Newsletter
St Brigid's Primary School
PRAYER
Term Two Week Four - May 18th
Principal - Paula MacKenzie
Dear parents and Caregivers,
National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how Australians can all play a part in the healing process for the people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.
To apologize without reservation. That can be a tough thing to do, whether as an individual or as a larger group. An apology can go a long way towards healing, or at least beginning to. Thinking about the concept of reconciliation in your life and applying it can be a humbling and important experience.
Next week we will be discussing National Sorry Day with our students on 26th May. Children may want to speak with you so here are a few tips to assist. Tips for tricky conversations
Children like to ask questions, and as a parent, it often falls to you to answer the tricky ones. Explaining the Stolen Generations definitely falls into that category. Child psychologist Dr. Phyllis offers her advice for dealing with difficult topics:
Ø If the event or issue does not personally affect your kids, reassure them that everything is okay with the people they love.
Ø Using simple, age-appropriate language, explain what happened.
Ø Ask if there is something they want to know more about, or if they need something explained further. If so, stick to answering their question or clarifying. Don't add on or digress.
Ø Ask if they know how they feel. Stress that people feel differently, and if they don't know how they feel (or don't feel anything), that's okay too.
Ø If they are upset but don't want to talk, suggest a fun activity to distract them.
Book Fair
From Wednesday we will see our Book Fair once again spring forward in the hall. It is a wonderful opportunity to purchase books for your children at great rates. Our Book Fair will be open:
Thursday 19 May: 8:15-8:30am and 3:00-3:30pm
Friday 20 May: 8:15-8:30am and 3:00-3:30pm
Monday 23 May: 8:15-8:30am and 3:00-3:30pm
Tuesday 24 May: 8:15-8:30am and 3:00-3:30pm
Please be aware we are EFTPOS preferred as we may not have the correct change. If you are wanting to pay with cash, please ensure you have the correct amount.
Children will have the opportunity to go to the hall and view the books in their class and come up with suggestions. It will run from Thursday 19th May to Tuesday 24th May.
NAPLAN
Today was the last day of catch up for NAPLAN we thank all our students for participating so well in the NAPLAN. As NAPLAN was online it did provide some interesting times for our students and thanks to the excellent support from Mr Morrison, Mr Corbett and Mr Duncan along with our teachers we have managed to ensure that all students have completed their tests. We look forward to our results later on in the year. Reports on NAPLAN results will be sent home to parents when they arrive.
Kindergarten Enrolments 2023
Over the past few weeks, I have been interviewing for our 2023 Kindergarten placements. I have been delighted to meet so many new families to our school. We only have 21 places left and I am aware that a number of our siblings have not yet enrolled. This is just a timely reminder that if your child is eligible to begin Kindergarten next year and you have not yet enrolled it may be prudent to do so.
Pre-Kindergarten Enrolments 2022/2023
Pre-Kindergarten numbers have increased so that now in Term Three we will begin a second Pre Kindy class that will run on a Tuesday. This class is not to be seen as a second day of Pre-Kindergarten but a day for a separate group. There are still 11 places for 2023 for those who are interested as well as 10 spaces for 2023.
Learning Self Control
All children need to learn self-control; it needs to be taught and reinforced. Children need to learn to deal with frustration and to control their disappointment when they do not get their own way or what they want. Managing these times can be very frustrating and challenging for parents, but there are positive and effective ways to help children learn self-control.
Children learn self-control when parents use effective discipline to manage misbehaviour that is consistent, immediate and decisive. Set out below are a number of strategies that assist in developing self-control within children:
1: Establish Clear House Rules:
Children require limits to learn what is expected of them and how they should behave. A few basic house rules that are fair and easy to follow are important to establish ‘baseline’ expectations. The rules should tell children what to do rather than what not to do. eg. Speak in a pleasant tone, keep your hands and feet to yourself.
2: Rule Breaking Learning:
When a child occasionally forgets a house rule it is important that you use it as a learning opportunity. Discuss with your child why their actions are not appropriate or acceptable, then describing or getting your child to suggest the correct behaviour. The correct behaviour can then be practiced.
3: Deliberately Ignoring Some Misbehaviour:
Sometimes minor attention seeking behaviour is best ignored. The child does not get a reward for the behaviour. As soon as they stop the misbehaviour, reward them for doing this! This usually sends a very powerful message about what is acceptable and what is not. Of course, do not ignore more serious misbehaviour; act quickly and decisively.
4: Give Clear and Calm Instructions:
The way you give instructions influences whether children cooperate or not. The following steps are important:
a) Get close and gain your child’s attention.
b) Tell your child what they are to do (John, it is time to come inside, please wash your hands.)
c) Give your child time to cooperate (Pause briefly to give your child time. eg. 5 seconds)
d) Praise cooperation.
e) Repeat the instruction, but only once!
5: Back Up Your Instructions with Logical Consequences:
If your child does not comply, then choose a consequence that fits the situation.
The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey, and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.
God Bless
Paula MacKenzie
Principal
Assistant Principal - Alan Morrison
NSI PARTNERSHIPS ST BRIGID’S SCHOOL SURVEY
Using Parents' and Caregivers' voices to INFORM and FOCUS our IMPROVEMENT Plans
Effective parent and caregiver involvement can play a critical role in students’ academic success, supporting learning and leading to improved achievement across all areas. Parents and caregivers are also important stakeholders whose views and experiences of the school should inform schools’ self-review and ongoing improvement efforts.
Our Parent and Caregiver Survey (PaCS) has seven scales that provide feedback to principals and school leadership teams about a wide range of dimensions important to parents and how school communities can foster greater involvement of parents, as key stakeholders, into the life of the school..
You are invited to participate in a survey about your school's climate. Similar surveys will be administered to staff and students to enable us to capture a community snapshot. All responses are confidential and will be used for school improvement purposes. Completion of the survey is voluntary.
Please take the time to complete this important survey.
Parent Code:
Surveys close Friday 20 May 2022.
COVID-19 SELF- REPORTING TOOL
COVID - just a quick reminder that families are requested to still log any students that are positive with COVID to the link below.
PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE
The Honourable Mark McGowan MLA, Premier of Western Australia has challenged all students from Kindergarten to Year Six to read 12 books from 5 May to 9 September. I encourage all interested families to enrol their child in the competition. You can enrol your children from the following link. http://www.premiersreadingchallenge.wa.edu.au
BEFORE SCHOOL
Please be aware that the school gates do not open until 8.30am each morning. There are quite a few students arriving at the school gates prior to 8.30am each morning. We ask that you remain with your child/ren until the gate open at 8.30am when the teachers assume duty of care for your child/ren. During the past few weeks there have been a few issues with student behaviour prior to the gates opening. Please note, before 8.30am YOU are responsible for YOUR child/ren and their behaviour.
SCHOOL START TIMES
Our school bell goes at 8:45am and the classes have started their program for the day. It is imperative children are arriving on time to start the day. Some children get quite distressed when they are late, and it takes a long time for them to settle and get down to work. If children are continuously late, they are missing out on vital elements of the learning program. If you arrive after 8.45am you must go to the office and sign your child in.
School Photos – Wednesday 1 June
School photos will be taking place on Wednesday 1 June (Week 6). ALL students MUST be in their full winter uniform. Students not wearing the correct uniform on the day will be removed from their class photos.
Merit Award Certificate Assembly
Our first face to face merit certificate assembly will be on Friday 27 May commencing at 2.30pm. All parents are most welcome to attend.
UNDERSTANDING BULLYING
Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening. Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records). Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying. (The national definition of bullying for Australia schools)
Signs of bullying
Each individual student who has been bullied or is bullying others will respond and act differently. A student's behaviours and moods can also change for a variety of reasons. However, the following are some signs that may indicate a student is experiencing bullying.
Signs a parent may report:
doesn't want to go to school
changes their method or route to school or are frightened of walking to school
changes in sleep patterns
changes in eating patterns
frequent tears, anger, mood swings
unexplained bruises, cuts, scratches
missing or damaged belongings or clothes
arriving home hungry.
Students who are more likely to be bullied are also more likely to:
feel disconnected from school and not like school
lack quality friendships at school
display high levels of emotionality that indicate vulnerability and low levels of resilience
be less well accepted by peers, avoid conflict and be socially withdrawn
have low self-esteem
be relatively non-assertive
be different in some way.
A student who bullies may:
repeatedly tease, imitate or make fun of the same targets
feel the need to dominate or control others
show no compassion for someone who's experiencing bullying
repeatedly exclude or ignore the same target
whisper behind their backs on a frequent basis.
Students who frequently bully others are more likely to:
feel disconnected from school and dislike school
demonstrate good leadership skills
demonstrate good verbal skills and ability to talk themselves out of trouble.
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. Full sports uniform is to be worn on class physical education and sport days only. 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.
I have noticed a few students not wearing the correct school uniform or not wearing ‘all’ pieces of the uniform correctly. Some issues:
- Incorrect hair cuts
- Incorrect school shoes
- Shoes not polished
- Incorrect school socks
- No tie
- Not wearing tie correctly
- Shirts not tucked in
- Wearing wrong uniform School/Sports on wrong days
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
- Razor cuts or Rats Tails
- Coloured or dyed hair
- Number one haircuts (Number two and above)
We would appreciate your help with ensuring that your child/ren always wear the correct school uniform.
Assistant Principal - Tony Corbett
On Tuesday 31st May we celebrate The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Visitation: Mary’s Selfless Gift
By Monique Sammut | May 31, 2018
What would you do if you found out you were going to be the Mother of God? That may be a difficult question to answer. We can, however, look to Mary – who indeed became the Mother of God. When the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, he told her that she was going to be the Mother of Jesus and that her cousin Elizabeth was also going to have a baby. Once the Angel left, Mary set out – the Bible tells us immediately -to visit Elizabeth and help her. This visit has become known throughout the Church as The Feast of the Visitation.
What Can We Learn?
The Visitation happened so long ago – what does it mean for us? Mary’s gift of herself to Elizabeth should inspire us to give of ourselves to those in need. Mary had every right to sit back and ponder the magnitude of God’s gift to her. Instead, she went out, and brought this gift to others. She gave of herself and she brought Christ with her.
God is calling us to do the same. He wants us to take the graces, blessings, and gifts he has given us and use them to bring Him to others, to care for others, and to love selflessly and unconditionally.
Taken from www.mycatholickids.com
School Information
On Tuesday 24th of May the Year Four students will attend a workshop facilitated by 24/7 Youth Ministry in preparation for their upcoming Sacrament of First Communion. It should be a joyous and informative celebration.
Save the Date…..
On Friday 27th May to raise money for the Archbishop’s Life Link WA Charity appeal students are invited to dress up in something or someone beginning with the letter L. A gold coin donation would be appreciated. We are looking forward to seeing the creative outcomes and raise funds for a very worthy charity.
Congratulations to the school community for raising $241.90 through classroom donation boxes. All proceeds will go to Caritas Australia and potentially help the people mentioned in the article below by Kristy Robertson.
Giving women the opportunities to thrive
- By Kirsty Robertson
- 09 March 2021
We were asked to challenge gender inequality in our day-to-day lives, to call out discrimination and to demand real change. We were asked to challenge gender biases not just in others, but also in ourselves, because we all play a part in creating and sustaining the cultural norms that influence or limit women’s equality.
As a female CEO of an international development NGO, I see the challenges women face both here and across the world. In our office, I’m proud to say that both men and women rush off to pick up their kids from school, and women are in the rooms where decisions are made at every level of the organisation. Just as we do in our projects internationally, we try to create an environment where expectations aren’t set by gender but rather by interests, talents and passions. This is difficult work, but the onus is on all of us to keep having the hard conversations that allow us to re-imagine a world in which women’s equality is a reality.
Empowering women and girls is also one of the most cost-effective and sustainable ways to promote positive change in a community, whether here in Australia or overseas. When girls are supported to receive an education, they are more able to earn an income for themselves and their family. The children of educated women have better health outcomes, are more likely to go to and stay in school, and are more likely to have access to a diverse range of food. These impacts will last long after development organisations have left.
Over the course of my career I have also seen countless women rise up in their communities and claim their space, despite significant challenges. Through our projects across the world, I am regularly reminded that women have always led and for that matter, will always lead. Whether by founding a local savings group or by setting up small business to support their families, women have always challenged social norms. No matter how great the obstacles and challenges in their way, women will find a way.
Many of the women in our programs are making enormous strides in their communities. In our annual Lenten fundraising appeal, Project Compassion, two women in particular stand out: Oliva from Tanzania and Halima from Myanmar, for their drive not just to challenge gender bias, but to work with other women to improve their lives. Both women are leaders.
Oliva is a natural entrepreneur, building a small kiosk in her community in Tanzania from the ground up, despite never having had the opportunity to go to school. The opportunity to attend literacy and numeracy classes provided her the skills to really make her business a success. But she did not stop there. A leader in her community, Oliva set up a classroom at home to teach her neighbours and she now aims to become a pastor and run for leadership in the next local election.
'In the toughest of circumstances, these women find a way. They find a way to support themselves. They find a way to support their families. They find a way to support their communities.'
Another example of a woman who chose to challenge gender inequality is Halima, widowed at just 21, who fled escalating violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State in 2017 and arrived at the Cox’s Bazar refugee camp with nothing. With the support of Caritas Bangladesh, Halima received a shelter and cooking equipment so that she could feed her family. She then participated in hygiene and sanitation training and took on the role of community trainer herself, organising the cleaning of washrooms, wells and toilets. Halima’s training became all the more invaluable as the COVID-19 pandemic struck — when safe hygiene and preventative measures suddenly became lifesaving and her knowledge helped those around her to keep safe.
I can think of no better inspiration for this year’s International Women’s Day than Halima or Oliva who challenge gender inequality in their communities. In the toughest of circumstances, these women find a way. They find a way to support themselves. They find a way to support their families. They find a way to support their communities. They live with courage and conviction every day.
Women empowering and supporting other women to thrive, both in our own communities and in communities overseas, is what drives me daily in my work. The way we treat other women here in Australia is the foundation for how we can support women internationally to achieve gender equality. We have a responsibility, not just to the women around us, but to women everywhere to provide support and compassion, so that all women can reach their full potential. We need to live every day with courage and conviction like Oliva and Jamila.
Extract taken from Eureka Street newsletter.
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
QUICKCLIQ ORDERS
If you have placed an on line 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 on line and following these instructions:
Log into your QuickCliq account -> click Active/Cancel order -> Scroll to the right -> click Cancel against the order.
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays are the busiest days for the canteen. If you can't help for the entire day, that's not a problem, we would be grateful if you could help between the hours of 11.15am to 12.30pm. As a "thank you" for your help, the canteen will provide you with lunch, a cold drink and bottomless cups of tea/coffee. Please call into the canteen and have a chat with Kylie (our canteen manager) to let her know when you are available.
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 UNIFORM
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
St Brigid’s Running Club 2022
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Due to the interest shown in previous years, we will once again be offering the St Brigid’s Running Club Program’ again in 2022. The program will begin on Tuesday of Week 4 (17th May), and will not only prepare students for the Inter House Cross Country Carnival, but also promote an active lifestyle and encourage participation.
The essential details are listed below;
When: Every Tuesday 3:15pm – 3:45pm
Where: St Brigid’s Primary School, Middle Swan (Meet in the undercover area at the main school oval)
Cost: Free
Year Groups: Pre Primary – Year 6
Equipment:
Students will need to bring running attire and running shoes/joggers, and get changed into their attire at the conclusion of the school day, before ‘Running Club’ commences. Students who wear sports uniform on a Tuesday, may participate in their sports uniform.
Parental Support:
This initiative is one which will be a success if we have the full support of the parents who have their children involved. It is expected that each student’s behaviour is of the highest standard and students must maintain this standard of behaviour throughout the program or they will not be able to continue participating in the program.
This will include ensuring that students are to be picked up no later than 3:50pm at the conclusion of ‘Running Club’ and that participating students stay off the play equipment/stay out of the sand pit areas.
I thank you very much in advance for your support, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact myself via email, samuelharris1@cewa.edu.au or in person at school.
I hope that we can continue this enjoyable and productive program for the students of our school.
Kind regards
Mr Samuel Harris
Physical Education Teacher
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
Mercedes College | A College for every girl in the heart of your city!
We have limited places available in all year groups for 2023 and are currently interviewing for 2024 & 2025. If you are considering enrolling your daughter at Mercedes College, please visit our website at www.mercedes.wa.edu.au to request a prospectus, to enrol online or book a tour of our campus. Please contact our Enrolments Officer, Mrs Nicole Kirk on 9323 1323 if you require further information.
School Holiday Athletics Clinic for boys and girls aged 8 to 16 years. Tues 5th & Wed 6th July 2022 . WA Athletics Stadium. 9am-3pm. $95 per day. Or $170 for both days. Includes a T-Shirt or Shoe Bag or Cap and also a certificate. CHOOSE ANY 4 EVENTS PER DAY! More Info: http://sprintingfast.com/
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