Newsletter Term 4 Week 1 (Wednesday 12th October 2022)

Our Front Page - Staff Development Day

On the last day of Term 3, our Staff Development Day involved all staff taking part in an immersion of our Mercy Story here at St Brigid's. It was a day where we followed the path of the original Sisters of Mercy who arrived in Grafton in 1884 from Bermondsey (England) before establishing the Mercy Convent in Casino in 1887. It was the Casino Sisters of Mercy that then established our school here in Kyogle in 1914. 

It was a very memorable day where we listened to the Sisters currently in Grafton and Casino tell the story of the arrival and work of the Sisters in our region back in those early days. We also had the opportunity to walk around and through the old Convents in both of these locations. We are very fortunate to have the Sisters of Mercy presence still available to us and to know the hardships, challenges and struggles of the first Sisters when they arrived out here from England.

Following our time in Casino we were able to join the Sisters of Mercy for lunch and then to acknowledge the following day, Saturday 24th of September, as the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy. This is the day in which Blessed Catherine McAuley opened Mercy House in Baggott Street, Dublin in 1827. We were blessed to be able to acknowledge Sr Jenny Hartley, Sr Clare Murphy, Sr Frances Moran, Sr Mary Moran, Sr Monica Hogan, Sr Marg Bray, Sr Deslie Falls and Sr Fran Kuhn for their tireless work as a Mercy Sister and to present each with a special gift to wish them a Happy Feast Day for the following day.

There is a significant song for the Sisters entitled "The Circle Of Mercy" and the lyrics encapsulate what our Staff Development Day was all about.

The Circle of Mercy is timeless, It is Spirit of life itself

Which grounds us in faith and lifts us in hope

and holds us in God's loving care.  

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Our Gospel Reflection

In our Gospel this weekend from Luke, we hear how Jesus urges his disciples to pray and not lose heart, for God hears and answers prayers.

Children nag because it works. Parents, like the judge in the parable, often get worn down by the persistence of their children asking for things large and small. Nagging is not a positive trait. The confidence and the persistence though behind this behaviour, allows the goodness and the tenacity of the giver, to stay in the relationship. These are traits worth emulating in our relationship with God.

As a family, read together Luke 18:1-8. Talk about appropriate ways to make needs and desires known to one another and to God in prayer. Recall that God wants to answer our prayers. As a family, offer your needs as prayers of petition to God.

From Our Principal

Welcome back to Term 4. Already, it is shaping up to be another big term with lots of events and activities planned for all in our school community. It is really hard to believe that we are commencing the last quarter of our school year as it only seems like yesterday we were commencing a whole new school year. We are very much looking forward to supporting your children in their learning and wellbeing, as well as the joy of preparing for Advent and Christmas together as we get closer to the end of another year.

We welcome Mrs Tonya Lickiss who is taking Year 3 for the first 2 weeks of this term whilst Mrs Jansen is enjoying some long service leave

 Today, a hard copy of our Term 4 Calendar was sent home with the eldest child in each family. Please put it in a prominent spot in your home so as to make easy reference during the term.

Compass

As notified, we have changed over to our new Administration system, Compass. It is essential that at least one adult from each family has linked into Compass and responded to the initial email sent out during the recent holidays. Please make sure you have downloaded the Compass app and signed in with your unique username and password. If you are unsure of your Compass access please contact Mrs Campbell in the front office at school and she will be very happy to assist you.

Staffing 2023

During the holiday break, interviews were conducted for the position of classroom teacher to join the staff of St Brigid's in 2023. I am very pleased to announce that Ms Emma Davis will be joining the staff of our school next year to take up the role of one of our classroom teachers. Emma is currently employed at St. Joseph’s South Grafton where she is teaching Kindergarten. Emma is also the Leader of School Sport, a position she has held since 2018. Before this, Emma worked at St. Augustine's in Narromine, in the Wilcannia Forbes Diocese. She has been teaching for 11 years, most of which have been in the Catholic Education System. Emma has had experience teaching from Kindergarten to Year 6.

We are currently advertising for the position of a Creative Arts Teacher to commence in 2023. I will be able to announce the successful applicant following the closing of applications and subsequent interviews.

HSC Exams

With many senior students beginning their HSC exams this week, we wish them all the very best on the culmination of their school days. All of these students have had a challenging few years as a result of COVID-19. Well done to all the families and their respective schools for supporting the Class of 2022 as they prepare for their exams. I know your prayers and kind thoughts for these members of our community are much appreciated at this time. 

Take care,
Tony Hunter

Welcome to St Brigid's

We extend a warm welcome to Angus and Ruby Wright who commenced at St Brigid's this term.  Angus is in Year 1 and Ruby is in Year 4 and it is so good to have you and your family here as a part of our school community.

Kyogle Show

After a long break, the Kyogle Show went ahead during the holidays and was a great success. This community event was well supported, and once again, the students from St Brigid's submitted 2 entries each and their works were displayed in the Pavillion. Congratulations to the award winners in the various sections at the Kyogle Show. 

Infants Entries - Handwriting: Gloria Rogan (1st); Tom Booth (2nd) Drawing (any medium): Kinder - Zion Dowd (2nd); Year 1 - Tom Booth (HC); Year 2 - Ella Garred (1st) Any Other Craft: Kinder - Emma Nugent (1st); Chloe King (2nd); Milla Flanagan (HC); Emma Nugent (HC); Chloe King (HC)  Collage: Year 2 - Nerida Phillips (1st); Elliarna Devenish (2nd); Ella Garred (HC); Summer Duley (HC); Eloise King (HC) Year 1 - Ryder Newman.

Primary Entries - Piece of Writing Computer Published: Lila Standfield (1st); Christian Hoffman (2nd); Evie Howes (HC); Chelsea Hyde (HC); Yari Howes (HC) Drawing (any medium): Millea Rixon (2nd); Wyatt Brown (HC) Best Computer Art: Brooklyn Stubbings (1st); Parker Kennedy (2nd); Noah Schneider (HC); Normy Presbury (HC) Collage: Evie Howes (1st); Ruby Witchard (HC); Corey Love (HC)

In addition to the school entries, Millea and Noah Rixon were also successful in the Youth Photography section. Millea received a swag of awards (three 1st places, three 2nd places and a HC) in the Fauna, Flora and Portrait sections (Colour and Black & White) as well as taking out the grand prize for  the most Outstanding Exhibit in the Youth Photography section for a colour set of 3 or more photos on the same subject. Noah received 1st place for the Flora in Colour photograph, 2nd place for his Portrait (black and white), 2nd place for his colour set of 3 photos or more, and Highly Commended for his portrait (black and white). Millea also entered a dozen green eggs and was placed 1st. Congratulations Millea and Noah.

Award Winners at the Show

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 until Friday 4th November. This will be Weeks 3 and 4 of Term 4.

Please check now if your child has goggles and swimwear that fits and organise these if need be during the next week.

All information including times and methods of payment have been sent out to all families in Kinder to Year 2 via Compass. This is another reason why it is essential that all families are logged onto the new Compass portal and have access to the App. 

Family Mass

All are invited to join with our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students as they lead our Family Parish Mass on Sunday 23rd October at 9am. In addition to the mass, there will be the opportunity for the children to take part in their own Children's Liturgy guided by our classroom teachers. After mass all are invited to share in morning tea and catch up with members of our Parish community. Following this, the Infants students and families are invited to have some fun at the Skate Park. Thanks to our Class Parents for organising these events. A flyer has been sent home to all students K-2.

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, all families would have received 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. 

Please note that with the introduction of Compass, there will be no more messages sent out on the  Skoolbag App.

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.

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning

Focus for Week 1:  We follow the 4SERS at all times and comply with classroom expectations so that everyone has a great day of 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.

Sports News

2022 Summer Sports Trials

Summer Sports Trials are upon us. Students from Year 4 and 5 are invited to these trials that will be held in Week 3 on Thursday the 27th of October, as these sports will carry over to 2023. The sports on offer are as follows:-

• Basketball Boys & Girls 
• Cricket Boys & Girls 
• Softball 
• Tennis 
• Touch football Boys and Girls 

If you have a child that plays any of these sports at a competitive level, please lookout for the link to register your child as soon as possible. This will be sent out as soon as we receive it. As these trials are held after school, it is the responsibility of parents and carers to have their child(ren) at the respective venues.

Yours in Sport,

Lee Love

Happy Birthday to You

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

15th October - Lilliana Knight, Jacqui Smith

Student Awards

Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with awards at the last  assembly of Term 3:

Kindergarten:- Nicholas Stubbings, Igziah Anthony, Kendrick Cameron-Keed

Year 1:- Ryder Newman, Harrison Goebel

Year 2:- Lola Lindsay, Caius Dowd, Nate Jones, Kymani Gill-Navatu

Year 3:- Lily Harris, Wyatt Brown, Christian Hoffman, Jacqui Smith

Year 4:- Wentworth Bennett, Eloise Stephenson

Year 5:- Marshall Brooks, Chelsea Hyde

Year 6:- Lila Standfield, Maggie Pearson

Principal Award:- Indigo Dowd, Hamish Laarhoven 

Upcoming Dates

OCTOBER

Tuesday 18th - Exuro (selected Yr5 students)

Sunday 23rd - Family Mass led by students from Kindergarten, Year 1 & Year 2. Morning Tea at the church followed by play at the Skate Park

Monday 24th - K-2 Intensive Swimming begins

Tuesday 25th - Parent Forum Meeting, 3.30pm

Wednesday 26th - Yr6 Amazing Race (Evening event)

NOVEMBER

Tuesday 1st - All Saints Day 

DECEMBER 

Thursday 8th - School Swimming Carnival

Friday 16th - Last day of the year for students