IMPORTANT DATES:
· Wed 28 June - Pre-Primary Excursion (Cuddly Animal Farm)
· Thursday 29 June - Orienteering Training – Manning Park (8.00am – 3.00pm)
· Friday 30 June - Merit Certificate Assembly (2.15pm)
· Friday 30 June - Last day Term 2
· Monday 17 July - Start Term 3 – All students start
· Wed 19 July - School Photo Day
· Thursday 20 July - Confirmation Retreat – Year 6
· Friday 21 July - Catholic Performing Arts (Bible Reading)
· Tuesday 25 July - CPSSA Cross Country
· Wed 26 July - BRLA Practice Test – Year 5
· Thursday 27 July - BRLA Practice Test – Year 3
Please note: Dates are subject to change, please also refer to the Term Planner on our Website.
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
RESPECT AND MANNERS
By practising basic good manners, we are showing those around us that we respect them and are considerate to their feelings. This makes them feel better, and us too.
Most of us have heard the old adage: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This wisdom is so ingrained in our life lessons, it has become known as “the golden rule.”
Examples of good manners can manifest themselves in seemingly small actions and rewards - like holding the door open for someone, acknowledging and greeting a person, asking permission to use something that is not yours, saying “Please” and “thank you”, apologising and listening carefully, to name just a few. But it can also make or break crucial relationships and be the difference between harmony and conflict at home, at work, at school or even between countries and cultures on the world stage.
In today's classrooms, we are beginning to notice and ever-increasing decline of manners and respect, and this is now posing challenges to the current learning environments for the students. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including changes in societal norms, the influence of technology, and the absence of consistent reinforcement of respectful behaviour. The consequences of this lack of manners and respect are detrimental, leading to disruptions, strained teacher-student relationships, and hindering the overall educational learning experience of themselves and their peers.
The prevalence of technology and social media has had a significant impact on interpersonal interactions, within the classroom. Students' attention is often divided between their devices and the lesson at hand, resulting in a lack of active engagement and possible disregard for respectful behaviour towards teachers and peers. The ease of online communication has also led to a decline in face-to-face social skills, with students sometimes failing to recognise the importance of polite and respectful communication when interacting with each other.
As societal norms evolve, traditional values that emphasise respectful behaviour may be less prioritised or taught within families and communities. Students may come from diverse backgrounds with varying expectations and understandings of what constitutes respectful conduct, further complicating the establishment of a common standard of behaviour in the classroom.
Furthermore, the lack of consistent reinforcement and discipline for disrespectful behaviour can perpetuate the problem. In some cases, disciplinary measures may be lenient or inconsistent, failing to address the underlying issues and provide students with clear expectations of respectful behaviour. This inconsistency may lead to a normalisation of disrespectful conduct, making it harder to create a positive and respectful classroom environment.
Addressing this lack of manners and respect in classrooms requires a collective effort from educators, families, and society as a whole. Schools can prioritise the teaching of social and emotional skills, including empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution. Promoting positive behaviour and providing consistent consequences for disrespectful conduct can help reinforce the importance of manners and respect. Additionally, fostering open communication channels between teachers, students, and families can create a collaborative approach to address and rectify instances of disrespectful behaviour. Finally, promoting a culture of respect and modelling respectful behaviour at all levels of society can contribute to creating a more respectful and harmonious learning environment for students.
ST BRIGID’S - CROSS COUNTRY FACTION CARNIVAL
There is always a buzz in the air as we held our annual the Cross-Country Faction Carnival on Tuesday, with the weather god’s also helping us this week. This is not an easy carnival to run, it takes great dedication and endurance to run the length of the course and complete the race. Our students have been practising for months now and many are now seeing how much they have improved over this time. We are lucky to have Mr Sam Harris training our students and giving them lots of encouragement along the way. Thank you to our staff and student leaders who helped on the day to make this day a success.
CPSSA
Our Year Six students took to the fields and courts in a variety of sports participating in the Catholic Primary Schools winter carnival on last Thursday. While the day was grey and overcast our students participated well in soccer, football and netball games. A big thank you to Mr Harris, Miss Peters, Miss Anderton and Miss De Gois who attended the day and helped our teams enjoy the day.
WINTER APPEAL
Thank you to all our wonderful parents and families who have generously given to the winter appeal. Every year St Vincent De Paul asks for assistance in winter. There are many homeless and struggling families who are cold and hungry in winter and whatever we can give will go to good homes and help so many who are less fortunate than ourselves. So once again thank you to all who gave. St Vincent De Paul will gather up all items that has been donated on Friday afternoon. So, it is never too late to give.
REPORTS
Semester One school reports were sent out on Monday 26 June through SEQTA. Remember to sit down with your child and go through the report together. It is a great way to work through a child’s strength and areas for improvement. If you take the time to read the report together it helps the child to see what they are doing well at and what they need to work on.
St Brigid’s Staff
I would like to thank Miranda Peters who stepped into the role as Assistant Principal for Term 2 while Paula was on leave. She brought valuable insight and vision to the Assistant Principal role and her dedication and devotion to all the students was commendable.
We also say goodbye to Leanne Bickers and Tony De barro. Thank you, Leanne, for your commitment to all the students you have worked with while at St Brigid’s. We wish you all the best with your new career change. Thank you to Tony for all the wonderful grounds work, making our school a beautiful place to the staff and students. And thank you to Millie Baines for your work in Pre-Kindy. We wish you all the best with your future endeavours.
Catholic Mission thanks St Brigid’s Primary School
Judith from Catholic Mission Australia visited our school with a very special award. Our hard work in raising funds for Catholic Mission Australia was recognised and we will now begin through the Spiritual Ministry students to work towards new goals this year.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming Lessons for Years 3-6 will commence in Week 3, 31st July and conclude Week 4, Friday 11th August (10 days). Please see the schedule for bus and lesson times. Please note, these times could change over the school holiday break.
Annual School Photo Day
In the first week back for Term Three we will be having our School Photo Day on Wednesday the 19th of July. The sessions will take place across the entire day and this year, you can purchase your photos online. Please see the email you would have received on Monday the 26th of June for the links and details. Alternatively, see the information below.
All students are to wear their correct full Winter Uniform, including ties and jumpers. Students can bring their Sports Uniform if it happens to be their sport day to change into. Please note, if your child is absent or if your child is in the Tuesday’s Pre-Kindergarten Class, these photos will be followed up on Tuesday the 22nd of August. During the school holiday break, please take the opportunity to check your uniforms. The uniform shop will be open on Monday the 17th of July for your convenience.
A Message From The Canteen Manager:
Hello my name is Kylie and I have been the Canteen Manager at St Brigid's Primary School for over 12 years. I am looking for any mums, dad, grandparents or careers who can spare some time to help out in the canteen. If you can't help for the entire day, that's not a problem, we would be grateful for anytime you can offer. The busiest time in the canteen is between 11.15am to 12.30pm. I find that the children love seeing there loved ones in the canteen it always bring a bit of fun into there day.
As a little "thank you" for your help, the canteen will provide you with lunch, a cold drink and bottomless cups of tea/coffee. Any additional information please feel free to come and see me in the canteen, I am happy to have a chat with you. Kind Regards, Mrs Kylie Dickenson
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!
The Midvale Hub Parenting Service offers a range of parenting programs to assist you to grow happy healthy children. Individual assistance with parenting is available for any parenting concerns you may have, just talk to one of our Parenting Educators and they will be more than happy to listen and provide practical support and skill building.
Our Parent Information and Support is offered through:
Parenting programs for groups and individuals
Individual and group support sessions
Community events
Please click on the below link to view the workshops and programs that are being offered this school term for 2023.
https://www.midvalehub.org.au/copy-of-midvale-hub-parenting-servi
St Brigid's Primary School
Service, Courage, Peace, Acceptance