Newsletter Term 2 Week 3 (Wednesday 15th May 2024)

Our Front Page with Year 1

Year 1 loves hands-on learning. In Maths this week, we are looking at Mass, in particular, using appropriate language to describe the sets we make, identifying equivalent sets, and using equal-arm balance to create a level balance. 

Year 1 Maths in Action

Our Gospel Reflection

This weekend we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, the time when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit so that the disciples could begin the difficult task of giving witness to the Reign of God. Imagine the disciples locked in a room, full of fear. Then Jesus miraculously appears, showing them that neither fear nor human obstacles can keep out Christ and his offer of peace. The disciples’ fear is suddenly turned into rejoicing. Jesus hands on his mission to the disciples and gives them the Holy Spirit so that they may reconcile people to the Father by forgiving sins in God’s name just as Jesus had done.

The Church continues Jesus’ ministry of reconciling people to God in a special way through the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Although Baptism takes away original sin, it does not remove its effects, namely our tendency to sin. Because we are members of the Church, our sin not only offends God but also harms the community. Therefore, we need to be reconciled to God and the Church. Celebrating the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation help us to do that.

When was the last time you experienced God’s love and mercy in the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation? Even if it has been a while, God and the Church are always there waiting with open arms. We are all asked to consider making time this week to be reconciled and renewed.

From Our Principal

Dear Families of St Brigid's,

I hope that all of our mothers and mother figures had a wonderful day last Sunday. A huge thankyou to all of those family members who attended our Mother's Day Liturgy and Lunch last Friday. It was wonderful to hear so many peole sharing in the spirit of the occasion. A huge thankyou to Mrs Shedden for organising this liturgy and to Mrs Schneider and Mrs Griffiths for organinsing the choir. Thanks also to Mrs Barsby and her team of helpers for their work on the Mother's Day Stall.

I would like to acknowledge the hard work of all of our teachers and our Teacher Aides who support them. We are in the midst of the largest curriculum reform we have seen in NSW for around 30 years. Our teachers across all year levels have worked incredibly hard to implement this new Maths and English curriculum and we are seeing some tremendous benefits already. This speaks volumes of the dedication and commitment of all staff at St Brigid's to support the improvement in learning of our students.

Staff Movements

As we progress through Term 2, I would like to take this opportunity of informing you of some upcoming staff movements that will be taking place:-

• Ms Emma Davis, our Year 2 teacher and her partner Sam have announced that they will be the proud parents of twins come the start of September. Emma has indicated that she will be working up until the end of Week 2 in Term 3, Friday 2nd August.
• Mrs Kelli-Ann Shedden, our Assistant Principal Mission and her husband Jimi have proudly announced that they will be expecting their first child towards the end of September.

Advertising for the position of Year 2 class teacher and Acting Assistant Principal Mission will be commencing very shortly and our school community will be kept informed of the successful applicants for each position.

• I will be taking a combination of Professional Leave and Long Service Leave from Monday 24th June up to and including Tuesday 14th August. Mrs Vanessa Walters has been appointed as Acting Principal in my absence and we are currently advertising for the position of Acting Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching. Applications for this position close next Wednesday 22nd May with shortlisting and interviewing to follow soon afterwards. I will keep you informed of the successful applicant following the recruiting process

Pick Up and Drop Off Zone 

In Groom Street the following sign appears along the streets. This sign                 
means that in the direction of the arrow you are not allowed to stop your                              vehicle in the hours of operation. The restrictions apply for the times stated.                      These times coincide with the beginning and the end of the school day

This sign means you must not stop for more than two minutes in a No Parking area. You must remain in or within three metres of the vehicle. The restrictions apply for the times stated. At St Brigid’s Primary School this is a Kiss & Drop Zone in the morning and a Pick Up Zone in the afternoon. We ask for all families co-operation in adhering to this regulation and be mindful of other parents needing to pull into the zone to pick up their child/children.

Tell Them From Me Surveys

A reminder that over the next 10 days, we will be inviting students, staff and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of ur whole-school evaluation and planning process.

We would also like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you prvide will be used to continue our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Brigid's. The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Please note that most responses are multiple choice using a scale from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree. It can be quite easy to mix this scale up when completing the survey. Please take your time to read the questions carefull, so we have the most accurate data we can attain.

you are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using this URL: tellthemfromme.com/kyogle2024 

I appreciate your support; your voice is important to us.

Assistant Principal News - Teaching and Learning

Uninterrupted English and Maths Blocks

At St. Brigid’s, we pride ourselves on the importance of students being Literate and Numerate. Uninterrupted Learning Blocks for English and Mathematics are important for the learning of these essential skills. These Literacy and Numeracy skills are fundamental for students so they can apply them in other Key Learning Areas.

Each day begins with English (Component A&B) from 9am- 10.45am and

Mathematics follows after Recess from 11.05-12.20pm. 

We ask that parents ensure that students arrive on time to school each day and that if any appointments need to be made for students, that they are made after 12.20pm. 

We thank you for your ongoing support of the school to achieve the best possible outcomes for your child.

Vanessa Walters                                                                                                                                                                                        AP Teaching and Learning

Assistant Principal News- Mission

Confirmation Candidates: 

A reminder that our Confirmation candidates will be presented to the Parish this Sunday during 9.00 am Mass. It would be appreciated if you can let myself or Vicki Jansen know if you’re unable to attend. 

The Parish will host a morning tea for the students who were confirmed and their families after our Whole School Parish Mass on Sunday, the 26th of May. We thank the Parish for their hospitality and look forward to celebrating such a special event with the children and their families. 

Mee Our Ministry Assistants:

We are very fortunate to have Eliza Blunn and Oliver Dwyer spend time with us at St Brigid’s this term. Eliza and Ollie are the Richmond Ministry Assistants and will be at St Brigid’s each week. They will assist with RE classroom learning, prayer groups, choir and musical worship as well as our MJR radio. Eliza and Ollie are energetic witnesses of our Catholic faith and we are looking forward to having them both here on a regular basis this term. 

Kelli-Ann Shedden                                                                                                                                                                                      AP Mission 

Lunch Options for All

Lunch Time Activities & Structured Play

We are so fortunate to have so many options for students to engage in at lunch time. Our teacher assistants plan and facilitate structured play options for students. These activities include:

• Card games and board games
• Gardening 
• Skipping 
• Colouring 
• Access to the library
• Learning to play handball and sports like Oz Tag and  soccer

Wakakirri rehearsals also take place with Mrs Kennedy and Mrs Grifiths leads an art club at lunch time too. All of these activities are optional and available to all students. It is so important that students enjoy their break times and have something of interest available to them. 

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🌟 Introducing Our Newest Hangout Spot: Outdoor Kitchen on the Deck! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our school's facilities: outdoor kitchen on the deck located just outside the library! This space is a hub for parents to connect, unwind, and enjoy some refreshments while waiting for their children or catching up with fellow parents.

Our outdoor kitchen is stocked with a selection of coffee and tea supplies to help fuel those important conversations and moments of relaxation. Whether you prefer a soothing cup of tea or a revitalizing coffee, we've got you covered.

We invite you to come and experience this wonderful new space firsthand. Whether it's a quick catch-up with other parents or a moment of tranquility before picking up your child, our outdoor kitchen deck is here to enhance your school experience.

It's not just about the beverages; it's about fostering connections and creating memorable moments together.

From the Wellbeing Team

National Families Week

Families come in all shapes and sizes but regardless of how different they may seem, they all have a very important thing in common: families are the most fundamental unit of any society, and a cornerstone of teaching, supporting and nurturing children as they grow.

This week, from May 13-19, is National Families Week – a time to celebrate your own and other families, connect with your loved ones, and spend time with family and good friends. 

The theme of this year’s National Families Week is Celebrating Family Diversity and Connections.

Take a moment this week to consider the unique circumstances, backgrounds and dynamics particular to the many different families in your local community. Can you find a way to connect with another family this week, regardless of differences in culture, language, gender, sexuality, ability or age? 

It's also the perfect time to take a moment to celebrate the diversity within your own family. What strengths do each of your family members bring to your family and your community?

National Families Week coincides with the United Nations International Day of Families, on May 15. This year, the 30th International Day of Families, aims to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on families around the world, and what role families can play in climate action.

 Wellbeing Team

Canteen Helpers Needed

Thanks to the parents who've already volunteered for the canteen duty. We're still in need of someone for week 9. If you can assist, please give Jo or M'leigh a call.

• Monday 6th May (Week 2)Rebekah Walters
• Monday 13th May (Week 3)  Michaela Ernst
• Monday 20th May (Week 4) Krystal Lee Hyde & Pam Studd
• Monday 27th May (Week 5) Alysia Green
• Monday 3rd June (Week 6) Rebekah Walters
• Monday 17th June (Week 8) Michaela Ernst
• Monday 24th June (Week 9) Volunteer required 
• Monday 1st July (Week 10) Rebekah Walters

Thank you for your ongoing support.

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.

For term 2 week 2 the class with the best average attendance was Year 6 with 94.62% and the whole school average was 89.88%. 

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

Week 1: 86.06% - Yr 4  (91.14%), Year 5 (89.76%), Kinder (87.55%) 

Week2: 86.06% - Yr 6  (94.62%), Year 4 (92.17%), Year 3 (92.05%) 

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

Attendance Matters

Each day’s learning builds on what has been learnt before. 

Regular school attendance is crucial for several reasons, and the cumulative nature of learning is one of them. Here are some important points:

• Sequential Learning. Subjects are structured in a sequential manner, where concepts and skills build upon each other. Each lesson introduces new material that relies on the foundation established in previous lessons. Consistent attendance ensures that students don't miss key building blocks in their education.
• Practice and Reinforcement. Learning is not just about exposure to information but also about practice and reinforcement. Regular attendance allows students to engage in activities, discussions, and assignments that reinforce what they've learned, contributing to retention and understanding.
• Social and Collaborative Learning. Beyond individual learning, school is also a place for social and collaborative learning. Regular attendance allows students to participate in group activities, discussions, and projects, fostering social skills and teamwork.
• Building a Growth Mindset. Consistent attendance fosters a growth mindset, where students develop the belief that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset is essential for tackling challenges and embracing a lifelong learning attitude.

School attendance is not just about being physically present; it's about actively participating in the learning process, building a foundation of knowledge and skills, and preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Each day of school offers a valuable opportunity for growth and development, making regular attendance a key factor in a student's educational journey.

Student Awards Week 2

Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with their awards at our assembly.

• Kindergarten - Teddy L, Harvey M 
• Year 1 - Bowie A, Leonardo H, Hazel 
• Year 2 -  Milla F, Aurelia M
• Year 3 - Sehwan A, Frankie L 
• Year 4 - Lilliana K, Caden B, Ryder P 
• Year 5 - Charli SG, Max
• Year 6 - Carter H, Parker K
• Principal Awards - 

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)

Term 2 Week 3 Focus:

I know classroom routines and the expectations in my classroom. 

Happy Birthday to You

Sending warm wishes to all the children who celebrated their birthdays in the coming week. May your special day be filled with joy and memorable moments! 

Upcoming Dates Term 2

Week 3 

• Wed 15th - Internation day of Families 
• Fri 17th - Yr 4 attend Mass 
• Sun 19th - Pentecost Sunday 

Week 4 

• Tue 21st - Dio Cross Country 
• Wed 22nd - Confirmation Retreat and Sacrament of Confirmation 6pm 
• Fri 24th - Tell them from Me Survey Closes
• Suday 26th - Parish Family Mass 9am - The Most Holy Trinity 

Week 5

• Mon 27th - National Reconciliation Week 
• Wed 29 - PUPIL FREE DAY - Proclaim Lismore Staff PD 

Community News

North Coast Health Connect

North Coast Health Connect is a free (bulk billing) new service providing health support and advice from registered nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays. If you are a resident or visitor to the North Coast, you can speak or live chat with a nurse. The nurse will ask some questions to understand what’s troubling you and then provide advice on what your next step should be.

 This may include self-care advice to help you to manage your health (or that of a loved one) from home, or the nurse may recommend a GP appointment or a consultation with a pharmacist. The nurses are able to book an appointment for you directly with a local general practice or pharmacy or if appropriate, can transfer you to a 24/7 GP telehealth service. If the nurse believes you need to attend an emergency department or see a different health service, they will let you know.

 Visit https://northcoasthealthconnect.org.au/   for more info and save as a contact for when you need it

https://northcoasthealthconnect.org.au/communication-resources/ (1)

visiting https://qrco.de/bdkiJm or by scanning the QR code below.         

This incredible service, will help families access ‘on the day’ healthcare which is bulkbilled and is a vital and important service in this area. Currently we have 220 GP appointments each week, supported by 23 GP clinics, across the entire North Coast region to access. This area includes Laurieton right through to Tweed Heads

Please reach out if I can do anything further to assist you

Warm regards,                                                                                                                                                                                       Ally Pope                                                                                                                                                                                        Engagement Manager, Healthy North Coast                                                                                                                             Amplar Health                                                                                                                                                                                            Home Based - Wauchope NSW, 2446
M 0418 976 274  E Allison.Pope@amplarhealth.com.au