Newsletter Term 2, Week 10 2023
Principal's Update
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to Term 2, Week 10 and our last newsletter for this term.
I would like to congratulate all of our Spirit of St Brendan’s recipients who received their awards on Friday.
Congratulations to all our students for their wonderful efforts and achievements which have been recognised in your Semester One reports. These reports have been made available on Compass last Friday. I hope you have managed to organise a meeting with your children’s teachers to discuss their successes and find out their future goals. I would like to thank all of our staff who have worked so diligently in assessing and preparing for reports and interviews as well as teach quality lessons leading up to the end of Term Two.
I would like to share with you a wonderful email from a parent who guided our rugby team to a victory last Tuesday at Terrigal:
Just a quick email to say how proud I am to be apart of the st Brendan's boys and girls rugby gala day today, every child that came to play was well behaved and well mannered and followed directions given by both myself and your lovely teacher Mr Murphy.
Bethany, Blake and Jett were great leaders on and off the field and the others were so respectful and responsive to those kids that had experience and took on all advice shared
Game 1 we went down to sacred heart Mona vale 20-0
This was a great first game and we were able to make some tweaks to improve the kids game and find everyone strengths
Between games we worked on coming through the gates and cleaning out we knew we had a hard next game with many rep players playing in the next game
Game 2 we went down again to St Johns Baptist Woy Woy 22-5
The kids came together and followed directions given and shocked the Woy Woy team at how strong they actually were and coming together as a team
Speaking to NSW Waratahs Development officer that were there running the day they were also impressed with the unity we showed and how good some of our players were
Some CCJRU rep coaches were also in attendance and made comments at how impressed they were of the kids that have not played before and their ability to adapt to a different game so quickly
Before game 3 we had a quick pep talk and we were positive the way we had been playing we could come away with the win against one of the stronger teams of the day the kids were pumped and positive if they stuck to the game plan they would do well and gave each other encouragement
Game 3 against OLSS Terrigal, Terrigal started strong but the team stuck to the game plan and fired back with a try for themselves and from there the confidence built and everyone started positive talk and encouraging each other on the field
We came away with the win 38-5
The kids were pumped and wanted more games as they were now on a role, unfortunately they were done for the day
I would just like to praise the parents and kids for being a great example for the school and at how well they done and hopefully next year we can do the same as the kids absolutely had a ball and found a love for the game of rugby
Last Tuesday Mr Chandler and Miss Ashford accompanied our Children’s University group to Ourimbah University for some interesting activities lead by the University. The children were involved in experiments, badge making, book making, learning about film etc. This group of children have their own “passports” they have stamped when they participate in particular activities outside school. Depending on how many stamps in their passport will depend on their level of graduation at the end of the year!
Last Friday we had over 10 soccer teams, boys and girls, from Years 5 and 6 attend our Diocesan Soccer Gala day at Adcock Park, Gosford. What a great day was had by all, the sportspersonship and team comradery was very impressive. Thank you to the parents and carers who also came on the day to help the teams navigate their draw!
STAGE 3 BYOD
You, parents and carers, are invited to a Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6) Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) meeting to discuss the possible implementation of BYOD to our school and the learning benefits it provides. Our Stage 3 teachers met with myself, Mrs Fletcher, Miss Foskett and Mr Paul Lynch (Assistant Principal, St Brigid’s College) this week to discuss the benefits of introducing BYOD to St Brendan’s in Years 5 and 6. I would like to invite parents, especially from our current Years 4, 5 and 6 to a meeting Term 3, Week 1, Wednesday 19th July at 3.15pm and another (same content) at 5.30pm. At this meeting parents and carers will have the opportunity to hear what this may look like for our students at St Brendan’s, the benefits, the challenges etc. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions. These meetings may run for 30 mins depending on the discussions raised. I have added a Pros and Cons table below for some thought!
PROS | CONS |
independent learning higher order thinking Encourage use of technology to enhance the learning activities Sense of responsibility Balance between technology and traditional learning Smooth transition to high school Easier access to the curriculum Assists children at all levels of learning ??????? | Cost of device Too much screen time ?????? |
Kindergarten 2024
I have met so many excited children ready to start Kindergarten at St Brendan’s 2024! I am still conducting tours! Next term please come and join us for Storytime here at St Brendan’s every week from 8.45-9.30am – Tuesday and Thursday alternate weeks. Our transition program will then commence in October through to November. If you would like to enquire about our enrolling your child K-6 please contact the office or go through our website to make an appointment with me.
NAIDOC week celebrations:
Thank you Miss Foskett, our parents and carers and our students who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander for picking up the coordination of our beautiful liturgy on Tuesday.
We also had Tracey from GirriGirra Pty Ltd Aboriginal Experiences lead us in a Welcome and then group work in our hall throughout the day!
Thank you to our school community who listened to my story I brought with me from Kilaben Bay (Awabakal) and the Aboriginal, hand made by previous students, artefacts and my connection with the land.
This is our new St Brendan’s Acknowledgement of Country which will be proudly attached to our hall (TBC) for all to see on arrival at St Brendan’s.
We hope that you have enjoyed your end of term reward – Science extravaganza!!
Keeping with the Science theme, have a look at these year 5 Solar system projects!
On behalf of our staff at SBLM I would like to wish you all a lovely, safe and happy holiday and we look forward to seeing you next term. I would also like to thank our wonderful staff for a great term and I hope you all have a lovely holiday too!
I would also like to give a little shout out to Mr Alexander’s Sweet Eats who will be assisting me with some sweet treats for our staff. Perhaps you might like some sweet treats at some stage too!
Our first day back for Term 3 will be Monday, 17th July.
God Bless,
Charlene Reid
Principal
Religious Education
School Updates
Year 6 Canberra Camp
Earlier this term, our Year 6 students embarked on an educational tour of the national capital. This excursion complimented the learning that took place in classrooms and had a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy. The students engaged in a variety of educational programs at key locations such as Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Electoral Education Centre and many more.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government is contributing funding of $30.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards the costs.
The students all had an incredibly educational and enjoyable time exploring Canberra and represented St Brendan’s with a great deal of pride. They are to be commended for their outstanding behaviour and active participation during the guided tours. There were plenty of smiling faces and we are certain that they have made many fun memories that will last a lifetime!
Community News
CatholicCare’s Vacation Care service offers a wide range of activities catering to children of differing ages and interests. We also head out and about on a range of fun local excursions each holiday period. We provide a stimulating and enjoyable environment and activities which harness the children’s interests and strengths whilst respecting their need for leisure. The July programs are available here www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/vacation-care. We hope to see you there!
Compass Calendar