Pentecost Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful; and kindle in them the fire of your love.

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1 ST. BRIGID S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL 25 Bayview Road, Officer Vic Telephone: (03) Fax (03) principal@stbofficer.catholic.edu.au Website: Term 2 Week 5 NEWSLETTER 15 th May, 2013 Dear Parents, Pentecost Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful; and kindle in them the fire of your love. This coming Sunday is Pentecost. Pentecost is celebrated fifty days after Easter and is the culmination of the Lent, Easter and Pentecost cycle. The message to love God and one another is at the centre of the Gospel (John 20:19-23). To help us to this Jesus promises to send the Advocate, the one who will teach and always remind us of Jesus and all that he has said to us. It is our task to carry on the work of the Holy Spirit today. The Holy Spirit is encouraging us to do good works for the glory of God and for the life of the Church. Our Parish children are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and I would like to share a story I heard a Priest tell at a Mass sometime ago that goes someway to helping the children understanding the powerful gifts of the Holy Spirit. Take a glass of milk, Drink from it. God made milk wholesome. God made milk good for the body. We are like milk. God made each of us good, in fact very good, according to Genesis. We receive the Holy Spirit at our Baptism. He then pours chocolate syrup in to the milk. This chocolate syrup is like the Holy Spirit, which is poured into our life at Baptism. Holding the glass he tastes the milk. He comments that it still tastes the same and looks the same. He then asks the question What needs to happen? Someone always responds that it needs to be stirred up. He then stirs up the chocolate until we now have chocolate milk. He then tastes it and comments that life is now sweeter and looks different. He adds, I prefer chocolate milk to white milk. Inside this issue: School Photographs Friday, May 17 th School Assembly Friday, May 25 th 2.30 p.m. Social and Fundraising Committee Meeting Friday, May 17 th at 9.00 a.m. Everyone welcome. So how do we stir up the Holy Spirit in our lives? The answer is really quite simple. Put Jesus at the centre of our lives,

2 at the centre of every decision we make. Ask Jesus for help. Ask him how should we act with friends, family, in the work place, at school and in sports. We will then be able to experience the power of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgment, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence, Wonder and Awe in God s presence. Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-control and Chastity. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will help us fulfil the tasks that God gives each of us to accomplish. Please remember the Confirmation Candidates in your prayers as they prepare to received the Sacrament of Confirmation and their families who guide and support their children through this most important stage in their faith development. Prayer to the Holy Spirit Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, enlighten our minds to perceive the mysteries of the universe in relation to eternity. Spirit of Right Judgment and Courage, guide us and make us firm in our baptismal decisions to follow Jesus way of love. Spirit of Knowledge and Reverence, help us to see the lasting value of justice and mercy in our everyday dealings with one another. May we respect life as we work to solve problems of family and nation, economy and ecology. Spirit of God, spark our faith, hope and love into new action each day. Fill our lives with Wonder and Awe in your presence, which penetrates all creation. Amen.

3 Mother s Day I hope all Mothers had a wonderful Mother s last Sunday. Thank you to the mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmother who attended our special assembly last Friday. I hope you enjoyed the PowerPoint presentation from the children, the performance from our Choir, and your flower in celebration of your unique place in our hearts. Special thanks to the Social and Fundraising Committee who organised the beautiful afternoon tea prior to the assembly. As a community we enjoy celebrating and highlighting these special events. Foundation Year Enrolment for 2014 Enrolments for children who are ready to start school in 2014 opened on Wednesday, May 1 st and close on Friday, June 14 th If know anyone who is interested in enrolling their child, please let them know all enrolments must be submitted by June 14 th. School Photographs Our school photographs will be taken on Friday, May 17 th. Please ensure students wear full winter school uniform on this day. The School Board Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of the School Board will take place on Tuesday, May 21 st commencing at 7.00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. The regular School Board meeting will follow the AGM at approximately 7.30 p.m. Book Club The latest Book Club catalogues have been distributed. Please return completed orders with payment by Tuesday 21 May. Please note that late orders will be held and processed with the next Book Club (early Term 3). St Brigid s receives Scholastic Rewards to the value of 20% of each order which we use to purchase books and equipment. Recently, $ in Scholastic Rewards were spent on Targeting Persuasive Text interactive resources, which will be put to good use in the Junior, Middle and Senior learning areas. Thank you for your continuing support!

4 Year 4 Camp Our Year 4 students will be experiencing the adventure of Camp Allambee from Monday, May 27 th to Tuesday, May 28 th. This is a wonderful opportunity for our Year 4 students to develop friendships, challenge themselves with the activities of the camp and build school spirit amongst them. I am sure they are all looking forward to the experience. Queen s Birthday Holiday Monday. June 10th This year the Queen s Birthday Public Holiday falls on Monday, June 10 th. There will be NO SCHOOL for staff and students on this day. Some of the Important Dates for Term 2 Tuesday, May 14 th to NAPLAN Testing Year 3 and Year 5 Thursday, May 16 th Friday, May 17 th School Photos Whole School Monday, May 27 th to Allambee Camp Year 4 Tuesday, May 28 th Tuesday, June 11 th Family Life Years 1/2 Tuesday, June 18 th Family Life Years 3/4 Tuesday, June 25 th Family Life Years 5/6 Friday, June 28 th END OF TERM 2 Early Finish St. Brigid s Playgroup St. Brigid s Playgroup is up and running for The group meets each Friday, in the Parents Retreat between 9.00 a.m. and a.m. Cost is $2.00 per session and all you need to bring is a piece of fruit or healthy snack for the children to share, along with a drink. We welcome all families with young children to attend this relaxed and social gathering.

5 News from the Deputy Principal Mr. Simon Greely Joggers Club As I mentioned on Monday at flag-raising, Joggers Club is continuing this term. We have our regulars but it would be great to see a few more faces on Thursday morning. NAPLAN It has been great to be part of the team coordinating NAPLAN. The children have been very comfortable in the multi-purpose room and have been performing their best in the various tests. My thanks go to Mrs Ahern, Mrs Piasente and Mrs Winder for helping to keep a relaxed atmosphere for the children while professionally administering the testing schedule. Woolworths Earn and Learn The sticker sheets are starting to come in. Please check with family and friends if they want to pass on their stickers. Many great resources in the school have come through this program, so please support it if you are able to. Leader of Religious Education Mr. Damian O Bryan This weekend marks the Church s Birthday as we celebrate the feast of Pentecost. This day is a Jewish Festival called Shavuot. This day commemorates the anniversary of the day God gave the Torah to the entire nation of Israel assembled at Mount Sinai. For Christians, the Acts of the Apostles recounts this as a day the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples. It occurred after Jesus had ascended into heaven post Crucifixion. The author uses the image of tongues of fire as they came to rest on the heads of the disciples. The room was filled with fire and wind. The author s account of Acts (who also wrote the Gospel of Luke), cleverly used these symbols to illustrate that like wind, the Holy Spirit cannot be seen, but it can certainly be felt. Like Fire, the Holy Spirit brings warmth and love to people s hearts. We call it the Church s birthday because it was on that day the disciples left the locked up room (they were scared they would face the same fate that Jesus did from the authorities) and unapologetically Spread the Good News and carried out the mission of Jesus. To support them on their mission, the Holy Spirit gave them seven gifts. Understanding Knowledge Courage

6 Wisdom Wonder and Awe Reverence Right Judgment Each of us has been given these gifts. During the Confirmation workshop and class time, the Children have been recognising how these gifts are visible in us! For example, the great Jimmy Stynes used the gift of Courage as he battled Cancer whilst using his gift of Understanding as he supported the kids from the Reach Foundation. Parents use the gift of Right Judgment, Wisdom and Understanding as they instill the values their children will need for the journey ahead. As teachers we see the Children using a variety of these gifts all the time during class and on the playground. The reality is, each of us have been given these gifts. Like all gifts they have been wrapped up as a present. However, it is our choice whether we unwrap the gifts and use them in our life. Yesterday, the Confirmation Candidates from Year 6 had their Reflection Day at St. Michael s Parish. Mrs. Ferris commented how outstanding our children were in the way they represented our school. I congratulate each of them and, on behalf of the school, wish them all the best this weekend as they attend their Blessing Mass at St. Michael s this weekend. Take care, Damian O'Bryan FAMILY LIFE Leader of Intervention and Wellbeing Mrs. Lisa Piasente In June the St Brigid s will be hosting the Family Life program. This program is endorsed by the Catholic Education Office and occurs in all Catholic school schools in the Sale Diocese every two years. The basic aim of the Program is to give the children an appreciation of the unique family unit to which they belong and to enhance communication in the important area of Human Development, Human Relations and Sexuality. Emphasis is placed on Christian values and the dignity of the human person. The program runs over three sessions one for Year 1/2 students and their parents, one for 3/4 students and their parents and one for Year 5/6 students and their parents. The program is designed to have parents and children talking about the way families start and other facts of life, including puberty. Each session is age appropriate and encourages dialogue between parents and their children in a safe and supportive environment. The St Brigid s sessions are: Year 1/2 Tuesday 11 th June Year 3/4 Monday 17 th June Year 5/6 Tuesday 25 th June Each session will commence at 7pm and run for one to one and a half hours. I highly recommend this program and suggest you put the dates in your diary. More information will be posted in the newsletter over the coming weeks.

7 Leader of Learning and Teaching Inquiry and Innovation Miss Elyce Birch At St. Brigid s we implement an Inquiry based approach to learning. The inquiry approach to learning is based on the belief that students are powerful learners who must be actively engaged in the process of investigating, processing, organising, synthesising, refining and extending their knowledge within a topic. Students are problem solvers and may also be problem posers coming up with their own questions about a topic and investigating the answers (Jeni Wilson and Kath Murdoch). Subject areas can be integrated into the inquiry approach such as: Science Humanities - History, Geography, Economics Civics and Citizenship Health and Physical Education Design, Creativity and Technology There are many models of inquiry that can be implemented such as those from experts Jeni Wilson, Kath Murdoch and Kathy Walker. This year and over the next few years, the inquiry based approach at St. Brigid s will be refined and developed. It s important to mention, that inquiry learning looks different from Foundation to Grade 6. Younger students may be involved in a more play based approach whereas for older students it may be a more personalised approach. This week, Mr. Gale, Mr. Lindsay, Mrs. Hogg and I will be visiting St. Theresa s Primary School in Cranbourne to gain some insight into what inquiry learning could like from Foundation to Grade 2. This is a great opportunity to see real inquiry in action and learn from other professionals. School Assembly Our next whole School Assembly will be held on Friday, May 31st at 2.30 p.m. Prayer will be led by Year 3/4A and Year 5/6W will share class news. You are most welcome to come along and join us as we celebrate together. Previously I stated that the assembly was on May 27 th, this is the wrong date and should have read May 25 th. I apologise for any inconvenience caused. Lost Property Please check that your child s jumper belongs to them. We are looking for a size 7 with a faded K. Williams written on it, which has been missing for two weeks. If found please return to the office. Thank you!

8 Performing Arts Students will once again be performing for the residents of the Casey Ages Care facility on Wednesday, May 22 nd. We have been a long supporter of the centre, performing for them since our school opened in We receive very positive feedback from the Centre and we look forward to visiting again. Some of our students in years 3/5/6 will be performing at the Music Eisteddfod at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Tuesday, May 28 th. This is another wonderful opportunity for these students to perform to large audience. Thank you to Mrs. Petra Taylor-Smith, our Performing Arts specialist, for arranging these opportunities and for preparing the students to represent St. Brigid s School. We wish the children who have celebrated or are celebrating a birthday shortly all the best for a great day. MAY Tyler H Evie A Ysaabella P Will M Sienna H Olivia H Jonty H Jack D Joseph T Kobi J Jessica R James B Tiger R Abbie M Anastasia Jessica G Tom B Jack M Finbar C Sam M Conor B Jack C Kayla O Georgia H Jarad M Sean H Urgent Help Needed BBQ Masters in Dandenong Saturday 18 th May The Fundraising & Social Committee will be holding a fundraising BBQ at Masters in Dandenong on Saturday the 18 th May from 8am - 4pm approx. We are looking for people to volunteer 1-2 hours of their time during the day. Please contact Nicole Pires on if you are able to help and we will put together a roster to spread the load. Thank you.

9 Trivia Night Sub-Committee Meeting Would you like to join the Committee to help organise this upcoming event to be held at St. Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield on Sat 23rd August? We are having our 1st meeting on Thursday 23rd Slippery Jacks Restaurant Beaconsfield at 7:30pm sharp! Please let Belinda know via (moresco@bigpond.com) if you can make this meeting and/or you are keen to assist! Open Monday & Friday 8:45am-9:15am Uniform Shop Please note long sleeve polos are not compulsory however long sleeve tops may not be worn under short sleeve polos. Short sleeve polos are still permitted. We have a beautiful range of hair accessories to match the winter uniform that have just come in. Check them out below. Prices range from $4-$8. Thank you, Caz, Jo & Monica (St Brigid s Uniform Committee) Social and Fundraising Committee News The next meeting of the Social and Fundraising Committee will take place this Friday, May 17 th at 9.00 a.m. Everyone is most welcome to attend.

10 LIVING OUR FAITH VATICAN II UNDERSTANDING THE COUNCIL THAT CHANGED OUR LIVES 3 SEMINARS 1. Wednesday 5 th June pm Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Narre Warren 2. Saturday 15 th June am pm St Mary s Parish Centre, Nicholson St Bairnsdale (Bring lunch to share) 3. Tuesday 18 th June 4.30 for 4.45 pm 7.30 pm St Laurence s Parish Centre, rear of Church, cnr Ogilvy & Brumley Sts, Leongatha (Bring finger food to share) Presented by Rev Dr Max Vodola. Fr Max is a lecturer at Catholic Theological College, Melbourne, teaching the History of the Australian Church, 19 th /20 th century Catholicism and Vatican II. His doctoral thesis was on John XXIII, Vatican II and the Genesis of Aggiornamento. Fr Max is the Parish Priest of St Brendan s Parish, Flemington and Holy Rosary parish, Kensington. In 2012, Fr Max s latest book, A Friendly Guide to Vatican II, was published. Copies of the book will be available for purchase DONATION: $5.00 per person BOOKINGS & INFORMATION: Mrs Sophy Morley E: smorley@sale.catholic.org.au P: (03)

11 Community Noticeboard Outbreak of Cryptosporidium Infection An outbreak of Cryptosporidium infection (also referred to as crypto ) is affecting many parts of regional Victoria. The Department of Health is requesting that parents and guardians of all children who attend swimming lessons or swim clubs in Victoria be provided with information on how to protect themselves and others when swimming. Crypto is a parasitic infection that causes gastroenteritis, with the most common symptoms being diarrhoea, stomach cramps and nausea. Symptoms may last for weeks and have serious consequences for people who have a weakened immune system. During swimming, people can become infected by swallowing water, which has become contaminated by human faeces, usually from tiny amounts that cannot be seen. Crypto can also be spread from person to person, especially in settings such as childcare facilities and in households where there are cases. All swimming pool patrons are able to become infected if the pool is contaminated with crypto because crypto parasites are not killed by normal levels of chlorine used in swimming pools. Without realising, people with crypto infection can contaminate pool water up to 14 days after their diarrhoea has stopped. Pool operators have taken steps including decontamination of water where appropriate as a protective measure, but this cannot break the cycle of crypto infection without the help of patrons. Parents should ensure that they and their children take the following actions to protect themselves and others: Do not swim if you have diarrhoea or if you have had diarrhoea in the past two weeks Shower and wash thoroughly with soap before entering the pool Was your hands with soap after going to the toilet or changing a nappy Avoid swallowing pool water For additional information please go to:

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13 Styles: Rock, Modern, Folk, Pop, Christian Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate Suitability: Ages 7 years and up Kefa Music Tuition Grad Dip Ed., AGMS Theory, Cert IV TAE (Music), Diploma Music (Performance), WWCC, VIT Reg Music is something everyone should enjoy no matter who you are! Our goal at Kefa Music is to get you playing and enjoying music especially on the greatest modern instrument the guitar! Goal setting is essential and a structured skills program that is song focused is more motivating! Once the basics are covered we can better focus on specific musical ambitions you have. Whatever it is we can get you going at AFFORDABLE rates. FIRST LESSON includes BONUS LESSON TIME! Call Peter on MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND This weekend is a time for you and your spouse to be alone together, to rediscover each other and focus on your relationship in a very positive way. There is no group sharing. Forget life s tensions and interruptions and rekindle the closeness, intimacy, love and romance that brought you together in the first place. Your marriage deserves that kind of attention. Couples and a priest present the weekend. It is based around Catholic values but couples of all faiths are welcome weekend dates : June, 9-11 August and October in Melbourne. Starts 7pm on Friday. Ends 5pm Sunday. Accommodation and all meals provided. For further information and bookings: Contact Marianne& Marcel Van den Bronk (03) or vicbookings@wwme.org.au

14 Managing Meltdowns in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) This workshop will be presented by Psychologist- Kim Sheppard, and is suited to Parents and Carers, as well as Professionals working with children with m Autis Spectrum Disorders (ASD) In this presentatio Kim will cover the difference between a Tantrum and a Meltdown. She will also discuss what causes meltdowns and how to identify possible triggers. n In additio, you will gain an understanding of the Rage Cycle and explore steps to manage the meltdown. Finally, Kim will cover strategies to assist in reducing the amount of meltdowns and preventing them. WHEN: Tuesday 28th May, 2013 TIME: VENUE: COST: 6.30pm 8.30pm Irabina Childhood Autis m S ervices 454 Princes Highway Officer 3809 $30 - Parents & Carers $50 - Professionals Please RSVP to Receptio n on 9720 m 1118 or autis registratio form and return to or complete n the attached Cancellation e notic of less than 48 hours prior to the workshop no refund. Payment for work shop is required prior to attending.

15 Perform CPR (CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION) (HLTCPR211A) CPR can be life-saving first aid Learns the skills to start the heart beating after it has stopped to increase the chance of survival LEVEL II FIRST AID (HLTFA311A) Learn basic First Aid skills to manage casualties at home, sports and in the workplace Flexible delivery - Complete workbook prior to class Includes CPR Friday 24 May 9.30am 12.00pm Cost: $75 Booking Essential Contact Outlook Community Centre to make a booking on or communitycentre@outlookvic.org.au 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham Office Hours Monday -Friday 9.00am 4.00pm Friday 24 May 9.30am pm Cost: $180 Booking Essential Contact Outlook Community Centre to make a booking on or communitycentre@outlookvic.org.au 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham Office Hours Mon-Fri 9.00am 4.00pm Upper Beaconsfield Kindergartens OPEN DAY Saturday May 18 th - 10am 12noon Kindergarten: 36 Stoney Creek Road Upper Beaconsfield Ph Pre Kindergarten: 3 McBride Road Upper Beaconsfield Ph Please come along and meet our wonderful staff and view our beautiful learning environment.

16 Looking ahead... Tues. May 14 th Thurs. May 16 th Naplan Testing Fri. May 17 th School Photographs Social and Fundraising Committee Meeting 9.00 a.m. Sun. May 19 th Pentecost (John 20:19-23) Receive the Holy Spirit Brainteaser The answer to my last brainteaser was mixed metaphor. This week s brainteaser is: NIPS Tues. May 21 st Annual General Meeting School Board beginning at 7.00 p.m. Saturday: Sunday: Life is like a camera Focus on what s important Capture the good times, Develop from the negatives, And if things don t work out, Take another shot. St. Michael s Parish High Street, Berwick 3806 Parish Priest: Fr. Peter Slater Assistant Priest: Fr. Jeff Kleynjans (03) Weekend Masses 6.00 p.m a.m., a.m. and 6.00 p.m. Breathe in me O Holy Spirit That my thoughts may all be holy; Act in me O Holy Spirit that my works, too, may be holy; Draw my heart O Holy Spirit that I love but what is holy; Strengthen me O Holy Spirit to defend that is holy; Guard me then O Holy Spirit that I always may be holy. Amen. (St. Augustine of Hippo AD ) Yours in friendship and unity, Ken Gale Principal