Newsletter Term 4 Week 7 (Wednesday 27th November 2024)

Front Page with Year 4

Last week, our Stage 2 students had an unforgettable time at camp, themed "Resilience." The program was filled with exciting adventures that encouraged teamwork, kindness, effort, and self-responsibility. From thrilling outdoor activities to collaborative challenges, students embraced every moment with enthusiasm. The friendships forged and the memories created will stay with us forever. It was a fantastic opportunity for growth and connection, reminding us all of the strength we find in working together. We can’t wait to see how these experiences will shape our students as they continue to grow! Here are some of Year 4’s favourite memories. 

Our Gospel Reflection

OUR GOSPEL REFLECTION  

Advent, Pope Francis suggests, should awaken ‘sleepy Christians’. It is a time to stop ‘dozing off’ into spiritual apathy and indifference.
The Pope encourages us to use Advent to consider how we live our faith. Perhaps we have become too worldly, or spiritually insular? Maybe our prayers have become dull and routine, rather than heartfelt? Whatever the case, now is the moment to reflect on what really matters and act. Not tomorrow, not at Christmas, not after the holidays – Now!
There is an urgency to Advent, which this week’s Gospel puts right in front of us. As Jesus says, we must be wakeful and alert! He speaks of things to do – stand, watch, pray – which shows us that the Christian life must be more than passive routines.
Framed by Jesus’ call to his disciples, the Pope suggests that Advent should be spent ‘looking beyond ourselves, expanding our mind and heart in order to open ourselves up to the needs of people, of brothers and sisters, and to the desire for a new world.’ It is, he adds, ‘a favourable time to open our hearts, to ask ourselves concrete questions about how and for whom we expend our lives.’

From Our Acting Principal

WOW!! What a fantastic roll up of parents we had at our School Community Forum AGM last night. It was so good to see so many parents take the opportunity of attending this meeting whilst their children were enjoying the movie in the hall.

This was the second Community Forum AGM held under the new Constitution, all positions on the Executive were declared vacant and I would like to thank and congratulate the following people who have taken on the respective roles for 2025:

Thanks so much to all for taking on these roles and we look forward to a great year of fun and learning together.

Along with the Executive roles as outlined above, nominations were also called for the following Teams or sub committees of our School Community Forum - Uniform Team, Canteen Team, Parent Assembly and Class Parents Team, Social Team and Fundraising Team. Each of these teams has a designated leader and all parents and carers are most welcome to join any of the teams listed. Please contact Jo in our Front Office and she will put you in touch with you or the respective Team Leader. A full list of Team Leaders and team members has been placed in the minutes of the AGM which are attached to this newsletter in the School Community Forum section.

The next meeting of our School Community Forum will take place next year in Term 1 2025 in our School Library with the actual date to be advised. All families are most welcome to attend.

If last night's meeting of the School Community Forum is anything to go by then we are very much looking forward to a great year ahead for all of St Brigid's School Community.

Last Day of Kindergarten Transition

Friday will see our Kindergarten 2025 students complete their last transition day before beginning at St Brigid's in 2025. I thank Mrs Esslemont, and ‘the team’ of support workers in their preparation of the students for school next year. A small assembly will be held on Friday at 2.50pm to present certificates and a small gift.

Christmas Hamper Appeal

Thank you to those families who have already been generous in sending in items for the hamper appeal. Any donations are greatly appreciated. Service is an important aspect of our Catholic faith and we reach out to those in need and offer the fruits of our own labour in generosity.

Have a wonderful week and I look forward to celebrating with our students and families over the next few weeks with the festivities that come at  the end of the school year.

Have a wonderful week ahead!

Vanessa Walters,
Acting Principal.

Acting Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning

Hello everyone!

I’m Samantha Lynch, and I have had the privilege of serving as an Education Officer at St Brigid's Kyogle for several years. I am excited for the opportunity to step into the role of Acting Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching for the remainder of the 2024 school year, working closely with the teachers and students within your school community. 

I reside in Koonorigan on a farm with my family of five. In my free time, I enjoy reading, visiting the beach, sketching, and spending quality time with my loved ones. My passion lies in enhancing the collective capacity of teachers to ensure growth in learning for all students. I look forward to engaging with you in the upcoming weeks as we continue a strong focus on learning, faith, and wellbeing as we celebrate the vibrant community spirit of St Brigid's Kyogle.

Samantha Lynch,
Assistant Acting Principal - Teaching & Learning

Assistant Principal - Mission

Whole School Family Parish Mass

A big thank you to all the families who joined us for Family Mass on Sunday. It was a beautiful service, and the children had a wonderful time making golden crowns in the Children’s Liturgy. We all stayed for morning tea afterward while the kids enjoyed some fun playtime on the oval. It was a lovely community gathering!

Grand Opening of the Yarning Circle

Join us for the grand opening of our Yarning Circle next Wednesday, 4th December, at 2:15 PM. All are welcome to come together for a special liturgy and smoking ceremony. We would love to see families attend as we celebrate this meaningful addition to our school community.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

This year, our school is proud to support the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal by creating hampers filled with food and gifts to brighten the season for local families in need. We invite all families to participate by donating items each week, following our collection schedule.

Your contributions will help make Christmas a little more special for those in our community. We thank you in advance for your generosity and support as we work together to bring joy to others during this season of giving.

This week, we’re collecting PACKETS like long-life milk, cordial, long-life juice, pasta sauce etc.

The First Week of Advent: Hope

As we begin the season of Advent, we focus on the theme of Hope. Advent is a time of waiting and preparing for the coming of Christ, both at Christmas and in His promised return.

Hope is not just wishful thinking but a confident trust in God's promises. As we light the first candle on the Advent wreath, the Candle of Hope, let it remind us that no matter the challenges we face, we can always trust in God's faithfulness and love.

Courtney Hyde,
Assistant Principal - Mission

Wellbeing Team

STRENGTHENING YOUR MENTAL MUSCLE

Last week we talked about the importance of mental fitness, and described five components that contribute to it.

Over the next four weeks, we will explain how to work on each of the components to help take you into the end-of-year break with improved mental fitness. We all need a bit of that at this time of year!

Living Mindfully

Being mindful is about being fully present, moment-to-moment. This means we are free from distractions or overwhelming emotions, and engaged in what we are doing in the here and now.

Three ways to practise mindfulness:

Next week: How to increase the flexibility of your thinking.

Community Forum

Thank You for Attending the AGM!

A huge thank you to everyone who attended last night's Annual General Meeting for the School Community Forum. It was fantastic to see so much enthusiasm and so many great ideas already buzzing for the 2025 year ahead!

Please click below to access the AGM Minutes.

As a reminder, we meet in Week 3 and Week 7 of each school term. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to us at stbrigidsforumstbrigidsforum@gmail.com

It's been an amazing collaborative year so far, and we’re excited for what’s to come. Here's to another great year ahead!

Start Strong: Arrive on Time for a Successful Day!

With just three weeks left in Term 4, we know how busy the end of the year can get. There’s a lot happening as we wrap up the school year, and it’s easy for routines to slip. However, maintaining our daily routines is more important than ever, especially when it comes to arriving at school on time.

The school day begins promptly at 8:50am, and arriving on time ensures students don’t miss out on valuable learning time. Teachers are on duty from 8:30am, and breakfast is available for students from Tuesday to Friday, giving them the opportunity to start the day with a nutritious meal and be ready to learn.

As we enter these final weeks, let’s stay focused and finish the year strong. Consistency in attendance and punctuality helps set the tone for a productive day, every day. With only three weeks to go, let’s continue to arrive on time and start each day right!

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 4 Attendance Results

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)

Making Jesus Real (MJR)

A big congratulations to the students who were awarded the MJR Award for being Joy-Filled People at Friday’s assembly! Eliza, Nerida, Eedie, Oscar, Liliana, Bodhi, Harper, Chloe you’ve all demonstrated a positive, joyful attitude that inspires those around you. Keep up the good work!

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!

Calendar

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club Now Available 4 Days a Week! Breakfast Club is now offered Tuesday through Friday during term times! Students can grab breakfast from 8:30 AM at the school canteen, featuring delicious cereal and toast options. A 50 cent donation is appreciated to help keep the program running. Start your day right and set a positive tone for the day ahead!

Parish News

Parish Information
Our Lady of Sorrows Parish established 1916. Our Parish Family includes the town of Kyogle and the villages of Urbenville and Woodenbong.
Administrator: Fr Erick Quinteros | Phone: 0438 196 944 | Parish Office Phone: 02 6632 1074 | Email: kyogle@lismore.catholic.org.au | Facebook: @OurLadyofSorrowsCatholicChurch

Service Times
Kyogle Weekday Masses: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 9 AM. Please note that this schedule is subject to change. Saturday Vigil 6:00pm | Sunday 9:00am.
The Woodenbong Communion Service and Mass alternate every Saturday at 9 AM. The Sacrament of Reconciliation begins 30 minutes prior to Mass. Morning tea is served every Sunday after Mass, hosted by the parishioners. Everyone is welcome!

We are on Facebook! Click here for Our Lady of Sorrows Facebook Page  

Community News

St Brigid's Christmas Pageant

This annual tradition celebrates the reason for the season with school performances, Santa photos and delicious food, drinks and ice cream! More details coming soon on how to book Santa photos and the program for the evening. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Save the date Wednesday 11th December.

Lismore Tennis Centre

Upcoming Tennis School Holiday Clinics in December 2024 & January 2025. 

Christmas Colouring In Competition with PRD

PRD Northern Rivers has amazing prizes up for grabs! Simply print the template, color it in, and drop it off. If you don't have a printer, PRD also has pre-printed copies available for pick-up.

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