Newsletter Term 4 Week 7 (Wednesday 23rd November 2022)

Our Front Page with Year 3

Year 3 have enjoyed Science this term. As part of our unit called ‘Harness the Energy’ we researched, planned and constructed a Solar Oven. We then tested our oven by placing them on the playground for the day. We used thermometers to measure the temperature of the ovens at regular intervals. The ovens were a great success with some of us enjoying melted chocolates and marshmallows. Some groups even managed to successfully cook bacon. Solar energy is definitely an alternative form of energy.

Designing and testing our solar ovens

Our Gospel Reflection

This week is the first Sunday of Advent, which is also the first Sunday of a new liturgical year for the Church. The Advent season includes the four Sundays that precede Christmas. It is a time of preparation for the coming of the Lord. In this season, we recall two central elements of our faith: the final coming of the Lord in glory and the incarnation of the Lord in the birth of Jesus. Key themes of the Advent season are watchful waiting, preparation, and justice.

In the Gospel from Matthew we hear how Jesus tells his disciples that the coming of the Son of Man will catch many people unprepared. Jesus tells his disciples that they are to always be ready for the day of the Lord.

Many of us feel the pressure early in the holiday season to be ready for Christmas but Sunday's Gospel challenges us to be ready for something other than the gift-giving of Christmas.

Read together Sunday's Gospel reading. As a family, talk about what it means to be ready for the day of the Lord. One of the roles of the family, the domestic church, is to be a school of faith leading one another to salvation. Reflect together as a family on how your family helps one another to be better Christians. Commit to one thing that your family will do this Advent season to help one another be better Christians. You might choose to write this commitment down and post it in a prominent place in your home, perhaps near your family's Advent wreath.

Pray together the Lord's Prayer that God will help you in this Advent commitment. 

From Our Principal

I cannot express enough gratitude to our Parent Forum for organising and setting up our Family Fun Night last Thursday at the Kyogle Pool. It was a beautiful evening, weather wise and gave so many families the opportunity to come together and enjoy the company of each other. There were so many students in attendance and they were certainly enjoying the challenge of conquering the inflatable water obstacle. I dare say that this will not be the last of these evenings planned for in the future.

2023 Kindergarten Transition Program

The final Kindergarten Transition for 2023 will take place this Friday 25th November. It is unbelievable just how fast this year has flown for these students getting ready to enter "Big School" in the not too distant future. I would like to thank Mrs Vanessa Walters who has been so instrumental in delivering this transition from the first weeks of Term 2 way back in May. The growth and development of the children has been so good to watch and it is clearly evident that these young people are well and truly Ready4Learning. We look forward to acknowledging and congratulating the 2022 "Graduates" of Ready4Learning this coming Friday.

We very much look forward to presenting the Ready4Learning Program again in 2023. Please look out for dates and meeting times in the first couple of weeks of Term 1 next year.

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Vinnies Hampers

Friday 9th December (Week 9) is set for our DRESS IN CHRISTMAS COLOURS day whereby you also bring something for the festive hampers. We have always supported this appeal generously. Our local St Vincent de Paul Society and our parishioners work with us to keep the Spirit of giving alive at Christmas for those who need it most in our community - those who are doing it tough, are isolated or experiencing hardship. On December 13th the volunteers will come to our End of Year Mass to be presented with all of our ‘goodies’ and then they will work hard to sort everything and repack items into individual hampers. Suggestions for hamper items include:
 Christmas food such as biscuits, shortbread, puddings, and anything NON-PERISHABLE
 Boxed chips like Cheezels, Pringles etc (bagged chips will crush)
 Crackers
 Lollies
 ‘Treat’ food
 Jelly, tinned fruit
 ‘Fancy’ tea (like Twinings), coffee, instant cappucino/chai/latte etc
 Soft drink like canned six packs, bottles of fizzy drinks, poppers
 Non-alcoholic beverages
 Christmas items like bon bons, decorations
Please donate according to your own financial ability and, if possible, include your child in the process. You might like to donate now and save something else for the dress-up day. If you are in Ready4Learning you are welcome to donate to the Kindergarten basket. We have 142 students in our school. Imagine if we could all donate an average of 3 items per student and then we could end up with around 500 items. That makes for many generous hampers and plenty of smiles for
the recipients. Thank you once again for your support.

2 For 1 Book Fair

Just in time for Christmas gifting, we are hosting a '2 For 1 Book Fair' through Scholastic Australia. When you purchase two books, the lesser priced book will be free. 

When: Tuesday 29th November, 2022. Time to be confirmed. 

ICAS Results

Mail has arrived again this week, so we hope to present the last of the ICAS certificates at the upcoming Year 3 Showcase on Friday, 9th December (new date). 

Congratulations to the many students who took up the challenge and sat these national and international assessments. We are all very proud of your efforts and achievements.

Well done Fred Fowler, Evie Howes, Eamon McCormack, Talei Gill-Navatu, Van Smith, Brooklyn Stubbings, Yari Howes, Indigo Dowd, Ayce Harley, Christian Hoffman, Eloise King, Landan Faulks, Kymani Gill-Navatu, Carter Hudson, and Morgan Studd.

Covid Update

You may be aware of an increased number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the broader community. Please be reminded that students and staff CANNOT attend school if they are showing any symptoms of Covid 19. 

Students who are unwell

If a student is unwell, displaying any COVID-19 or cold and flu-like symptoms at any time, they CANNOT attend school and should undertake a rapid antigen test. 

If the rapid antigen test is positive and the student is unwell and/or experiencing any symptoms, they CANNOT attend school.

If the rapid antigen test is positive and the student is not feeling unwell and not displaying or experiencing any symptoms, they CAN attend school under the following conditions:

• the School Office is informed of the positive test result, AND
• the student (over 12 years old) wears a mask for a period of 7 days in all indoor settings.

Should you require any RAT kits please contact Lani in the School Office and these will be sent out to you.

Library Help Needed

Thank you to those parents who have offered their assistance in covering our new library books.  The books will be available for collection after 11am on Tuesday 29th November.

If you would still like to assist, please contact our Library Team representative, Rebecca Walters, on 0408328773.  Lee Love and Steph Barsby can also help by answering any questions you may have regarding this task. Many thanks for your anticipated support.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Every year as a school community we like to support the Kyogle branch of the St Vincent De Paul Society with items for their Christmas hampers. These hampers go to people in the local area who are experiencing hardships during the Christmas period. Please refer to the list below and many thanks for your support again this year.

Bus Travel Information

Transport for NSW information and application portal at transportnsw.info is designed to help families find all their travel information in the one place.
SCHOOL TRAVEL APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 ARE NOW OPEN: Parents are asked to plan ahead and make sure their child has a valid School Travel Pass from the start of the 2023 school year.
 A new application will need to be submitted if students are applying for a school travel pass for the first time or if they are requesting an additional travel entitlement as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (eg joint custody). Students who need a school travel pass for 2023 can  apply now.
 Students who change address or school, should update or renew their details before the end of Term 4, (eg progressing to Year 7). This will ensure that schools can endorse applications and current entitlements are updated and remain valid. All students in Kindergarten to Year 2 are eligible for free bus travel. If a student’s distance eligibility has changed based on their Year, (eg progressing to Year 3), the system will automatically update their entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, they will receive an expiry notification via email.
 Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition that is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.
 Students living in rural and regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the start of the new school year from their nominated transport operator. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
 For some families, last minute changes to school enrolments mean they may not have a Travel Pass for the start of the new term. In this instance, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs. Bus operators are flexible and understanding, particularly at the start of the school year, and will ensure students can travel safely to and from school. To best support bus operators, we encourage all students to have a valid travel pass, as early as possible, from the start of the new school year.

CompassTix

Year 6 - Purchase Graduation Dinner tickets. Ticket sales close on Friday 25th November.

Year 5 families - Purchase Year 6 2023 shirts. Orders close Friday 2nd December. 

Whole School - Parents can register to assist with Swimming Carnival duties. Closes Wednesday 7th December.

BPay - Preferred Payment Option

Account Payments - For families wishing to make one off or regular payments to your Fee Account, our preferred payment option is BPAY. 

The school's BPAY Biller Code is:   395004

Individual reference numbers will appear on your statement, which is automatically emailed at the end of the month. 

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning

Focus for Week 7:  Learning is valued at St Brigid’s so we have to come to school every day because that’s what is expected. 

Sports News

Summer Sports Trials

This week we have Lawson Alder trialling for Tennis and Noah Laarhoven trialling for Cricket in the Diocesan Summer Sports Trials. Lawson did well at Dio however did not make it through to Polding. He played 5 matches with 2 wins, 2 losses and lost his play off match.

Yet again a super effort and great experience. It was announced by staff, that Lawson be awarded for Best Sportsmanship and scorer of the day. Great work Lawson. Another example of how manners are so noticeable.

We wish Noah all the very best as he takes part in cricket trials this Friday. We look forward to hearing of his exploits on the day.

Swimming Carnival

This week a Compass Event was posted to families for our 2022 St Brigid's Swimming Carnival which will be held on Thursday 8th December. At this stage, we are seeking parent assistance for the successful running of the carnival. We ask that you nominate your intention to assist via the Compass message that was sent out earlier this week. Parents and friends are most welcome to come as spectators.

Consent and Respectful Relationships

Happy Birthday to You

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

26th November - Normy Presbury

29th November - Paityn Fear

Student Awards

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

Kindergarten:- Braith Roberts, Emma Nugent

Kindergarten Transition:- Jahlissa McCormick, Evie Musicka

Year 1:- Blaire Lucas, Stanley Holloway

Year 2:- Caileb Hyde, Landan Faulks, Ella Garred

Year 3:- Alaska Argall, Elsie Laarhoven, Paityn Fear, Lily Harris 

Year 4:- Hannah Kennelly, Normy Presbury

Year 5:- Talei Gill-Navatu, Marshall Brooks

Year 6:- Murray Doman, Frankie Miller, Sabine Hardwick 

Principal Awards: Lily Harris, Alaska Argall

MJR Awards: Ella Garred, Frankie Miller, Ben Price, Eloise King, Angus Wright

Upcoming Dates

NOVEMBER

Friday 25th - Year 3 Showcase (postponed)

Sunday 27th - Stage 3 Family Mass, 9am

Tuesday 29th - 2 for 1 Bookfair

Wednesday 30th - Year 6 Graduation Liturgy & Dinner, 6pm

DECEMBER 

Monday 5th December - Class Step Up Day

Tuesday 6th - Student Leadership Speeches, 9:45am

Wednesday 7th - Christmas Pageant, 5pm onwards

Thursday 8th - School Swimming Carnival

Friday 9th - Year 3 Showcase 

Tuesday 13th - End of Year Mass & Awards, 9:30am

Thursday 15th - Year 6 Showcase

Friday 16th - Rewards Day / Last day of the year for students