Newsletter - 19th July 2023
Upcoming Dates
19th & 26th July; 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th August; 6th & 13th September: Combined Schools' Days at St Brendan's, Dunnstown
24th July, 31st July & 7th August: Sacramental program 3.45 - 5pm @ St Brendan's Eucharist / Confirmation
13th August: 8.45 Eucharist and Confirmation Mass Bungaree
3rd September: Fathers Day
Principal's News
Welcome back
It has been wonderful to catch up with children, staff and families in the last week. This week we have everyone back on board after a number of families had extended holidays.
A reminder that if children are away or families are going away for an extended break, please pop it in PAM as it can save our admin phoning to check where children are.
NAIDOC week
It was NAIDOC week during the school holidays. As the children were not at school, we are recognising it in our classrooms this week. This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is –
Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families.
They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones.
Our loved ones who pick us up in our low moments and celebrate us in our high ones. Who cook us a feed to comfort us and pull us into line, when we need them too.
They guide our generations and pave the way for us to take the paths we can take today. Guidance, not only through generations of advocacy and activism, but in everyday life and how to place ourselves in the world. We draw strength from their knowledge and experience, in everything from land management, cultural knowledge to justice and human rights. Across multiple sectors like health, education, the arts, politics and everything in between, they have set the many courses we follow.
The struggles of our Elders help to move us forward today. The equality we continue to fight for is found in their fight. Their tenacity and strength has carried the survival of our people. It is their influence and through their learnings that we must ensure that when it comes to future decision making for our people, there is nothing about us - without us. We pay our respects to the Elders we’ve lost and to those who continue fighting for us across all our Nations and we pay homage to them.
In 2023, how will you celebrate For Our Elders?.
Stay warm and well,
Inez
Term ahead
We are looking forward to a settled term for learning and teaching. There are not too many planned events and the aim will be to keep things as calm and moving along as smoothly as possible.
School review
Thank you to everyone that played a part in our school review, not only on Thursday and Friday, but in the many hours that went into preparing the report. The whole process was very positive and has helped firmed up goals for both schools – St. Brendan’s for the rest of 2023 and for St. Mary’s further on into 2024 and the years that follow.
The panel validated our work over the past 5 years and highlighted the many positives we have achieved in both of our school communities.
The final report will be given to us in about 4 weeks and be shared with everyone.
PTC
This semester, teachers will contact parents about making a time for a PTC time. These will take place in week 3. We are doing it slightly differently so that times can be made that are suitable for both parents and teachers and the conversations can take place during school time.
Sacramental Program
Last week I sent an email to the parents that have children eligible to receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. So far I have had only 1 reply. As we need to get numbers finalised and purchase the programs, it would be appreciated if you could let me know by Thursday if you wish your child or children to be part of the Monday night sessions that begin next week.
Concerns
A reminder to touch base with your child’s teacher about any concerns that you may have. The teacher should be your first go to. You can email staff directly or phone to make a time when they are not in the classroom. I am also available to have a chat if need be. It is important to clarify and work together to solve any issues that arise quickly and calmly, rather than let things build up and not address the concern.
Admin staff
Next Tuesday and Wednesday, all of our admin staff will be at a two-day PD workshop gaining skills and knowledge about a whole range of things around their role. Any concerns over these two days, can be directed to myself or if it can wait, then pop into school on a day when there will be someone in the office.
