Newsletter Term 1 Week 8 (Wednesday 20th March 2024)

Our Front Page with Year 3

NAPLAN

Year 3 are excited that they have finished and survived NAPLAN. Mrs Jansen and Mrs. Aherne were
impressed with our positive attitude and the computer skills we displayed in completing NAPLAN.

We all had a big go and enjoyed the experience.

• Emily – It was fun because it made me think.
  
• Ryder – It was the best experience because the maths was exciting.
  
• Mabel – It was tricky but fun. My favourite part was the reading.
  
• Stanley – I loved the reading the best because reading is fun.
  
• Sehwan – It was the best thing in school.
  
• Hamish – I liked the Maths one the most, even though I got stuck on some parts.
  
• Nyima – It took the energy out of me, however it was also fun.
• Harrison – It was the best, and I liked the reading the best.
  
• Lane – I think it was very hard but I tried my hardest. It was fun at the exact same time as hard.
  
• Ella – I think it was great that I got to use a mouse and technology, and it was something different.
  
• Raziel – I think it was good because it helped us with thinking.                                                                             
• Louise – I loved them all and I did my best.
  
• Frankie – I loved the writing because I got to write a lot.
  
• Djalai – I liked the writing.
  
• Angus – I liked it because it challenged me.

Year 3 also welcome Jack Gibson into our class and we hope you make lots of friends here.                               

• Jack – I have made lots of friends in just two days.

Our Gospel Reflection

GOSPEL REFLECTION

John 12:20-33

Jesus teaches his disciples about the way in which he will be glorified by God, and a voice from heaven is heard to affirm this teaching.

Sunday’s Gospel reading is taken from the Gospel of John. We are reading much further into John’s Gospel than we have for the past two weeks. Chapter 12 of John’s Gospel is a preparation for the beginning of the passion narrative to follow. Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead—an important sign in John’s Gospel, which inspired many people to believe in Jesus. This event also marks the turning point in Jesus’ conflict with the Jewish authorities. John’s Gospel tells us that the Sanhedrin met after this event and made plans to kill Jesus. In the 12th chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus is anointed at Bethany and enters Jerusalem in triumph. We again see evidence of the significance of the raising of Lazarus to this event; John reports that the crowds also gathered to see Lazarus.

Following his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus predicted his suffering, death, and Resurrection and prepared his disciples to believe in the salvation that his death would accomplish. Using the metaphor of the grain of wheat, Jesus presented the idea that his dying would be beneficial. He also taught that those who would be his disciples must follow his example of sacrifice. This theme will be repeated in John’s account of the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as an example of how they must serve one another.

The final section of today’s Gospel might be read as John’s parallel to the agony in the garden. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, the Gospel of John does not record Jesus’ anguished prayer in the garden of Gethsemane before his arrest. Although comparable words are found in today’s reading, Jesus gives a confident response to the question he raises when asking God to save him from his impending death. After announcing his conviction that it is for this purpose that he came, a voice from heaven speaks, as if in answer to Jesus’ prayer. This voice, like the one heard at Jesus’ baptism and at Jesus’ Transfiguration—events reported in the Synoptic Gospels but not in John’s Gospel—affirms that God welcomes the sacrifice that Jesus will make on behalf of others. In John’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that this voice was sent for the sake of those who would believe in him.

In Sunday’s Gospel, we also hear Jesus speak about the cosmic framework against which we are to understand his passion, death, and Resurrection. Through his death and Resurrection, Jesus conquered Satan, the ruler of this world. In this way the world is judged, but the judgement is not condemnation. Instead, through Jesus’ dying and rising, salvation is brought to the world.

Acting Principal News

This week, we held our 3 way parent-teacher-student conferences for the beginning of the 2024 year. The decision to include the students within the conversation was to allow students to hear and discuss how they are settling into the new academic year and to discuss the Mathematics (MAI) data gathered at the beginning of the year. We now look forward to our next opportunity to share success and the students’ ongoing goals after the distribution of our Semester 1 Reports. We sincerely thank parents and carers for their engagement in these meetings; working in partnership to support children in their learning is so important. I would also like to acknowledge our teachers for their hard work in preparing for and hosting these meetings.

This past week, our Year 3 and 5 students have completed their NAPLAN tests. Students who have been absent during the scheduled tests have caught up on their tests where possible. While these are only one of the tests we use to support students in their learning, our staff are incredibly proud of the effort our students gave to do their best possible work in these assessments.

An extended invitation to all families to attend our Family Parish Mass on Sunday morning at 9am. This is a wonderful time to come together as a school community.

Year 1 are super excited to be presenting the first showcase of the year on Friday at 2.15pm. All families are invited to this assembly which will be held in the hall.

Lastly, I would like to welcome the Gibson & Mancini families into our school community at St. Brigid’s. Jack has started in Year 3 and Aurelia is in Year 2. Welcome Jack and Aurelia!

Have a wonderful week!

 Vanessa Walters                                                                                                                                                                               Acting Principal

Assistant Principal News- Mission

PARISH FAMILY MASS: 

All families are warmly welcomed to our Parish Family Mass this Sunday at 9.00am. Children will be involved in Children’s Liturgy and there is always a delicious morning tea afterwards. This is just one way you can support your child’s faith and join together with our school community. Children love seeing their friends at Mass on the weekend, we hope to see you there! 

EASTER RAFFLE: 

Our Mini Vinnies students have been busy wrapping prizes for our Easter raffle. There are SO many prizes, thank you for your generosity. It isn’t too  late to buy a ticket or to donate an item for the raffle. 

EASTER PRESENTATION: 

On Wednesday, 27th March at 12.00 pm there will be a whole school Easter presentation in the hall. Each class will be presenting a reenactment/ liturgical dance that represents the events of Holy Week. We would love parents and families to come along and watch. After the Easter presentation, we will hold our Easter raffle. Students will collect their prize at the end of the day or parents can take it home if they are here. 

Kelli-Ann Shedden                                                                                                                                                                     Assistant Principal, Mission. 

Parent Consent and Student Digital Technologies User Agreement

Parent Consent and Student Digital Technologies User Agreement

We appreciate the families who have already submitted this form.

For those who haven't, we encourage you to do so promptly as until all forms are completed classes are unable to use apps like Seesaw to showcase their learning. Completing the form will enable more comprehensive digital teaching and learning experiences in the classrooms.

Please spare a moment to go through the Digital Technologies User Agreement with your child by accessing the link provided below:

Parent Consent and Student Digital Technologies User Agreement

From the Wellbeing Team Seasons For Growth

Dear Families,

Everyone is affected by change and loss at some point in their lives. At St. Brigid’s we recognise when changes occur, children may benefit from learning the skills to manage these changes effectively. In 2024, we will again be offering the successful Seasons For Growth Program at our school commencing in early Term 2. 

Seasons is an evidence-based small-group program that aims to strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of young people who are dealing with significant life changes, including death, divorce/separation, moving to a new place/school, illness, family work/life changes and natural disasters. This Program is run over eight consecutive weeks with groups of approximately six students, with a focus on building skills and peer support.

If you think your child/ren would enjoy the Seasons Program, we encourage you to talk to them about it. We invite all parents, carers and teachers to nominate students who might benefit from Seasons via             this link.

If a child is nominated to participate in Seasons For Growth, a Permission Form and Information Letter further outlining the Program will be sent home with your child.

If you require further information, please contact                                                                                                                Sereena Zanuso                                                                                                                                                                                  Student Wellbeing Officer 

Our Deepest Sympathies

On behalf of our whole school community, we extend our deepest sympathies to Shane & Majella Standfield, Kelli & Patrick Harley and their families on the death of Peter Standfield. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time. May he rest in peace.

School Photos - Thursday 4th April

📸 If you would like sibling photos, envelopes can be collected from the school office.

💳 Payments for the school photos can be made conveniently in two ways! Simply enclose cash or a money order in the provided envelopes and send them back with your child. Alternatively, visit www.theschoolphotographer.com.au to make secure online payments. All the necessary details can be found on your student's envelope.

School Community Forum

Happy Harmony Day – let us all pray for peace and harmony in our world.

My apologies for not being able to attend the AGM forum meeting last week. I suffer debilitating migraines and was undergoing some further tests. My children informed me the disco was lots of fun and I have enjoyed hearing positive feedback from parents regarding the forum meeting. A big thankyou to Tony for running this meeting in my absence and on behalf of our outgoing and incoming Executive a very big welcome to every parent, grandparent or carer. If you have a child in your care attending St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School, you are now a member of our School Community Forum.

I’m looking forward to meeting with the new Executive team and sharing our current areas of focus and providing a full handover. The important part now is that we all support each other in whatever capacity we can. 

Just a quick note to thank the school for having a workshop with Andrew Chinn, there wouldn’t have been a child at St Brigid’s that had a bad day on Thursday. I attended the concert in the afternoon and witnessed first hand the happiness that, students, teachers and special visitors were feeling, with everyone getting into the spirit, even a solo from Mr Hunter. Laughter, song and faith – because it makes you feel good.

Best wishes

Claire                                                                                                                                                                                                        Outgoing Chairperson 

School Community Forum Fundraiser

Our School Community Forum "Fundraising Team"  are seeking support for the catering at the Kyogle Garden Club Flower and Foliage Show to be held on Friday 19th and Saturday 2oth of April. This is the middle weekend of the Easter School Holidays.
We are organising the catering at the Kyogle Garden Show to raise funds for the School Community Forum and we are seeking your support to make this event a success. To do this efficiently, we require helpers who can assist us in 2-hour time slots and donations of food items and supplies would be appreciated.

If you are able to help us, here are some ways you can contribute:

• Help us as a volunteer: We need volunteers who can assist us in 2-hour time slots across both days to help us set up, prepare food, serve customers, and clean up afterward. If you are available to help, please indicate your availability and we will be happy to assign you a time slot that suits you.
• Donate Food Items: We are seeking food items that we can sell at our stall. These could include baked goods, cakes, slices.
• ​Donate Cooking Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Cooking Chocolate, Eggs etc. These can be left at the school office before the 11th April.

Please indicate on the following link School Community Forum Garden Club Helpers

An updated roster will be posted regularly during the next week of school

Many thanks for your anticipated assistance and support with this fundraiser which supports the learning of all of our students.

Wakakirri News

Last week our Wakakirri team met with Sophie McAuliffe from McAuliffe School of Dance to begin the choreography phase of our dance story. Sophie is a St Brigid’s alumni and we are so excited to welcome and have Sophie support Wakakirri 2024. 

The Wakakirri expression of interest forms have been sent out via compass to students who indicated their interest; you can access these via the events tab. We need these permissions returned by the end of this week to secure numbers for registration. 

The Wakakirri dance program will be facilitated at school mainly over term 2 and the performance will be in mid August in Logan, QLD. More information will come regarding the performance in Logan.

Any questions please email Hayley - hayley.kennedy@lism.catholic.edu.au

Uniform Shop

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has generously donated uniforms to our school. Your contributions have made a significant difference and are deeply appreciated.

We are still welcoming further donations of uniforms. By recycling and reusing uniforms, we promote sustainability and reduce our environmental impact.

Additionally, we're pleased to announce that our uniform shop will now be open every Wednesday from 2:45 pm to 3:45 pm. Thank you Michelle for offering to do this.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support and generosity.

Stars of the Week

One of our school goals this year is to have an average weekly attendace of 90% and above. The class with the best average each week receives the  “Stars of the Week” trophy and certificate to display in their classroom.

Last week the class with the best average attendance was Year 3 with 95.5% and the whole school average was 89.4%. Lets see if we can beat Yr 3's, 95.5% as a whole school.  

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

Week 2: 91.1% - Kindergarten (98.3%), Year 3 (96.4%), Year 1 (94.5%) 

Week 3: 89.7% - Year 6 (95.5%), Year 1 (93.3%), Year 4 (92.9%) 

Week 4: 92% - Year 3 (94.05%), Year 6 (93.4%), Year 2 (93.1%)  Year 4 (92.66%)

Week 5: 89.7% - Year 6 (94.6%), Kindergarten (93.6%), Year 1 (92.8%)

Week 6: 86.9% - Year 1 and Year 3 (91.4%), Year 2 (90.5%), Year 4 (90.1%)

Week 7: 86.9% - Year 3 (95.5%), Year 4(89.4%), Year 6 (88.2%)

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

Attendance Matters

Expect your child to be at school every day. 

Setting the expectation for your child to be at school every day is a fundamental aspect of fostering a positive attitude toward education and establishing good attendance habits. 

Clearly communicate to your child that attending school regularly is a top priority. If your child faces challenges related to attendance, such as reluctance or anxiety about going to school, address these issues promptly. Open communication with the school can help identify and resolve any underlying concerns.

You can seek advice free from NSW ParentLine 1300 1300 52.

Student Awards Week 7

Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with their awards at our assembly last Friday afternoon:

• Kindergarten - Harvey M, Isaac R 
• Year 1 -  George S, Jahlissa M
• Year 2 - Kendrick CK, Nicholas S
• Year 3 - Slanley H, Kinsley w, Lane C
• Year 4 - Harold A, Eedie B, Kobe D, Shekinah H 
• Year 5 - Millea R, Adam B, Wyatt B 
• Year 6 - Hannah K, Belle C
• Principal Awards - Lane C, Ruby W

MJR Awards

MJR Weekly Focus Term 1, Week 7 & 8: I’ve got Spirit

"In the Bible it says, 'For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.' That means we've got this amazing spirit inside us, filled with power, love, and self-control. It's like having a superhero power! So whenever we feel a little unsure, we can tap into that spirit and feel brave and strong, knowing that God is with us every step of the way."

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)

Term 1 Week 8 Focus:

I have safe hands when I play games with my friends. 

Happy Birthday to You

Wishing the following children all the very best for their special day this coming week.

Upcoming Dates

Week 8

• 20th - Parent / Teacher / Student Interviews
• 21st - Harmony Day- Mufti Day
• 22nd - Year 1 Showcase in the Parish Hall

Week 9

• 24th - Palm Sunday Parish Family Mass
• 26th - Trinity Catholic College Open Night
• 27th  - Easter Presentation 12 pm, All welcome 
• 28th - Holy Thursday, First Eucharist 7pm 
• 29th - Good Friday 3pm at our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church
• 30th - Easter Saturday 7pm at our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church

Week 10

• 31st Easter Sunday Mass 10am Kyogle 8am Woodenbong
• 1st - Easter Monday 
• 2nd - R4L Parent information 
• 3rd - St John's Woodlawn open night 
• 4th -  School Photos 
• 5th - Cross Country Carnival 

Parenting Tips

RealTalk - A Free Resource for Parent - helping tackle tricky parenting topics 

Supporting parents in tackling topics such as online behaviour, friendships, concent and many more, this resource is provided free through  the Catholic Schools Parent Assembly. 

Community News

Kyogle High School