PRINCIPAL - PAULA MACKENZIE

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

If a small child hurts their finger, they run to their mother crying. All the mother has to do is to kiss the finger and it is well again. Children know their mother loves them and has made a great many sacrifices for them.

In the same way we look on Mary as our heavenly mother. She is the mother of us all. We look on her as our mother who loves us a great deal, who watches over us to protect us. She is the mother to whom we can tell every joy and every sorrow. We remember Jesus’ words as he was dying on the cross; he said to Mary, ‘Woman behold your son’, and to John he said, ‘Son, behold your mother’ (John 19:26-27). We have always regarded this little incident as being symbolic for us: as Jesus was dying on the cross, he gave us his mother to be our mother also.

The reason for our great joy this week is the celebration of Mary’s Assumption into heaven, a great privilege given to our heavenly mother. 

Mary’s greatness lies in the fact that she was humble before God and surrendered herself to God. Her words to the angel at the annunciation are words that we need to meditate on a great deal, ‘Let it be done to me according to your word.’ (Luke 1:38)

Surrendering of herself to God did not mean a perpetual spiritual honeymoon but a giving of herself more and more to God as time went on. We can see evidence for this in the Gospels: at the presentation of Jesus in the temple, Simeon told her that her soul would be pierced with sorrow; when Jesus was twelve years old the family had a misunderstanding over why Jesus got lost for three days. Mary once again learned more about surrendering to God as Jesus told her that he had to be about his Father’s business.

As she surrendered herself so much to God, God filled her with his presence just as God fills us when we surrender ourselves to God. Mary’s being ‘full of grace’ led naturally to her assumption, body and soul, into heaven at the end of her life. (Rom 6:23)

A way for us to surrender ourselves to God and be filled with the presence of God like Mary is to pray the Rosary daily. It is a most beautiful prayer, a prayer that can bring us closer to God and keep us closer to God. When we pray the Rosary we are not just saying prayers. Saying the prayers is to calm us down so that we can tune in to God and our blessed Mother. While we say the prayers our minds are meditating on the fifteen great events in the life of Jesus. When we are in desperation and we don’t know how to pray, it is a good prayer and is a most beautiful way to keep in contact with our heavenly mother. When we do so we can unite ourselves with Mary in expressing her sentiments:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.” (Luke 1:46-48)

We were indeed fortunate to be able to celebrate this Feast day in our Parish Mass. We had a most beautiful Mass in the Church led by our amazing Year Four students and supported by our sensational school choir. As always our awesome staff ensure that are celebrations are amazing.

NADIOC Week

The history of our nation deeply affects the present and our future. We must know our past and the details of our present to navigate and create our future.

William Cooper was an Aboriginal Christian leader from the early twentieth century who fought tirelessly for the rights of his people. One of his lasting legacies is what we today celebrate as NAIDOC Week.

NAIDOC Week is an annual week-long celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity for us to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society. As NADIOC week falls in the school holidays we wanted to acknowledge our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders this week. Each year NADIOC has a theme for this special week and this year the theme was Voice, Treaty and Truth. The message is very clear let’s work together for a shared future.  

The children participated in a liturgy first thing in the morning and this was led by our Indigenous Liaison Officer Mrs Melissa Billie-Rooney it was a very powerful message and she was supported by our Indigenous choir and our school choir under the direction of our choir mistress Mrs Alison Yeo. 

Our children were then able to actively participate in activities throughout the day and learn more about Voice, Treaty and Truth.

 

 

Deacon Liam

We would like to congratulate Deacon Liam as he prepares for his ordination on Friday evening. The Ordination is being celebrated on Friday evening at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Cathedral in Perth. I know as a community our prayers and thoughts are with him on this very special day. We are delighted that Father Liam will be celebrating his first Mass with us this Sunday at the 9.30am Mass at St Brigid’s Parish Church in Midland. We would love to see our families join us for his first Mass in our Community. Deacon Liam has co celebrated many Masses in our school this year.

Physical Fitness

At St Brigid’s we value the promotion of an active lifestyle. All students are encouraged to participate in activities that get the heart racing as well as getting the body moving. Recent research has outlined that children are becoming less likely to be active, and together with an inappropriate diet, this can lead to weight issues, as well as a decrease in self-esteem and confidence. As teachers, we are aware of the importance of promoting both a healthy diet as well as an active lifestyle within our curriculum.

Our Physical Education program encourages students to participate in active sessions, working at their own level. Students are taught skills such as throwing, catching, kicking and are then provided with opportunities to practice and consolidate these. Skill sessions are balanced with games that promote the fun of being involved, as well as giving students a chance to put their new skills into practice. As students get older, the skills are linked to major games such as netball and cricket. Students then have the opportunity to participate in sport sessions where aspects such as team play and good sporting behaviour are promoted and enhanced.

At St Brigid’s we value the fact that all students are different. Not all of us will become elite sportspeople and be able to demonstrate flawless skills. Our curriculum focuses upon the ‘having a go’ nature of active living, as well as setting your own personal goals to achieve.

As parents, it is important that you encourage your child to always participate in school events. By supporting their efforts and celebrating their own personal improvements or goals, you are assisting them to seek out an active lifestyle where they can succeed at their own level.

Book Week

Just a reminder that it is book week next week and we will have a number of books on sale for parents to purchase before and after school. The book fair will be held in the back of the hall during WEEK 7 and children will have the opportunity to visit the book fair during school time. We will be having our dress up day on Thursday with a quick assembly on Thursday morning so that we can have a costume parade.  

May God bless you

                                               

Paula MacKenzie
PRINCIPAL

 

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - MIKE SIBBALD                               

FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION

Congratulations to the Year Four Classes for hosting this special Feast Day Mass, one of two holy days of obligation (the other being Christmas).  Well done to all children for your beautiful participation, along with Mrs Yeo and the choir for making this a very memorable liturgy. Thank you to Fr Benny and Deacon Liam for leading our celebration. Special congratulations to Xeline Dequina for her lovely solo perfotmance of the Hail Mary.

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATE, SPONSOR & PARENT MEETING

The Confirmation Parent, Sponsor & Candidate Meeting is on Tuesday 27 August at 7.00pm at St Brigid’s Church. Candidates are encouraged to have their Sponsor accompany them to this evening as part of their overall preparation. Please keep all our Confirmation Candidates in your prayers during their time of preparation. 

SACRAMENTAL DATES 2019

Year 6 CONFIRMATION – Sunday 8 September 2019 (11.00am)

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - LUKE SHAW

 1-2-3 MAGIC PARENT WEBINAR

As you are aware, our school adopted the 1-2-3 Magic and Emotion Coaching behaviour management system at the beginning of this year. All staff have been trained in this school-wide approach, which is proven to be effective and is backed by research. If you would like more information about this program, please go to https://timelinemedia.wistia.com/medias/z8dupkkd88

 

BOOK WEEK

Book Week celebrations will be taking place at our school next week. We will be having a Book Week parade in the MacKillop Hall on Thursday 22 August, beginning at 9:00am. Students are encouraged to come to school dressed as their favourite book character. The theme for Book Week this year is Reading Is My Secret Power. Students are also welcome to bring in their favourite book on Thursday. Classroom teachers will be sharing their favourite stories with students throughout the week. In addition to this, Mrs MacKenzie, Mr Sibbald and I will be sharing our favourite stories with interested students at lunchtime during the week. We look forward to celebrating all things reading next week!

 

 

MULTICULTURAL DAY – POSTPONED TO 2020

As advised last week, our Harmony Day has been postponed. Moving forward, this will form a part of Harmony Week. Harmony Week takes place across Australia every year, celebrating Australia’s cultural diversity. Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Given that Harmony Week is a nation-wide celebration, it makes sense that our focus on Multicultural Day is embedded in Harmony Week moving forward. We look forward celebrating Harmony Week, with a focus on celebrating our cultural diversity, in 2020 and beyond.

 

SCHOOL NEWS

 Don't forget to follow the St Brigid's Primary School Facebook Page!

https://www.facebook.com/stbrigidsms/

 

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CANTEEN ROSTER

Monday 19 Aug          HELP NEEDED PLEASE

Tuesday 20 Aug         H VRANJES

Wednesday 21 Aug     HELP NEEDED PLEASE

Thursday 22 Aug        S SOEMYA

Friday 23 Aug            C TURNER

 

PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING IN THE CANTEEN AND AS A THANK YOU, LUNCH AND ENDLESS CUPS OF TEA/COFFEE ARE ON US........

 

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 SEQTA ENGAGE FOR STUDENT REPORTS: PRE-PRIMARY TO YEAR 6

To access your child's report, you need to go to the following site: https://stbrigidsms.coneqt-p.cathednet.wa.edu.au and use your current username and password.

If you have remembered your username but have forgotten your password, please click on the ‘Forgot your Password?’ link and an immediate email will be sent to you. THIS EMAIL WILL EXPIRE WITHIN ONE HOUR, so please action this immediately. Please note that for security reasons, the school does not have access to parent passwords.

If you have any issues, please contact the school by sending an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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 ST BRIGID'S RUNNING CLUB

WHEN: EVERY TUESDAY 3.15PM - 3.45PM

WHERE: ST BRIGID'S PRIMARY SCHOOL

YEAR GROUPS: PRE - PRIMARY - YEAR 6  

 

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ST BRIGID'S SWIM SQUAD Come along and join the St Brigid's Swim Squad.  Training takes place every Thursday morning at Swan Active, Morrison Road, Midvale, commencing at 7am.  Entry is $3.30 (no spectator fee for parents).   Swim Squad is for students in Yrs 2 to Yr 6 whom are at swimming level 5 or above.  Students can then take advantage of Breakfast Club at school which commences at 8.15am in the MacKillop Hall.  If you have any queries, please contact Deanna (DJ) on 0419 943 901.  

 

 

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 AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS

Application Forms must be completed before children can attend. 

Forms are available from the school office.

P & F NEWS

St Brigid’s Parents and Friends Association

                                                                                         
Other ways you can continue to support your school by shopping locally -

Orders can still be placed for Hair accessories through Ponytails and Fairytales anytime

Simply go to  www.SchoolPonytails.com.au -> Select Shop by School -> then click on St Brigids Primary School Logo (We are under Schools North of the River). Once you have picked your accessories, in your cart, you will be asked "Is this order a fundraising order for your school? Pick YES, and complete your child's name, class and the School name. Another Pre-order will be sent out shortly for anyone looking to grab some gorgeous Faction coloured accessories as well (for boys and girls!)

 

Upcoming Events

 The next P&F meeting will be held on Tuesday 9am 10th September.  

SCHOOL BANKING

HELPING HANDS

 BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE 

  

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! Enrolment forms are available from the School Office.

Vacancies Available Now!

P: 0484302073

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

St Vinnies are very soon having their Annual Street appeal in Midland.

The date is Friday the 13th September 

Our collection points will be Gilberts, Centrepoint, Bunnings or Supa IGA

We normally start from 8am through to 5.30pm and we operate in pairs so you won't be on your own.

If you have interested in donating a little time, please ring Nancy 0417 955 956 or call into the School Uniform Shop and see Jo-Anne Vellis.

 

This year the PLC Foundation is thrilled to offer two scholarships; and after receiving a generous annonymous donation earlier this year, the Foundation is able to offer a third scholarship. These three scholarships commence in 2020 and are offered to a student for whom a PLC education is financially out of reach.
The successful student will commence at PLC in Year 7 and the scholarship covers full tuition fees from Year 7 to Year 12.
Applicants are required to be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia residing in Western Australia.
Applicants must also demonstrate:
- Sound academic achievement;
- A commitment to the community;
- Participation in co-curricular activities; and
- A commitment to participate in the life of the PLC.
Applications close on 23 August 2019.

Information on the PLC Foundation can be found on the PLC website or you can contact Suzanne Pelczar, Executive Officer, PLC Foundation on 9424 6534 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

 

   

PILATES

Monday mornings in the MacKillop Hall

9am - 10pm

All are welcome (Men & Women)

For further enquiries please contact Elaine Pollock - 0433 900 703 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.