St. Columba's Primary School

Loving God,

As we step into these holidays, open our eyes to the awe and wonder of your world: the light of a morning sky, the laughter of those we love, and the quiet beauty of ordinary moments.

Help us to slow down and be truly present, to listen with open hearts and to notice the gifts you place before us each day.

May this time bring rest to our bodies, peace to our minds and joy to our spirits. Keep our families safe, and bring us back together refreshed and renewed.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of St Columba’s,

I arrived as your new Principal at the beginning of term a little nervous. But from day one, you have made me feel right at home.

To our students, thank you for your smiles, high fives and excellent questions, like "Are you the boss of the whole school?" To our families, thank you for your friendly hellos and kind messages. And to our wonderful staff, thank you for your patience, wisdom and good humour.

I am proud to be part of this community and excited about what we will achieve together. Bring on Term 4.

Nominations and voting for SAC and P&F Members

One of the things that has most impressed me about St Columba’s is the active involvement of our families and the strong connection and collaboration between staff and parents. The initiative and proactive approach shown by our parent community has been remarkable, and I sincerely thank each and every one of you for your energy and commitment.

This year we will farewell a number of members of the School Advisory Council (SAC) and P&F Executive. In the coming months we will take the time to celebrate and thank those who are stepping down. In the meantime, if you would like to contribute to our school community in this way, please look out for the nomination process early next term.

CEWA: Changes to Annual Community Meeting and Membership Appointment Process

As part of CEWA’s commitment to streamline practices, it has been determined that from 2026, Annual Community Meetings (ACMs) for CSACs and P&Fs will no longer be held. Rather than an ACM, the School will provide an Annual Community Report (ACR) to all families. Information about the nomination and election or appointment process for CSAC and P&F Committee members will be delivered at the start of Term 4 each year.

Go well, Dockers, win or lose! As the holidays arrive, I wish you all a restful and restorative break. I hope you find time to slow down, be fully present, and enjoy the simple joys of time with your loved ones.

God bless

Emma

As Sr Maree prepares to move on, she would love a few extra pairs of hands for packing, tidying and other small jobs.

Can you PLEASE lend a hand?

Please contact Sr Maree at maree.riddler@sosj.org.au to arrange a suitable time.

Every helping hand will make a difference and is greatly appreciated!

Term 4, Week 1

Monday, 12 October:

• Spelling Bee Competitions
• Bebras Challenge Selected Students Yr 3 - Yr 6

• P & F Meeting @ 7pm

• Chemical Science Week Incursion
• Kindy Colour Fun Run (during PMP)

• Dental Screening PP, Yr3, Yr6 @ 11am

• COLOUR FUN RUN

On 14 September, students from Years 3–6 took part in our Field Day Athletics Carnival. Students competed in the 400m, 200m Turbo, Shot Put and Long Jump, demonstrating great effort and enthusiasm throughout the day.

On 18 September, students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 took part in the St Columba’s Athletic Carnival on the School Oval. Students represented their factions across a range of races, games and relays, with plenty of sportsmanship and encouragement shown throughout the day.

Congratulations to McMahon, who were the overall winners of the St Columba’s Athletic Carnival Trophy. 🏆

Students in Years 3–6 who have qualified for the CAPSS Interschool Athletic Carnival will be notified in the coming days, with reserves contacted if required.

A special thank you to all the parent helpers who came along and assisted on one or both days. We are very grateful for the time, enthusiasm and effort you gave to help ensure everything ran smoothly. Your support across the events made a real difference and contributed greatly to the success of both carnivals.

After 24 rounds, Cameron has taken out the 2026 tipping comp with 153 tips, finishing just one ahead of Junior B and two ahead of Mathew, What a finish!

Final leaderboard below

1. Cameron W – 153 tips, 602 margin
2. Junior B – 152 tips, 637 margin
3. Mathew S – 151 tips, 533 margin
4. Malcolm K – 150 tips, 606 margin
5. Craig P – 150 tips, 632 margin
6. Mitchell R – 150 tips, 639 margin

From the wharf to the MCG, this is a moment Freo fans have waited a long time for. Wishing the Dockers all the very best for Saturday.

GO FREO! 💜

Thanks again everyone for another great year of tipping, and congratulations again to Cameron!

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 (go Freo!)

The Living Word - 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time - 26th and 27th of September 2026.

112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees - 27th of September 2026.

This Sunday, we celebrate and pray for World Day of Migrants and Refugees. This year's theme is: “Even Just One of These Children.” The theme focuses on recognising the inherent human dignity of displaced minors and urges global communities to prioritize their protection, care, and integration.

Anointing of the Sick, Monthly Mass - 2nd of October 2026 at 10am.

Term 3: Monday 20 July - Thursday 24 September

Term 4: Monday 12 October - Friday 11 December

Term 3: Friday 25 September

Term 4: Monday 26 October

Reconciliation: Saturday, 14 November at 10am