THE LINK
Week 1 Term 2, 4 May 2018
PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Lord, We remember with thanksgiving those
who made the supreme sacrifice for us in time of war.
We pray that the offering of their lives
may not have been in vain.
Today we dedicate ourselves to the cause of justice,
freedom and peace;
and for the wisdom and strength to build a better world.
PRINCIPAL - PAULA MacKENZIE
- Dear Parents and Caregivers
- Jesus reminded us that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend. Last weekend we remembered the ANZAC's and all of our servicemen and women. Anzac Day goes beyond the 100th anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day on which we remember Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The spirit of ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance today.

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ANZAC LITURGY
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On Tuesday we were led by our student leaders in solemn prayer during their ANZAC Liturgy. Through their reverent guidance, the whole school community remembered the men and women who willingly sacrificed everything to give us the freedom that we share today. They encouraged us to pray for those in our armed forces today, asking God to return them safely home. We thank our Year Sixes for sharing this memorable tribute to our soldiers with the school community. This liturgy was enhanced and made so memorable due to the inclusion of two special people from our wider community. Mr Thomas Woodford and Mr Peter Fowler both these gentlemen attended our liturgy and enhanced it by participating fully in the service.
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Mr Woodford joined us and played the last post and the rouse on his bugle; it was a haunting reminder of the sacrifice made by soldiers all over the world throughout history. It resonated with all present and really held us in the moment. We are very grateful for his participation in making our Anzac Liturgy so memorable.

- Mr Peter Fowler shared his extensive memorabilia with us so that it helped us to focus on the many arms of the forces our country has. He also joined us on the day in full uniform from the Second World War in honour of fallen soldiers. The children had an opportunity after the liturgy to get a closer look at all of the items that Peter bought in. It provided special meaning to our students.

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We would also like to thank our guides and scouts who wore their uniforms and joined in our liturgy, your presence was appreciated. To my team of leaders, who participated and led our Liturgy, a big thank you!


SCHOOL PHOTOS
This week we have been fortunate to have Midland Photographers at our school taking our school photos. Tom Mucciarone has been amazing with our staff and students ensuring that the photos of our children look great. Thank you to all parents for having their children in their full winter uniforms, they look terrific!
SCHOOL BOARD
Our School Board are ever vigilant ensuring our school is well maintained. During the holidays many projects were undertaken and completed on behalf of the Board. Peter Constable, our amazing grounds man, took the lead and had all of the projects completed by the end of the holidays.
We have many tall trees throughout the property and many of the trees on the boundary were overhanging. During the holidays, all these trees were pruned and now they look amazing, and will not pose a problems during the winter months.
The new lighting has been completed in the front entrance. While we are still awaiting the new flood lights, the area is well lit up now.

Our Music Room has gone from drab to fab! This has been a big undertaking, the room has changed dramatically! The Board have fixed up the floors, repainted the room, placed new floor boards in the room, added a new storeroom and new pin up boards. The room is now bright and an exciting place to be. I know our lively music teacher Mrs Yeo and her students are excited about the changes.
Our grounds man Peter Constable and all his helpers have transformed this space. A big thank you to Peter Fowler for giving his time to help with the repaint. Much time was spent preparing the room, completing it to a very high standard. It has been an exciting project and is now ready to "rock and roll"!

MATHEMATICS IN OUR LIVES
Mathematics is important in daily living; almost every one of us uses some form of mathematics each day. We repeatedly count, measure, carry out simple calculations and estimate. We use spatial awareness and measurement skills to read maps or to find our way around in new locations. In order to understand weather forecasts, news reports, opinion polls and bank statements we use our knowledge of chance, data and statistics. This knowledge is also applied when we make decisions about loan repayments, superannuation, insurance and buying the weekly Lotto ticket.
Our homes are the site of many mathematical decisions and activities that occur regularly. Buying and cooking food, rearranging furniture, building sheds, sewing or knitting garments, paving, administering medications; the list is endless!
Families can take an active role in their children’s mathematical development by:
+ Encouraging them to talk about what they are learning in mathematics at school.
+ Listening carefully and asking questions when children are explaining their mathematical understandings.
+ Reassuring and encouraging their children when they face difficulties.
+ Taking opportunities to practise real-life mathematics learning in the home.
+ Engaging children in discussions about the useful aspects of mathematics in the home and at work.
+ Talking to teachers about their child’s progress in mathematics.
Many jobs require mathematics, but the kind of mathematics people needed fifty years ago is now inadequate. The rapidly changing nature of our jobs and their mathematical needs mean that our mathematical learning does not end with formal schooling. We all need to continue learning for life.
May God bless you with an abundance of love and compassion.

Paula MacKenzie
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - MIKE SIBBALD
FIRST EUCHARIST PREPARATION
The Year Four Classes are looking forward to their reflection day in week three as part of their preparation for their First Eucharist. Karl Brown and his team will be hosting this special annual retreat for our children.
Hopefully children who are preparing to make their First Eucharist this term were able to attend some masses during the holidays. Fr Benny has asked that you keep up this effort with your sacramental passbooks ready for receiving First Eucharist later this term.
SACRAMENTAL DATES 2018
Year 4 FIRST EUCHARIST – Sunday 10 June 2018 (11.00)
Year 6 CONFIRMATION – Friday 14 September 2018 (6.00pm)
ST BRIGID’S SACRED SPACE
This is an invitation to any parents who would like to become part of a committee to design a Sacred Space for our St Brigid’s School. While there are limited places, we are hoping that a few parents would assist with the planning, designing and implementation of this important project. If you are interested, please email me with your expression of interest at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - ANNE BROWN
BATTERY RECYCLING
A reminder to continue to send in your used batteries in to your child’s class the first weigh in will take place on Friday.
MOTHER’S DAY MORNING TEA
To celebrate Mother’s day we will be holding a Mother’s Day morning tea after the Assembly on Friday morning. We would also like to display photos of Mum’s from our school community if you have a photo of your mum or a photo of Mum and the family could you please send this in to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that we can upload these for a power point presentation to be displayed during the morning tea. We look forward to receiving your wonderful photos and seeing you at the Year 2 Assembly and the morning tea to honour Mothers.
FURNITURE FOR SALE
We currently have some excess furniture including some desks and chairs if you are interested come and see Anne Brown and make an offer.
UNIFORMS
A reminder to all parents that the winter uniform has now come into effect and we thank families for ensuring that the children are correctly attired.
A reminder that the school tracksuit and jacket is now the new style and the old style blue and white tracksuit is no longer allowed to be worn as part of the uniform.
Also children are required to wear black lace up school shoes bucked or Velcro shoes are not permitted.
If you have any queries re this please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Leadership Team.
P & F NEWS
St Brigid’s Parents and Friends Association
MOTHERS DAY GIFT STALL
- Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 May (students only)
- Wednesday 9 – Friday 11 (open before & after school subject to stock and helpers)
Gifts will be available to purchase from $1 - $8. Each class will have the opportunity to make a purchase from the stall during the school day on either Tuesday or Wednesday (see schedule below). If you would like your child to participate please send a small amount of money along with them on Tuesday or Wednesday. Class teachers will advise the students how they will manage their money for safe keeping.
Tuesday 8 May classes (not in order of visits): Kindy, PPA, PPB, 1A, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B
Wednesday 9 May classes (not in order of visits): Kindy, 1B, 2A, 2B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B
ST BRIGID'S COOKBOOK: FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS
A St Brigid's cookbook makes a lovely gift for your family or loved ones, especially this Mother's Day. Over 120 recipes from families and staff in our school community for only $20. Funds raised from the sale of this book go towards purchasing new equipment and resources for the school students.
To purchase a book please contact Emma on 0431 896 213 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Books will also be on sale before and after school from Wednesday until Friday next week.

EASTER EGG RAFFLE - THANK YOU!
Thank you to everyone who got involved in our Easter Egg Raffle. The number of Easter eggs and gifts that were donated meant that we were able to provide the following:
• 12 Easter gift boxes to St Vincent de Paul to give to families in need
• 16 gift bags (one for each classroom) to be raffled among all of the children in the school
• Over 30 prizes that were raffled off to those who purchased bonus tickets.
Thank you to the awesome mums who wrapped and distributed the prizes.
We raised approximately $650 to go towards school equipment and resources.
This year the P&F have provided funds towards the purchase of new Primary Connections Science Kits for Years PP - 6 and St Brigid's netball uniforms.
NEXT PARENTS AND FRIENDS MEETING
Tuesday 14 May, 9am (visit the front admin desk to find out where the meeting room is located)
All are welcome, including your small children. Mrs McKenzie has a wonderful box of toys for the little ones to play with!


CONTACT US: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Phone: 0409 293 198 (Karryn) or 0431 896 213 (Emma)
SCHOOL NEWS
CANTEEN ROSTER
Monday 7th May S Thomas
Tuesday 8th May H Vranjes
Wednesday 9th May S Bell
Thursday 10th May URGENT HELP NEEDED
Friday 11th May URGENT HELP NEEDED
- PLEASE NOTE:
- URGENT HELP REQUIRED ESPECIALLY FOR FRIDAY, OTHERWISE THE MENU WILL HAVE TO BE CHANGED!
- Could Canteen orders please have correct money in the bag.
- Crunch N Sip available from $1.50.
- Canteen also now has Gluten Free products.
- Menu now available on the school website.
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GUITARS LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME!
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A number of the school's guitars are looking for a new home after many years at our school. We ask for a $20 donation for a guitar. If you are interested please see Mrs Yeo in the music room before or after school.
- Thank you.
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- SCHOOL FEE PAYMENTS BY BPAY OR DIRECT DEBIT
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(1) BPAY
The school has been allocated a new BPAY Biller Code which is 279992. This new BPAY Biller Code must be used for all school fee payments made from 1 January 2018. This new BPAY Biller Code will appear on all future Fee Statements along with your unique family Reference Number.
IF YOU HAVE THE OLD BPAY BILLER CODE SAVED IN YOUR INTERNET BANKING PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CHANGE IT TO THE NEW CODE.
(2) DIRECT DEBITS
As a result of some banking system processing changes, families that have in place Direct Debits for payment of school fees which would normally be processed between the Christmas and New Year period will not be processed until Tuesday 2 January 2018.
Therefore if your Direct Debit is due between 23 December 2017 and 1 January 2018 it will not be processed until 2 January 2018.
Please ensure that you leave sufficient funds in your account to cover the delayed payment.
(3) PENSIONER CONCESSION / HEALTH CARE CARDS
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Eligible families are able to receive tuition fees discount per student, per year through the Catholic Education Office’s Health Care Card discount scheme. Applications should be made at the School Office. Holders of a means tested health care card, a pensioner concession card and (Blue) Department of Veterans Affairs Pensioner Concession cards are eligible.
- Please bring your card with you when making the application.
- EXISTING CARD HOLDERS PLEASE BRING IN YOUR UPDATED CARDS INTO THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
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Term One Tennis Competition
YEAR 5/6 TENNIS TOURNAMENT
On the final Friday of Term One, 16 students from Years 5 and 6 competed in a modified tennis tournament inside the MacKillop Centre. The tournament was an opportunity for the students selected to demonstrate the skills that they had learnt throughout Term One in physical education, in a match situation. Although the competition was close between the year groups, the emphasis was on enjoyment and participation.
The tournament culminated in a final between Year 5 students, Roland Ballah and Kasey Touchell, and Year 6 students, Eddie Nyamhanga and Hayley Appleford, with the Year 5’s coming out with a narrow victory! These students then had the privilege of playing Mr Sibbald and myself, which went the way of the teachers.
It was a fantastic afternoon, and would not have been possible without the support of classroom teachers, the competitors and the three Year 6 students (Joanna Johnson, Nicholas Lupica and Oakley Percival) who umpired all the fixtures. Thank you Year 6’s!
Mr Samuel Harris
Physical Education Teacher

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HELPING HANDS
BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE
THIS WEEK AT HELPING HANDS
Helping Hands before and after school care program
Unable to make it in time to pick up your children? Boss asked you to stay late or come in early? Need to have some time for yourself?
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 while you are busy.
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! Please find enrolment forms in the admin office or come down to Kindy B during out of school hours weekdays to inquire.
This week at helping hands:
Welcome Back to school everyone! We have lots of fun activities jam packed into our first week.
This week the children have been exploring invisible painting in which we draw in candle wax and watch our picture appear as our water colours are brushed over. This activity was described as "it’s just like I'm harry potter".
Thursday and Friday we explored out to the Back oval for some soccer and footy practise. This was requested by a few older children and was great for a change of scenery. We had a lovely nature walk and a visit past the chickens on the way back to class. The children love touching back to basics and nature and are requesting more and more animal involvement.
Friday we are giving making our own natural soaps a try. This is going to be great practise for our mother’s day gifts!
Message from Melanie
As of Wednesday the 9th of May I will be away from Helping Hands St Brigids indefinitely as I am undergoing some personal health issues. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know your families and all the special bonds I have made with the children.
I have loved every minute working at St Brigid's and will miss everyone very much, thanks for making my time here so enjoyable.
I will have some time to introduce you to our new coordinator before I leave so our crossover transition is nice and smooth for families and the children.
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Vacancies Available!
- P: 0484302073
- E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
COMMUNITY NEWS

Welcome to all our school bankers! Last year we collectively banked a total of $28,463 for which we received $1546 commission for the school. We are always happy to have new bankers come and join our school banking. For every ten deposits you will receive a prize!
Reminder that banking day is WEDNESDAY MORNINGS between 8am and 8:50am, all children have access to banking.
See you then, Kelly & Nicole.
FREE MENINGOCOCCAL CATCH-UP VACCINE
- The WA Health Department is providing a free meningococcal catch-up vaccine for all children aged 12 months to less than
- 5 years.
- Parents of age-eligible children should not delay because the WA catch-up vaccination program is time limited and will end on 31 December 2018.
- Please consult your GP if you have any queries.
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