Newsletter Term 1 Week 5 (Wednesday 2nd March 2023)

Our Front Page with Stage 3

Stage 3 have had a great start to the year! This term in English students are learning about how informative texts can be presented differently. Students are deconstructing the ways composers present their information and then creating their own text on various places incorporating a range of digital technologies to engage their given audience. Students have created informative travel brochures on Sydney and are currently creating their own travel videos about Alice Springs. 

Our Gospel Reflection

For the second Sunday of Lent, we move from Jesus’ retreat to the desert to his Transfiguration. Each year on the first Sunday of Lent, our Gospel tells the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. On the second Sunday of Lent each year, we hear the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration.

On a mountain in Sunday’s reading, a voice affirms that Jesus is God’s Son in words reminiscent of the voice at Jesus’ baptism. In addition, the appearance of Moses and Elijah on the mountain connects this story with God’s relationship to the people of Israel. Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets, respectively. Together with Jesus, they represent God’s complete Word.

The Transfiguration occurs in the presence of just three of Jesus’ disciples: Peter, James, and John. In Matthew’s Gospel, those disciples are among the first whom Jesus calls. The three men are identified as an “inner circle” among Jesus’ disciples when Jesus asks them to accompany him to the Garden of Gethsemane just before his arrest.

As a family, talk about some of your times of highs and lows. How have you been able to use the good times and experiences to sustain you in the difficult ones? Jesus’ Transfiguration may have been an event from which Peter, James, and John drew courage when they faced the difficult events of Jesus’ Passion. Read together Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew 17:1-9. Pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the good times and experiences that your family has had together. Pray that your family will use these experiences to sustain you during times of difficulty. 

From Our Principal

Last Friday we held our opening school mass. It was wonderful to see so many of our parents, extended family members and members of the Parish join us. The theme of our mass was Our New Year - A New Beginning. Thank you to Miss Bugden for planning this beautiful celebration for us.

St Brigid's is a community built firstly on our faith - a community that was started many years ago by the Sisters of Mercy to ensure that
students in this area had the opportunity for a Catholic Education and that their parents could send them to school knowing that their faith would be nurtured and enriched.

As a staff we are committed to ensuring that everyone who is a part of this community can know that they are always welcome, valued and confident. I want us all to remember these words as we work together throughout the year as a community built on faith, leadership, learning, and love. I encourage all of us to work together to ensure that St Brigid's is a place where everyone feels welcome, valued and confident. A place where we can explore all the possibilities that lay in front of us, where we value the diversity of every member of our community and where there are opportunities for each one of our strengths and needs to be met.

Congratulations to our new leaders:-

• Georgia Pratt and Noah Laarhoven - School Captains
• Brett Argall, Chelsea Hyde, Carter Dowd, Aleyah Frith, Loretta Faulks and Van Smith - Sports Leaders
• Rachel Ellis, Parker Kennedy, Hannah Kennelly, Lily Harris, Wyatt Brown, Ella Garred, Danny Kennedy, Hamish Laarhoven and Mabel Standfield - SRC Leaders.

Like your parents, we are very proud that you are leaders in our school and that you are here to support all students here at St Brigid's.

Pupil Free Day

A reminder to all families that this Monday the 6th of March is a Pupil Free Day for our school community. All of our staff will be joining with the staff of Our Lady Help of Christians, South Lismore to work with the recently retired Executive Director of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Sydney, Dr Dan White OAM. He has served on many Educational Authorities and last year was the recipient of an Order of Australia medal for his services to education. We are very much looking forward to working with Dr Dan and how his work can support the learning of our students.

It is important to know that as we will be having this Professional Learning at Alstonville, there will be no-one at school on Monday. 

Term 2 Pupil Free Days

Just whilst we are on the topic of Pupil Free Days please note the following days on your calendar which will be Pupil Free Days in Term 2:-

• Monday 24th April (1st day of Term 2). Please note that the following day will the ANZAC Day Public Holiday and Term 2 will commence for students on Wednesday 26th April.
• Wednesday 31st May. This day has been called by the CSO of the Diocese of Lismore. All the staff of schools in our Richmond Region will be gathering at Xavier Catholic College, Skennars Head. The Richmond Region comprises of schools, both primary and secondary from Kyogle, Casino, Lismore, Sth Lismore, Alstonville, Coraki, Woodburn (Evans Head), Skennars Head and Ballina

Please take note of these dates on your own calendars

Safe On Social

This week we were very fortunate to have Madeleine West from Safe on Social speak to all students in Years 3 to 6 and then to address a gathering of parents on the importance of keeping ourselves safe when on social media. All presentations were tailored for the age and Madeleine ensured that all participants left knowing more about the apps that are in use amongst society. 

The over riding theme of all 3 sessons was to ensure that parents know exactly what their children are playing online and who they are communicating with. Madeleine demonstrated how easy it is for information to fall into the wrong hands and place our children in danger.

It was very disturbing to learn that students in our school are playing a game that the recommended age is 18+. This alone reiterates the point of knowing exactly what your children are doing online.

Please find attached some resources that Madeleine has forwarded through to share with all families of St Brigid's. 

Assistant Principal News - Learning

What is NAPLAN? 

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses the literacy and numeracy skills of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students participate in NAPLAN tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. 

NAPLAN provides an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. It is really important to note that these tests are just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process – it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance. 

Supporting your Child 

The best approach for preparing your child for NAPLAN is to encourage your child to do the best they can on that day. Excessive preparation or the use of coaching is not recommended and adds stress or anxiety to your child.

Parents/carers receive two reports showing their child’s achievements in NAPLAN: the individual student report (ISR) and additional student report (ASR). Our teachers have the best insight into a child’s educational progress and we suggest contacting your child’s class teacher with any questions once the results return. 

All year 3 and 5 students will need ear buds (headphones) for these tests. If your child does not have any, please speak with your classroom teacher. 

Vanessa Walters                                                                                                                                                                            Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Assistant Principal News - Mission

Incitare

I had the pleasure of accompanying Aleyah, Rachel, Eamon and Noah to the Incitare retreat yesterday. The retreat was held at the Tullera hall and there were small groups of Year 6 students from Catholic schools stretching across Ballina, Lismore, Alstonville, Coraki, Woodburn and Casino. Students learned that the Latin word Incitare means to "stir up". There certainly was a lot of spirit and high energy being stirred up by the students. The theme of the day was about being courageous- even when it feels uncomfortable. Students learned throughout the day that Christ like behaviour takes courage and that standing up for what is right can be unpopular. I was so impressed with our St Brigid's students as they were being corageous from the beginning of the day- introducing themselves to people, speaking up in small groups to share their ideas and socialising and including students from other schools on the playground. 

During the car ride home the students were talking about how much they enjoyed the day and that they really wanted to bring this retreat back to school so that the whole Year 6 class could be involved. Eamon, Aleyah, Noah and Rachel left feeling confident that they would be able to lead the small group activities with their own peers. 

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Students from Stage Two will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Tuesday, 7th March at 6pm. Everyone is welcome to join our school community to support these students on this special occasion. Jesus always welcomed children. Students in Stage 2 are learning that Jesus always forgives and loves us even when we make mistakes. 

Kelli-Ann Bugden                                                                                                                              

Assistant Principal - Mission

Incitare Retreat

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School Attendance

Family Connect Services

A Message from Nikki Devine our Family Connect Worker

As your school’s Family Connect worker, I am here to support families to access the services they might need to help their family thrive. I can assist families in a wide range of areas including NDIS, housing, counselling, parenting programs, supporting parents of children with anxiety through mental health struggles, family violence, addiction services and many other services that families may need from time to time.

I have a background in social work and youth work and have worked extensively in community projects. I am a qualified practitioner in many programs including Mental health first aid, Bringing up great kids and Tuning into Teens.

I care deeply about promoting family wellbeing and can help families access a wide range of support services. I welcome any of our parents/carers to make contact with me if they would like more information about the help and support I can provide.

Nikki 0429 216 841 or Nicole.devine@socialfutures.org.au

From the Wellbeing Team

February 28 marked the one-year anniversary of the devastating floods experienced in our region in 2022, so it seems fitting that this week’s strength is: TEAMWORK

Teamwork is the ability to be a team player, to be socially responsible, and loyal. During and after the floods, the people in our community demonstrated incredible teamwork in coming together to rescue, support and help care for those most affected. Is teamwork a particular strength belonging to you or someone in your family? How does teamwork help you or your loved ones to handle difficult situations?

Headspace

Headspace Lismore offers free support services for the young people of our local community aged between 12 and 25. These supports focus on mental health and wellbeing, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drugs services, connections to education, employment and more! Support is also offered in Casino and Kyogle, so young people and their families don't have to travel to Lismore for services. headspace Lismore operates on a "no wrong door" policy, which means no young person will be turned away without being supported to access other services in our outside of headspace.                                                                                                                                                         

Headspace Lismore also runs a variety of free and accessible groups to build social connection for our local young people. Groups that are currently running include:- Fresh Fruits. (16-25).- Media Hub. (16-25).- Mini Fruits. (12-15).- Social Hub. (12-15).- Young Peoples' Advisory Committee (12-25).

Headspace Lismore has a strong focus on engaging with local communities through facilitating workshops and presentations and supporting collaborative community events. Their Yarn Safe Worker is also available to have a confidential yarn with Aboriginal and Torress Strait Island young people and their mob.

If you would like further information or support from headspace Lismore, please see the attached information, visit their website ( https://headspace.org.au/headspacecentres/lismore/) or contact them directly on 02 6625 0200. If you are in an emergency situation or need immediate assistance, contact mental health services or emergency services on 000. If you need to speak to someone urgently, call Kids HelpLine 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline 13 11 14.  

School Fees

School fees for Term 1 have now been billed. No invoices are issued, however you will be able to view your account via the Compass App.

Fastpath = Home page>More (three lines on screen)>School Fees

At the end of each month, a fee statement is emailed to each Debtor.  

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

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)

Welcome to all our families in 2023. PB4L is a whole school framework that helps us create positive learning environments for all students at St Brigid's.

The PB4L framework is a research based and proactive school wide system that establishes clear behaviour expectations.

Our school wide expectations at St Brigid's are:

We are SAFE       We display EFFORT     We show RESPECT    We display SELF-RESPONSIBILITY

During the year ALL classes spend time teaching the school wide expectations.

Students who adhere to these expectations throughout each term are able to participate in our Term Rewards Day. These activities vary and the students have the opportunity of nominating and deciding upon which particular activity that they would like to take part in on Rewards Day.

Focus for Week 5:  We demonstrate respect and treat others with kindness both in our classrooms and when we’re playing on the yard. 

Learning Assistance Program

Can You Help at St Brigid’s?

This is a call for volunteers to assist with the St Brigid’s Primary School Learning Assistance Program (L.A.P) for the school year.

L.A.P is a wonderful program that has been running at our school for over 18 years. Due to COVID restrictions we have been unable to run LAP but we are all ready to go in 2023!

You may have great skills that you could share with the children or would like to listen to children read or do other learning based activities. For example, John Harley volunteers and does gardening with a group of students in Year 5 and 6 each week. There are many children who would benefit from this great program but we can only offer it with your help.

Can you spare half an hour on a day that suits you to work with a child at St Brigid’s Primary School?

If you are interested I would love to hear from you. Please phone our School Admin Officer, Lani Campbell on 66321988 and leave your name and contact number.

If you would like more information about the L.A.P program I am happy to discuss it with you.

Loretta Morabito – Pastoral Care Coordinator                                                                                                                  

Sports News

Cross Country

A date to put on your Term calendar is the running of our 2023 St Brigid's Cross Country. This will be held on Friday 24th March with the back up day being Tuesday 28th March. Please keep on eye on future newsletters for further information.

Yours in sport,

Lee Love

Happy Birthday to You

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

March

3rd - Ayla Anderson

5th - Emmelyn Whiting                                                                                                                

Student Awards - Week 4, Term 1 2023

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

Kindergarten:- Layla O'Neill and Evie Musicka

Year 1:- Milla Flanagan and Harper Farrah

Year 2:- Blaire Lucas and Angus Wright

Year 3:- Lilliana Knight and Michael Walker

Year 4:- Ben Price and Mia Glover

Year 5:- Yari Howes and Ruby Wright

Year 6:- Van Smith and Brett Argall

MJR Awards - Eloise Stephenson, Alaska Argall and Olivia Alvos

Principal's Awards - Ella Walters and Eamon McCormack

Upcoming Dates

MARCH

Monday 6th - Staff Development Day / Pupil Free Day

Tuesday 7th - Stage 2 Sacrament of Reconciliation 6pm

Monday 13th - Sushi Day

Tuesday 14th - School Parent Forum AGM 6pm

Wednesday 15th to Friday 17th - NAPLAN Online for Years 3 and 5

Friday 17th - Year 1 Showcase

Thursday 30th - School Photos