Newsletter Term 3 Week 8 (Wednesday 7th September 2022)

Our Front Page Celebrates Father's Day

What a wonderful roll up we had last Friday as so many dads, uncles, and grandads joined their children for a hearty breakfast of bacon and egg rolls, sausage sandwiches and fruit. Thanks so much to the staff of our school for cooking, serving and supplying the breaky. It was a tremendous opportunity for dads to come onto our school grounds after such a long absence. We certainly hope that all dads enjoyed the breakfast and had a wonderful Father's Day on Sunday!!

Father's Day Breakfast

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Our Gospel Reflection

In our reading this Sunday from Luke's Gospel (Luke 15:1-32), Jesus tells three parables about losing, finding, and rejoicing. The outcasts of society, the tax collectors and the sinners, approach Jesus eager to hear what he has to say. In Luke's Gospel, hearing is a sign of conversion. The Pharisees and scribes, still suspicious of Jesus, complain about him associating with sinners. So he tells them these three parables, The Parable of the Lost Sheep, the Parable of the Lost Coin, and The Parable of the Prodigal Son and his Brother.

Read or retell in your own words, the three stories from the Gospel. Ask your children to recall games they play that involve losing or hiding something and then finding it (Hide and Go Seek, Ghost in the Graveyard, Button, Button, Who's Got the Button?). Talk about how exciting it is to find the person or thing being looked for in these games.

Ask your children if they have any memories of losing something special or being lost themselves. Share the stories as well as the fears or feelings. Then tell them that just as you would go to any length to find and bring them home if they were lost, so too would God. That is what Jesus is telling us in the three stories. No matter what we do, no matter how wrong we are, God, our loving father, is always ready to forgive us and welcome us back home.

From Our Principal

Assistant Principal Appointments

Earlier this term, I conveyed to our school community that in 2023 we will be restructuring our School Leadership Team to fall in line with the system that the Catholic Schools Office is encouraging us to take. Next year we will have 2 Assistant Principals: Assistant Principal - Mission (APM) and Assistant Principal -Teaching and Learning (APTL).

Earlier this term Mrs Condon indicated to us that she will be taking leave for all of 2023 and so therefore we were required to advertise for both of our Assistant Principal positions. The APTL will be a 5 year appointment and the APM will be a 12 month appointment whilst Mrs Condon is on leave.

Following recent advertising and interviewing, I am very pleased to announce that Mrs Vanessa Walters has been appointed as Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning and Miss Kelli-Ann Bugden has been appointed as Assistant Principal - Mission.

Kelli-Ann is an exemplary teacher of our school community having taught in all grades K - 6 since commencing at St Brigid's in 2013. She has held a number of leadership positions including Additional Needs Co-ordinator and currently holds the dual position of Leader of Curriculum (since 2016) and Leader of Catechesis (since 2020). Kelli is committed to ensuring improved outcomes and high levels of learning for all students. She is committed to the Catholic faith and to contributing to the mission of the church through her role in Catholic Education. 

Vanessa is an experienced and outstanding teacher of 22 years with a high commitment to working collaboratively with parents, staff and students to teach across all Key Learning Areas to a high level of expertise. Vanessa has held the roles of Leader of Pedagogy at St Brigid's since 2016, Leader of School Evangelisation in 2022 and Sports Co-ordinator in 2020. She has also led our Ready4Learning Program for the past 6 years, giving our newest learners a wonderful transition into the routines of our school.

On behalf of our school community, I congratulate both Vanessa and Kelli on their appointments and very much look forward to their continued work in ensuring the best outcomes for the students of our school.

Congratulations

We extend a warm and huge congratulations to Mrs Condon on the news that she and her husband Noel are Kyogle's newest grandparents. Little Noah Michael was welcomed into the world on the weekend by proud parents Sam and Macenzie. We very much look forward to meeting Noah in the future and no doubt that some of Mrs Condon's leave next year has already been allocated. 

Start Dates for 2023

Years 1 to 6 Mathematics Testing in 2023

In 2023, our school year will continue with the staggered start at the beginning of the year as we continue our strategic focus on improving the mathematical learning of our students. All students in Years 1-6 will be assessed using the Mathematics Assessment Interview (MAI) on Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st January. St Brigid’s staff will be taking two days to conduct the MAI with each student of their class. This is a one-on-one interview style assessment directed by the teacher and gives a wonderful opportunity for the student and teacher to have this rich discussion on mathematical processes at the commencement of the school year. Each assessment will take 30 minutes per child unless doing the assessment for the first time. More details and an interview on-line booking schedule will be organised for later next term on Compass. School will commence for students in Years 1-6 on Wednesday 1st February 2023.

Literacy and Mathematics Testing for Kindergarten in 2023

Kindergarten students will have a separate testing schedule for Literacy and Numeracy and this will take place on Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st January, and Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd February 2023. Our school will be conducting the new Best Start Literacy, and Mathematics Assessment Interview (MAI). The combined assessment will require approximately 1 hour per child. Further details of these assessments and how to book will be available in newsletters closer to the end of Term 4. Kindergarten will begin school on Friday 3rd February 2023.

Wakakirri Community Performance

On Tuesday 13th September (Week 9) St Brigid's Wakakirri students will be travelling to Southern Cross University, Lismore, to perform their National recognised performance, 'The Heart of the Flood'. This event will be held in R Block (current Trinity Campus) in the Whitebrook Theatre at 12 noon. This will be the last time students will be performing this story/dance, so don't miss this opportunity to see a truly memorable event. Please refer to the attached map of Southern Cross University. 

Students are asked to bring in any costumes or gumboots that they used in the Brisbane performance by Thursday this week, 8th September.

Stage 3 to St Mary's College, Casino

On Tuesday the 6th of September, Stage 3 had the opportunity to visit St Mary’s Catholic College Casino and watch their inspirational music Showcase. This showcase had a lot of time and effort put into it and they successfully produced a masterpiece. St Mary’s provided a bus for transport and a delicious sausage sizzle that was no cost for us. The songs that the talented students performed included most genres and you could tell that they were having a great time! We are so lucky and grateful that we were invited to this amazing experience. I know for a fact that we were inspired to practise this amazing art and we hope we become musicians too.

Frederick Fowler (Year 6) and Talei Gill-Navatu (Year 5)

REWARDS DAY - TERM 3

As part of our Positive Behaviour Support Program we are having our end of term Rewards Day on Thursday 22nd September to celebrate those students who have demonstrated their positive behaviour this term through the display and promotion of our SERS (Safety, Effort, Respect, Self Responsibility).

This term the children will be participating in a Colour Run and will require a plain white or black t-shirt to wear. T-shirts will need to be at school by Tuesday 21st September with your child’s name clearly marked inside. 

St Brigid’s PBS Team

Term 4 End of Year Dates

So that families can start to plan for the end of year and all that it brings, please find below the dates needed for our end of year presentations and activities:

• Wednesday 30th November - Year 6 Graduation Liturgy and Dinner 
• Tuesday 6th December - 2023 Leadership Speeches
• Wednesday 7th December - Christmas Pageant
• Tuesday 13th December - End of Year Mass and Awards
• Friday 16th December - Rewards Day and last day for students

Student Medical Information

If your child suffers a serious medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, anaphylaxis, allergy, etc could you please call the Office on 6632 1988 or email kyogp@lism.catholic.edu.au to ensure the most up-to-date information is on record. A copy of the most recent Action Plan in relation to the condition is required and can be emailed to us at the address above.  

COMPASS Update

As you are aware, at the start of Term 4,  we are moving to a new parent app so that you can manage your child's school life.  The above video details some of the features within the Compass School Manager app.  A unique user name and log in will be sent to your email address registered with us  during the first week of the holidays. 

CWA Education Grants for 2023

The Far North Coast Group of the CWA awards Education Grants each year to children entering Secondary studies, during Secondary studies, entering Tertiary level, or Developmental Disabilities Study. These Grants are now open for application by all students in the qualifying levels irrespective of academic achievement and are tenable for one year, however, recipients may re-apply each year if still within the category.

Application forms are available from our School Office and need to be returned to the office by the 19th of October.

The application form requests the applicant to obtain a citation from a community representative and a sepearate citation regarding their individual representation in school, community or sporting events.

All applications are treated in the strictest confidence and successful applicants will have the Education Grant paid by EFT to the account nominated on the application form in January 2023.

Second Hand Uniform Give Aways

Thanks so much to everyone who has donated uniform items to our Second Hand Uniform Clothing Pool. Due to your generosity, there has been a huge stockpile of uniforms gathered and so, for the remainder of the term, all second hand uniforms will be "free". There is everything available except for the school jacket and all items are in very good order and condition. 

If you would like something, please just contact the school office with the required item and size and this will be arranged to be sent home. The Uniform Shop is open each Monday from 2pm if you would prefer to browse yourself.

Canteen Update - Sushi and Vietnamese Rolls

Our canteen will now be offering sushi and Vietnamese rolls as a healthy lunch choice each Monday. Due to ordering requirements and freshness, all orders for these must be placed by Thursday of the week prior so that they can be delivered fresh to our school each Monday ready for consumption.

There are a multitude of flavours to choose from as can be seen from the attached flyer. A single sushi roll pack will be $4.50, a twin sushi roll pack will be $7 and a full-size Vietnamese roll will be $4. Sachets of soy sauce will be available free of charge.

Please note that all orders and money must be in to the school office by Thursday of each week. In order for our school to have the sushi delivered we must have a minimum order of $50. If we do not have sufficient orders by Thursday of each week, all orders will be refunded and families notified.   

School Photos

School Photos are scheduled for Friday 16th September. 

If anyone requires a replacement photo form or sibling photo form, please collect from the office. 

Online Sibling Orders will close the day before the School Photo Day and will remain closed until the day after Photo Day(s).  This is to ensure that TSP staff can generate a Sibling Photography Report to ensure no one misses out on having their photo taken. Sibling Photo orders can be placed online after Photo Day only if children have presented to the photographers for a Sibling Photograph on Photo Day. Siblings may be presented to the photographer for a Sibling Portrait before payment is made. Unpaid photos will not be printed and may incur a late-order fee if not ordered within 14 days of photography.

Sports News

Withdrawal From Matt King Cup

Congratulations to the Kyogle Turkeys Under 12's team who have qualified for the Grand Final to be played on Saturday 17th September. A wonderful achievement for all members of the team, players and coaches.

Due to this event, a decision has been made to withdraw our Stage 3 students from participating in the Matt King Cup Rugby League Carnival in Casino on Thursday 15th of September. This decision was not made lightly but taking into consideration that the Under 12's have spent all year in preparation, we would not want any unforeseen incident to occur that would prevent any of the players taking part in this Grand Final.

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning

Focus for Week 8:  

We accept responsibility for our behaviour and speak respectfully to everyone at all times. 

2023 Enrolments

Enrolments for any class for 2023 are currently being finalised. Please, if you know of anyone intending to join the St Brigid's community for 2023, ask them to get their enrolment applications in now! 

Our staffing allocation will be based on our enrolments at Census, taken at the start of August. Please do not hesitate to contact our Principal, Mr Hunter, if you have any questions or would like to inquire about enrolling here at St Brigid's for 2023 or even sooner.

Happy Birthday to You

Wishing the following children all the very best for their special day this week:-

8 September - Kendrick Cameron-Keed

10 September- Liam Bowden / Ryan McDonald / George Stephenson

Student Awards

Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with awards at last week's  assembly:

Kindergarten:-Liam Bowden, Chloe King

Year 1:- Raziel Aquilina, Gloria Rogin

Year 2:- Neridah Phillips, Eedie Batson, Summer Duley, Morgan Studd, Byron Cameron-Keed and Fletcher Cameron-Keed

Year 3:- Wyatt Brown, Charli Scofield-Godfrey, Paityn Fear

Year 4:- Eloise Stephenson, Carter Hudson

Year 5:- Van Smith, Noah Laarhoven, Haven Capps

Year 6:- Sabine Hardwick, Braythe Bateman

Principal Awards - Wentworth Bennett, Summer Duley

Making Jesus Real Awards - Ryan McDonald (Yr 6), Ella Walters (Yr 1), Gloria Rogin (Yr 1), Eloise Stephenson (Yr 4)

Family Connect Services

Is the rising cost of living stressing you out?

Money Smart can help you.  They help Australians take control of their money with free tools, tips and guidance.  Go online to moneysmart.gov.au to access:
* tips on managing your money
* accessing financial counselling
* planning for the future
* urgent help if you’re struggling or in a crisis
* understanding options if you’re having trouble paying your bills
* budget planners and calculators

Our Family Connect worker Aanaminda Makeig can also connect you with local services to assist. Min is at St Brigid’s each Wednesday. You can contact Min on 0427 620 667  or email aananinda.makeig@socialfutures.org.au

Min can also give families a helping hand regarding:
* Parenting challenges
* Accessing NDIS
* Linking to housing support
* Help with accessing welfare supports
* Accessing counselling services
* Linking to domestic violence supports
* Finding culturally appropriate support

Aanaminda (Min) Makeig - 0427 620 667  or aanaminda.makeig@socialfutures.org.au

Upcoming Dates

SEPTEMBER

Friday 16th - School Photos

Thursday 22nd - Rewards Day & Last Day of Term 3 for Students

Friday 23rd - Pupil Free Day

OCTOBER

Monday 10th - Term 4 Commences

Sunday 23rd - Family Mass

DECEMBER 

Thursday 8th - School Swimming Carnival