Newsletter Term 1 Week 3 (Wed 16th February 2022)

Our Front Page........Year 6

Year 6 Leadership Retreat

Year 6 students took part in a Leadership Retreat recently where they reflected on what type of leader they want to be. Mr Hunter explained different leadership styles to us and Mrs Hunter helped us better understand injustice and scripture (Micah 6:8).

We investigated the meanings of different mottos with Miss Bugden and created our own class motto for the year, which is

Dream.....Lead.....Succeed

We are excited to lead at St Brigid’s this year! 

Year 6 Leadership Retreat

Our Gospel Reflection

It is easy to choose to be with others when they are acting politely and respectfully. But children do not always act this way, especially with other family members. We can probably all recall a family meal in which such behaviour was not observed. Yet we probably chose to sit through the meal anyway. We regularly give our children second chances—and often third and fourth chances—hoping that our generosity will be rewarded. That is how God acts with us. The ethic that Jesus describes seems like an impossible task: to give when asked and to do good to those who hate us. Yet family life is filled with opportunities to act generously and to love without measure. This is what we parents try to do every day. This is what we ask our children to learn. We are reminded that when we love generously and gratuitously, we love as God loves us. This is the meaning of mercy.

As you gather as a family, identify some things that family members are expected to do each day (prepare meals, go to school or work, complete homework, complete household tasks, behave appropriately at school, at work and at home, and so on). Discuss whether it is easy to live up to these expectations. Why or why not? Then discuss the meaning of the phrase “go the extra mile” and what it would mean to go the extra mile in the expectations you identified. In Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus describes how we are to act toward one another. What he says may sound like what we mean by the phrase “going the extra mile.” Read aloud Sunday's Gospel from Luke 6:27-38. Discuss whether the actions Jesus describes are easy and consider why we might act in these ways if they seem difficult. Observe that this week's Gospel challenges us to make choices based on God's standard; God loves us all the time by going the extra mile for us. During a time of quiet reflection, invite each family member to choose an action for the week in which he or she will go the “extra mile” for the family.

From Our Principal

One of the memorable events of this summer has been the presence of Ash Barty in the Australian Open. Although her tennis playing skills and competitive nature were impressive, it was her sense of perspective and humility that shone through.
Throughout her victory speech she concentrated on expressing appreciation and love for her parents, extended family, coaching team, friends and those who had encouraged her along her path.
She went on to say that for her the sport of tennis is more about making memories and celebrating the journey, appreciating the "small things" rather than just focusing on winning and the trophies.
So what has helped to form Ash Barty into such a well-balanced person, incredible sportsperson and wonderful role model?
Her parents and extended family? Her community in Queensland where she was raised? Her teachers at Woodcrest State College where she went to school? Her coaches? Her friends? Her joys? Her struggles? Her wins? Her losses? Most likely all of these and more.
As parents and teachers, we aspire for our children to grow to be "good people" above all else. Ash Barty's story reminds us that the road is not always perfect nor a smooth straight path - it can't be!
One of the greatest gifts we can give our young is to teach them perspective and empathy rather than reaction. One excellent way to teach perspective is through the beauty of books and stories.
Ash Barty has shown the world that perspective and humility can not only make a great sportsperson but also a "good person".

Last week we sent home the latest round of Rapid Antigen Tests. The students in Kindergarten to Year 3 received their required 2 weeks supply of RAT kits. The students in Years 4, 5 and 6 received a month's supply of RAT kits. This was due to our school receiving packs where there were 7 tests in a box and we did not want to split these kits up.

Communications

It is essential that we have clear paths of COMMUNICATION between home and school. With ever changing information about Covid, it is crucial we ensure clear communication with all of our staff and families. With the weekly newsletter on offer, we hope we can ensure all families know what is happening and can therefore be involved in all aspects of school.
We are always distressed for students who arrive unprepared for events because families didn’t access the information. This is heartbreaking when it involves young students not being ready
for excursions, knowing about fun days at school or not wearing casual clothes on special days. We all know how busy life can be but we believe if we offer the clearly explained information in the newsletter, it is crucial it is read as it supports our students. 
Our plea for 2022 is for you to please take the time each week to read the information provided and make notes on calendars or whiteboards at home for the benefit of your child. 

Please ensure that you have downloaded the Skoolbag App onto as many of your devices as possible!!

Take care,

Tony

Opening School Mass

Many thanks to all those who were able to join with us this week to celebrate the start of our new school year and to present our Student Leaders with their respective badges. Our Leaders for 2022 at St Brigid's are as follows:-

School Captains

Lilly Hudson and Billy Kennedy

Sports Captains

Colahan (Gold) - Maggie Pearson and Fred Fowler

Sutton (Red) - Cruz Newton and Jarrod Rixon

Doyle (Blue) - Ruby Witchard and Murray Doman

Year 6 Student Leaders

Faith Leaders - Evie Howes, Myah Gordon

Grounds and Security - Noah Marychurch, Sabine Hardwick, Aysia Heke, Corey Love, Cruz Newton, Murray Doman, Darcy Rogan, Jarrod Rixon, Billy Kennedy, Ryan McDonald, Braythe Bateman, Jayden Floyd, George Stephenson

Library - Lilly Hudson and Maggie Pearson

Canteen - Lila Standfield, Frankie Miller, Fred Fowler, Ruby Witchard

Class SRC Reps

Year 2- Lola Lindsay and Harry Allen

Year 3 - Poppy Gregory-Scarborough  and Ted Standfield

Year 4 - Brooklyn Stubbings and Yari Howes

Year 5 - Noah Laarhoven and Loretta Faulks

Year 6 - Sabine Hardwick

Mini Vinnies Group

We have 45 students who have nominated for the 2022 Mini Vinnies Group here at St Brigid's. This group of students were presented with their badges at our Opening School Mass from Miss Joan Boyle representing the Kyogle Branch of St Vincent de Paul.

Student Badge Presentation

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 18

Next

Meet 'n' Greet Information Evening

As we are currently restricted in having parents onto our school grounds, we are going to host our annual Meet 'n' Greet via zoom. This will take place next Tuesday 22nd February from 6pm to 6:30pm. All families are welcome to join to meet our school staff and to find out information for 2022 around our school goals and having parents involved in their child's school.

The zoom link is:  https://lismcatholic.zoom.us/j/61068145646pwd=clFSQ1A2Q2RhbEVDbmlveDkxNkkyUT09  and parents are invited to bring along their own wine and cheese for this very informative session.

For all families attending the zoom presentation, there is the opportunity of winning a $100 discount from your 2022 school fee account. Looking forward to seeing as many as possible next Tuesday.

Incitare Retreat

Incitāre is a one-day retreat experience for Year 6 students from Catholic Primary Schools based in regions of the Diocese to celebrate
their faith. The retreat is a chance to bring students together to meet like-minded peers and to celebrate with other young people who practise their faith. Based on our enrolments, St Brigid’s
has been allocated places for four students, with a total of sixty students attending the retreat.
The activities will be a mixture of large and small sharing groups as well as celebrating a liturgy
together. The program focuses on the needs of the participants. The experience allows attendees
to build relationships with other students in their region and invites the participants to talk about
and share their faith journey.
What: A Catholic retreat experience for Year 6 students, full of activities.
When: Tuesday 1st March 2022
Where: Lismore – Tullera Hall
Cost: Nil. All transport and booking expenses are met by the Catholic Schools Office.
Meals: Students bring their own.
Who: Any Year 6 student who would like to be considered is asked to nominate and give names to Mrs Walters no later than Thursday 24th February.
When discerning the participation in this retreat experience, the Catholic Schools Office recommends consideration of students who:
 Regularly attend Mass
 Are involved in some form of church activity either at school or in the parish
 Are willing to learn more about the Christian faith 

ICAS Results

At last the final results and certificates for the 2021 assessments in  Spelling and Mathematics have arrived! These certificates will be handed out at our afternoon assembly this Friday. We are very pleased with the results across the classes and congratulate our students for their efforts and achievements.

If students have left the school, we will forward them by post or give them to their siblings who are still here at St Brigid's.

ICAS assessments will be offered to students once again in 2022. 

Canteen Helpers Required

We are extending a BIG shout-out to anyone who is able to assist in our School Canteen so that we can continue to run this service for our students. Our Canteen Co-ordinator, Krystal-Lee Hyde would love to hear from you if you are able to assist on a Monday, a couple of times a term. We would love to see more mums, dads, grandparents, aunts or uncles assisting and we know your children would love to see you there too!!

You do not have to give the entire day, even to give up until 11am would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Krystal-Lee or drop your name down with Lani in the School Office. All assistance is greatly appreciated.

Mums@Mass

A reminder that every Friday of this term all are invited to come along to the 9am Parish Mass and then join us for a cuppa and a chat in the Parish Meeting Rooms afterward.

Lenten Prayer Groups

Please find attached an invitation for parents to take part in the upcoming Lenten Prayer Groups hosted by the Parent Assembly of our Diocese.

Sports News

Summer Sports Trials

Congratulations to Lila Standfield (touch footy) and Corey Love (cricket) who took part in the Zone Summer Sports Trials in Lismore last week. Both of these Year 6 students gained selection in the Zone squads to take part in the Diocesan Summer Trials in their respective sports later in March. We wish Lila and Corey all the very best in the next level of selection trials.

Winter Sports Trials

Best wishes to the following students taking part in the Winter Sports Trials to be held in Lismore this Thursday the 17th February.

Rugby League - Billy Kennedy, Corey Love, Murray Doman, Noah Laarhoven

Soccer - Carter Dowd, Brett Argall, Jayden Floyd, Eamon McCormack

Netball - Lila Standfield, Chelsea Hyde

Rugby - Van Smith

Zone Swimming

On Monday 14th February a squad of 23 swimmers represented St Brigid's at the Richmond Zone Swimming Carnival held at the Lismore Pool. All swimmers competed very well and were wonderful ambassadors of our school. Congratulations to Carter Hudson who gained selection in the Richmond Zone squad to compete at the Diocesan Carnival in Murwillumbah next Wednesday.

2022 Richmond Zone Swimming

Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser

Thanks so much to all families who gave some time to assist at the Bunnings BBQ fundraiser last Sunday. From the efforts of all, there was approximately $1200 raised. There still needs to be some costs taken from this total. These funds will be used to purchase valuable resources to support student learning here at St Brigid's. 

Happy Birthday To You........

Wishing the following students a very happy birthday for their most special of special days:

11th February - Raph Hudson           12th February - Noah Laarhoven

16th February - Syra Halt                  18th February - Wyatt Brown

Australian Government Collection Notice

Each year the Australian Government collects data on Student Residential Addresses and Other Information.  This collection is used to inform Commonwealth school education policy, and to help ensure that Commonwealth funding arrangements for non-government schools are based on need, and are fair and transparent.

Please refer to the attached Collection Notice for Parents/Guardians.

Community News

The Wildlife Twins Show

Come along and check out 'The Wildlife Twins Show' at the Kyogle Bazaar - Saturday the 26th February at the Kyogle Amphitheatre! As a part of the PrepAid Presentation, it will be a great morning for the whole family with the Twins and their creepy-crawly friends! There is no cost attached to attending this very entertaining and informative show.