Newsletter Term 2 Week 7 (Wednesday 11th June 2025)
Front Page with Year 5
Year 5 has been learning about " Farming for the Future" during the first 5 weeks of term 2. In groups of 2 or 3, they worked to design a sustainably managed environment based on the following questions:
- What is your sustainably managed environment producing?
- How does your design meet the criteria for a sustainably managed environment?
- How did the collected data assist you in designing your own sustainably managed environment?
- Explain how food or fibre is produced sustainably in your managed environment to benefit the health and nutrition of all.
- What materials, tools and equipment would you need to create your developed solution?
- They then created a prototype of their sustainable environment and presented their idea to our class. We had some incredible ideas: using Aquaponics, Hydroponics, vertical gardens and chicken tunnels- just to name a few!! They even have some ideas on how this would look in our own school environment. Well done Year 5 Scientists
Our Gospel Reflection
Saint Patrick is famous for using the shamrock as a symbol to illustrate the Blessed Trinity: one plant with three leaves, all connected and united, representing the one God in three persons who are intimately linked. Close relationships can also be compared to the Trinity—for example, the person you love, the person who loves you, and God. When God is part of a relationship, it brings power, joy, and courage that make the connection deeply meaningful and resilient.
Families, teams, and close groups of friends can form communities of love that resemble the Trinity—several people connected and united in a very special way. What makes these groups special is the way each individual contributes uniquely while sharing a bond of trust, care, and purpose that holds everyone together and strengthens the whole.
The Holy Spirit brings the truth of God into our lives. Sometimes, we run from or avoid truths we find difficult to face. A basic truth that God often wants us to become more aware of is the need for patience—the understanding that some things take time and trusting the process even when it feels uncomfortable.
The Spirit of God also speaks through our conscience, especially when we are about to do something wrong or harmful. That inner voice, sometimes subtle like a feeling of unease, guides us away from harmful choices and toward actions that align with love and goodness.
Living according to the way of the Spirit is a daily practice of choosing kindness, patience, honesty, and courage, even when it is not the easiest path. This way of life mirrors the message of the Gospel, which is not only spoken but lived out through our actions, demonstrating love and truth to those around us.
From Our Acting Principal
Welcome
I would like to welcome Ms Piper Byrnes onto our staff as our Student Welfare Officer . She will be taking Sereena’s maternity leave position for the next 12 months. Piper works in the same role as Student Support Worker at St Mary’s Catholic College on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays. Piper will work at St. Brigid's on Wednesdays and Fridays. Welcome Piper!
Enrolments
Enrolments for next year are now being accepted for Kindergarten 2026. The enrolment process is now online and can be accessed through our school website under the enrolement tab. If you know any families who would like to enrol for next year, please pass this message on. Jo in the office will also support anyone needing help with the process.
Pupil Free Day
Our last day of Term 2, Friday 4th July will be a Pupil Free Day. Staff will be off site on this day so please ensure that you have this date marked on your calendar. The staff will be completing the Bishop’s spirituality modules.
GRANDPARENTS DAY
On Thursday the 31st of July we will be celebrating Grandparents Day here at St Brigid’s. We would love to see as many grandparents as possible. We will be celebrating with a Liturgy along with our annual book fair. More details to come but please mark this event on your calendar.
We’d Love Your Feedback!
At last night’s School Community Forum meeting, we discussed the idea of changing our newsletter from a weekly to a fortnightly schedule to help keep communication clear and manageable. On the alternate weeks, we’d send out a shorter, informal update with quick news, awards and reminders.
Your thoughts matter to us! Please let us know if this change would work well for you or if you have any ideas or concerns by clicking on this link. Thank you for helping us stay connected in the best way possible!
2026 SCHOOL DATES
We’re pleased to share that the key school dates for 2026 have now been released. Sharing these well in advance allows families to plan ahead for holidays, appointments and any other commitments. We kindly ask that family holidays be scheduled during the designated school holiday periods. With a highly structured curriculum and carefully sequenced teaching, even a week or two of absence can have a significant impact on student learning and progress.
Staff Development Days for 2026 will be planned and shared later in the year, once confirmed. Thank you for your ongoing support in prioritising your child’s learning.
| Term 1 | Wednesday, 28 January to Thursday, 2 April |
| 2026 Easter break | Good Friday, 3 April to Easter Monday, 6 April |
| Term 1 School holidays | Tuesday, 7 April to Friday, 17 April 2026 |
| Term 2 | Monday, 20 April to Friday, 3 July |
| Term 2 School holidays | Monday, 6 July to Friday, 17 July 2026 |
| Term 3 | Monday, 20 July to Friday, 25 September |
| Term 3 School holidays | Monday, 28 September to Friday, 9 October 2026 |
| Term 4 | Monday, 12 October to Thursday, 17 December |
| Christmas Holidays | Friday, 18 December 2026 to Wednesday, 27 January 2027 |
Have a wonderful week ahead!
Vanessa Walters,
Acting Principal.
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
WRITE ON
‘Could they be changing?’ All our students entered in the WriteOn Competition should be well on their way to a completed piece of writing for feedback.
Here is a sample of writing from Callie Bugden in Year 1. She has worked on a plan and then her first draft. We are so proud of you Callie and can’t wait to see the final piece of writing!
Here is a sample of writing from David Nibu in Year 1. He has worked on his plan and will use this plan to develop his story. Congratulations David!
I hope your child is enjoying the process and remember if they would like feedback at any time, they only need to place their writing on my desk or send it to me digitally at samantha.lynch@lism.actholic.edu.au and I will catch up with them during the week.
Year 2 Poetry
Sun beats down, it is very hot.
Until the rains comes it is dry forever
No plants survive. It lasts to long, hot and dry here and there and everywhere.
by Layla
Wind gushes into my room, powerfuly.
Icy rain drizzles down my window.
Night falls and covers the grey sky.
The rain is heavy and the wind rattles the doors and windows.
Evening comes again, with more rain.
Rain disappears and brings out the Sun.
by Hazel
Sun beats down. The crops die. All the family go and nothing is left.
Unlucky, the place will never be like it ever again.
Nights go past, the wind blows.
by Harper
The pool freezes üp from the hail
Hail starts to get louder and louder
Under my cubbyhouse I feel safe.
No one likes the pounding, rain
Dusk comes the rain stops.
Everyone snuggles up in bed.
Rain starts to come non stop.
by Eli
Important Teaching & Learning Dates
| Week 4 to Week 7 Friday's 12:50pm - 1:20pm | Writeon competition student feedback & support session - school library. |
| Friday 13th June | Writeon Submissions are due. |
| Monday 28 July at 11:59pm | ICAS Registration for all subject areas closes. |
| Monday 4th August - Friday 29th August | ICAS Assessments |
| Thursday 18th September | Richmond Zone Public Speaking |
Warm regards,
Samantha Lynch
Assistant Principal – Learning and Teaching
Wellbeing Team
Screen Time for Children - A double edged sword
Did you know that “Only 15% of children aged 5 to 12 meet the recommended Australian screen time guidelines” (Sydney University, 2025)
Screens open our eyes to worlds and time periods we could never visit prior to their invention. They can teach children to read, spark creativity, and connect them to the world beyond their homes. They open doors to learning that was previously unobtainable. In moderation, screen time can inspire curiosity and support learning in ways that books alone sometimes can’t.
So are they really that evil?
When you think about it screens can also close doors and hijack learning. Too much time in front of them can dull imagination, steal sleep, and crowd out the face-to-face moments where empathy and resilience are built. Essentially robbing children of learning and growth that just cannot be given to them through a screen. The glow of a screen should never replace the warmth of real human connection.
The challenge isn’t avoiding or eliminating screens—it’s using them wisely as a tool for lives filled with joy, hope and potential. Balance isn’t just helpful. It’s essential to thrive.
Tips to teach balance
- Model Good Habits: Children mimic adults. Show them balance by putting your own devices down during family time.
- Set Clear Limits: Define daily or weekly screen time boundaries based on your child’s age. Consistency matters more than strictness.
- Prioritise Quality: Choose educational, age-appropriate content. Watch or play together when possible—it turns screen time into shared learning.
- Create Tech-Free Zones: Keep screens out of bedrooms and off the dinner table to protect sleep and promote family connection.
- Talk About It: Discuss what they’re watching or playing. Ask questions. This turns passive consumption into thoughtful engagement.
So teach balance and help children build a healthy relationship with technology. Teach them to use the tool rather than the tool using them.
Quick Links
How Does Screen Time affect kids' health?
Managing Children's screen time
Healthy screen time and digital technology use: checklist
Stay golden,
Megan Ritchie,
School Counsellor - megan.ritchie@lism.catholic.edu.au
Sports News
Athletics Carnival – Food Pre-Order Request
A big thank you to our local Rotary team for generously providing food and drinks at our upcoming Athletics Carnival. Their support allows parents and families to relax and enjoy watching their children participate throughout the day.
To help Rotary prepare and ensure there’s enough for everyone, we’re asking families to let us know in advance how many sausage sandwiches, cups of chips, poppers, and bottles of water they might like on the day.
Please fill out the attached form with your estimated numbers. This is not a payment or commitment – just a guide to help with ordering and reduce food waste. Click HERE to fill in.
Thank you for your support!
Calendar Dates
| Week 6 - Week 10 | Wednesday's - NAB AFL Auskick/Superkick Program |
| Week 9 | St Brigid’s Athletic Carnival on Thursday the 26th June at Kyogle High School Oval. |
Please familiarise yourself with the Compass App, as it will be used to provide consent for participation in sports events.
MJR & PB4L
Stars of the week
One of our school goals this year is to have an average weekly attendance of 90% and above. The class with the best average each week receives the “Stars of the Week” trophy and certificate to display in their classroom.
Term 2 Attendance
| Week | School Average | Top 3 Classes |
| Week 1 | 90.53% | Kinder 94.6% | Year 5 87.82% | Year 2 87.34% |
| Week 2 | 89.07% | Year 5 94.73% | Year 3 90.11% | Year 6 90.08% |
| Week 3 | 83.38% | Year 5 94.13% | Year 1 86.78% | Year 4 83.44% |
| Week 4 | 86.42% | Year 5 96.04% | Kinder 91.28% | Year 6 86.12% |
| Week 5 | 88.19% | Year 1 96.78% | Year 6 90.32% | Year 5 88.13% |
| Week 6 | 86.81% | Kinder 4.44% | Year 5 91.48% | Year 4 87.06% |
Celebrations
May God bless you with joy, good health, and His loving presence today and always. May your faith continue to grow and guide you through every step of the year ahead. Have a truly blessed day!
| 15th June - Evangeline |
| 17th June - Lola |
Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with their awards at our assembly in Week 5.
| Kindergarten | Elsie & John |
Year 1 | Kandal, Callie & Delilah |
Year 2 | William, Harper & Layla |
Year 3 | George, Eliza, Liam & All of Year 3 |
Year 4 | Louise Harrison & Jack |
Year 5 | Danny & Ryder |
Year 6 | Allyarna, Ben & Adam |
Principal | Jahlissa & Lily |
Calendar
Staff Development Day Term 2 - Friday 4th July
School Calendar Access
You can find the school calendar in the Compass app by tapping the calendar icon at the bottom of the homepage. Click on the button below for how to access your calendar. Please always refer to the calendar for updates, as changes may occur.
One Night. One Stage. One Cause.
Wakakirri Fundraiser
Join us for a magical evening of dance, acrobatics, and aerial artistry as LACRO, MSOD & Ascent Dance come together to support St Brigid’s Primary School on their journey to the Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival in Brisbane!
Event Details
| Date | Saturday 28th June |
| Location | KMI Hall, Stratheden Street, Kyogle. |
| Time | Show starts at 6pm |
| Food | BBQ from 5pm |
| TICKETS | Adult $15 | Children $10 |
Tickets are available online through Humanitix, or can be purchased with cash at the St Brigid's School Office.
https://events.humanitix.com/one-night-one-stage
This is a one-night-only celebration of movement, music, and storytelling — turning passion into purpose. Come along, enjoy the entertainment, grab a bite, and support a great cause!
Parish News
Parish Information
Our Lady of Sorrows Parish established 1916. Our Parish Family includes the town of Kyogle and the villages of Urbenville and Woodenbong.
Parish Priest: Fr Joe Holloway | Parish Office Phone: 02 6632 1074 | Email: kyogle@lismore.catholic.org.au | Facebook: @OurLadyofSorrowsCatholicChurch
Service Times
Kyogle Weekday Masses: Tuesday 5.15pm, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 9am. Please note that this schedule is subject to change. Saturday Vigil 5pm | Sunday 9am.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation begins 30 minutes prior to Mass. Morning tea is served every Sunday after Mass, hosted by the parishioners. Everyone is welcome!
Quick Links
Catholic Life Latest Edition - April 2025
The April edition of Catholic Life is filled with stories and news that captures the vibrant life of the Diocese of Lismore.
The Catholic Diocese of Lismore YouTube Channel
Lunchbox Hacks
Community News
Dear Community, we’re so excited to announce that bookings for our Winter School Holiday Program are opening soon!
This season, we’ve got an amazing lineup of activities including:
- A fun-filled excursion to Summerland Farm
- A trip to Ballina Ten Pin Bowling
- Soccer and Tennis workshops with professional instructors
- Plus, loads of engaging indoor and outdoor activities at our site!
**All activities are CCS Approved**
100 Year Celebration of care at Kyogle Memorial Hospital/Health
| Date | Saturday 28th June 25 |
| Time | From 10am, lunch is at 12pm |
| Where | Kyogle Bowling Club |
| RSVP | Final numbers by Saturday 14th June |
| Tickets | $32 *No tickets will be sold on the door. |
To purchase tickets in person please visit Scarborough's Shoes on the main street OR the Hospital Office. Alternatively you can pay online details below.
| Bank | Summerland Bank |
| Payee Name | Centenary of KMH |
| BSB | 728728 |
| Account | 2235491 |
| Reference | Name & number of tickets purchased |
Parent Resources
Educational Games
Toy Theatre | Educational Games for Kids
Math Games
Hidden Pictures Games and Puzzles
Quick Links
St Brigid's Facebook Page
Parent Assembly Facebook Page
Supporting Learning - Primary
Faith and Family
Tips for Parents – Supporting your Childs attendance at School
NSW Government Facebook Page