Newsletter Term 4 Week 5 (Wednesday 8 November 2023)

Our Front Page with Stage 1.

Stage 1 students explored the town of Kyogle on Tuesday as part of their Geography unit this semester ‘Features of Places’. They were able to describe features of places and the connections people have with
places, identified ways in which people interact with and care for places, communicated geographical information and used geographical tools for inquiry.

Our Gospel Reflection

Today’s Gospel continues to elaborate on the tension between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees. Our Lectionary sequence at this point, however, is not quite a continuous reading of Matthew. In between last week’s reading from Matthew and this week’s, we find Jesus’ question to the Pharisees about the Messiah being “David’s son.” Having concluded a series of dialogues with the Pharisees and other religious leaders, Jesus now directs his words to the crowds, warning them not to follow the example of the scribes and Pharisees.

The scribes and Pharisees were teachers of the Mosaic Law. They were entrusted with its interpretation and, thus, were influential in determining Jewish practice. In order to appreciate the conflict that is evident in this passage, we must understand that Jesus was basing his teachings on the same laws and traditions available to the Pharisees. Both were interpreting the Law of Moses in order to better adapt it to contemporary Jewish life. The differences between their teachings, therefore, are often highlighted and amplified by Matthew.

This part of Matthew’s Gospel reflects aspects of the conflict between his Christian community and Pharisaic Judaism. Matthew’s Church is thought to have included many Jewish Christians who may not have believed that a break with the synagogue was necessary to be a follower of Jesus. Jesus tells the crowd that it is correct to do and observe what the scribes and Pharisees teach; it is their example that is to be avoided, namely, their love of being honoured and exalted. Hence, the Gospel reflects the tension of an active internal debate within the early Church.

Jesus references two aspects of Jewish spiritual life prescribed by the Law of Moses. Phylacteries are small boxes which contain Scripture verses that are placed on the left forearm and forehead. Tassels refer to the fringes worn on the corners of a person’s garments; the tassels help to remind those who wear them to keep the commandments.

The warning Jesus gives against seeking places of honour in the community was directed as much toward the Christian community as the named Jewish leaders. Indeed, it is a warning that resonates with us today. Christian leadership is a call to service for the glory of God; those who would be leaders among us must, like Jesus, be servants of all.

From Our Acting Principal

Each year as a school community, we  support the Kyogle branch of St Vincent De Paul society with items for their Christmas hampers. These hampers go to people in the local area who are experiencing hardships during the Christmas period.  This year we invite families to donate an item to assist in the collation of these hampers. A box will be set up in the office where you can drop off items. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Remembrance Day Liturgy

This year, Remembrance Day falls on Saturday. There will be a short ceremony at the cenotaph this year as a community and there is no expectation as a school to attend but students are more than welcome to this community service. We will hold our own prayer service on Monday 13th November at 12.20pm in the hall. Parents are welcome to join us for this service.

Year 6 Shirts for 2024

The order forms with costings will be sent home for the 2024 Year 6 shirts. Students wear these shirts each day to school so it is suggested to order a sufficient number of shirts for a week. Students will be sized at school with available shirts with the recommended sizes sent home to families for ordering.

Staggered Start for 2024

Please see below the dates for the return to school in 2024. Students will return via a staggered start to the year which means that across two days, students will come into school for an hour to complete an MAI (Mathematics Interview). Kindergarten students will complete the MAI and Best Start Interviews. This is a crucial time for teachers to spend with each student individually. More information about booking interview times for MAI and Kindergarten Best Start Interviews will be sent out in the coming weeks.

Staff will return on Tuesday 30th January 2024

MAI Interviews Wednesday 31st January and Thursday 1st February 2024

Years 1-6 Return on Friday 2nd February 2024

Kindergarten begin on Tuesday 6th February 2024

I would also like to wish Kelli Bugden and Sereena Zanuso all the very best for their upcoming weddings on the weekend. May you and your partners be blessed with a lifetime of love and happiness.

Congratulations to Kelli & Jimmi and Sereena and Curtis!

Have a wonderful week!

Vanessa Walters                                                                                                                                                               

Acting  Principal

Assistant Principal News - Teaching & Learning

Understanding the New Semester 2 Student Report - Information for Parents

Why are there changes to the K-6 Semester Two Student Report?

The NSW Government is reforming the curriculum to streamline and strengthen what is taught in every classroom in NSW, so every student is prepared and ready for their future. The curriculum reform has been informed by consultation with teachers, parents and education experts, and is underpinned by extensive research. Curriculum reform involves changing teaching, learning, assessment and reporting to parents.

What are the changes to the Student Report Comments for Semester Two?

Student Report Comments reflect the Learning Areas on the Student Report. There will be multiple comments:

The English and Mathematics Comments will reflect:

• 4 Areas of achievement and growth
• 2 Learning Goals

The Key Learning Areas Comments will reflect the following across Creative Arts, Science and Technology, History, Geography and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education:

• 4 Areas of achievement and growth
• 2 Learning Goals

The General Comment will reflect non-academic achievement and could include:

• extracurricular activities and/or
• additional comments to elaborate on the Learner Profile and/or
• demonstration of school values and/or
• a student’s social/emotional learning.

Will there be further changes to the Student Report?

Yes. In 2024, Year 3-6 will have a new English and a new Mathematics syllabus. In 2025, K-6 teachers will teach, assess and report on new syllabuses for the other Key Learning Areas. The release of the new syllabuses provides the opportunity to revise aspects of the Student Report to align with current research. The research, as well as feedback from schools, will guide future changes.  We will communicate any further changes to parents prior to the 2024 Semester 1 Student Report. 

I have some questions about the changes, who do I contact?

For more information about the Student Reports and to see an example of a report, click the link below. 

Parents are also most welcome to contact me (Sarah McManus) by email sarah.mcmanus@lism.catholic.edu.au or call the school.

Semester Two reports will be available on Compass on Wednesday 13th December.

Sarah McManus                                                                                                                             

Acting Assistant Principal                                                                                                         

Teaching & Learning

Assistant Principal News - Mission

The Reason for the Season:

In the lead up to Christmas we would love to engage our students in the reason for the season and deepen their knowledge about what the very first Christmas was like. We are seeking parents, community members and parishioners to be our 'special guests' in performing the Natvity to our students and allowing them to get to know a little bit more about the wise men, Gabriel, Mary, Joseph and sheperds.  This will really bring joy to our students in the lead up to Christmas and give the students a deep understanding before performing the nativity to our school community on pageant night. Please email kelli.bugden@lism.catholic.edu.au or jo.kelly@lism.catholic.edu.au if dressing up and putting on a perfromance is something you're interested in. 

Kelli-Ann Bugden                                                                                                                          Assistant Principal, Mission

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)

Focus for Week 5:  I know what the rules are in the games I play at recess and lunch and speak respectfully to others during these games.

PBS Awards for Week 4:    

From the Wellbeing Team.

Did you know that there’s a specific human resource that has been scientifically linked to how outwardly successful we are, as well as to the quality of our mental health? It’s called RESILIENCE.

If you’ve got it, that’s wonderful. If you don’t, do not despair – there are many ways to cultivate and
improve it. Resilience is often understood as a person’s ability to bounce back from adversity or difficulty, and adapt to new circumstances. Resilient people typically avoid dwelling on failure. Instead, they
acknowledge a setback, learn from it, and then move forwards. Students at St Brigid’s are fortunate to be part of the award-winning Bounce Back! program, which consists of practical resources and
strategies designed to enhance student wellbeing and resilience. Research indicates that children with better resilience are happier, less stressed, and feel more in control. What’s more, these skills go
with them into adolescence and beyond. 

Each week this term the Wellbeing Team at St Brigid’s will focus on a different skill that’s important to the development of resilience. 

1. Problem-solving - Solving a problem effectively involves first identifying, analysing, and breaking the problem down into smaller parts. Then we can generate a list of possible solutions, consider our
options, and choose the solution that seems likely to be most effective. 

Happy Birthday to You

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

November

9th - Layla

11th - Mabel

12th - Harry A

14th - Georgia P / Evie M

Upcoming Dates

November

Sunday 26th - Family Mass 9am @ Our Lady of Sorrows

December

Thursday 7th - Swimming Carnival

Tuesday 12th - End of Year Liturgy & Academic Awards

Wednesday 13th - Christmas Pageant

Friday 15th - Last day of School