PRINCIPAL - PAULA MACKENZIE

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Today we were entertained by our Year Six students as they took to the stage and gave us a wonderful recount of their camp experience. The camp was a very exciting time for our students and congratulations must go to their wonderful manners and great behaviour. The students enjoyed the experience and they participated so well in all the activities. This year we changed the camp from a five day experience to a four day experience as we did not wish to increase the camp fees. This year we also saw the camp catered for rather than staff preparing all the meals. I believe that all children enjoyed the menu that was on offer and they ate well throughout the camp.

Huge thanks to all our wonderful staff who joined in with our campers and helped make the children’s experience one they will always remember. Miss Footman our camp leader and Mr Pendlebury led our team well. Congratulations go to our talented students as they gave us a rendition of camp life in 2019. Thank you also to Mr Sibbald and staff for the wonderful photos that capture camp life.

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS

I would like to congratulate all staff and students for the wonderful term’s effort. We have enjoyed a variety of activities, including Year Six camp, swimming events, Harmony week, incursions and excursions and I am extremely proud of everyone’s achievements this term. I would also like to thank the many parents who have helped out in classes, covering books, supporting events, canteen and reading rosters. Your time and generosity is very much appreciated and we are looking forward to seeing you back in Term 2.

START DATE TERM TWO

Students resume school for term two on Tuesday 30 April 2019 in full winter uniform.

STAFF CHANGES

We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful passionate staff in our school. This term we are saying congratulations to Mrs Philena Giorgiante and Mrs Renee George as they head off on maternity leave to welcome new babies into their families. At this time we would like to welcome Miss Melissa Hibben (5B) and Miss Molly Anderton (5A) into our year five classes. Miss Hibben began this week in Year Five B and Miss Anderton will begin next term working alongside Mrs Gooch. Mrs Dorrie Motherway will be extending her leave for one more term so we will see Mrs Frediani and Mrs Paull continue team teaching in Year Two A for one more term. We would like to welcome back Miss Stephanie Taddie as she returns to Year Three A and Miss Wise will take on HASS lessons in the library for next term.

EASTER RAFFLE

We experienced a wonderful joy at Assembly when our P & F announced the raffle winners for the Easter Raffle. We saw so many families represented on the stage winning such wonderful prizes. Our P & F are just amazing and they know just how to plan an event to make it fun for the whole community. We even had a visit by the Easter Rabbit, I think this was a highlight of the assembly. Thank you to all our generous families for donating such an amazing range of prizes.

UNIFORMS TERM TWO

Just a reminder that next Term we will be wearing our winter uniform to school and it may be a good time to check the length of the girls’ dresses. I have noticed over the past few weeks that a number of our girls are wearing dresses that are far too short. I cannot see them being an appropriate length for Term Four. At times, parents try to make the dresses last through Year Five and Year Six and as girls tend to go through a growth spurt during this time, the dresses won’t make the two years. I understand parents do not want to buy a new dress for one Term so it may be an idea to buy a new dress as they enter Year Six, rather than trying to wear a dress from Year Five into Year Six. Please also check that students are wearing black polished leather shoes for school and that they are not black leather joggers.

I would like to thank all parents who followed the school policy and had the correct hair cut for boys, short back and sides. I am disappointed that a number of our boys are still wearing the long sweeping fringes to school and that parents are allowing this practice. I would ask that you please reconsider these hair styles and work with the school to ensure that all children follow the policy.

PARENT SURVEY

Next term we are inviting parents to participate in a school survey. This survey helps to look at our school climate. All staff will be asked to complete the survey as well as students from years 4 to 6. We are inviting all parents to participate. This helps to triangulate results so that we can obtain a clear picture of how our school is running and what is important to you. Last year we ran a survey and were very thankful for all who participated. Each year we will run a survey as it is important to gauge our school climate from the point of view of students, parents and staff. More information will follow next term.

THREE YEAR OLD PROGRAM

I am delighted to announce that our school has been registered to run a Three Year Old Program beginning next term. We are currently looking at our numbers so we know when we can offer this service. The cost of the program is $550 a term, unfortunately there is no rebate or health card on these fees as we are attempting to cover the cost of a qualified teacher and teacher assistant. As a school we are not funded for this program therefore we need to cover our costs. We want to ensure that this program is cost effective. Presently the results of our survey show that Wednesday is the most popular day for the program to run. Once we have acquired 16 children who are three years old and toilet trained we will begin the program. If you are interested please let the front office know so that we can begin the process of interviews. I look forward to sharing more information with you on this very exciting play based program.

SPEECH SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT

Kindergarten and Pre- Primary parents would have received a letter outlaying our intention to hold Speech screening assessment with children in these two grade levels. The children will be assessed early next term with parent permission and then parents will receive a letter outlying the results. We think it is important for parents to have an accurate account of how their child is progressing in this very important area.

NAPLAN

From 14 May, as part of the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), national tests will be held in Literacy and Numeracy for all students in Australia at Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

The national tests assess student achievement in Literacy and Numeracy. Students will be familiar with the test formats and the type of questions they are required to answer. The main difference is that all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 at schools across Australia, complete the same tests on the same days.

Students will have their skills assessed in Numeracy, Reading, Writing, Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar.

National tests will provide information on how students are progressing and support improvements in teaching and learning.  These tests will make it easier to monitor student performance in Literacy and Numeracy across the nation. Over 1 million students from 9,000 schools across Australia participate in the National tests.    This information will be used to evaluate what students can do and how they perform against the national benchmarks. You can help your child by talking about these tests as a means of showing what they know and can do, at this point in their schooling. Ease any anxiety by explaining that everyone in Australia will be doing this test at the same time and the testing process is an integral part of their school life. Please ensure that all students in Year Three and Year Five are present during NAPLAN testing Week.

 

May God Bless You

  

Paula MacKenzie
PRINCIPAL

 

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - MIKE SIBBALD

FREE DRESS FOR PROJECT COMPASSION

Our final Friday of Term One will be a Free Dress Day, Gold Coin Donation, for Project Compassion. I would like to sincerely thank all children and their parents, for supporting this very important, annual appeal!

Please continue to encourage your children to keep practising their Lenten promises and to work towards filling the family or classroom Project Compassion box.

 

SACRAMENTAL DATES 2019

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

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

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

Please note that the First Eucharist Mass is at 11.00am, not at 9.30am as previously advertised.

 

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - LUKE SHAW

NAPLAN

This year students in Years Three and Five will sit for various NAPLAN tests from Tuesday 14 May to Wednesday 22 May. Our NAPLAN timetable is below. It is important to note that all testing will take place prior to recess. It is very important that students are here on these days. Please make certain that there are no dentist, doctor or other appointments at this time.

While NAPLAN does not measure everything that is important about a student’s literacy and numeracy development, it does provide each school with valuable data and every school is expected to pay close attention to trends over a number of years.

13 May	14 May Writing (Years 3 & 5)	15 May Reading (Year 3)	16 May Reading (Year 5)	17 May Language Conventions (Year 3)
20 May Language Conventions (Year 5)	21 May Numeracy (Year 3)	22 May Numeracy (Year 5)	23 May	24 May

 

WINTER UNIFORM

Students will return to school next term in full winter uniform.

GIRLS UNIFORM

WINTER

Blue skirt, Victoria blue shirt, school tie, school jumper, school wet weather jacket (able to be worn optionally at recess and lunch time), black low heeled, lace up shoes with school socks.

Sports Uniform

The Sports Uniform must be worn on sports days and faction shirt for physical education lessons.

Royal blue sport shorts, royal blue polo shirts with logo, and predominately white joggers (not street shoes) with St Brigid’s sport socks. A St Brigid’s faction polo shirt will be required to be worn at faction sports carnivals and phys. ed. lesson days.

Tracksuit

St Brigid’s school tracksuit can be worn, during winter months. The tracksuit top should only be worn on sports days and not in place of the school jumper in winter.

BOYS UNIFORM

WINTER

Grey school style pants or shorts (no oversized or cargo styles), Victoria Blue shirt, school tie, school jumper, school wet weather jacket (can be worn during recess and lunch time), black low heeled, lace up shoes with grey St Brigid’s socks.

Sports Uniform

The Sports Uniform must be worn on sports days and faction shirt for physical education lessons.

Royal blue sport shorts, royal blue polo shirt with logo, predominately white joggers (not street shoes) with St Brigid’s sport socks. The coloured faction polo shirt will be required to be worn on faction Carnival days and physical education lesson days.

Tracksuit

St Brigid’s school tracksuit can be worn, during winter months. The tracksuit top should only be worn on sports days and not in place of the school jumper in winter.

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JEWELLERY, ACCESSORIES, HAIR, MAKEUP, NAILS

Studs or sleepers may be worn if both ears have been pierced, with one stud or sleeper is to be placed in each earlobe. Ear piercing should be done during school holidays so earrings can be removed when school resumes. The ONLY other acceptable jewellery is chains with crosses or holy medallions (to be worn under the school shirt) and wristwatches. Bracelets, bangles or rings are not considered acceptable school wear.

Make-up or nail polish is not acceptable at school. These will be removed if worn to school.

HAIR

Hair is required to be neat, tidy and clean. Shoulder length hair is to be tied back. Fringes are to be above the eyebrows or clipped off the face. Hair colour must be natural. Extreme hairstyles are not permitted. Parents are welcome to contact the Leadership Team if unsure of what is considered a suitable hairstyle. All hair accessories (ribbons, scrunchies, pins, slides, etc) must be plain, non-decorative and only in the following colours – royal blue, white, black, brown. On faction carnival days the children may wear ribbons that match the colour of their faction.

 

SCHOOL NEWS

 

 

 

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MUSIC

I am extremely fortunate this week to announce that Gian Malabanan (5B), has been selected to join the St Mary’s Cathedral Choir. Gian will be trained by the Cathedral Music Choral Director to perform for masses and special events held at the Cathedral. This choir is made up of a very selected group of students who go through two auditions to before being chosen.

As a community it is important to acknowledge such an amazing achievement, and the school is so proud and excited for Gian. We wish him all the best with his preparation and once again, congratulate him.

Mrs Alison Yeo

Music Specialist

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DONATIONS FOR PP

Pre Primary are seeking recycled goods for their tinkering trays. Items needed include margarine containers with lids, ice cream containers , bottle tops from milk bottles and orange juice bottles, lids from any type of jars, old computer keyboards, small cuts of plastic pipe , cuts of a hose, off cuts of material, the rolls found inside glad wrap/alfoil and sticky tape, unwanted CD’s, 600ml and 300ml bottles. Your trash is our treasure. Thank you.  

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If you have any spare tiles from the Disney Words Promotion being run by Woolworths please drop them into the

Jean Ellison Centre (Ed Support)

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LIBRARY HELP REQUIRED

If any parents are interested in taking small bundles of books home to contact cover for the library, please see Mrs Darling before or after school in the library.

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PLAYGROUP

Just a reminder Playgroup has started and it is every Friday 9am – 11:30am. Breakfast is offered in the morning. We are operating in the Early Childhood Room (next to Kindy). We have had a lot of kiddies join us in the past 2 weeks and that is lovely to see. So if you are a parent, grandparent, aunty or uncle of a child aged 0-4 yrs please come and join us.

Remember to bring a water bottle, a piece of fruit and a hat!

 

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CANTEEN ROSTER

Monday 8th April             HELP NEEDED PLEASE

Tuesday 9th April            H VRANJES

Wednesday 10th April    S SOEMYA

Thursday 11th April        HELP NEEDED PLEASE

Friday 12th April             K PURCHASE

 

NO MEAT products will be sold in the Canteen every Friday during Lent.

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR CANTEEN MENU                                                

 

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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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FOR SALE

Extra Large Trampoline.

Vuly 14ft Classic. Good Condition.

Can be delivered and assembled locally for a family of the school.

Only $250-  over $1000- New.

Please call Mr Peter Constable 0412 980 004.

 

 

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

YEAR 6 CAMP

                                   

 

                                                   

 

                                                      

 

 

                                              

 

                                         

 

                                                

 

                                                      

 

 

                      

 

 

                        

 

 

 

P & F NEWS

St Brigid’s Parents and Friends Association

COFFEE AND CAKE IN MACKILLOP HALL ON THURSDAY MORNING

We will be running a coffee and cake stall from 8.30 until the Passion Play starts at 9.30am on Thursday 11 April. Grab your morning coffee from the stall and catch up with family and friends while you wait.

We will also be selling any extra cakes/slices after the play so please drop by and grab youself a treat. Funds raised will go towards literacy resources.

EASTER EGG RAFFLE AND GUESSING JAR

Thanks to our generous school families  there were prizes galore at this morning's assembly . Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets and had a go at guessing the number of eggs in the jar. An update about the funds raised will be posted next week.

PARENTS AND FRIENDS MEETINGS

The next P&F meeting will be held on Tuesday 9 April at 9am. If you are able to attend or have anything you would like to share or suggest it would be wonderful to see you there. Young children are very welcome to come along if that makes it easier to attend. 

P & F CONTACT INFORMATION

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Karryn - 0409 293 198

Joanne - 0418 954 821

 

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 Education Support Room.  During out of school hours and weekdays. 

Vacancies Available Now!

P: 0484302073

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COMMUNITY NEWS