Newsletter
St Brigid's Primary School
PRAYER
How do I love God?....
By doing beautifully the work
I have been given to do,
By doing simply that
Which God has entrusted to me,
In whatever form it may take.
Mother Teresa
Term One Week Two - 10th February
Principal - Paula MacKenzie
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
What a beautiful prayer said so simply, yet reminds us that whatever we do, if we do it with the right heart, it is meaningful. No matter the work we are doing from making breakfast for our children to representing our country, we are called to make a difference and to live life to the full. God has given each of us a life to lead, how we perform each day is up to us.
Mother Teresa managed in her lifetime to make a difference too many. She was a simple woman who simply made her life count every single minute of the day. When she saw a need she did not talk about it or ask others to do something about it she simply began and cared about each individual and made a start. This prayer is a beautiful inspiration to us all, and asks that we, at each opportunity, go forth with God in our heart and mind.
Changing Times
I would like to thank all our families for responding so well to all the new measures that have been put in place. It is never easy to take on so many new ways of doing things in a limited time and the fact that they may change again. We feel very supported by our parents, and we will continue to keep you up to date with the many new changes.
Parents if you need to talk with your teachers could you please use see saw or email or phone as a way of keeping in touch. At this moment face to face contact will not be possible, we thank you for your understanding.
Family Names
Today family laminated names will be coming home with your oldest child’s name on it. We ask that you place this family name on the left windshield so that it can be seen by duty teachers when picking up your child from school. This is a precaution so that in the event we ever need to evacuate the school or go to remote learning due to Covid we will be able to identify a family quickly. Aside from this is will make it easier when cars pull up to locate your child and help them to enter their cars. We thank you for your assistance with this. We have provided one name tag per family if you require more for grandparents etc feel free to write the name in bold letters on a piece of card.
Family Car Names
Today family laminated names will be coming home with your oldest child’s name on it. We ask that you place this family name on the left windshield so that it can be seen by duty teachers when picking up your child from school. This is a precaution so that in the event we ever need to evacuate the school or go to remote learning due to Covid we will be able to identify a family quickly. Aside from this is will make it easier when cars pull up to locate your child and help them to enter their cars. We thank you for your assistance with this. We have provided one name tag per family if you require more for grandparents etc feel free to write the name in bold letters on a piece of card.
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 behavior. One large study revealed that the more parents spanked their children for antisocial behavior, the more the antisocial behavior 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.
Basketball Resurface
We are so excited to see our Basketball courts resurfaced. This was due to be completed in January but due to transport issues will be taking place shortly. You will notice that the courts will be shut for a few days in preparation and then for a small amount of time after these dates. A big thankyou to our P & F for donating the funds to the school so that this work could be undertaken. We will watch our courts go from gravel to smooth looking blue surfaceGod 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
The St Brigid’s Commitment Mass
The St Brigid’s Commitment Mass weekend is rapidly approaching (Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th Feb). This applies to students in Years 3,4 and 6 who are completing their sacrament.
Mass times are:
Saturday 19th @ 6:30pm at St Brigid’s Parish)
Sunday 20th @ 9:30am or 6:00pm at St Brigid’s Parish
Sunday 20th St Michael, Herne Hill @ 8:00am
St Brigid’s Parish: 69B Morrison Rd Midland WA 6056
Attendance to one of the masses is appreciated.
Please also note that the whole school Ash Wednesday Mass (2nd March) at St Brigid’s Parish has been cancelled. Father Benny and Father Liam will visit the school to distribute the ashes to students and staff.
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.
The Fathering Project
HOW TO BE A GOOD FATHER: TIPS & ADVICE FOR DADS
The role of a father is always changing in our modern world. Read our advice and tips for being an engaged, supportive and loving dad.
PARENTING TIPS FOR DADS: BEING AN ENGAGED, SUPPORTIVE & LOVING FATHER
- Spend time with your child. How a father spends his time reveals to his child what is important to him. Kids grow up quickly and the time to bond is now. There are plenty of fun ways to spend family time with children.
- Discipline with love and positive parenting. All children need positive guidance and discipline, not as punishment, but to set reasonable limits. Dads should remind children of the consequences of their actions and positively acknowledge desirable behaviour. Fathers who discipline in a calm and fair manner show love for their children.
- Be your child’s role model. Whether they realize it or not, fathers are role models to their kids. A girl who spends time with a loving father grows up knowing she deserves to be treated with respect by boys and she learns what to look for in a partner. Fathers teach boys and girls what is important in life by demonstrating honesty, humility and responsibility.
- Earn the right to be heard. Fathers should begin conversations with their children about important topics when they are very young so that difficult subjects will be easier to handle as they get older. Take time for listening to your child’s ideas and problems.
- Be your child’s teacher. To be a good father, teach your children about right and wrong and encourage them to do their best. See that your children make good choices. Involved fathers use everyday examples to help children learn the basic lessons of life.
- Eat together as a family. An important part of healthy family life is bonding through family meals. It gives kids the chance to talk about what they are doing and want to do. It is also a good time for fathers to listen and be involved. It provides a structure for families to be together each day.
- Read to your child. In a modern world dominated by television and internet, it is important that fathers make the effort to read to their children in order to grow lifelong readers. Begin reading when they are very young and as they get older, encourage them to read on their own. Instilling a love of reading is one of the best ways to ensure children will have a lifetime of literacy and personal and career growth.
- Respect the other parent of your child. Parents who respect each other and demonstrate mutual respect to their children, provide a secure environment for them. When children see parents respecting each other, they are more likely to feel that they are also accepted and respected within the father-child relationship.
- Seek involvement early. Show interest early by understanding a fathers role during pregnancy or the adoption or surrogacy process and gently touch, play, hold and talk to your infant child. When fathers are involved, they send the clear and emphatic message: "I want to be your father. I am interested in you and we have a relationship that is important to me."
Extract from www.brighthorizons.com
If you want your kids to stay Catholic, here’s what matters most
University of Notre Dame sociologist Christian Smith has spent decades researching young people and religion. What he's found may surprise you.
There’s no good way to say it: We are in a crisis of Catholics leaving the Church. Somehow, somewhere, along the way, handing down the faith to the next generation is failing, on a mass scale. Catholics are abandoning the faith of their parents and grandparents at a record rate.
There are plenty of theories about why young people are leaving the Church. Some think we need a more modern approach; others think a return to traditional practices is the solution. But what has the empirical data uncovered? What have researchers found to make a real difference in passing down the faith to the next generation?
If you’re wondering what matters most in handing down your faith, here’s what you need to know.
1. Take ownership of teaching your kids your faith.
2. Practice your faith with purpose.
3. Parent with loving connection and firm boundaries.
4. Find a welcoming religious community.
Extract taken from www.aleteia.org
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - ALAN MORRISON
COVID-19
Thank you to all the parents/caregivers for your cooperation, patience and understanding this morning. I know it can be hard for some students to be left at the gate and not walked to their classroom, and we only had a few tears this morning. We are all travelling an uncertain path with new regulations, directives and mandates being placed upon us daily if not hourly. Please be aware that these directives are being placed upon us by the Department of Health WA and Catholic Education Commission of WA. Again, we thank you for being so understanding and cooperative with this and this is all done with all the students’ safety in mind.
Please note: NO Parents are allowed on school grounds. If you need to collect your child/ren from school, please call the Front Office on 6216 3800 and we will deliver your child/ren to you.
Close or Casual Contact
If you, your child/ren or a family member becomes a close or casual contact, and have to isolate and get tested, please notify the school IMMEDIATELY of this condition via phone call. Upon receiving a negative result your child/ren can return to school, although before they can return to school, we MUST also have official written confirmation from WA Health stating the result was negative (see example).
Entry to St Brigid’s
Please note as per picture:
· All students in Years 1 to 6 will enter the school grounds via the gate entrance to the school hall.
· All students Kindy & Pre-Primary will enter the school via the main front gate entrance (Kindy & PP students will be met by Education Assistants)
End of School Day
Kindy and Pre-Primary students will be delivered to the main front gate entrance at 2.45pm by the EA’s. You will be free to collect and take your child home with you from this time.
All other students Year 1 to 6 will be delivered to the main front gate entrance at 3.00pm. Normal pickup routine will apply.
Uniform and Canteen Orders
Please be aware for the near future that all uniform shop orders must be done online and these orders will be delivered to your child (there is a Uniform Order form on the school website) All canteen orders, if possible, to be done online, although your child (no parents) can order their lunch at the canteen in the mornings. Although parents are requested not to be on school grounds CEWA has made an exception for any parent who wishes to volunteer to help in the canteen.
Family Name Tags
We will be sending home a name tag 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.
Why Being on Time to School Matters
Arriving on time for school ensures that your child doesn't miss out on the important learning activities that happen early in the day when they are most alert. Set your child up for success and make certain he/she arrives to school “On Time. Every Time”.
Why should I arrive for school on time?
· It is important that children arrive in school on time everyday for a number of reasons.
· It is the legal responsibility of parent/carers to ensure that children attend their registered school on time each day.
· If a child is late they miss important information about the days activities.
· A child that is late will miss school work.
· Children that arrive in good time for registration are able to talk to their friends before school and settle into the school day with them.
· A child who is arriving late to school may feel sad, embarrassed or unsettled.
· A child that is late disrupts staff and other children.
Top Tips for being on Time
· establish good bedtime routines so your child has enough sleep, and doesn't struggle to get out of bed in the morning
· invest in a good alarm clock - and engage your child with setting it each evening!
· establish good morning routines
· make sure they have breakfast (or come to our breakfast club at school)
· prepare lunches and snacks the night before
· put out uniform the night before
· pack school bags the night before - you don't want to be searching for musical instruments, books/book bags or PE kit in the morning!
· leave bag and shoes near the front door
· get into the habit of completing home learning in the evening instead of trying to complete at the breakfast table
· keep keys in the same place so they are easy to find
· build in a 'time cushion', leaving home in plenty of time in case of delays in the journey.
If you have any particular challenges or difficulties in arriving on time for school, please talk to your child's class teacher, Mr Alan Morrison (Assistant Principal) or Mr Tony Corbett (Assistant Principal).
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, in Terms One and Term Three the faction-coloured shirt is required to be worn. Term two and four the blue and gold sports top is to be worn.
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
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.
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