Newsletter Term 3, Week 8, 2023
Principal's Update
Dear parents and carers,
Welcome to Term 3, Week 8! We are coming to the closure of Term 3 on Friday, 22nd September. There will be one more newsletter this term in Week 10.
Thank you to our lovely mums who organised and sold items for our Father’s Day stall last Thursday and those who assisted our staff at the Father’s Day breakfast last Friday! Thank you also to our Year 5 staff and children who organised our whole school Father’s Day mass and then an “Amazing Race” day! I hope all our Dads and significant adults doing Dad things had a great weekend – the weather was amazing!
Next week is Wellbeing week at St Brendan’s. There are many great activities planned throughout the week including a mufti day/crazy hair day on Friday, 15th September with a gold coin donation!
Our End of Term Reward is coming up in Week 10, Wednesday, 20th September. Children who have not been in the reflection room three times or more this term are invited to wear comfortable clothes the colour of their house colour team (red, blue, yellow or green) or an accessory of this colour. At this stage, children will be in groups K-3 and 4-6 to allow for more participation. There will be four rotations (1. Soccer on the oval; 2. Make a banner on the handball courts; 3. House chants in the hall; 4. Relay team races on the bottom slope). We will be relying on the House Colour Captains for their guidance throughout the whole day. K-3 children will be out of class participating in the four rotations during the morning session and Years 4-6 will be out of class in the middle session. In the afternoon, children will be invited to have an ice-block and watch the chant performances.
Please be aware we have a Pupil Free Day next term on Monday, 9th October, Term 4 week 1. Staff will not be onsite, however, OSHC vacation care will be available.
Well done to all of our public speakers. Congratulations to Emily and Ava who attended the Northern Cluster Public Speaking Competition last week. Emily came 3rd and is the reserve for the Diocesan competition.
Congratulations to all of our competitors last Wednesday at the CSBB Athletics carnival at Narrabeen. Some great results including the following children who are now invited to the Polding Athletics Carnival on 13th October.
Alexia- Female - 8-10 Discus and 8-10 Shot Put
Kai - Male - 12-13 High Jump
Rain - Female - Girls 10 Year Olds 100 Meter Dash, 8-10 200 Meter Run and 8-10 Long Jump
Looks like Year 1 had a big day on their excursion last week at the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park, Calga. This photo is the result of a long day at the Wildlife Park!
I would like to welcome back Mrs Nicole Evans who will be teaching Year 1 Red on a Friday during Mrs Gordon’s coordinator office day. Mrs Evans will be replacing Miss Robertson in this role as Miss Robertson takes up her new role as our Kindergarten Green classroom teacher for the remainder of the year while Mrs Anderson is on maternity leave. Mrs Evans taught at St Brendan’s last year and has been on maternity leave.
On our last day of this term, Friday, 22 September Years 5 and 6 will be attending the Stage 3 Netball Gala Day at Adcock Park, Gosford.
Sports Corner
On Saturday, 26th August Noah and Alisha played in their grand final at the Central Coast Junior Rugby League for Budgewoi-Buff Point Under 12s Division 2! It was a very exciting game with a close score and they won!
Kai, Parker, Lachlan, Isaac and Ryder had a score of 28-23 in their basketball and won the grand final last Friday night. They have won the last 2 grand finals. Their basketball name is the Curry Boyz.
God bless,
Charlene Reid
Principal
Assistant Principals update
FATHER'S DAY - THE AMAZING RACE
On the 1st of September 2023, we had a Father's Day celebration at St Brendan's. Year 5 had the opportunity to participate in the Amazing Race with their fathers'. For each activity you completed your team got a token. The team with the most tokens at the end won! One of the activities there was the marble race. Teams had to construct a course out of Play-Doh on a tray for a marble to run through. Another activity was the balloon race. Teams had to tie a string with a straw on it between two chairs. Someone on your team then had to blow up a balloon but not tie it. After that, someone sticky-taped the balloon to the straw and let go. The team with the fastest time got an extra five tokens. I think it is safe to say that Year 5 and their fathers' had an amazing Father's Day celebration at St Brendan's.
Written by Elsa R
FATHER'S DAY MASS
On the 1st of September 2023, on a foggy morning, Year 5 directed and hosted a beautiful Mass based on their dads. The dads got to sit next to their children when the Mass was happening. Some fathers even got the opportunity to take part in reading with their children. Overall this Mass was fantastic and at the end, there was an amazing slideshow containing pictures of students with their fathers.
Written by Marcus R
Congratulations!!!
A big congratulations to one of our parents, Jessie Ballhouse who this weekend will be partaking in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion after having completed the RCIA program at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Toukley.
We would also like to congratulate another one of our parents, Sarah-Jane Rosen who will be making the Sacrament of First Holy Communion this Sunday.
In the words of Saint Francis, "May the Church always be a place of mercy and hope where everyone is welcomed and loved".
We pray for you both and your families on this special day!
Jessie Ballhouse
Sarah-Jane Rosen
Religious Education
Confirmation
We currently have some students preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, a momentous step in their faith development, and we believe that your collective prayers can make a significant difference in their lives. Please keep these children in your thoughts and prayers as they approach this sacred sacrament. Your positive intentions and support are invaluable in helping them on their spiritual journey.
Exploring the Sacrament of Baptism
We are excited to extend an invitation to all those who are interested in the Sacrament of Baptism for themselves or their children. Whether you have questions, are curious about the process, or are ready to take the next steps, we invite you to join Fr. Tomy and Ms. Foskett for an informative and welcoming gathering where you can:
- learn about the Sacrament of Baptism,
- ask Questions,
- or start the Process.
Date: Thursday 14th September Time: 10:20 am Location: St Brendan's Church
Please click the link to RSVP by Tuesday 12th of September to ensure we can accommodate everyone comfortably.
We believe that Baptism is a beautiful and significant step in one's faith journey, and we're here to support and celebrate this moment with you. Whether you're considering Baptism for yourself or your child, we look forward to walking this path with you.
Please feel free to invite anyone you know who might be interested or share this invitation with those seeking to explore the Sacrament of Baptism.
Altar Server Training:
We are seeking students who are interested in becoming Altar Servers within our school and parish community. Students must have made their First Holy Communion (First Eucharist). Students will be trained by one of our senior altar servers and will be accompanied by Ms. Alli Foskett. The training session will occur during school time.
Please complete the permission questions on Compass if interested. This is a very important ministry within our school and is a wonderful way for students can be leaders in our school community.
Sock it to Poverty
Clergy Care Coordinator vacancy
The Diocese of Broken Bay is seeking applications for the Clery Care Coordinator role. This is a permanent, full-time position, based at the Chancery offices in Pennant Hills but will be required to travel throughout the Diocese to provide care leadership and services to help our clergy live well and age positively
The Clergy Care Coordinator supports our clergy in their health and medical requirements, optimising their independence and maintaining a quality of life and dignity as they age.
You’ll build and maintain strong relationships to assist clergy with their various health and medical needs including aging in place, provide information on how to access support services & coordinate those services and providers. You’ll provide information about aging and the aged care sector to advocate on behalf of sick clergy and retired priests and ensure access to pastoral and practical support.
You’ll need to have an understanding of the physiology and psychology underpinning aging and how to identify changes in retired clergy and have a proactive and practical ability to seek appropriate services.
If you have tertiary qualifications in aged care, nursing, social work, or equivalent experience working in the aged or healthcare sector then we invite you to apply for the Care Coordinator role by sending your CV and a brief cover letter to recruitment@bbcatholic.org.au.
Applications close Friday 22 September 2023.
Thank you & Regards
Kathryn Pike
HR Manager (Chancery)
Office of Stewardship
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF
BROKEN BAY
School Updates
Wellbeing Week
Week 9 will be our Wellbeing Week for Term 3, and our focus this time is on 'kindness'. The students will engage in a range of activities throughout the week, including:
- Monday - The Random Acts of Kindness Challenge begins.
- Tuesday - Share the Love activity, designed and run by our Year 6 Wellbeing Leaders.
- Wednesday - Canteen meal deal and design a Wellbeing Week t-shirt competition.
- Thursday - Short films about kindness and guided drawings.
- Friday - Crazy Hair Mufti Day and Fun Fitness Friday, bring some outdoor games from home for extra oval time!
- Plus a range of guided imagery meditations and music at eating time throughout the week.
We look forward to sharing a wonderful Wellbeing Week with our students 
SBLM focus
The SBLM focus for weeks 7 and 8 is "Respect yourself, others, and the environment".
St Brendan's Uniform Buy and Sell
St Brendan's Uniform Buy and Sell is a Facebook Page created for the convenience of parents and carers in our school community. Please follow this page. It's a wonderful resource for buying and selling uniforms.
(14) St Brendan's Lake Munmorah Uniform Buy & Sell | Facebook
National Child Protection Week
National Child Protection Week (first Sunday in September) is a great time to consider how we all play a part in creating a safe and supportive community for children and young people.
In 2023, the message that ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’ will be complemented with the theme ‘Where we start matters’.
For instance this could include focusing on supporting parents to access services so that all families have the opportunity to give every child a great start.
Children thrive when parents and caregivers have the support they need. Parents can’t provide the best care when they are overloaded with the financial, emotional and societal burdens that life can bring. When we foster healthy childhoods we in turn create healthier communities, which is why it’s up to all of us to help all caregivers with such an important job.
A great, free resource for parents/caregivers and other family members is the Australian parenting website raisingchildren.net.au. The site offers free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information to help families grow and thrive together. The articles, videos and interactive resources are tailored to different ages and stages, taking families from nurturing a newborn to raising a confident, resilient teen – and helping parents to look after themselves too.
If you’re looking for activities to do with your children the National Association for the Protection of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) has launched a great Children’s Activity Booklet. Working through the pack is a great way for you to start a conversation with your child about what makes them feel safe and supported where they live.
You might also like to view this special National Child Protection Week video from author and parenting specialist Maggie Dent, where she talks about the importance of ‘micro-connections’ with your children.
In addition, NSW Police Legacy have released their Child Safety Handbook. It is a wonderful, practical resource for families and schools. Click the link to access.
The Catholic Church in Australia marks Safeguarding Sunday (formerly Child Protection Sunday) on the second Sunday of September - at the conclusion of National Child Protection Week. It makes a commitment to practices and protocols that create and maintain safe environments for all people. It invites people to pray for those harmed by abuse directly and indirectly.
Awards
Merit Awards
Week 7
Merit award | SBLM award |
Indiana C | |
Isaac W | Aiden A |
Hudson G | Jaxon H |
Albie M | Aria De L |
Audrina G | Finn P |
N/A Healthy Harold | N/A Healthy Harold |
Ambroze D | Noah Hosking S |
Jett K | Matilda C |
Asha P | Amira F |
Phoenix H | Flynn A |
Noah C | Oliver P |
Connor V | Evie G |
Piper R | Emilia A |
Levi G | Ilira G |
Cohen F | Liam H |
Marcus R | Lucy O |
| Harlow R | Ryder W |
| Paige M | Millie S |
Week 8
Merit award | SBLM award |
Evie S | |
Noah C | Nate R |
Callum S | Liv C |
| Diaz P | Turner M |
Oliver K | Aubrey M |
Stella S | Brantley B |
Sarco M | Skyla De L |
Evie-Mae G | Jackson N |
| Isaac W | Lara W |
Travis J | Cash R |
Kiarni W | Dakoda P |
Jaxon D | Natasha S |
Myla P | Micaiah S |
Piper R | Emilia A |
Adelynn T | Jordan Y |
Rhylea S | Liam H |
Ruby W | Brando A |
Amelia G | Matilda E |
Zahn C | Noah W |
Dojo's
120 Dojos | 200 Dojos |
Nate G | Alexis L Charlie R Ella D Ivy W Koby R Miller T Robert E |
Connor Rogers | |
Blair W William N Ryan B Theodore A Audrina G Kassandra I | |
Rachael S Willow G | |
Aston Benji | |
Piper D Zayden K Elijah T Tiabella B | |
Ethan B Harry P | |
| Ezekiel C | |
Cooper S Darcy McW Dylan V Leo W | Amira B Leah B Zara O |
Here are a few photo's from today's assembly
Community News
Did you Know….
Every Thursday is an opportunity to grab a bargain! You can pick up a bag of essential groceries for $10 and the option for bread, fruit & veg & frozen items for reduced sale as well!
Most of these items are either surplus or close to use by date, but if they don’t get eaten, they will be thrown in the garbage… what a waste!
The local locations are:
Food Bank: Colongra Bay Hall, Colongra Bay Road, Lake Munmorah: 10.00 a.m. until sold out
Wyee Community Hub: 20 Gorokan Road, Wyee (the road that goes under the railway line at Wyee train station)
10.00 am-1.00 pm; free BBQ lunch, bring your own bags, open-air markets with loads of discounted items for sale. The food hampers with Wyee Community Hub are ‘$10 for around 30-40kg of groceries, fruit & veg, bread, juice & (UHT) milk’ – items in the hamper are dependent upon stock available. When I visited the Wyee Community Hub, I got there at 12.00 p.m., and for $10, I walked away with shopping bags of groceries & a bag of veggies (which included a whole pumpkin & head of cauliflower: pumpkin soup for dinner that night!).
Both locations accept cash only, so raid that money box, it will be worth it!
If you know of a family member, school family, or friend who would benefit from information or a helping hand at the moment, please leave a message for me at the school. I can provide you with local resources and services that may be of assistance. If I don’t know, I can’t help!!
Take Care… Nicole Anderson
Parent Engagement Coordinator (PEC)
Every Monday & alternate Tuesday’s
School Holidays Activity Idea:
Playroup
Playgroup sessions are held every Monday during school term, 8.30-9.30am in the Hall
Coffee and Chat for Parents
Coffee & Chat is held on alternate Tuesdays (even weeks of term), 8.30-9.30am in the Parent Room.
Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 & 10
Fear Less Positive Parenting Program
Storytime
Compass Calendar