Newsletter Term 1 Week 4 (Wed 23rd February 2022)

Our Front Page........Year 4

What a great start Year 4 has had to the year. The girls and boys haven't wasted any time getting back into their learning!

We were fortunate to have Mrs Hunter visit on Monday to lead the students through a meditative labyrinth in which they were given the opportunity to reflect on their actions and ask God for His forgiveness.

We can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for us!

Learning With Year 4

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Our Gospel Reflection

Jesus’ parables in this week’s Gospel are a reminder of the importance of continued learning, prayer and reflection, and humility in our discipleship. We shine God’s light in the world when we are “lit from within” with God’s grace, willing to examine our own conscience and recognise our own need for transformation through Jesus. As busy parents responsible for our children’s physical, emotional, and spiritual growth, we may sometimes be challenged to find time and energy to care for ourselves and attend to our own spiritual growth. Yet doing so can improve our family relationships and help us guide our children in their faith. We can be reminded of the simple safety instruction we hear when flying: to put on our own “spiritual” oxygen mask before helping others.

Gather as a family and spend some time discussing ideas about what it means to be a good disciple. What do we need to learn? How are we to act? How do we treat others? Read aloud Sunday’s Gospel, Luke 6:39–45. Discuss what Jesus means when he asks, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” Talk about how we might be tempted to focus on one another’s shortcomings without noticing our own and how this might lead to conflict. Point out that part of being a good disciple is focusing on our own behavior. As a family, share ideas for responding as a disciple when you are upset with another family member’s words or actions (For example, taking a cooling off break before talking to the person or praying for help to see if our actions contributed to the conflict and the need to apologise). Pray that you will grow together in your discipleship and then pray the Lord’s Prayer.

From Our Principal

Thank you to the parents who joined us for our Parent Information Zoom Meeting last night. While we understand other events and time meant some families could not join in, we were grateful to those
who did, as it gave our staff the opportunity to introduce themselves and let you know about the plans for our school in 2022. Congratulations to the Farrah Family who won the $100 to go towards their school fees this year simply by being present. Makes it 2 years in a row for this lucky family.
I would just like to reiterate some of the common themes from our zoom…
1. All communication is vital and our chief form of communication is through the Skoolbag App. It is important that all families have this downloaded on devices.
2. It is also important that all families please communicate any changes in their lives - house moves, change of afternoon routine, new phone number, etc. directly to the office (6632 1988). You can also email kyogp@lism.catholic.edu.au to update phone and address changes.
3. Parents will be very welcome once the Covid restrictions are lifted. At this stage, parents are
only allowed on-site for Uniform Shop, Canteen or by direct invitation from a staff member, usually for a meeting.
4. It is important that you read all information sent home via Skoolbag (e.g. Newsletters, Covid
updates, etc.). 
5. Reading is our only compulsory homework unless your child is involved in an Intervention such as EMU. As always, anything extra you can do to support your children’s learning is helpful.
6. Our Behaviour Policy is school wide. All staff members follow the same guidelines and expectations.
Please celebrate your children’s awards as this means they are being witnessed as active
and engaged; focused and on task and respectful and responsible role models here at
school.

Thank you for the great work which you are putting into your children’s lunches. Please
ensure all containers you put in lunchboxes are clearly labelled so they can be returned to your child. Please also label other personal belongings eg. hats, jumpers etc.
Have a great week!                                                                                                                                               

Tony

Ash Wednesday Mass

We commence our Lenten journey next week on Ash Wednesday (2nd March). The Season of Lent is a time for us to focus intentionally on what helps or hinders our commitment to Christ. It may be better not to give up something but to take on something, to build up our spiritual muscles.

All members of our School Community are invited to join with the students and staff as we gather for our Ash Wednesday Mass next week at 12 noon in Our Lady of Sorrows Church. We look forward to seeing as many as possible who are able to attend.

Mums @ Mass

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

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 the Lismore Diocese.

Bishop Greg's Lenten Talks

These will be held again this year at St Carthage’s Cathedral, 6pm-7pm on the following dates: Thursday 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th March. The focus of these talks will be The Spirituality of St John of the Cross. St John of the Cross teaches us how to live authentically in the real world and in the presence of God. He shows us how to love and how to pray. All are most welcome to attend.

Arts Partnership Grant

Congratulations to Mrs Kennedy who was informed last week that our recent application for a Catholic Schools Office Arts Partnership Grant has been conditionally approved. This is fantastic news as we continue to build upon the momentum of the successful Wakakirri Performances from 2020 and 2021. This grant for $10,000 will ensure that our students have a wonderful opportunity to once again take part in this national competition. Great work and thanks so much Mrs Kennedy, as our students and community will greatly benefit from the work that you have already put into place.

Calling For Class Parents

This is an area that we would like to reinvigorate in our school as we all work together for the benefit of all our students. It was a real disruption last year and we want to get things up and running again with our Class Parents.  With the easing of restrictions, we are counting on parents and carers being allowed back into our school. We are calling for 2 parents of each class to be the Class Parent Reps so as to share the role. These parent volunteers are to support the class, teacher and parents in developing a positive working relationship. It is designed to help welcome parents into the class and school and develop friendships and a social network for families. Some of the ways in which the Class Parents will assist teachers is to welcome and assist new families to the class, welcome new borns, or to help farewell a student who is leaving. There are a number of things that our Class Parents can do to involve all of our families. Once we have all of our Class Parents nominated we will have a meeting to ensure that all Class Parents are clear with this important role. Activities could include organising social gatherings for class parents and families like cake, coffee and play dates at the park, or nights out for the Mum’s or Dad’s, they may also organise a card or gift for a specific family event. Please let your child’s class teacher know if you would like to take on this role in 2022 for your respective class and then Mr Hunter will be in touch to meet with all Class Parents.

What Is Parish Parent Forum?

This is our parent body. All parents and carers are eligible to be a part of the PSF as you have a child enrolled at our school. The PSF meet twice a term in Weeks 3 and 7 to discuss subjects related to school.

The goals of the PSF are as follows:

• Support the work of the school
• Assist the School Leadership Team to share ideas, documents and policies
• To share in the building of the school community and engagement of parents in all aspects of school life
• To raise funds to be able to purchase valuable resources for the learning and wellbeing of the students at St Brigid’s
• To support parents in their role and encourage school-family partnerships.

There are many teams that combine to ensure that the facilities and resources here at St Brigid’s are kept up to date to enhance the learning opportunities of our students. Each team has a lead co-ordinator and they do a fantastic job within their sub group. Groups involved include – Library Team, Reading Team, Grounds Team, Fundraising Team, Publicity Team, Sport Team, Yearbook Team, Canteen/Uniform Team, Parent Assembly/Class Parents/Pastoral Care Team.

We invite all parents to the AGM of the St Brigid’s PSF on Tuesday, 15 March at 6pm in the Library.

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 stay 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.

Parent / Teacher Interviews

These interviews are compulsory for parents / carers to attend so that it gives the opportunity for teachers and parents to meet and discuss the results of the recent assessments and future learning goals. These interviews will occur for students in K-6 from 3:30pm on Tuesday 15th March and Monday 21st March. The online booking system will open next week and instructions on how to book will be in next week’s newsletter.

Sports News

Zone Winter Sports Trials

Last Thursday, eleven Stage 3 children attended the Winter Sports Trials after school in Lismore. Of those eleven students trialling, 4
were successful at the trials and will progress to Diocesan trials on Friday 11 March, in Grafton. Congratulations to Billy Kennedy, Corey Love, Murray Doman and Noah Laarhoven who will represent the Richmond Zone in rugby league.

Diocesan Swimming

After his wonderful performance at the Zone Swimming Carnival recently, Carter Hudson will be competing at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival in Murwillumbah today, Wednesday, 23 February. We wish Carter all the very best and look forward to hearing how he goes at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival. 

Happy Birthday To You.......

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

27th February - Ayce Harley and Evanna Howes 

Community News

The Wildlife Twins Show

Come along and check out "The Wildlife Twins Show" at the Kyogle Bazaar this Saturday 26th February at the Kyogle Ampitheatre! 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 charge attached to attending this very entertaining and informative show.

Upcoming Dates

Please take note of the upcoming events for the month of March:

Tuesday 1st - Year 6 Incitare Retreat Day at Tullera Hall (4 students only)

Wednesday 2nd - Ash Wednesday Whole School Mass at 12 noon

Tuesday 8th - First Communion Parent Information Session, 6pm

Thursday 10th - Year 5 Class Mass, 12:20pm

Friday 11th - Diocesan Winter Sports Trials in Grafton

Monday 14th - PUPIL FREE DAY

Tuesday 15th - Parent / Teacher Interviews; Parent Forum AGM, 6pm

Thursday 17th - Year 3 Class Mass, 12:20pm

Monday 21st - Parent / Teacher Interviews

Thursday 24th - NAPLAN Readiness Test (Yrs 3 and 5); Year 4 Class Mass, 12:20pm

Thursday 31st - School Photo Day