Term 3, Week 4 2023 Newsletter

Principal's Message

Welcome Fr Jim
Staff and students welcomed Fr Jim Carty to the school community last week who is replacing Fr David while he is taking leave for the next two months. Fr Jim has already visited the school twice and his warmth and friendliness has endeared him to all. Our First Holy Communion children met Father on Saturday evening as they prepare for their sacramental journey. Thank you to Mrs Piccoli for her commitment and care for our candidates.

Finnies Fun Run Fundraiser
All parents are invited tomorrow Wednesday 9th August at 3.30 pm in the staffroom for our first planning meeting for this big event.

Learning for Life- Mixed ability groupings in the classroom.

Have you ever wondered why your children work in small groups and often change their seating arrangements and work partners? The game of chess in the photo above took place after school and it got me thinking. Akio in Kinder challenged Tilly in Year 6 in what turned out to be an exciting match!  Current research tells us that we learn from each other, despite our different abilities and age levels. Each classroom at St Finbarr’s is a complex mix of interest levels, capabilities and experiences. Mixed ability groups in classrooms offer several benefits that contribute to a more inclusive, engaging, and effective educational environment. Here are some of the advantages:

Diversity of Perspectives: Mixed ability groups bring together students with varying levels of skills, backgrounds, and experiences. This diversity fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Collaborative Learning: Students in mixed ability groups often collaborate to achieve common goals. This promotes teamwork, communication skills, and empathy as students learn to work with peers who have different strengths and weaknesses.

Individualized Learning: Teachers can provide differentiated instruction, tailoring lessons and tasks to match each student's abilities and learning styles. This personalised approach helps students progress at their own pace and prevents boredom or frustration.

Reduced Stigma: Homogeneous grouping based solely on ability can lead to labeling and stigmatisation of students who are perceived as "less capable." Mixed ability groups help reduce such labeling and create a more inclusive and accepting classroom culture.

Higher Achievement Levels: Research suggests that students in mixed ability groups often achieve higher academic outcomes compared to those in homogeneous groups. The supportive and diverse learning environment can boost motivation and engagement, leading to improved performance.

Social Development: Students in mixed ability groups learn to interact with peers from different backgrounds and abilities, promoting social skills, empathy, and tolerance. This prepares them for the diverse real world and fosters a sense of community.

Peer Teaching: Higher-ability students can assist their peers who may be struggling with certain concepts, reinforcing their own understanding in the process. Peer teaching also benefits struggling students by receiving explanations from peers in relatable terms.

Enhanced Self-Esteem: Students with varying abilities can build confidence through positive interactions with their peers. Lower-ability students may gain self-esteem when they contribute valuable insights, while higher-ability students can experience a sense of accomplishment through assisting others.

Preparation for Life Skills: In the real world, people often work in teams with individuals possessing different skills and expertise. Mixed ability groups teach students how to navigate such scenarios, preparing them for future careers and challenges.

Teacher Adaptability: Educators in mixed ability classrooms develop strong adaptive teaching skills, learning to modify their strategies and resources to cater to diverse learning needs. This professional growth benefits both teachers and students.

Critical Thinking Development: Mixed ability groups stimulate critical thinking as students are exposed to varying perspectives and approaches. They learn to analyse, evaluate, and synthesise ideas, which is crucial for lifelong learning.

All these things just don’t happen by themselves and St Finbarr’s staff continuously seek professional development, collaborate with and observe peers to improve their teaching. While mixed ability groups offer numerous advantages, they also require effective classroom management, careful lesson planning, and ongoing assessment to ensure that all students are progressing and receiving the support they need.

Our Fabulous Parent Community Group

Minutes from our 4th meeting for 2023

Monday 31 July 2023, 5.30 – 6.30pm

 Attendees:

• Tim Bleakley, Jyothi Jaffray, Stephanie Jaffray, Jessie Siwicki, Matt Siwicki, Eve Keller, Leanne Coventry, Lucy Nicholls, Lauren Owens, Santosha Schuler

Started: 5.30

Colour Fun Run
The Group discussed holding a colour fun run fundraiser, noting the last colour fun runs were in 2019 and 2020, with monies raised going to improving school facilities such as nature play and building tiny towns. As the organisers of the fun run charge a fee of 30% of the monies raised,  the group discussed whether this can be run in-house.

The group also discussed potential end goals for the fundraising, such as a challenge course or a maker space (involving tools and activities for creative building work). The group discussed the cost of such facilities, with Tim noting that the school could potentially contribute to the cost of such facilities, in addition to the funds raised by the event.

The group discussed the date for this event, noting that the end of October is going to be busy with Halloween events.

Halloween Disco
The group discussed planning for the Halloween Disco, with Shorty Brown already booked for the event. The group discussed food and cost options, including a bring your own plate to share alternative, and noted that a few more parents are required to help out with the organization of the event.

Canteen
Tim updated the group on the canteen, noting that the business is not viable, with a forecast of 100 orders a day vs actual 25 orders, approx. Jay has cut down to 2 days a week this week and that further feedback is being sought from parents and children this week before a decision is made on the future of the canteen.  The group discussed the operation of the canteen, noting financial pressures of the increasing cost of living, and whether the type and cost of food on the canteen menu are the reasons for the lack of use of the canteen.

Building Update
Tim noted that Byron Council has granted the DA but now the delays are with the Catholic Schools Office which is redistributing funds to flood affected schools, and our building works are lower on the priority list.  Tim noted that the school will need classroom space very soon, as up to year 4, there are two classes per year, with year 5 and 6 only having one class. Therefore, 2 demountables will be necessary in the short term and the school is looking to install them by the end of the year. 

Fathers Day
Fathers Day breakfast is scheduled for Tuesday 29th  August with the liturgy on the following Monday.  The Group discussed scheduling the events on two different dates, with Tim advising the photos taken on the Tuesday will be available on Friday, and that having the breakfast and liturgy on two separate dates makes for two good quality events as having both on the same day in the past was a rush.

Other business:

• Newsletter – Tim highlighted that this remains the main communication link between the school and the parents

• After School Care  - Tim noted that discussions are continuing re formal after school program and that the separate after school activities are continuing this term, with drama being very popular and bush school not coming back this term.

• Water fountain – Tim noted he is happy to approve this, with the only issues outstanding being the type of fountain and the location, with the group agreeing that the new foundations should replace current water bubbler locations.  

• Class parent positive feedback – Tim shared some positive feedback about class parents from a family recently started at the school, saying that class parents made the family feel welcome and well supported.

• School counsellor – has recently resigned and the role is being advertised 

• Ipads – the group discussed the use of and health concerns around ipads noting there are some quick win solutions that can be applied immediately such as having ipads on airplane mode until they need to be used,  and not using them on laps. The group noted that the latest data on EMF safety is out of date and it would be good to get updated data.  The group also discussed reducing the use of ipads in the classroom, using apps that don’t need to be connected to wifi, potentially having a technology/ipad class/area where ipads are used, and they are not used at other times in class and to look into the location of the wifi antennas in the classroom.

 Ended: 7.00pm

Father’s Day Breakfast- Save the date- TUESDAY 29th August

Wanted: Cooks and food servers

Food Donations: Years Three- Six

Finnies Fun Run
Our exciting first major fundraiser in nearly three years will be the Finnies Fun Run to be held in Term 4. If you would like to be part of this organising team you are invited to a meeting in the Staffroom this Wednesday (tomorrow) at 3.30pm. We would love to have your input.

Byron Bay Music
Have availability for music tuition outside of school hours, please see the information below for details.

Xavier Catholic College is hosting a parent night with Nathan Dubsy Want - a youth and parenting speaker from Melbourne, on Monday, August 28. Nathan will provide parents with insights into the countless moments that help shape their children's lives and give them tools to help use these moments to foster growth and resilience.  The evening would also be suitable for parents with stage three children.

Cyber Safety Night
St John's Primary School Mullumbimby is hosting a Cyber Safety Night on 30th August, all welcome to attend.

Lost Property
Please ensure that your Childrens uniforms, hats, drink bottles and lunch boxes are clearly labelled with their name. Any lost property returned to the office with names on them are promptly returned to the students. If you have a hand-me-down jumper or jacket from a past student at St Finbarrs, please be sure to put your own name on the item of clothing as we do not know who the new owner is and cannot return it to them.

Friday School Assembly
Year Six will be presenting their Artwork “Freedom Day” at our fortnightly Assembly at 2.15 pm this Friday. Please join us if you can make it.

Yours In Partnership,
Tim Bleakley - Principal

Freedom Day Artworks By Tilly. G & Isla. C

Mission

First Holy Communion

Students who will be preparing for the Sacrament of first Holy Communion attended the enrollment Mass last Saturday night. This was a beautiful evening with Fr. Jim Carty, who introduced them to the congregation during the Mass. 

This Saturday night during Mass at St Finbarr’s Church, the students will be presenting posters that they have created that will be displayed in the church throughout their preparation.

We warmly invite all of our Finnies families to attend these masses in support of our students preparing for the sacrament.  Mass begins at 6pm.

Mary MacKillop Liturgy

Today we celebrated a wonderful Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day Liturgy in our school hall. Fr Jim Carty presided over the liturgy giving a meaningful homily discussing the needs in our society today including within our own community and abroad.

Fr. Jim discussed the importance of us following Mary of the Cross MacKillop's example in our society today, by doing whatever we can, to help those in need.

The Feast of the Assumption Mass

The Feast of the Assumption is one of the most important feast days of the year and a Holy Day of Obligation on the official Roman Catholic Church calendar.

The holy day is observed every year on August 15th. According to Roman Catholic theology, Mary was "assumed body and soul into heavenly glory" several years after her son, Jesus, ascended into heaven. The importance of this event in Mary's life is only surpassed by her role in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ.

All our Finnies families and friends are warmly invited to attend the Assumption Mass this coming Tuesday the 15 th of August at 9:30am. All classes from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be attending the Mass with Fr Jim will be presiding.

Learning & Teaching

Principal Appreciation Day

Last Friday was Principal's Appreciation Day but because we had a number of students and staff out we have been celebrating Mr Bleakley all week for our Principal's Appreciation Week.  We asked a number of the staff and students what they love about Mr Bleakley and here are some of the responses: 

"Mr Bleakly is so kind and generous"
"He is kind and fair"
"He makes school so much fun"
"He always puts the students first"
"He is understanding, a good listener and fair to all"
"He looks after the school and all the teachers and the students"
"Mr Bleakley is welcoming and supportive"
"Mr B is a kind and compassionate leader"
"So kind and supportive of all the staff, students and families"

THANK YOU MR BLEAKLEY FOR ALL THAT YOU DO OUR SCHOOL - YOU ARE APPRECIATED! 

Parent Partnerships

Parents, families, and carers are a child's first and most important teachers. When families and schools work together children’s learning is enhanced.

We are so grateful for the generosity of our parents, last week Harper and Tilly's dad Ryan came in to share his knoweldge and passion for rockets with the students. 

Additionally, our Tuesday morning Jam sessions allows parents, students and teachers to share their love and skill of music. 

Do you have a passion or skill that you'd like to share ? Let us know. 

Supporting our Students to achieve the Fullness of Life

At St Finbarr's we aim to provide a positive environment in which each child is respected and his/her right to learn is encouraged and protected. We have recently implemented a new Behaviour Management Plan to support consistent, logical, clearly defined expectations and consequences that are made familiar to all involved, so that maximum Teaching and Learning can occur along with the development of responsibility for personal behaviour.

Our expectation is for our students to live our mission of Loving like Jesus, Growing as Friends and Learning for Life.  These behaviours are modelled, encouraged and promoted for our students to achieve the fullness of life. 

The St Finbarr's Behaviour Management Plan is fostered on education and support. We aim to remind students of the expected behaviours and redirect them towards making a positive choice. If a child consistently displays behaviours that are not conducive to their learning or that of their peers then adequate consequences will be given in line with the school management plan. 

Yours in Partnership, 
Lauren Magnus
Assistant Principal

Sports News

Zone Athletics
Well done to our team of 47 students who competed at the Zone Carnival held at Cudgen. St Finbarr’s won the Aggregate Pointscore Shield.

Congratulations to the following students who have qualified for the Diocesan Athletics Carnival to be held in Coffs Harbour next Tuesday 15 August.

Aurelia H- 8yrs 100m (2nd)

Luella M- Junior 200m (3rd)

Isla C- 11yrs 200m (3rd)

Milla P-11yrs 1500m (1st), 800m (1st) 100m (2nd), 200m (3rd)

Kaia L- 12yrs 100m(1st), Long Jump (2nd)

Marley R- 11yrs Shot Put (2nd), Long Jump (3rd)

Roley C- 10yrs 100m (3rd), 200m (1st), Junior Long Jump (1st)

Hamish K- Senior 1500m (3rd), 200m (4th)

Kya W- 11yrs 100m (3rd)

Lucy R-1500m (3rd)

Darcy S- Junior Shot Put (2nd)

Benji R- 11yrs MC Shot Put (1st)

Nelson H- 12yrs MC 100m (1st), 200m (1st)

Milla P- Runner Up 11yrs Girl Champion

Stage 2 Todd Woodbridge Cup
Last Friday, all Year 3 & 4 students participated in the Todd Woodbridge Cup at the Byron Bay Tennis Courts. A great day was had by all, with one of our teams progressing through to the Regional Finals to be held in Murwillumbah later this term. 

Congratulations to:
Adam G, Finn B, Hendrix McG, Connor J, Summer P, Libby P, Sloane Q, Indie T

Thank you
A very big thank you to Mrs Boggis for taking on the Sport Role while I was away!

Lisa Clark
Sports Coordinator

Student Awards

Gather - Canteen News

NEW CANTEEN TRADING HOURS.

Hello St. Finbarr’s families, 

We are going to continue with a two day working week being Thursday & Friday for the remainder of the term with the hope to extend the hours towards the New Year. 

After receiving feedback from parents, staff and students we will have some new menu items available from next week: 

1. Bacon & Egg roll 
2. Potato wedges 
3. Pop corn chicken cup
4. Fried rice 
5. Plain rice cup
6. Ice blocks 

Children will also be able to purchase select food each morning before school & at the first break. 

Thank you for your support.

From Lachy & Jay

Parent Connect

There are now vouchers through Services NSW for Sports and Arts.