Newsletter
St Brigid's Primary School
PRAYER
Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.
Be the living expression of God's kindness:
kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes,
kindness in your smile. - Mother Teresa
Term One Week Six - March 11th
Principal - Paula MacKenzie
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
It has been a very interesting few weeks at school and in our community. I am aware that parents are concerned with the impact COVID is having in our state as well as our community. I would like to thank our community for the way they have embraced the changes that are seen daily. The support has been inspiring and it is wonderful the way our community is keeping us informed. During a day we have spoken with many families and been updated on their progress your patience and willingness to share information has been outstanding. We have seen our Year Two class begin remote learning this week and we thank you for diligence in following this through. We want to ensure the safety and well being of our students and as we work together. When we handed out the school packages for remote learning to families it was wonderful to see the family names, we had given to families displayed in the car windows, it made this process so much faster and safer for all.
Our staff are just awesome, when we needed to begin remote learning, they had the packages ready within two hours. There is so much work behind the scenes to ensure everything is ready for any scenario.
As a school we are taking every precaution to ensure your children remain safe. I am aware that a number of parents have concerns about sending their child to school and I appreciate their concerns but please know as a school we are following all the guidelines. We have copious amounts of disinfectant, hand sanitiser and gloves. After lessons table and chairs are wiped down. The playground equipment is cleaned throughout the week. Children are to play with only same year level children in specified areas during the week. This week we have seen the recorder lessons ceased due to the need to remove a mask to play the instrument.
Year Two Furniture Arrives
We have been patiently waiting for the Year two furniture to arrive and at last we can share the news that it has arrived. As a School Advisory Council, we have been working over the last four years to improved classrooms and areas around our school. We began the project of remodelling classrooms one year level at a time. This year we were remodeling Year Two, we began in January with the new flooring, new blinds, lights and wet area the only hold up has been our furniture that was ordered last October, it is with great delight that it has finally arrived. I know our year two children and staff will be excited to see the changes.
Roof Renovations
Last year we reviewed our rooves, and it was found that they are in need of repair. So, the School Advisory Council undertook to have them stripped and then undercoat and repaint each of the rooves in our school to ensure they continue to be the best they can be. The change of colour will also help the rooms remain cooler during our hot months of the year. Eric Hood PYT LTD is the company we use, and they have been just amazing in completing the work around the school while not disturbing our classes.
Outdoor Tables
As part of the School Advisory Council improvement plan, we have seen new outdoor tables and stools for our Pre-Primary and Kindergarten students. This will enable the children to sit comfortably to eat recess and lunch as well as to complete outdoor activities. This is part of our National Quality Standards and ensuring the best facilities for our students.
Pre-Primary/Year One Outdoor Space
Everyone would be aware that we have extended the year one classrooms as well as remodelling the outdoor area for our Pre-Primary classes. It is with great pleasure that the School Advisory Council can share the news that the renovations are now complete, and the children are able to use this outdoor space. The space itself is very engaging and our students are very excited to finally be able to play on all the equipment.
Effective Discipline
Discipline means to teach. Effective discipline helps children learn how to get on with others so they can become socially integrated, personally fulfilled members of our community. Discipline involves teaching children sound reasons for acceptable behaviour so they learn to respect another’s rights, while maintaining their self-respect, self-worth and happiness. Discipline therefore is not about punishment. It comes through love, attention, reward and encouragement. Effective discipline helps a child learn self-control, how to deal with BIG feelings, to express emotions appropriately and to learn to take responsibility for emotions.
Many parents recognise that strategies used when we were young are no longer appropriate. We need to learn different skills which reflect the needs of our children and the society they are growing into. Research has provided us with a greater understanding of effective parenting practices, and legislation now supports families finding non-punitive ways of guiding a child’s behaviour. One large study revealed that the more parents spanked their children for antisocial behaviour, the more the antisocial behaviour increased. The more children are hit, the more they are likely to hit others, including peers, siblings, and as adults, they are more likely to hit their spouses.
The effectiveness of discipline comes through a child experiencing copious quantities of love. Children need to know they are an absolutely necessary part of their family, no matter what. From this basis parents can guide their child through setting limits and carry out consequences, while ensuring their child’s sense of self is intact.
God Bless
Children Unwell
We are seeing an increase in children coming to school feeling unwell or becoming unwell when at school. Please ensure if your child is not feeling well to keep them home so that we can stop the spread of bugs being transmitted to others.
Our staff will notify you as soon as they come to the office. When notified could you please collect as soon as possible as it can be difficult for children with upset stomachs. I appreciate it is not always easy to keep children home when you are working, but we are seeing an increase of gastro within the school, and it spreads very quickly. I thank you for your assistance in this matter.
God Bless
Paula MacKenzie
Principal
TERM DATES FOR 2022
TERM ONE
Monday 31 January – Friday 8 April
Pupil Free Days - 8th March & 8th April
TERM TWO
Tuesday 26 April – Friday 1 July
Pupil Free Days – 5th & 6th May
TERM THREE
Tuesday 19 July – Friday 23 September
Pupil Free Days - 18th July & 12th August
TERM FOUR
Monday 10 October – Friday 9th December
Assistant Principal - Tony Corbett
Dear parents
Please be mindful that dropping off students at 7:45am leaves them at the from gate unsupervised for 45 minutes until gates open. If you are in this situation regularly Help Hands Before/After School Care provide an excellent and safe programme that runs on site here.
https://www.helpinghandsnetwork.com.au/
Warm regards
Tony Corbett
Assistant Principal
Over the next few weeks we celebrate as a Catholic community two special events….
St. Patrick’s Day: March 17th
Feast day of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. He escaped but returned about 432 CE to convert the Irish to Christianity. By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools. Many legends grew up around him—for example, that he drove the snakes out of Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity. Ireland came to celebrate his day with religious services and feasts. Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated on Thursday, March 17, 2022.
The Annunciation of the Lord: March 25th
The feast of the Annunciation of the Lord celebrates Angel Gabriel's appearance to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38) and his announcement that she had been chosen to be the mother of the savior of the world. Also being celebrated during this feast was Mary's fiat, which means "let it be" in Latin—her willing acceptance of the news.
The Annunciation, which means "the announcement," is observed almost universally throughout Christianity, especially within Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, Catholicism, and Lutheranism.
Date of the Feast
March 25 is the date of the feast unless that date falls on a Sunday in Lent.
The date of the feast, which is determined by the date of Christmas, is nine months prior to Christmas. This date was set by the seventh century.
Type of Feast
The Feast of Annunciation is a solemn feast in Catholicism in honor of the Virgin Mary. Common prayers recited include the "The Hail Mary," and "The Angelus." This feast is also called the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Bible Readings
There are several Bible readings or passages that discuss the conception or incarnation of Jesus and the announcement to Mary.
- Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10
- Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11
- Hebrews 10:4-10
- Luke 1:26-38
The announcement in Luke 1:26-38 is the most detailed:
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus.” And Mary said to the angel, “How can this be since I have no husband?” And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God for with God, nothing is impossible.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”
Roman Catholic History of the Annunciation of the Lord
Originally a feast of our Lord, but now celebrated as a Marian feast (in honor of Mary), the feast of the Annunciation dates back at least to the fifth century.
The Annunciation, as much as or even more so than Christmas, represents Christ's incarnation. When Mary signaled to Gabriel her acceptance of God's Will, Christ was conceived in her womb through the power of the Holy Spirit. While most of the fathers of the church say that Mary's fiat was essential to God's plan of salvation, God foresaw Mary's acceptance of his Will from all eternity.
Interesting Fact
The 1970 Beatles song, "Let It Be," has the phrases: "When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me. Speaking words of wisdom: Let it be."
Many Christians interpret these lines to reference the Virgin Mary. In fact, according to Beatles member and songwriter Paul McCartney, the reference is more literal. McCartney's mother's name was Mary. She has succumbed to breast cancer when McCartney was 14. In a dream, his mother had comforted him, which became the inspiration for the song.
The Fathering Project
The Fathering Project
Today, more and more dads like you are experiencing the satisfaction and reward of taking a more active role in the life of your child. Read and discover how these 10 simple ideas can help (or remind) you to start today on a new path—one that will impact your relationships...and your child's future.
1) Respect Your Children's Mother
2) Spend Time With Your Children
3) Listen First, Talk Second
4) Discipline With Love
5) Be A Role Model
6) Be A Teacher
7) Eat Together As A Family
8) Read To Your Children
9) Show Affection
10) Realize A Father's Job Is Never Done
Tony Corbett
Assistant Principal
St Brigid's Primary School has an Instagram Account
Please follow our brand new Instagram account: Stbrigidsms
To keep up with all happenings around the school.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - ALAN MORRISON
Parent Teacher Meetings
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions all Parent Teacher meetings will now occur via the telephone. These meetings will take place during Week 9 and Week 10. We will be using a new booking system called Parent Teacher Online (PTO). A link and instructions will be sent out via SEQTA during Week 7 to book a time for the classroom teacher to call you for your interview. Please be aware that the scheduled interview times will be 10 minutes only. The classroom teacher will then ring you for the interview. Please be aware that if you miss your time you will need to contact the classroom teacher and try to reschedule for another day and time.
Interim Reports - Update
Interim reports will be sent home Friday 25 March (Week 8). Our new report format has been created in 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.
Family Name Tags
Thank you to all the families who have placed these name tags in your cars. If you have not, can you please do this. Name tags were sent home with the family name on it for all families (sent home with the eldest child) and we ask you to please place these name tags on the left sun visor of your car to assist us with getting your child to your vehicle quickly. If there is a split family condition or grandparents etc collect the child/ren after school, please get the name tags to them.
COVID-19 Update
The Department of Health (WA Health) has provided updated advice in relation to the Asymptomatic close contact protocols for schools and childcare centres.
Students in school or early childhood education and care settings, who are asymptomatic but have been identified as a close contact under the existing definitions will be able to continue attending school or childcare and benefit from face-to-face learning.
The school-based close contact protocols allow asymptomatic students in school or childcare to attend school, childcare, after-school care and other school-based sporting, cultural training or after-school events at the students' school, but self-isolate at all other times until the seven days has passed. This does not include attending other social, cultural or community sporting activities not based at the asymptomatic students' school.
Please Note: These settings do not apply to students who are a household close contact - in this case, students will need to self-isolate for seven (7) days, isolate/quarantine and follow all close contact protocols.
If your child tests positive or is a close contact (under new COVID-19 regulations), please contact the school immediately via email (alan.morrison@cewa.edu.au) or phone 08 6216 3800.
Thank you all most sincerely for your support and understanding, as we work together to ensure the ongoing safety and care of our students in these dynamic and challenging times.
Swimming Lessons Pre-Primary - Year 2
We have been contacted by the Swimming School and have been advised that due to COVID-19, the swimming lessons will again be spread over two weeks, although, each class will only be attending their swimming lessons over one week. Please see swimming schedule below.
Week 7 - Monday 14 March to Friday 18 March
· 12.00pm - Year 2B
· 12.45pm - Year 1A
· 1.30pm - PPA
Week 8 - Monday 21 March to Friday 25 March
· 12.00pm - Year 2A
· 12.45pm - Year 1B
· 1.30pm - PPB
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child's classroom teacher.
General Strategies to Teach Empathy
Empathy is a very important emotional skill. As parents and teachers, it’s our role to teach our children empathy. Although some people have a natural tendency to be more understanding and empathetic toward others, our role is to promote empathy in all children.
Regardless of their natural starting point, children can all improve their ability to put themselves in another person’s shoes. This will help them build better relationships
A person’s level of empathy can tell us a lot about a person’s emotional intelligence. If they are more empathetic, they’re usually more confident. If you can be empathetic, it usually means you feel good enough about yourself to be able to share it with others.
Some things to remember about empathy.
o Empathy develops at a very early age, thorough modelling. Modelling uses a mechanism in the brain called neuro-mirroring. What happens in the brain is that it recreates the action of the person we’re watching, and we therefore feel what they’re feeling. This is how we naturally develop empathy. If what we mirror is too overwhelming, the brain automatically shuts down/minimizes the mirroring to help us cope. Even though all this happens subconsciously, we can help our children develop positive empathy by choosing what to expose them to.
o The science of empathy works with grownups just as well as it works with kids.
o It’s important to remember that it’s impossible to be empathic all the time. At certain times we can emotionally afford to be more empathic than others.
o Empathy sits on a scale. Some people show more empathy, and some people show less. This is natural.
o The best way to teach empathy is to model empathy.
Although some of the empathy we can model is non-verbal, verbal cues can give us a lot of insight into empathy. If you don’t hear your kids using empathic language, it’s simply because they haven’t heard it from the adults in their lives. Use empathic phrases more often if you want to hear them from your kids.
Model empathy.
Any time you want to teach a skill to a child, it’s important to model it yourself. This way, the child understands what empathy looks like, sounds like, and feels like. Plus, it’s easier to teach a skill that you’ve already mastered yourself.
Remember to model empathy even when you’re upset with or giving consequences to your child. This reinforces the idea that empathy can and should be used even when you’re feeling disappointed, hurt, or angry. The more children receive empathy, the more likely they are to offer it to others.
Discuss emotions.
Talk openly about emotions rather than dismissing or burying them. Let’s say your child is scared of the dark. Instead of saying, “There’s nothing to be afraid of,” explore the child’s feelings: “Are you scared of the dark? What scares you about the dark?”
If your child doesn’t like another child, don’t immediately say, “That’s wrong,” but ask why the child feels that way. This can lead to a discussion about the other child’s actions and why the child might be acting that way (e.g., They just moved to a new school and are feeling angry because they miss their old school and their friends).
Never punish a child for feeling sad or angry. Make it clear that all emotions are welcome and learn to manage them in a healthy way through discussion and reflection.
Help out at home, in the community, or globally.
Helping others develop kindness and caring. It can also give children the opportunity to interact with people of diverse backgrounds, ages, and circumstances, making it easier to show empathy for all people.
Read through our list of activities that make a difference at home, in the community, and globally, then pick an activity or two and get started.
Praise empathetic behaviour.
When your child shows empathy for others, praise the behaviour. Focusing on and encouraging empathetic behaviour encourages more of it in the future.
Make the praise specific: “You brought your sister a Band-Aid for her scraped knee so she could feel better. That was so kind and helpful!”
School Uniforms
School Uniforms:
All children in Pre-Primary to Six are required to wear the school uniform as specified below. A note of explanation is required if the correct uniform is not being worn. All items of clothing are to be clearly marked with the student’s full name. At the beginning of the school term students will be advised by their classroom teacher two specified days when year groups have Physical Education and Sports classes. On PE day students are to wear their faction polo and on Sports day students are to wear the blue and white polo. When cold, students may elect to wear the school track suit.
Hair, Grooming and Jewellery:
Hair must be clean, neat and tidy. Students must have their hair styled or restrained so that it does not fall onto the face. Make-up or nail polish is not acceptable at school. These will be removed if worn to school.
Hair for girls should be:
• Clean, neat and tidy.
• Coloured or dyed hair is not permitted.
• Extreme hairstyles are not permitted.
• Girls’ long hair (collar length and longer) should be tied back firmly away from the face.
• Fringe must be short and well above the brows or long enough to be tied back.
• Hair accessories must be plain, non-decorative and only in the following colours – royal blue, white, yellow or black.
• On faction carnival days students may wear ribbons that match the colour of their faction.
Hair for boys should be:
• Clean, neat and tidy
• Boys’ hair is to be short back & sides; hair must be well above the collar, not over the ears and the fringe must be short and well above the eye brows.
NO…..
• Long sweeping fringes
• Mohawks
• Spiky hair to extreme
• Rats Tails
• Coloured or dyed hair
• Number one haircuts
• Razor cuts
We would appreciate your help with ensuring that your child/ren always wear the correct school uniform.
SCHOOL CANTEEN
Please Note: During the Season of Lent the school canteen will not be serving meat products on Fridays.
QUICKCLIQ ORDERS
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
Uniform Order Forms can be emailed to uniform@stbrigidsms.wa.edu.au
or contact Mrs Jo-Anne Vellis during open hours only on
6216 3865.
Winter Uniforms Term 2 and Term 3
WINTER UNIFORM
When students return to school on Tuesday the 26th 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. If you need to place an order please click the below link, 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.
https://stbrigidsms.wa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Uniform-Order-form-2022.pdf
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 at https://www.stbrigidsms.wa.edu.au/uniform-shop
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
Primary School Newsletter Ad Enrolments 2022
Interviews for enrolments for Year 7 2025 students are being conducted this Semester for sisters of current and past Mercedes students. If you have not enrolled your daughter, please contact our Enrolments Officer, Nicole Kirk, on 9323 1340 or enrol online via the College website at www.mercedes.wa.edu.au as soon as possible.
Primary School Newsletter Ad Open Morning 2022
Mercedes College Open Day | Tuesday 15 March
Located in the heart of Perth’s beautiful heritage precinct, Mercedes College are proud to be opening its gates for prospective families. The tour provides an opportunity for parents to hear from the Senior Leadership Team and enjoy a tour of College grounds and facilities led by some of our Student Representative Leaders.
There are two sessions on offer: 8:30am-10.30am or 11am-1pm. Both sessions conclude with some light refreshments and the opportunity to speak with some of our Teachers. Please register via the College website. Limited places available; www.mercedes.wa.edu.au/open-morning/
A note from the School Health Nurse
Welcome to the new school year. My name is Jobina Jose and I am the School Health Nurse who visits your school.
School Health Nurses work in schools to promote healthy development and wellbeing so students may reach their full potential. A major part of my work is focused on early intervention and the School Entry Health Assessment program. Additionally, the nurse can be contacted at any time throughout primary school if you have concerns about your child’s health, development or wellbeing. The assessments that can be done are as following;
· Vision
· Hearing
· Dental
· Growth (including weight, height and Body Mass Index).
The services provided are free and confidential.
If you have a concern about your child’s health, development or wellbeing please contact me on 0404 826 816 or email- jobina.jose@health.wa.gov.au
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