Newsletter Term 1, 2024 Week 4

Principal's Update

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Welcome to Term 1 Week 4. 

As I reflect on the children preparing for Reconciliation when asked what they have learned, they told me about God’s love and making good choices.   This has led to me thinking about living with kindness.  Kindness goes a long way as your child’s first teacher and role model, your behaviour and attitude are what they see and how they act.  All we want for our children is to grow up to be kind, thoughtful and loving adults.  We too at St Brendan’s are role models for your children and we take pride in this important role.  Thank you for your support and encouragement of living with kindness everyday. 

John 13:34 Love One another as I have loved you.  

Welcome BBQ

We have a new date for our Welcome BBQ on 5th March!  We look forward to seeing you all there from 4.30pm-6pm.  BYO fold up chair and some sunshine please, the last two Tuesdays have seen rain! 

PAG

Please complete the form regarding the possible restructuring of our PAG (Parent Advisory Group).  You will find the link on your Compass app.  Our first PAG meeting will be Tuesday, 19th March at 5.30 pm in our Year 5 collaborative space.  All are welcome and we can go through the results of the survey and look through the 2024 calendar events.  I am hoping some parents will contribute to a once-a-term Parent Newsletter that will be shared to all parents in the community. 

Athletics Carnival

Our St Brendan’s athletics carnival is fast approaching.  Please RSVP on your Compass app and indicate whether you are organising travel or need the bus service to and from Mingara on Monday, 11th March (Week 6). 

CCC Swimming

Congratulations to our swim squad who represented St Brendan’s and themselves at the Central Coast Zone Swimming carnival (3rd place overall out of 11 schools on the Central Coast) last Monday including: 

Excellent results!  The following children heading off to the Broken Bay swimming carnival on 12th March at Homebush pool: 

Rahnie S – junior girls 200 IM, Junior girls relay team 

Logan B – Junior boys 200 IM, Junior boys 50m butterfly, Junior boys 50m breaststroke, Junior boys 50m backstroke 

Rhoden M – 8-year boys 50m freestyle 

Samantha Mc – 11-13 girls 200 IM, 11-year girls 50m freestyle, 11-year girls 50m butterfly, 11-year girls 50m breaststroke, 11-year girls 50m backstroke 

Kiarni W – 9-year girls 50m freestyle,  Junior girls 50m breaststroke, Junior girls 50m backstroke, Junior girls relay team 

Charlie W – Junior girls relay team. 

Kaley F – Junior girls relay team 

I have ordered new SBLM swim caps which can be collected from Kiarni’s mum on the day, although you may be wearing a Central Coast swim cap for Broken Bay.?

Please read our Compass news items related to the use of electric scooters and smart watches at SBLM. 

Running Groups

Thank you to Isaiah’s mum and dad who have volunteered their time to run some running groups before lunchtime – these sessions are for children in years 2-6, who have brought their running shoes to school and the dates are also found on Compass.  This week the running session was cancelled as it was over 30 degrees and the children were not keen! 

 NAPLAN & Assessments

NAPLAN is coming up for our Year 3 and Year 5 students commencing on Wednesday, 13th March (Week 6).  This year NAPLAN is earlier than usual and the teachers are preparing the children to do their best without pressure. 

Children across the grades are taking part in many assessments to provide our staff with data to indicate the areas of need in your children’s learning.  Children have participated in the PAT assessments, a “cold write” activity and years 2 and 4 will be participating in the AGAT assessments.  The data collected from various sources indicates where the learning needs are, shows the growth of each child and drives the school focus. 

Parent Forum:

Our parent forum on February 14th this year provided an opportunity to discuss our Vision for St Brendan’s 2023, to keep us on track with our vision and to identify some goals that need to be addressed into 2024. 

We also discussed the vision for St Brendan's 2024:

Then it was time to hear from you –  

Some topics that were brought up by parents included: 

• Do we offer music 
• Do we offer languages 
• The need for consistency of dojos across the grade including children with additional needs. 
• Bus routes through Catherine Hill Bay etc, Buff Point/San Remo 
• Overcrowded buses 
• Afternoon dismissal – parents pick up children and are called first to leave silver seats. 

We wish Evannah S the best who will be trialling for Broken Bay Netball next week and for the children who are trialling for football, soccer and touch.  Please send me any photos and results of your trials boys and girls.  If you would like further information please visit the website https://csnsw.sport.    These trials are open to children in Years 5 and 6 and only for children of the representative skill level. 

A new initiative of Catholic Schools Broken Bay sport is to award any children who represents Broken Bay at a representative sport.  On Friday Kai W was awarded his badge for representing Broken Bay at the Basketball event in Coffs Harbour.  Congratulations to Kai W! 

Overcrowded Buses 

One of our lovely mothers has gathered past data and written to Transport NSW regarding the overcrowded buses.  I know some have tried in the past but I think we just need to keep trying by completing the complaint form every time there is an incident. 

Here is the link to the form for parents, we are doing a push for change on the buses at the moment and for change to occur we need you to all individually complete this form and provide us with their case reference number. Please use the same reference number: 02032831. 

Link to form:  https://transportnsw.info/contact-us/feedback/bus-feedback . 

Footsteps

This week we had “Footsteps” visit our school K-6 for a 30 minute dance session.  Here is Year 6 busting a move (and Mr Ward)! 

Sports Corner

This is Kingston and Cruze at their touch State Cup in Coffs Harbour.  The boys made it to quarter finals undefeated.  Unfortunately they lost but they did so well. It was a very hot weekend. 

Many children are attending the Surf Lifesaving State Championships at Queenscliff Beach Sydney – good luck to you all and I welcome any photos and results of your achievements to share with our school community. 

God Bless, 

Charlene Reid 

Principal

GROOVIN THE GREEN

Groovin the Green will be held on 5 April 2024. This is an annual community event, held between 3:00 pm and 7:15 pm at St Brigid's College, comprising of a fun fair-like feel that will take place involving both St Brendan's and St Brigid's. 

We are reaching out to the community to invite expressions of interest for parent-helpers. If you want to participate in this wonderful event, please complete this form, and we will contact you shortly.

See link below:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6TdW9-zmC0maab_Nfg2vr2-RzIq8jzZIiZ3u33qyIoZUQUJVWks1OE5BUFMzMkUxTUIyNVhSS1gxQy4u

COLLABORATIVE COACHING 2024 - WRITING

This year, we have a school goal to improve student achievement in writing.  So far, every student has participated in a writing task based on a visual stimulus.  We have been analysing student writing to identify areas of need aligned to the most recent New South Wales English Syllabus.  

As the Collaborative Coach, I meet with the teachers in each grade every week to work collaboratively to

• Analyse student writing samples to identify student needs
• Plan differentiated learning experiences to meet the needs of all students
• Monitor the progress of writing
• Measure and celebrate student growth

This is what we call our Continuous Improvement Cycle. 

Throughout the year, I share snapshots of student growth with you and suggestions about how you can support your child in writing. See below suggestions made from our English Syllabus.

KINDERGARTEN

Talk about what your child wants to write about first. Encourage them to first draw what they want to write about to gather their ideas. Ask your child to read their writing to you and talk about their thoughts and pictures. Write new stories together, identifying simple sentences within passages of text. Use a writing journal daily to write and draw.

Kindergarteners are currently focusing on writing their names, beginning with a capital letter.

YEAR 1 AND YEAR 2

Encourage your child to write about recent experiences. Some writing opportunities could come from events such as a recent birthday celebration, or a school or cultural event. Help them to edit their own writing to improve spelling and word choices. Display your child’s writing around the house to foster a sense of pride about their work. Help them share their letters, labelled pictures and texts with family and friends. Model writing, e.g. a shopping list, a note, a journal.

YEAR 3 - 6

You can help your child at home by: 

• engaging in deep conversation about topics they are interested in 

• encouraging them to speak clearly and in full sentences 

• closely monitoring the amount of time they spend on screens and the suitability of content 

• creating an interest in learning new vocabulary, introducing and exploring new words during conversations or reading books 

• explaining what new words mean and making connections to words in your home language, if relevant 

• frequently using new words and encouraging your child to use these new words when speaking or communicating 

• providing many different types of books and stories that may be of interest to your child for independent reading, such as fiction, informative texts and comics, including books in your home language, if relevant 

• sharing the reading of more complex texts – both younger and older children enjoy being read to 

• critically discussing favourite characters, settings and plot lines in stories 

• discussing the creators of books, films and songs; how they present their ideas and the different purposes for them 

• encouraging your child to keep a journal to record their thoughts and ideas for reflection

COMPASS TIPS

Please do not use the TRAVEL code when entering a note unless you have 10 days approved Principal's Leave.

Whilst some mornings may feel like a NATURAL DISASTER, this code in Compass is only to be used in the event of a natural disaster such as storms, fires and other significant weather events.

When you are completing a Compass Note for your child's absence, please briefly explain why your child is away.

Religious Education

Easter Hat Parade

St Brendan's Easter Hat Parade is coming up on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.  We will have a special appearance from the Wiseberry Easter Bunny before the parade and every child will receive a small easter egg.

Mark your calendars:  March 26, 9am.

School Updates

2024 OPEN DAYS 

Awards

SBLM

SBLM focus:

Weeks 3 & 4 - Keep hands/feet/objects to yourself

Weeks 5 & 6 - Learn and let others learn

Week 3

Week 4

Community News

Getting Out and About on the Central Coast

We all have those weekends where we scratch our heads and think, what can we do this weekend? Or I need some new ideas or activities for my baby or toddler while the older children are at school. The Central Coast is a beautiful area, we all know about the beaches and lakes, but what else?

Here are some ideas that may interest you or if you are like me, you may discover some locations or activities that you were not aware of!

1. Coast Magazine, Summer Edition 2023/24 Stay, Play, Eat, Drink and Explore Central Coast. It is an easy read about what is happening and some great ideas to explore the Central Coast Read Online - COAST Magazine

Here is a great article about some ideas to get out and about on the Central Coast FUN FOR KIDS THAT'S FREE & AFFORDABLE - COAST Magazine 

1. Playing in Puddles, The best of the Central Coast for Kids. This is an online resource detailing events and activities on the Central Coast Playing in Puddles - The Best of the Central Coast for Kids

They have created a great list of ideas 68 Things to Do on the Central Coast with Kids - Playing in Puddles

1. iCentralCoast, NSW. A website that keeps you up to date with all that is local Central Coast Australia: Explore Like a Local (icentralcoast.com)

They have included a resource which includes child friendly beaches, skate parks, free activities, some paid activites, bushwalks or paths and more. I love the list of playgrounds, maybe work your way through them all! Definitely on the list to do is the ‘Dinosaur Park’ at Bill Sohier Park, Shirley Street, Ourimbah. 30 Things to Do on the Central Coast with Kids - iCentralCoast 

1. Central Coast Council has a list of Babytime, Storytime and Toddlertime activities, as well as other great local – and mostly free – activities. Some will need a booking but well worth a look Children Programs and Events | Libraries (nsw.gov.au)
2. Playgroups NSW 1800 171 882. If you are after a local playgroup, this is the number to start your journey.
3. St Mary’s Church, Noraville or St Brendan’s Church, Lake Munmorah: bbcatholic.org.au/toukley P: P: 4396 4455. We are lucky to have two churches within our Parish of Toukley/Lake Munmorah. Weekday and weekend Mass times (including family friendly Mass) can be located on the parish website.

This list could go on, but it is just a glimpse of some of the local activities and locations that are available to us. I hope I have given you some fresh ideas to explore and/or experience on your next playdate, get together or family outing.

Enjoy!

Nicole Anderson

Parent Engagement Officer (PEC)

Mannering Park Sea Scouts Open Night

What is Saver Plus?

Saver Plus is a program for people on lower incomes. It’s about bolstering their financial skills, so they can develop (and keep) good savings habits.  Since 2003, Saver Plus has supported more than 58,000 people to start saving.

It’s helped overcome the barriers around education expenses. And it’s set them up for a brighter future.

What are the eligible savings goals?

Eligible savings goals are education related products or services that:​

​

• Assist a primary or secondary school student’s education;

​

If you wish to discuss anything, you can call Leonie Sykes 0428 282 900 or email Leonie.Sykes@thesmithfamily.com.au

For more information visit Saver Plus financial literacy program (thesmithfamily.com.au)

Soul Sound Youth Week Event

The Northern Lakes Neighbourhood Centre in Partnership with the Skilled Engineer and the Central Coast Council is very excited to bring the “Sound Soul” Youth Week Event.

Friday 19^th April from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Colongra Bay Hall Lake Munmorah.

For Young People aged 12 to 25 years.

The Digi Van will be coming to do Electronic Music Workshops and so much more to do on the day.

Please spread the word through your networks, clients and social media platforms.

If you know a Band, Duo, or Soloist who would like to perform on the day, please give us a call on 0408 654 843.

Information session we are hosting in Partnership with Carer Gateway

Do you know someone or are a case worker whose client is caring for a loved one with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, drug or alcohol addiction, terminal illness, or due to old age?

Then they may be a carer.

To know more about this you're invited to join us at the Northern Lakes Neighbourhood Centre on Tuesday 26 March from 10 am to 11 am.

Details and booking number are in the flyer below and attached.

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Music Bus lessons at our school! Join Now!

The Music Bus runs lessons each week at our school.

Lessons are available in:

· Keyboard (Kindy/Prep-y6)

· Ukulele  ( Kindy/Prep   - y6)

· Drums (y1 -y6)

· Guitar (Y2 - y6)

If you wish to register an interest to join please complete the following online form:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ee4627a5204c46158e1ab17e7c8069c6

GO4FUN

Go4Fun is a 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲, 10-week healthy lifestyle program for children between 7–13 years old to enjoy along with their families.

 Group activities and games

 Feel good about eating healthily

 Reduce screen time and make new friends

 Rewards and prizes for the kids

 Positive health changes for the whole family

Term 2 programs will take place at:

 Lake Haven Recreation Centre, Tuesdays 4–6pm, starting 30^th April (Aboriginal program for everyone run by Bungree Aboriginal Association)

 The Entrance Community Centre, Wednesdays 4–6pm, starting 1^st May

 Gosford Olympic Pool, Thursdays 4–6pm, starting 2^nd May

 Go4Fun online

To find out more information or register, visit go4fun.com.au or call 1800 780 900. Places are limited, so get registering now!

Compass Calendar