Newsletter Term 1 Week 9 (Wednesday 30th March 2022)

Our Front Page With Year 5

Year 5 has had a super busy term of learning. It's hard to believe we are in Week 9!

This term, Year 5 has been looking at using technology for different purposes across all subjects in the classroom. The students have been exploring, creating surveys online for English, rotating and reflecting 2D shapes in Maths, creating their own apps on iPads through coding for Science, and researching/creating presentations in Religion and HSIE. 

The students of Year 5 love expanding their skills on computers and iPads, and we can't wait to explore new and different ways of incorporating technology into our learning throughout the year! 

Year 5 Focus on Technology

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Our Gospel Reflection

The Gospel, this Sunday, the fifth Sunday of Lent continues to offer lessons about God's mercy and forgiveness. Last Sunday we heard the Parable of the Prodigal Son from the Gospel of Luke. This weekend we hear not a parable, but the report from John's Gospel of an encounter among Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees, and a woman caught in adultery. 

Jesus was great at turning the tables on those who considered themselves his enemies. In this Gospel reading from John, the scribes and Pharisees think they have come up with a perfect trap. They want Jesus to save the woman from being stoned by giving a "wrong" interpretation of the Law. Making such a wrong judgment publicly would cause Jesus to lose his credibility quickly.

With one amazing sentence, Jesus redefines the game. The focus moves away from the woman and onto the accusers, who cannot deny that they are too, guilty of sin. The trap fails miserably, and the humbled religious leaders leave in silence.

We are often quick to notice the sinfulness of others while minimising our own guilt. Jesus reminds us to be compassionate toward the sins of others. Also, notice how tenderly Christ dealt with the woman, whose dignity and reputation had been trampled on. When you recognise your own guilt and stand exposed and shamed before God and others, remember that God is just as tender and compassionate towards all of us.

From Our Principal

When writing this, one cannot say anything that has not already been said about the current weather conditions that we are all experiencing. We do not have any control over this but we can ensure that we show diligence and respect to the conditions by keeping safe at all times. This was the major consideration when it was decided to close St Brigid's School for today. I can assure you that it was a decision that was not made lightly. I greatly appreciate your ongoing support and co-operation in circumstances such as these. 

Thank you to all our families for following the Covid requirements. With everything else going on we thought it timely to remind you of these. You received a supply of RATs from school 2 weeks ago and all students will be given another supply of RATs to take you through to Term 2. These RATs are to be used if your child is displaying symptoms, or presents as unwell. If a POSITIVE result is obtained this MUST be reported to school and on the Service NSW app. When reporting to school it is crucial that you let us know if your child actually has Covid or is a close contact. The reason for this is that they are reported differently on the class roll. If a parent or family member tests positive and not the student, then they are seen as flexible attendance. Reporting the positive result is important. Our school will be receiving more RATs for next term to be shared with families.

First Communion Celebration

All are invited to come and celebrate this Sunday, a special day for our students in Year 4. This term in Religious Education they have been learning about the significance of the Holy Eucharist. On Sunday, 3rd April, at the 9am Parish Mass, Parker Kennedy, Hannah Kennelly, Jessica Rogan and Noah Schneider will receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time. This is a wonderful time in their sacramental journey and all are invited to join the students and their families for this special occasion and to stay after mass to acknowledge this special time with a celebration cake for morning tea. 

Ready 4 Learning Information Session

All families who have a child starting school in 2023 are invited to attend our Ready 4 Learning Information Session on Thursday, 31st March, at 6pm in our School Library. Our R4L Program is open to all children starting school next year whether that be at St Brigid's or another local primary school. The main intention is to give all children a confident and comfortable start to their school journey.

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).

Incitare Retreat for Year 6

Thank you to the students in Year 6 who applied to attend the annual Diocesan Incitāre Retreat - a retreat sponsored by the Catholic Schools Office and is an opportunity for students to experience faith nurturing activities in support of their roles as faith leaders in their respective schools. The students from Year 6 who will be attending are Evie Howes, Myah Gordon, George Stephenson, and Billy Kennedy.

These 4 students will take part in a day of group processes and student discussion led by the CSYMA student leaders from the local secondary schools. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet students from other local Catholic schools who also value their faith.

Incitāre means to stir up, incite, urge, spur - when the Holy Spirit comes into our lives we are invited to spread the good news to all we encounter.

We wish the students a wonderful experience as they take a further step on their journey of faith. We will hear more from them after the day!

NAPLAN Online Practice Test

Our Year 3 and 5 students sat the NAPLAN Practice tests last week. As we explained to them this is more a test of the school and our computer system and processes but it gave them an opportunity to see what NAPLAN online looks like. The students did an amazing job! The actual NAPLAN assessments occur in May.
Please note there were a number of students without headphones or earbuds for the practice test. These are essential for school. All students
will require their own set for the NAPLAN tests in May.

Personal Hygiene Hamper Drive - Week 9 & 10

Thank you for sending in donations to support the SRC/Mini Vinnies Personal Hygiene Drive to assist those who have been impacted by the floods. This week we are seeking donations of shampoo and conditioner. Our focus for Week 10 will be body wash, soap, and hand sanitiser. 

Your support is truly appreciated. 

School Photo Day - New Date

Following the postponement of our School Photo Day this term, the new date will be Thursday 30th of June. Please ensure that you place this on your calendar at home to ensure that your child is at school on this day. 

ANZAC Day March 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 and are most welcome to wear medals from family members who served in the Defence Forces.  

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 - Our School Captains, Billy and Lilly will be representing our school at this service and taking part by reading.

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

9.30am  March commences through town

10am      Service and Wreath laying at Cenotaph

Student Awards

Congratulations to the following students who were presented with awards for their tremendous efforts.

Kindergarten:- Liam Bowden and Chloe King

Year 1:- Blaire Lucas, Harrison Goebel and Louise Calvey

Year 2:- Lilliana Knight and Chance Flanagan

Year 3:- Olivia Alvos, Ayce Harley, Peyton Bateman and Tyler McPherson

Year 4:- Indigo Dowd, Eloise Stephenson and Yari Howes

Year 5:- Georgia Pratt, Noah Laarhoven and Haven Capps

Year 6:- Murray Doman, and Ryan McDonald

Principal Awards:- Indigo Dowd, Eloise Stephenson, Kymani Navatu-Gill and Ava Price

Making Jesus Real Awards:- Chloe King, Abi Allen, Elsie Laarhoven, Wyatt Brown and Corey Love

Well done everyone on your fabulous efforts!!

Sport News

Cross Country

The St Brigid's Cross Country was to be held on Friday 1st April at New Park Rugby League Ground. This is now postponed to Wednesday 6th April. Parents and family members are invited to attend. Students in Kindergarten and Year 1 will complete a fun run on school grounds when it is possible.

Diocesan Touch Football Trials

We extend our best wishes to Lila Standfield who will be taking part in the Polding Touch Footy Trials in Tamworth on Friday. Lila gained selection in this squad following her fine performances at the Diocesan trials in Iluka recently. We look forward to hearing of your experiences in Tamworth but most of all we wish you safe travels.

Upcoming Dates

Thursday 31st -Ready4Learning Information Session from 6pm in the  School Library

April

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

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 the Year 6 classroom. We are asking that students and a parent/guardian attend this meeting.

Wednesday 6th - Cross Country Back-Up Date

Thursday 7th - Rewards Day

Friday 8th - Last day of Term 1

Monday 25th - ANZAC Day Public Holiday and March

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

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