Newsletter Term 3 Week 4 (Wednesday 14th 2024)
- Front Page with Wakakirri
- Our Gospel Reflection
- From Our Principal
- Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning
- Assistant Principal - Mission
- Wellbeing Team
- Parent Assembly
- Community Forum
- Attendance Matters
- Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)
- Making Jesus Real (MJR)
- Celebrations
- Calendar
- Parish News
- Community News
- Parent Resources
Front Page with Wakakirri
State Award Triumph!
We are thrilled to announce that our students have been honored with a prestigious state award following their outstanding performance in Logan last week. Their dedication, talent, and hard work truly shone through, earning them this well-deserved recognition.
The performance was nothing short of spectacular, and it’s clear that our students performed like true champions. This state award is a testament to their excellence and the exceptional support they’ve received from our dedicated staff and community.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our students for their incredible achievement and thank everyone involved for their unwavering support. This award is a proud moment for our entire school, and we look forward to celebrating this success together!
We're so excited to share some fantastic feedback!
St Brigid’s has received a State Award and is being considered for a National Award for their Wakakirri performance ‘Castles’. Wakakirri is Australia’s largest performing arts event for schools with over 200 taking part in 2024.
Wakakirri Festival Director Adam Loxley said “The standard of performance and the stories being told by schools this year was exceptional and St Brigid’s should be very proud of their award”.
St Brigid’s story is about change, diversity and inclusion, which follows a child’s unique journey from primary school into adulthood and the recognition and acceptance of different individual learners. St Brigid’s performance ‘Castles’ was described by Wakakirri Ambassador Nathalie Cotte as "A visually and emotionally stunning, thought-provoking journey."
St Brigid’s performance facilitator Hayley Kennedy said “What an incredible achievement and well deserved. All 86 students from year 1 through to year 6 have given up their lunch times over 18 weeks to practice and it has paid off in a big way! I couldn’t be prouder!”
As a result of their outstanding achievement, St Brigid’s has been invited to the Awards showcase night, where they will find out if they have received a National nomination!
More details to follow soon!
Our Gospel Reflection
Tomorrow (Thursday 15th) is the Feast of Mary's Assumption into heaven. The assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven has long been held as an important Catholic belief. The belief was not defined as dogma, however, until 1950 by Pope Pius XII. The dogma teaches that Mary, who was without sin, was taken, body and soul, into the glory of heaven.
The Gospel for this holy day recalls Mary's actions after the announcement of Jesus' birth by the Angel Gabriel. Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth who is also with child. Elizabeth greets Mary with full recognition of the roles they and their unborn children will play in God's plan for salvation. Mary responds to Elizabeth's greeting with her song of praise, the Magnificat. Both women recall and echo God's history of showing favour upon the people of Israel.
This Gospel highlights Mary's faith. Mary's faith enabled her to recognize the work of God in her people's history and in her own life. Her openness to God allowed God to work through her so that salvation might come to all. Mary is a model and symbol of the Church. May we be like Mary, open and cooperative in God's plan of salvation.
All are invited to join with us as we attend the Parish Mass at 9am on Thursday the 15th. Bishop Jarrett will be leading our mass for the Assumption of Mary.
From Our Principal
It is good to be back at school but I must say that I had the most amazing time while away in Europe. It really was a once in a lifetime experience and it was wonderful being able to share this experience with my wife Helen. Our 3 weeks in Rome were spent in lectures, churches, basilicas, ancient sites, monasteries and enjoying the most amazing food. We studied with 13 other Catholic Education leaders from Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne. We were privileged to be given access to guides, speakers and places that a normal tourist would not have access to. It was so surreal to be a part of a Papal audience in St Peter’s Square and to have Pope Francis pass us within touching distance in the Pope mobile. It is hard to pinpoint a favourite moment but we were able to visit some significant and historic places in Rome, Assisi, Subiaco, Naples, Pisa and Florence that are at the heart of our Catholic faith.
At the conclusion of the Study Trip, our daughter Maddison joined us and we spent the next 4 weeks touring the UK. This was also very interesting and enjoyable as we visited some very special and historic places – London, Windsor, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Sheffield, Wrexham, Caernarfon and Tokyo for a couple of days on the way home. One thing that we all agreed upon when we arrived back in Australia that it was a great adventure but there is no place like being back in Australia!!
I am ever so grateful to all those who allowed and facilitated the experience to happen. It was wonderful being away knowing the school was in the capable hands of Mrs Walters, Mrs Shedden and Miss Dicker. To all staff who also supported Vanessa, Kel and Annika, ensuring everything ran smoothly, I am truly appreciative.
Whilst away I have kept a close eye on what has been happening here at St Brigid’s and it sure has been a busy start to the term – NAIDOC Celebrations, Grandparents Day, Bookfair, 100 Days of School for Kindergarten and the amazing and award winning Wakakirri Performance.
Haven’t the Olympics been great these last 2 weeks. The level of talent, skill and competition is amazing. It is fantastic and an achievement to all who took part - some incredible stories just to get to the Olympics, some courageous in defeat and some so appreciative of others in victory. It’s a wonderful message to all of us - to work hard at what we do, to never give up and be grateful for those who love and support us. We now look forward to the Paralympics which will commence on the 28th of August.
Congratulations Wakakirri
Whilst on Wakakirri, notification came through yesterday that St Brigid’s has been awarded a State Award from their recent performance at Logan Entertainment Centre. This is a fantastic achievement and all staff and students are to be congratulated on their brilliant efforts. The St Brigid’s Wakakirri Squad have been invited back to the Logan Entertainment Centre on Thursday 5th September for the awards and to perform their story / dance again. We will find out on the night if they have been nominated for a National Award.
This is due recognition for all of the work and time put in towards this year’s Wakakirri entry. Many thanks to Mrs Kennedy and Mrs Beetge, our co-ordinators for giving our students this unique opportunity to perform at a high level of competition.
Tony Hunter,
Principal
Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning
WELCOME BACK & THANK YOU
As I reflect on my time as Acting Principal, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our amazing staff and parents. Your unwavering support and collaboration made this experience rewarding and successful. Together, we navigated challenges and celebrated achievements, and I couldn’t have done it without your dedication and commitment to our school community. Thank you for being such an essential part of our journey!
Vanessa Walters,
Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning
Assistant Principal - Mission
ASSUMPTION OF MARY
Tomorrow, 15th August, we celebrate the Assumption of Our Lady, Mary, the woman called by God to be the mother of his only son, Jesus Christ.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that the Blessed Virgin Mary was “assumed”, body and soul, into heavenly glory when she died. Mary’s greatness comes from her participation in God’s plan and she is portrayed as an image of the Church. The Assumption feast day is celebrated as a holy day when Catholics are obliged to attend Mass in Mary’s honour.
Our school will be attending 9.00 am Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, we extend a warm invitation to all to attend such an important Mass in the Church’s calendar.
WHOLE SCHOOL PARISH MASS
We love joining together in the community for our Family Parish Masses. It gives the children a chance to socialise and play afterwards with their friends and is a great opportunity for parents to chat and have a cuppa.
We know that weekends get busy, but we hope that families make supporting the parish and your child’s faith journey a priority and come along to one of our Masses. Everyone is welcome and there is always a delicious morning tea afterwards.
Kelli-Ann Shedden,
Assistant Principal - Mission
Wellbeing Team
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Wellbeing Team
Parent Assembly
Parent Talk newsletter aims to provide parents and carers with relevant and timely information about developments in education, wellbeing, CCSP advocacy program and significant Catholic news and events.
Community Forum
We Need Your Help!
Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser is Sunday 25th August! We will be running the BBQ from 9am-4pm to raise funds for the School Community Forum, and we are seeking your support to make this event a success. We require helpers who can assist us in 2-hour time slots.
If you can help, please sign up using this form: https://forms.gle/Jp89pUBF6kCMyhfaA
| Bunnings BBQ Fundrasier Roster: Saturday 25th August | |||||
| Person 1 | Person 2 | Person 3 | Person 4 | Person 5 | |
| 7:30 -9:30 | Erin Anderson | Erin Anderson | |||
| 9:30 - 11:30 | Erin Anderson | Nerijus Brazys | |||
| 11:30 - 13:30 | Kellie Keed | ||||
| 13:30 - 15:30 | Tony Hunter | ||||
| 15:30 - 17:00 | Tony Hunter | ||||
Community Forum Meetings are held in the school library Week 3 and Week 7 during the school term from 3:30pm.
Term 3 Week 7 date: Tuesday 3rd September 3:30pm | Email: stbrigidsforum@gmail.com
Attendance Matters
One of our school goals this year is to have an average weekly attendance of 90% and above. The class with the best average each week receives the “Stars of the Week” trophy and certificate to display in their classroom.
| Term 3 Week 3 Class with the highest average attendance |
| Year 5 82.08% |
| Term 3 Week 3 Whole School Average |
| Whole School Average 85.64% |
Term 3 Attendance Results
| Week 1 | 87.54% | Year 3 93.33% | Kinder 90.43% | Year 2 89.84% |
| Week 2 | 84.36% | Kinder 92.91% | Year 4 88.93% | Year 2 88.60% |
| Week 3 | 85.64% | Year 5 82.08% | Year 4 81.14% | Year 2 80.40% |
Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)
| Term 3 Week 4 PB4L Focus |
I sit and wait until there is a teacher on duty to play in the mornings. This keeps me safe. |
Making Jesus Real (MJR)
| Term 3 Week 4 MJR Focus |
| I've got class spirit! |
Celebrations
You shine with the Light of the Lord —the kind of Light that grows brighter and warmer and more radiant with time. God bless you with a very happy birthday!
| 16th Aug- Jahlissa |
| 17th Aug - William |
| 22nd Aug - Rylie-Jayne |
| 23rd Aug - Elsie |
Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with their awards at our assembly Week 3.
| Kindergarten | Lenix, Callie, Harvey & Teddy. |
Year 1 | Rylie-Jayne, Brodie & Harper. |
Year 2 | Eliza, Kalana |
Year 3 | Djalai & Harrison. |
Year 4 | Nerida, Lola, Landen & Hazel. |
Year 5 | Charlie & Adam. |
Year 6 | Yari & Lexi. |
Principal Awards | Millea. |
Calendar
Celebrate Father’s Day with Us!
Join us for a special Father’s Day breakfast on Friday, August 30th, starting at 7:00 AM. We warmly welcome all dads, stepdads, grandfathers, uncles, and favorite friends to come and enjoy a delightful breakfast as we honor and celebrate you!
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to enjoy good food and great company. See you there!
Pupil Free Days Term 3 |
| Monday 26th August |
| Friday 27th September |
Week 4 | |
| Thursday 15th August | Feast of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 9 am Mass. |
| Sunday 18th August | Whole School Parish Mass 20th Sunday Ordinary Time |
Week 5 | |
| Tuesday 20th August | Zone Athletics Carnival Coffs Harbour |
| Friday 23rd August | Book Week Parade 12 pm |
| Sunday 25th August | 21st Sunday Ordinary Time |
| Sunday 25th August | Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser |
Week 6 | |
| Friday 30th August | Father's Day Breakfast from 7:30 am |
| Friday 30th August | Multi Sports Gala Day & Soccer Gala Day (Years 5 and 6) |
| Sunday 1st September | 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time |
| Sunday 1st September | Father's Day |
SHOWCASE DATES
| Friday 6th September | Year 4 Showcase |
| Friday 13th September | Year 3 Showcase |
Book Week Parade Friday 23rd August
Breakfast Club serves assorted cereal & toast options EVERY Wednesday | Thursday | Friday during term time for a 50c donation.
Parish News
Our Lady of Sorrows Parish established 1916. Our Parish Family includes the town of Kyogle and the villages of Urbenville and Woodenbong. Our Parish Priest is Fr Erick Quinteros.
Mass Times are Saturday 5:00 pm | Sunday 9:00 am.
Morning Tea is served every Sunday after Mass hosted by the parishioners.
Parish Office Phone: 02 6632 1074 | Email: kyogle@lismore.catholic.org.au
Whole School Parish Mass Dates
| Sunday 18th August 9 am | Morning Tea provided after Mass. |
| Saturday 14th September 5 pm | Pizza dinner provided after Mass. |
Community News
Local Support Services
Kyogle Together is a local organisation focused on supporting youth and community wellbeing. They run the Laneway Community Space at 161 Summerland Way, Kyogle, next to the pool, where you can find Youth Drop-In sessions, the Fair Share Kitchen, and various other programs.
Fair Share Kitchen: Runs Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm.
The AA Casino Fun Run is on Sunday 15th September this year., featuring a 10k, 5k and 2k distance.
Anyone can enter! Run, Jog or Walk.
Parent Resources
Because we value the critical role parents and carers play as partners in educating and forming young people, we have compiled some helpful resources to support families at home.
Educational Games
Toy Theatre | Educational Games for Kids
Math Games
Hidden Pictures Games and Puzzles
Quick Links
St Brigid's Facebook Page
Parent Assembly Facebook Page
Supporting Learning - Primary
Faith and Family
Tips for Parents – Supporting your Childs attendance at School
NSW Government Facebook Page