St Finbar's Newsletter

Principal's Report

Last Friday at assembly I spoke to the students about problem solving (using the Bluey episode "Bike" as an example).  It is important to help students learn a range of problem-solving skills so they are able to cope with the challenges they face in the future. Problem-solving is identified by the World Health Organisation as a key skill for health.  To be able to solve problems, children need to be able to think critically and evaluate the consequences of various actions.

 

Problem solving skills can be taught early, if children have a minor problem at home (for example, not being able to find a particular item), let them work it themselves. They may get frustrated and upset but this is okay; it is better that they experience adversity with relatively small problems, in order to develop the skills and resilience to cope with bigger problems in adolescence and adulthood. It is advisable to use the language of problem-solving, and resilience when reflecting on challenges.   Problem Solving is Topic 4 of the Respectful Relationships program, which all year levels from Prep to Year 6 are covering in their Monday SEL lessons. 

 

Upcoming Events

We've locked in a few dates this week that you might like to add to your calendars (they have already been added to the school Google calendar). Our Grandparents' Mass has been confirmed and will be held at 12pm on Friday 26th July, to coincide with the Feast Day of St Anne and St Joachim (Jesus' grandparents).  We will open up the Thomas Sherry playground for parking on this day which will alleviate some of the parking issues that we've had in the past. As usual, grandparents will be welcome to visit classrooms following Mass and will be invited to afternoon tea in the Hall. 

 

The St Finbar's disco is happening tomorrow night and the sense of excitement around the school is mounting. Song requests have been submitted and it should be a fun evening.

 

All teachers have had a full day of planning this week, getting ready for Term 3.  Each year level will have a strong Science focus in Term 3. Another date for your diary is Friday 16th August when we will have an Open Morning dedicated to the Science learning that has taken place so far in the term. This date corresponds with National Science Week. 

2024 Semester One Reporting (by Callum Mills)

On Wednesday June 26th between 1:00-3:00 PM, the Semester One Reports for each student will be released to the community via the nForma Online Portal. 

 

What you need to do:

  • Check the email account that is attached to the email address you have provided the school. Please wait until after 1:00 PM on Wednesday June 26th (this applies to new families also)
  • Check both the inbox and spam folder for an email from no-reply@nforma.com.au
  • In the email you will receive a direct link to the portal for your family as well as a temporary password 
  • Click on the link to the portal and enter the temporary password
  • You will be prompted to create a new password 
  • You should then have access to the portal which will include the 2024 Semester One Report as well as any previous reports that have been distributed via the portal. 

 

It is recommended that this process be completed on a desktop/laptop computer rather than a smartphone or tablet (however, this is not essential). nForma strongly suggests that all access is cleared and recreated with a new temporary password each semester to enhance the level of security for such confidential information. We will be following this advice each semester and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

 

If you have any difficulties accessing the portal or your child’s report, please contact our Learning & Teaching Leader, Callum Mills via email cmills@sfbrightoneast.catholic.edu.au.

 

Please be mindful that a high volume of emails and requests can come through once the reports have been distributed. The school will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible regarding your request. 

 

Teddy Bear Sleepover

Once again our teddies and soft toys had a sleepover at school this week. This has become a much loved tradition at St Finbar's and we always eagerly await what mischief and adventures the toys will get up to throughout the night. 

This activity links in with our St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal with each teddy being asked to bring in a contribution to the appeal. Have a look through the photos below to see what our teddies got up to...see if you can spot your own special friend. Thank you to Narelle who coordinates this project each year, and our LSO Ann who always supports Narelle with this project.  

 

 

New mural 

Our new mural is complete and it looks great.  A huge thank you to the Parents and Friends Association who have fully funded this project. We're also very grateful to Hey, Nice Murals who painted the mural, and to Lisa Douglas who liaised with Hey, Nice Murals. 

 

 

 

 

Take care and God bless. 

Michelle Hill,

Principal