Newsletter Term 1 Week 10 (Wednesday 3rd April 2024)

Our Front Page with Kinder

What a term! The Kindergarten students have enjoyed many hands-on learning experiences this term. They are congratulated for their positive mindset and willingness to try their very best with all of their learning. Great job Kindy!

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Our Gospel Reflection

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace. Jesus then commissions his disciples to continue the work that he has begun; as Jesus was sent by God, so Jesus sends his disciples. He gives his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit so that they will be able to accomplish this task. Jesus’ words to his disciples also highlight the integral connection between the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. With the grace of the Holy Spirit, we can share forgiveness and reconciliation with others.

Thomas, the doubting disciple in Sunday’s reading, represents the reality of the Church that comes after this first community of witnesses to Jesus. All but the first disciples of Jesus must believe without seeing. Like Thomas, we may doubt the news that Jesus, who was crucified and buried, appeared to his disciples. Our human nature seeks hard evidence that the Jesus who appeared to his disciples after his death is indeed the same Jesus who was crucified. Thomas is given the opportunity to be our representative in obtaining this evidence. He gives witness to us that the Jesus who was raised is the same Jesus who died. 

Within normal family life, there are many opportunities for conflict. Jesus did not promise us the absence of conflict in our lives. Instead, he gave us the gifts of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation so that we could reduce conflict. The measure of Christian family life is not the absence of conflict, but the manner in which conflict is resolved. Filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit, we ask Jesus to help us to bring peace and forgiveness to situations of conflict in our families.

As your family gathers, take this opportunity to examine how your family resolves conflict. Recall a recent argument or disagreement and discuss how the conflict was resolved. Consider whether the conflict was resolved peacefully, in the spirit of Jesus. If not, discuss alternatives that might be tried in the future. Read together today’s Gospel, John 20:19-31. Recall that we have each received Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit and that the Holy Spirit helps us to be people who forgive others and seek peace. 

From Our Principal

I hope you and your families have had a restful, safe and holy Easter break. I would like to congratulate the children and their families who celebrated the Sacrament of First Eucharist last Thursday evening. This is such a memorable occasioin on their young sacramental journey and such an honour to receive the Body of Jesus on the evening that commemorates Jesus and The Last Supper. Many thanks to Mrs Sheddon and Mrs Schneider for their work in co-ordinating this for our students. 

It is hard to believe that we have only 2 weeks to go until the end of this term but there is a lot happening as listed below:-

School Photos

This is always an exciting time and our School Photo Day is tomorrow, Thursday 4th April. Many thanks to all families who have returned their photo envelopes. All students are to be in full and proper school uniform and this includes fully black shoes. Looking forward to seeing lots and lots of smiles.

Cross Country

This will be held this Friday 5th April and from feedback that we received from last year's event all children will be taking part down at the Kyogle High School Oval. In the event of our Cross Country being cancelled, all students will be at school with the day as normal. Our back up day is next Tuesday 9th of April. Full details can be found a little further below in this newsletter.

Catholic Schools Week Celebration

Next week has been nominated as Catholic Schools Week and we extend an invitation to all families to come and join with us to celebrate this special time but more importantly a celebration of our Catholic School on Wednesday 10th April. Please see below what is in store:- 

• 10am - Whole school liturgy in Parish Hall
• 10:40am - Families invited to have morning tea with their children. We will have cakes, slices, tea and coffee for our staff and families attending in the Parish Hall Canteen
• 11:15am - Open classrooms where families are invited to sit in, watch and join the students at work.
• 12:10pm -Wrap up of the morning and discussion on what was experienced by our visitors. 

Term 2 Calendar

A paper copy of our Term 2 Calendar will be given to every family next Wednesday. Please keep it in a safe spot and refer to it and add special dates and times as we move through the 2nd Termof 2024.

Ready4Learning

Many thanks to all those families who have already submitted an application for their child to attend this year's Ready4Learning which will commence on Friday 3rd May. Due to the success of this activity we are looking at capping our numbers to 32. Priority will be given to families who already have children enrolled at St Brigid's and to families who are looking at having their child start Kindergarten in 2025 at St Brigid's. If you know of anyone who has a child ready to start school next year and they haven't lodged an application please let them know ASAP. Letters confirming acceptance into our 2024 version of R4L will be sent out to families prior to the end of this term.

Have a wonderful week and we look forward to seeing as many as possible at our Cross Country and Catholic Schools Week activities,

Tony

Assistant Principal News - Teaching and Learning

ENGLISH - WHAT IS COMPONENT B?

While Component A focuses on foundational literacy skills, Component B focuses on the conceptual understanding of English. It illustrates the importance of learning about and enjoying literature through the study of quality texts. It allows teachers to connect content in ways that reflect the latest research. 

Students explore ‘mentor texts’ to engage with their learning of English. A mentor text is a text that is studied as an example to show how specific textual features are crafted. The text provides students with a model to emulate when crafting their own text. Supporting texts provide further opportunities to extend and deepen learning.

COMPONENT B CONNECTS THE FOLLOWING AREAS OF ENGLISH: 

Language Structure and Features: This involves teaching students about the fundamental elements of language, including grammar, syntax, punctuation, and vocabulary. Students learn how to effectively structure sentences, paragraphs, and texts, as well as how to use different language features to enhance their writing and communication skills.

Text Types and Purposes: Component B often includes instruction on various types of texts, such as narratives, persuasive texts, informational texts, and poetry. Students learn about the characteristics and purposes of each text type, as well as how to compose and study them effectively.

Reading Comprehension: This aspect focuses on developing students' ability to understand and interpret different types of texts. Students learn strategies for active reading, such as making predictions, asking questions, making connections, and summarising information. They also develop skills for analysing and critically evaluating texts for meaning and relevance.

Speaking and Listening: Component B incorporates learning experiences designed to improve students' oral communication skills. This includes opportunities for students to engage in discussions, presentations, debates, and other forms of spoken interaction. Students learn how to express themselves clearly, listen actively to others, and participate effectively in oral communication situations.

 Vanessa Walters                                                                                                                                                                          Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning 

Assistant Principal News- Mission

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION:

We extend our congratulations Summer, Ella, Danny, Harry, Fletcher, Morgan, Byron, Ruby F, Ruby H, Lilliana and Hazel whole received the Eucharist for the first time on Holy Thursday evening. Ruby H and Hazel also received received the sacrament of Reconciliation that evening. We thank Mrs Schneider and families for preparing the students so well. Members of the Parish would like to celebrate the occasion by hosting a morning tea for students and their families after mass this Sunday. 

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK:

We extend a warm welcome to everyone to join us on Wednesday, 10th April to celebrate Catholic Schools week. There will be a liturgy in the hall, followed by open classrooms and morning tea. The students always love having special visitors at school and it's a wonderful opportunity to have a glimpse into what a day of learning looks like at St Brigid’s. 

Kelli-Ann Shedden                                                                                                                                                                     Assistant Principal, Mission. 

First Communion 2024

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ANZAC Day 2024

The members of the Kyogle RSL sub-branch have invited all staff and students to join them in the commemoration of ANZAC Day 2024. All students are encouraged to represent our school by marching in the parade, wearing full school uniform on Tuesday 25th April. Students are also encouraged to wear the medals of family members who served in the Defence Forces or carry a picture.  

ANZAC Day allows us to remember and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey on 25 April 1915, during World War I. It also allows us to recognise and acknowledge the sacrifices of servicemen and servicewomen who have participated and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. 

ANZAC DAY CEREMONY PROGRAM

5.30am  Dawn Service at the Cenotaph

9.15am   Assemble for March, Geneva Street (opp Exchange Hotel)

9.30am  March commences through town

10am      Service and Wreath laying at Cenotaph

From the Wellbeing Team

I’m Bored!

If, as a parent or carer, you’re thinking ahead to the school holidays and bracing yourself for the inevitable cries of “I’m bored!” coming from the mouths of the children and young people in your life, take heart.

Hearing this, and any number of variations - “This is boring!”, “I’m bored out of my brain!”, and “I’m soooooo bored!” – is cause for celebration. You are doing a great job!

Granted, it is exciting and stimulating for kids to have one or two events/occasions/experiences to look forward to in the holidays. But this does not mean that their days need to be jam-packed with activities and outings to keep them occupied.

In fact, psychologists and neuroscientists agree that if there’s one extraordinarily valuable thing missing from our kids’ (and all of our) lives in this digital day and age, it’s the opportunity to be bored.

What does being bored do for our brains?

Research indicates that boredom:

• helps us to process our emotions
• sparks creativity and imagination
•  leads us to reflect on, and value, our experiences
• helps us develop our view of the world
• gives us space for problem-solving
• encourages us to identify and get engaged in things that are meaningful to us
• gives the brain space to consolidate memories and reflect on things we have learnt
• improves our ability to make social connections

What are you waiting for? Don’t just do something, sit there and be bored!*

* Without your phone or device

Research globally shows that allowing children to feel boredom and encouraging them to create activities to fill the space can be a springboard to building better emotional wellbeing and mental health. And this is a state that should be encouraged not avoided.

Leah Stevenson, The Resilience Project’s Teaching and Learning Advisor, agrees and says we all need time to sit with our feelings, not find ways to continually escape them.

“Technology and devices can really numb our feelings. If we don’t give ourselves time to allow our thoughts to wander, to daydream, we don’t give ourselves the space to process big emotions, especially something like trauma. We just don’t get the time to learn how to deal with it. This is important for children too. The way I like to explain it is, device-free time creates presence; presence creates conversations;  conversations create connection and connection creates resilience.”.

What the research says

In 2017, Toy Company Melissa and Doug commissioned a survey of 1,000 parents each from the UK, Canada and Australia to discover how children’s free time was spent. It revealed that “too few parents let boredom work its magic”.

 Wellbeing Team

School Community Forum Fundraiser

We're reaching out to you once again with an urgent call for support! Our School Community Forum "Fundraising Team" is diligently preparing for the Kyogle Garden Club Flower and Foliage Show, set to take place on Friday, April 19th, and Saturday, April 20th, right in the midst of the Easter School Holidays.

As the event draws nearer, we find ourselves still in need of volunteers to fill in crucial time slots. Your help is vital in ensuring the success of this fundraiser.

You can indicate your willingness to help and contribute by signing up on the following link  School Community Forum Garden Club Helpers
Please remember that every contribution, big or small, makes a significant impact on our fundraising efforts. Food items and cooking ingredients can be dropped off at the school office before April 11th to ensure we're fully stocked and ready for the big event.

We'll continue to keep you updated with an evolving roster throughout the next school week, ensuring everyone is in the loop.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated assistance and unwavering support. Together, we can make this fundraiser a resounding success and positively impact the lives of our students.

Let's rally together and make a difference!

Reminder

The last day of term, Friday 12th April will be a pupil free day. Staff will be working with Jessica Rixon on learning KeyNote Sign to further support our students at St. Brigid’s. We appreciate your support by keeping your children home from school on this day.

Sports News

We will be holding our Cross Country Carnival this Friday 5th April and backup day is Tuesday 9th April. The program for the day is as follows-

Date: Friday 5th April

Venue: Kyogle High School Oval (whole school)

Uniform: Students will need to wear their sports uniform or coloured house shirt to school, please also send any bike pants or spikes that students require to compete in.        

Time: The carnival will commence at 9:45 am. The students must then return to school for a normal school day.

Transport: Students are to arrive at school at the regular time (8:30am – 8:50am). Attendance will be checked and students will then walk down to the Kyogle High School Oval with their classroom teacher. At the conclusion of the event all students will walk back to school with their classroom teacher.

Parent Helpers:  Would be greatly appreciated at cross country at the High School Oval.

We welcome all parents/carers to cheer on the students on the day.

Fruit/Recess: Students will be required to bring their lunch to school as normal.  Students will take their fruit/recess down with them to the Cross Country and eat when they are not participating in their event. 

Program for the day:

St Brigid’s Primary School Cross Country Rules

1. Ages for each race will be taken as the age the runner has turned or will be turning this calendar year.  
2. For each race, up to three competitors can be selected to attend the Richmond Zone Cross Country.
3. Competitors are to compete in their school sports shorts and must wear appropriate footwear. They are encouraged to wear an appropriate coloured shirt that matches their colour house. If this is not possible they will be required to run in their school sports shirt.
4. Trophies – The John Cahill Shield will be awarded to the House that receives the most points overall. 

 Yours in Sport                                                                                                                                                                                             Lee Love

School Fees

As we approach the end of the term, we kindly remind you to settle any outstanding school fees. Timely payment helps us maintain the quality of education and support various activities for our students.

Please ensure all fees are cleared before the end of term to avoid any inconvenience. Should you require any assistance or have concerns regarding fees, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in ensuring a smooth transition into the new term.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Drop-off zone

As we continue to prioritise safety at our school, we kindly remind everyone about the importance of keeping our drop-off zone clear during morning arrival and afternoon pickup times.

To maintain efficient traffic flow and ensure the safety of everyone, we urge all parents and guardians to follow these guidelines:

🚗 Keep it Moving: Drop off your child swiftly and safely, then proceed on promptly.

🚶‍♂️ Refrain from parking or leaving your vehicle unattended in the drop-off zone. This allows for smooth traffic flow and prevents accidents.

👀 Be Aware of Pedestrians: Keep an eye out for students and staff crossing the drop-off area. Let's work together to keep everyone safe!

By following these simple guidelines, we can create a safer environment for all members of our school community. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to our students' well-being.

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 6 with 90.3% and the whole school average was 86.75%. "With Year 6 leading the way, they've sparked a school-wide drive for improvement. Let's make attendance excellence our signature."

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%)

Week 8: 88.7% - Kinder (95.6). Yr 4 (95%), Yr 2 (87.6) 

Week 9: 86.75% - Year 6 (90.8%), Year 1 (90.3%), Yr 4 (89.2%)

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

Attendance Matters

Learning growth can occur when your child attends school every day.

By attending school every day, students maximise their exposure to educational opportunities, engage in meaningful learning experiences, and lay the foundation for continuous academic progress. Regular attendance provides students with the opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification, and collaborate with others, enhancing their understanding of the material.

Parents and educators play important roles in fostering an environment that promotes and values regular attendance, contributing to the overall success and wellbeing of students.

Student Awards Week 9

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

• Kindergarten - Eli , Banjo
• Year 1 - Eli, Cooper
• Year 2 - Harper, Hamish
• Year 3 - Blaire
• Year 4 - Year 4
• Year 5 -  Adam, Paityn 
• Year 6 - Indigo, Eloise
• Principal Awards - Landan, Rickelle

MJR Awards

 Week 9 Focus: I am a steward of creation

God created the world and everything in it, and He chose us to take care of His creation! Just like how you take care of your toys or pets, we have a responsibility to look after the earth and all the living things on it. We are stewards of creation, which means we are like helpers of God in taking care of His wonderful world. Let's remember to be kind to the earth, to the animals, and to each other, because it's our special job given by God!

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)

Term 1 Week 10 Focus:

I am seated and quiet by the second bell at line up. 

Happy Birthday to You

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

Upcoming Dates

Week 10

• 4th -  School Photos 
• 5th - Cross Country Carnival 

Week 11

• 7th - Parish Mass - Morning Tea celebrating Student making First Eucharist 
  
• 7th - 12th  Catholic Schools Week
• 8th - St Mary's College Casino Open Night
• 10th - Catholic Schools week Celebrations 
• 11th - Last day of term for Students 
• 12th - Staff development day 

Term 2 Week 1

• 29th - Students & Staff return 

Community News

🌸🌿 Join Us at the Flower & Foliage Spectacular! 🌿🌸

We're thrilled to invite you to immerse yourself in a world of botanical wonders at our upcoming Flower & Foliage Spectacular! 🌺🌿

Step into a magical realm where the beauty of nature comes alive, and don't miss our enchanting fairy garden designed especially for children. 🧚‍♂️🌼 It's a whimsical space where imaginations can soar!

Best of all, children enjoy free entry, so bring along the whole family for a day of exploration and delight. 🌟

Mark your calendars and join us for a blooming good time! 🌸✨