Newsletter Term 3 Week 5 (Wednesday 20th August 2025)

Front Page Feature

Year 1 Gets Creative with Patterns!

Year 1 loves our uninterrupted maths block each day. In our current unit, we are learning that patterns are things that happen again and again so that we can find and make our own patterns with colors, shapes, or sounds. Look at the wonderful growing patterns Year 1 have created so far.

Reflection

Luke 12:49-53

As disciples we commit ourselves to values and principles that are not always cherished by others. We can be misunderstood for our beliefs, even ridiculed. Our lives may be a reproach to those who do not share our aspirations. There may be times when we must stand in opposition to others. All of this tends to alienate us. It could even place us at enmity with those whom we love. Yet, if we are genuinely committed, we realise that there is also a price to pay if we are not faithful. It is very difficult to live with ourselves when we disregard our deepest convictions and ignore the promptings of God that we experience within ourselves. As difficult as a life of faith may be, we know that it is the only way to live in this world.

Faced with the cost of discipleship we are brought to the realisation that, by ourselves, we do not have the necessary resources. We need assistance. Like Jeremiah, we might find that this aid will come from places we may have never expected. The real support and assistance that we get is from Jesus who came to set the world and our hearts on fire. Paul assures us that there is a vast throng cheering us on as we run the race of discipleship. They are not merely spectators; they have already run or are still running their own race. We are not alone in our commitment, in our struggle. There are many witnesses, many examples for us to follow.

Principal

It’s hard to believe we are already halfway through Term 3. Our classrooms and playgrounds have been full of learning, laughter, and plenty of energy. We have also had many opportunities for our Faith development through the involvement in Mass over the last three Fridays. We also invite families to our Parish Family Mass this Sunday at 9am.

Wakakirri

Yesterday as a school we were treated to the Wakairri performances in our Parish hall. It was wonderful to see so many community members present to watch our students showcase 6 months worth of work to tell a story and build awareness about the use of technology. I would like to personally thank Mrs Hayley Catlin for her dedication towards such a wonderful extra curricula activity. Additionally, the support from our parents, local dance school teachers and the wider community has been really appreciated. This support has allowed our students to travel to Logan to compete in the Wakairri competition. I wish all our students the very best for their performance on Thursday night!

School Fees

With this newsletter, please find attached a letter from Adam Spencer, Director of Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools, regarding 2026 school fees. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Book Week

Book Week is celebrated nationally this week and the celebrations happen to be 80 years old. Thank you to Mrs OReilly who has showcased this in the library.

As previously communicated, our Book Week Parade will be at 9am on Wednesday 27th August, all are welcome to attend and see the wonderful costumes. The theme this year is Book an Adventure. This theme encourages children to embark on journeys through the worlds that books open up.

With all the fun things happening it is good to pause and reflect that we have this week to generate some enthusiasm for reading and the obvious benefits that can be gained from reading books. I encourage all our students to make a special effort to read a bit more during this time.

Professional Learning Day

A reminder that the last day of term, Friday 26th September is a Professional Learning Day for the staff of St Brigid's which means it is a pupil free day.

Have a wonderful week ahead!

Vanessa Walters,
Acting Principal.

APLT

Learning Conferences

During Term 3 Week 3 we held our Learning Conferences with students, parents and teachers. Thank you to all the families that were in attendance at these important conferences. If you were unable to attend but would still like to engage in a Learning Conference please speak to your child’s teacher.

The Learning Conferences this year had a change of process:

• Student reflection
• Teacher input
• Parent input and questions
• Shared development of goals and actions

These changes were made to:

• Empower Students: They help students take ownership of their learning by having them reflect on their progress and set goals for the future.
• Develop Strong Partnerships: They create a strong partnership between students, parents and teachers, ensuring a consistent support system for achieving learning and wellbeing goals.
• Boost Communication: They build trust and open communication, allowing students, parents and teachers to work together as a team.
• Encourage Early Intervention: They allow for the early celebration of successes and the timely addressing of challenges, ensuring a positive learning experience for the child.

As we continually review our processes to ensure growth and development for all students in partnership with you, we would like your feedback. We invite you to take 5-10 minutes to complete the Google Survey  to provide us with invaluable feedback on the Learning Conferences.

ICAS

Congratulations to our English, Science and Spelling ICAS participants over the last week. The final ICAS Competition for Mathematics is on the 27th August.

Poetry and Public Speaking Competition

The in-school competition is in Week 7, will determine the stage finalists who will progress to the Zone competition at Holy Family Primary School, Skennars Head on Thursday 18th September (Week 9). Children progressing to the Zone competition will be required to attend with their parents or carers.

Important Teaching & Learning Dates

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Warm regards,

Sammantha Lynch,
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

APM

Accendere 

On Monday, Year 4 students took part in a half-day retreat titled “Accendere”, which means to ’spark a flame’. The theme of the retreat was “Friendship”, so students took part in several activities aimed at drawing attention to how we make friends and how we might become valuable. Trusted friends ourselves. Year 4 enjoyed storytelling, scripture readings, games, role-plays and art activities all relating to the theme of friendship. The students participated in all activities with enthusiasm and enjoyed the entire retreat experience. Congratulations, Year 4, on being wonderful retreat participants.

Family Parish Mass – All Welcome!

Join us this Sunday at 9am for our Family Parish Mass. Children are welcome to sit with their families or at the front pews, and everyone is invited to share in morning tea after Mass.

Courtney Hyde,
Assistant Principal - Mission

MJR & PB4L

Office

Expression of Interest – Canteen Organiser 2026

We are seeking an enthusiastic and organised person to take on the role of Canteen Organiser for 2026.

The role involves:

• Coordinating the canteen on Mondays.
• Managing online ordering
• Completing local shopping as required
• Coordinating volunteers

A Food Handling Certificate is required. The school is happy to assist the successful applicant in obtaining this qualification. A small remuneration is provided for this position. If you are interested, please contact the school office or submit your expression of interest to kyogp@lism.catholic.edu.au by the end of Term 3.

Farewell Mr Tony Hunter

Please join us for a special Afternoon Tea Friday 29th August from 2pm to farewell Mr Tony Hunter 
Kindly RSVP HERE to help us plan catering.

Father's Day Breakfast

To all our amazing Fathers, Carers, Grandfathers, even Uncles, we welcome you to join us Friday 5th September to celebrate the love and support you continuously offer to our students. Bring the kids & join us for a bacon & egg roll!

Please RSVP using this link for catering purposes.

Wellbeing

Signs a Child Might Be Bullied

• Avoids school or social situations
  
• Unexplained injuries or lost belongings
  
• Frequent headaches or stomachaches
  
• Sudden mood changes (sadness, anxiety, withdrawal)
  
• Drop in grades or interest in school
  
• Changes in friendships or isolation
  

Signs a Child Might Be Bullying Others

• Aggressive behavior toward peers or siblings
  
• Frequent trouble at school or with rules
  
• Blames others for problems
  
• Lacks empathy for others' feelings
  
• Wants to dominate or control others
  
• Hangs out with peers who bully
  

What to Do

• Talk and listen calmly
  
• Report concerns to the school
  
• Support your child—whether they're being bullied or showing bullying behavior
  

More information for parents can be found at this very useful link: Emerging Minds - Signs of Bullying Parents should look out for 

Let’s work together to create a kind, safe school for everyone.  Early action makes a big difference.

Forum

While attendance at our meetings has been low, we’d love to see more families involved. Whether it’s an idea for fundraising, a suggestion for improving our school, or simply a thought you’d like to share – your input makes a difference. You don’t have to commit to every meeting; even one contribution helps strengthen our school community. Please join us if you can, or feel free to email your ideas, drop by the office, or chat with one of our wonderful Class Parents.

Your Class Parent Support Team

Our Class Parents are here to support families, share information, and help strengthen connections within our school community. Please feel free to reach out to them – they are your class supporters and parent contacts.

• Kindergarten – Krystal White & Jasmine Clarke

• Year 1 – Kymberly & Deni Taylor

• Year 2 – Belinda Grieve & Lauren Schottelius

• Year 3 – Kellie Keed

• Year 4 – Tash Allen

• Year 5 – Kellie Keed

• Year 6 – Jess Rixon

Parent Assembly

Here are some key opportunities coming up for families:

Ideas We’re Exploring:

Illuminate Program – A 4-week small group prayer experience for parents. Let us know if you’d like this offered at our school.

Year 6 to 7 Transition Packs – We’re gathering ideas to support students moving to high school. Share your suggestions with us!

Get Involved!

If you’d like to stay informed and contribute to school initiatives, we encourage you to attend the School Community Forum meetings. These provide a great space to hear updates, share ideas, and be part of decision-making around programs like Illuminate, transition support, wellbeing initiatives, and more. Everyone is welcome!

• Next School Community Forum: Tuesday 2nd September

• Next Parent Assembly Meeting (Term 3): Tuesday 16th September

Awards

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.

Whole School Average Week Four 87.88%

Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with their awards at our assembly in Term 3 Week 4.

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!

Dates

Parish

Parish Information
Our Lady of Sorrows Parish established 1916. Our Parish Family includes the town of Kyogle and the villages of Urbenville and Woodenbong.
Parish Priest: Fr Joe Holloway | Parish Office Phone: 02 6632 1074 | Email: kyogle@lismore.catholic.org.au | Facebook: @OurLadyofSorrowsCatholicChurch

Service Times
Kyogle Weekday Masses: Tuesday 5.15pm, Wednesday & Thursday at 9am. Friday is at 12:30pm. Please note that this schedule is subject to change. Saturday Vigil 5pm | Sunday 9am.
Adoration and The Sacrament of Reconciliation begins 30 minutes prior to Mass on Friday's & Saturday's. Morning tea is served every Sunday after Mass, hosted by the parishioners. Everyone is welcome!

Community

Parent Resources

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