Newsletter

St Brigid's Primary School

Term Three Week 4 - August 9th 2023

TERM DATES FOR 2023

Important Dates


  • Friday 11 August - Merit Certificate Assembly (2.15pm)
  • Tuesday 15 August - Feast of the Assumption (School Mass - 9.30am)
  • Sunday 20 August - Sacrament of Confirmation (St Brigid’s Church - 11.00am)
  • Tuesday 22 August - Book Week Dress up and Parade day.
  • Wed 23 August - Choir @ Catholic Performing Arts Festival
  • Thursday 24 August - Kindy/PP Carnival (9.00am)
  • Friday 25 August - Merit Certificate Assembly (2.15pm)
  • Wed 30 August - Orienteering
  • Thursday 31 August - St Brigid’s Feast Day (Mass 9.00am)
  • Thursday 31 August - St Brigid’s Feast Day Markets (12.30pm)
  • Friday 1 Sept - Father’s Day Breakfast (8.00am - 8.45am)
  • Friday 1 Sept - Year 3 Assembly (9.00am)
  • Wed 6 Sept - Faction Carnival Field Events (Yr 3 -6)
  • Friday 8 Sept - Faction Athletics Carnival (9.00am)
  • Thursday 14 Sept - Grandparent Liturgy (9.00am)
  • Friday 15 Sept - Year 3 Excursion
  • Tuesday 19 Sept - St Brigid’s Learning Journey (3.30pm - 6.00pm)
  • Thursday 21 Sept - Merit Certificate Assembly (2.15pm)
  • Thursday 21 Sept - End Term 3
  • Monday 9 Oct - Term 4 commences (all students)



Please note: Dates are subject to change, please also refer to the Term Planner on our Website.

Paula Mackenzie - Principal

Heavenly Father,


I come before you with a heart full of gratitude and humility, seeking confirmation and guidance in my life's journey. I acknowledge that You are the source of all wisdom and understanding, and I trust in Your infinite love and care for me.


Lord, I pray for confirmation in the decisions and choices I am facing. Open my eyes, mind, and heart to perceive Your will clearly. Grant me discernment to distinguish Your voice from the distractions and temptations that surround me. Help me to align my desires with Your perfect plan for my life.


I surrender my fears and doubts to You, knowing that You are my refuge and strength. Calm my anxious thoughts and replace them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. I seek Your confirmation not out of selfish ambition but to fulfill the purpose You have for me.


Give me patience, Lord, to wait for Your timing, for I know that Your plans are always better than my own. If there are obstacles or challenges ahead, grant me the courage and perseverance to face them with unwavering faith in Your power.


I also pray for the wisdom to seek counsel from those who walk in Your light, that I may gain insights from those who have experienced Your guidance in their lives. Help me to be attentive to the signs and opportunities You place in my path.


I surrender myself to Your will, Lord, trusting that You will confirm the way I should go. Whether it be through a sense of peace, a clear message, or a convergence of circumstances, let Your confirmation be evident to me.


I give You all the glory, honour, and praise, for You are the God who hears and answers prayers. In Jesus' name, I pray.


Amen.

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Dear Parents and Caregivers,


On Sunday we held our first family Mass for the year, after these uncertain times it was wonderful to be able to celebrate Mass as a community. While our numbers were low it was a joy to see those who came along and participated in our celebrations.


Family mass holds a significant place in our hearts as it brings together our school and parish families in a spirit of unity and faith. It is heartwarming to witness the enthusiasm and devotion with which each family took part in the celebration.


We believe that events like these not only strengthen our bond as a community but also reinforce the values of love, compassion, and togetherness that are essential for our spiritual growth.


Your continued support and involvement in such events play a vital role in nurturing a sense of belonging among all members of our school and parish family.


Once again, thank you for making the family mass a resounding success. We look forward to having you join us in future gatherings as we continue to grow in faith and camaraderie.

May God bless each and every one of you abundantly. Special thanks to our amazing students who led the Mass with the support of Tony Corbett our Assistant Principal and for our loyal staff who joined us on the morning. We look forward to celebrating another family mass soon.

Swimming Lessons

Swimming Lessons have been progressing well this term, we have seen our Years Three to Six attending over the past two weeks. The children seem to be enjoying the experience and we thank Mr Alan Morrison for organising the lessons for our students.

Book Week

Book Week is an annual event celebrated in many countries, particularly in schools, libraries, and communities. It is typically a week-long celebration dedicated to promoting the joy of reading and literature among children and young adults. During Book Week, various activities are organized to encourage reading, including book fairs, author visits, storytelling sessions, and book-related competitions.


One of the popular traditions during Book Week is dressing up as characters from books. We will be celebrating our dress up day on Tuesday 22nd August. We would love it if children could dress up as their favourite characters and join in the parade which will be held at school.

Congratulations

Congratulations to our Choir Captains, Ayla and Jilaya for your dedicated service and responsible leadership in your role.

Optimism

Optimism is an outlook on life such that one maintains a view of the world as a positive place. Optimists are people who refuse to feel helpless and don’t give up when faced with seemingly impossible problems. They expect to succeed, believe in themselves and remain positive. Optimists generally believe that people and events are inherently good, so that most situations work out for the best in the end.

Optimism includes the assumption I can do something to change this situation for the better, whereas pessimism includes the assumption probably nothing I do will make any difference. Of course, when you're optimistic, you are more willing to take action to change things for the better, which increases the likelihood that things will change for the better; that's how optimism becomes self-fulfilling.

How do children develop optimism? As children grow and develop, they need as many opportunities as possible to experience success. Every time children achieve something they set out to do, they start to develop a belief that they can go on trying and have more successes. ‘Self-talk’ is what we say to ourselves to explain the things that happen through the day. When children are able to say to themselves that they can do something, they are more likely to succeed.


Recent research has indicated that success experiences and positive interactions with parents, teachers and significant others are critical factors in children learning optimism. The way that adults think about and talk about their experiences are very powerful in shaping a child’s beliefs about why success or failure might happen.

The more optimistic children are, the more able they are to succeed and have a sense of the future and the more they are able to make friends and learn at school.

What parents can do:


  • Be a good role model - let your children hear how you make sense of a situation (your ‘self-talk’) and share your positive thoughts with your children.
  • Re-phrase what your child says - say things or use different words to make more positive sense out of a situation. Child: "I never have anyone to play with." Parent: "Sometimes it’s hard to find a friend, but last week you had a good time with Mary."
  • Tell your own stories of overcoming hardships - "When I was at school I thought… but then I realised . . . "
  • Give encouragement - "What were your thoughts when you were losing that tennis game?", "How did your thoughts change to help you to move from losing to winning?" Help your child catch the helpful and unhelpful thoughts and stick with the helpful ones.
  • Remember to share some of the old sayings:
    - "If at first you don’t succeed - try, try again."
    - "There’s no such word as can’t."
    - "Every cloud has a silver lining."
  • Draw your child’s attention to media and highlight public figures or winning teams who have overcome hardship.

God Bless



Paula MacKenzie

Principal

Alan Morrison - Assistant Principal

St Brigid’s Code of Conduct

At St Brigid’s Primary School, we believe that each child is a precious gift from God created as an individual with his or her own unique gifts, talents and abilities. Our aim is to cherish each child and create an environment which enables all children to experience the joy and wonder of our world.

We acknowledge parents as the first educators of their child. We share a strong partnership with each family and encourage parents to become involved in the school. Our home/school relationships are based upon on- going communication, openness and trust. Parents are supported in understanding their role alongside the school and together we support the child to achieve their true potential.

The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to describe minimum standards of conduct in all behaviour and decision making to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

The Code applies to staff, students, volunteers, parents and guardians as applicable. The term ‘parents’ includes guardians.


The Code of Conduct includes the following Conduct Statements: –


  1. You act safely and competently.
  2. You give priority to students’ safety and well-being in all your behaviour and decision making.
  3. You act in accordance with the values of the Gospel as defined in the Code of Ethical Conduct.
  4. You conduct yourself in accordance with laws, agreements, policies and standards relevant to your relationship with the school community.
  5. You respect the dignity, culture, values and beliefs of each member of the school community.
  6. You treat personal information about members of the school community as private and confidential.
  7. You give impartial, honest and accurate information about the education, safety and well-being of students.
  8. You support all members of the school community in making informed decisions about students.
  9. You promote and preserve the trust and privilege inherent in your relationship with all members of the school community.
  10. You maintain and build on the community’s trust and confidence in Catholic schools and the Church.
  11. You act reflectively and ethically.
  12. You allow students to have a voice in their education, safety and well-being.

Father's Day Breakfast

St Brigid's Primary School will be hosting a Father's Day Breakfast on Friday 2 September. Breakfast (sausage sizzle) will commence at 8.00am and conclude 8.45am. The Year 3 Class Assembly will commence at 9.00am after breakfast. If you will be attending, please select the following link: https://www.cognitoforms.com/StBrigidsPrimarySchool2/FathersDayBreakfast2023

TONY CORBETT - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

The Fathering Project….

How we communicate with boys changes as they grow up. But whether they are young children or in their teens, keeping the lines of communication open is important. That way, we can support them emotionally and mentally, and be there for them when they need us.

Try talking side by side. Whether you're kicking the footy or taking a walk together, boys tend to feel more comfortable opening up when there's less direct eye contact.

It's crucial for dads to show their sons love and support. When you let your son know that he is valued and important, it can help him develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence that will serve him well throughout his life.


​​​​​​Top Tips

1. Build a comfort zone. ​​​​​Create a safe space for chats, this could be around the dinner table or watching sport together.

2. Affirm your son when he opens up. Give him a hug – show that you care. Ask for his opinion – show him his opinions are valid.


3. Say “I love you” Think of different ways to tell him you love him when he least suspects it. Write how you feel in cards, notes, emails and text messages.

Dad joke of the week

Why did the chicken go to the gym? To work on his pecks...

RE News….

Please keep in your prayers the Year Six students who celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday 20 August at St Brigid’s Parish. Many thanks to the teachers and parents who have actively supported the students throughout their spiritual journey

The Feast of the Assumption

The Feast of the Assumption is a significant celebration in the Christian calendar, specifically within the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. It commemorates a belief held by many Christians that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up, or 'assumed,' into heaven in both body and soul at the end of her earthly life.

This feast is based on a long-held belief that Mary, as the chosen mother of Jesus, held a unique and special place in God's plan. Just as her life was extraordinary, so was her passing from this world to the next. The exact details of Mary's Assumption are not described in the Bible, but they are part of the tradition and teachings of the Church.

The Feast of the Assumption is celebrated on August 15th each year. It's a day of great joy and reverence for many Christians. Here are a few key points to help you understand and appreciate the significance of this feast:

  1. Mary's Special Role: The Assumption recognizes Mary's exceptional role in salvation history. She gave birth to Jesus, who Christians believe is the Son of God. Her unique connection to Jesus makes her a revered figure, and her Assumption is a testament to her holiness and the honour she holds in the eyes of God.
  2. Theological Significance: The Assumption underscores important theological concepts such as the resurrection of the body and the dignity of human life. It points to the hope that all believers have in the ultimate resurrection and reunion with God.
  3. Cultural and Liturgical Traditions: Different cultures celebrate the Feast of the Assumption in various ways. Many communities gather for special church services, processions, and prayers. It's a time for families to come together, and for communities to express their devotion to Mary and their faith in the promises of God.
  4. Mary as a Role Model: Mary's Assumption serves as an example of the fulfillment of God's promises. She is seen as a model of faith, obedience, and devotion to God. Her life is a source of inspiration for Christians to follow God's will and to live in anticipation of the heavenly reward.
  5. Artistic Depictions: Throughout history, the Assumption has been a popular subject in Christian art. Paintings, sculptures, and other forms of artistic expression depict Mary's ascent to heaven, often surrounded by angels and light.

As parents, you can help your children understand and appreciate the spiritual significance of the Feast of the Assumption by explaining its meaning and relevance within your faith tradition. You might attend a special church service, discuss the teachings about Mary's Assumption, and encourage a sense of wonder and reverence for the mysteries of faith. It's a wonderful opportunity to deepen your family's understanding of Christian beliefs and values."

All parents are welcome to attend the school Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption on Tuesday 15th August at 9:30am in the Mary MacKillop Hall.

TRASH AND TREASURE STALL

Pre -Primary are seeking your trash!


The Pre-primary classes are collecting unwanted toys, puzzles and books for their Trash and Treasure stall for Founders Day. Donations can be brought to the uniform shop no later than Thursday 31st August.


Thank you in anticipation from the Pre-Primary team.

SCHOOL CANTEEN

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

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

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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

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

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!

P: 0484302073

E: stbrigidsmiddleswan@helpinghandsnetwork.com.au

COMMUNITY NEWS

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MIDVALE HUB PARENTING SERVICE

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

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