Newsletter Term 1 Week 5 (Wednesday 5th March 2025)

Stay Safe

Thank you for your cooperation as we navigate this weather event. Your support is truly appreciated. Please take care on the roads and stay safe. Look out for one another.

Let us keep each other in our prayers during this time. May God watch over us, keep us safe, and guide us through this weather event with strength and peace.

God bless.

Our Gospel Reflection

Luke 4:1-13

Lent is a time when we are reminded that there is nothing we can do to win our salvation. It is a pure gift from God. Like Jesus in the wilderness, we are to allow God's plan to unfold in and through us. Lent is a time for us to enter actively into the mysteries of the death and resurrection of Jesus, and there to marvel at what God has done for us.

The temptations of Jesus are the same temptations that we face when we are inclined to think that somehow we are in control. While the goals of the temptations may be admirable – feed the hungry, bring the world under the control of good, trust in God's power to protect us – we often choose to accomplish them in ways that are less than admirable. We try to perform the extraordinary so that what we do reflects favourably on us. We use brute force in order to achieve control. We put God to the test rather than live peacefully with God's plan as it unfolds within and around us. We seek to become the super-hero, the super-minister, the super-Christian on our own. In his responses to the tempter, we see Jesus constantly deferring to the power of God: It is not by bread alone . . . worship only God . . . do not put God to the test. In a real sense, these temptations are a reminder that the fundamental temptation is to deny our human limitations and refuse to let God be God for us.

From Our Acting Principal

Thank you to all parents for your understanding and cooperation during the impending weather event. The school is being guided by the Catholic Schools Office, which seeks support and advice from professionals. Please take care over the coming days and stay safe at home, knowing that there are many services available to offer support during these uncertain times. St Brigid's will be NON-operational on Thursday, 6th, and Friday, 7th of March, 2025. I will be meeting with the leaders from the Catholic Schools Office on Sunday to assess the situation and I will notify families on Sunday evening regarding plans for the week ahead.

Our cross-country event was originally scheduled for Friday but we will look at future dates to try to reschedule. If this isn't possible, we will consider nominations from last year's Zone Cross Country for this year's Zone carnival.

Our SRC members will receive their badges at the assembly on Friday, 14th March. I apologise for the delay which has been due to the badges being made and the current weather event.

Please make sure to record the following dates in your diary as Staff Development Days which will be pupil-free days: Monday, 24th March and Friday, 11th April.

Sending best wishes and all my prayers to our community and the broader communities who may be impacted by this weather event.

Take Care,

Vanessa Walters,
Acting Principal.

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Week 5 is here!

Thank you for all that you do in supporting your children and the school staff at St Brigid’s Kyogle. Your partnership in learning and wellbeing is highly valued. 

This week we have Year 3 and Year 5 completing their NAPLAN Assessments. All students will have engaged in a practice session before the start of the NAPLAN period so that they are able to access the assessment online. As was shared in the last Newsletter, the NAPLAN dates are as follows:

• Wednesday 12th March- Writing
• Thursday 13th March-  Reading
• Friday 14th March- Conventions of Language
• Monday 17th March- Numeracy

Should you have any questions or require support, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Warm regards,

Samantha Lynch,
Assistant Principal – Learning and Teaching

Assistant Principal - Mission

Shrove Tuesday 

A heartfelt thank you to the St Brigid's community for your generous support of our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Day. Together, we raised $180.15 which will be donated to Caritas Australia in support of Project Compassion. Your kindness and generosity help make a difference in the lives of those in need, showing that small acts of love can create lasting change. Thank you for living out our school motto, “Strong in Faith”, and for helping to bring the message of Jesus to life in our community.

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Ash Wednesday 

It was a beautiful celebration to gather as a school community with our Parish to mark the beginning of Lent. Father Erick reminded us that without love, there can be no Church. He encouraged us to practise love every day through our words and actions. As we journey through Lent, may we open our hearts to God's love and look for ways to share that love with others.

Sacrament of First Reconciliation 

A reminder that the Sacrament of First Reconciliation will take place on Tuesday, 11th March at 6:00 pm at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Please keep our students in year 3 and 4 in your prayers as they prepare to encounter God's love, mercy, and forgiveness in this special sacrament. A Compass event has gone out today. If your child is participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Tuesday night could you please accept the event.

Courtney Hyde,
Assistant Principal – Mission

Wellbeing Team

Supporting Primary Aged Students: Information for Families

During extreme weather events, children may feel anxious or overwhelmed. Adults can support them by monitoring their media exposure, encouraging open conversations about their feelings, and providing reassurance through simple, honest explanations. Creating a sense of safety, modeling calm behavior, and engaging in comforting activities together can help reduce stress. For additional guidance, explore Supporting Primary Aged Students: Information for Families, which offers practical strategies and resources, including the Queensland Health Birdie Resources, to help children navigate their emotions during weather-related challenges.

Megan Ritchie,
School Counsellor - megan.ritchie@lism.catholic.edu.au

Attendance Matters

Each day’s learning builds on what has been learnt before. 

Regular school attendance is crucial for several reasons, and the cumulative nature of learning is one of them. Here are some important points:

• Sequential Learning. Subjects are structured in a sequential manner, where concepts and skills build upon each other. Each lesson introduces new material that relies on the foundation established in previous lessons. Consistent attendance ensures that students don't miss key building blocks in their education.
• Practice and Reinforcement. Learning is not just about exposure to information but also about practice and reinforcement. Regular attendance allows students to engage in activities, discussions, and assignments that reinforce what they've learned, contributing to retention and understanding.
• Social and Collaborative Learning. Beyond individual learning, school is also a place for social and collaborative learning. Regular attendance allows students to participate in group activities, discussions, and projects, fostering social skills and teamwork.
• Building a Growth Mindset. Consistent attendance fosters a growth mindset, where students develop the belief that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset is essential for tackling challenges and embracing a lifelong learning attitude.

School attendance is not just about being physically present; it's about actively participating in the learning process, building a foundation of knowledge and skills, and preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Each day of school offers a valuable opportunity for growth and development, making regular attendance a key factor in a student's educational journey.

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 1 Attendance 

Reminder: Signing In and Out of School

To ensure the safety and well-being of all students, it is required that all students and parents/caregivers sign in and out when entering the school during school hours.

• Late Arrival: If you arrive after the school day begins, students must be signed in at the office before going to class.
• Early Pick-Up: If you need to pick up your child early, please sign them out at the office. Office staff will contact the classroom teacher for your child to meet you at the office. 

School Hours:

• First Bell: 8:50 AM
• First Session Begins: 9:00 AM
• End of School Day: 3:15 PM (students depart for buses or parent pick-up).

Thank you for helping us maintain a secure environment!

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)

Making Jesus Real (MJR)

School Lunchboxes: Tips for Healthy & Safe Meals

To help your child stay hydrated and energized throughout the day, please pack a water bottle in their lunchbox. Water is the best choice for hydration!

Keep Lunches Safe: To ensure food stays cool and safe to eat, consider using a frozen water bottle or an ice brick in the lunchbox.

What to Pack: For a balanced and nutritious lunch, try to include the following:

• Wholegrains (e.g., wholemeal bread or crackers)
• Fruit (fresh, dried, or in a fruit salad)
• Dairy (cheese, yogurt, or milk)
• Veggies (raw veggies like carrots, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes)
• Protein Foods (such as lean meats, eggs, beans, or nuts)

Packing a variety of healthy foods will help fuel your child for a productive day at school!

NSW Healthy Eating Active Living have a menu planner and healthy recipe library both have lots of ideas for easy, healthy snacks and lunches. You can also use the Cancer Council NSW healthy lunchbox builder for inspiration.

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 in Week 4.

Calendar

School Calendar Access

You can find the school calendar in the Compass app by tapping the calendar icon at the bottom of the homepage. Alternatively, access it via our website HERE

Please always refer to the calendar for updates, as changes may occur.

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, Wednesday, and Friday at 9am. 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  

The Jubilee Year of Hope Bishop Greg’s Lenten Talk series will be held at 6pm on Mondays at St Mary’s Chapel. Up coming dates are listed in the poster.

ASPIRE ~ Young Adults Spiritual Formation with Bishop Greg, for those aged 18-35 years. For further information contact Sr Di, CM 0405327153 Email youth@lismore.catholic.org.au

Community News

Welcome to the first edition of Parent Talk for 2025. Click here to view the Latest Edition of Parent Talk!

Webinars

Upcoming Term 1 free webinars for parent and carers. These are great opportunities to up your skills so that you can support your child's learning at home and at school. Can't wait to see you online!

Holy Family Skennars Head are hosting a parent workshop with Angela Lockwood Parenting in the Age of Distraction on Tuesday, March 4th. All parents and caregivers are warmly invited to attend.  

Parent Resources

Free online resources available that provide support year-round, even when other services are closed during the holiday period:

For Parents

Triple P Parenting is an evidence-based program and all parents and carers of children under 12 can access one year of support for free here: https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au/free-parenting-courses/triple-p-online-under-12/

Choose from general parenting support or support specifically for parents/carers of anxious children.

Parentline NSW is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers of children up to 18 years of age. The phone line – 1300 1300 52 – is manned by a team of trained professional counsellors from 9am to 9pm Mondays to Fridays and 4pm to 9pm on weekends. https://www.parentline.org.au/

For Children and Young People

Kids’ Helpline – 1800 55 1800 – is a free, 24/7 service available to children and young people aged from five to 25. Support is available via telephone or webchat. There are also a variety of resources online: www.kidshelpline.com.au

Headspace – 1800 650 890 – is Australia’s national youth mental health foundation, and provides mental health services to 12 to 25-year-olds in person, online and via phone. There are also a lot of resources available on the website https://headspace.org.au/

For Mental Health Crises

The NSW Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511 – is a free, 24/7 phone service that you can call if you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health. The number is staffed by trained professionals who can offer mental health advice, complete brief assessments, make recommendations for appropriate care, and refer callers to other NSW Health mental health services. Some of the reasons that callers may contact the Mental Health Line include (but are not limited to):

- changes in mood that are worrying to you or others
- significant changes in personal hygiene or motivation
- difficulties with concentration
- confusion about what is real and what is not
- feelings of panic or intense anxiety
- thoughts or actions of hurting yourself or ending your life
- thoughts of harming someone else

Online Safety Basics (From www.esafety.gov.au) 

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