PRINCIPAL - PAULA MACKENZIE

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

One of the most difficult tasks as teachers, is to work out at the end of the year how to divide 60 - 64 adorable children into two classes for the following year. There is considerable thought and discussion that goes into this process. All class teachers spend a lot of time in this process and many things need to be considered.

You begin by looking at the teachers for the following year and how you think a given child will work with that teacher. Next you need to consider many different aspects such as learning challenges, extension and support needs, learning styles, behaviour challenges, personalities, faith and individual needs and gender. Children need to be divided evenly between the two classes so that you have two classes of equal ability and strengths as well as challenges.

It is not a quick process and takes a lot of time and effort. Every teacher in our school cares for your child and wants the very best for them. They have worked closely with your child and know best the qualities and strengths of our staff for your child. This process has been going in in the background so that on Wednesday 28th November the children will have the opportunity to visit their new classrooms for 2019 and spend one hour with their teachers for 2019. It is a great time for staff and students to talk and get to know each other just a little before next year. I like to ensure that children are the first to meet their new teachers and request that parents wait until their child comes home to tell you there exciting news. Further on in the newsletter you will find the names of our staff for 2019.

BOOKLISTS

Booklists have gone out this week, so please take the time to check what is needed for school next year. I appreciate it is a busy time with many things happening. Our book list suppliers Ziggies try to make this task as easy as possible for parents.

 

REPORTS

Reports will go live on Friday 30th November. Please take the time to sit down with your child and read the report together. Give your child some good feedback on the things they are doing well and all they have achieved this year. If parents would like to talk with their teachers please make a time with teacher next week so that you can enjoy the holidays with your loved ones.

P & F EVENTS MEETING FOR 2019

Next Tuesday 27th November at 9.00am we are holding a special P & F meeting to discuss the events we would like to hold in 2019. If you have any suggestions for events please come along and join us at the meeting to share. Everyone is welcome so please think about joining us in the Boardroom in the front office.

YEAR FIVE ASESEMBLY

Today we were entertained by our Year Five students and saw the wisdom of telling the truth and the whole truth. The Year Five skit was enlightening and goes to show how events can be taken out of context and changed as the story evolves. It was a very topical notion and congratulations to our amazing performers and the staff that came up with this novel idea.

THE SENSATIONAL STAFF OF 2019

Principal: Paula MacKenzie
Assistant Principal/Science Specialist: Mike Sibbald
Assistant Principal/Science Specialist: Luke Shaw

Administration:

Melissa Slattery

Lucy Siciliano

Rosa Munro

Kindergarten A: Larissa Robinson
Kindergarten B: Giulia De Rizzo
Pre-Primary A: Brianna Clatworthy
Pre-Primary B: Sara Collodel
Year 1A: Jocelyn Willis
Year 1B: Erica Mason
Year 2A: Tara Frediani & Dorrie Motherway
Year 2B: Rita Barber
Year 3A: Stephanie Taddei
Year 3B: Celeice McDonnell
Year 4A: Aimee Mitchell
Year 4B: Rhianna Shepherd
Year 5A: Renee George & Alecia Gooch
Year 5B: Philena Giorgiante
Year 6A: TBA
Year 6B: Althea Footman

School Psychologist: Laurie Eveson
Music Specialist: Alison Yeo
Physical Education Specialist: Samuel Harris
LOTE Specialist: Monica Giora
Indigenous Liaison Officer: Melissa Billy-Rooney
Education Support Co-ordinator: Julie McMahon

Education Support Teacher: Helen Constable

Gifted & Talented: Anneleise Paull

Mini Lit Co-ordinator: Paula McConnell

Co-ordinator of Professional Learning: Colette Wayne

IT Specialist: Steve Duncan

Librarian: Robin Dalziell & Dorrie Motherway 

Kindergarten Assistants

Michelle McKie

Margaret Kee

Karen Gandossini

Jo Legg

Pre-Primary Assistants:

Paula Browne

Leanne Bickers

Education Assistants:

Leanne Bailey

Mandy Darling

Jayne Ekholm

Cheryl Harris

Rebecca McCarthy

Sarah Percival

Kate Thompson-Turco

Fiona Verrier

Saloni Vig

Karen Whittaker

Canteen Manager: Kylie Dickenson
Uniform Shop Co-ordinator: Jo-Anne Vellis
Groundskeeper: Peter Constable

 

PARENTING

As most parents know it takes a little longer to grow a boy than a girl.

The maturity gap between the genders is skewed in favour of girls.

At each transition period it seems girls are a little more ready for the next stage than boys. When starting school they seem more social and more ready for learning.

When moving to secondary school they seem more up for the challenges of being independent and more organised.

When moving out of school they seem more focused and better prepared for life with less structure and more uncertainty.

Parenting boys takes patience, perseverance and a longer-term focus.

But mothering and fathering boys is a lot simpler than parenting them. (Parenting is the head stuff. Mothering and fathering is the heart stuff.)

There is only one thing a mum and dad needs to remember.

Boys like to please their mums and they want their dads to be proud of them.

They’ll generally crawl over broken glass to please their mothers so make sure you let them know when you are happy or not happy with their behaviour. It makes a difference.

And they just yearn to hear their dads say, “I’m so proud of you and what you do!” Some dads struggle getting those words out! The words can get stuck in their throat.

Get those twin drivers of wanting to please and wanting to feel pride right and you have great leverage to help boys behave well and also to be successful.

May God Bless you all

Paula MacKenzie
PRINCIPAL

 

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - MIKE SIBBALD

KINDY LITURGY
Congratulations to our Kindy Classes for hosting their Liturgy on Wednesday. Fr Benny was very pleased with the participation of the children and with the parents who attended. Thank you to all Staff who prepared and organized this special prayer gathering.

ST BRIGID’S NATIVITY CRIB

With Advent nearly upon us, we look forward displaying our large Nativity located near the Canteen. Fr Benny will bless our Nativity Crib on Friday 30 November at 11.05am. This is a wonderful and unique tradition of our St Brigid’s School and one that really helps our children to ‘see’ the real meaning of Christmas, Christ’s birth and promise of peace.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS NON-PERISHABLE FOOD DRIVE

We are into the last two weeks of St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal and we have had a great response so far! I encourage all families who are thinking of donating non-perishable food items to do so a soon as you can. Every Class will have their own basket where donations can be placed. We also have a special basket in the Front Office for cat & dog food, especially for elderly people who would feed their pet before themselves. Our Year Six Christian Ministry will be coordinating this very special and important Christmas Tradition. Thank you for your support.

YEAR SIX GRADUATION MASS

The Year Six Students have been busily preparing for their Graduation Mass that is this coming Tuesday evening, beginning at 6.00pm in the MacKillop Hall. Graduation is always a very special ‘milestone’ and understandably, they are very excited! Parents and friends are warmly invited to attend.

SACRAMENTAL DATES 2019
Year 3 RECONCILIATION – Tuesday 7 May 2019 (5.00pm)
Year 4 FIRST EUCHARIST – Sunday 23 June 2019 (11.00)
Year 6 CONFIRMATION – TBC (6.00pm)
Commitment Mass Weekend - Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 February 2019.
(For ALL children who are making any of the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and/or Confirmation).

ACTING ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - COLETTE WAYNE

CHOIR CAMP

Mrs Yeo has worked hard to organize the Choir camp which takes place on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 November. We wish all choir members a fabulous time.

TRANSITION

On Wednesday 28 November the school will have a 2019 class transition from 8:50 to 9:50.am. The students will have the opportunity to meet with their teacher for 2019 as well as their classmates.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION DISCO

There is a lot of excitement in the Year 6 classes as they get ready for their Graduation Disco on Friday 30 November from 6.00-8.30pm. It promises to be a fabulous evening.

DA VINCI PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES

On Thursday I represented the school at Holy Cross College, Ellenbrook for the presentation of the Da Vinci certificates to Jessica Brooks, Ryan Kiriyahthan and Mathew Punchathalakal. Participation in the program allowed the students to develop their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). It was great to see their robots in action.

 

                                                                           

 

 

                                                                       

 

SCHOOL NEWS

2019 MUSIC for YEAR 3

Dear Parents/Carers,

Students in Year 3 learn the skills needed to play the recorder. The recorder is now on the booklist for 2019, Year 3 students. The school office has recorders for sale and can be purchased for $10.00. If you would like a recorder ready for next year and would like to purchase one from the school, please see the staff in the office.

I look forward to the music the children will be producing.

Regards,
Mrs Yeo

 

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CANTEEN ROSTER

Monday 26th Nov          S THOMAS

Tuesday 27th Nov          H VRANJES

Wednesday 28th Nov     C TURNER

Thursday 29th Nov       L SARICH

Friday 30th Nov             L PETERSON

 

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR CANTEEN MENU                                                

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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.

Kind Regards,

Mr Steve DuncanSeqta Coorindator

 

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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. 

 

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UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

There will be a Price Increase from 2019 for all Uniforms.

ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP IN 2019 ARE AS FOLLOWS (Limited Stock Available):

School Bathers for boys and girls

Boys & girl's stock will be sizes 8,10 & 12.  Orders can be taken for other sizes (Prices to be confirmed)

4 Year Old Kindy T Shirts

Please ensure you label all your children's school items as there are many items that are sent up to lost property but cannot be returned to students because there are no names on them.

THE UNIFORM SHOP WILL BE CLOSED OVER THE CHRISTMAS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS & will re-open Monday 4th February 2019 @ 8am

Please direct all your enquiries to Mrs Jo Vellis, Uniform Shop Manager.

 

LOST PROPERTY

We currently have a pair of glasses, a watch and some jewelry in the office.  Also, some foreign money was found in the carpark.  Please feel free to call into the office if your child has lost any of these items recently.

 SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

 YEAR 4 CAMP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P & F NEWS

St Brigid’s Parents and Friends Association

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

We are creating a Christmas raffle to celebrate this joyous time of year. If you would like to contribute to the raffle please contact us or deliver your item to the front office by November 28.

Ideas for contributions include: Christmas themed gifts, unwanted gifts, gourmet foods.

Tickets will be sent home next week – these are optional to purchase. Additional tickets will be also be available to purchase at school. The raffle will be drawn at the End of Year concert on Wednesday 5 December.

We understand that this can be a busy and expensive time of year and whilst we are grateful to everyone who has supported us in 2018, please don’t feel pressured to contribute.

CHRISTMAS GIFT STALL

On Monday 26 to Wednesday 28 November, the P & F will be holding a Christmas gift stall, with lots of lovely yet inexpensive gifts that the children can purchase for their family, friends and loved ones. The gifts range from $1 to $8. Teachers will be allocating times for each class and will let your child know when this is. If your child would like to participate, please send along a small amount of money to school on their allocated day. Teachers will advise the students how they can manage their money for safekeeping.

Any remaining gifts will be available to purchase before and after school from Wednesday, subject to helpers. We will have an EFTPOS machine available for before/after school purchases from the stall.

SCHOOL BANKING

The School Banking program is an important tool to teach our children about saving money and planning for the future. In addition, the program raised a fantastic $1200 in commissions this year, which helped the P&F to fund important resources at St Brigid’s Primary. We would like to thank Kelly and Nicole for all their hard work over the last few years in running the program.

Unfortunately, the School Banking program may have to close next year if we can’t get some new volunteers to help run the program. Please contact Kelly on 0447 051 641 for more information about how you can help.

SAVE THE DATE: DANCE ON THE GREEN - 16 FEBRUARY 2019
Save the date and join us for our annual family picnic and dance event to welcome in the new school year. More details to come.

LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL

Gilberts Fresh SOS program - Sin up in store for your card, nominate St Brigid’s Primary School and each time you shop and scan your card, 1% of your total spend will be donated to our School. Too easy! https://www.facebook.com/gilbertsfreshmarketmidland/

Midland Supa IGA: Shop for your School – Let the cashier know that you would like your purchase points to go towards St Brigid’s Primary School. Points go towards store credit for our School. https://www.facebook.com/MidlandSupaIGA/

PARENTS AND FRIENDS MEETINGS

Formal meetings for the P&F have finished for 2018. Please consider being involved in 2019, even if it is for a meeting, one event or fundraising activity. Meeting times can be flexible if we get enough interest in running a meeting at another time. Please let us know.

 

P & F CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Karryn - 0409 293 198

Emma - 0431 896 213

 

SCHOOL COMMUNITY NEWS

  SCHOOL BANKING

 

 

 

Our school banking day is Wednesday morning from 8am until 8.50am. Come along and see us if you would like to join up and start saving!

WE ARE IN URGENT NEED OF A BANKING VOLUNTEER!

We urgently require one or two people to become banking co-ordinators for our school. What’s involved you ask?

We need someone to be available for about 1 hour on a Wednesday morning between 8am and 9am to take the banking money and slips from the children. After the children bank we enter the deposits in via the banking portal, and balance the money. This is all done on the school grounds. After we balance the school banking money, we drop the money bag off at Commonwealth Bank.

School banking benefits the school and our children and if we don’t get a volunteer or two we may not be able to continue school banking next year.

If you would like to know more, please come and see either Nicole or Kelly on a Wednesday morning or feel free to give Kelly a call on 0447 051 641.

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Middle Swan Dental Therapy Centre-School Holiday Opening Hours
This clinic will be CLOSED from the 24/12/18 and will re-open on the 29/01/2019.
In case of emergency please call:
Mount Henry Dental Clinic- 9313 0552

Have a safe and happy holidays.
Middle Swan Dental Therapy Staff

 

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.

 

Difference perspective

During mat session as an intentional teaching experience and based on an observation, we learnt about difference perspective and difference in opinions. The educator showed the children a picture and asked what they could see? It was very interesting to hear different answers of lady, scarf, bulldog. To end the conversation, we spoke about how the children felt about hearing other people's ideas on what they saw? How they felt when they got told there was an old lady and young lady in the picture? We learnt that it is ok to have a different opinion and the difference between facts and opinions, learnt to read how others react learning body language.

How big is your problem?
Mat sessions provide an opportunity for educators and children to discuss topics that are meaningful for children.  We also talk about topics that relate to children's real life experiences and goals. Today, we talked about big and little problems and what the differences are between the two. The educators read out different problems and the children decide if it is a big problem or a small problem and put their thumbs up or down accordingly.  We then followed up the conversation with different problem-solving solutions.

Art and Craft:
This week the children requested to do a drawing competition.  One child picked the theme of Christmas. Before school, the children have enjoyed making pop-up cards. Other popular art and craft activities have been sprayed bottle silhouettes, craft and Christmas activities.

 

Vacancies Available Now!

P: 0484302073

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

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With swimming pools and beaches a big part of the Western Australian lifestyle, ensuring your children can swim competently and safely is essential.

You can now enrol your children in VacSwim swimming lessons during the summer school holidays. VacSwim programs are held at pools and beaches all across the State. No matter where you are planning to spend these summer holidays, your children can take part in VacSwim.

VacSwim is for all children - from beginners to more advanced swimmers. Your children can start as young as five years old.

Enrol your children in VacSwim now at education.wa.edu.au/swimming