Newsletter Term 2 Week 9 (Wednesday 21 June 2023)

Our Front Page with Ready 4 Learning

Ready 4 Learning is in its eighth week at St. Brigid's. Children love being part of the program and each week, they are developing new skills. We have been on a bear hunt, made Cat in the Hat, read Edward the Emu, counted to 100 but our most favourite activity has been the parachute. We also really enjoy walking around the school and visiting the classrooms. This gives us an idea of what learning will be like next year at BIG SCHOOL. 

My New Gallery

Our Gospel Reflection

We read Sunday’s Gospel in the context of last week’s Gospel in which Jesus sent the twelve disciples to proclaim the kingdom of heaven. In between last week’s reading and Sunday’s reading, Jesus has predicted that the disciples will face difficulties in their mission. Many people will not receive them well, even within the land of Israel. Even family members will turn away from the disciples because of the disciples’ commitment to Jesus and the kingdom. Today’s Gospel offers the disciples consolation against this difficult truth.

It is not only individuals who need reassurance about God’s love and protection. Communities need this reassurance as well, including the community of the family. Children rely on the confidence of their parents for this assurance. Parents can help the entire family’s growth in trust and confidence in God by witnessing ways in which daily family needs are entrusted to God’s care.

As the family gathers, distribute pieces of paper to each person. Tell them to write or draw ways in which they believe that God’s help is needed for each person and for the family as a whole. Each slip of paper can then be collected in a basket.

Invite one member of the family to read aloud today’s Gospel, Matthew 10:26-33. Recall together how well God knows your family and thank God for this wonderful grace. Conclude by praying together for each of the needs identified on the slips of paper. After each need is read, pray together, “God, we trust you because you know us so well.” Conclude by praying the Glory Be To the Father.

This practice might become a regular part of your family’s prayer. Set the basket in a place of prayer and encourage family members to add other needs throughout the week. Perhaps your family can pray for these things together during a family meal.

From Our Principal

Time flies when you're having fun, and it's hard to believe we're nearly halfway through the year! Our students have been diligently working and producing excellent work. The results of their efforts will be reflected in their Semester 1 reports, which will be accessible through the Compass App Portal on Monday, June 26th.

As winter has arrived, we're experiencing cooler weather. It's important for students to wear the correct school uniform when coming to school. We understand that at the start of a new season, the weather can catch some parents off guard, and temporary measures may be taken to keep the students warm. However, we kindly request that everyone follows the school's uniform policy.

To ensure convenience, we have an onsite uniform shop managed by our Parent Forum, with dedicated parent volunteers. The uniform shop offers competitive prices for all school uniforms, and the funds raised directly support our school community.

Athletics Carnival

The Annual Athletics Carnival at Kyogle High School was a resounding success, thanks to the fantastic weather we had last Friday. Despite a chilly start, it turned into a beautiful day, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the festivities. Students enthusiastically represented their Houses and gave their all in each event, while the cheers from their peers created an electric atmosphere during the final relay races.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mrs Love for her exceptional coordination of the day and to the numerous parents who volunteered their time for tasks such as timekeeping and recording. Special recognition goes to Krystal-Lee, Stacey, and the Year 6 parents who ensured a delightful selection of food and treats to keep our athletes energized throughout the day. Their efforts were instrumental in making the carnival run smoothly and efficiently.

We would also like to wish our School Squad the best of luck as they gear up to represent St Brigid's at the upcoming Richmond Zone Carnival in Lismore on Thursday, July 27th. Their dedication and sportsmanship displayed during our Annual Athletics Carnival have been commendable, and we have full confidence in their abilities to represent our school with pride at the next level.

Semester 1 Reports

Our teachers have been very busy these past weeks with finalising assessments and composing the Semester 1 Academic Reports. I frequently hear our teachers talking and discussing the learning experiences they have led your children through and the improvements they have made, the ‘next steps’ in their learning journey as they discern the most appropriate grade for each learning area. Reporting is not an easy process, and there is much time, thought, conversation and deliberation put into arriving at the final result. I congratulate all of our teachers on their hard work and their commitment to ensuring that students’ reports are an accurate reflection of student learning progress and effort. School Reports will be published in Compass on Monday, 26th June.

With the move to the new K-2 English and Mathematics curricula, there have been some necessary changes to the structure of the K-2 reports. To provide clarity for our parents on the nature of the reports, we have composed two documents outlining how to understand reports for parents with children in Kindergarten to Year 2 and those in Year 3 to Year 6. These Information Sheets can both be found below.

3 Way Learning Conferences

Our 3 Way Learning Conferences involving Parent/Carer, Student and Teacher will be held on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th of July in Week 2 of Term 3, from 3:30pm each day. Year 5 will have their 3 Way Learning Conferences onTuesday 18th July and Wednesday 19th July.

Families will be able to book these from next week with further details to be forwarded on how to make these appointments. Your child's attendance at these meetings is essential. It is an opportunity to share successes and engage in discussions about their learning improvement areas. This active involvement is a key part of making these conversations productive and meaningful.

We look forward to the opportunity to discuss your child's learning with you.

Term 3 Calendar

A calendar outlining all of the key dates for next term will be sent home next week. It is important to note that the first day back for all students will be Monday 17th July. There will be 2 Pupil Free Days next term on Monday 7th August and Friday 22nd September.

School Uniform Reminder

Many thanks to all families who have their children presented to school each day in the full and correct school uniform. This is very much appreciated. It is very apparent that there are a number of children who are not in correct uniform wearing incorrect shoes or jumpers at this time of year. 

A reminders in relation to wearing the school uniform. 

• The school shoes should be black, soft, polishable leather – not suede or skate shoes. All black nylon shoes are permissable as long as they are all black including the sole. No white logos, or other coloured brandings allowed. They are to be all black. 

From the commencement of Term 3 it will be expected that every child is in correct uniform, including the correct all black shoes. We ask for parent’s support in ensuring their children are wearing the correct school uniform each day.  Should families have a concern or difficulties in adhering to this request, I ask that you come and see me so that we can work something out. 

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 5 for the first time this term with a weekly attendance average of 91.2%%. It is clearly evident that we have hit the cold and flu season and this is evident in our attendance for the past week. 

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%)

Week 4: 86.4% - Year 3 (91.4%), Year 1 (89.7%), Year 4 (87.8%) 

Week 5: 85.9% - Year 1 (92%), Year 4 (90.5%), Year 3 (89.3%)

Week 6: 83.2% - Year 4 (90.1%), Year 6 (89.8%), Year 2 (87.8%)

Week 7: 83.5%- Year 6 (94.7%), Year 4 (94.4%), Year 2 (86.9%)

Week 8: 83.7% - Year 5 (91.2%), Year 2 (89.3%), Year 6 (86.4%) 

It is essential that every student is at school on every day as attendance matters to support your child's learning. 

Assistant Principal News - Learning

Naplan 2023 

As you may be aware, there were changes to NAPLAN in 2023. These assessments will continue to measure student achievement in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation. There will be, though, new proficiency standards which will be included on all NAPLAN reporting including the National Report, the My School website, the reports received by schools and the Individual Student Reports (ISRs) received by parents and carers. 

Previously the proficiency standards were measured against bands however now they have moved to a new four tiered measure, making it easier to read. The numerical NAPLAN bands and the national minimum standard will be replaced by these following 4 levels of achievement: 

• Exceeding 
• Strong 
• Developing 
• Needs additional support. 

The descriptors for each category will make it clear to parents what their child’s literacy and numeracy skills are at the time of NAPLAN testing.  

Please contact the school if you would like further information on Naplan as we await the results in Term 3.

Vanessa Walters                                                                                                                                                                            Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching                                                                                                                                    

Assistant Principal News - Mission

Family Parish Mass & Skate Park Gathering:

Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two will be leading our Family Parish Mass this Sunday the 25th of June. All families are warmly invited to joining us for Mass at 9am. After mass families will be heading to the Skate Park for morning tea and a social gathering. Please see attached flyer for more details. 

Mini Vinnies Meeting:

Our Mini Vinnies members held a meeting last week where we discussed the St Vincent’s De Paul Winter Appeal. Shekinah and Eamon spoke to the volunteers at the Vinnie’s shop next door and asked what items they need. The volunteers said that they are in need of warm children’s clothing, warm adult jackets, beanies, scarves and blankets. With this in mind St Brigid’s Mini Vinnies students would like to host a Rug Up, Snug Up Day on Tuesday, July 18th. Students wear their warm casual clothes to school for the day and bring in items to donate to Mini Vinnies. A great opportunity to clean out the cupboards over the holiday break and find all of those warm clothes that no longer fit. More information to come!

Kelli-Ann Bugden                                                                                                                                                                        Assistant Principal - Mission

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)

Focus for Week 9:  I know how to speak and treat others respectfully no matter where I am in our school. 

 Weekly Focus Awards- Week 8: 

Congratulations to the following students who demonstrated our weekly PBS focus last week:  Indigo Dowd, Harper Farrah, Frankie Lindsay, Eli Wimble, Eloise Stephenson, Lola Lindsay, Ruby Hunt, Ava Price, Mia Beetge, Paityn Fear, Emma Farrah. 

From the Wellbeing Team...

This week’s strength is APPRECIATION OF BEAUTY AND EXCELLENCE.

Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence describes the strength of feeling awe and wonder in beauty, and of feeling inspired by the goodness of others. Is Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence a particular strength that belongs to you or someone close to you? Have you been really enjoying and appreciating the wonderful winter days we are so  fortunate to be experiencing lately? Or perhaps you have noticed that a friend or family member has been extra kind and supportive this week?

Take a moment to acknowledge the strength of Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence in yourself
and those around you, and consider how it enriches life for you and many others.

Sports News

Athletics Carnival 2023

Last Friday the 16th of june We ran our Athletics carnival at the high school oval. The weather was absolutely amazing and from memory, the best weather we have had for an athletics carnival in many years. Thanks to all the St Brigid’s Staff that ran a very successful carnival and a big thanks to all the volunteers (parents, carers) that helped out on the track and field events and our students from St Mary’s that also gave their time at the carnival on the day. We appreciate all of you so thank you again.

Congratulations to the following list of students who were awarded  Champions and runner up for each age group on the day:

5yrs Girls Champion Harper Grieves runner up Annabelle Parker

6yrs Girls Champion Elvii Ernst runner up Milla Flanagan

6yrs Boys Champion Cooper Goebel runner up Eli Wimble

7yrs Girls Champion Emily Kennelly runner up Harlow Schneider

7yrs Boys Champion Rpah Hudson runner up Liam Bowden

8yrs Girls Champion Elliarna Devenish runner up Ruby Farrah

8yrs Boys Champion Djalai Charles runner up Stanley Holloway

9yrs Girls Champion Peython Bateman runner up Ruby Hunt

9yrs Boys Champion Danny Kennedy runner up Michael Walker

10yrs Girls Champion Alaska Argall runner up Olivia Wilson

10yrs Boys Champion Wyatt Brown runner up Ted Standfield

11yrs Girls Champion Cooper Hannah Kennelly runner up Belle Clarke

11yrs Boys Champion Normy Presbury runner up Beau Dever

12yrs Girls Champion Tess Cannington runner Georgia Pratt

12yrs Boys Champion Carter Dowd runner up Noah Laarhoven

On the day of the carnival we also had a 19 year old record broken by Ellairna Devenish in the 100m 8yrs Girls sprint in a time of 16.40. The previous record was held by Elke Jansen in 2004 with a time of 17.78. Amazing effort Alliarna!

The house winner on the day was Doyle on 348 points , 2nd was Sutton on 315 points and 3rd was Colahan on 300 points.

All students that have been selected for the zone will be notified tomorrow at school. The zone carnival will be held in Term 3 week 2 on Thursday 27th July at Woodlawn College.

Happy Birthday to You

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

June

23rd - Harper Farrah  

27th - Noah Rixon, Parker Kennedy                    

Student Awards - Term 2 Week 8

Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with their awards at our assembly last Friday afternoon:

Kindergarten:- Harper Grieves, Ayla Anderson

Year 1:- All of Stage 1 for their respectfulness at mass, Abigail Allen

Year 2:- Hamish Laarhoven, Shawn Hill

Year 3:- Harry Allen, Morgan Studd

Year 4:- Elsie Laarhoven, Ted Standfield, Alaska Argall

Year 5:- Eloise Stephenson, Emmelynne Whiting, Noah Schneider

Year 6:-  Noah Laarhoven, Georgia Pratt, Zhepplin Fear

Principal's Awards:- Brodie Duley, Kaya Hardwick

Upcoming Dates

June

29th - Rewards Day

29th - Applications for Kindergarten 2024 due

30th - Last day Term 2

July

17th - First Day Term 3

18th/19th - Parent-Teacher interviews - Year 5 only

24th/25th - Parent-Teacher interviews - K to 4 & Yr 6

26th - Grandparents Day Liturgy 12.15pm Parish Hall

27th - Zone Athletics

31st - Stage 2 camp Tallebudgera

Jan's Bucket Club