Newsletter Term 3 Week 10 (Wednesday 21st September 2022)
- Our Front Page with Stage 1
- Our Gospel Reflection
- From Our Principal
- Intensive Swimming
- Colour Run Fun
- Start Dates for 2023
- Compass Update
- CWA Education Grants for 2023
- Grand Final Wrap Up
- Positive Behaviour 4 Learning
- 2023 Enrolments
- Happy Birthday to You
- Student Awards
- Family Connect Services
- Upcoming Dates
Our Front Page with Stage 1
This term in Stage One, the students have been exploring a range of topics and writing their personal opinions based on how they think and feel. As part of this writing process, the students used a bump-it-up wall and a co-constructed success criteria to help them self-assess and peer-assess their writing pieces. On Monday, to celebrate the growth of all students, the Stage 1 teachers and students welcomed parents, grandparents, and students from Stage 2 and 3 to our Writer’s Festival. Using iPads, guests were able to give audio feedback following the format of two stars and a wish. This encouraged people to give feedback on two things that they found students did well in their writing and one goal to work on next time. This day was a valuable experience, not only because we were able to share our learning with members of our school community, but we now can take this feedback and apply it to our future writing pieces.
My New Gallery
Our Gospel Reflection
A major theme in the Gospel of Luke is the importance of the care of the poor in the life of discipleship. In the parable found in Sunday's Gospel, Jesus contrasts the life of a rich man and the poor man, Lazarus, who lives in the shadow of the rich man and his wealth. Both die. Lazarus finds himself in heaven; the rich man in the netherworld. The rich man asks for assistance from Lazarus in his torment. But Abraham reminds the rich man of the good things he had in his life and describes the current situation as a reversal of fortunes. The rich man then asks that Lazarus be sent to warn his family, but this is denied with the reminder that Moses and the prophets have warned of judgment for those who neglect the care of the poor.
Talk with your children about some of the things that they have that can be shared with others. Ask your children to describe a time when they had to share something that they owned. Ask if this was easy or difficult and why. Talk about some of the ways in which your family shares your possessions. Read together Sunday's Gospel, Luke 16:19-31. Consider together some reasons why the rich man may not have shared his riches with the poor man, Lazarus. Identify some reasons why we might share our possessions with others. Make a commitment as a family to do something this week in which you will choose to share your possessions with someone in need.
From Our Principal
Well, here we are, at Week 10 of Term 3 already! I know I have said it a few times this term, but I can’t believe how quickly the weeks have gone. What an amazing term we have had, with lots of learning, celebrating and fun!!
Feast of Our Lady of Mercy
This Saturday, the 24th of September, is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mercy which is a very important day to acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful work of the Sisters of Mercy, founders of our school here in Kyogle in 1914.
Sisters of Mercy all around the world draw inspiration from Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy in Ireland in 1831. Catherine’s words – “It began with 2, Sister Doyle and I” – speak of the humble beginning of what has now become an international association of Sisters of Mercy.
Catherine recognised the needs of those who were marginalised and oppressed by unjust social attitudes and practices of the day. She responded by establishing a House of Mercy in Dublin which provided educational, religious and social services for women and children who were at risk of homelessness through exploitation and poverty.
At the time of her death on the 11th November 1841, there were 100 Sisters of Mercy in ten foundations. Shortly thereafter, small groups of sisters left Ireland to establish new foundations on the east and west coasts of the United States, in Newfoundland, Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina.
In 1978, the cause for the beatification of the Servant of God Catherine McAuley was opened by Pope Paul VI. Catherine McAuley was declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II, on April 9th, 1990.
This Friday, the staff will be involved in a Professional Learning Day where we will hear the story of the Sisters of Mercy arriving and establishing the Order in Grafton before going onto Casino and then Kyogle. We will have the opportunity to learn more about our role in this story and how we can continue the work and the vision of Catherine McAuley.
School Photos
A big shout-out and thank you to all families for the way your children were presented on School Photo Day, Version 3, last Friday. The photographers were very impressed and commented on how well-mannered the students of St Brigid's were and how enjoyable it was to work with them. We look forward to viewing the end products later in Term 4
End of Term
A reminder that today, Wednesday 21 September, is the final day for students this term as Thursday is a Public Holiday to mourn the loss of HM Queen Elizabeth II and staff have a Professional Learning Day on Friday, 23 September. School resumes for all students and staff on Monday 10th October. Term 4 is already shaping up to be another big term with lots of things already being planned and put into place. Please keep an eye on the upcoming events and a Term 4 calendar will be issued in the first week of next term.
2023 Planning
We are in the process of organising classes and staffing for 2023. If you are not intending to
have your child enrolled at St Brigid’s next year, could you please advise me as soon as
possible? Please call the school on 6632 1988 to let us know your intentions for 2023.
Tony Hunter
Principal
Intensive Swimming
Once again with the onset of Term 4, all of our students in Kindergarten to Year 2 will be involved with our Intensive Swimming Program to take place from Monday 24th October and run through until Friday 4th November. This will be Weeks 3 and 4 of Term 4.
The school holiday period would be a good time to check if your child has goggles and swimwear that fits. Please keep a lookout in the first newsletter of next term outlining all of the details in regards to time and payment. This will be a bit of a test for us all as we transfer to our new administration and finance programs.
Colour Run Fun
Last Friday our students were rewarded for their term of positive behaviour with a colour run. An obstacle course was set up throughout the school, and staff were loaded with colour bombs at every turn, ensuring plenty of smiles from all. We finished the warm afternoon with ice blocks.
My New Gallery
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.
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.
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.
Grand Final Wrap Up
Congratulations to Murray Doman, Ryan McDonald, Cruz Newton, Braythe Bateman, Billy Kennedy and Corey Love, who were a crucial part of the Premiership winning Kyogle Turkey's Under 12 Rugby League team, who defeated Ballina 24-12.
Lilly Hudson, Jarrod Rixon, George Stephenson, Carter Dowd, Eamon McCormack and Beau Dever, performed well in their Grade 12 Football Far North Coast Grand Final game, but unfortunately went down 2-0 to Alstonville.
Lila Standfield and Noah Laarhoven were sensational for our Kyogle Turkey's Under 11 Rugby League team, with Lila scoring two tries and Noah one conversion. Unfortunately this wasn't enough to secure the win against Ballina. Final Score 30-12.
You are all superstars and should be very proud of your efforts this season.
Positive Behaviour 4 Learning
Focus for Week 10: We follow the 4 SERS when we use our new i-pads because we are thankful to have these as part of our learning.
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 and over the holiday period:-
30 September - Tom Booth
2 October - Ella Garred
3 October - Wentworth Bennett
4 October - Kirrah Lees
8 October - Loretta Faulks
Student Awards
Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with awards at last week's assembly:
Kindergarten:- Emma Nugent, Kendrick Cameron-Keed
Year 1:- Emily Kennelly, Kinsley Whiting, Ella Walters
Year 2:- Lilliana Knight, Caden Brown
Year 3:- Emma Farrah, Tyler McPherson
Year 4:- Brooklyn Stubbings, Beau Dever
Year 5:- Brett Argall, Eamon McCormack
Year 6:- Cruz Newton, Noah Marychurch, Lilly Hudson
Principal Award:- Corey Love
Making Jesus Real Awards - Sabine Hardwick, Elliarna Devenish, Oscar Setnik
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
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