requires smart glasses for medical, accessibility or assistive technology purposes, please contact us to discuss the appropriate arrangements.
We appreciate the support of our families in helping us protect the privacy, safety and wellbeing of all members of our school community.
God bless
Emma
Our heartfelt congratulations to Louise McDonald on celebrating 30 years of service to Catholic education! 🎶💐
Louise leads our vibrant music program, choir and performing arts here at St Columba’s, sharing her passion for music and inspiring our students to find their voices and talents.
Thank you, Louise, for the joy, creativity and dedication you bring to our school community!
THIS WEEK:
Friday 23 October
- Glimmer and Shine Disco - K - Year 6
- Year 6 Foreshore Fun Lunchtime
NEXT WEEK:
Monday 26 October
- PUPIL FREE DAY
Tuesday 27 October
- Interschool Spelling Bee @ Corpus Christi College
Wednesday 28 October
- Kindy Grandparents Morning (please see below for details)
- Grandparents Day PP - Yr 6 (please see below for details)
Friday 30 October
- World Teachers Day
- Father Nino and Deacon Bruce visit PP
- Year 6 Foreshore Fun Lunchtime
- Choir Pizza Night
Nne of Australia’s leading cyber safety educators
Paul Litherland OAM is one of Australia’s leading cyber safety educators, a former WA Police Technology Crime investigator, and the founder of Surf Online Safe. He was named the 2022 Western Australian of the Year and awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2026 for his extensive work in internet awareness and digital safety.
His Cyber Safety Parent Information Sessions are highly sought-after, presentation-style workshops designed to bridge the technical gap between parents and children.
ISSUE 7 HAS GONE HOME TODAY!
Bumper Holiday Issue with FREE BOOKS give away when you spend over $20
Orders due by 28th October.
DOSC is looking forward to seeing you all at the Dads Campout!
Camp Out Details as follows:
Date: 7th November 2026
Time: Setup only FROM 3:30pm. Strictly NO arrivals or setup before 3:30pm, due to Wedding at Church.
Parking & Access: Please do not park in the school car park, this is for parishioners for the evening and morning mass. Parking available on Alexandra St, York St, Hopetoun St and Edinburgh St. Bottom Oval access available via Alexandra St and Forest St. You can use school car park to unload vehicle and then please move your car.
What’s included:
Fruit & snack on arrival.
Dinner: Sausage and bun, juice and zooper dooper.
Breakfast: Bacon and egg roll, Milo, Coffee, Tea and Juice.
Coffee Van planned from 7am on the 8th for those who want to purchase coffees and other items.
Recommended Items to bring:
Camping Equipment: Tent, Mattress, pillows & sleeping bags/blankets.
Camping Chairs and Torches.
Warm clothes & spare clothes if needed.
Water bottles and additional food, snacks and drinks as required. Please no nuts or products containing nuts.
Please check the weather on the day and pack accordingly.
There is a power point at the bottom of the oval, available for pumping up air beds. Please bring your own pumps.
Please note, the camp out is only for children currently attending St Columba's. Dads, father figures, carers and Mums are welcome.
Registration are closed. Unfortunately due to safety considerations, we can not accept any new registrations, we appreciate your understanding.
Any tents or equipment setup before 3:30pm on Saturday 7th will be taken down.
If you require any further information please contact Alan on 0423 840 411
ADULTS ONLY EVENT
Book in those babysitters now, as our adults only event is locked in for Saturday 14 November, on the rooftop at the Beaufort. Your P&F Committee were very inspired by our wonderful Principal’s “glimmer moments” and as such, we are so pleased to announce this year’s theme is “Black, White & Glimmer”. It is sure to be a fantastic night, and the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and maybe make some new ones. Tickets are on sale now!
Dear Parents and Carers,
A reminder about our extracurricular activities for Term 4, 2026.
TERM 4: AFTER SCHOOL AFL LITTLE MAYNES (RUN BY CHRIS MAYNE ACADEMY) YEARS 1-6
Dates: Tuesday 13 October (week 1) to Tuesday 8th December (week 9)
Duration: 9 sessions
Time: 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Cost: $198 per student for the full term.
Location: Bottom Oval
What to bring: Water bottle, sunscreen
What to wear: Your child must wear their allocated school uniform for the day. They are welcome to wear suitable clothing for the activity and can get changed straight after school.
Other: Coach to Player Ratio: 1 Coach to 10 kids
REGISTRATION LINK: https://littlemayneacademy.com.au/product/term-4-bookings/ (follow the link to Term 4 School Term Booking)
TERM 4: LUNCHTIME KIDZ n SPORT (YEARS 1 - 6)
Dates: Tuesdays (Years 1 – 3) and Wednesdays (Years 4 – 6) commencing week 2
Duration: Lunchtime (after eating lunch)
Time: 1:10pm - 2:00pm
Cost: No costs to parents no registration required, P&F will kindly pay
Location: Tennis Courts
TERM 4: BEFORE SCHOOL SOCCER (YEARS 1-6)
Dates: Friday 23 October (week 2) through to 11 December 2026.
Duration: 8 weeks
Time: 7:30am - 8:30am
Cost: $159 per child
Location: Bottom Oval
What to bring: Water bottle, sunscreen
What to wear: Your child must wear their allocated school uniform for the day. They are welcome to wear suitable clothing for the activity and can get changed straight after school.
REGISTATION: Term 4 link coming soon, but you can email Barry@profootballtraining.com.au or contact 0407 084 589
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS:
By registering for any of the above extracurriculars, you acknowledge that the duty of care does not lie with St Columba's Primary School but with yourself and the external company providing the activity. If you have any questions, please contact the P&F via email pandf@stcolumbassp.wa.edu.au
Have fabulous weekend everyone,
Hayley, Gemma, Mat and Renee
School Term Dates for 2026
Term 4: Monday 12 October - Friday 11 December
Pupil Free Days for 2026
Term 4: Monday 26 October
Sacrament Dates for 2026
Reconciliation: Saturday, 14 November at 10am
