
Newsletter
St Brigid's Primary School Middle Swan
Term Four Week 6 -November 16 2023
TERM DATES FOR 2023
Important Dates
- Friday 17 Nov - PUPIL FREE DAY
- Monday 20 Nov - La Salle Transition Day
- Wednesday 22 Nov - Annual General Meeti
- Friday 24 Nov - Merit Certificate Assembly (2.00pm)
- Wednesday 29 Nov - 2024 Student Transition Day (9.00am-10.50am)
- Friday 1 Dec - School Christmas Concert
- Monday 4 Dec - School Reports - SEQTA
- Tuesday 5 Dec - Year 6 Graduation & Liturgy
- Wednesday 6 Dec - Whole School Thanksgiving Mass (9.30am MacKillop Hall)
- Thursday 7 Dec - Year 6 Excursion (Outback Splash)
- Friday 8 Dec - PP Nativity Assembly (9.15am MacKillop Hall)
- Friday 8 Dec - End Term 4 for all Students
2024
- Wednesday 24 Jan - Pre-Kindy 2024 Orientation (9.00am)
- Wednesday 24 Jan - Kindergarten 2024 Orientation (10.00am)
- Wednesday 31 Jan - Term 1, 2024 Commences for all Students
Please note: Dates are subject to change, please also refer to the Term Planner on our Website.
Dear Divine Creator,
In this sacred moment, we come together with grateful hearts to acknowledge and celebrate the beautiful tapestry of diversity that you have woven into the fabric of our world. We recognize that each thread is unique, with its own colour, texture, and purpose.
We thank you for the rich variety of cultures, languages, and traditions that enrich our human experience. May we embrace the differences that make us unique and learn from one another with open hearts and minds.
Grant us the wisdom to appreciate the beauty in our diversity and the strength to build bridges of understanding across the divides that may separate us. Help us to see the common humanity that unites us all and to celebrate the ways in which we complement one another.
Bless us with compassion and empathy, that we may truly understand the struggles and joys of our fellow human beings. Guide us to work together for the greater good, recognizing that our collective strength is found in our unity amidst our diversity.
May love be the force that binds us together, transcending all boundaries and fostering an environment of acceptance and respect. Let us be instruments of peace, sowing seeds of harmony and understanding wherever we go.
In your name, O Lord, we offer this prayer for the celebration of diversity.
Amen.
Paula Mackenzie - Principal
Dear parents and Caregivers,
In our school, the commitment to eradicating racist comments is not just a matter of policy but an embodiment of our core values. We take pride in being a multicultural school where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated. The richness of our community lies in the myriad backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives that our students bring with them. By stamping out racist comments, we uphold the principles of inclusivity and respect that define our institution.
Our school serves as a microcosm of the world, preparing students to navigate a globalised society. Teaching them to embrace diversity and reject racism is an essential aspect of their education, as it equips them with the skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world. By eliminating racist comments, we foster an environment where every student feels valued and appreciated, regardless of their cultural or ethnic background.
Furthermore, addressing and eliminating racism aligns with our mission to create responsible and compassionate citizens. It reinforces the idea that everyone deserves equal opportunities and treatment. In doing so, we contribute to shaping individuals who will go on to be leaders and contributors to a world that values unity over division. Stamp out racist comments, and we actively cultivate an atmosphere where all are welcome, fostering a school community that stands as a beacon of diversity, understanding, and acceptance.
Troy Kingma
It is wonderful when we here about the achievements of our students. We would like to congratulate Troy Kingma and his amazing achievements in his triathlon prowess.
On Thursday 2nd November Troy competed in the high school triathlon for school sports WA. He placed 27th out of 62 students all aged 12 and 13.
Then on Friday 3rd November Troy represented the school in the primary school championship. He raced in the Aquathlon event. Troy received a bronze medal, only 12 seconds off the gold medal.
Christmas Concert
The school Christmas concert is a joyous and eagerly anticipated event that marks the festive spirit within the educational community. As December approaches, students and teachers alike come together to showcase their talents and spread holiday cheer. Students, adorned in festive attire, take centre stage, demonstrating their musical prowess, acting skills, and collaborative spirit. The event not only provides a platform for artistic expression but also fosters a sense of unity and celebration. Parents, teachers, and fellow students gather to witness the magic of the season unfold through the creative endeavours of the school community. The Christmas concert serves as a memorable occasion, bringing people together to celebrate the warmth of the holidays and the spirit of togetherness that defines the school environment during this special time of year.
Our school concert is held on Friday 1st December. This year our format is a little different. The gates of the school will open at 4.00pm families are welcome to come and sit on the grass. There will be a band playing to entertain families and food vans and ice cream trucks available for families to purchase goods. At 5.30 the band will finish their set and food trucks at 5.45pm will end. The children will be called at 5.45pm to meet with their teachers in their classrooms so we are ready to begin at 6.00pm. Kindy and Pre-primary children will be collected by parents after their performance in the hall. All other classes will stay with their teachers until the end of the concert and will then be collected by parents and parents will sign them out. We hope that all our families can celebrate this wonderful event with us.
Transition day Wednesday 29th November 8.45 – 10-50
Allowing students to have dedicated time for transitioning to new classrooms and meeting teachers for the following year serves several important purposes:
- Familiarisation with New Environment: Transition days provide students with an opportunity to become familiar with their new classrooms, school layout, and surroundings. This helps alleviate anxiety and allows them to feel more comfortable in their new learning environment.
- Meeting Teachers: Meeting the teachers for the following year allows students to establish an initial connection with their educators. This can be particularly beneficial for easing concerns, building rapport, and getting to know the expectations for the upcoming academic year.
- Introduction to Classmates: Transition days often involve activities or icebreakers that enable students to meet their new classmates. Building these initial social connections can contribute to a positive and supportive classroom environment.
- Clarifying Expectations: Teachers can use this time to outline expectations, discuss classroom rules, and introduce the curriculum for the upcoming year. This clarity can help students feel more prepared and understand what is expected of them.
- Addressing Concerns: Some students may have specific concerns or questions about the transition to a new grade or classroom. Providing a designated time for such discussions allows teachers to address these concerns and offer support, helping to alleviate any apprehensions.
- Smooth Transition Process: Transition days contribute to a smoother overall transition process. By breaking down the shift into manageable steps, students are more likely to adapt quickly to the changes, reducing stress and potential disruptions to the learning process.
- Establishing a Positive Tone: Starting the school year with a positive and supportive introduction helps set the tone for the entire academic year. It creates a welcoming atmosphere and encourages a positive attitude toward learning.
- Promoting a Sense of Belonging: Meeting teachers and classmates early on helps students feel a sense of belonging within the school community. This sense of connection is crucial for their social and emotional well-being.
- Early Identification of Needs: Teachers may use transition days to observe students and identify any specific needs or learning styles. This early awareness allows educators to plan and adapt their teaching strategies to better meet the diverse needs of their students.
In essence, dedicating time for students to transition to new classrooms and meet teachers for the following year is a proactive and holistic approach to support their social, emotional, and academic well-being as they navigate changes in their educational journey.
We ask that parents do not stay for transition allow your children to come home and share with you all their news about next year. We hold this every year so that children are the first to know who their teacher is and who is in their class.
Annual Community Meeting
Our ACM will be held on Wednesday 22nd November at 3.30pm in the school hall. We have the library open for school children to attend if parents would like to join us in the hall. There will be drinks and nibbles available to staff and parents and caregivers.
This important event is an opportunity for us to come together as a school community and discuss key matters concerning your child's education and the school's future. During the ACM, we will review the school's financial performance, educational initiatives, and other relevant updates. Your participation and input are highly valued, as your insights and suggestions play a pivotal role in shaping our school's policies and direction. We encourage all parents to attend this meeting, as your presence and engagement contribute to the success of our educational institution. We look forward to seeing you at the ACM and working together to ensure the best educational experience for your child.
We have received two nominations for 2024 and would like to thank these wonderful proactive parents, nominations are still open.
You will find the minutes to the ACM 2022 on the website, please feel free to read the minutes before the ACM on Wednesday the 22nd November.
School Advisory Council
Our School Advisory Council help with the financial running of our school. We meet each term and lead our school throughout the year. Our meetings only last for one hour and in that time, we are able to deal with all aspects of our school. We are looking for committed individuals who would like to assist in the running of our school and have skills that would be beneficial to the Board. If you are interested please come and see me or fill in an application form.
Honesty
Fostering honesty in children is a shared responsibility that begins at home and extends into the school environment. At home, parents play a crucial role in shaping a child's moral compass. Open communication, based on trust and respect, creates an environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves truthfully. Parents should model honesty in their own actions and conversations, demonstrating the value of integrity in daily life. Encouraging discussions about the consequences of dishonesty helps children understand the importance of truthfulness.
In the school setting, educators contribute significantly to the development of honesty in students. Classroom environments that promote open dialogue and cultivate a sense of trust between teachers and students create a foundation for honesty. Teachers can integrate discussions on moral values into the curriculum, engaging students in activities that highlight the benefits of honesty and the potential harm caused by dishonesty. Reinforcing positive behaviour and providing constructive feedback further encourages children to make choices based on integrity.
Both home and school should collaborate to establish consistent expectations for honesty, reinforcing the idea that honesty is a core value upheld in all aspects of life. By creating an atmosphere that values truthfulness, children can internalise the importance of honesty, laying the groundwork for responsible and ethical behaviour throughout their lives.
May God bless you all
Paula Mackenzie
Principal
Alan Morrison - Assistant Principal
SCHOOL BULK ORDER 2024 - UPDATE
St Brigid’s will now be purchasing all the class stationary items (only) on the booklist as a school bulk order through Campion for the 2024 school year, as per 2023. The cost of the bulk order for the stationary items and subscriptions (online subscriptions) will be added to the school fees for 2024. I apologise for any confusion as we were waiting for confirmation from CEWA to complete this process. Parents will still be required to supply the ‘Parents to Supply’ items.
2024 ENROLMENTS
If you know that your child will not be returning to St Brigid's for the 2024 academic school year, please notify the office ASAP. We do have a waiting list on all year levels and we do not want to disappoint future applicants. If your child/ren will not be returning in 2024, please email the office on enrolments@stbrigidsms.wa.edu.au
SEQTA
End of semester reports will be sent out during Week 9 of Term 4. These reports will be accessible through the Parent Engage App of SEQTA. Please make sure that you can log on and access this. If you require assistance, please contact steve.duncan@cewa.edu.au
Miranda Rowe (Peters) - Assistant Principal
Thanksgiving Mass
We would love for you to join us for our final Thanksgiving Mass on Wednesday the 6th of December from 9.00am. The morning will begin with a Year 6 Slideshow Presentation followed by an acknowledgement of our Year 6 Award Winners from the evening before. The Thanksgiving Mass will then start at 9.30am and the announcement of our 2024 Students Leaders will take place before recess. A very special morning for us to celebrate the school year.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Collection 2023
The St Vincent de Paul Society has achieved many milestones for decades, your contribution no matter how big or small will make a huge difference to someone's life. This month we will be taking donations of food and gifts to be donated to the St Vincent de Paul Midland. Please keep an eye out for email correspondence over the next few weeks and all classes now have a basket designated for the collection of goods.
I would like to extend a special thank you to Mrs Jo-Anne Vellis for the work and effort she puts into this collection each year. She is the driving force behind the collection, and we appreciate her efforts. Let’s keep filling up those baskets St Brigid’s, we appreciate every donation!
Take it one step further and make a donation here https://donate.vinnies.org.au/christmas-kindness
REA Religious Education Assessment (previously Bishops Religious Literacy Assessment)
The Religious Education Assessment is a system-wide, standardised assessment for students enrolled in Catholic schools across Western Australia. The assessment is developed by the Religious Education and Faith Formation Team within the CEWA Office. The assessment is administered online to our Year 3 and Year 5 students in early Term 3 and the purpose of the REA is to measure student learning of the content in the Religious Education curriculum. Students’ knowledge and understanding of the content is assessed using a combination of multiple-choice and short and extended test items categorised according to four content areas; Jesus, Bible, Sacraments and Prayer and Church. The results from the 2023 Assessment have been released to all participants via SEQTA. Please contact the school if you haven’t been able to access your child’s results.
P & F
Next Meeting Date:
Monday 4th of December at 3:30pm in the Library
SCHOOL CANTEEN
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
GREAT NEWS! You can now order multiple lunches for your children through the QuickCliq account.
If you have placed an online order through QuickCliq and your child is unwell or the canteen is closed, you MUST cancel your order before the cut off time of 9.00am by going online and following these instructions:
Log into your QuickCliq account -> click Active/Cancel order -> Scroll to the right -> click Cancel against the order.
UNIFORM SHOP
Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Monday 8.00am till 10.00am
Wednesday 1.30pm till 3.30pm
**PLEASE NOTE - THE UNIFORM SHOP WILL BE CLOSED DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS**
ONLINE UNIFORM ORDER FORM
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.
Before & After School Care
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!
COMMUNITY NEWS
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
WAAPA Summer School 2024
Join us at WAAPA in January 2024 for a fun filled time, you’ll make new friends, learn new skills and best of all - do lots of performing! This summer WAAPA is offering a range of performing arts courses as part of our school holiday program for secondary school students. Classes for young people from Year 7 to 12 in Acting, Improvisation, Dance, Acting for Camera, Jazz and Music Theatre means there is something for everyone with a passion for the arts. This year we have a course especially designed for students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds. Our wonderful staff cater for all abilities and experience levels. For information about the many courses on offer please visit Summer School 2024 or contact Gabrielle Metcalf at explore.waapa@ecu.edu.au or 9370 6775.
St Brigid's Primary School
Service, Courage, Peace, Acceptance
Email: admin@stbrigidsms.wa.edu.au
Website: www.stbrigidsms.wa.edu.au/
Location: 20 Toodyay Road, Middle Swan WA, Australia
Phone: 92501592
Facebook: facebook.com/stbrigidsms
Twitter: @stbrigidsms