Newsletter Term 2 Week 2 (Wednesday 7th May 2025)
- Front Page with Year 1
- Our Gospel Reflection
- From Our Acting Principal
- Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
- Assistant Principal - Mission
- Catholic Schools Week
- Walk Safely To School Day
- Making Jesus Real (MJR)
- Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)
- Wellbeing Team
- Sports News
- Mothers Day Liturgy & Picnic Lunch!
- Wakakirri
- Community Forum
- Parent Assembly
- Book Club
- Stars of the week
- Celebrations
- Calendar
- Parish News
- Healthy Eating Active Living Team
- National Families Week
- Catholic School Parents: Free Events
- Community News
- Parent Resources
Front Page with Year 1
Year 1 have enjoyed investigating the differences in family structures and roles today and how these have changed or remained the same over time. We are beginning to investigate changes and continuities in family life and identify similarities and differences between their family and others.
Our Gospel Reflection
Gospel Reflection - John 10:27-30
'Sometimes Jesus calls us, he invites us to follow him, but perhaps we do not realise that it is he who is calling,’ Pope Francis once said. Francis explained that these few lines in today’s Gospel passage ‘contain the whole of Jesus’ message … he calls us to share in his relationship with the Father.’ Indeed, he continued, ‘Jesus wants to establish with his friends a relationship which mirrors his own relationship with the Father: a relationship of reciprocal belonging.’ Such listening and reciprocity is at the heart of the late Pope’s call for the Church to become more synodal. ‘Synodality’, Francis explains, means journeying together. It is, therefore, really ‘an expression of the Church’s nature, her form, style and mission.’ We journey to the Father, with Christ, in the Holy Spirit. As Francis put it at one point: ‘we are sheep, yet we are also members of the flock.’ We must rediscover, he declared, ‘that we are a people meant to walk together, with one another and with all humanity.’ We must learn ‘to trust that the Spirit will always make his voice heard.’ And a good place to start discerning God’s voice, he suggested, is ‘by listening to each other.’
From Our Acting Principal
We look forward to celebrating Mother’s Day with our Liturgy and shared Lunch this Friday. Mothers and mother figures are instrumental in our lives and pausing to celebrate these remarkable women is so important. Please note that this commences at 12 noon in the Parish Hall. Students can also purchase gifts for Mother’s Day at our stall which is being held in the hall on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th May. Gifts range from $2-$5.
Catholic Schools Week
St Brigid’s will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week next week. Each day we have something happening within the school to celebrate. The theme is Pilgrims of Hope and we will have a Liturgy at 12.15pm in the Church on Monday 12th to begin our week of celebrations. Everyone is welcome!
Ready 4 Learning
It was great to see our 2025 intake of Ready4Learning students attend our school last Friday for the very first time. They were so excited and so settled and looking forward to a very exciting year of school readiness. We look forward to welcoming our newest learners again this Friday.
I wish all our Mothers a very special day on Sunday. Thank you for all you do!
Have a wonderful week ahead!
Vanessa Walters,
Acting Principal.
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
Staff Development Day
On the last day of Term 1, staff engaged in Professional Learning using the new research from Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) on How Students Learn Best. The goal of the learning was that:
If we know about the processes of learning we can teach more effectively and efficiently and improve student outcomes.
The four key ideas of how students learn best are:
As a staff, we explored each of these key ideas and started to build a shared understanding of pedagogy that aligns to this research on How Students Learn Best.
We also engaged in further learning around Focused Classrooms, which is a key idea of How Students Learn Best: ‘Students are actively engaged when learning’.
- There was further development of our school's Regulation Chart
- Refinement of the PBS Behaviour Matrix
- Deep engagement in the first two of the Microskills of Teaching
- Establishing Expectations
- Giving Instructions
Thankyou for your ongoing commitment and support of our school Staff Development Days. These days provide ur staff with the opportunity to strengthen our knowledge and understanding to build shared understanding and effectively support your children as we strive to achieve our School Improvement Goals for 2025.
Warm regards,
Samantha Lynch,
Assistant Principal – Learning and Teaching
Assistant Principal - Mission
Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week is just around the corner, running from 12th to 16th May and we’re looking forward to a joyful week of celebration. Each day offers a special opportunity to embrace the unique spirit of our Catholic school community. We encourage all families to be part of this special week as we celebrate the heart and soul of Catholic Education!
Take a look below in the Catholic Schools Week section to see what's happening each day and when!
Sacrament of Confirmation
Please keep the Confirmation Candidates, Kendrick, Abigail, Harper, Jovi, Jiana, Harlow, Milla and Eliza, in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday, 22nd May. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen them on their faith journey, and may this be a joyful and grace-filled moment in their life.
Courtney Hyde,
Assistant Principal – Mission
Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week is next week from 12th to 16th May! We have exciting events planned each day, starting with our Whole School Liturgy. We have school tours during our Open Morning, where you can join us on the deck for a coffee. There will also be the big unveiling of our Holy Door, followed by historical school rotations the following day We’ll wrap up the week with our annual Walk to School Day, coming together for a shared breakfast at school. It’s sure to be a week filled with celebration and community!
Walk Safely To School Day
We are taking part in the National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 16 May, also supporting National Road Safety Week. We invite all of our students at St Brigid's to take part. This annual campaign encourages all primary school children, their parents and carers to walk safely and regularly to school.
Our school's participation in this national activity is to raise awareness of the benefits of regular walking.
🕗 Event Schedule:
- 8:00am: Meet at the skate park for playtime and socialising before the walk.
- Walk Safely to School: Join us in walking safely to school together.
- Healthy Breakfast: Enjoy a nutritious breakfast at school upon arrival.
This event is open to all! Let's promote a healthy lifestyle while having a great time as a community. See you there!
Making Jesus Real (MJR)
Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)
Wellbeing Team
MUMS ARE MAGIC
A mother’s well-being is the foundation upon which families stand, yet it is often the first to be overlooked. Her physical health is often sacrificed in the name of caregiving, vital not just for her own strength, but for the energy and care she pours into those around her. When a mother is well in body, she is not only able to nurture others but also to reclaim the wholeness of her own life.
Even more tenuous and unspoken about are the hidden areas. A mother’s spiritual, emotional and mental frame of mind. Often the weight she carries is not always visible, the pressure to be everything to everyone, the broken moments no one sees. The emotional cost that sometimes goes unseen. Emotional well-being for mothers is not a luxury—it is a necessity. It requires space to breathe, to be heard, to feel without judgment. When we truly value our mothers we must ensure that their need for support, rest, and healing is met with full enthusiasm.
When we uplift and support our mothers we choose to see their sacrifices, work, and care. We respect their needs, and make every effort to sustain them and the magic they make. We don’t just care for individuals. We protect the heart of our communities.
Thoughtful, meaningful things you can do for your mother that cost nothing:
- Write her a heartfelt letter – Express your love, appreciation, and memories in your own words.
- Give her a day off – Take over her usual responsibilities for the day so she can truly rest.
- Cook her a meal – Prepare her favorite breakfast, lunch, or dinner with love and care.
- Spend quality time together – Go for a walk, talk over tea, or just sit and listen to her stories.
- Clean or organise a space – Tidy up a room, closet, or garden she’s been wanting to get to.
- Give her a sincere compliment – Tell her something kind and specific about who she is or what she’s done.
- Create a photo collage or digital slideshow – Gather special memories and moments to relive together.
- Offer a foot or shoulder massage – A simple way to help her relax and feel cared for.
- Teach her something she’s curious about – Help her with technology, crafts, or a hobby she’s interested in.
- Say “thank you” more often – Acknowledge the little things she does every day with genuine gratitude.
Stay golden,
Megan Ritchie,
School Counsellor - megan.ritchie@lism.catholic.edu.au
Sports News
Calendar Dates
| Week 3 | NRL Game Development Officer visiting our school – all students will take part in a Blitz Clinic to build ball skills and learn sport tips. |
| Week 4 | All students will take part in an AFL taster clinic. |
| Week 5 | St Brigid’s will host the NAB AFL Auskick program after school on Wednesdays from Week 5. The 5-week program costs $55 and includes AFL gear and sessions run by qualified AFLQ staff. Look out in upcoming newsletters for the sign-up QR code. |
| St Brigid’s students who play league will be attending the Brian Kelly Legend 7's on Wednesday 28th May - U10's, U12's & U12's Girls League Tag (7 a side @ Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina). | |
| Week 9 | St Brigid’s Athletic Carnival on Thursday the 26th June at Kyogle High School Oval. More information to follow closer to the date. |
Mothers Day Liturgy & Picnic Lunch!
Our Mother’s Day Stall opens tomorrow!
Students can buy gifts for $2–$5 on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th May, cash only.
Mother’s Day Liturgy & Picnic on Friday 9 May!
Liturgy begins at 12pm in the school hall, followed by a BYO picnic on the school grounds.
Wakakirri
All are welcome to attend the next Wakakirri meeting, which will be held on Thursday, 8th May at 3:30pm.
You can review the minutes from the last meeting, held in Term 1 Week 9 below.
Community Forum
School Community Forum Meeting!
We invite all parents, guardians, teachers and supporters to our School Community Forum Meeting on Tuesday, 13th May at 3:30pm in the School Library. During the meeting, we will touch on the progress made at the Flower & Foliage Spectacular and discuss upcoming school action, such as Walk Safely to School Day!
Your input matters and we’re always looking for volunteers to help out! Let’s work together to create a thriving school environment.
| Date | Tuesday 13th May at 3:30pm |
| Location | School Library |
| Next Meeting | Tuesday 10th June |
Please refer to the agenda below.
Parent Assembly
The Lismore Catholic Schools Parent Assembly is a unique organisation that seeks to support and serve parents of children in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lismore. Parent Assembly believes that “it takes a village to raise a child” and works to support and connect families.
Parent representatives play a key role in helping Catholic schools fulfill their mission by fostering collaboration and strengthening community. These bodies offer parents and carers a chance to:
Connect with other families and school staff
Stay informed about the school’s goals and educational mission
Share feedback and contribute to the school community
Have a look at this years Parent Assembly Parent Representative Brochure to find out more.
Book Club
Issue 3 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 3 HERE
Place orders HERE
Stars of the week
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 2 Attendance
| Week | School Average | Top 3 Classes |
| Week 1 | 90.53% | Kinder 94.6% | Year 5 87.82% | Year 2 87.34% |
Celebrations
May God bless you with joy, good health, and His loving presence today and always. May your faith continue to grow and guide you through every step of the year ahead. Have a truly blessed day!
| 7th May - Hamish |
| 8th May - Cooper |
| 10th May - Harry |
| 11th May - Emily |
| 12th May - Angus |
Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with their awards at our assembly in Week 1.
| Kindergarten | George, Ava & Charli |
Year 1 | Silas, Oscar & Delilah |
Year 2 | Leonardo & Tessa |
Year 3 | Harper, Hamish & Kalana |
Year 4 | Angus, Kinsley & Sehwan |
Year 5 | Ryder & Liliana |
Year 6 | Carissa & Olive |
Principal | Carissa |
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.
Staff Development Days Term 2 |
| Friday 4th July |
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 5:00pm | Sunday 9:00am.
The Woodenbong Communion Service and Mass alternate every Saturday at 9am. 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
To receive The Soul newsletter by email, please use [this form] to subscribe as an additional reader to The Soul mailing list.
Healthy Eating Active Living Team
Involve them in the kitchen!
Children are more likely to enjoy and want the food they have prepared. Try simple lunchbox recipes or use leftovers as a warm winter option.
National Families Week
A time to come together, support one another, and celebrate the important role families play in our lives and community.
Catholic School Parents: Free Events
Community News
Free composting workshop: Saturday 10th May
Join waste expert, Nicki Walker, at a free workshop to learn the joys of composting at home.
Learn:
How to build your own compost container
Composting basics – what goes in and what doesn’t
How to use your compost and troubleshooting
The benefits of composting for our community
The workshop will be held in the Supper Room of the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall on Saturday, 10 May from 2-3.30pm.
Bookings are essential and can be made by emailing waste_ed@newaste.org.au or phoning 0427 770 198.
Community Tree Planting: Saturday 10th May 9am to 12pm.
Council is giving Wiangaree and district residents the chance to learn more about a project to restore a section of Richmond River at Wiangaree. Everyone is invited to come along, take part in a tree planting and enjoy a walk and talk along the project site on Saturday 10 May from 9am to 12pm.
Open day Saturday 10th May 10am - 2pm
We will have the truck on display, drills, demos and integrations for kids of all ages about fire safety and what we do as fire fighters. Also a good opportunity for people to have a look around the truck and station. It is a FREE event!
Dear community, we’re excited to announce that starting Term 2, we’ll be offering a Taekwondo class every Thursdays as part of our Rainbow Region Kids after school care program!
Location: Kyogle Public School
Time: 4 - 5pm
Day: Every Thursday in Term 2
This exciting new activity is open to all children enrolled in primary school in the community. **If your child attends Kyogle Public School, they can be picked up directly from their classroom by our educators and taken to the class.**
As a CCS-approved provider, eligible families can receive Child Care Subsidy to help reduce the cost of care. If you're not sure whether you qualify or need help applying, we're happy to assist!
100 Year Celebration of care at Kyogle Memorial Hospital/Health
| Date | Saturday 28th June 25 |
| Time | From 10am, lunch is at 12pm |
| Where | Kyogle Bowling Club |
| RSVP | Final numbers by Saturday 14th June |
| Tickets | $32 *No tickets will be sold on the door. |
To purchase tickets in person please visit Scarborough's Shoes on the main street OR the Hospital Office. Alternatively you can pay online details below.
| Bank | Summerland Bank |
| Payee Name | Centenary of KMH |
| BSB | 728728 |
| Account | 2235491 |
| Reference | Name & number of tickets purchased |
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