Newsletter Term 3 Week 7 (Wednesday 3rd September 2025)

Front Page Feature

Year 4 Poets at Work!

This Term, Year 4 has been exploring the magic of free verse poetry. Like artists painting with words, students used figurative language to capture the heart of their families. With carefully chosen words and imaginative phrases, they crafted poems that sparkle with creativity and detail. Each line became a window into the people they love, showing that poetry is not just written—it’s felt. We’re excited to share what Year 4 has written – here are some examples!

Reflection

Luke 14:1. 7-14

One of the most basic human responses to anything new is to ask, ‘What's in it for me?’ We would like to think our motives are pure and our interests are for others, but there is often a nagging voice reminding us that selfish desires are never far from the surface. That said, we all know heroic individuals who care for sick spouses or children, who go to faraway places to give those in need their time and talent or who stay at home and do the same in their local neighbourhood. That's what makes them heroic. There is nothing in it for them; they are drawn by bonds of love, faith or by a desire to create a better world.

There are at least two ways we can hear Jesus' words in today's gospel. The first is as a strong challenge about social justice.

National boundaries mean nothing to God. All people are equal in God's sight, so the banquet Jesus refers to has implications for how we share the riches with which we have been blessed with others in the world. The poor, crippled, lame and blind of our world are the majority of God's children who mainly live in the Third World. They are our brothers and sisters. At the banquet of life Christians are called to give priority to the needs of these people, not only because they have a just claim on our resources, but also because they can't do anything for us in return. They purify our motives. When we link our concern, time, talent, career, and money with these children of God, we tame that nagging question, ‘What's in it for me?’ with a firm reply, ‘Very little – except God's justice.’

A somewhat comforting angle to take on this gospel is more psychological. Many of us, when we come to God at any time, try to dress ourselves up to look better than we are! This gospel reminds us that at Christ's banquet, however, it's not the poised and perfect who are most welcome, but the vulnerable. What does this mean for us who pray and celebrate the Eucharist? That God embraces those parts of us that are in greatest need of his love and healing – where we are poor, crippled, blind and lame.

We know this is true because if Jesus is telling us to host the poor and broken at our tables, then as the perfect host he must do exactly the same with us at this Eucharistic meal as well.

When I was a child we referred to our finest clothes as our ‘Sunday best’ and we wore them proudly to Mass. Not only did we look good, we acted the part as well. Everyone was on best behaviour for the entire parish to see. Now, I have nothing against dressing with care and behaving well at Mass; it can be a sign of our self-respect, our courtesy toward others and our devotion to God. But God cares more about what's going on inside us. We can never hide from God, especially at the Eucharist because we have been invited to be here, not as we would like to be, but as we are.

May this Eucharist – this taste of heaven's justice – give us renewed courage to think beyond our self and national interests, and show to others the hospitality of God that has been lavished on us. May we discover that where faith is concerned, the answer to ‘What's in it for me?’ is ‘More than we can ever hope or imagine.’

Principal

Our poetry recital and public speaking competition yesterday was a fantastic celebration of our students’ talents, creativity, and hard work. Their performances reflected not only their growing confidence but also the dedication they have shown in preparing for the event. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs Lynch for her outstanding organisation and for the time she devoted to coaching and encouraging our students. A sincere thank you also to Mrs Ross and Mrs Condon for generously giving their time to judge the competition and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback to our participants. We congratulate all students who took part in the event — your efforts and achievements made us incredibly proud. We now look forward to seeing our finalists represent us with pride at the Zone competition, to be held at Holy Family, Skennars Head, on Thursday, 18 September.

Wakakirri

I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our students, staff, and wider school community on the exciting news that our performance, “Dancing Through Time: Technology’s Impact on Childhood,” has received a State Award. Our students have been invited to perform once again at the Awards Night in Logan next Tuesday. On this special evening, the specific State Award we have achieved will be announced, along with the National Nominees from our region. I wish all our students the very best for their upcoming performance – what a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talents on a bigger stage! A sincere thank you also goes to BP Kyogle for their generous donation, covering the cost of the bus to Logan. Thanks to their support, our students can participate in this event without any additional cost to families. Thank you, BP Kyogle!

Community Conversations

We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Community Conversation, where we’ll explore the recent Tell Them From Me survey data and take a closer look at the opportunities parents would like to see at St Brigid’s.This is a great chance to share your ideas and help shape the future of our school community.

Save the date: Wednesday, 30 October, from 5:30–7:00pm.

More information will be shared soon – including details about a student activity that will take place at school during the event. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and working together to make St Brigid’s even better.

Arriving to school punctually

A gentle reminder about the importance of arriving at school on time each day. Our morning session sets the tone for the day, with teachers outlining the schedule and beginning the Literacy Block – a crucial part of our learning program. When students arrive punctually, they start the day feeling calm, focused, and ready to engage. Establishing this routine supports their learning, helps build good habits, and ensures they don’t miss valuable instruction at the start of the day.

Father's Day Reflection

Father’s Day is a time to give thanks for the gift of fathers and all those who show us a Father’s love. We celebrate the men in our lives who guide, protect, and encourage us, often in quiet and humble ways. Their presence reminds us of the strength that comes through love, patience, and faithfulness.

On this Father’s Day, we pray for all Fathers, Grandfathers, and Father-figures in our community. We ask God to bless them with wisdom in their decisions, gentleness in their care, and joy in the love they share with their families. May this day be an opportunity for us all to give thanks for the love we have received, and to continue to show that same love to others.

We look forward to enjoying breakfast with our Fathers, Grandfathers, and Father-figures on Friday morning from 7.30am.

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
 Principal

APLT

Learning Conferences (Parent, Student, Teacher Interviews)

A reminder that you are invited to take a 5-10-minute survey on the recent Learning Conferences through a Google Survey. This survey will close on Friday, 5th September. CLICK THIS LINK

ICAS

Congratulations to all our ICAS participants. Their enthusiasm and focus during the ICAS Assessments were exemplary. 
St Brigid’s will receive the ICAS certificates and printed results within 10-14 days, now that all the ICAS Assessments are completed. Parents will be notified via email that they can access results online 5 business days after they are released to schools. Parents will then be able to access their child’s results using their TAP-ID and PIN found on the back of their ICAS 2025 certificate, or they can request it via this form. 

WriteOn Competition

Apologies to all students who participated in the WriteOn Competition. I know you are all anxiously awaiting the results. As yet, there have been no 2025 Winners announced. I will keep you updated.

Poetry and Public Speaking Competition

Congratulations to all our Participants in the Poetry and Public Speaking Competition. The students made the selection very difficult for our judges. A huge thank you goes out to Jan Condon and Anne Ross for judging the School Finalists.

We are looking forward to participating in 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 and will need to complete the Compass Permission that has been sent out.

Mrs Lynch will be in attendance on the day to support our students.

Important Teaching & Learning Dates

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Warm regards,

Samantha Lynch,
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Office

School Fees – End of Term 3

Just a friendly reminder to families that school fees should be up to date by the end of Term 3. Thank you for attending to this.

Father’s Day Stall & Breakfast

We’re excited to celebrate dads this week! Our Father’s Day Stall will be held this Thursday, with gifts ranging from $2 to $5. On Friday, we’ll be hosting a Father’s Day Breakfast featuring bacon and egg rolls. Thank you to everyone who RSVP’d – we can’t wait to share breakfast together!

Wellbeing

Open Letter To The Men Who Carry Us — This Father’s Day

We love you—not for perfection, not for grand gestures, but for all that you are in your quiet unseen moments, your silent battles, your steadfast heart. You don’t have to be the best — you only need to be my best. The one who shows up, who listens, who guides me through the storms and the silence.

I look to you and up to you — not just for what you provide, but for the courage it takes to keep going when the world expects of you what you never knew you needed to provide.  When you feel you need to be unbreakable. You are the shelter in the chaos, the steady hand when everything feels uncertain.  The soothing medicine when the pain is unbearable and the laughter when I can’t see through the tears.

But beneath that armor, I know there are times when you wonder if you’re enough, if you’re holding on too tight,  if you’re really okay and if there is more……...

So today, I ask — R U OK? Not as a passing line, but as a promise: that you don’t have to walk this path alone. Let me be there for you, as you have been for me.  Because true strength lives in vulnerability, in the bravery to share what’s hidden, and in the grace to receive help.  Give me the gift of listening to you.

This Father’s Day, remember: you are deeply loved for everything you are — the strong, the weary, the hopeful, the full gamete of the emotional rainbow . You are not alone. And when you need to be heard, I am here.  Let me share the load. Let me be there for you, as you have been for me.  Give me the gift of your truth.  Let me listen without needing to fix.  Let me sit beside you in the space between the words.

Because real strength is not in how tightly you hold everything together — it’s in knowing when to let someone hold you.

Love from all those who treasure you xx

MJR & PB4L

Forum

Community Forum Meeting – Thank You

A big thank you to everyone who attended our recent Community Forum meeting. It was a vibrant evening full of brainstorming, and it was wonderful to hear parent voices in action! Meeting minutes will be shared very soon.

Upcoming Dates

• Thursday, 30th October – Community Conversations

• Tuesday, 25th November – Forum AGM (more details to come next term)

Introducing the St Brigid’s Parent Business Directory!

We’re excited to launch our Parent Business Directory, a space to celebrate and support local parent-owned businesses in our school community.

Families can browse the directory to find services, trades, health, creative businesses, and more—all run by parents at St Brigid’s!

If you’d like to add your business, simply:

1. Save a copy of your business card or flyer as a PDF or JPG.

2. Upload it to the “Upload Here” folder [link].

3. Our team will organize it into the main directory so it’s easy for everyone to access.

Check out the directory here: [link]

Let’s support each other and grow our school community!

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

Awards

Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with their awards at our assembly in Term 3 Week 6.

Celebrations

Tony Farewell

Dear St Brigid's School Community,

As I say goodbye after nine wonderful years as Principal of St Brigid’s, I want to sincerely thank you all for the incredible farewell last Friday and more importantly, for the memories, support, and friendship we have shared over the years.

To the staff – it has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated, talented, and generous people. The care and commitment you show to our students each day is extraordinary, and I am so proud of what we have achieved together as a team.

To the students – thank you for your smiles, your energy, and your love of learning. You have been the heart of my time at St Brigid’s, and it has been such a joy to watch you grow, succeed, and shine in so many different ways.

To the parents and carers - over the years, I have been continually inspired by the way our families support one another, celebrate the successes of our children, and place such value on their education and faith formation. Your encouragement, trust, and partnership have made my role both rewarding and meaningful, and I am truly grateful for the many ways you have shared in this journey.  

I feel truly blessed to have been part of this community. St Brigid’s will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will treasure the friendships, faith, and spirit that make this school so unique.

With deepest gratitude and every blessing,

Tony

Wishing all our birthday students a joyful day filled with God’s love and blessings. May the year ahead bring happiness, health, and many special moments.

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!

YA Camp – 4 Days of Camping, Worship & Fellowship

The Lismore Diocese is offering subsidies for young adults (18–30) to attend the YA Festival near Murwillumbah this December. Hosted by Ignite Youth, the festival is a unique opportunity to step away from the noise of daily life, reconnect with Jesus, and enjoy prayer, fellowship, and formation designed for young adults.

Register by 14/11 or until subsidies are filled HERE  or QR Code for Registrations below.

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