Newsletter

That’s what it takes to be a hero, a little gem of innocence inside you that makes you want to believe that there still exists a right and wrong, that decency will somehow triumph in the end.

Innocence

Life at its best is a series of challenges. A big enough challenge will bring out strengths and abilities you never knew you had. Take on your challenges and you will bring yourself to life.

Author unknown

IMPORTANT DATES:

Tuesday 28 Mar - First Reconciliation Retreat

Thursday 6 Apr - Last day of Term 1

Thursday 6 Apr - Passion Play 9.30am

Thursday 6 Apr - Merit Certificate Assembly & Easter Raffle

Monday 24 Apr - First day of Term 2

Tuesday 25 Apr - Anzac Day Public Holiday

Wednesday 26 Apr - Pupil Free Day

Please note:

Dates are subject to change, please also refer to the Term Planner on our Website.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

On Monday Mr Corbett and I escorted our four student leaders, Munashe Materwa, Leah Jose, Chris Thomas, and Jai Ah-Nau to the Halogen Leadership Day it is a great opportunity to inspire and empower the future generations of leaders. Halogen Leadership Day is an annual event that provides students with the chance to learn from industry experts, network with peers and develop their leadership skills.

Attending the Halogen Day can be a transformational experience for student leaders. They have the opportunity to hear from keynote speakers at the top of their game. They also learn about various leadership styles and strategies and gain valuable insights into how they can become effective leaders in their own communities. Overall, taking students to Halogen Leadership Day is an excellent way to invest in the future of our school. By giving student leaders the tools and resources, they need to become effective leaders, you can build a better, more collaborative, and more inclusive community for everyone.

DONATION OF EASTER EGGS

Thank you to our wonderful generous families who have begun donating easter egg or an easter item for our school P & F raffle. We really appreciate the donations collect so far. If you wish to purchase additional ticked they will be selling raffle tickets before school. Every family should by now have received a book of five raffle tickets, please speak with your classroom teacher or visit the office if you have missed out. We appreciate it your donations and please keep the eggs coming into the front office. We look forward to drawing out the prizes at the last assembly for the term 1.

Harmony Day

Jesus prayed that His disciples would live in unity. In His last hours on the earth, this was foremost in His thoughts (John 17). His greatest desire was that His individual disciples would function as “one”, that they would get along and work together and partner together for the single interest of God’s glory.

Getting along is a key to productivity and fruitfulness. Others would look at true disciples and say, “Faith must be real because it works. They love each other. I want that! We often call this being in harmony with one another. Harmony is the key to anointing and it can be seen as wonderful, pleasant and refreshing.

On Harmony Day we come together, from different backgrounds, one and all. We

celebrate our diverse cultures and respect the differences we recall. We strive for peace and understanding and seek to build a better way. On Harmony Day we join in unity, to create a brighter future each day.

We are blessed to have passionate and energetic staff in our school that delight in making these days just awesome in our school. We saw on Tuesday our school come to school wearing orange the colour of Harmony.

Our children also came in crazy socks to highlight Down Syndrome Awareness Day. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome. It is a day to raise awareness and promote acceptance of these amazing individuals.

People with this genetic condition have unique abilities ands qualities that make them special and valuable members of our communities. While they may face challenges in certain areas, they also bring joy and positivity to those around them.

On this day we honour the achievements and contributions of individuals, and we strive to create a world that is more inclusive and accepting for all. Let us embrace diversity and celebrate the differences that make us all unique.

Parent Interviews

Parent interviews are presently taking place in our school. It is a wonderful opportunity for parents to find out how their child is progressing in school. All parents were invited to meet with their classroom teacher. I would encourage every parent to make the time to meet with their child’s teacher and learn about the amazing things your child is achieving in school. Thank you to the teachers for collecting such rich information to share with parents.

RECONCILIATION WORKSHOP

Thank you to all our amazing parents who attended the Reconciliation Workshops this year. Thank you to Father Benny for organising this wonderful event along with the staff and Parish for leading us in the workshop. We are blessed to have such a wonderful team who are so well supported by our parents.

I would like to share a story about Reconciliation with you to help place this great Sacrament in context.

Once, a boy stole some money from his father’s wallet, so that he could buy some chocolates which he loved eating. However, after he bought them, he found he could not really enjoy them because he knew what he did was wrong. Over the next few days, he was burdened with a heavy heart and was unhappy. He decided it was time to confess what he did to his father and that he would also make amends by offering to pay for the chocolates with his pocket money. He promised his father that he would never steal again and asked for an appropriate punishment. He expected his father to be angry but instead found him calm and even smiling. Because the son was totally honest with his confession, combined with the promise never to commit the sin again is the purest form of repentance. The confession restored his father’s faith in him and so hugged him with great affection. The son unburdened his conscience with his confession and by doing so reconciled with his father.

When we sin, we go against the commandments of God and turn away ourselves from him. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we re-orientate ourselves and reunite with God.

CODE OF CONDUCT

I encourage all parents to make contact in the appropriate way, when faced with issues. Our teachers are always willing to discuss your child with you, but please be mindful to make an appointment, rather than turning up at the busiest part of the day and expecting people to be able to drop everything to converse. The morning from 8.30am is when all staff are welcoming children into their class and preparing them for the day, so not an ideal time to talk. Please also be mindful of the way we speak to each other. It has been disappointing to see that a number of parents feel they have the right to speak down to staff or make a scene in a classroom, with others present. We all deserve respect, and we need to be mindful of the way we speak and act to others.

POSITIVE PARENT APPROACH

Being a parent is extremely rewarding but not always easy. At times it can be demanding, frustrating and exhausting. The challenge for all parents is to raise happy, healthy, well-adjusted children in a loving, balanced environment.

There is no single right way to be a parent and there are many different views on how parents should go about rearing their children. Ultimately, you as the parent need to decide what values, skills and behaviours you want to encourage in your child and develop your own approach to discipline.

Positive parenting is an approach that focuses on child development and behaviour management in a constructive and supportive manner. Research indicates that children who experience positive parenting are more likely to develop positive living skills, have less behaviour problems and a stronger, positive self-esteem.

The five key components of positive parenting are:

1: Children need a safe and interesting environment that provides plenty of opportunities to explore, discover, experiment and develop their skills. Activities and adult supervision are provided in a caring and predictable environment.

2: Children need a positive learning environment where encouragement and praise help them to learn and practise necessary skills.

3: Children need effective discipline. Effective discipline involves being consistent, acting quickly when children misbehave and teaching them how to behave in an acceptable way. When parents use effective discipline, children learn to accept responsibility for their behaviour, to become aware of the needs of others and to develop self-control.

4: Parents need to have realistic expectations about their child’s behaviour. Children are individuals and develop at different rates. Problems can arise when we expect too much too soon from them. If parents expect their child to always be polite, happy, cooperative, tidy and helpful, they are setting themselves up for disappointment and conflict with their children.

5: Parents also need to look after their own needs. It is easier to look after your child’s needs when you also look after your own.

“We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.”

Stacia Tauscher

“You can learn many things from children; how much patience you have, for instance.” ~

Franklin P. Jones

God Bless You All

P & F Meeting

When

Monday, March 27th, 3:30-4:30pm

Where

20 Toodyay Road

Middle Swan, WA

More information

This month we will be meeting to discuss preparations for our Easter & Mothers day stalls, set our fundraising goals, and finalise the list of P&F events for the next 12 months.

Whether you want to help our casually or are interested in an official P&F position, new faces are always welcome to all meetings. Many hands make light work...and GREAT EVENTS!

Get Directions

RSVPs are enabled for this event.

PARENT TEACHER MEETINGS

Parent Teacher meetings will take place during Week 9 and Week 10. We will be using the same booking system as 2022, called Parent Teacher Online (PTO). A link and instructions will be sent out via SEQTA during Week 8 to book a time for your interview. Please be aware that the scheduled interview times will be 10 minutes only. Please note that if you miss your chosen time slot you will need to contact the classroom teacher and try to reschedule for another day and time.

INTERIM REPORTS - UPDATE

Interim reports will be made ‘live’ on Friday 24 March (Week 8). Your child’s Interim Report will be available via SEQTA and will be able to be accessed the same way you access the current end of semester reports. Please make sure you can log into SEQTA Engage.

SWIMMING LESSONS: PRE-PRIMARY - YEAR 2 – CHANGES

Please find below and updated swimming schedule provided by the Swimming School about changes made due to the lack of availability of swimming instructors.

Week 9 (27.03.2023 - 31.03.2023)

· 12.15pm (lesson starts) - PPA (Modified lessons - 5 day series x 40 min lessons)

· 1.05pm (lesson starts) - 1A (Modified lessons - 5 day series x 40 min lessons)

· 1.50pm (lesson starts) - 2A (Modified lessons - 5 day series x 40 min lessons)

Week 10 (03.04.2023 - 06.04.2023)

· 12.15pm (lesson starts) - PPB (Modified lessons - 4 day series x 40 min lessons)

· 1.05pm (lesson starts) - 1B (Modified lessons - 4 day series x 40 min lessons)

· 1.50pm (lesson starts) - 2B (Modified lessons - 4 day series x 40 min lessons)

Your child's classroom teacher will keep you updated on clothing, times etc.

· Location - Aqua Tots Swimming School, Maida Vale (21 Gooseberry Hill Rd, Maida Vale)

· Date - Commencing on Monday 27 March 2023

· If your child has a disability or they will ‘not’ be swimming, please notify your classroom teacher immediately.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child's classroom teacher.

PROCEDURE TO DEAL WITH INCIDENTS

Unfortunately, at times during the school day there are incidents that may arise that require intervention or follow up by either the staff or by parents. To assist with this process the procedure is located on the website, it may give you some strategies to work through during these times of heightening emotions. The one element to remember is that mistakes can be made and as a catholic school we forgive and reconcile and move forward together.

https://forms.office.com/r/YZenkdDnVZ

DOGS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

Can I please remind all parents and family members that dogs are not permitted on the school site or at any school functions. We would respectfully ask that this followed as requested.

Why Being on Time to School Matters

Arriving on time for school ensures that your child doesn't miss out on the important learning activities that happen early in the day when they are most alert. Set your child up for success and make certain he/she arrives to school “On Time. Every Time”.

Why should I arrive for school on time?

It is important that children arrive in school on time everyday for a number of reasons.
It is the legal responsibility of parent/carers to ensure that children attend their registered school on time each day.
If a child is late they miss important information about the days activities.
A child that is late will miss school work.
Children that arrive in good time for registration are able to talk to their friends before school and settle into the school day with them.
A child who is arriving late to school may feel sad, embarrassed or unsettled.
A child that is late disrupts staff and other children.

Top Tips for being on Time

establish good bedtime routines so your child has enough sleep, and doesn't struggle to get out of bed in the morning
invest in a good alarm clock - and engage your child with setting it each evening!
establish good morning routines
make sure they have breakfast (or come to our breakfast club at school)
prepare lunches and snacks the night before
put out uniform the night before
pack school bags the night before - you don't want to be searching for musical instruments, books/book bags or PE kit in the morning!
leave bag and shoes near the front door
get into the habit of completing home learning in the evening instead of trying to complete at the breakfast table
keep keys in the same place so they are easy to find
build in a 'time cushion', leaving home in plenty of time in case of delays in the journey.

If you have any particular challenges or difficulties in arriving on time for school, please talk to your child's class teacher, Mr Alan Morrison (Assistant Principal) or Mr Tony Corbett (Assistant Principal).

CODE OF CONDUCT

At St Brigid’s Primary School, we believe that each child is a precious gift from God created as an individual with his or her own unique gifts, talents, and abilities. Our aim is to cherish each child and create an environment which enables all children to experience the joy and wonder of our world.

We acknowledge parents as the first educators of their child. We share a strong partnership with each family and encourage parents to become involved in the school. Our home/school relationships are based upon on- going communication, openness, and trust. Parents are supported in understanding their role alongside the school and together we support the child to achieve their true potential.

The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to describe minimum standards of conduct in all behaviour and decision making to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

The Code applies to staff, students, volunteers, parents and guardians as applicable. The term ‘parents’ includes guardians.

The Code of Conduct includes the following Conduct Statements: –

You act safely and competently.
You give priority to students’ safety and well-being in all your behaviour and decision making.
You act in accordance with the values of the Gospel as defined in the Code of Ethical Conduct.
You conduct yourself in accordance with laws, agreements, policies and standards relevant to your relationship with the school community.
You respect the dignity, culture, values and beliefs of each member of the school community.
You treat personal information about members of the school community as private and confidential.
You give impartial, honest and accurate information about the education, safety and well-being of students.
You support all members of the school community in making informed decisions about students.
You promote and preserve the trust and privilege inherent in your relationship with all members of the school community.
You maintain and build on the community’s trust and confidence in Catholic schools and the Church.
You act reflectively and ethically.
You allow students to have a voice in their education, safety and well-being.

ST PATRICK' DAY FUNDRAISING

As part of our Saint Patrick’s Day celebration we raised valuable funds for Caritas Australia. Over $300 was donated by the school community. One Caritas project is located in Africa. Here is their story….

Communities across eastern Africa are facing hunger caused by conflict and one of the worst droughts in 40 years.

As international food and fuel prices skyrocket because of COVID-19 and the conflict in Ukraine, vulnerable families are being left behind.

Many of the most vulnerable are facing hunger and even starvation after another year of failed crops, forcing them to slaughter or sell any remaining livestock.

The drought situation will continue to drive high humanitarian needs well into 2023, with a high likelihood of a sixth failed season.

We must act now! Your generous donation today means our partners in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Eritrea can respond quickly to support vulnerable communities during this crisis.

THE FATHERING PROJECT

How have the kids been since returning to school? We know the back to school routine can be tiring, no matter their age.

It often takes a few weeks for them to settle back into a routine, and during this time they may be irritable, there might be some tears, mood swings or tantrums.

For these few weeks you may need to adjust your expectations, and work with them to settle back in.

Top Tips

1. Create a calm and relaxing space for them to chill out when they return home from school.

2. Sleep, sleep, sleep. It's very important, make sure they are getting ample sleep. You might need to adjust their bedtime to a little earlier than normal.

3. Show them unconditional love. Even when they are testing your patience. "I know it's been a very long day. I love you. Let's take a breath and start over."

DAD JOKE OF THE WEEK

"When I get into work I immediately hide...Good employees are hard to find."

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Over the next few weeks many Year 3 students will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We pray for those students and thank the students, teachers and families who supported them in their journey.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance, is an important sacrament in the Catholic Church. It is a sacrament of healing and forgiveness, through which Catholics can receive God's mercy and be reconciled with Him and the Church.

Here is a simple explanation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation that you can share with your children:

When we sin, we turn away from God and hurt our relationship with Him. Confession is a way for us to admit our sins to God and ask for His forgiveness. It is a way for us to acknowledge our mistakes and make amends.

During the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the penitent (the person confessing their sins) enters the confessional or reconciliation room and confesses their sins to a priest. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, listens to the confession and offers counsel and guidance. He then gives absolution, which is the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus Christ.

After receiving absolution, the penitent is called to perform an act of penance, which is a prayer or good deed intended to repair the harm caused by their sins. The penitent then leaves the confessional, having been reconciled with God and the Church.

In summary, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a way for Catholics to confess their sins, receive forgiveness, and be reconciled with God and the Church. It is an important sacrament that helps us grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with God.

A Message From The Canteen Manager:

Hello my name is Kylie and I have been the Canteen Manager at St Brigid's Primary School for over 12 years. I am looking for any mums, dad, grandparents or careers who can spare some time to help out in the canteen. If you can't help for the entire day, that's not a problem, we would be grateful for anytime you can offer. The busiest time in the canteen is between 11.15am to 12.30pm. I find that the children love seeing there loved ones in the canteen it always bring a bit of fun into there day.

As a little "thank you" for your help, the canteen will provide you with lunch, a cold drink and bottomless cups of tea/coffee. Any additional information please feel free to come and see me in the canteen, I am happy to have a chat with you. Kind Regards, Mrs Kylie Dickenson

WINTER UNIFORM

WINTER UNIFORM

When students return to school on Monday the 24th of April, we remind families that all students should be wearing the correct winter uniform.

Before the end of term please take this opportunity to ensure that our girls are wearing skirts which are the appropriate length and all uniforms are tidy and in good repair.

Please utilise the online ordering service to avoid the long wait times during this busy period.

If you need to place an order please click the Uniform Order Form, complete the form and either sent it to uniform@stbrigidsms.wa.edu.au or alternatively you can send the form in with your student to be handed into the office.

Children in years 3 to six should be wearing their school ties as this is part of our winter uniform.

As part of this uniform all students should wear clean and polished black leather lace-up shoes. For more information, please see our Uniform Guidelines in the School Uniform Guideline Booklet

Parents, we are here to support you and your children in before and after school hours! We offer a secure, safe and exciting environment for your children to thrive and be a part of a socialized group.

Please note an enrolment form and 1 days' notice is to be given to make your casual bookings for your children.

We are here to help! Enrolment forms are now online https://www.helpinghandsnetwork.com.au/register/#.

Vacancies Available Now!

P: 0484302073

E: stbrigidsmiddleswan@helpinghandsnetwork.com.au

MIDVALE HUB PARENTING SERVICE

The Midvale Hub Parenting Service offers a range of parenting programs to assist you to grow happy healthy children. Individual assistance with parenting is available for any parenting concerns you may have, just talk to one of our Parenting Educators and they will be more than happy to listen and provide practical support and skill building.

Our Parent Information and Support is offered through:

Parenting programs for groups and individuals
Individual and group support sessions
Community events

Please click on the below link to view the workshops and programs that are being offered this school term for 2023.

https://www.midvalehub.org.au/copy-of-midvale-hub-parenting-servi

Swan Valley Kids Adventure Club

The Swan Valley Kids Adventure Club is an after-school program available for children in school years 4 - 6 providing them an opportunity to participate in our awesome outdoor activities during the school term.

Each week, they will participate in different activities that aim to help them overcome fear, develop cognitive skills, enhance teamwork, form new friendships and push them out of their comfort zone!

Activities included in the program are Archery, Flying Fox, Commando Course, and much more!

At the beginning of the program, your child will receive their very own adventurer passport to earn stamps each week.

An action-packed adventure in Term 2!

Plan ahead and book now to avoid disappointment.

Monday Program Excluding Public Holidays

Week 1: Monday May 1st

Week 2: Monday May 8th

Week 3: Monday May 15th

Week 4: Monday May 22nd

Week 5: Monday May 29th

Week 6 (Public Holiday): No Activity

Week 7: Monday June 12th

Week 8: Monday June 19th

Week 9: Monday June 26th

For more information click the link below:

https://www.swanvalleyadventurecentre.org/school-holidays/kids-adventure-club-2-2 .

Accessibility

Newsletter

St Brigid's Primary School

Newsletter

St Brigid's Primary School

Term One Week Eight- March 22th 2023

PRAYER

TERM DATES FOR 2023

Principal - Paula MacKenzie

P & F Meeting

Monday, March 27th, 3:30-4:30pm

20 Toodyay Road

Middle Swan, WA

Assistant Principal - Alan Morrison

Assistant Principal - Tony Corbett

A Message From The Canteen Manager:

SCHOOL CANTEEN

UNIFORM SHOP

WINTER UNIFORM

Before & After School Care

COMMUNITY NEWS

Swan Valley Kids Adventure Club

St Brigid's Primary School