Newsletter Term 1 Week 8 (Wednesday 23rd March 2022)

Our Front Page with Year 1

Stage 1 has been lucky enough to have chickens in our classrooms for the past two weeks. This experience linked in with our Science unit which allowed students the opportunity to observe how living things grow, change and reproduce. The students have been able to identify the unique features of the chickens through their observations each day and have had a hands-on experience into one of God's miracles of creation.

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Our Gospel Reflection

This Sunday we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Lent and our Gospel Reading from Luke tells of a very familiar parable. We have all heard the story of the Lost Son (Prodigal Son). We have all heard about the older brother's envious reaction to his father's generosity. It seems clear that the forgiving father represents God and the sons represent each of us at different points in our lives.

On second thoughts, perhaps there is more to this familiar parable than meets the eye. Think about the story for a moment. What does it really say about God? Not only is the father not upset about his son's wasting of all of his money, but the father is incredibly happy to see his son return home. He runs to meet him! Picture it - this man so eager to welcome his son that he runs down the road toward him and then hugs and kisses him. Doesn't this seem a bit excessive?

It doesn't end there, however. Despite the son's apology, which the father ignores, the father tells his servants to throw a huge party, to go all out for his son. This seems almost too much to believe, doesn't it? Music, dancing, expensive robes and rings, and a feast for everyone! What's going on here?

Luke is trying to show us, in the most visual way possible, that there is simply no limit to God's love for us. It is not a conditional love. It is an extravagant, outrageous love and God does not hold back. How can we refuse such boundless love? How can we hold back from such divine eagerness? The next time you think you have separated yourself from God's love, picture yourself walking down a road, God running toward you with open arms. What is your response?

From Our Principal

This Friday the 25th of March is The Feast of the Annunciation of Mary when the Angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her of the news she would become the mother of Jesus. Also this Friday, Catholics around the world are being encouraged to join their prayers with those of Pope Francis when he consecrates Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The act of consecration places the warring countries under the protection of Mary, the Mother of Christ, trusting in the power of her intercession. Such an act looks towards God, the source of all peace, and seeks God’s peace through Mary.

Pope Francis will perform the act of consecration in Rome at 5pm, which will be the middle of the
night here in Australia. We are all encouraged to spend part of our day on March 25 in prayer – attending Mass, praying with family or friends, in silent prayer at a local church or in whatever way we can.

To have this fall on The Feast of the Annunciation, when the Church celebrates Mary’s “yes” to the call of God, is a good day for the consecration, a day when the world says “yes” to the call of peace.

Thousands have died, millions have fled and millions more are living in fear. We raise our hearts, our minds and our voices to God for an end to this horrific violence and destruction.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference recently issued a prayer for peace in Ukraine.

Prayer for Peace and Justice in Ukraine
God of peace and justice,

who can change the hardened heart and break the power of violence,

we entrust the people of Ukraine to you.
Protect them in this time of peril;

let them know not death but life, not slavery but freedom.

You are Father of all;
we are brothers and sisters.
Give us the strength to live that truth in love,
choosing peace not war.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Take care and have a wonderful week,
Tony

World Day of Prayer for Peace

As mentioned above, Pope Francis has called all in the world to join together on the 25th of March to pray for peace. Our school community will be taking part in a special prayer service on Friday at 12:30pm in the Parish Hall.

All parents and family members are most welcome to join us at this time and pray for peace in our world.

Attendance At School

In order for students to succeed academically, attendance at school is seen as an absolute priority. Over the past 2 years we have seen many disruptions to our learning patterns through Covid, floods and our own personal circumstances. Studies have been conducted and show the correlation between attendance and academic growth.
In 2018, the national attendance rate for primary students was 93% with little difference between boys and girls (92.8% and 93.3%, respectively) (Figure 1). As of today, our school attendance rate is sitting at 86%. The government has set a target of 95% attendance for all pupils. This rate allows for periods of illness or particular circumstances when absence from school is unavoidable.

From a recent study conducted, the reasons for non-attendance can be many and varied and can include:

• parents of young children (Kindergarten to Year 2) do not think it is important for them to attend regularly at that age
• parents did not have a good experience of school themselves and do not see the importance of attendance
• attendance data is misunderstood by parents – while 90% may be good as a mark in a test, in attendance terms it means one day a fortnight being missed
• basic routines are not in place at home, leading to lateness, which can lead to non-attendance through embarrassment or frustration
• parents cannot get their secondary-age children to come to school, even though they understand the importance of attendance
• families taking holidays during school time
• older pupils’ non-attendance is affecting their younger siblings – the whole family stops attending
• the pupil is a young carer
• there are financial barriers, for example parents being unable to afford transport to school or school uniform
• pupils are anxious about attending school
• parents feel generally anxious around other people, or have fallen out with other parents, sometimes on social media, and do not want to encounter them while bringing their child to school

We want to work with all families to ensure that all students are here at school each day to ensure that opportunities for learning are in place. If your child’s attendance rate drops below 90% we will be in touch to ascertain how we can put in areas of support.

Should you require any further information or wish to talk further, please do not hesitate to contact your child's class teacher or Mr Hunter here at school.

The bottom line is: Attendance Does Matter! 

St Patrick's Day Flood Fundraising

WOW!! What a great effort from all of our school community towards our St Patrick's Day fundraising effort towards the recent devastating floods. All up, our little school raised $792 which will be deposited into Bishop Greg's Flood Appeal and more specifically be given to the school community of St Joseph's Primary School in Coraki.  

Bishop Greg's Flood Appeal

The Lismore Diocese is receiving extraordinary amounts of offers for support for families impacted by the floods. To ensure a coordinated response we are requesting that all donations be channelled through Bishop Greg's Diocese of Lismore 2022 Flood Appeal (https://www.lismorediocese.org/)

It would be greatly appreciated if all fundraising efforts supported this appeal. BSB: 037-889 Account No: 1061 5829 Account Name: DOL Flood Appeal Transaction Details: If you wish your donation to go to a particular school, please include the school name or town in the transaction details (ie. South Lismore, Woodburn, Coraki, Lismore etc).

Thank You St Brigid's, Raymond Terrace

What a delightful surprise when a special box was delivered from St Brigid's Raymond Terrace today!

Inside was a letter offering support to our community and those in the surrounding areas following the recent devastating floods. The staff and students from Raymond Terrace continue to keep everyone affected in their prayers. Their Diocese is also offering financial support. Inside the box were some butterfly treats for all of our students (symbolising hope) and chocolates for the staff. 

We will certainly be in touch to express our thanks and gratitude for this kind gesture. Please read the accompanying letter from the principal, Marlene George.

Personal Hygiene Donation Drive

The SRC & Mini Vinnies are running a personal hygiene donation drive so that we can do up hampers and drop these off to support agencies in assisting people who have been affected by the recent devastating floods. This week we are seeking donations of Shampoo/Conditioner. 

Please send in donations with your child/children so that they can put  them into their class donation boxes. Thank you for supporting this        initiative.

Loretta Morabito

School Photo Day

As has been on the Term Calendar, next Thursday the 31st of March is our St Brigid's School Photo Day. All students have been given envelopes and all students are required to have these back at school on and definitely by Thursday 31st of March. Any families  wishing to have a Family Photo of their children will need to pick up an envelope from Mrs Campbell at the front office. Please ensure that your child is in their full and correct School Uniform for next Thursday, this includes black shoes. 

Gold Coast Titans Visit St Brigid's

Today our students from Years 3 to 6 had the opportunity of being able to listen and participate in skills sessions hosted by the Gold Coast Titans.

The focus of the Titans visiting our school was on the important topic of Inclusion and Diversity. Additionally, the players were encouraging students to lead active lifestyles by providing information on how to register for Junior Rugby League in 2022. They emphasised that participation in activities such as Junior Rugby League can further enhance overall wellbeing by giving young people a place to belong, creating positive relationships, and by providing a sense of connectedness.

Many thanks to Mrs Love and Kel Menchin from the National Rugby League for making this visit possible for the students of our school. 

Titans at St Brigid's

ANZAC Day 2022

The members of the Kyogle RSL sub-branch have invited all staff and students to join them in the commemoration of ANZAC Day 2022. All students are encouraged to represent our school by marching in the parade, wearing full school uniform.  

ANZAC Day allows us to remember and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey on 25 April 1915, during World War I. It also allows us to recognise and acknowledge the sacrifices of servicemen and servicewomen who have participated and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. 

Operation Flood Assist 2022 is currently being conducted in our region by Australian Defence Personnel, to assist communities devastated by recent flooding. What a great way to say 'thank you for your service', by attending this year's ANZAC Day Commemorations. 

ANZAC DAY CEREMONY PROGRAM

5.30am  Dawn Service at the Cenotaph

9.15am   Assemble for March, Geneva Street (opp Exchange Hotel)

9.30am  March commences through town

10am      Service and Wreath laying at Cenotaph

Parent Forum Executive

Following our Parent Forum AGM recently, we are very pleased to announce that the Executive for the next 12 months is as follows:-                                Chairperson - Mrs Gemma Habchi                                                                             Secretary - Mrs Ali Lewis                                                                                               Treasurers - Mrs Hayley Kennedy and Mrs Ashling Aherne.                                                            We extend a huge vote of thanks to the above persons who have kindly taken on these roles within our school. As it is becoming less difficult it would be wonderful to see more parents involved in the Parent Forum through the attendance at the many functions and activities that take place to support student learning at our school. 

Please find attached a copy of the Minutes of the AGM which was held in the School Library on Tuesday 15th March.

NAPLAN Online for Years 3 and 5

NAPLAN 2022 is approaching for students in Years 3 & 5. The following information will assist our families:
# A practice test will be held here at school on Thursday 24th March. This is not a test of the students’ ability but a test of the computer and server capability. It gives students a look at the online NAPLAN and an easy way to talk about it from there.
# The actual NAPLAN tests occur on Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th, and Thursday 12th of May. A complete timetable will be sent to you closer to the date. During NAPLAN we really appreciate having students at school on these days to eliminate the need for catch-up tests.                                                                                                                                                                            # All students must bring in their own earphones to use in these online assessments (mouse optional). Please do so as soon as possible.                                                                                                                                             # If you are concerned about your child completing NAPLAN for any reason, please don’t worry your child about it, but contact their teacher to discuss your concerns.
# An explanation of NAPLAN can be found here: https://nap.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/naplaninformation-brochure-for-parents-and-carers.pdf

Family Connect Support

Sports News

Diocesan Touch Football Trials

Congratulations are extended to Lila Standfield who represented our school at the Diocesan Touch Football Trials in Iluka last week. Lila was successful in gaining selection into the Diocese of Lismore team to take part in the Polding Selection Trials which will be held in Tamworth very early in Term 2. Great work Lila and we wish you all the very best at the next level of representation.

Diocesan Winter Sports Trials

Last Friday, 4 boys headed down to Grafton to take part in the Diocesan Rugby League selections as a part of the Diocesan Winter Sports Trials. Noah Laarhoven (Year 5), Murray Doman, Corey Love and Billy Kennedy all from Year 6 were all trialling for a spot in the Diocesan Team to take part in the Polding Trials to be held in Bathurst next term. At the end of the day and after many competitive games, Murray Doman was successful in gaining selection to the Diocese of Lismore squad. We wish Murray all the very best as he takes part in the Polding Trials in Bathurst.  

Cross Country Carnival

Our school Cross Country is scheduled for Friday, 1st April (Week 9) from 9:30am. At this stage, we are not sure of the venue as we are awaiting confirmation as to whether we will be able to use our regular venue at the High School. If we are unable to use this facility we will conduct the cross country here at school on a modified track. The event with more detailed information will be sent out in the next week. Stay tuned!!

Happy Birthday to............

Wishing the following students a very happy birthday for their most special of days which are happening this week:

Monday 21st - Summer Duley              Wednesday 23rd - Carter Dowd

Saturday 26th - Harrison Goebel         Sunday 27th - Olivia Alvos

Upcoming Dates

Please take note of the upcoming events here at St Brigid's:

March

Thursday 24th - NAPLAN Readiness Test for Years 3 and 5.                                                          - Year 4 Class Mass at 12:20pm

Thursday 31st - School Photo Day                                                                                                                                                                       - Kindergarten and Year 5 Buddies Family Dinner from 5pm                                                                                  - Ready4Learning Information Session from 6pm in School Library

April

Friday 1st - School Cross Country (Venue to be confirmed)

Sunday 3rd - First Communion for our Year 4 students at the 9am Parish Mass.

Monday 4th - Year 6 Canberra Excursion Information Session at 6pm in Year 6 classroom. We are asking that students and a parent / guardian attend this meeting.

Thursday 7th - Rewards Day

Friday 8th - Last day of Term 1

Monday 25th - ANZAC Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 26th - Pupil Free Day (Staff Professional Learning)

Wednesday 27th  - First day of Term 2 for all students