Staff at St Brendan's endeavour to create a motivating, engaging and safe learning environment. As a result, student's skills, knowledge and confidence develop leading to a greater desire to learn. A student with the skills, knowledge and confidence is better equiped to face new situations and challenges.

An important aspect is helping students to understand why they are learning particular subject/skills. At St Brendan’s, we name this the ‘Learning Intention’. This intention is a statement created by the teacher. It describes clearly what the teacher wants the student to know, to understand, and how to apply the skill.

We also know that students have different interests and strengths. Here at St Brendan's, we endeavour to spark new interests and build upon students' strengths. As students progress through our school, they are encouraged and supported to take more responsibility for their own learning.

As families and caregivers, you can also assist your child develop a positive attitude towards their learning. By being positive and engaged with our school, you demonstrate to your child that you value learning. I encourage you to support the growth of your child by engaging with them in the home learning activities. This would include home reading, number facts, Home Talk etc.

Recent examples of creating a motivating and engaging environment was last week's Pink Bun campaign. Co-ordinated by parents Tess and Lynette, the event was very well received by our students and staff who participated eagerly in the Bakers Delight initiative.

The event raised $123 to continue to support all Australians affected by breast cancer.

I take this opportunity to thank Bakers’ Delight - Showgrounds, Tess, Lynette and all who helped make this initiative a success.

The good works of Tess and Lynette were once again enjoyed by all at Tuesday's Sushi Day, as reflected upon by our students.

• Everyone who took the first bite already couldn't stop eating because it was so mouth-watering. - Jade
• Sushi day was an absolute delight, I would love to have it again. The best part was definitely eating the fresh sushi. - Maria
• If I were to rate it, it would be a solid 10/10! We should have more Sushi Days like these. - Jonathan
• It tasted good, I got tuna and crispy chicken. I look forward to the next sushi day. - Maria
• Everyone was outside and devouring the delicious sushi. What a great lunch! - Beckham
• I liked the crispy chicken because I've never tried it before. I would really recommend it to others! - Daniel
• I knew it was just delicious and delicate and I was so right it was just bursting with flavour. - Bol
• Sushi Day was fantastic. It was a day I wouldn't want to miss out on. - Josephine
• I had a blast. I got to eat sushi and embrace the flavours. I hope we do it next term. - Andrew

The Feast of the Sacred Heart will this year be celebrated on Friday 16 June. It has been celebrated since 1856, and is always 19 days after Pentecost Sunday. It acknowledges the love of Christ for all mankind.

We have a long-standing tradition at St Brendan’s in working with the St Vincent de Paul Society in serving mankind in need.

What does this look like?

We collect and distribute essential non-perishable foods through the Parish Pantry, located outside the front of our church.

Essential, non-perishable items include:

• breakfast cereals
• pasta
• pasta sauce
• tinned fruit & vegetables
• tinned tuna & salmon
• baked beans
• rice
• sugar
• UHT milk - full cream, light and soy.

Families and caregivers are invited to serve mankind in need by contributing to the Parish Pantry. Donations of essential non-perishable food items will be collected through the classrooms.

Students are invited to wear coloured clothes on Friday 16 June and donate a gold coin. All funds raised will be handed over to the St Vincent de Paul Society and will remain in the community to help local services and programs.

On a daily basis we hear of the living crisis. People are suffering hardships with millions across the nation struggling. This is one small way we may ease the burden of local mankind in need.

Late Arrivals

I thank families and caregivers for making an effort in having their children at school, on time and ready to learn. We have seen an overall pleasing result however there is still room for improvement.

I remind all that a child who arrives late, misses out on vital introductions and information that sets them up for a successful day's learning. Late arrival leads to:

• unnecessary anxiety through missing information, leading to a less productive and engaged learner.
• disruption to the class, which impacts on the learning of the other students.

I thank you for your continued support in this matter.

Best wishes,

Peter

Today the staff held their annual Australia's Biggest Morning Tea to help raise awareness and funds to support those impacted by cancer. These funds raised will be sent to the Cancer Council of Australia.

The table was laden with food a plenty. We enjoyed a delicious morning tea together. A huge thank you to our staff and wonderful volunteers who showed off their baking skills and donated money to this extremely worthy cause. Congratulations to Jae who was fortunate to win the lovely raffle prize kindly donated by Kath.

A special thank you to Antoinette for her incredible organisational skills in preparing for and decorating our staff room for this successful event.

It is time to put away the Summer Uniform and break out the Winter Tunic.

One of our core school expectations is that all students will wear the correct uniform each day. The uniform signifies belonging to and pride in our school community, and is also part of ensuring a safe, secure and equitable school environment. Our uniform is sourced with the aim to provide an affordable quality uniform. Our uniform is gender-neutral.

To support families and caregivers, we have a number of good quality and clean second hand uniforms available, gold coin donation, as well as new stock readily available.

WINTER UNIFORM

Navy long pants or Navy tunic

School Gold Polo (long or short sleeves) with Logo

Blue school shirt

School Bomber Jacket with Logo

Navy Blue/White Socks or Navy Blue Tights

Black Shoes

SPORTS UNIFORM - worn Monday and Wednesday

Navy blue school shorts or track pant

School Gold polo (long or short sleeves) with Logo

School Bomber Jacket with Logo

White or navy blue socks

Running Shoes

I may be contacted on principal@sbflemington.catholic.edu.au

Best wishes,

Peter