Newsletter Term 1 Week 6 (Wednesday 12th March 2025)

Front Page with Stage 2

Art Display by Stage 2

As part of our Creative Arts program, Stage 2 students have been exploring the connection between art and science through our "Farms to Families" topic. These beautiful tree collages showcase their creativity and understanding of nature’s role in our daily lives. Their amazing work is on display in the school office, feel free to come and have a look!

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Our Gospel Reflection

Luke 9:28-36

In all three versions of this Transfiguration event that appear in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, the context in which the event occurs is identical. That’s a little unusual with these three gospel writers who like to put their own spin on events and often play with the chronology or settings of events. However, in this case, all three writers report the Transfiguration event as taking place immediately after a particular sequence of events. Jesus has asked the disciples who they think he is and Peter has made his confession of faith by declaring that Jesus is the Messiah. This declaration is followed by Jesus teaching about the demands of discipleship and then the account of the Transfiguration. Furthermore, all three versions are directly followed by an account of a man who brings his possessed son to Jesus for healing after the disciples have tried and failed to cast out the demon.

When all three of the synoptic gospels use the same story with little variation and all three retain the same context around the event then there are some pretty clear signals that this was a commonly accepted sequence of events and their sequence holds significance. The core message of this sequence of stories is about the faith of the disciples. Whilst Peter declares Jesus to be the Messiah, he and the others don’t really yet know what this means. In the Transfiguration, they are given the clearest possible indication of Jesus’ identity and yet they’re half asleep and we’re told Peter doesn’t know what he’s saying when he starts talking about building tents. The following failure by the disciples to cast out a demon shows that they still haven’t understood fully who and what Jesus is. What a great reading for the season of Lent!

From Our Acting Principal

Thank you for your patience and support during this past week while we had uncertainty with the weather event. We recognise that these disruptions can be challenging and we truly appreciate your cooperation as we navigated the evolving situation. We are very fortunate that the storm dissipated without the local forecast destruction and that we are able to return to school with minimal issues. I would like to thank Dean Barsby, our groundsman who supported me on Monday to ensure the school was ready to be opened again the next day.

NAPLAN
Yesterday, all families of students in Year 3 & 5 received a Compass message about the date change to Naplan due to the school closures from the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. We will commence NAPLAN testing on Monday, 17 March. This delay allows us to focus on ensuring our students are ready and supported. We wish our Year 3 and 5 students every success with completing NAPLAN this year.

CROSS COUNTRY

Due to the weather event, our Cross Country was not held and it has been rescheduled for Thursday 20th March around our school grounds. A new Compass event will be sent out tomorrow which will need to be accepted as students will be accessing the footpath around the school grounds.

Mrs Catlin will send out detailed information on Compass about the venue and times of our school carnival. The Zone Cross Country will then be held on 28th March at Hepburn Park in Goonellabah

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

For parents and teachers to truly be partners in education, effective communication is key. Our Three Way Conversations are just one way parents, teachers and students can come together to listen, celebrate and support each other.

These will be held in Week 8 from Tuesday 25th until Thursday 27th March.  Kindergarten interviews will begin next week from Monday 17th, and extend into week 8. Please follow the link on the Compass app to book in your appointment for you and your child to meet with your child's class teacher.

Just a reminder that our SRC badges will be presented at Friday’s afternoon assembly at 2.45pm.

Enjoy the week ahead,

Vanessa Walters,
Acting Principal.

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Welcome to Week 6 of Term 1. It was so lovely to have all the staff and students return to school after Cyclone Alfred. Coming together again brings a sense of hope and support as we move forward together. Walking through the classrooms - it was clear to see that the learning behaviours and routines that have been established over the past 5 weeks supported a strong transition back to school. Congratulations to everyone!

NAPLAN

Year 3 and Year 5 NAPLAN Assessments have been postponed due to school closures during Cyclone Alfred. The new NAPLAN dates are as follows:

• Monday 17th March - Writing
• Tuesday 18th March -  Reading
• Wednesday 19th March - Conventions of Language
• Thursday 20th March - Numeracy

Could you please ensure that your child brings headphones (that are able to be plugged into the Ipad) during NAPLAN week so that they are able to hear the instructions during the assessment. Thank you for your support.

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

St Patricks Day 

On Monday, 17th March, we will celebrate St Patrick’s Day, honouring the patron saint of Ireland and his incredible legacy of faith, courage, and missionary spirit. St Patrick’s example of spreading the Gospel and serving others aligns closely with our mission at St Brigid’s, inspiring us to live out our faith in action. To mark the occasion, green-themed treats (cakes and cookies) will be available for purchase from the canteen at lunchtime. All money raised will go to Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, supporting those in need around the world. Students are invited to wear a green accessory, such as socks, a bow tie, a hair clip, ribbons, or a hat. We look forward to celebrating this special day together and making a difference in the lives of others.

Sacrament of First Reconciliation 

Due to the recent weather events, the Sacrament of First Reconciliation was postponed. The new date for First Reconciliation is Tuesday, 18th March, at 6:00 PM.  We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your flexibility. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. All are welcome to attend this special occasion. 

Sacrament of First Holy Communion and Parish Family Mass 

On Sunday the 30th of March there will be a Whole School Parish Family Mass. This is a very special celebration as we will also have some students in year 4 who will receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. We would love to see as many families there as possible.

Courtney Hyde,
Assistant Principal – Mission

Wellbeing Team

Regaining Balance After a Storm

After a storm—literal or emotional—our nervous system can stay on high alert. To restore calm, we need to ground, release tension, and reconnect. Here are simple ways to help your body and mind find balance again.

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

Ready 4 Learning

Register online HERE

Attendance Matters

Recognise and praise your child's regular attendance.

Recognising and praising your child's regular attendance is a powerful way to reinforce positive behaviour and encourage a strong commitment to their education. Here are some ways to effectively recognize and praise your child's consistent attendance:

• Verbal Encouragement. Regularly express your appreciation for your child's commitment to attending school. Use positive and encouraging language to let them know you notice and value their efforts.

• Positive Notes or Messages. Write short notes or messages expressing your pride in your child's regular attendance. Slip these notes into their backpack or lunchbox as pleasant surprises during the school day.

• Set Goals Together. Work with your child to set attendance goals for each term or semester. Collaboratively establishing achievable goals can instil a sense of responsibility and motivation. 

• Celebrate Milestones. This strategy will be specific to the goals you set together. Acknowledge these achievements and make them special occasions for recognition. Encourage your child to reflect on their own accomplishments related to attendance. Discuss how their commitment contributes to their learning and the positive experiences they have at school.

Positive Rewards. This does not have to be buying something. It can be a special family activity or extra playtime.

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 

Wakakirri Meeting

A Wakakirri meeting will be held tomorrow, Thursday 13th at 2:30pm in the School Library. We encourage all families to attend. Minutes of last meeting below. Everyone welcome!

Flower & Foliage Spectacular

Our next big event, the Flower & Foliage Spectacular, is fast approaching on April 11th & 12th. We are encouraging everyone to get involved and help make it a great success! If you’d like to lend a hand, please sign up HERE.

A huge thank you to those who have already volunteered, we truly appreciate your support!

We need extra hands in the canteen to serve scones and biscuits—especially all day Friday and half of Saturday. It’s a fun way to spend time with friends while supporting our community! We appreciate your help, thank you!

Our next meeting is Tuesday 18th March 3:30pm in the school library, all welcome!

Book Club

Issue 2 of the Scholastic Book Club is OUT NOW! We strongly encourage the use of the online ordering system, visit www.scholastic.com.au/LOOP. Orders processed by the due date will be electronically linked to the rest of the school order. Happy book hunting, happy reading!
Peek inside Issue 2 HERE
Place orders HERE

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)

Making Jesus Real (MJR)

Easy Lunchbox Ideas

Looking for quick and easy lunchbox ideas? Try these healthy and delicious combos!  

• Turkey and cucumber sandwich lunchbox
• Creamy tuna sandwich lunchbox 
• Sweet chilli chicken sandwich lunchbox 
• Egg and avocado roll lunchbox

Ready in just 5 minutes – perfect for busy mornings! Which one will you pack first? For more lunchbox recipe ideas visit Healthy Living NSW Website.

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

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

Casino Christian School

We are having an Information Night on March 27th for students who will start High School in 2026.

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