Newsletter Term 3 Week 6 (Wednesday 23 August 2023)

Our Front Page with Kindergarten

This term we have been fortunate to have a number of wonderful parents come in on a Wednesday and Thursday afternoon to help us with our reading. We play tricky word noughts and crosses and bingo. We also use our knowledge of sounds to build words and read and write these. Last week the parents helped us practise our poems for the public speaking competition in preparation for our presentation in week 7. A big shout out to the parents who help make learning fun in Kinder! 

Our Gospel Reflection

This week we hear Jesus name Simon Peter as the rock upon which he will build his Church. What images does the name Saint Peter bring to your mind? The simple fisherman named Simon who was among the first disciples called by Jesus? The hopeful believer who first recognised Jesus as the Messiah? The fearful friend who denied Jesus three times? The leader of the early Church, whom we recognise as the first Pope? Peter is all these things and more. The Bible paints a picture of a very human leader with sins and weaknesses along with many gifts and great faith.

The author Matthew uses a play on words to make a statement about Peter as the foundation of the Church. The new name Jesusgives him - Peter - means "rock". So Jesus is saying, "You are a rock, and on this rock I will build my church". The Catholic Church uses this Scripture passage as support for its' teaching on the Pope's position as the spiritual leader and highest authority of the Church. Peter's primacy as the first of Jesus' Apostles is understood to be passed on to the current pope, Pope Francis, through the succession of popes who go back to the beginnings of the Church at Rome.

From Our Principal

Dear Families of St Brigid's,

I am writing to inform you that unfortunately I have to take leave from next Thursday 31st August for the remainder of the school year. Mrs Vanessa Walters will be the Acting Principal of our wonderful school for the rest of 2023 in my absence.

I need to go into hospital and have an operation to replace a part of my aorta which is not doing the job God intended it to do and so needs to be replaced. My aorta has stretched to a dangerous size, leaking blood back into my heart and I have a valve that has fused over leaving only a small section working effectively. The surgeon who will be conducting this operation has told me that he wants to complete this operation sooner rather than later and so therefore the urgency in getting it done. Recovery from this procedure takes approximately 3 months. I will enter the hospital on Thursday 31st of August for an angiogram and then the operation to replace a part of my aorta will take place on Monday 4th September. 

I only went to see my local GP to have a check up about 6 weeks ago to ensure that I was fit and proper to travel on the overseas Study Tour originally planned for from Week 9 of this term that I was undertaking with my wife Helen. Well hasn't that turned on its head!!!

Planning is underway to ensure that the remainder of this year runs smoothly for all. We will be advertising for an Acting Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching to take the place of Mrs Walters for Term 4. 

I know that all within our school community will give Mrs Walters and all of the staff here at St Brigid's your valuable support and I very much look forward to returning to school in a much healthier position in 2024. Hopefully I may be able to attend some of the end of year functions but will play it as it comes at this stage.

Should you have any questions at this stage, please do not hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience.

Stage 3 to St Mary's Show Case

Next Tuesday 29th of August, our Stage 3 students and staff have been invited to attend the Show Case of the work presented by the students of St Mary's Catholic College, Casino. The students will travel over and back by bus which has been kindly provided by SMCC. This is always a good opportunity to view the work and talents of these students. The bus pick up the students and staff at 10:20am and take them to the College. The bus will then depart the College at 12:40 after a sausage sizzle. Families of students in Stage 3 are asked to lookout for a event notice on Compass.

2024 Enrolments

Enrolments for any class for 2024 are currently being finalised. Please, if you know of anyone intending to join the St Brigid's community for 2024, ask them to get their enrolment applications in now! 

Our staffing allocation will be based on our enrolments at Census, taken at the start of August. Please do not hesitate to contact our school office if you have any questions or would like to inquire about enrolling here at St Brigid's for 2024 or even sooner.

Stars of the Week

The Stars of the Week is presented to the class with the best average attendance for the week. Last week the winning class was Year 1 with a weekly attendance average of 95.5%. The great news is that our whole school average was 90.5%, the second week in a row that it has topped over 90%. Keep up the great work everyone and thanks so much to families for the way in which you are encouraging your children to attend school.

Remember our whole school goal is 90%. The whole school average weekly attendance for this term is as follows:

Week 1: 89.6% - Year 3 (97.6%), Year 6 (93.6%), Year 1 (91.8%)  

Week 2: 87% - Year 3 (97.6%), Year 6 (92.7%), Year 2 (90.4%)

Week 3: 87.5% - Year 2 (93.7%), Year 3 (93.4%), Year 6 (90.1%)

Week 4: 92.5% - Year 3 (95.2%),  Year 4 (95.0%),  Year 2 (94.5%)

Week 5: 90.5% - Year 1 (95.5%), Year 4 (94.7%), Year 5 (90.2%)

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

Have a wonderful week and take care,

Tony Hunter

Assistant Principal News - Mission

The World Youth Day experience is truly a gift. I believe World Youth Day is one of Pope John Paull II’s greatest gifts to the Church. I am also grateful to Bishop Greg, the Lismore Diocese and my school, St Brigid’s Kyogle for supporting and allowing me to be a part of the pilgrimage. Whilst the itinerary was jam packed with an incredible amount of learnings; learnings about places, sacred spaces and saints. It is the learnings and deepening around relationships that will stick with me the most; my relationships with fellow pilgrims, my relationship with Mary and the Rosary and most importantly, my relationship with Jesus.

What was most striking to me was how alive and how joyful the Church is. At the opening mass there were people as far as the eye could see in every direction. Watching a sea of flags across the crowd was awesome. This was affirming to see that hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world were in one place for the same purpose. Our languages,
ethnicities and cultures differ, but we are united in our Catholic faith. It was a reminder that
our Church is alive and it is worldwide.

The replica statue of Our Lady of Nazare was something that struck me. The original statue
was being restored when we visited Nazare, but it is believed that this was carved by St
Joseph. The carving depicts Mary breastfeeding Jesus. This photo had a profound impact on
me as it was lovely to see Mary tending to Jesus as mother. Mary, a human like us, said yes
to God and was the first disciple. Seeing the depictions of Mary and Joseph as loving,
human parents emphasised to me the belief that we are all called to be saints. Another
highlight was praying the Rosary at Fatima. It was really special to pray to Mary in the place
where she made numerous appearances. Visiting the tombs of the Shepherd children and
spending time in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary was remarkable.

Waking up with millions of people after our WYD sleepout was a God moment for me. After a
long night with little sleep in a crowded field, we awoke to the most beautiful sunrise. The
breathtaking sunrise helped me refocus on why I was there and helped put the small,
annoying inconveniences that come with sleeping in a field with 1.5 million people out of my
mind. 

In his address, Pope Francis’ called us to bring joy to others and find joy in Christ. I
experienced so much joy in my interactions with fellow pilgrims as we journeyed together. It
was wonderful to share prayer intentions with the group and to experience accompaniment
where I could speak openly about my faith with like minded peers.

Reflecting on my experience, I am praying that the students and families of St Brigid’s
experience the joy that comes with encountering Jesus and that my Parish continues to grow
and be a welcoming place for all. I’ve come home with a grateful heart and pray that I bring
joy to others in my family, my vocation, my Parish and community. My intention is to be more
contemplative in my prayer life so that I recognise the happiness and joy in each day.
I’ll admit that the journey was exhausting! However, it isn’t the huge crowds, the blisters or
the extremely hot days I’ll remember as time passes. There were so many moments of grace
and pure joy that made the WYD pilgrimage an experience that I will never forget.

Kellli-Ann Bugden

Assistant Principal, Mission

Book Week Parade

The CBCA 2023 Book Week theme is "Read, Grow, Inspire". We will be celebrating Book Week this week at St Brigid's. Our students will have the opportunity to check out the shortlisted books during their Library times this week.

Our school will finalise the week long celebration of Book Week with a Parade on:

Thursday 24th August at 9am in the Parish Hall 

We look forward to seeing the variety and flair of student's costumes at the Book Week Parade. Having the parade earlier will allow for students to have their costumes intact for the parade and enjoy their recess without worrying about costume malfunctions! 

We invite parents, grandparents and special people in your child's life to come and watch the parade. After the parade, students will be participating in Book Week activities with teachers. If you are available, we'd love you to join us in these activities after the parade. 

Father's Day Celebrations

Father’s Day Stall

Each child will have the opportunity to visit the St Brigid's Father’s Day stall next Thursday 31st August. Prices range from $2 to $5.
Students must have money on the day to purchase. Each child who purchases a gift will go into the draw for some great prizes. 

Father's Day Breakfast

All dads, grand-dads, uncles and favourite friends are invited to come and have breakfast next Friday 1st September to celebrate Father's Day. Start the day on a positive note with a bacon and egg roll or sausage sandwich before heading off to work.  Cost of breakfast is a gold coin donation and will be available from 7:15am to 8:45am. Hope to see as many students bringing in their dads and grand dads for a wonderful celebration.

Parent Forum

Hi parents,Time is getting the better of me like many of us however please see attached the Agenda for our next Parent Forum meeting, Tuesday 29 August at 3.30pm in St Brigid's Library.  Please note there are a number of opportunities for us to connect with St Brigid's school in the coming weeks, Father's Day and the Family Mass (please see further details in the newsletter).

I would like to extend an invitation to come and share a drink or meal or both with us at the Exchange Hotel (Bottom Pub) beer garden on Saturday, 2 September 2023. This is an informal gathering of our parents, numbers will be collected prior to Thursday, 31 August 2023 through Compass.

A little early but Happy Springtime vibes to one and all.

Claire                                                                                                                                                                                      Chairperson

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)

Focus for Week 6:  I know what the expectation is when I sit with my class in lines in the weather shed.

Week 5 Awards: 

Before & After School Care Kyogle

We are so grateful to have Rainbow Region Kids conducting Before & After School care at Kyogle Public School. Their hours of operation are 7am-9am and 3pm-6pm. Educators/Teachers will walk children between care and School. If you wish to enquire about this fantastic service please contact them on 66217397 or email rrkassist@nrcg.org.au  

Parent Assembly News

Family Faith Retreat

The Catholic Schools Office Parent Assembly Team will be facilitating a retreat for parents and families on Saturday and Sunday 9th & 10th September. The retreat is held at Tyalgum Ridge Retreat Centre and is open to all families with children in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lismore. The retreat is fully funded by the Catholic Schools Office and is a terrific opportunity for families to connect with each other and to enliven their faith lives. Please see the flyer below with details for registering.

Online Webinar

The Diocese of Lismore Parent Assembly is advertising the upcoming webinar hosted by the NSW Council of Catholic Schools Parents in collaboration with eSafety as noted on flyer below. The Online relationships and consent: Sending nudes and sexting will be held on 15 August 2023. This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in secondary school.

It will cover:

• the impact of sharing nude images without consent.
• practical suggestions for starting the chat about respectful relationships, consent and pressure to send nudes.
• where to get support for a young person who has experienced abuse.
• the impact of sharing nude images without consent.
  

Happy Birthday to You

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

August

26th - Ella Walters

27th - Adam Bryant

29th - Igziah Anthony

Upcoming Dates

August

24th - Book Week Parade - NEW TIME - 9AM

September

1st - Father's Day Breakfast

21st - Last day of term for students

22nd - Staff Development Day / Pupil Free Day