PRINCIPAL - PAULA MACKENZIE

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

What a fantastic beginning to the school year. Our staff and students have returned to school full of energy and enthusiasm. There has been a definite buzz around our school and we would like to welcome our 15 new families who have joined us at the start of the school year. I know that all our students will settle into school life quickly and happily. Getting settled into a new school year is very important. We aim to make our students feel comfortable and successful in their new year level and classroom. Sometimes moving to a new year level can be a bit scary for students and they begin to doubt that they can handle the work or habits that will now be required. Teachers use the first few weeks to develop confidence in students and to gradually introduce them to the new work or expectations that are part of growing up and moving on. At this stage, teachers are designing programs that allow students to experience success as well as practicing both old and new routines. Teachers are currently working on developing a picture of the capabilities of each student. A large amount of assessment occurs at the beginning of the year so that we gain an understanding of what your child already knows and what skills they need to develop or refine. Teachers can then use this information to develop programs that provide support and challenges for every student.

Our curriculum is designed around building upon what a child already knows and using this to create learning opportunities to learn and discover more. The assessments ensure that students have a solid foundation in skills before attacking more complex ideas and activities. Getting to know your child and ensuring that they are settled into their new class and feeling confident, are very important first steps for teachers.

You can read all types of research that will tell you how to identify a successful school; however I believe the best ‘litmus test’ is the response of the children, teachers and parents. We have had an extremely smooth start to the school year. Credit must go to our dedicated staff who have spent many hours ensuring that we have a ‘hassle-free’ start and credit must also go to the children who have settled quickly and industriously back into ‘school mode’.

Schools are dynamic ‘people organisations’ and as a school community, we all have a vested interest in the well-being of the school. The working relationship between the home and the school is a vital link, ensuring a positive and productive education for every child.

As Principal, my number one priority is the happiness and safety of every child. Children who are feeling happy and safe are receptive learners. From the moment you enrol your child at St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School you are encouraged to develop a strong partnership with us. When parents express confidence in the school and teachers, and are involved in some way, their children are more likely to be happier and perform better academically.

Welcome to New Staff and Families

 Not only do we welcome new families to our school but we also would like to welcome some new staff. Mr Luke Shaw is our new Assistant Principal, as well as Mr Michael Pendlebury, Mrs Tara Frediani and Mrs Anne Kingsley. We hope you will fell part of our community very quickly.

Uniforms

I am a strong advocate for the wearing of school uniforms. Our uniform looks fantastic and should be worn with pride and correctly. We ask that all our students wear their full uniform every day. There are enormous benefits for ensuring all students wear our full school uniform. These include:

• Defining our school identity.
• Developing within our students a sense of belonging to our school community.

Provides an opportunity to build and enhance ‘school spirit’.

• Promotes a sense of inclusiveness, non-discrimination and equal opportunity.
• Enhances the health and safety of students when involved in school activities and excursions.

Complies with our obligations under Occupational Health and Safety Legislation. Promotes positive community perceptions of our school. Makes school clothing more affordable by eliminating the risk of peer pressure to wear current fashions and expensive clothes.

We ask that you also take careful note of school shoes and please check that your children are wearing black lace up shoes (polished) for school each day or brown school sandals in Term 1 and 4.

Grooming is an important part of our school day and therefore I ask that you please check the hair styles of our students. As part of our uniform policy we ask that boys have short back and sides. I have noticed a number of longer hair styles and ask that parents please check that hair is trimmed above the eyebrows and kept free of the face and above the collar. We also ask for no extreme hairstyles which would include rat’s tails and razor cuts or sweeping fringes or spiky hair or Mohawk styles. Girls hair, if below the collar will need to be tied   back with elastic bands and may have a ribbon or scrunchie in school colours of blue or gold.

The only jewellery that is to be worn is a watch and a holy medal on a chain. Girls may also wear one pair of earrings, small studs or small sleepers.

It is important as a school that we set standards for our students; how they look and feel about themselves is important and wearing our uniform correctly and with pride is essential for their development. Thank you so much to parents who have upheld the school uniform code and purchased the correct shoes, socks and uniforms. It really does make for a smooth start to the school year.

Parent Information Evenings

All our classes from Pre-Primary to Year Six will be conducting parent information evenings and giving out parent information packages. It is an ideal time to listen to your child’s teacher and find out the expectations in each classroom. I would also encourage all parents to bring along their phone on the evening so that we can help you to download our school App. There is no cost for parents and we encourage every parent to have the App on their phone, as we will be using this App as a major source of communication.

Nut Aware School

St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School is a Nut Aware School. We ask parents please, not to send nut products to school as we have a number of our students who are allergic to nut products. Please check labels to make sure nuts are not contained in such items as muesli bars. Spreads such as peanut paste and Nutella should not be used in school sandwiches. I thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Drop and kiss area out the front of school

As all parents are aware, we do have a “Kiss and Drop” zone for drop off and pick up of students. This zone is situated on Toodyay Road at the front of the school. It works well when parents adhere to the correct area. Please be considerate and aware of the different areas to ensure the safety of all. If you wish to walk your child into school, you must “PARK” your car in a designated bay or on the spare carpark under the trees.

Getting organised for school

Whether your child is just starting school or the children are returning after a long summer’s break, getting into the swing of things at the start of the school year can be a challenge!   Listed below are some simple strategies that can be useful to get everyone back into the routine of school days!   Ensuring your child has had adequate rest is very important. Is your child getting to bed at a reasonable time? Children’s need for rest can vary at times and warm summer nights can affect your child’s sleep patterns. It is important to set an agreed bedtime, and stick to it where possible. If your child is wakeful, encourage them to read quietly in their bed or listen to some quiet, restful music.

Setting a regular pattern of events in the morning can impact on how smoothly and happily everyone gets ready for school. Here are a few ideas that other parents have found useful which can save a lot of last minute headaches and fuss:

The night before:

• Check that your child’s school clothes are clean and ready for the next day. Encourage them to place their shoes with their clothes in readiness.
• Are there any additional activities happening (e.g. sport, library?) Have your child place the necessary items in their school bag.
• Lunches can also be prepared or semi prepared. Children can help with this.

Bags can be packed (don’t forget your school hat!) by your child and placed in a regular spot ready for the next morning.

      

In the morning:

• Using an alarm will ensure everyone is out of bed with plenty of time to get ready.
• Be positive! Grumpy parents make for grumpy children. Encourage and give positive feedback.
• Keep the TV off! If the TV is to go on, only allow it to go on after your child is absolutely ready to go!
• Provide a healthy breakfast e.g. cereal, milk, juice, water, toast and spread, fresh fruit. Kids are like cars …they run (behave and learn) better on good fuel.
• Encourage children to get ready by themselves: cleaning teeth, brushing hair, packing school bag, making bed, helping them only where needed.

Leave the house on time. Setting the kitchen timer can be a help here. Tell the children that when the alarm goes you will be leaving for school; make sure you are ready yourself!                                                          

God Bless

 

Paula MacKenzie
PRINCIPAL

 

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - MIKE SIBBALD

CLASSROOM BLESSING

Deacon Liam visited our St Brigid’s School yesterday to bless each classroom and school building. Our School Leaders, Xeline Dequina (Head Girl), Luke Firns (Head Boy), Mikylla Bravo (Deputy Head Girl) and Thomas Lupica (Deputy Head Boy, took the opportunity in their leadership role, to introduce Deacon Liam to each class. This is an important Faith Tradition and we are very appreciative of both Deacon Liam, with Fr Benny’s support, for their presence and assistance in our school.

BEGINNING OF YEAR MASS

This special Liturgy was celebrated by Fr Benny and our School Community this morning in our MacKillop Hall. It was a lovely way to start a new school year. We are most grateful to Fr Benny and the Year Six Students hosting this mass. A special thank you is extended to Mrs Yeo and all the children for their beautiful singing!

ST BRIGID’S PARISH SACRAMENTAL COMMITMENT MASS

One weekend is set aside for ALL children who are making any of the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and/or Confirmation. The weekend will be Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 February. This means, those families of children making a sacrament, may choose to attend any one of the three (3) masses (Sat 6.30pm, Sun 9.30am & Sun 6.00pm) to make their sacramental commitment.

A letter from our Parish Priest, Fr Benny, along with the necessary sacrament booklet and parent commitment form, was be sent home next week.

SACRAMENTAL DATES 2018

Year 3 RECONCILIATION – Tuesday 7 May 2019 (5.00pm)

Year 4 FIRST EUCHARIST – Sunday 23 June 2019 (11.00)

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

 

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - LUKE SHAW

WELCOME BACK

Welcome to the new school year! I hope you enjoyed time with family and friends over the Christmas break. It is great to be a part of the St Brigid’s Primary School community. I come to St Brigid’s after working at a few schools as Assistant Principal. I enjoy coming to school each day to work together to make each day the very best it can be for the students in our care. I have enjoyed getting to know staff, students and parents throughout the week. If I haven’t met you yet, I look forward to meeting you soon.

BEFORE SCHOOL DUTY & BREAKFAST CLUB

A reminder to all parents that all students who arrive at the school between 8.15 - 8.30am are expected to come to the MacKillop Hall where supervision is provided from 8.15am. We kindly remind you that this rule applies to all students, including those who are walking in with their parents.

We continue to provide a breakfast club service for all students from 8.15 - 8.30 each morning in the MacKillop Hall. All students are welcome to attend. Thank you to our dedicated staff who give up their time to assist with this initiative.

SWIMMING LESSONS

Swimming lessons are underway for your Year 3-6 students. These lessons will conclude on Friday 15 February. During this time the students are able to wear their sport uniform as this is easier when changing out of their bathers. Children must wear their full sport uniform and they are required to bring their thongs to wear to and from the pool not for the entire day.

SPORT UNIFORM

Please refer to the table below for the sport uniform days.

	Sport Uniform  Blue Polo	PE Uniform  Faction Shirt
Pre-Primary	PPA – Mon-Wed & Fri PPB – Mon-Wed & Fri	PPA - Thursday  PPB - Thursday
Year One	1A – Tuesday  1B – Tuesday	1A - Friday  1B - Wednesday
Year Two	2A –Wednesday  2B - Friday	2A - Thursday  2B – Wednesday
Year Three		3A - Wednesday  3B – Thursday
Year Four	4A - Tuesday  4B - Tuesday	4A - Friday  4B – Thursday
Year Five	5A – Wednesday  5B - Wednesday	5A - Tuesday  5B – Tuesday
Year Six	6A – Wednesday  6B - Wednesday	6A - Tuesday  6B – Friday

SCHOOL NEWS

PHYSICAL EDUCATION – TERM 1 2019

Welcome back to all members of the St Brigid’s School Community!

I am looking forward to another exciting year working with all students from Pre-primary to Year 6, and continuing to build on some of the programs that we established last year regarding Physical Education. I would like to take this opportunity to announce a number of important dates and activities which are taking place this term.

Our Faction Swimming Carnival and Swimming Trials are key dates on the sporting calendar this term. These dates can be found below.

• Swimming Trials @ Bayswater Waves – Tuesday, 12^th March Week 6
• Faction Swimming Carnival @ Bayswater (Years 3 – 6) – Thursday 21st March Week 7

These days are always memorable for the students and to ensure we can provide the best day possible, it would be great to have parent helpers who are willing to give some of their time to assist where possible. Last year’s carnival was a success due to the support which the school received from our community and I invite those who have helped before to return, as well as encourage any parents who would like to assist for the first time to come and see myself in the lead up to these dates. More information for both dates will be sent home closer to the events.

We also will be continuing both our St Brigid’s Running Club and St Brigid’s Swim Squad this year. A note will be sent home to children who would like to register their interest, later this term.

I would also like to advertise that there is a “Weetbix Tryathlon” for students 7 years and above, that is taking place on Sunday the 24^th of March. This is not a school or association run event, however, it would be great to see those students who are willing to have a go and who enjoy competing, participate in the event. I have spoken to a few students who have already registered and they are excited at the upcoming challenge. Details for the event can be found at the following link - https://tryathlon.com.au/locations/perth/

If you have any questions regarding Physical Education this term or any of the above announcements, please come and see me between Tuesday and Friday each week.

I look forward to seeing all members of the St Brigid’s Community around the school in the coming weeks.

Mr Samuel Harris

Physical Education Specialist

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PLAYGROUP

Previously we have had two separate Playgroups however this year we will be running just one. All parents/guardians and community members with children aged 0-4yrs are more than welcome to come along.

We will be up and running within the next few weeks. A flyer will be posted soon with official start date.

 

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CITY OF SWAN

The City of Swan we will be running some upcoming community consultations to inform and guide future planning around the development of a new play and recreation area for Lot 300, Gray Drive Midvale, in front of Swan Active Midland.

As part of this process wthey would like to meet some students from the school in the coming weeks to participate in a children’s workshop consultation.  This would be a great opportunity for the children in the school to get involved and have a say about the play spaces in their community.

They would run a workshop with 2 classes made up of grades 4-6 (max 40 children), in this we would run some activities that may include showing the children some photographs, filling out some questionnaires and group discussions.

This would be conducted at the school on either Friday 15^th or Monday 18^th of February. Let us know if this is something you would like your child to be participating in.

 

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CANTEEN ROSTER

Monday 11th Feb          S THOMAS

Tuesday 12th Feb          H VRANJES

Wednesday 13th Feb    C TURNER

Thursday 14th Feb        S SOEMYA

Friday 15th Feb             L PETERSON

 

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR CANTEEN MENU                                                

 

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ST BRIGID'S SWIM SQUADStart training now for next year's Swimming Carnival.   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 8.00am in the MacKillop Hall.  If you have any queries, please contact Deanna (DJ) on 0419 943 901. 

 

 SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

BLESSING OF CLASSROOMS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P & F NEWS

St Brigid’s Parents and Friends Association

 

P & F CONTACT INFORMATION

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Karryn - 0409 293 198

Emma - 0431 896 213

 

SCHOOL COMMUNITY NEWS

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 Kindy B Classroom during out of school hours, weekdays.

 

 

Vacancies Available Now!

P: 0484302073

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COMMUNITY NEWS