Term 3, Week 4 2022 Newsletter
Principal's Message
Tell Them from Me Survey
Thank you to the 25 families who have already provided feedback on their experience of our school using the online survey. We are strongly encouraging families to complete the survey. The link was sent to your email last Friday. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process and we really appreciate your support. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Finbarr’s.
The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device up until the 31st August.
No Parking in Bus Zone
Police, the bus companies and the school are working together for the safety of our students. You may not be aware that one of our young students was injured in an accident at the bus pick up zone in late 2021. We are reminding families that there is absolutely NO STOPPING or PARKING in the Bus zone area in Arakwal Court. Thank you for your support.
Bus Zone
Minifins
Families were notified yesterday regarding the changes to our Minifins program this year. Due to changes in legislation, Covid related issues, space restrictions and the large cohort for 2023, the program will now commence in Week Two of Term Four. The students will be divided into two groups attending different days with two parent information and welcome sessions planned.
School Uniform
Individual notes will be sent to families this week for those requiring specific reminders. Please see below information taken from the School Uniform Policy:
Jewellery:
Watch, one pair of studs or sleepers in their ears is permitted. Chains and Bracelets are not permitted for safety reasons.
Hair:
Children’s hair must be kept neat and tidy at all times. Hair below the shoulders (boys and girls) or covering a student's eyes needs to be tied back.
Please label all clothing.
- Sports shoes: (Predominantly) Not colourd, White or all Black and only worn on sports day.
- Sports Day: socks white- no logo/ images etc.
- All socks: ankle height- not below shoe level
- School Shoes: Black leather ( not sports Nike/ adidas etc with stripes or white/ coloured trim)
- Hats- Only school designed with house colour.
Class Parent Meeting
The group enjoyed a coffee at Bay Grocer last week and discussed
- Father’s Day (Wednesday 31st August)
- After School Activities
- Social night suggestions
- School Halloween Disco (Friday 28th October)
- Next Meeting Thursday 25th August @9.15am at school.
After School Activities:
Youth Academy with Tory (Each Monday- spots available)
Bush School with Rowan (Each Wednesday- class full)
Spanish with Paola (Each Thursday- class full)
Drama with Sam (Each Wednesday- spots available)
Youth Academy & Bush School in action
Mission
St Mary of the Cross Feast Day
Yesterday we celebrated the feast day of our very own Australian St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. This was a beautiful event where the children listened to God’s word and the story of Mary Mackillop hearing how despite many challenges her bravery and above all her faith in God and dedication to serve and help those in need.
Our celebrations for St Mary of the Cross MacKillop will continue on Friday. The students of St Finbarr’s will be having an action day following in Mary’s words of ‘Never see a need without doing something about it’. Students have been asked to wear their ‘Winter Woolies’ and donate to the St Vincent’ s Winter Appeal, to help the marginalised in our local area.
If you are able to support this action day. Please click on the link provided. Every dollar makes a difference to those in need.
‘Let’s do something about it’
Assumption Mass
Next Monday the 15th of August is The Assumption of Mary, a holy day of obligation. Mary is known by many names, like ‘Our Lady’ or ‘Queen of Heaven’ and she was chosen to be a mother not just for Jesus, but for all of us. This very special day is fundamental to our faith and has direct relevance to our daily lives today. The Church teaches that The Assumption of Mary commemorates when Mary’s time on earth ended, she was assumed body and soul to heaven. There she cares for us and is a promise for our own future resurrected life. We remember that life does not end when we die, and love goes on and on.
All students at St Finbarr’s will be attending Mass next Monday the 15th of August at St Finbarrs’ Church at 9:30am. All families and carers are warmly invited to join our School and Parish community to this very special Mass.
Yours in Partnership,
Mrs Sonya Piccoli
AP Mission & Additional Needs
Teaching & Learning
Book Week
Book Week is fast approaching and this year we have decided to host a VOCABULARY PARADE on Friday 26th August (Week 6).
Students are invited to select an interesting word and find things at home that would help them dress up as their chosen piece of vocabulary. We absolutely discourage any unnecessary expense for this event. It is not a competitive event as such; it is more about everyone getting into the spirit of the occasion, having some fun, being creative and ultimately learning new words to add to our bank of vocabulary.
Parents are invited to join us for the parade which will be held first thing in the morning followed by a community celebration (more information to come). This will be an opportunity to celebrate books, stories, words and a love of reading.
We cannot underestimate the value of reading or being read to. I was reading an article the other day that says that a child who is not read to at home will have heard a million less words than their classmates when they start Kindergarten. That means their vocabulary is less, their grasp of rhyme is inhibited, their concepts of print are behind their peers and then school can become such a struggle for them. We believe that encouraging all our students to read daily (or be read to daily) is the single most important thing they can do to help themselves (and you to help them) to achieve success in their education and that’s why we emphasise it at St Finbarr’s.
Yours in Partnership,
Mrs Lauren Magnus
AP Teaching & Learning
Sports News
Molly in action on the soccer field
Tweed Zone Athletics Carnival
Well done to our St Finbarr’s Athletics team on their effort and sportsmanship displayed at the Zone Athletics Carnival. There were lots of personal best results and plenty of students making final events.
Congratulations to Kya who was the Junior Girl Runner-Up Champion and Will, the Senior Boy Runner-Up Champion.
Overall, St Finbarr students won the Aggregate Shield for their amazing team effort. We are very proud of you all.
Congratulations to the following students who will progress to the Diocesan Athletics Carnival held in Coffs Harbour, this Wednesday.
Roley: 100m, 200m, Long Jump
Luella: 100m, High Jump, Junior Relay
Isla: 1500m
Indie: Junior Relay
Milla: 800m, 100m, 200m, 1500m, Junior Relay
Marley: Shot Put
Harry: Shot Put
Kya: 100m, Long Jump, Shot Put, Junior Relay
Jackson: 100m, Senior Relay
Jack: 800m, 1500m
Kaia: 100m, 200m
Tommy: 100m, Senior Relay
Nash: High Jump, Discus, Long Jump, 1500m, Senior Relay
Aurora: 800m
Will: 800m, 1500m, Senior Relay
State Soccer-Girls
Congratulations to Molly on her participation in the State Soccer Trials held last week. A wonderful effort.
Todd Woodbridge Cup
All of Stage 2 competed in the Todd Woodbridge Tennis Cup last Friday. This event provides the students with the opportunity to play modified tennis, learn new skills and make new friends from other participating schools. While the main focus of the day is to have fun, this is also an opportunity for selected teams to progress to the Regional Finals.
Congratulations to Rai, Oliver, Roley, George, Alessandra, Sahara, Holly & Evie who will now progress to the Regional Trials.
Lisa Clark,
Sports Coordinator
Tweed Zone Athletics Carnival
Todd Woodbridge Cup
