Term 2, Week 8 Newsletter 2022
Principal's Message
Parent Support
The last few weeks have highlighted how blessed we are to have such a supportive group of parents at St Finbarr’s. When I visit classrooms I am always impressed when I see parents totally engaged in the learning process. Two sessions come to mind from last week. Kinders had a wonderful learning task where they constructed model enclosures for a native Australian animal. There was no better sight than seeing so many parents joining in, asking questions, having fun and appreciating the effort of the students. Likewise, in Stage Two, Mrs Boggis’ class invited parents involved in the construction industry to work with the students on their design task. This adds such a real-life dimension to the learning which gives authenticity and depth. At St Finbarr’s we value the contribution parents can make to support all learners. You are always welcome, don’t wait for an invitation! The sports carnivals on Thursday and Friday were cause for celebration for all as parents, students and staff worked together to promote a day of fun and physical activity on our beautiful grounds in glorious winter sunshine. Thanks to Annette Yopp and her team who coordinated the special canteen treats on carnival day.
School Review
As reported previously in correspondence, our school was involved in a three day School Review. During this time all important stakeholders in the school were interviewed with a wide range of questions and discussion points forming the basis of rich and meaningful dialogue. Thank you to our parent representatives who took up the opportunity to meet with the review team. There was a diverse selection of students across the school who shared their thoughts and the visiting team were very impressed with the articulate and honest manner in which they participated. On Wednesday afternoon the staff were provided with feedback from the process as we were one of the first schools in the Diocese to be involved in the newly formatted review. We received excellent feedback from the review team as well as constructive recommendations to provide clear direction for future planning. We were commended for our professional and committed approach to providing quality learning for all as well as our caring and nurturing in supporting the wellbeing of all students. The review team acknowledged that the school was in an exciting period of change and growth with a clear vision for the future. More feedback from the review team will be available when we receive the official report in the next few weeks.
AFL
A big thank you to Michael Hardman (Harriet Yr 6 and Nelson Yr 4) who used his passion and knowledge of AFL to support our school team in the recent AFL Gala day. The team performed solidly and put in an excellent effort against some tough opposition.
AFL Gala Day
Recently we hosted a school Rugby League match against Byron Bay Public School. There was a lot of excitement on the field and both teams should be commended for their sportsmanship. We look forward to participating in more interschool sporting events.
Mary Mackillop was one of the pionerrs of Catholic Education in Australia. It was wonderful to see the Kindergartens so enthralled as Mrs Hunnibell explains the significance of Mary MacKillop to her students.
Have a great week.
Kind Regards,
Tim Bleakley
Principal
Mission
Catholic Schools Week
Our Catholic schools are Christ-centred communities which are built on a commitment to the Gospel. We seek to serve the Gospel by accompanying young people in such a way that they may experience the ‘fullness of life’ (John 10:10) in learning and living well. Our schools support each child to develop a commitment to the core values of the faith;
- Love of God
- An opportunity for a personal encounter with Jesus Christ
- Love and service of others
- Integrity, goodness and truth
This week we celebrate Catholic Schools week and acknowledge our school, St Finbarr’s as a vibrant Catholic school that is a part of the Holy Spirit Parish, established through the dedicated work of Catholic schooling pioneer St Mary MacKillop along with the order of the Sisters of St Joseph in 1916 .
At St Finbarr’s, each student is valued, respected and celebrated for being a unique individual who has been created in the image and likeness of God. The word of God is what our Catholic schools are based on with the person of Jesus at the centre of our school. Jesus is the teacher whose message gives us life. Our school is a place where we strive to empower each and every child to always give their best and to transform their world by loving like Jesus.
This Thursday the 16th of June at 9:30am, we will celebrate a Whole School Mass at St Finbarr’s Church and we would like to extend a very warm welcome to all of our St Finbarr’s community.
Almighty Father,
You sent forth your Son as a beacon of hope for all people.
As a Teacher, he has given us the prime example of the importance of education.
As disciples, we look to him for inspiration and strength.
Thank you for the many sisters, brothers, priests, and laypeople who have dedicated their lives in
service to our Catholic schools.
Thank you to all of the staff who sustain our schools today.
Thank you for the parents who have given support and witness to the importance of Catholic education in their daily lives.
Thank you for the students who work hard to further their education.
Bless St Finbarr’s and the many people who advance our mission.
May our building be a home for those who seek to grow in faith, knowledge, and service of others.
May our community always support one another and exhibit hospitality to newcomers.
Fill our minds with knowledge and wisdom.
May our understanding of the world help us to grow in appreciation for it.
Fill our hearts with gladness.
May we always turn to you in times of need.
Fill our hands with the tools we need to serve others.
May we show them your unceasing love through our actions.
St. Finbarr, pray for us.
St. Mary McKillop , pray for us.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Learning And Teaching
Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week is being celebrated at St Finbarr’s this week.
We believe every week is Catholic Schools week - but to celebrate being part of a Catholic School, a welcoming community which seeks to support parents as the first educators of their children and one that is driven by the teachings of Jesus, we would love to invite you to our special celebrations.
Thursday: Whole School Mass at St Finbarr’s Church 9:30am
Friday:
9am: Morning Assembly Prayer and Awards
9:30am Open Classrooms
10am Minute to Win it
11am Shared Picnic Lunch
Students are welcome to go home with parents / carers at the conclusion of the shared lunch.
We look forward to celebrating with you all.
Athletics Carnivals
What a wonderful celebration of community last week at both our Athletics Carnivals. Thank you to Mrs Clark for your hard work in organising, the teachers that stepped into action upon your absence and all the teachers for your hard work. Thank you to all the parents, carers and guests for supporting and attending this wonderful yearly event.
Kind Regards,
Lauren Magnus
Assistant Principal
Learning & Teaching
Athletics Carnivals
Dates for Your Diary
Student Awards
Youth Academy Holiday Program
Friends of Libraries Byron Shire Book Fair
