Newsletter Term 2 Week 1 (Wednesday 26 April 2023)
- Our Front Page - ANZAC Day 2023
- Our Gospel Reflection
- From Our Principal
- Assistant Principal News - Learning
- Assistant Principal News - Mission
- Parent Forum News
- Mini Vinnies Badge Presentation
- Catholic Schools Week
- Year 6 Canberra Excursion
- School Fees
- Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)
- From the Wellbeing Team
- Seasons For Growth
- Sports News
- Library News
- Community Tree Planting
- Happy Birthday to You
- Student Awards - Week 10, Term 1 2023
- Upcoming Dates
- Free Parenting Course
- Vacation Care
- Trinity Open Day
Our Front Page - ANZAC Day 2023
Thankyou to the students who attended and participated in the Anzac Day ceremony and march. You showed great gratitude and respect in commemorating all who have served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
My New Gallery
Our Gospel Reflection
This fourth Sunday of the Easter season is sometimes called Good Shepherd Sunday because in each of the three lectionary cycles, the Gospel reading invites us to reflect on Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
Even though we have less experience with sheep and shepherds today in our society, we can still identify strongly with the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and as the gate for the sheep. Psalm 23 remains a popular and favorite psalm for prayer. In the image of the Good Shepherd, we know ourselves to be protected and cared for by a loving God.
As your family gathers, ask what each person knows about sheep and shepherds. Recall that shepherds and sheep have a close relationship. Sheep will only follow their own shepherd; they recognise his voice and will not follow a stranger. The shepherd’s job is to protect his sheep. In some ways, the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep is like that of a parent and child. Read together this Sunday’s Gospel, John 10:1-10. Talk about how Jesus tells us that he is the gate for the sheep. The sheep enter the protection of the sheepfold through the gate. In Jesus we find protection and abundant life. Conclude by thanking Jesus for being our Good Shepherd and by praying Sunday’s psalm, Psalm 23.
From Our Principal
Welcome to Term 2. I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing and enjoyable holiday break, and is ready for the learning, spirituality and joy that awaits us throughout Term 2.
Welcome
We extend a special welcome to our new members of staff, Mrs Kerryanne Cox and Miss Megan Alcorn. Kerryanne has been appointed to take Year 5 from Monday to Thursday replacing Miss Kayla Robertson who has commenced her maternity leave. Megan will be sharing the Year 3 class with Mrs Anderson whilst Mrs Jansen is on long sevice leave. Miss Alcorn will take the class from Monday to Wednesday and Mrs Anderson will be in the Year 3 classroom each Thursday and Friday.
We extend a warm welcome to new student, Ruby Hunt who has joined the Year 3 class. It is wonderful to have Ruby and her family here with us at St Brigid's.
First Communion
We extend a huge congratulations to Emma Farrah, Elsie Laarhoven, Ayce Harley and Ted Standfield who received the Sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time at the Holy Thursday Mass. This is a special time in their young sacramental journey and it was so good being able to join these children and their families on such a significant day when Jesus initiated the sacrament at the Last Supper.
ANZAC Day
This week, we commemorated ANZAC Day, a day when we pause in remembrance for those who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. It was terrific to see so many of our staff and students gathering at both the Dawn Service and March for the commemoration services. Congratulations to Georgia Pratt and Noah Laarhoven our School Leaders for the way in which you represented our school and speaking so well at both commemoration services. Thank you also to Miss Bugden for her coordination and leadership of our school’s ANZAC Day service on Wednesday afternoon. These were both important opportunities for our students to be reminded of the freedoms we have been afforded and the significant cost that has been paid for its attainment.
Kevin Hogan Student Leadership Day
In the holidays, our local federal Member of Parliament, Mr Kevin Hogan, invited our school to attend a presentation for school leaders. Our Year 6 Leaders were offered the opportunity to attend a leadership talk by Naomi Moran, a Nyangbal, Awakwal and Dunghutti woman and the General Manager of the Koori Mail. Naomi shared her journey from a 14-year-old administration trainee at the Koori Mail to becoming a distinguished indigenous journalist and finally returning to the Koori Mail as General Manager. Naomi also shared how the Koori Mail, significantly impacted by the 2022 floods, was able to pivot so quickly to become a community hub to support the Lismore population in the wake of such a tragic natural disaster. This was a wonderful opportunity for these students to hear from such a proud, resilient and community-minded leader. Thank you to our representatives; Loretta Faulks, Chelsea Hyde, Georgia Pratt and Noah Laarhoven for attending with their parents and representing our school so well among their peers.
Tell Them From Me Survey
As part of our focus on school effectiveness, St Brigid’s will once again be participating in an online survey for students – Tell Them From Me (TTFM®). The survey will provide us with valuable feedback on what our students think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. Schools in Australia and around the world have used the Tell Them From Me survey to help them improve. All students in Years 4-6 complete this survey.
In the next week, we will also be opening the TTFM Parent Survey. This survey provides us with such rich information and can help us to discern potential improvements to our school. We would be delighted if as many parents as possible completed this survey for us. Details for completing the survey will be shared in the next two newsletters, via Compass and in the front office.
Take care and have a wonderful week,
Tony Hunter
Assistant Principal News - Learning
Catholic Schools Week - We will be celebrating Catholic Schools in Week 2 with the theme, Living Our Mission. As part of this celebration, we are inviting parents, grandparents and community members to come into our school from 9:30 am and be taken on an organised Learning Walk accompanied by a member of the Leadership Team. Visitors will be briefed beforehand on our English block and given an opportunity at the end of the walk to share with other parents what was seen and heard on the walk. Morning tea on the front deck will be shared after the walks at 10:30 am. I look forward to seeing you on Monday to share in the learning in our classrooms
Vanessa Walters
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Assistant Principal News - Mission
ANZAC Liturgy:
Yesterday we gathered as a school community for our ANZAC Day liturgy. The children are to be congratulated on the respectful way they participated in this liturgy. Kindergarten provided us with beautiful art and Year Six students read so well. We finished our liturgy with a peace prayer.
Mini Vinnies:
Today we were joined by Rosetta (Rosie) Leo, the Community Engagement Officer for the St Vincent's De Paul Society. Rosie presented all 61 Mini Vinnies with badges and certificates and explained the imporatnt Good Works the organisation undertakes.
Stage Three students spent the rest of the day engaging in a Mini Vinnies Retreat. Rosie joined us for the beginning of the retreat and gave further insight into the role of Mini Vinnies and the opportunities that come with being a part of this group. Students also gained a deeper understainding of what injustice is and how kids really can make a difference and get involved in social justice initiatives. Stage Three Mini Vinnies students have created a list of ideas and initiatives aimed at making a difference in our local community. It was a wonderful day and it is excellent to see so many of our students willing to serve.
Catholic Schools Week Liturgy:
A reminder that all parents and community members are warmly invited to our Catholic Schools Week Liturgy. The liturgy will take place on Friday, 5th May at 11.15 am in the Parish Hall. Guests are invited to bring along food and stay for a community picnic lunch on the lawn.
Kelli-Ann Bugden
Assistant Principal - Mission
Parent Forum News
Hello and welcome to Term 2, 2023.
Thankyou for electing me as your Parent Forum Chairperson. I am focused to continue on from Gemma in this role to represent our parents collectively and support our Principal during 2023. A very big thankyou and acknowledgment for all the work our small but mighty forum team members and volunteering parents achieved last year. You have made so many things possible and it is very much appreciated by the school community. It was so great to experience our parents coming together to ensure our Garden Club fundraising effort was a success and enjoyable for all.
As parents, we know all too well and understand the struggles of juggling everything from parenting, work, study, money, household duties, relationships and health (here’s to a quick group kudos for all our efforts). Having missed much of my children’s special events at daycare, preschool and school I wholeheartedly am with you and have at times struggled with all these things mentioned above. I do however love that St Brigid’s offers us so many opportunities to connect.
As a school built on the Catholic faith, values and ethos we are very lucky St Brigid’s provides our parents, friends and students so many opportunities to connect with both each other, ourselves and the world around us. Many cultures and faith dialogues embrace the holistic benefits available to us through connection. All we need to do is to create that experience in whatever capacity we wish for it to be. In doing this we have the opportunity to greater enhance a child’s sense of belonging and by pursuing this it has the potential to be transformative from a psychological point of view for everyone.
I encourage all Mums, Dads and carers to share whatever you can to inspire our children and school to exceed all expectations in whatever way you can. If you wish to get involved please reach out to one of our amazing team contacts or you can contact me directly at chair_stbrigids@outlook.com.au
Spoiler alert... I hope to work towards rewarding our parents with an event for us all to celebrate our engagement with our school community and the opportunities that we have further created for our children. For this to get up and running, the parent forum executive definitely need all parents to support us in our Constitutional change as a collective team.
Here’s to another great year, one that we can work together to not only show our children we are involved but most importantly we are engaged in their journey, on this little thing called life...
I look forward to meeting lots of Mums and Dads along the way so we can lead the way for our children, working with you all in a casual, respectful and professional way to achieve our goals.
Regards
Claire Knight
Parent Forum Chairperson (Lilliana Year 3, Eliza Year 1)
Mini Vinnies Badge Presentation
Thank you to Rosie Leo from the St Vincent de Paul Society, who attended our School today to present our Mini Vinnies with their badges.
My New Gallery
Catholic Schools Week
Our school will join with more than 620 Catholic schools across NSW and the ACT to celebrate the annual Catholic Schools Week (CSW). This will take place in our school during Week 2 this term.
This year’s theme “Living our Mission’’ highlights the mission of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lismore. The Catholic school community has a co-responsibility in the service of mission through sharing Jesus’ messages of love and forgiveness, peace, hope and joy as revealed in the Gospels. The transforming power of mission ensures our students experience the fullness of life (John 10:10).
We are immensely proud of the important role the Catholic school has alongside our Bishop, Parish Priest, school staff, parishioners and families in the missionary activity of bringing the ‘Good News' to the world. This week provides us with the opportunity to showcase and celebrate the missionary activities of our Catholic schools as well as the quality education we offer.
I would like to extend an invitation for you to participate with members of our parish and wider community in the spirit of this celebration. Below is a schedule of events for the week that you are invited to attend:
- Learning Walks and morning tea from 9.30am - 11am on Monday, 1st May. All are invited to join our conducted walk through our school and experience our English Block here at St Brigid's.
- Catholic Schools Week Liturgy and lunch on Friday, 5th May in the Parish Hall from 11:30am.
Thank you for your ongoing support. We look forward to seeing you during our celebrations for Catholic Schools Week in 2023.
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 some 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.
School Fees
Term Two Fees have now been invoiced. They will appear on your statement which you receive at the end of the month. Payment is due on the 17th May, 2023. Our preferred payment method is Bpay.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please make contact with the School.
Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)
Focus for Week 1: We are responsible and respectful and follow all classroom expectations at all times.
From the Wellbeing Team
As we get back into the swing of it with week 1, Term 2, 2023, this week’s strength is appropriately
a LOVE OF LEARNING.
A Love of Learning is the ability to master new skills and knowledge, and to systematically add to our knowledge. Is a love of learning a particular strength belonging to you or someone close to you? How does a love of learning feature in your day-to-day life, and how does it help you or your loved ones to grow and tackle challenges?
Take a moment to acknowledge the strength of a love of learning in yourself and others, and
consider how this strength enriches life for you and the people around you.
Seasons For Growth
Dear Families,
Just a reminder that St. Brigid’s is offering the Seasons For Growth Program to students in 2023. This is a small group program based on the belief that change, loss and grief are a normal and natural art of life. If you feel that your child might benefit from Seasons, please nominate your interest via the link below. If your child is nominated, a Permission Form and Information Letter further outlining the Program will be sent home with your child.
https://forms.gle/
Please note, it is recommended that anyone affected by bereavement wait 6 to 12 months before participating in the Seasons For Growth Program.
Kindly,
Sereena Zanuso Student Support Worker.
Sports News
Zone Cross Country will be held next Wednesday, 3rd May at Hepburn Park, Goonellabah. (Back-up date: Tuesday 9 May)
An Event was sent to participants this week via Compass, for permission and indication of travel to and from the event. Please action this event, so arrangements can be completed.
Yours in sport,
Lee Love
Library News
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
Community Tree Planting
Happy Birthday to You
Wishing the following children all the very best for their special day this week and over the school holidays:
April
27th - Blaire Lucas
29th - Morgan Studd
May
1st - Belle Clarke, Carter Hudson
3rd - Raziel Aquilina
Student Awards - Week 10, 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:- Ayla Anderson, Riley Jane Rankin, Ruby Walker
Year 1:- Emma Nugent, Nicholas Stubbings
Year 2:- Harrison Goebel, Frankie Lindsay
Year 3:- Shekinah Howes, Adam Bryant, Lola Lindsay, Kobi Dever
Year 4:- All of Year 4
Year 5:- Ruby Wright, Brooklyn Stubbings, Noah Schneider
Year 6:- Ella Jones, Noah Laarhoven, Marshall Brooks
Upcoming Dates
April
28th - Ready 4 Learning Commences
May
1st - Parent Learning Walks from 9:30am to 11am
1st - Year 6 Excursion Parent Information Night 6pm
3rd - Zone Cross Country - Hepburn Park, Goonellabah
5th - Catholic Schools Week Liturgy - 11.30am - Parish Hall
Free Parenting Course
Vacation Care
