Newsletter
St Brigid's Primary School
PRAYER
I am like an olive tree
Flourishing in the house of God.
I trust in God’s unfailing love
forever and ever.
Psalm 52:8
The Lord gives strength to His people;
The Lord blesses His people with peace.
Term One Week Ten - April 5th
Principal - Paula MacKenzie
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
When I look at this olive tree it reminds me of our sacred space at school. I noticed as I walked with Mr Sibbald that our olive trees are producing fruit. This is amazing as our trees are only young, but they are growing strong because they are in good soil and are cared for. Rather like our students I see each week they are progressing and growing strong. It has been a challenging term, but we have come through the term strong and capable. I thank our whole school community for the way they have banded together and taken all the changes that have occurred this term. Congratulations everyone and enjoy a well-earned break.
Easter Explained
To explain Easter to our children can be difficult depending on their age as it involves death and dying. As adults, we understand that Easter Sunday is the day when Christ rose from the dead allowing Christians to have eternal life. Christ conquered his death on the cross and rose from the dead; this is a joyous celebration.
Palm Sunday is the beginning of the Easter Holy Week. Our story begins Jesus, and his disciples rode into Jerusalem, in a parade-like fashion, with the crowds chanting and waving palm branches. Jesus was coming into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, a Jewish tradition, with his friends. We also have to tell the children that Jesus knew he was going to have to die soon in order to save the world.
We then move on to tell the story about the Last Supper, which we know as Holy Thursday. And, by the way, if you've never taken your children to a Holy Thursday service before, this is a good year to start as they will be able to witness Father Jess washing the feet just as Jesus did. We need to explain a couple of things about the Last Supper: Jesus told the disciples that he was going to die and be resurrected. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples to show that he was no better than them. That they were all friends and that the greatest love is when one gives his life for his friends.
Jesus told them that he will be betrayed. Someone was going to give him over to the officials.
Jesus did not want them to be sad or to worry because this is what had to happen.
After the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples went out to the Garden of Gethsemane. This is the place where Jesus prayed to God to take away the cross if there was any other way to save the world. But Jesus also trusted God and prayed that he would do his father's will. It is here, at the garden that Judas, the betrayer, handed Jesus over to the officials.
On the next day, Good Friday, Jesus stood trial and the people who had cheered for him at the beginning of the week, on Palm Sunday, now wanted him to be crucified. Because the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, did not want to upset the Jewish people, he allowed Jesus to be sentenced to death.
At this point, remind the children about the Stations of the Cross. Remind them that the Stations of the Cross tell the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. If you are in church when you are explaining this, take them around to the stations so they can see the struggles Jesus went through on his way to the cross. Jesus fell three times on the way; that a man named Simon was made to help Jesus carry the cross.
The children need to understand that even though Jesus had been beaten and suffered, that he knew he would be alive again in 3 days. He promised it to the disciples and to others who heard his message.
While Jesus hung on the cross, there were people who made fun of him and did not believe that he was the Son of God. Remind the children that his mother, Mary, was there, and so was Mary Magdalene, and John. Jesus asked John to look after his mother. Then, after only 3 hours, Jesus died. To make sure Jesus was dead, a Roman soldier pierced the side of Jesus, leaving a wound.
After death, Jesus' body was taken down from the cross and put in a tomb. Remember to tell them that a tomb is like a cave with stone as a door. Since Jesus was poor, he was put in the tomb owned by a rich man named Joseph of Arimathea.
That is the end of Good Friday. Be sure to take your children to the Good Friday service. You can also tell the children that because Jesus was such an important person, there were Roman guards at the tomb to make sure no one bothered Jesus' body.
On the next day, Holy Saturday, the church is still in mourning at the death of Jesus. It is kind of a sad time, just like when someone we love has died. Take them to the Easter Vigil and let them see the church prepare for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.
Then, on Easter morning, it is time for celebration. Tell the children what happened when the women went to the tomb that morning. The women had gone to the tomb to finish preparing Jesus' body for death, as was the Jewish custom. Tell them about how they found the tomb empty because Jesus had risen. They were sad at first, but when Jesus appeared to them, they were happy and ran back to tell the disciples that Jesus was alive.
We have to tie this all together so that the children can see how the events of the week played out.
The week started well with Palm Sunday, and went really badly with the trial, suffering, and death on the cross, but then we are happy because Jesus is alive.
All through the year we talk to the children about how Jesus is alive. This is the time in the church calendar to ensure the children know and understand how we know this and why we know this.
Always remember to keep your explanation of things on age-appropriate terms. Children are smart, but we need to balance the need to give them information with the amount of information we give them.
And this isn't a onetime thing.
Each year make sure that you take the time to tell them the Easter story. It is essential to their catechetical formation and understanding of the most important time in the church calendar.
P & F Meeting
Now that some of the restrictions with COVID have lifted we will be able to resume our P & F meetings on site. Therefore, I would like to invite any parents in our community to come and participate in our first P & F meeting for 2022. Every parent or caregiver is welcome to come to the meeting we discuss events we would like to hold as well as support for all members in our community. I like to see the P & F as friend raisers and fund raisers. So please join us on Friday 29th April in the MacKillop Hall at 9.00am. We look forward to seeing you there.
Painting Program
Presently we have Eric Hood Painters in the school painting our roofs This process has been happening for the term and they have been amazing. The workers are hard at work trying to complete the painting before Term Two begins. It has been amazing to watch them work you would not know they are in the school. I think the repairs that have been done as well as the painting has rejuvenated our roof system throughout the school. They are the most polite group of workers that are seen and not heard, thank you so much.
Reconciliation Retreat
On Tuesday our year three students participated in the Reconciliation Retreat, every child was actively engaged in the activities which was wonderful to see. The retreat is an important part of the Sacrament as it helps the children to gain a clearer vision of what the sacrament truly means. The 24:7 Youth Ministry as always are energetic, and fun filled, and they share their faith so well with our students.
Colette Wayne
Colette Wayne has been an integral part of our school community for many years. She has been a teacher, Coordinator of professional learning and Assistant Principal and was to be our Year 1A teacher for Friday’s teaching alongside Mrs Willis. Colette has always been a passionate teacher and a very caring individual. Her gentle nature and loving spirit will be sorely missed at our school. Colette after a distinguished career has decided to retire and I know as a community we thank her and wish her all the best.
Chloe Candeloro 1A
We would like to officially welcome Miss Chloe Candeloro to the Year 1A team. Chloe joined us earlier in the term when Mrs Colette Wayne was on leave due to medical advice. Chloe is excited to be part of our school and I know as a community we will make her part of our school in no time.
Alan Morrison
Our Assistant Principal Alan Morrison is currently on Long Service Leave. Alan was awarded a scholarship to learn to fly. So presently he is learning to fly in NSW. He has taken to the skies and is loving every minute. On the website you may like to look at a video that Alan sent us as he is flying. Way to go Mr Morrison! Check out our Instagram account for some videos of Mr Morrison flying in NSW.
Sienna Robinson
Sienna Robinson has been a keen dancer for many years it is her passion, and she has practiced hard over the years to achieve in her chosen profession.
Sienna Robinson has been successfully casted in the upcoming production performed by the Perth Youth Ballet. Sienna will rehearse for the production from April to August with 2 show nights showing on the 26/27 August 2022. This is a fantastic opportunity for Sienna, and she looks forward to sharing her passion on stage with her family and friends. Congratulations Sienna on a well-deserved accomplishment.
Paula MacKenzie
Principal
Swimming Carnival
What an awesome carnival was had last Friday under very trying conditions due to COIVD restrictions. As always Mr Sam Harris held and incredible carnival and ensured that our children were able to compete on the day. It was strange only seeing two year levels at a time but it was wonderful to watch the children trying their best. While we were not able to have all children competing on the day those that were able to be there represented our school well. Mr Harris is an outstanding organiser and makes sure that every child that wishes can compete. Thank you also to our amazing parent helpers on the day we are always grateful for your support and assistance.
Parent Interviews
It was wonderful to see so many parents take up the opportunity to speak with their child’s teachers during the last two weeks. The interim reports came out in week 8 and the interviews were organised for the last two weeks of term. It was a wonderful opportunity for parents to talk and find out how their child is progressing in class this year. A big thank you to our amazing staff for compiling all the information and being able to change to phone interviews to impart the information and keep you informed.
Pupil Free Day Friday 8th April
Staff will be engaging in Math’s PD on Friday as it is important to keep up to date with mathematical learning for the Primary years. We are pleased that Dr Paul Swan was able to facilitate the day and the learning that takes place is invaluable.
ANZAC ceremony on Tuesday 26th April
We will be holding our ANZAC Ceremony on Tuesday 26th April at 11.20am it will be via teams; children will participate in their classrooms. The ANZAC ceremony will also be on the school website for parents to view.
Positive Parenting
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/she is someone today.”
Stacia Tauscher
May you all have a blessed and safe Easter and return safely to school on Tuesday 26th April.
Paula MacKenzie
Principal
Assistant Principal - Alan Morrison
COVID Self Reporting
During the holidays we are still monitoring COVID cases within our school. We ask parents to please continue self-reporting on our website. When you go to the front page of the website you will see COVID Information click on this link, and you will be taken to self-reporting Portal for COVID – 19 please click on this link and fill out information on you child. We thank you for continuing to support our community.
COIVD Restrictions will ease in Term Two
Beginning in Term Two parents may once again bring their children into the school and drop them off to their classroom door. We please advise all parents that at no time may you enter the classroom there are still some restrictions in place and masks MUST be worn on school grounds at all times.
- P & F meetings may be held on school grounds, face to face with the wearing of masks. Our first P & F meeting is Friday 29th April at 9.00am.
- Parent meetings may now be face to face with the wearing of masks and social distancing.
- Parents may volunteer in the canteen and uniform shop but once again masks must be worn.
- Year level assemblies may now take place with masks worn and social distancing.
- In school Special events can resume.
- Parents can spectate at indoor and outdoor sporting events.
- Parents can visit the uniform shop but only one family at a time, we still encourage parents to fill out online orders rather than queuing out the front of the uniform shop.
- Parents may enter the front office but only one family at a time, we still encourage parents to send emails to admin@stbrigidsms.wa.edu.au or call 08 6216 3800 rather than queuing out the front of the front office.
- Parents can visit the canteen but only one family at a time, we still encourage parents to fill out online orders rather than queuing out the front of the canteen.
We will keep you updated if any other changes or lessening of restrictions come into practice.
Winter Uniform Next Term
With a new term comes a change of uniform from our summer uniform to our winter uniform. A reminder that our Year Pre-Primary to Year Two students will continue to wear their sports uniform (Blue Polo) and track suit.
Year Three to Six will wear their full winter school uniform. The tie is a part of the school uniform and must be worn to ensure children are wearing the correct uniform. We will continue wearing leather black lace up shoes as part of our uniform not black joggers. Also, the school jumper is part of our school uniform not the sports jacket this is to be worn only with the sports uniform.
It may also be time to look at hair styles, we are noticing a few longer styles and long fringes.
- Could we please ask that boys hair is short back and sides.
- Please check that the children do not have mullets or extreme hair styles.
We thank you for your support in this area.
Assistant Principal - Tony Corbett
What Is the Meaning of Easter and Why Do We Celebrate it?
Easter is coming up a lot faster than most of us have anticipated. For many of us, we may think about Easter bunnies and colourful eggs that cover our front yards. But what is the meaning of Easter from the Bible, and why do Catholics celebrate this holiday?
More than 2,000 years ago, on Resurrection Sunday, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ overcame the grave. He lived a perfect and blameless life and paid the penalty for our sins by dying for them on the cross.
But the story doesn’t end there. Christ overcomes death. Because of his victory over the grave, we have the opportunity to experience eternal life with him if we come into a saving relationship with him.
What Is the Meaning of Easter?
So what is Easter? And why do Catholics place such a high importance on this holiday? Susan E. Richardson gives us a great summary in her article on Crosswalk.
“Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb on the third day after his crucifixion. Easter is the fulfilled prophecy of the Messiah who would be persecuted, die for our sins, and rise on the third day (Isaiah 53). Remembering the resurrection of Jesus is a way to renew daily hope that we have victory over sin. According to the New Testament, Easter is three days after the death of Jesus on the cross. Easter follows a period of fasting called Lent, in which many churches set aside time for repentance and remembrance. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Good Friday, the day of Jesus' crucifixion. The 40 day period was established by Pope Gregory 1 using the 40-day pattern of Israel, Moses, Elijah and Jesus' time in the wilderness.” —Susan E. Richardson
“Dear Lord, I want to let Your Truth sink deep down into my heart and soul today. Help me stay focused on You. And I pray for the many who will understand for the first time this Easter Sunday that You are risen. Wash over every soul with fresh hope and overwhelming joy. Bring new life as only You can. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” —Lysa Terkeurst
Extract from www.biblestudytools.com
Holiday Tips for Dads and Kids
The Easter holidays can make wonderful experiences and memories for dads and kids. They can also be stressful, and whip by incredibly fast. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for making the most of your holiday.
- Presence always trumps presents. More than any transient toy or other physical object, your kids crave your time and attention, so let them bask in your presence.
- Give them a “Time Machine.” Instead of the latest electronic gadget, give your child time (and be sure to keep the commitments you make). Here are a few examples:
a. A simple trip together
b. A commitment to spend one hour of one-on-one with her, once a week, all year
c. Make homemade decorations together
d. Build a project together
e. Bake holiday cookies and regale them with stories from your childhood holidays
f. Learn some new things which make you a better dad for them like learning to coach a new skill.
g. Pick one day between now and the holidays to just watch him non-judgmentally all day. Just be aware of how unique and special he is. At the end of the day write down everything you love about him and then go share the list with him as a holiday gift. - Redefine interactive. Nowadays, interactive seems to mean a toy or machine that “interacts” with us people. Remember that what really builds families is interaction between people and other people! Make room for a feast of personal interactivity this season–like a neighbourhood football romp to exercise away those extra calories and catch up with the neighbours!
- Consider “One In, One Out.” To relish the giving nature of the holidays, some families use a simple and powerful tradition: For every present a family member receives, she or he donates one of their previous possessions to charity. It’s a concrete way to live the Golden Rule—and cuts down on clutter, too!
- Make your own presents. Regardless of age, almost any kid can work with his stepdad or dad to make gifts—from homemade crafts to certificates for services to be rendered.
- Wrap recycled. Use “pre-owned” wrapping paper, newspapers, old maps, and other paper products to wrap your presents. It’s a perfect way to personalize a present, while cutting down on waste (and saving money).
- Remember that simple is “in.” A majority of families are getting a bit sick of all the holiday hype. So, you’re not alone when you simplify and focus first on the true holiday spirit!
- Give to others. Help your child or stepchild decide on a set amount of money they will give to charitable causes this year. If they are too young to earn their own money, give him/her some to donate.
- Remember ritual. Repetition of meaningful rituals is an important part of building holiday traditions and instilling positive holiday memories for a lifetime. Rituals can include attending religious worship services, having special friends and family for a traditional meal, reading a favourite story every year, making a special holiday morning breakfast, or anything else that draws you closer to each other. Take pictures to help remember—and be sure that YOU are in some of them!
- Nurture the holiday spirit all year. The holidays remind us what special people we have for children, family members, and friends. Try to remember and cherish that special feeling every day. We only get one crack at being our children’s dad while they still are children. So let’s make the most of it!
Taken from www.fathers.com
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.
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
SCHOOL CANTEEN
Please Note: During the Season of Lent the school canteen will not be serving meat products on Fridays.
MUSIC NEWS
Entries are now open for the Performing Arts Festival for Catholic Schools and Colleges.
If you are interested in entering your child in the Music Festival, please send an email to the Performing Arts Coordinator nicole.boddy@cewa.edu.au as entries are now all submitted online.
Please note the closing date for entries for both live and electronic performances will be Sunday 8th May.
Kind Regards,
Nicole Boddy
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://stbrigidsms.wa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Uniform-Guideline-Booklet-2022.pdf
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/
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