Simply put, social media refers to the guidelines and norms that govern appropriate behaviour and conduct on social media platforms. It involves adhering to certain principles and practices that promote positive interactions, respect, and responsible use of all social media platforms. Parents in this ever-changing digital world sometimes find it difficult to keep up with apps and social networks which are popular with teenagers. Unfortunately, a lot of teenagers are taking advantage of this and becoming so free that they might use social media wrongly. Here are some key aspects of social media etiquette:

1. Exercise the Golden Rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you wouldn't speak to the person that way face to face, then don't do it online

2. Be respectful and considerate: Treat others with respect, even if you disagree with their views. Avoid personal attacks, insults, or offensive language. Remember that your words can have a lasting impact.

3. Think before you post: Take a moment to reflect on the content you're about to share. Consider the potential consequences, both for yourself and others. Avoid posting anything that may be harmful, misleading, or offensive.

4. Protect your privacy and the privacy of others: Be mindful of the personal information you share online. Avoid sharing sensitive details that could compromise your safety or the privacy of others. Respect the privacy settings of others and refrain from sharing or reposting private content without permission.

5. Be authentic and transparent: Present yourself honestly on social media. Avoid creating fake accounts or impersonating others. If you're representing a brand or organization, make it clear and disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

6. Engage in meaningful conversations: Contribute to discussions in a constructive manner. Listen to others' opinions and engage in respectful dialogue. Avoid spamming, trolling, or engaging in arguments solely for the sake of provocation.

7. Use appropriate language and tone: Choose your words carefully and ensure they convey the intended meaning. Avoid using excessive caps lock, excessive emojis, or unnecessary exclamation marks, as they can come across as aggressive or insincere.

8. Be mindful of timing and frequency: Consider the timing of your posts, especially when discussing sensitive or tragic events. Avoid excessive posting that may flood others' feeds and overwhelm them.

9. Manage your online presence: Regularly review your social media profiles and remove any content that may be outdated, inappropriate, or no longer reflects your values. Take care to maintain a positive digital footprint as it is online forever.

10. Report and address issues: If you encounter abusive behaviour, harassment, or any violations of the platform's terms of service, report them to the relevant authorities or the platform itself. Help create a safer and more inclusive online environment.

11. Lead by example: Set a positive tone in your own online interactions. Treat others with kindness, empathy, and respect.

Remember that social media etiquette can vary across platforms and cultures. It's essential to familiarize yourself with each platform's specific guidelines and adapt your behaviour accordingly. Ultimately, practicing good social media etiquette contributes to a healthier and more positive online community.

https://www.police.wa.gov.au/Crime/Technology-crime/Cyber-bullying

Cyber-bullying might occur over the Internet, in instant messaging (IM) applications, chat rooms, social networking sites, blogs or gaming sites. It can also occur over the phone, by SMS or MMS, or other technologies. Cyber-bullying hurts people. It can ruin lives.

Don't start it! Cyber-bullying is never acceptable. Think before you post something mean, or send someone a hurtful message.

Don't be a part of it! As a bystander, you are part of the problem. If someone tries to involve you in cyber-bullying, say NO.

Don't let it get out of control! You need to tell someone if you are being cyber-bullied so they can help you to make it stop.

You can stay in control by:

· Learning how to block communications from cyber-bullies.

· Finding out your school’s policy in relation to cyber-bullying.

· Researching what policies your internet service provider (ISP) and any online applications you are using have on cyber-bullying.

· Telling someone – you should talk to a parent, teacher, or trusted friend.

Note: If you believe you may be a victim of online stalking or cyber bullying please report full details of the incident to ReportCyber. See more information on Cybercrime Reports and Information.

SUPPORT: For assistance and counselling services please go to ScamNet - Help for Victims. If you need to speak to someone, urgently call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Congratulations! On an amazing Scholastic Book Fair. I am constantly amazed at how the book fair gets better and better every year. A huge thank you to Jocelyn Willis and Althea Footman for organising and taking charge of the book fair and ensuring the smooth running of this event. Children had a wonderful opportunity to purchase books at a very good price. There was a wonderful choice on hand and Althea and Jocelyn led the charge along with some very sensational staff to help. The fair was open every morning and afternoon for a week. Another example of our wonderful staff going above and beyond for the benefit of the students.

Thank you to all the parents who attended the Eucharist Parent Meeting which was held in the Parish Hall on Tuesday evening. It was good to see our parents support the faith journey of their children. A big thank you to Father Greg and our classroom teachers, Ms Footman, Mrs George, Mrs Newton and Mr Corbett and the catechists for supporting our families so well on the evening. We are on a journey together and our Sacraments are highlights each year. Passing on our faith is one of the special connections we share with our families and community.

Presently our students are preparing to receive Jesus for the First time in the Sacrament of Eucharist. It is a special time for our students and families. Here are a few tips to help you as you begin this part of your faith journey with your child.

1.Go to Sunday Mass.

Every week it is important to go to Sunday Mass, and to please ask their parents to take them. We teach the children how beautiful, important and special it is to receive Jesus’ body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist. If receiving Jesus in holy Communion is wonderful and special, then we would want to at least receive the Eucharist every Sunday. I implore families, don’t let “being too busy,” sports or anything keep you from going to Mass. I compare trying to live a Catholic life without Mass like trying to grow a plant without water. It will wither and die.

2. Talk about the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist with your child.

The real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is our belief that the bread and wine truly become the body and blood of Jesus. The Eucharist is not a symbol or a sign, but Jesus truly present.

Talk with your child and make sure they understand the real presence. Try not to say “getting bread and wine.” Instead talk about “receiving the precious body and precious blood.”

3. Model reverence and focus on the sacrament when celebrating first holy Communion.

First holy communion is an exciting time. There are special outfits, relatives and friends gathering and making a fuss, parties being planned, presents and the pageantry of the day. But please be careful about your child to be too caught up in the clothes, the party and the presents. It would be normal and natural for any child to focus on these happy things. Remind your child why all these wonderful and fun things are happening because they will be receiving Jesus in holy Communion for the first time.

4. Receive Communion with reverence and practice receiving Holy Communion at home with your child.

The more they practice, the more comfortable they will be, and less nervous on the day of first Communion. Also, kids think it is fun to practice!

Here is an easy-to-follow guide to use at home:

• You can use any sort of small cracker to help them become comfortable with the sequence of how to receive.
• Process with hands folded in prayer, singing the Communion hymn.
• When it is his or her turn, he or she should make a slight bow of the head — this is our sign of reverence. No need to bow from the waist. I tell them if their hair is flipping, it’s too big a bow.
• The hands should be one underneath the other, usually the dominant hand on the bottom.
• When the priest says “The body of Christ,” look at the host and respond “Amen” firmly like you believe it!
• Use the underneath hand to pick up the host and consume it immediately.
• Fold hands in prayer and process back to your seat to make a prayer of thanksgiving.
• If receiving on the tongue, gently extend your tongue after saying “Amen.”
• There is no need to make the sign of the cross after receiving. The bow before receiving is the sign of reverence.
  
  

I tell the children if they carefully watch every week during the Communion procession, they will see some adults who are good examples and some not very good examples, so the children need to be the extra good examples for the grown-ups.

5. Praise and thank God for the great gift of Communion.

St. Pius X called holy Communion “the shortest and surest way to heaven.” So not only on the day of first holy Communion, but after every Communion, we all should praise and thank God the great gift of our Lord received in the Eucharist.

Prayer after Communion:

Lord Jesus, I love and adore you. You’re a special friend to me.

Welcome, Lord Jesus, O welcome.

Thank you for coming to me.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, O thank you for giving yourself to me.

Make me strong to show your love wherever I may be.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay, close by me forever and love me, I pray.

Bless all of us children in your loving care and bring us to heaven to live with you there.

All children and young people will experience anxiety at some stage. It's a natural reaction our bodies have to a challenging or stressful event, or when we are pushed outside our comfort zone.

It is a normal response for your children to feel some degree of anxiety at some stage of their lives, we are triggered in different ways and in a variety of circumstances. If you find it’s not subsiding, we encourage you to speak to your GP to develop a plan to treat and manage your child’s individual situation.

​​​​​​Top Tips

1. Keep a routine. Try to keep a calm structure and regular routine in your child's daily life. A good night's sleep is also really important.

2. Be actively involved. Showing a real interest in their daily life helps them to feel secure and also makes it easier for you to spot when they need more support.

3. Be there to listen. Regularly check in to see how they are going, so they get used to talking about their feelings and know you will always listen and support.

On Sunday 11th of June selected students from St Brigid’s Primary School will make the Sacrament of First Communion.

First Communion is a very special event in the Catholic Church. It is a sacrament that marks an important milestone in a person's faith journey. Typically, children receive their First Communion around the age of 7 or 8, but it can vary depending on the individual and the Parish.

First Communion is also known as the Sacrament of the Eucharist or Holy Communion. It is the moment when a person receives the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the form of bread and wine. Catholics believe that during the Mass, the bread and wine are transformed into the real presence of Jesus. This is called transubstantiation.

To prepare for First Communion, children attend religious classes and the CEWA RE Curriculum is delivered at an age appropriate level, where they learn about the Catholic faith and the meaning of the Eucharist. They learn about the life of Jesus, his teachings, and the Last Supper, where he shared bread and wine with his disciples and asked them to do it in remembrance of him.

On the day of First Communion, children dress in special clothes, often wearing white garments, to symbolize purity and the joy of receiving Jesus. They gather with their families and friends in the church for a special Mass. During the Mass, the children go up to the altar and receive the consecrated bread, which is placed in their hands. They then drink from a cup of wine, which symbolizes the blood of Jesus.

Receiving First Communion is a meaningful and significant moment for Catholics. It is a way for them to deepen their relationship with Jesus and to be united with him and the entire Church community. After receiving First Communion, children can continue to receive the Eucharist in every Mass they attend, which is a way to nourish their faith and grow closer to God.

I hope this explanation helps you understand the Sacrament of First Communion! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

Please keep those donations coming in for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Warm blankets or a jumper can have a massive positive impact on someone who is homeless and out in the harsh elements during these winter nights.

Our students and teachers participated in a whole school Fire Evacuation on Thursday the 25th of May. The children did a wonderful job of moving safely to the evacuation assembly area. We continue rehearsing for these to build on our practices to ensure the safety of our community in the event of a real-world scenario.

Please ensure your child is wearing the correct school uniform. We continue to have several students wearing the incorrect shoes and parts of the uniform. Please refer to our Uniform Policy for expectations.

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 Opening Hours

Monday 8.00am till 10.00am

Wednesday 1.30pm till 3.30pm

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.

WINTER UNIFORM

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets are now on sale for La Salle College’s 17th Annual Quiz Night on Friday 28 July 2023 in the La Salle College Gymnasium – Patricia Rodrigues Centre.

The Quiz Night is an important tradition for the school and showcases our Lasallian spirit and celebrates our close connections and rich history in the Swan Valley and wider local community.

This year’s theme is ‘MUSIC LEGENDS’ (Any era). Dress up is optional, however, there are great prizes on offer for those that do dress up.

This year, funds raised from the Quiz Night will be going towards resources to enhance our Mentally Healthy Schools Program – with the aim of providing new opportunities for our students to be active, connect with one another and feel a sense of belonging at the College.

With raffles, auctions and games the 17th La Salle College Quiz Night is sure to be a fantastic community event. So, get your friends and family together and book online today: https://www.trybooking.com/CGRUX

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

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

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

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

An action-packed adventure in Term 2!

Plan ahead and book now to avoid disappointment.

Monday Program Excluding Public Holidays

Week 1: Monday May 1st

Week 2: Monday May 8th

Week 3: Monday May 15th

Week 4: Monday May 22nd

Week 5: Monday May 29th

Week 6 (Public Holiday): No Activity

Week 7: Monday June 12th

Week 8: Monday June 19th

Week 9: Monday June 26th

For more information click the link below:

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

WHEN

WHERE

20 TOODYAY ROAD

MIDDLE SWAN, WA

As another year begins, we are very excited to begin our P & F meetings once again.

Today we will hold our first P & F meeting in the Library.

All members of our community are welcome, bring your ideas and join in.

We look forward to seeing you there!