Miss Mel's Message

Term 3, Week 5

As we embrace the warmer weather and the welcome sunshine, our school community is buzzing with energy. It's wonderful to see students engaged in their learning, making the most of these bright days, and building connections with one another. The joy of learning and the spirit of togetherness are truly shining through!

The National Week of Action against Bullying and Violence has a new name...

Bullying No Way! 

The theme for 2024 is 'Everyone belongs'. When we all feel like we belong, bullying struggles to find a place. It's about embracing who we are, respecting everyone's differences, and standing up together against unkindness. Belonging means we all have a role in preventing bullying. We're encouraged to speak up and create a safe place where everyone feels supported and respected, and our voices are heard and valued.

The National Action Against Bullying aligns closely with Catholic Social Teaching and Child Safety Standards by promoting the dignity and respect of every individual. Catholic Social Teaching emphasizes the inherent worth of every person, calling us to uphold the dignity of all, particularly the vulnerable. This aligns with Child Safety Standard 1, which prioritizes the protection and wellbeing of children by fostering environments that are free from harm and discrimination. By taking a firm stand against bullying, we ensure that our school community reflects these values, creating a safe and supportive space where every child is respected and valued.

The week included classroom and lunchtime activities, videos, and engaging lessons and finished with our Friday whole school action in the community. Check out our socials and SeeSaw for more pictures and videos. 

As we observe Our National Week of Action, Bullying No Way!, our focus turns to the theme of belonging. In Romans 12:5, we are reminded that we are all part of one body, united in Christ, where every individual is valued and belongs. This is a powerful reminder that in our school community, each student, teacher, and staff member is an essential part of the whole.

Belonging is not just about being present; it's about being accepted, respected, and supported. It’s about ensuring that everyone feels safe, heard, and valued. This week, let's commit to fostering an environment where everyone can experience the true sense of belonging. By standing together against bullying, we affirm the importance of kindness, inclusion, and respect for all.

Let’s encourage one another to create spaces where everyone feels they belong, reinforcing the truth that we are stronger together.

School Refusal vs School Can't

Recently I attended a webinar run by the Victorian Parents Council. Many keynote speakers discussed the growing challenges in supporting students as they journey to re-engaging in education by exploring various alternatives.

Often neurodivergent students find school challenging.

Many speakers acknowledged that often neurodivergent students find school challenging for numerous reasons and ADHD and ASD students have a significantly higher rate of absence. Students can, at times find it difficult to name what it is that is causing the anxiety, and often a multitude of things are contributing to the feeling of overwhelm. Things may include, friendship challenges, not feeling connected to school, peers or staff, inadequate routines, changes in staffing, navigating communication difficulties, social nuances and peer relationships. 

The session highlighted the importance of building a village around students and their families ensuring they feel connected and supported. Many strategies and practices suggested, that are good for all, harmful to none, and essential for some, were affirming of St B’s current best practices across the school:

• having an inclusive environment
• a universal design for learning 
• differentiation of learning across subject areas
• Rosenshine's learning principles (scaffolding learning, worked examples, technical supports)
• providing environmental and educational adjustments 
• consultation with parents
• visual supports
• safe spaces
• movement breaks
• understanding stressed behaviour indicators 

*student-teacher relationships

Uniform

We have now reviewed our school uniform policy and attach for your reference. The policy will also be uploaded to the website. A significant change to the uniform policy allows students to choose between summer and winter options based on the weather, rather than following school-designated seasons. This adjustment is partly in response to the changing and unpredictable climate in Gisborne and partly to provide greater comfort and flexibility for students throughout the school year.

Camp Highlights 

I recently had the pleasure of joining our senior students on camp, and it was truly inspiring to see them thrive in a different environment. Watching them challenge themselves, forge new friendships, and tackle a range of new experiences was a highlight. From cooking meals, making damper, to scaling climbing walls and engaging in adventure activities like the giant swing, it was remarkable to witness their growth in independence and teamwork. The camp provided a unique opportunity for students to develop valuable life skills, foster resilience, and support one another in a vibrant, adventurous setting. More on our Learning and Teaching Page!

2025 Preps' Story Time

Story time for incoming Kinder kids at St Brigid’s next year is a vital part of their transition and helps build a strong connection with our school community. This special time introduces them to the joys of learning, fosters a sense of belonging, and eases their transition into school life. It aligns with Child Safety Standard 2, which emphasizes creating a child-safe environment where every child feels connected, valued, and supported. By engaging them in story time, we lay the foundation for a nurturing and secure school experience from the very start. Story time is running each week on Tuesday afternoon from 2.45pm-3.15pm.

Principal Enrichment 

Principal enrichment opportunities are designed to foster the spiritual and professional growth of leaders in Catholic education. These programs offer a chance to deepen one's understanding and commitment to Catholic values, while also enhancing leadership skills. This year, principals in our outer northwest region have the unique opportunity to travel to Greece and Turkey, engaging in a profound pilgrimage experience. This journey will not only enrich their spiritual life but also provide invaluable insights and connections that will benefit their leadership and our school community. I will be leaving on the 7th of September and returning on the 14th October. In my absence Keena Lane-Kerton will be acting principal and can be contacted on klane-kerton@sbgisborne.catholic.edu.au.

MACSIS Survey: Your Voice Matters in School Improvement

The MACSIS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Improvement Survey) is a vital tool that helps our school understand what we’re doing well and where we can improve. By gathering feedback directly from parents, we gain valuable insights that guide our school improvement efforts and help us set meaningful goals for the future.

Your input is crucial in shaping the educational experience for all students. The feedback you provide through the MACSIS survey enables us to make informed decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of our school community. Whether it's enhancing our teaching practices, improving communication, or fostering a more supportive school environment, your voice plays a key role in driving positive change.

We encourage all parents to participate in the survey, as your perspectives are essential in helping us create the best possible learning environment for our children. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and contribute to the continuous improvement of our school.

Baby News

We have some new additions to our beautiful community! 

Our wonderful Middles teacher Brena welcomed baby Lily Mairead Gaffy into the world on 30/06, weighing 3.23kg.

The Ferris Family (Lily in Middles and Jackson in Juniors) welcomed baby Emmy Alcyn Ferris on 29/07, weighing 3.74kg. 

Congratulations to all! 

More News from around St B's!

Don't forget to check out our Learning and Teaching Page for more photos and news, including:

• Sacred Heart's Junior Chef Competition
• Prep 100 Days
• Juniors Potato Olympics
• Juniors Hanging Rock Excursion
• Sport News
• Shayne's Senior Camp recount
• The Resilience Project

REMINDER: P&F Ticket Sales for our Parents' Night Out end on Tuesday!

St B's Socials

Our school uses social media to enhance our presence and keep our community updated with the latest news, events, and achievements. By following us, you can stay informed about our wonderful community events, innovative learning experiences, and important updates. If you haven't already, we invite you to follow us on:

Please share our profiles with your family and friends. Together, we can celebrate the vibrant and dynamic spirit of our school community.