Term 3, Week 10 Newsletter

Principal's Message

Thank you to the 61 respondents to our recent survey. Below are some key themes from the parent feedback and some immediate action we can implement as we continue to look for ways to build and grow as a strong Catholic School Community.

Tell Them From Me Survey: Parent Feedback:

Concern
Communication to families that is ineffective or unclear.

School response
Starting on Wednesday we are offering Compass training opportunities for parents to ensure we are utilising the full benefits of the software package. The Seesaw App will cease as a class communication tool.
In 2023 we will be restructuring  parent / teacher meetings to ensure an early and effective check-in during Term One to provide feedback on the Maths Assessment Interview (MAI) and setting student goals. 

Concern
There has not been any Parent Information evenings in the past two years and a need for more clarity around school direction and vision.

School response
Covid restrictions and classroom flooding ensured that we have been unable to conduct whole school start of  year parent information sessions in 2021/ 2022. We are looking forward to meeting early in 2023 and more regularly communicating and reflecting on the school vision and goals. More parent education sessions are planned for next year at times more suitable to working families.

Concern
No School Library and no communication regarding building plans.

School response
We share the frustration regarding the current DA application with the local council. The six new classrooms and conversion of two classrooms into a library was due to commence last Easter. We are respectful of council demands and wait patiently for our building to be given the green light. Library resources are available to students at present although we will improve access in 2023 and increase funding for a school librarian. In Term Four, we will be creating a library space for book borrowing in the school hall.

Concern
Canteen is not open during recess, a lack of variety of foods and healthy choices and questions regarding the possibility of operating for more than two days per week.

School response
We are revisiting the canteen organisation and have committed to  increasing the  hours of employment for the canteen manager from 2023. We have commenced advertising for the  Canteen Coordinator role and are asking for expressions of interest. (see below)

Positive Feedback
School grounds, caring nurturing staff, leadership, opportunities for students, community of parents, play spaces, office staff, welcoming school, play based learning, school values. 

Final Comment

We value and appreciate all feedback. We listen to all stakeholders and continue to seek ways within our budget and resources to deliver quality Catholic Education for all students in our care. Please contact the Principal regarding the feedback from the survey or clarity around some of the topics raised.

Position Vacant

St Finbarr’s Byron Bay Canteen Manager 2023

TITLE: Canteen Manager 

HOURS:  20 hours per week (TBC:Monday/ Wednesday/ Fridays)

WAGES:  As per award

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

The Canteen Manager is responsible for the profitable management and operation of the school canteen according to the policies and procedures of St Finbarr’s Catholic Primary School. 

The Canteen Manager will support the development of strong relationships within the school community in particular with the students, parents and volunteers, teachers, and other school personnel.

Policy

The St Finbarr’s School canteen aims and objectives are to:

•  provide nutritious, hygienically prepared and healthy food at an affordable and reasonable price.
•  As a Catholic school the Canteen Manager will support and follow the Department of Education ‘Nutrition in Schools Policy’ as well as Lismore Diocesan guidelines.
•  Menu options should always encourage healthy eating habits in our children.

 Key Responsibilities

The canteen manager is responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations of the school canteen. This includes the following responsibilities:

• Planning, organising, and monitoring the day to day operations of the canteen, including the rostering and encouragement of voluntary workers, daily record-keeping, opening and closing the canteen, preparation and cooking.
• Developing, implementing and managing procedures to deliver the food service;
• Providing leadership to volunteers to ensure the delivery of an affordable food service to the school community;
• Induction and training volunteers in the food preparation and other procedures.
• Co-operate with the school in organising the ordering, delivery and storage of items for special events being conducted by the school or Class Parent groups.
• Competent  ICT skills and the ability to use or learn Compass (online ordering system)- recommended 

• Ability to demonstrate Christian values in dealing with children, parents, teachers and the general public
• Ability to work in a team environment and with school volunteers to encourage a positive community spirit in the canteen

• Hold a valid NSW Working with Children Check
• Comply with the Accreditation to Work Teach and Lead Policy upon appointment

Apply here:   https://careers.lism.catholic.edu.au/cw/en/listing/

For further information regarding the application process please contact the school Principal.

Applications close 3pm Wednesday October 26th 2022

After school Activities
Our after school activities continue in Term Four and thank you for the wonderful support for the broad range of activities on offer.

School Guitar Classes
Due to demand Kristan will be holding lessons on Mondays as well as Tuesdays. Contact him on 0423 574 430.

Kinder Parents
A great night out recently for the Kinder parents.

Country Rugby Championships

Congratulations Rocky Tobin and Adam Price on their recent win at the Country Rugby Championships playing for Far North Coast.

Congratulations
Congratulations to our Open Rugby League team who competed in the recent Casino Gala Day. The boys grew in confidence with every game and defeated Byron Bay Public school in their final match after close battles with Casino West and St Carthage's Lismore. Great spirit and teamwork from all boys.

Term 3 School Fees
Please ensure all term 3 school fees are finalised by the end of this week, if you are experiencing financial difficulties please contact Alison Mason in the front office.

I'd like to Wish everyone a safe and restful holiday, we look forward to welcoming students back for term 4.

The last day for students is tomorrow, 21st September.
Monday 10th October will be a pupil free day, for Staff development
Students return Tuesday 11th October.

Yours In Partnership,

Tim Bleakley
Principal

Mission

First Holy Communion

On Saturday night we celebrated an incredibly special Mass as we witnessed the Holy Communion candidates receiving their First Holy Communion. Father David made this such a special evening for the candidates and their families, calling each of the children forward to acknowledge and congratulate them along with their families and the Parish community. 

Father David also acknowledged everyone who has contributed to the children completing the Holy Communion program. This included the Parish community, those contributing to the celebration and who have kept these children in their prayers, the teachers and Mrs Carmel Buckley who worked with the children throughout their preparation as well as assisting with Children’s Liturgy.  A special thank you once again to Pat and Kathryn Higgins who are always so generous with their time and once again lovingly created beautiful certificates as a memento of this special celebration which Father presented to each candidate at the end of the Mass. 

St Finbarr’s Feast Day 

St Finbarr’s Feast Day occurs in the upcoming school holidays on the 25th of September. Saint Finbarr was born in Connaught (a Province of Ireland) in about 550. He was the son of an artisan and a lady of the Irish royal court. He was baptised Lochan and was educated at Kilmacahill Kilkenny, where the monks named him Fionbarr (white head) because of his light hair.

In 606 Finbarr founded a monastery which became famous in Southern Ireland and attracted many disciples who also became the founders of ​monasteries and schools.  Eventually, the City of Cork grew up around Finbarr's monastery.  

Many extravagant miracles are attributed to Finbarr. Legend has it that his hand took on a visible radiance that caused him to wear a glove for the rest of his life.

Finbarr died at Cloyne on September 25, 623. They say that when he died the sun did not set for two weeks. His remains were brought home to Cork and he was buried in his own church on the site now occupied by the Protestant Cathedral of Saint Finbarr.

 Our School and Church are named in dedication to the works of this great man.

 Prayer

We thank you Lord, for this term.

 For the challenges, the successes,

 and the mistakes from which we have learnt. 

Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends. 

Give us strength and courage to do what is right; 

to be witnesses of our faith. 

Help us  to appreciate what others do for us,

 to give time and effort to help others, 

to be peacemakers in our family. 

Keep us safe in our activities;

 give us good rest and good fun. 

Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new Term.

 May we always be conscious of you in our lives.

Amen

We pray everyone has a safe and restful break and look forward to seeing you all back for Term 4.

Yours in Partnership,

Mrs Sonya Piccoli

Assistant Principal-Mission & Additional Needs

Learning & Teaching

Lyn Sharratt Collaborative

"Learning, teaching and leading with consistent, persistent and insistent effort results in CLARITY of purpose and practice and a developed sense of shared responsibility and accountability, which matters MOST to raising the bar and closing the gaps for all students." Lyn Sharratt, Clarity, p.341

St Finbarr's Primary School is part of a 3 year collaborative partnership with the Lismore Diocese and Dr Lyn Sharratt. As part of this collaborative teachers and leaders learn alongside one another looking at our student data, what matters most in learning and teaching and identifying ways in which we can improve student learning outcomes. 

Learning Walks and Talks are a component of this research. A learning walk and talk is when leaders and teachers visit multiple classrooms at their own school with the aim of fostering conversations about teaching and learning in order to develop a shared vision of high quality teaching. 

After two years of zoom learning we are super excited that Dr Lyn will be back in the country for face to face learning next term. Mr Bleakley, Mrs Magnus, Mrs Piccoli, Miss Hunnibell and Mrs McEvilly Butler will be working with her for 2 days in Coffs Harbour.  

Learning Walks & Talks - Maths

Yours in Partnership, 
Lauren Magnus
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Finnie's Halloween Disco

St Finbarr's Golf Day

The 2022 Finnies Golf Day is fast approaching 

Sunday October 23rd - arrive at midday for a 12.30pm tee off!
Golfers of all abilities are welcome. Put together your team of 4 - it's an Ambrose event, so it'll be lots of fun, with heaps of prizes and raffle items to be won.

Click here to book your tickets 

$50 per player, or $200 for your team of 4.

To book a golf cart send an SMS to 0415 242 524

Do you want to 'Sponsor A Hole' for $200, or donate a prize for the day?

Please contact Michael on 0415 242 524

Don't want to play? Come and join us for a drink and/or dinner from 5pm - we'll be selling raffle tickets with heaps of awesome prizes!

Family Faith Retreat

Staying Safe on Social Media

Seasons For Growth Free Online Session

Byron Bay Junior Cricket Sign On

The start of a new cricket season is fast approaching. New & return players are welcome at Byron Bay Cricket Club. We run a Learning cricket program on Wednesday afternoons for beginners & have an U12 team in the Saturday morning competition. For U12 & U11 players interested in Saturday morning cricket we are running a Come & Try afternoon on Thursday 22nd September from 3.30pm at Byron Rec Ground. For information see our webpage, Facebook page or call Jason on 0488 996166

Make Believers Holiday Drama Workshops

Sam Jackson from Make Believers has run a great after school program this term and will return for term 4.  Sam will also be running a holiday program for interested children.

Byron Theatre Fantastic Mr Fox

Byron Theatre Holiday Program

Dance Dynamics Spring Dance Camp

Holiday Basketball Program