Newsletter Term 1, 2024 Week 6

Principal's Update

Dear parents and carers, 

I continue to reflect on the children preparing for their sacrament of Reconciliation, as I did last week.  Relationships are extremely important in everyday life… perhaps there are some questions we can reflect upon: 

• Have I set a good example through my words or actions? 
• Do I treat others fairly? 
• Do I speak of others with kindness and generosity? 
• Am I judgemental or compassionate? 

The above questions are reflective and something to ponder each and every day, as adults, being role models to the children we educate and care for. 

PAG

Our first 2024 PAG (Parent Advisory Group) meeting is Tuesday, 19th March at 5.30pm.  If we want positive change, we need to commit and be involved.  I look forward to many parents and carers to attend this PAG meeting.  It will not be any longer than 60 minutes set up in the Year 5 collaborative space.  If you need to leave before the hour, that’s fine. 

Athletics Carnival

Thank you to our wonderful teachers, especially Mr Banks, and parents who organised and supported a successful athletics carnival at Mingara on Monday just gone.  Age champions for both athletics and swimming will be announced toward the end of this term.  We will confirm dates for this very soon. 

School Uniform Meeting

You are invited to the school uniform meeting scheduled for Friday, 22nd March at 8.45am.  This will be in our hall for approximately 30 minutes gauging the needs of parents and the practicality for all students.  I may be able to send a zoom invite if needed.   

New Learning Support Teacher

I would like to welcome to our SBLM community Ms Belinda Brown.  Belinda is now part of our learner diversity team as one of our Learning Support Teachers.  Please see our learner diversity teacher team letter on Compass which was posted recently. 

Combined School Mass

This Saturday afternoon at 3.30pm the cricket challenge back on!  Our priests and Sr Josie’s choir and St Brigid’s will be involved assisting in the fun afternoon it will be followed by a 5pm mass at St Brendan’s.  Please join us! 

Wellbeing Week

Next week is Wellbeing Week!  The children will be involved in many wellbeing activities throughout the week including Harmony Day on Thursday, 21st March. 

Pupil Free Days

I have shared with you previously our pupil free days including:  

2 April; 29 April; 22 July.  We also have another pupil free day on Monday, 20 May.  Vacation care at St Brendan’s will be available for families needing this service.  Please book with Catholic Care OSHC. 

Parent Information Sessions

I will also be sending out further information for parent sessions relating to decodable texts. There will also be a parent talk (child care provided) on 21 May at 8.45am for 1.5 hours plus 30 mins discussion and morning tea provided.  I will send further information shortly.  If you can flag this with your work and other commitments, I hope it will be beneficial focusing on your children’s needs.  

 Baby News

Congratulations to our Mr Chandler and his wife who are now blessed with a lovely little baby boy who was born this week.  Mr Chandler will be supporting his family for the next two weeks and in his absence we welcome back Mrs Pazardis.  Mr Chandler will return to us after Easter. 

NAPLAN

Well done to our Year 3 and Year 5 students sitting their NAPLAN 2024.  We congratulate each and every child who are doing their best. 

Swimming and Athletics Age Champions will be announced toward the end of the term – you will be informed when this will be announced. 

Dogs on site

We are a school environment not inviting dogs and pets onsite, however if you do need to bring your dog onsite, please pick up after your dog.  Some parents and children have nearly stepped in dog poo walking back to their car behind the cottage.  Also, when parking near the Early Learning Centre and the Cottage please be mindful of space by leaving enough space for other cars to also park there.  We are very lucky to have such spacious grounds, please share. 

Sporting News

Congratulations to the children (named below) who represented St Brendan's at the Broken Bay swimming trials in Homebush this week.  I have been told all children were so well behaved and showed fantastic sportsmanship. They all swam extremely well. 

Rhoden M  

2nd 8 years Freestyle- going to Polding  

PB in event  

Kiarni W  

1st 9 years Freestyle - going to Polding  

7th Junior Backstroke  

9th Junior Breaststroke  

5th Junior Relay 

Had PB for all events  

 Logan B  

3rd Junior IM - going to Polding 

2nd Junior Butterfly - going to Polding  

4th Junior Backstroke  

7th Junior Breaststroke  

Had PB For all events  

 Rahnie S 

6th Junior IM  

5th Junior Relay  

Had PB for all events  

 Samantha Mc  

4th Senior IM  

6th 11 yrs. Freestyle  

4th 11 yrs. Butterfly  

6th 11 yrs. Backstroke  

1st or 2nd 11 years Breaststroke - going to Polding  

PB in all events  

 Kaley F & Charlie W  

5th Junior Relay  

The best of luck to our swimmers off to the Polding Swimming Carnival:  

• Rhoden M 
• Samantha Mc 
• Logan B 
• Kiani W 

Congratulations to Kiriana who came 1 st place in her figure skating competition. On Sunday 3rd March Kiriana C (3 Blue) competed in the first figure skating competition of the year -  HISC Artistic. 

 She placed 1st with her Cobra Kai karate theme program. 

On Sunday 3rd March Anabella was chosen to be the cannon tester for the women’s Mariners v Adelaide. Anabella also predicted the score & we had a photo taken with the Matildas head coach.  

Anabella also heads to Forrestville for the Broken Bay soccer trials where she was named the shadow player for the Broken Bay soccer team. 

And finally, a big congratulations to Alexia G who has qualified for the Polding Rugby League team

God Bless, 

Charlene Reid 

Principal 

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

Wellbeing Week

Next week is our Wellbeing Week and this term we will be celebrating the theme of Harmony, as the week includes the International Day of Happiness and Harmony Day. Harmony symbolises inclusiveness and respect, celebrates diversity, and fosters a profound sense of belonging for everyone. Please see below a summary of our Wellbeing Week events this term. If you have any questions - or any cultural contributions that you would like to share with our school community next week - please reach out by email at loneragan@dbb.catholic.edu.au.

Kind regards, Madeleine Loneragan (Wellbeing Coordinator).

Some Useful Services

If you are like me, when you need some extra help, sometimes you don’t know where to start! I have created a little list of some useful services available to us all.

1. GP: Sometimes, this is the first and best place to start. Make an appointment to discuss any of your concerns, they may be able to write a referral or organise a health care plan.

1. Child and Family Health Services: 02 4393 7777 Stratford Avenue, Lake Haven. This service supports families with young children during their early developmental years.

1. Parentline: P: 1800 130 052. This is a 24 hour helpline, that you can call to chat about anything related to being a parent/carer. They also offer limited counselling services as well.

1. Raising Children: raisingchildren.net.au. This is an Australian Parenting website which is easy to use. You can search for specific topics of interest or concern from babies to grownups! Check it out!

1. Ask Izzy: askizzy.org.au This website can help you navigate the confusing area of deciding which service you may need.

1. Health Direct: healthdirect.gov.au P: 1800 022 222. This is a free government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice.

1. Toukley/Lake Munmorah Parish Priest: bbcatholic.org.au/toukley P: 4396 4455. Feel free to call the parish office to make a time to chat to either Father Tomy or Father Baby.

Being a parent or carer is hard! When we hit those hurdles, have some questions or need more information, I hope this list may help.

You’ve Got This!

Nicole Anderson

Parent Engagement Coordinator (PEC)

2024 OPEN DAYS 

Awards

SBLM AWARDS

Week 5

Week 6

Community News

GO4FUN

Go4Fun is a 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲, 10-week healthy lifestyle program open to all 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!

Hi Everyone, The Northern Lakes Neighbourhood Centre in Partnership with The Salvation Army is hosting the free “You’re the Boss” Moneycare workshop.

On Tuesday 2^nd April from 10 am to 11.30 am here at the Centre, 1 Colongra Bay Rd Lake Munmorah.

Topics covered include Budgeting, Shopping Smart, Better Finance Options, Dealing with Debts and more.

To book your spot please call Cathy at PH: 4358 3148 or MOB: 0408 654 843

Compass Calendar