Newsletter Term 3 Week 7 (Wednesday 4th 2024)

Father's Day Celebrations!

Wow, what an incredible Father's Day celebration we had at St Brigid's! Last Friday, we kicked off the festivities with an early morning special breakfast where our amazing Year 6 students took the lead in preparing delicious ham and cheese croissants for everyone.

Meanwhile, our Kindy class was hard at work creating a delightful afternoon tea for their superhero dads. They went above and beyond, from setting the table with care to taking food and drink orders and serving up tasty treats. It was heartwarming to see their enthusiasm and effort in making the day memorable for their superhero dads!

Thank you to everyone who participated and made this celebration so special. Your involvement truly made a difference and brought smiles to many faces. Here’s to more moments of joy and togetherness at St Brigid's!

Our Gospel Reflection

In Sunday’s Gospel, we hear about a time when Jesus healed a man who was deaf. This Gospel from Mark invites us to consider how we witness the healing presence of Christ in our care for and ministry to those who are sick. We notice that the deaf man is brought to Jesus for healing by his friends. These people beg Jesus to lay his hands on this deaf man so that he might be healed. Jesus’ healing power is shown in his opening of the man’s ears and the restoring of his speech. When family members care for one another when they are sick, they bring Christ’s healing presence. When we pray for those who are ill, we ask God to show his healing power. When health is restored, we share that good news with others.

As you gather as a family, recall a time when a family member was ill. What steps were taken to help restore this family member to health? Talk about what it feels like to care for a person who is ill, and about how it feels to be the sick person being cared for. Read Sunday’s Gospel, Mark 7:31-37. Notice how the man who was cured and his friends could not honor Jesus’ request to keep quiet about Jesus’ power to heal. We continue to celebrate Jesus’ healing presence in our lives by giving thanks to God for the gift of healing and health. Conclude in prayer, thanking Jesus for the gifts of health and healing. Pray together for those who are sick. After each person is named, pray, “Jesus, heal us.”

From Our Principal

Best Wishes Mrs Shedden: As we approach a joyful milestone in our school community, we would like to extend our heartfelt best wishes to Mrs Kelli-Ann Shedden, our Assistant Principal Mission as she and her husband Jimi prepare for the arrival of their first child. This is an incredibly special time, and we are all thrilled for the new adventure that awaits them.

We know that the same dedication, care, and compassion she has shown to our students and staff will make her an amazing mother. As she steps into this new chapter, we wish her and her growing family all the happiness and love that this beautiful journey brings. Mrs Shedden’s last day before embarking on Maternity Leave will be this Friday 6^th September.

Welcome Mrs Courtney Hyde: We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Courtney Hyde to our school community as she steps into the role of Acting Assistant Principal Mission while Mrs. Shedden is on maternity leave. Mrs. Hyde joins us from St John’s Primary School,  Mullumbimby and brings with her a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting students and staff alike.

Mrs. Hyde visited our school today to meet staff and students and will commence full-time in her new role on Monday, 16th September. We are confident that she will be a wonderful addition to our team, and we look forward to the positive impact she will make during her time with us.

Please join us in giving Mrs. Hyde a warm welcome as she begins this exciting new chapter with our school.

Father’s Day: What a wonderful morning it was last Friday as we had so many families come in to have breakfast at school with their dad, grandfather’s, uncles and special men in our lives. Was so good to see the dads joining in for a kick of the footy on the oval or partake in the daily routine of handball. A special shout out to all of our staff who put together a delicious breaky but more importantly gave us the opportunity as a community to acknowledge how important and special these men are in our lives.

Wishing Our Students Continued Success at Wakakirri: As our talented students prepare to take the stage at the Logan Entertainment Centre this week for the Wakakirri State Finals performance, we want to extend our heartfelt best wishes to each of them. Your hard work, creativity, and passion will undoubtedly shine through in every moment of your performance. We are incredibly proud of how far you’ve come and are confident that you’ll represent our school with excellence and have another fantastic performing before the live audience.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding dedication and commitment of Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Beetge. Your countless hours of preparation, guidance, and support have been instrumental in bringing this performance to life. The passion you’ve shown in nurturing our students’ talents is truly inspiring. To all of the families who will travel up to Logan to support I extend a heartfelt vote of thanks. Your children are an absolute delight!!

To all our performers, break a leg! We know you’ll make us proud and we look forward to hearing about your evening and the award presentation.

Year 6 Excursion Parent Meeting: With the end of term quickly approaching, we are excitedly counting down to the first week of Term 4 when our Year 6 students will embark on their trip to Sydney and Canberra.

A final meeting for families will be held on Wednesday, 18th September at 6pm in the Year 6 classroom. It is essential that at least one family member attends this meeting to receive important information about the final preparations, as we will be departing on the very first day of next term.

If a family member is unable to attend, please notify Miss Macdonald so that the necessary information can be sent to you.

Stage 3 Soccer and Multi Sport Day: Our Year 5 and 6 students had an excellent day on Friday, attending the Stage 3 Sports Gala Day. The students had a wonderful time despite the unseasonably warm weather. Thanks to Mrs Lee for organising and Mrs Shedden, Mrs Myers, Miss Macdonald and Mrs Leece for attending.

Tony Hunter,
Principal

Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning

Poetry & Public Speaking 

Next Monday 9th September, we will hold our school finals for the Poetry and Public Speaking competition at 1:40pm. Class teachers will contact parents if your child has been successful in gaining selection for the school final.

Parents and carers are most welcome to attend these school finals which will be held in the Parish Hall. From these finals, two students from each category will be chosen across each stage to compete in the zone finals at St. Carthage’s Primary School on Friday 20th September. 

Good luck to all our finalists!

ICAS Results

Students who registered for the ICAS assessments have completed all the assessments in the testing window. I have received an email advising that results for all assessments except writing are ready on the portal. Parents can log in via the portal to view your child’s results.

Have a wonderful week ahead!

Vanessa Walters,
Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning

Assistant Principal - Mission

SONGS OF PRAISE

A reminder that our school choir will be participating in Songs of Praise on the 6th September, 10.30 am. We would love for you to come along and support our choir. This is a wonderful event held in our church where people from all faiths come together and worship through music. 

WHOLE SCHOOL FAMILY MASS

5 pm Saturday 14th Vigil Mass and pizza dinner.

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. 
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 during Mass, children will have the opportunity to join Children’s Liturgy with our teachers for engaging activities and learning. After Mass, we’ll gather for a pizza dinner together. 

To make sure we order the right amount, please take a moment to fill out the form with the number of people in your party. Your quick response will help us make sure no one goes hungry!

👉https://bit.ly/PizzaRSVP14th

SAYING GOODBYE

Your prayers are appreciated as I head on leave and prepare to welcome our little baby. It is going to feel very different to not see your children each and every day for the next twelve months. Jimi and I are very appreciative of the well wishes and prayers being offered for the safe arrival of our baby. We are feeling very blessed!

Take care and I will see you all again soon, 

Kelli-Ann Shedden,
Assistant Principal - Mission

Wellbeing Team

R U OK?

Often all it takes to make a big difference is a small gesture like asking a friend, family member, or colleague, “R U OK?”.

St Brigid’s is encouraging staff and students to wear something yellow to school next Thursday, September 12, in acknowledgement of R U OK? Day.

R U OK? Day is an important day on our annual calendars because it encourages people to stay connected and start conversations that can not only support others through difficult times, but might be life-changing.

The national suicide prevention charity encourages us all to invest more time in our personal relationships and support networks.

R U OK? was started back in 2009 by a man called Gavin Larkin, who had lost his dad Barry to suicide in 1995. Gavin wanted to promote one question – R U OK? – in the hope of protecting other families from the pain and loss that he and his family had experienced. 

So next Thursday, take a moment to ask someone in your world, “R U OK?”

Wellbeing Team

Parent Assembly

Free Workshop about Parenting Teens
Don't miss this amazing opportunity to learn more about parenting teens in the complex world they are growing up in. Chris Hudson, a highly regarded teen parenting coach will present - Parenting Teenagers in a Digital World at Trinity Catholic College - R Block at 5:30 pm (refreshments) 6 pm start on Tuesday the 17th of September. We hope that all parents of tweens and teens in our Catholic schools in the local area make time to come along to this informative and engaging session. You'll leave with great information and practical tips and strategies to help you help your young person thrive.

To register CLICK HERE  or to read more CLICK HERE.

Attendance Matters

EVERY DAY MATTERS

When it comes to school attendance, every day matters. Taking just a few days off each month can set your child back years in their learning. ​The more time your child attends school, the more they'll be able to develop academically, socially and emotionally.If you're concerned about your child's attendance or any other issues that may affect this, please speak with the school.More info bit.ly/AttendanceInfo

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 Attendance Results

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)

Making Jesus Real (MJR)

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!

Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with their awards at our assembly Week 5.

Calendar

With just three weeks left in the term, please take note of the following key dates.

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

Pizza Dinner RSVP Time!

We’re gearing up for our Pizza Dinner and need your help to ensure we have enough delicious pies for everyone!

To make sure we order the right amount, please take a moment to fill out the form with the number of people in your party. Your quick response will help us make sure no one goes hungry!

👉https://bit.ly/PizzaRSVP14th

We’re looking forward to a fantastic evening with great food and even better company!

Community News

Second Hand Saturday Garage Sale – Donations Needed!

Our Parish is excited to announce their upcoming Second Hand Saturday Garage Sale and we need your help!
We are currently seeking donations of plants, furniture, clothing, bric-a-brac and toys.
By contributing, you’ll help reduce landfill waste and support the principles of reuse and repair within our community.
Donation Drop-Off: Date: From September 16th
Time: 8:30 am onward
Location: 156 Summerland Way, Church Grounds
Contacts: Joan at 0413 999 360 or Diane at 0428 321 589.

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