Newsletter Term 2 Week 3 (Wednesday 11 May)

Mother's Day

Thank you to all our wonderful Mothers who attended the Mother's Day Liturgy and Picnic last Friday. It was exciting to see our students celebrating this special occasion with you on our school grounds after such a long break when we could not have visitors at school. 

To the Mums who couldn't make it, we hope you equally enjoyed the Art and Gifts that were made and purchased for you. The excitement of our students was palpable and largely audible as they lined up ready to bargain a deal with Mrs Barsby at the Mother's Day stall. It was delightful to see the satisfaction and joy on their faces after their purchase. 

It is not the size of the gift that matters but the size of the heart that gives it.

Our Gospel Reflection

Sunday's Gospel again comes from the Gospel of John. Like last week, we hear words spoken by Jesus before his death and Resurrection. Jesus is teaching at the Last Supper.

John's Gospel does not include an institution of the Eucharist narrative; instead, Jesus washes his disciples' feet. Immediately after, Jesus predicts his betrayal by Judas. Sunday's Gospel follows that prediction. It can be read as a continuing explanation of Jesus' act of washing his disciples' feet. It begins with the announcement that this is the moment when the Son of Man will be glorified. This theme continues throughout John's Passion. Jesus will be glorified in his death on the cross and in his Resurrection, and the disciples will glorify Jesus in the love they show.

John's Gospel does not present a sentimental view of love. This is a type of love that is shown in service and sacrifice. It is difficult to choose to love when faced with hatred and anger. Jesus tells the disciples that all will know that they are his disciples because of the love they show for one another. This description of the early Christian community will be repeated in the Acts of the Apostles: “See how they love one another.” Christian love is the hallmark of Christianity. We see it lived in the witness of the martyrs. We see it in the example of the lives of the saints. We see it in the holy women and men who live and love daily, making small and large sacrifices for others.

From Our Principal

It is wonderful to be back at school following a couple of weeks away. Many thanks to Mrs Condon who filled in the role of Acting Principal whilst I was away on Long Service Leave. It was a great little break and during that time, I had the opportunity of travelling up to Cairns and visiting some other beautiful places in Far North Queensland - Cooktown, Innisfail, Daintree and parts of the Great Barrier Reef. When I left it was raining and when I returned it was still raining!!!

Industrial Action by the Government Schools took place last Wednesday. This strike action did not impact staff in Catholic Schools. However, I am writing to alert you that our Catholic School’s teaching and support staff may participate in planned protected industrial action by the Independent Education Union (IEU), the Union that represents staff in Catholic Schools. The IEU intends for our employees who are union members to participate in protected industrial action during Term 2. While the Diocese fully supports its employees’ right to take protected industrial action in pursuit of a new pay deal we are all deeply concerned at further potential disruption to students and the school community, particularly given the experience of the last two years. We continue to urge the IEU to keep working collaboratively to reach a fair and just outcome for employees. We will keep you informed of any further developments. 

Intensive Dance Week

The students thrived and jived last week as they all attended dance sessions with Aleeta Northey in preparation for our Dance Spectacular Night coming up on 26^th May. Aleeta shared her wealth of talent and expertise with the students and teachers as she choreographed the dance moves and suggested the costumes that would look best. The theme this year is ‘Music Through The Ages’ so it’s sure to bring back memories of the many popular songs we have enjoyed over time. It should be a great night for young and old! Each class will continue to practise and polish their performance before they take the stage – Lights, Camera, Action!

NAPLAN 2022

This week our Year 3 and Year 5 students are sitting the annual NAPLAN assessments. This is a busy few days at school as we try to ensure all the students are able to undertake NAPLAN in a quiet environment with plenty of staff support. It is very difficult if we have students absent as they have to complete catch-up times. The NAPLAN assessments are seen as one piece of data and another snapshot of how students are travelling. They are not meant to be a time of stress.

Covid Update

Thank you to all the families impacted by Covid with the care you have shown in considering others at this time. It is difficult at any time to manage illness in families but since the changes in isolation rules it is also quite confusing. At this point the rules state that close contacts can attend school. While this is great, it also includes some rules - the close contact must advise school they are a close contact and they must be RAT tested regularly. Obviously complying with these rules can be difficult so some families are choosing to keep the close contacts at home. We appreciate that this is tough but at school we are very grateful for all you can do. The staff are being impacted too, casuals are extremely hard to find, and you will appreciate we are doing all we can to keep school functioning effectively.

Unwell at school?
Any student or staff member who is unwell and/or displays symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to go home and stay there until they can complete a RAT or PCR test. If symptoms continue, they should stay at home and take another RAT in 24 hours or have a PCR test. If the second RAT or initial PCR test result is negative, the student or staff member can return to school. In NSW, positive COVID-19 cases are provided a Medical Clearance Notice after 7 days and allowed to leave self-isolation as long as they do not have COVID-19 symptoms. We are grateful for all the ways you are assisting in this Covid battle.

Year 6 Excursion to Sydney and Canberra

We wish all the students and staff heading off to Sydney and Canberra next week all the very best for a wonderful learning experience. The group leave early on Monday morning from Coolangatta Airport and have a jam packed itinerary taking in many featured sites in Sydney and our nation’s capital. We wish all involved a very safe and enjoyable week away.

Whilst away the group will have the opportunity to visit the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Mary MacKillop Place, Australian Institute of Sport, Duntroon, Parliament House, Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House), Questacon, National Mint, Australian War Memorial, National Gallery, Government House and they'll finish it all off next Friday with a visit to Taronga Zoo. As you can see there will be no time for resting as it will be go, go, go!!!

Just a reminder that the students are to be at the airport by 5:45am on Monday the 16th of May and will return on Friday 20th May at 8:20pm. Unlike buses, planes will not wait for any latecomers. Looking forward to a wonderful week away.

Scholastic Book Club

Issue 3 of the Scholastic Book Club has now been distributed to students. Orders are due back to the office this Friday 13th May. 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.  You do not need to complete the paper form. 

Walk Safely to School Day

National Walk Safely to School Day is on Friday 20th May and we invite all of our students at St Brigid's to take part. Now in its 23rd year, this annual campaign encourages all primary school children, their parents and carers to walk safely and regularly to school.

On Friday 20th May, we will be walking from ANZAC Park in Norton Street to St Brigid's School. We will gather at 8:15am and set off to school from there. All parents and friends are more than welcome to accompany us on the walk and are more than welcome to bring along prams, scooters and good old fashioned footwear!

Our school's participation in this national activity is to raise awareness of the benefits of regular walking.

School Fee Support For Families Affected By Floods

We know that some flood-affected families and communities will continue to work through their response and recovery for some time. We are here to support you in whatever way we can. We understand that the financial impact of the flood event has been extensive for many families in the affected regions.

In recognition of this burden, the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Ltd (DLCSL) Board has approved support to schools and parishes to provide full (100%) or partial fee relief (50%). This fee relief will include levies and elective fees. Full-year fee relief will be provided to families that received any Australian Government financial assistance payment relating to the 2022 floods, including either the:

• Disaster Recovery Payment (property damage)
• Disaster Recovery Allowance (income).

Partial fee relief (up to 50%) may be provided to other flood-affected families at the discretion of our Principal. Although individual circumstances will vary widely, the following factors will be considered in approving partial fee relief:

• Extent of property damage
• Duration of loss of income
• Other factors as appropriate.

If you would like to request the fee relief outlined above, please contact St Brigid's School, Kyogle either via kyogp@lism.catholic.edu.au or phoning 6632 1988 and ask to speak with Mr Hunter. We ask that you present documentation indicating you are receiving the relevant Disaster Recovery
payments when making your application. Fees that have already been paid can be refunded or carried forward as a credit for 2023. Please indicate in your application which of these options you prefer.

I thank you again for your ongoing support of our school. Our families and communities remain in our prayers. Please don’t hesitate to contact the school on kyogp@lism.catholic.edu.au or by phone on 6632 1988 should you have any questions. All enquiries will be treated with the utmost respect for the privacy of each family.

A Call Out For Class Parents

We would all agree Term One went by in a flash with everything happening locally and with navigating Covid. It is certainly terrific to see everyone able to get out and about a bit more. We are now calling on those of you who are interested in becoming a Class Parent. This idea would have been raised at the Parent Information Zoom meetings earlier in the
year. So far we have had some parents from Stage One kindly offer but we still need your help across other stages.

What’s It All About?
Basically, the Class Parents arrange opportunities for class social gatherings, Mum’s or Dad’s nights out, a card for a new baby, or perhaps round up support for a family in need in the class group. By communicating with class teachers you will be able to access potential dates, times or information. Usually, two parents per class are plenty so if you know of someone you could team up with, even better! Year 6 in particular needs reps as well as forming a group of Year Six parents to plan and coordinate the Year Six end-of-year celebrations. If you’d like to be part of a simple and proactive part of school life please contact Mr Hunter at tony.hunter@lism.catholic.edu.au or please get in touch ASAP so we can get started. Likewise, if you have any questions, please get in touch as well.

Learning Never Stops

Here at St Brigid’s the learning never stops...even for our staff! Every Wednesday afternoon our staff gather for staff meetings. During this time we meet to learn and discuss many aspects of our school. Last week we were joined by Michelle Bunder from the Apple Education Team who supported us in our learning about iPads, apps and implementing these into our classroom learning. We worked together to explore fun and engaging ways that we can incorporate these tools into all of our Key Learning Areas.

Student Awards

Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with awards at the Week 2 Assembly:

Kindergarten:- Abi Allen, Amelia Stieler, Nicholas Stubbings

Year 1:- Raziel Aquilina, Stanley Holloway

Year 2:- Bodhi McShane, Caden Brown, Michael Walker

Year 3:- Pepper Larsen, Paityn Fear

Year 4:- Beau Dever, Yari Howes

Year 5:- Loretta Faulks, Marshall Brooks

Year 6:- Fred Fowler, Lilly Hudson

Principal's Awards:- Wyatt Brown, Billy Kennedy

Sport News

Zone Cross Country

What a run we have had with Cross Country! The rescheduled Zone Cross Country will be run on Wednesday, 18th May at Hepburn Park, Goonellabah. The confirmed date, venue and additional information will be sent home with all families today. Please note that there will be no canteen available on the day. Thank you for your understanding with the continued organisation of this event.

PBS Focus

Our PBS Focus this week is: 

We treat everyone with respect during outdoor games and remember to keep our hands to ourselves because Jesus always treated others with kindness and love.

Spare Hats

The Office holds a number of spare school hats for students who may occasionally forget to bring their own. Unfortunately, the large number we used to have on hand has lessened to two. Could parents please check home and bags for school hats that have "SPARE" written inside them and ensure they are returned to the office asap.

Happy Birthday to You ...

10th May -   Harry Nugent                      10th May - Maggie Pearson

11th May - Emily Kennelly                      13th May - Sabine Hardwick 

Upcoming Dates

MAY

Thursday 12th -  NAPLAN Testing Years 3 & 5

Friday 13th - Stage 3 Writers Workshop

Monday 16th - Year 6 Sydney/Canberra Excursion

Friday 20th - Walk Safely to School day

Friday 27th - National Reconciliation Week

JUNE

Tuesday 7th - Parent Forum Meeting

Monday 13th - Queen's Birthday Long Weekend

Thursday 30th - School Photos