Newsletter Term 3 Week 9 (Wednesday 14th September 2022)

Our Front Page with Stage 2

The children in Stage 2 have had a lot of fun during Science this term. There have been great discussions and thinking around our focus on States of Matter. The students have had multiple opportunities to conduct experiments to test their scientific hypothesis’.

We love Science in Stage 2!

Mad Scientists in Stage 2

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Our Gospel Reflection

Our Gospel Reading this Sunday continues on from the Gospel of Luke and tells of when Jesus shares a parable about a dishonest steward who is commended for his prudence; one cannot serve both God and money.

Talk with your children about some things that they have done to show that they can be trusted. Talk a bit about what it means to be responsible. Responsibility often means that we put aside something of passing value for something of greater value.

Read together the short form of today's Gospel, Luke 16:10-13. Talk about the importance of the responsible use of money and our material possessions. As a family, commit to one action that you will make this week to show that your family serves God and not money.

From Our Principal

Public Holiday - Thursday 22nd September

As you all know, the Australian Government has announced a National Day of Mourning to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II and have declared Thursday 22nd of September 2022 as a public holiday.
As such all schools in the Lismore Diocese will not be open on Thursday 22 September. As Friday 23rd is a Staff Professional Development Day, the final day for students in Term 3 will be Wednesday 21st September. 

Wakakirri Performance

Congratulations to all students from the Wakakirri Troup who performed their performance "The Heart of the Flood" at the Whitebrook Theatre in Lismore yesterday. It was wonderful that many parents, grandparents, students and invited guests were able to see the students perform on stage. Hayley Youngberry from the Catholic Schools Office commented:

"The performance was incredibly moving and the students were respectful to the story. The performance depicted the rain, the flood, the rescues, the devastation of homes and buildings and the way the community responded to the clean up. Finally the students came out dressed with 'Heart' T shirts to dance and show that there is always hope. Congratulations to Hayley Kennedy from St Brigid's on her work with the students."

Just a reminder that there will be one more edited version next Wednesday at 2:45pm in the Parish Hall for those who would like to view.

The link below will give you a look at how Prime News presented the performance on their Nightly News Bulletin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzBKmGqC0ig The story commences at 14:13 seconds.

Compass Update

As you have been made aware, from 2021, all schools within the Lismore Diocese will be gradually transferred to our new Student Information System (SIS) called Compass.  The Compass platform is both an app for your phone and is also available via an internet browser. 

The app and computer parent portal will be our school’s communication to you. The compass app will allow you to;

• Enter in explanations for late arrivals or absences.

• Update your family contact details.

• Download and view your child's semester reports.

• View news feeds of school announcements, alerts and updates.

• View the school calendar.

• Provide consent for events, and pay for excursions and school fees

• Book interview times for Parent-Teacher Interviews, and the MAI Interviews

During the school holidays, the Catholic Schools Office will be supporting us with this transition.  The transition will begin on Wednesday 28th September, 2022

You will receive an SMS and an automated email with instructions to follow to access Compass either via the app on your mobile device or via an internet browser. You will also be provided with a link in the SMS message to reach out for support should you experience any difficulties.

Rewards Day Update

With the Public Holiday set down for Thursday, September 22, we have been forced to move our Term 3 Rewards Day to a shortened version on Monday 19th September. As noted in previous Newsletters all students will need to have a white or black t-shirt for them to participate in the planned activity. They will need to bring in the shirt by next Monday. Many thanks for your valued support with this request and the necessary changes that need to be put into place. 

Tony Hunter,
Principal

Wakakirri Perform at SCU

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School Photos - This Friday

School Photos are scheduled for this Friday 16th September. 

UNIFORM REQUIREMENT - All students are to wear their full school uniform (not the sports uniform).

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.

All students are to be in full school uniform for Photo Day please - No sports uniform this week

2022 NAPLAN

Today (Wednesday 14th Sept) our Year 3 and Year 5 students received their NAPLAN results for this year. NAPLAN is a nationwide measure in which students are assessed against the four following areas: reading, writing, language conventions (spelling and grammar) and numeracy.

As a staff, we analyse and discuss the students' results to determine areas of growth and areas for improvement. Using this data, we are better able to support students' Literacy and Numeracy development within our classroom settings.

Next year NAPLAN will take place earlier than previous years, between the 15th to 26th of  March.

Ready 4 Learning Last Day

This Friday will be the last day for Ready4Learning for this year. Next term, these children will be taking part in their Kindergarten Transition time as they prepare to commence "Big School" in 2023. 

All parents are invited to attend our R4L Graduation at 12:30pm in the School Library.

Many thanks to Mrs Vanessa Walters, Stacey Newman, Ella Cook and Kimberley Langley who have given these young students a wonderful experience of learning over the past 2 terms.

Start Dates for 2023

Years 1 to 6 Mathematics Assessments 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 Assessments 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.

Rewards Day - Term 3

As part of our Positive Behaviour Support Program we are having our end of term Rewards Day on Monday 19th 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 this Friday the 16th of September with your child’s name clearly marked inside. 

Thanks from St Brigid’s PBS Team

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. 

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
• Thursday 8th December - Swimming Carnival
• Tuesday 13th December - End of Year Mass and Awards
• Friday 16th December - Rewards Day and last day for students

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.

Sports News

Best Wishes in Your Grand Finals

With the calendar clicking into September this can mean a couple of things but one thing that is synonymous with this month is that it is Grand Final season. We extend best wishes to the following students of St Brigid's who will be taking part in grand finals this coming Saturday for their respective Kyogle teams:

Under 12's Soccer at Alstonville: Lilly Hudson, Jarrod Rixon, George Stephenson, Carter Dowd, Eamon McCormack and Beau Dever. 

Under 11's Rugby League at Grafton at 9:50am: Lila Standfield and Noah Laarhoven

Under 12's Rugby League at Grafton at 10:40am: Murray Doman, Ryan McDonald, Cruz Newton, Braythe Bateman, Billy Kennedy and Corey Love 

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning

Focus for Week 9:  We are engaged in our learning and challenge ourselves to do our best.

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 enquire 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:-

19 September - Kymani Gill-Navatu

Student Awards

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

Kindergarten:- Raph Hudson, Harper Farrah, Braith Roberts

Year 1:- Hamish Laarhoven

Year 2:- Harry Allen, Elliarna Devenish, Caden Brown, Shekinah Howes, Nate Jones, Ruby Farrah

Year 3:- Millea Rixon, Ted Standfield

Year 4:- Yari Howes, Indigo Dowd, Parker Kennedy 

Year 5:- Tess Cannington, Ava Price, Lawson Alder

Year 6:- Frankie Miller, George Stephenson, Ruby Witchard

Principal Awards:- Murray Doman, Kinsley Whiting

Making Jesus Real Awards - Carter Dowd, Frankie Miller, George Stephenson

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

Wednesday 21st - Last day of Term 3

Thursday 22nd - Public Holiday - National Day of Mourning 

Friday 23rd - Pupil Free Day

OCTOBER

Monday 10th - Term 4 Commences

Sunday 23rd - Family Mass led by students from Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2

DECEMBER 

Thursday 8th - School Swimming Carnival