Newsletter Term 1 Week 10 (Wednesday 5th April 2023)

Our Front Page with Year Four

Today the Year 4 students had the First Eucharist Retreat. Today was a fantastic day to take the time to step aside from normal activities and routines and focus on God and our faith. Today we reflected on the special occasion of Holy Thursday and rejoiced in spending time together and to think about the sacrament that some of us will soon be celebrating for the first time. 

My New Gallery

Our Gospel Reflection

As a Catholic Community, we recognise the start of Holy Week this Sunday (Palm Sunday). Holy week is a solemn week in the Catholic tradition commemorating Jesus' last week on earth and the events leading up to his resurrection on Easter Sunday. 

Our Catholic faith experiences a full range of emotions as we commemorate this special week in our Liturgical year. Palm Sunday emits joy, triumph and homage, yet Good Friday brings despair, sadness, confusion, love and anticipation. Easter Sunday brings us back to joy, trust, triumph, amazement and faith. 

This Lenten season was an excellent opportunity for us to make some positive changes in our personal lives. Pope Francis challenged followers to be wary of worldly rewards and the need to be recognised publicly for good deeds. He encouraged believers and people of this world to work in secret through prayer, fasting and charity. It was also a time to reflect on the way we live our lives and contemplate how we could change the world by using Jesus’ example of love.Easter is a great reminder that Christ died and rose again for each one of us. His death and resurrection can transform our lives. Lives that have a love for our neighbour, respect for all creation and lives that restore hope and mercy. 

My saving Lord, You entered this week of Your Passion with courage and determination. You freely chose to embrace every suffering and every humiliation You would endure so that You could enter my life more fully. Please be present to me throughout this week and help me, to not only ponder this mystery of Your love but to also encounter that love in a real and transforming way. 

From Our Principal

At the end of Term One, we give thanks to God for all the teaching and learning that has taken place in our school, both in and out of the classroom. For the talents and gifts that have been shared and the challenges that have been faced. For the respect and care that has been given. We give thanks for the friendships that have just begun and for those that have grown. For the hope that has lifted our hearts and for the love that has kept us going.

We give thanks to our school community, and we ask you, Lord, to bless our children and their families as we begin our holidays. May our time together leave us with memories to cherish. Pour out your love on us so that we return renewed and refreshed to continue our journey together.

Staffing Updates

As the 1st Term draws to a close I would like to announce some staffing changes from the start of Term 2.

Year 5 - we will be saying a temporary goodbye to Miss Robertson this Thursday as she commences her maternity leave. We wish Kayla and Riley all the very best on the upcoming birth of their “little one” and the joy that this brings.

We welcome Mrs. Kerryanne Cox who has been appointed as the Year 5 classroom teacher from the commencement of Term 2. Kerryanne is a very experienced senior teacher with a wide variety of roles and year levels throughout her teaching career, who proudly advocates the well-being of the whole child.

Prior to Kerryanne’s appointment here at St Brigid’s she has been a valuable staff member of Elanora State School in Queensland where she held a variety of leadership and coordinator positions.

Kerryanne will be on Year 5 for Monday to Thursday and then Miss Bugden and myself will take Year 5 each Friday on an alternating basis.

Year 3 - We wish Mrs Jansen and her husband Boud all the very best as they leave for an extended trip overseas for all of Term 2. We welcome Miss Megan Alcorn and Mrs Erin Anderson who will share the role of Year 3 classteacher. Megan will take the class on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with Erin taking Year 3 each Thursday and Friday.

Miss Alcorn is a former Wiangaree resident who has recently completed her Masters of Teaching through Curtin University and is very much looking forward to this opportunity of working with our Year 3 students.

Mrs Anderson has been teaching at St Brigid's since 2017 in a variety of roles, full time and part time, juggling her time between our school and raising her young family.

We very much look forward to having Megan and Erin working with the Year 3 students and continue their wonderful start to the year. In the meantime we wish Mr and Mrs Jansen a great trip abroad and look forward to hearing of their adventures along the way and when they return for Term 3.

Mini Vinnies Easter Raffle

We have been so amazed by the generous response to our request for donations of Easter goodies and for the purchasing of tickets. We have  raised $432!!!

First prize is a big box of Easter goodies! If you haven’t had a chance to purchase any raffle tickets yet, or even if you have but you want to increase your chances of winning a prize, it’s not too late. Our dedicated Mini Vinnies representatives will continue to sell tickets up until tomorrow at lunch time.  Tickets cost $1 each or 3 for $2.  

Remember, the proceeds from the raffle go towards our donation to Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal so every ticket sold will play a part in helping us to support ‘future generations’ and to make a difference in the lives of others who need our help.

Our Easter baskets will be ready to be drawn tomorrow afternoon at our afternoon assembly. All parents and family members are most welcome to join us for our assembly. We hope someone from your family brings home a suprise on Thursday! 

Compass Absences / Attendance

If your child has been absent and you have not entered an attendance note in Compass, this absence will be changed to an "unjustified absence" after 7 days. This process is carried out by the Compass administrator at CEO.  As a parent/guardian you only have these 7 days to add the attendance note - if it becomes unjustified and you wish for it to be amended, you must contact the school office, either by phone or email, with the reason your child was absent and we can make the necessary amendments. All unjustified absences will be shown on your child's semester report.

When entering your child's reason for absence, we ask that you try and be specific e.g. coughing, flu, vomitting etc.  

Attendance Matters

The bottom line is: Attendance Does Matter! 

Average for Week 9 - 89.8%                Average for Week 10- 91.5%

There has been a steady increase in our school attendance as the  term has progressed. Many thanks to all families for ensuring that your children are here at school ready for their learning.

Our goal for the year is to ensure an average attendance of 90%. The average attendance for our school for 1st Term is  90.3%.  The average student attendance for Term 4, 2022 was 86.2%. Great work everyone

Term 2 Calendar

A paper copy of our Term 2 Calendar will be given to every student today. Please keep it in a safe spot and refer to it and add special dates and times as we move through the second term.

Parent Contact Details

At all times, we ask that parents keep your contact details up to date.  Phone numbers and email addresses can be amended, by you, through the Compass portal.  Please advise the office, in writing/email, of any other change in details.

As this will be our final newsletter for the Term, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and blessed Easter holiday. May your hearts be filled with hope, peace, and love as we remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.    (John 3:16)

Take care and have a safe and happy Easter break,

Tony Hunter 

Assistant Principal News - Learning

Holiday Reading

Reading at home is important. Research shows that the effects of reading and a general culture of reading is good for personal development, intellectual growth, literacy and even numeracy development.

There are lots of opportunities to read during the school holidays.   Here are some basic tips to support the habit of reading during the holidays:

• Continue with a daily reading routine with short sessions of around 10 minutes per day. The child doesn’t always need to be reading during this time but it could be you reading to them.
• Spend some time with your child revising their letters, sounding out difficult words, chunking the text, making predictions and inferring meaning from the text. Discuss the illustrations or make a new story from the illustrations.
• Engage young children by giving them the agency to choose books for themselves. Take them to the library or a bookshop and let them find the books/ magazines that interest them.
• Find stories that relate to your child’s interests or, if you’re travelling somewhere, find stories or travel brochures about the destination or activities you’ll be doing.

One of the very best things that parents can do is to show their kids how much pleasure they get from reading. So grab yourself a book, settle down to read and enjoy the holidays!

Vanessa Walters                                                                                                                                                                                    Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching                                                                                           

Assistant Principal News - Mission

Sacrament of Holy Communion: 

Tonight at 7pm Emma, Ted, Elsie and Ayce will receive  communion for the very first time. It is very special that students will be making this sacrament as  a part of the Holy Thursday mass. The Holy Thursday mass commemorates Jesus eating bread and wine with His disciples and asking them to do the same in memory of Him.  All are invited to join us at 7pm in the Church. 

Holy Week Remembrance Service: 

Students will be re-enacting the events of Holy Week on Thursday 5th of April at 11.30am in the hall. All students from Kindergarten to Year Six are actively involved. Parents and guests warmly welcome. 

Kelli-Ann Bugden

Assistant Principal - Mission

Mini Vinnies Easter Raffle

What a great effort from all of our school community to raise $432 for our Mini Vinnies Easter Raffle. The total amount will go towards our Caritas Project Compassion fundraising.

The winner of the major prize was Harlow Schneider. Congratulations Harlow. There were 24 minor prize winneras wgho all received a bundle of chocolate. These were won by David Argall, Emily Kennelly, Jo Kelly (2), Mercedes Pazos, Ella Garred, Danny Kennedy, Millea Rixon (2), Brett Argall, Dowd Family (3), Ryder Newman (2), Piper Marychurch, Mrs Barsby (2), Judah Marychurch, Paityn Fear, Miss Ross, Elsie Laarhoven, Caileb Hyde and Mr Hunter.

ANZAC Day 2023

The members of the Kyogle RSL sub-branch have invited all staff and students to join them in the commemoration of ANZAC Day 2023. All students are encouraged to represent our school by marching in the parade, wearing full school uniform on Tuesday 25th April.  

ANZAC Day allows us to remember and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey on 25 April 1915, during World War I. It also allows us to recognise and acknowledge the sacrifices of servicemen and servicewomen who have participated and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. 

ANZAC DAY CEREMONY PROGRAM

5.30am  Dawn Service at the Cenotaph

9.15am   Assemble for March, Geneva Street (opp Exchange Hotel)

9.30am  March commences through town

10am      Service and Wreath laying at Cenotaph

Year 6 Canberra Excursion

The Year 6 Canberra Excursion is booked for Monday 16th October to Friday 20th October (Week 2 of Term 4). A parent information has been set for Monday 1st of May at 6pm in the Year 6 classroom. It would be great if at least one representative from each family is in attendance.

Cupcake Fundraiser

As a way of kicking off somne fundraising for this excursion, Year 6 will be selling cupcakes each Monday as a part of canteen day. These will be $2 and are only available to be purchased in person at the canteen. Please note that students cannot order these through Compass.

Parent Forum News

Our Parent Forum "Social and Fundraising Team"  are seeking support for the catering at the Kyogle Garden Club Flower and Foliage Show to be held on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd of April. This is the last weekend of the Easter School Holidays.
 

Many thanks to all who have indicated their support for this fundraiser for our school. Please find attached the updated roster that has been added to each day of this week. We will continue to send out updated lists throughout the holidays.

Seasons For Growth

Dear Families,

In 2023, St. Brigid’s will be offering the Seasons For Growth students for students affected by grief, loss and change. 

Seasons is a small group program that aims to strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of young people who are dealing with significant life changes by exploring the impact of change and loss in their lives and learning new ways to respond to these changes. This Program is run over eight consecutive weeks with eight, approximately 45-minute sessions. Many factors can create change and loss, including:

• Loss of someone or something you love.

• Parents and families separating.

• Moving to a new place or school.

• Illness.

• Family work-life changes.

We invite parents, carers and teachers to nominate students who might benefit from the Seasons Program via the link below.

https://forms.gle/cJw7HxTNfdUigkuMA

If you, or a teacher, nominate your child to participate in Seasons For Growth, a Permission Form and Information Letter further outlining the Program will be sent home with your child.

Please note, it is recommended that anyone affected by bereavement wait 6 to 12 months before participating in the Seasons For Growth Program. 

Kind Regards,

Sereena Zanuso, Student Support Worker.

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)

Focus for Week 10:    We demonstrate respect and treat others with kindness both in our classrooms and when we’re playing on the yard. 

Headspace

Sports News

In Week 2 of next Term, our School Cross Country squad will be taking part in the Richmond Zone Carnival to be held at Hepburn Park, Goonellabah on Wednesday 3rd May. Please refer to attached letter for information.

Yours in sport,

Lee Love

Library News

A big reminder about our colouring in competition. We have some great entries already, please hand these to either your class teacher or Mrs Campbell in the office. All of the students' colourings are on display in the library. The winners for each class, boy and girl will be announced on the last day of school Thursday 6th April.

Winners are:-

Kindergarten - Layla O'Neill and Chloe Ellis

Year 1 - Abi Allen, Eliza Knight

Year 2 - Gloria Rogin, Ryder Newman

Year 3 - Harry Allen, Eedie Batson

Year 4 - Alaska Argill, Emma Farrah

Year 5 - Indigo Dowd, Beau Dever

Year 6 - Chelsea Hyde, Brett Argall

Keep reading,                                                                                                                     

Steph and Lee 

Happy Birthday to You

Wishing the following children all the very best for their special day this week and over the school holidays:      

April

8th - Louise Calvey

10th - Ted Standfield

13th - Annabelle Parker

14th - Nerida Phillips

15th - Zion Dowd

17th - Rachel Ellis

19th - Caileb Hyde

21st - George Marychurch

26th -Marshall Brooks

Student Awards - Week 9, 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:- Brodie Duley, Angus Walters

Year 1:- Eliza Knight, Harlow Schneider, Kendrick Cameron-Keed, Milla Flannagan 

Year 2:- Djalai Charles, Raziel Aquilina

Year 3:- Landan Faulks, Nate Jones, Elliarna Devenish

Year 4:- Harry Nugent, Alaska Argall, Ayce Harley

Year 5:- Emmelyn Whiting, Carter Hudson

Year 6:-  Syra Halt, Georgia Pratt

Upcoming Dates

MARCH

Thursday 30th -     School Photos                                                                                                                       Ready 4 Learning Information Night @ 6pm

Friday 31st -             Year 5 Showcase

April 

Tuesday 4th -        Rewards Day (in-school)

Thursday 6th -      Last day of Term One

Friday 7th -            Good Friday

Mon 24th -              Term 2 begins (Pupil Free Day)

Tue 25th -                ANZAC Day - Public Holiday

Jan's Bucket Club - School Holidays

Free Parenting Course

Vacation Care

Trinity Open Day