Newsletter Term 3 Week 10 (Wednesday 20 September 2023)
Our Front Page with Year 6...
Year 6 have been busy learning in class this term about arguments and how we can use persuasive devices to enhance these. Students had to draft, edit, publish and annotate their argument about a sustainability issue. Here are some examples of our multimodal arguments.
Our Gospel Reflection
Matthew 18:21-35
Jesus teaches that we must forgive one another as God has forgiven us.
Sunday's Gospel reading directly follows last week's Gospel in which Jesus taught the disciples how to handle disputes and conflict within the Christian community. In today's reading Peter asks Jesus how many times one ought to extend forgiveness to another. Peter proposes a reasonable number of times, perhaps seven. Jesus replies by extending Peter's proposal by an enormous amount; not just seven times should one forgive, but 77 times. The parable of the unforgiving servant is Jesus' elaboration of his initial reply to Peter. Through the parable we come to understand the depths of God's mercy toward us and the results of our acceptance of God's forgiveness.
The king in the parable decides to settle accounts with his servants. We are told that one servant in particular owes the king an enormous sum of money. Despite the promise of the servant, it is unlikely that he would ever be able to repay the debt that he owes. The king is moved by the humility of the pleading servant and mercifully forgives the debt. Rather than displaying gratitude for this forgiveness, the servant confronts a fellow servant who owes him a small debt—a pittance when compared with the amount that was owed to the king. The unmerciful servant refuses the pleas of his fellow servant and sends the servant to prison.
A few other servants tell the merciful king about the actions of the unforgiving servant. The king punishes the servant because he refused to show the kind of mercy he had himself received from the king. Jesus concludes by indicating that this is how it will be with God and those who refuse to forgive one another.
There is a temptation to quantify forgiveness as Peter tried to do, but Jesus' point is that forgiveness is not about quantity—the number of times we extend forgiveness to another. In the parable the king's forgiveness is like God's forgiveness, and it transforms us, helping us to be as forgiving as God. The lesson is clear: If we hoard God's mercy while showing no mercy to others, we risk forfeiting the effects of God's mercy in our lives.
From Our Acting Principal
It is my pleasure to announce that Mrs Sarah McManus has been appointed to the Assistant Principal of Learning & Teaching for Term 4. Sarah currently works at Holy Family Catholic Primary School Skennars Head as a Leader of Pedagogy. Sarah completed one of her teaching practicums at St Brigid's before beginning her teaching in Lismore. I would like to congratulate Sarah on her appointment and welcome her to our school community for Term 4.
Pupil Free Day
Students will finish Term 3 this week on Thursday 21st September. Friday 22nd September will be a pupil free day. Staff will be involved in a Spirituality Day at school where we will complete modules set by Bishop Greg on Work and Rest in our busy lives.
Students will return to school for Term 4 on Monday 9th October. Our pupil free day for Term 4 will be Monday 23rd October. Staff on this day will be engaging in learning around the new 3-6 syllabus for English and Mathematics which will be implemented from 2024.
Rewards Day
I congratulate all students who have made it through the term to participate in Rewards Day on Thursday. This is a day dedicated to celebrating the positive behaviours in our school. Due to the predicted heat, our Rewards Day will be held in the morning. Please ensure that your child has a hat and a drink bottle for this event.
Mr Hunter Update
On Sunday I visited Mr Hunter at home in Lismore. I was amazed at the growth that he is making in his recovery. He asked questions about everything at school and said that he spends lots of his time thinking about what is going on at school. Mr Hunter thanked everyone for the ongoing support and he said by the time he gets through reading all the cards, books, doing the jigsaws and eating all the goodies it may take him 18 months! Mr Hunter is really appreciative of everyone's support. We continue to send love and prayers to him.
I would like to thank everyone for their support throughout the term and I would like to wish the students a restful break before returning to a busy Term 4.
Happy Holidays!
Vanessa Walters
Assistant Principal News - Mission
Whiddon Visits
As a part of our Acts of Mercy, Stage 2 and 3 Mini Vinnies Students this term had the opportunity to attend visits at Whiddon Care, Kyogle. Students visited in small groups and got to participate in games and activities with the residents, as well as assist with handing out afternoon tea. It was also a wonderful opportunity for students to build relationships with the residents. The visits were enjoyed by all and it was wonderful to see the students interacting and initiating conversations with the residents. I was told by staff at Whiddon, that the residents would eagerly await the students to arrive and many residents who would not normally join in activities chose to be a part of them when they knew the St Brigid’s students were visiting. Well done to all students who attended these visits, they all represented the school with pride and demonstrated the values of our school and of Mini Vinnies. We will continue to build our relationships with the redients of Whiddon through other Acts of Mercy and Service in Term 4, the students have already made a number of wonderful suggestions of how this can be done.
Family Parish Masses Term 4
The dates for the Family Parish Masses in Term 4 are Sunday 22nd October & Sunday 26th November. These Masses will begin at 9am in Our Lady of Sorrows Memorial Church. We welcome all students and their families to join in these celebrations and students are able to participate in children’s liturgy at these Masses. Morning tea will be shared afterwards in the Parish Meeting room.
Emma Davis
Acting Assistant Principal - Mission
Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)
Focus for Week 10: I own my behaviour and am respectful and truthful when speaking to a teacher.
Week 9 Awards:
Eliza Knight | 1 |
Abigail Allen | 1 |
Emily Kennelly | 2 |
Kinsley Whiting | 2 |
Lilliana Knight | 3 |
Harry Allen | 3 |
Caileb Hyde | 3 |
Lola Lindsay | 3 |
Ruby Hunt | 3 |
Alaska Argall | 4 |
Jacqui Smith | 4 |
Alyanna Clark | 4 |
Eloise Stephenson | 5 |
Loretta Faulks | 6 |
Aleyah Frith | 6 |
From the Wellbeing Team.
Did you know that the Kyogle Family Support Service offers a range of services and programs that might be of interest and/or benefit to you and your family? Examples include Supported Parenting Groups, Family Support, a Men’s Shed, a Gardening Group, NDIS Support Coordinators and a Community Hub. Visit www.kfss.org.au or phone them on 6632 1044 to find out more.
- St Brigid’s Wellbeing Team
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
Happy Birthday to You
Wishing the following children all the very best for their special day this week and over the school holidays:
No birthdays :(
Upcoming Dates
September
Thursday 21st - Last day of term for students
Friday 22nd - Staff Development Day / Pupil Free Day
October
Monday 9th - Term 4 resumes for students.
Monday 16th - Year 6 Excursion to Sydney/Canberra
Sunday 22nd - Family Mass 9am @ Our Lady of Sorrows
November
Sunday 26th - Family Mass 9am @ Our Lady of Sorrows
