Term 3, Week 2 Newsletter 2023

Principal's Message

Thank you 
I would like to thank Mrs Magnus and Mrs Piccoli for their excellent leadership last term while I was on leave. Their warmth and care for all students and ability to listen and respond to family concerns helps to build and maintain the strong and supportive Christian culture we have here at St Finbarr’s.

Parent Involvement at St Finbarr’s
Parent participation in school life can entail assisting in the classroom, attending school events, such as assemblies and meetings, or participating in excursions and other learning opportunities outside the classroom. Student learning is enhanced by collaboration between the school, community, and home. Home-school partnerships help connect parents to the school, and in the process, benefit students. Attending parent-teacher meetings and volunteering at school are found to be particularly beneficial to support students' academic outcomes.

Parental involvement entails parents' participation in the educational process and experiences of their children. This includes discussing school activities, imparting aspirations and expectations, supervising and helping with learning activities at home, contact with school staff and volunteering at school.

Supportive discussions between child and parent concerning school-related matters, such as assistance with and planning of schoolwork, have a strong positive relationship to academic achievement. Parental expectations also impact students' aspirations, resulting in higher academic achievement. Strong parent-teacher partnerships are developed and sustained through effective communication.(NSW Government Education)

At St Finbarr’s we really value parent participation and involvement. On my daily walk around this morning I encountered one Dad building rockets with the Year Four class and also had the pleasure of jamming with a Kinder Dad who was playing the drums. Our canteen helpers have been brilliant as well. Another parent today was busy sorting our library books! Parents, we appreciate every moment you can be involved in school life and we definitely know that your children love seeing you around. Thank you all. 

Our next parent meeting will be held on Monday 31st July at 5.30 pm in the hall. Some parents have expressed a desire to bring their children along to enable parents to attend the meeting. Therefore, we will set the hall space up for children to read or play lego while the meeting takes place. We are looking forward to working together and planning ahead for the year. All parents and carers are welcome to attend. Agenda items will include:

• School building plan update
• Canteen Update
• Fundraising Opportunities

School Counsellor
School Counsellor Mrs Robyn Jones has resigned from her position at St Finbarr’s. We are currently advertising for a replacement to continue the role of support for our students.

Some activities happening at School this week: Yr 4 Rocket building, Yr 6 Tennis & Kinder Skipping

Canteen News
A big thank you to Jay and Lachy for their wonderful ongoing work in the canteen. They do appreciate any feedback provided and are always looking for new ideas and ways to continue to deliver a great service. We will talk about all things ‘canteen’ at our next parent meeting. Our loyal parent helpers have also been fantastic and reliable. Please support the new Canteen concept for it to continue to operate each day. Some questions for you:

• What works best for you with the canteen?
• How do you find the ordering system?
• How is the pricing?
• What other food choices would you like to see?
• How is the communication?
• What can I do to assist?
• What feedback do my children give?
  

2023  Non-Government School Census Collection Notice

Term 3 School Fees
Term 3 School fees have now been issued, you can access your account through the Compass APP. Statements will be emailed out at the end of the month. Can I ask that any previous term fees be finalised as a matter of urgency. If you need to discuss your account please contact Alison Mason in the front office.

Sincerely, 
Tim Bleakley
Principal

Mission

Welcome back to Term 3!

This Term we celebrate being a Catholic School wih this year's theme  being:

'Living Our Mission'

The mission of the Catholic school is the integral formation of students, so that they may be true to their condition as Christ’s disciples and as such work effectively for the evangelization of culture and for the common good of society.

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II 

This year’s theme “Living our Mission’’ highlights the mission of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lismore. The Catholic school community has a co-responsibility in the service of mission through sharing Jesus’ messages of love and forgiveness, peace, hope and joy as revealed in the Gospels. The transforming power of mission ensures our students experience the fullness of life (John 10:10). 

We are immensely proud of the important role the Catholic school has alongside our Bishop, Parish Priest, school staff, parishioners and families in the missionary activity of bringing the ‘Good News' to the world. This week provides us with the opportunity to showcase and celebrate the missionary activities of our Catholic schools as well as the quality education we offer.

Catholic Schools Week will take place in Week 9 this Term with updates throughout the term of the activities that will take place during this week announced over the coming weeks. We look forward to celebrating with you all. 

Important dates for Holy Communion

Mary MacKillop Feast Day

On Tuesday the 8th of August St Finbarr's students will be celebrating the feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop at St Finbarr's church 9:30am. All of our Finnie's families and friends are warmly welcome to join us for this significant celebration. 

Mary MacKillop was a trail-blazer in her lifetime, who left a culture of exemplary living for her followers to emulate. Mary paved the way for education of poor children and a variety of ministries addressing the needs of 19th century Australia.

Her legacy continues today in countless ways. Education in its many facets is still a strong ministry for the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Mary MacKillop’s legacy holds more for the Sisters of Saint Joseph and followers than the way we minister. Mary inspires us to be courageous and hopeful and to have a deep faith in our God who provides.

Yours in Partnership,
Mrs Sonya Piccoli
AP-Mission and Additional Needs

Teaching and Learning

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all the parents, students and teachers for your support last term as I undertook Acting Principalship here at St Finnies in Mr Bleakley's absence.  I have handed the batton back to Mr Bleakley and have resumed my AP Learning and Teaching role. Please don't hesitate to contact me should you require support with your child and their learning. 

Naplan
Students in Yr 3 and 5 will be bringing their NAPLAN reports home today. A reminder that NAPLAN has changed its reporting style. Please see information below from NSW Education Standards Authority. 

Sports News

Last week Milla P travelled to Sydney to represent Polding at State Cross Country. I know that Milla has been training hard to quality for this event for over 6 months so how amazing that through her determination and dedication she was able to achieve this goal. Milla placed 19th in the State - meaning she is the 19th fastest 11 year old in New South Wales.

Go Milla!!

Yours in Partnership, 
Lauren Magnus
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

Student Awards

Parent Connect

The Bush School After School program at St Finbarr's is about to kick off next week, wednesday 2nd August for another term of adventurous natural learning! The program runs from 3:30-5pm each wednesday. This nature based program conducted entirely outdoors is a fun, active and engaging way for your child to learn about nature while building confidence and resilience. 
We utilise the beautiful Arakwal Nature Reserve adjacent to the school grounds. We play games with nature based themes, learn about plants and animals, whittle, cook and enjoy nature. Come and join in the fun!
The group is open to ages 6-12,  the cost is $220 for the 8 weeks. We will run subject to minimum numbers.
Bookings can be made on our website at brunsbushschool.com.au by going to the programs tab and looking for the St Finbarr's after school program.  If you have any more questions,  call Rohan on 0407898374