Term 4 Week 11 December 15, 2021

Our Front Page -Term 4 Rewards Day

Last Monday was our Term 4 Rewards Day down at the Ballina Waterslide. Thanks so much to all for making it such a fun day for everyone. Lots of swimming, sliding, diving and sausage sandwiches were had by all. It was a quieter bus trip back to Kyogle than going down to Ballina!!!

Our Gospel Reflection

This Sunday is the 4th Sunday of Advent and in the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth described in Sunday's Gospel, we learn that other people can help us recognise God's presence and action in our lives. Mary travelled to see Elizabeth because Elizabeth's pregnancy was a sign that everything the angel told Mary would truly happen. Elizabeth recognised Mary as the mother of her Lord because her unborn child, John the Baptist, leapt at the sound of Mary's greeting. Elizabeth and Mary rejoiced together at the wonderful things God was doing in their lives. We too are blessed when we have people who help us recognise God's action in our lives. We pray that our family can be this for one another.

As you gather as a family, work together on a word search or hidden-picture puzzle. Help one another until everyone has found each of the words or pictures in the puzzle. Talk about this experience, noticing how some people found words or pictures more easily than others and how easy it was to see the word or picture once someone else pointed it out. Observe that sometimes we need the help of others to recognise God's presence and action in our lives. Read together Sunday's Gospel, Luke 1:39-45. Ask: What did Elizabeth recognise about Mary (that she was to be the mother of Jesus, the Lord)? How did Elizabeth know this (Her baby, John the Baptist, leapt with joy at Mary's greeting)? Pray together that as we share our faith together as a family, we may help one another recognise God's presence and action in our lives. Pray together the Hail Mary.

From Our Principal

The year is nearly done and how much have we achieved? Despite the ravages of Covid restrictions, I think it is very fair to say that our students have not been too disadvantaged.

The lockdowns through the year were challenging but we all worked together to enable the learning to continue, and for students to share their learning. With all Stages hosting zoom sessions, there was still contact for families with school. We continued to be open, even the staff dividing themselves into two teams to ensure, if we were hit by a Covid outbreak, that we could still be available for our students.

Staff have worked incredibly hard for long hours, to be there for our students and their families. As
I continually say, I believe we are incredibly blessed by the staff we have here at St Brigid's. They certainly put the students first in everything they do. I am so, so proud of the staff and how they manoeuvred through this year. I thank them for their enormous commitment to their students and their families - our community is far better because of their work. The staff will enjoy a very
well earned rest over their break.

Thank you to our students who have demonstrated great resilience this year. Events had to be
cancelled or postponed, events went ahead looking vastly different and events were rearranged.
Students were unable to participate in external activities like sports days, school visits, excursions, and retreat experiences. They have dealt with vast changes to routines and expectations which varied day to day. The students have all managed this with a brave face, a smile and a go-get-them attitude.

Congratulations to all the students for a year of great achievements. Their semester reports were sent home yesterday (Tuesday 14th) and although looking different from past reports, they still reflect their wonderful efforts and achievements.

Thank you to our families. You don’t realise how much it means to us all to hear a THANK YOU or
WELL DONE from our parents. We have felt your support this year in many ways. We know how
crucial it is to work as a team for your child and this year that spirit has been very evident. We
thank you for your enduring support of our school.

As we end our school year please continue to keep the less fortunate, the elderly and the sick in your prayers. Please keep all families within our community who are finding things tough right now, in your prayers. I know the power of combined prayer will be felt by all of our families.

Thank you from me personally, to all our community for your encouragement and willingness to
help. You buoy us up to continue when times get tough. A kind word, a nice email or a thoughtful
message have certainly kept me going this year.

Tony Hunter,
Principal

End of Year Liturgy and Awards

Thanks so much to all who were able to attend our liturgy yesterday to acknowledge the end of another school year and to congratulate our Class Award recipients. Our liturgy was led by Fr Erick and the theme of using our talents to the best of our ability was well and truly highlighted. We greatly appreciate the way in which the students participated throughout by reading, praying, responding, and being attentive to the Word of God.

Following our Liturgy, the Class Awards for 2021 were presented. Congratulations to the following children on receiving their respective awards for their effort and work throughout this year:

Kindergarten

My New Gallery

Student Leaders for 2022

At the conclusion of our Awards Presentation, our student leaders for 2022 were announced and presented to our St Brigid's School Community. We extend a big congratulations to the following students who have been elected as our School Captains and Sports House Captains:

School Captains:- Lilly Hudson and Billy Kennedy

Colahan Sports Captains:- Maggie Pearson and Fred Fowler

Doyle Sports Captains:- Ruby Witchard and Murray Doman

Sutton Sports Captains:- Cruz Newton and Jarrod Rixon

All student leaders will be presented with their respective badges at our Opening School Mass next year. Please keep a look out for the confirmation of date and time in the new year.

My New Gallery

Staff Leaving St Brigid's

Here at St Brigid’s, we are blessed to have a great team of teachers, assistants and support staff. I wish parents were lucky enough to see the ‘behind the scenes’ work that takes place each and every day. These people go above and beyond their duty and your children are lucky to be in the care of this special team.

We wish Mr Paul Dwyer all the very best as he returns to St Mary’s Primary, Casino, following his exchange for 2021. It has been wonderful having someone of Mr Dwyer's experience here at our school.

We wish Mrs Sally Wake all the very best as she and her family return to Brisbane. Mrs Wake has been very involved in the life of our school.

Mrs Tahlia McGuinness has been our Creative Arts teacher for the past 2 terms and she certainly has put her stamp on the artistic talents and skills of our students. Tahlia and her husband will be heading off to Bathurst where Tahlia has accepted the position of Creative Arts teacher at Denison College of Secondary Education.

Mrs Wendy Saini has been our School Counsellor for the past nine years and has made the decision to relocate further north to be closer to family. All those families who have had contact with Wendy will know of the love and concern she has for all of her students. We will certainly miss Wendy.

Mrs Wendy Jansen started at our school as we undertook a Diocesan pilot project 3 years ago and now the success of her role has seen a Family Support Worker being placed into 9 schools within our Diocese and the plan is for more to come. Wendy has certainly been an advocate for the families of our school and she has achieved some remarkable and positive outcomes for families.

Mrs Welsh and Mrs Newton will be on Long Service Leave when the new school year commences and then they will be retiring. We will acknowledge their service and valuable contributions to our school next year.

On behalf of our school community we give a big combined thank you to Di, Jean, Paul, Sally, Tahlia, Wendy S, and Wendy J and wish them all the very best for what lies ahead for them.

Families Leaving St Brigid's

As was outlined in our newsletter last week, there are a number of families who complete their time with us here this year:
Walters, Royal, Moore, Harley, Francis-Standish, Davis, Potumuthu and Chalmers families.
We farewell the Wake family (Lucy), the Mancini family (Eddie), the Vure family (Sriman), the Beetge family (Josiah, Mia and Isaac) and the Sang family (Joey and Tyler).

Staffing for 2022

At the commencement of next year, Mrs Welsh and Mrs Newton will be taking well deserved long service leave from St Brigid's. On the completion of this LSL, they will both be retiring after years of contributing to St Brigid's Primary School, firstly as parents and then as staff members. We will be planning to acknowledge their contributions to St Brigid's next year.

We are very pleased to announce and welcome Mrs Lani Campbell onto the staff of St Brigid's in 2022 to take on the role of School Administration Officer. Following a distinguished 18 years with the NSW Police Force, Lani has actively pursued her interest in Accounting, successfully gaining qualifications in Accounting & Bookkeeping. She has always been recognised for her strong analytical abilities and fiscal mind, and is thoroughly enjoying the change of career. 

It is also with pleasure that we welcome Mrs Ashling Aherne onto the staff of St Brigid's as one of our valued Teacher Assistants. Ashling has worked previously as a TA at St Joseph’s Coraki. She has gained a vast amount of experience in working with children with special needs, including students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, students who suffer from anxiety, students who have Individual Learning Plans, and all students who require additional support for their learning and progress in the classroom and in smaller groups.

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Mrs Erin Anderson back onto the staff of St Brigid's for 1 day per week, teaching Year 6. Erin will be taking the class whilst Miss Bugden is on Release from Face to Face and Executive Release. Erin is not a stranger at St Brigid's having taught for two years prior to her taking leave to raise her family. She has also been working on a casual basis at our school throughout 2021.

It is wonderful to have Erin, Lani and Ashling on the staff of St Brigid's and I know that their skills and talents will be of great value to all in our school community. 

2022 Staffing Continued

I am very excited about what lies ahead for our students and their learning and to have the calibre and quality of all staff in our school is an absolute bonus for our “little school community”. On behalf of our Parish Administrator, Fr Erick Quinteros, I am very pleased to announce the Staff of St Brigid’s Primary School for 2022: 

Parish Administrator: Fr Erick Quinteros

Principal: Mr Tony Hunter

Assistant Principal and Instructional Leader: Mrs Jan Condon

Leader of Pedagogy and School Evangelisation: Mrs Vanessa Walters

Leader of Catechesis and Curriculum: Miss Kelli-Ann Bugden

Leader of Additional Needs and Pastoral Care: Mrs Loretta Morabito

Sport Co-ordinator: Mrs Leanne Love

School Admin Officer: Mrs Lani Campbell

Teacher Assistants: Mrs Ashling Aherne, Mrs Paula O’Reilly, Mrs Leanne Love, Mrs Stephanie Barsby, Mr Jess Gibson and Miss Ella Cooke

Indigenous Education Worker: Ms Stacey Newman (2 days per week)

Student Support Worker: Miss Sereena Zanuso (2 days per week)

School Counsellor: Mrs Bronwyn McNulty (2 days per week)

Family Support Worker: To be appointed (1 day per week)

School Speech Therapist: Mrs Jessica Rixon (1 day per fortnight)

Grounds and Maintenance: Mr Denis Newton

Cleaners: Mr Jason Clark, Mrs Sandra Ibbertson

Kindergarten: Miss Laura Macdonald

Stage 1:            Mrs Hayley Kennedy (Year 1)                       Mrs Kelly Schneider (Year 2)

Stage 2:            Mrs Vicki Jansen (Year 3)                              Ms Karen Esslemont (Year 4)

Stage 3:            Miss Kayla Robertson (Year 5)                    Miss Kelli-Ann Bugden (Year 6)

Mini Vinnies Collection

Thanks so much to all of our community for your generosity over the past 5 weeks in supporting our annual Mini Vinnies and St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper collection. These were collected last Wednesday by the volunteers of the local Kyogle branch of St VdeP and all up 26 hampers were put together for families of our community. They were absolutely amazed at the generosity of our school community! Thank you for your support of others in need in our community, and for supporting your children in learning how to give at this Christmas time.

2021 Swimming Carnival

A big thank you is extended to our Sports Co-ordinator, Mrs Lee Love for the organisation and preparation that went into the staging of our annual Swimming Carnival last Friday. A big shout out also to the parents and pool management who assisted in making sure the event was such a success. Wow and what a day in history in the fact that two colour house teams tied for the winning position - Colahan and Doyle! Great work everyone.

Congratulations to the following Champions and Runners-up on the day:

Congratulations to Carter Hudson who broke the 9 Years Boys 50m backstroke which was previously set by Van Smith in 2020.

Congratulations to Ruby Garred who was presented with the Sportsmanship Award.

The winning Colour House on the day was a tie for the first time in St Brigid's history. Well done to Colahan and Doyle who both finished the day on equal points - 351. 

A squad will be selected to represent St Brigid's at the Richmond Zone Swimming Carnival to be held in Lismore on Monday 14th February 2022. Further information will be handed out at the start of next year.

Diocesan Tennis Trials

Last Thursday, Lawson Alder took part in the Richmond Zone Tennis Trials in Lismore. He played extremely well winning all 4 matches. This has now earnt Lawson a spot at the Diocesan Trials which will be held in February 2022. Great work Lawson, you should be very proud of your achievements and we wish you all the very best at the next level of representation.

MAI and Best Start Interviews

Many thanks to all families who have booked in their MAI and Kindergarten Best Start Interviews for 2022. Currently we have just over 38% of our students booked in for next year. I would highly recommend making your booking before the time slots are filled. Each assessment for students in Years 1 to 6 has been allocated a 45 minute timeslot. The Kindergarten Best Start Assessment has been allocated a 60 minute timeslot.

To book online please follow the following steps:

1. Go to schoolinterviews.com.au
2. Enter the code: nddde
3. Enter your details
4. Select your child’s class teacher
5. Select the appointment times that suit you best
6. When you click FINISH, your interview timetable will be emailed to you automatically. If you do not receive your email immediately – Check your junk mail folder AND make sure you have spelled your email address correctly

You may change your bookings, any time prior to the closing date Friday 4th February 2022, by re-visiting the www.schoolinterviews.com.au website, and using the event code. Remember to use the same name and email address you used when you made your original booking. Parents and carers who do not have access to online facilities can ring Di in the office at school (6632 1988) and she will make the bookings for you.

2022 School Fees

The Diocesan School Board has endorsed the School Fees for 2022.
Please note the School Building & Maintenance Levy & Information Technology Fee are payable for ALL families regardless of the length of enrolment. The Tuition Fee is a pro-rata fee. All fees are expected to be met as a condition of enrolment. If you feel you may need support, it is expected that you will make an appointment to discuss this with our principal, Tony Hunter, early in the new year. Please do not put off this conversation, as Mr Hunter is happy to discuss this earlier rather than later and to support all families. 

'Let's Count Down to Kindergarten' - Apple Book

As we approach the end of the year, it is important to keep in mind the significant gap between Orientation and Transition, and the first day of Kindergarten. An Apple Book - Let's Countdown to Kindergarten, has been published for the use of all 2022 Kindergarten families. This book assists families and children to count down the last 14 days before starting school, bridging the gap between the two experiences and engaging the family in a range of different provocations that will assist them in their transition into primary school.

Birthday Wishes

We extend a happy birthday to the following students:-

• Talei Gill-Navatu (12th December)
• Ryder Newman (13th December)
• Haven Capps and Heidi Rixon (14th December)
• Ella Jones (15th December)
• Edward Mancini (23rd December)
• Ruby Garred and Joey Sang (24th December)
  

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

Children must be in correct school uniform at ALL times. This supports us in maintaining the tone of the school and can develop in children a sense of pride in their appearance and in their school. All items of our school uniform are available from the school uniform shop. When looking into purchasing new school shoes for 2022, we ask that you purchase the full black leather school shoes. There are many substitutes on the market that are popular and carry well-known brand names, however, for student safety, comfort and adherence to our uniform policy we ask that you refrain from these brands and purchase the correct black leather shoes. Scarborough’s here in Kyogle has an excellent selection of proper school shoes.

Uniforms can be purchased from school on the following days

• Monday 24^th January 2022 from 9:30am to 11:30am
• Friday 28^th January 2022 from 11am to 1:30pm
• Wednesday 2^nd February 2022 from 9am to 12 noon

Dates for 2022

SCHOOL DATES for 2022 for your Calendar
Staff: - Administration Day - staff return: Friday, 28 January 2022
- Staff Professional Learning Day: Monday, 31 January 2022
Years 1-6: - Complete Maths Assessment Interview (MAI) / Benchmarking: Tuesday 1 February - Thursday 3 February, 2022.
- Years 1-6 return: Friday, 4 February 2022.
Kindergarten: - Complete MAI & Best Start: Tuesday 1 February - Friday 4 February 2022.
- Kindergarten begin: Monday, 7 February 2022.
Parents: - ALL parents are invited to join us for morning tea on Monday, 7 February 2022, after the 9am bell on the front deck area of our school.

School Holidays Contact

Our school office will be open tomorrow Thursday 16th (8:30 am to 12.30 pm) and Friday 17th (8:30am to 1pm). If you need to contact the school during the holidays please do not hesitate to email our principal at tony.hunter@lism.catholic.edu.au