Newsletter Term 2 Week 4 (Wednesday 17 May 2023)
Our Front Page with Year 2...
In Maths, Year 2 has been exploring 2 digit numbers during our maths warm up activities. Students have been working together to order and place two digit numbers on empty number lines. Students are given the smallest number and largest number and are to determine where the remaining numbers fit.
Our Gospel Reflection
Sunday’s Gospel is taken from the conclusion of the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew’s Gospel quickly moves from the disciples’ discovery of Jesus’ empty tomb, to Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, to the commission that Jesus gives his disciples in Sunday’s Gospel.
Just as Jesus sent his disciples to make disciples, our family, the domestic Church, is called to bear witness to the life of discipleship. That act of witnessing can take many forms. First and foremost our family should call people to discipleship by the example of our love for one another. That example is only the beginning; our love must extend beyond the family, reaching out to others and to the world.
Together with your family, identify one or more ways in which your family lives the life of Christian discipleship. Thank God for the blessing of the opportunity to be able to show God’s love. Then read together Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew 28:16-20. Discuss what Jesus sends his disciples to do. Work together to identify one or more ways in which your family would like to do a better job bearing witness to the life of discipleship. Choose one of those ways and work together to make it happen. Pray as a family for the grace to be witnesses to the world of the life of discipleship. Pray together the Lord’s Prayer.
From Our Principal
May is a month when we reflect on the importance of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the life of the Church and in our own lives. Mary’s character is a deep well from which we draw rich examples of how to live a good life, regardless of our religious identity. Her character speaks to values such as faith, obedience, humility, resilience and unconditional love—universal qualities to which we can all aspire.
Unwavering Trust and Commitment: Mary's life was dramatically changed by her extraordinary trust and commitment. When informed by a messenger that she was chosen to conceive and bear a son, despite her circumstances, she accepted with a simple and humble ‘yes’. This acceptance is a lesson in trust and commitment, especially when the path ahead seems uncertain or impossible.
Humility and Gratitude: Mary also exemplifies humility, seeking no personal recognition. Instead, she expressed her gratitude, stating, "My soul magnifies the Lord.” This humility and gratitude are qualities to which we can all aspire.
Strength Amidst Challenges: Parenting is far from easy, and Mary’s experience was no different. She faced numerous challenges, from unconventional birth circumstances to witnessing her son's trials. Yet, she endured these with remarkable strength and faith. Her story is a reminder to parents that challenges are part of life's journey, and it's our resilience and faith in our children and ourselves, and, sometimes, something greater than ourselves, that help us to navigate these difficulties.
Enduring Love: Mary's love for her son was steadfast and unwavering. She stayed by his side, even in the most painful circumstances. This poignant depiction of a mother's love serves as a reminder to us all in our role as parents about the power of unconditional love.
As parents navigating the complexities of raising children, we can look to Mary's example to help foster these virtues in our own lives and the lives of our children.
Staff Movements
As we enter the end of the 4th week of this term, I would like to share with our school community staff movements that are currently taking place.
Mrs Kerryanne Cox: This week will be the final day for Mrs. Cox as classroom teacher of Year 5. When Mrs Cox took on the role, she had to juggle her home life around to make things work. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it sounds and ultimately she has given notice that she will be finishing this Thursday 18th May. Mrs Cox committed feeling positive and optimistic that she could make it work but unfortunately her absence from home is taking a bigger toll than previously thought. We appreciate the work that Mrs Cox has done and understand that at all times family comes first.
Mrs Cox realises that this is very little notice and sincerely apologises for the inconvenience to the students and the school. She really has appreciated the experience of working with and getting to know the students of Year 5.
From Week 5 (Monday 22nd May), Miss Bugden will take Year 5 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and I will take the class on Thursday and Friday.
Advertising has commenced and we hope to be able to have an appointment made within the next couple of weeks. It is envisaged that the new teacher for Year 5 will commence at the start of Term 3 or we may be able to negotiate an earlier start.
In the meantime, let us thank Mrs Cox for her work from the start of this term and wish her all the very best for herself and her family.
Miss Megan Alcorn: This Thursday 18th May will be Megan’s last day before she heads off on another engagement that was planned prior to taking on the role here at St Brigid. We have thoroughly enjoyed having Megan here at our school and only wish that it could be longer.
Advertising for a class teacher 0.6FTE for the rest of this term has taken place. In the meantime, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be shared between Miss Emma Smith and Mrs Morabito. Mrs Erin Anderson will be taking Year 3 on Thursday and Friday.
Ms Sandra Ibbertson: Sandra has indicated that she would like to retire from her current role as our school cleaner, a role that she has held for the past 15 years. Sandra has been on sick leave since the second week of March and has spent a lot of time discussing with her doctor and family and the best thing for Sandra and her recovery would be to leave her role as our school cleaner.
We have been fortunate and thank Steph Barsby who has been filling the role of cleaner in Sandra’s absence. Steph will continue in the role until a replacement cleaner or cleaners can be arranged. Advertising has commenced and is open for all to apply. Please refer to link for job details. The aim is to have this 14 hours per week position filled by early June.
We thank Sandra for her 15 years of commitment to our school and wish her all the very bestin retirement.
Ms Nikki Devine: Fiona Halligan from Social Futures has informed us that, unfortunately Nikki will be leaving her role as Family Connections in Schools (FCS) worker here at St Brigid’s and moving into a Program Worker position within the FCS broader program. Fiona has said that Nikki has very much enjoyed her time working alongside our families and our school's team and has made this decision due to personal circumstances.
To ensure continuity of service, Nikki will remain in her current position for another 3 – 4 weeks. During this time, Nikki will work towards closing any families that have reached their goals and any families that still have goals to reach, if they provide consent, will be supported by other workers of the FCIS program.
Social Futures will advertise for the position early next week and we are hoping to have the new worker ready to begin supporting families of St Brigid’s at the beginning of Term 3.
Mother's Day Celebrations
On Friday, we celebrated our Mother’s Day Liturgy in the Parish Hall. This was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge all of those special women in the lives of our students and their families. It was amazing to see so many of these women who were able to join us for this event. Thank you to Miss Bugden and the student leaders for their work in leading this liturgy. It was so evident to all in attendance that these women have a special place in our lives. I hope that the colourful and creative nails that were done were able to survive throughout the weekend. I would also like to acknowledge the prayerfulness and reverence that our students brought with them into the liturgy. We hope all of our mothers and mother figures were thoroughly spoiled last Sunday.
Tell Them From Me
A sincere thank you to all parents who were able to share their voices through the Tell Them From Me survey. We reached our goal of 90% and it was exactly 90% and I really appreciate the time so many of you were able to give. I look forward to sharing the feedback from the surveys back to the parent community.
Prime Energy Drinks
Recently we've had a few cases of children bringing bottles of ‘Prime Hydration’ to school. Although there are no health risks to children associated with drinking ‘Prime Hydration’ the drink does contain a high level of electrolytes. Electrolytes aren't recommended for children unless they are unwell or at risk of dehydration.
Another form of the drink, ‘Prime Energy’, contains around 200mg of caffeine for every 330ml and as a result is not recommended for children under the age of 18. The caffeine contained in a Prime Energy drink is the same amount of caffeine as two-and-a-half cans of Red Bull, three large coffees, or six cans of Coca-Cola. That's a lot of caffeine to pump into an adult, let alone a primary school aged student.
According to its website, Prime states that energy drinks are not suitable for children under the age of 18, pregnant people, or breastfeeding people. However, that doesn't appear to stop the brand from targeting tweens and teens, particularly those who are easily influenced by macho advertising that flaunts ideas of "manliness."
We encourage all parents to be wary if their children are consuming this drink. The drink is not permitted at school and if found we will be contacting parents as a matter of urgency.
We encourage all children to bring in a water bottle each day which they can access during class time and refill during the recess and lunch time breaks. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me here at school.
Stars of the Week
This term we have introduced a new award, Stars of the Week which will be presented to the class with the best average attendance for the week. Last week the winning class was Year 4 with a weekly attendance average of 94.3%. This award will be presented each and every Friday.
Remember our whole school goal is 90%. The whole school average weekly attendance for this term is as follows:
Week 1: 90% - Year 6 (96.1%), Year 1 (95.6%), Year 3 (93.6%)
Week 2: 87% - Year 1 (95.3%), Year 6 (92.7%), Year 2 (90.4%)
Week 3: 89.2% - Year 4 (94.3%), Year 3 (92.3%), Year 1 (91%)
It is essential that every student is at school on every day as attendance matters to support your child's learning.
Bus Safety
Transport NSW has asked schools to remind students to wear a seat belt while travelling on the bus to and from school. While travelling on the bus, students are to follow the Transport NSW Code of Conduct for School Students. It is every student's responsibility to behave in a manner that ensures the safety and comfort of passengers and drivers. This includes wearing the seat belt properly adjusted and fastened, if one is available, while travelling on the bus. Please remind all students to treat the bus driver with respect and follow any requests to wear a seat belt to ensure their safety, their peers and the driver.
Assistant Principal News - Mission
YOUTH GROUP:
Last week we had our very first Youth Group. It was a great opportunity for like minded students to connect and have fun. While their parents were a part of the Community Forum gathering, we engaged in an act of service. We baked sweet treats to give to Mums and special guests as a part of our Mother's Day celebrations. The biscuits turned out perfectly and students did such a great job baking and working as a team. They even cleaned and washed up without being asked! We are really looking forward to our next Youth Group and have started planning lots of activities.
CONFIRMATION:
A note went home today with Year 3 students who are making the sa.crament of Confirmation. It would be greatly appreciated if the note could be returned as soon as possible so that we can pass the details onto the Parish.
Kelli-Ann Bugden
Assistant Principal, Mission
Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)
Focus for Week 4: I know how to speak and treat my teachers and classmates with respect because it is an expectation that we all have to follow at St Brigid's.
Parent Forum Minutes
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.
Happy Birthday to You
Wishing the following children all the very best for their special day this week and over the school holidays:
May
24th - Stanley Holloway
Student Awards - Term 2 Week 3
Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with their awards at our assembly last Friday afternoon:
Kindergarten:- Evie Beetge, Jahlissa McCormick and all of Kindergarten
Year 1:- Harlow Schneider, Liam Bowden
Year 2:- Ryder Newman, Mabel Standfield, Blaire Lucas
Year 3:- Judah Marychurch, Byron Cameron-Keed, Lola Lindsay
Year 4:- Alaska Argall, Ted Standfield
Year 5:- Indigo Dowd, Parker Kennedy
Year 6:- Mia Beetge, Van Smith
Positive Behaviour - Brodie Duley, Gloria Rogan, Ava Price, Lilliana Knight, Parker Kennedy, Indigo Dowd, Abigail Allen, Will Argall
Green Tickets Winners - Beau Dever, Millea Rixon, Noah Laarhoven, Ella Garred
Upcoming Dates
May
19th - Walk to School Day & Breakfast
28th - Parish Family Mass - led by Stage 2
June
2nd - Year 2 Showcase 2.15pm
12th - King's Birthday Public Holiday