Term 3, Week 10 Newsletter

From the Principal

What a Night!
Last Friday was one of the best community events I have ever experienced in my time at St Finbarr’s. A mix of beautiful Artwork, Music, Food and Dance made for such a successful gathering. Special thanks to our organising committee from the Parents in Partnership (PIP), parents and staff who assisted with tickets and food sales, skilled tradespeople parents who coordinated the set up and pack up after school hours, musicians Colin Bullock, The Garcia Family Band and Tiffany our DJ. Funds raised will help in our goal of creating an outdoor learning space behind the new classrooms. It was a wonderful coming together and celebration of our beautiful school space, the new classrooms with the vegie garden and climbing web equipment making for a superb background under the festoon lighting. Our next fun gathering for the children is the Halloween Disco on Wednesday 30th October.

Congratulations and Good Luck
This week I was invited to the Xavier College Year 12 Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremony. It was special to be part of this celebration which included many ex-St Finbarr’s students who were in Year Six in my first year here as Principal in 2018. The College provided a memorable and fitting farewell for the students which was attended by proud mothers, fathers, grandparents and family members. From the whole St Finbarr’s community we send our best wishes to all those Year 12 students who next term will sit for their Higher School Certificate exams.

After School Care has Arrived!
We are excited to announce the commencement of the After School Care Program at St Finbarr’s. Leeza from Activekids will be commencing in Week 4 Monday 4th November. We are aware that many families have already made commitments for this year however please contact Active Kids Admin on 0432 165 551 to be part of the program or inquire about the Christmas Holiday program.

Term 3 School Fees
Just a reminder that term 3 fees are now overdue, can I ask any family that is not on a payment plan that they finalise their outstanding fees as soon as possible. Term 4 fees will be issued today and will be included on your next statement. Term 4 fees will be due for completion by week 2 term 4.

Student Fundraising 
We love the initiative shown by students when they plan together to organise  fund-raising activities. In the past we have had bake sales, bookmark selling, jelly bean guessing, card making and more. We ask that these activities be presented to the school leadership team who will decide whether the proposal is suitable and that it has the support of the student’s family and assisting an appropriate charity.  We sometimes organise fundraisers for charities at school particularly CARAITAS the Catholic Charity Organisation and while we appreciate the children’s entrepreneurial skills we do not do this for self gain at St Finbarr’s.  Also, moving forward,  we won’t be  selling food at school for student fundraising due to food allergies and the complications this can cause. 

Helpers Appreciated
A new enrolling parent asked me this week what were the school’s expectations of parents to volunteer their time at school. They had come from a model where each parent was expected to commit to a number of hours each year and even spoke of a fee levy associated with a non-commitment to volunteering. St Finbarr’s has always valued parents as active partners and love to have parents and family members involved in any capacity that is manageable. We see volunteers helping in the canteen, classroom, grounds work, fundraising, excursions and more. For the majority, the experience is rewarding, fun and definitely appreciated by the staff. Thank you all for what you can do to assist. The message is loud and clear; You are welcome and appreciated! Sometimes someone may simply need a personal invitation or nudge to come along and get involved.

 We are currently looking for helpers putting library books back on the shelf and have ear-marked Tuesday after the long weekend, October 8th from 9am. if anyone can spare some time helping Eva. Bring the kids who can play in Nature Play as there will be supervision with a Working Bee happening there as well!

Further Art Opportunity
After a very successful focus on the Arts this term and with a number of entries in the school 'My Portrait Competition', students may like to consider entering the NSW Children's Art Competition. 
This is a great opportunity for students to use their artistic skills and work on an art project during the school holidays. 

School Photo Catch Up Day 
We are excited to let you know that the School Photographer is hosting a special catch-up day for students who missed their school photos this year. Mark your calendar for 9 October at Brunswick Heads CWA 8:30-14:30! It’s a great chance for families to take photos during the school holidays.
Those that would like the photography spot on the day can ring 02 6628 0511 to book.

Parents in Partnership (PIP)
Will be having a planning meeting for 2025, on Thursday the 17th October at 2pm. Any interested parents are encouraged to attend, share their ideas and get involved in the school events.
ALL ARE WELCOME. 

First Day Term 4
Monday the 14th October will be a PUPIL FREE DAY. Students return on Tuesday 15 October. 

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing holiday.

Yours in Partnership,

Tim Bleakley
Principal

Mission

What a big term we have had celebrating our Catholic Faith and Identity. Our students have participated in 3 Whole School Masses this term along with a number of our students celebrating their First Holy Communion.

In Religious Education our students have been deepening their understanding of being stewards of the earth and celebrating Creation. Please see photos below.

Term 4, Mission Save the dates

Grandparents Day Liturgy & Open Classrooms

Friday 25.10.24 Grandparents Day

9:00am-9:45am - Assembly and Liturgy 

9:45-10:15          - Open classrooms 

10:15-10:45       - Morning Tea provided for Grandparents 

Friday 8.11.24- Whole School Mass

9:30- 10:30 -Celebrate Missions Month

Wednesday 11.12.24- Whole School Mass

9:30-10:30 Year 6 Graduation Mass

Yours In Partnership,

Mrs Sonya Piccoli

Assistant Principal Mission - Inclusion & Diversity

Learning & Teaching

ICAS Results

Congratulations again to the 11 students that took up the challenge to participate in the ICAS Assessments. We are so proud of their efforts and achievements. 

Our results so far are as follows: 

English: Alexandra S - Credit, Lily T - Participation, Adam G - Merit,  Summer P - Participation, Flo D - Credit, Aleah G - Participation. 

Science: Henry J - Merit, Aurelia H - Merit, Adam G - Participation, Oka D - Participation

Spelling Bee: Frankie D - Credit, Lily T - Credit, Sunday A - Participation

Understanding the award categories

Finnies Fringe Fine Arts Festival - Echo Article

During Term 3, St Finbarr’s Primary School explored and celebrated all things Art related. The term commenced with all students travelling to the Tweed Regional Art Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre for an educational art experience. Each year level then studied one particular artist and then partnered with Dr Michele Zarro from Byron Bay Contemporary Artspace to produce a piece of artwork that reflected the style of the chosen artist. 

In addition, students were able to enter the ‘My Story’ Art Competition where they were invited to produce a portrait of someone who is significant in their lives. Congratulations to the winner from each stage group - Jude Fells, Solo Speed and Millie Roylance.

The art project culminated in a wonderful Finnies Fringe Fine Arts Festival on Friday 20th September where all artworks were displayed in a magnificent art exhibition. 

We launched the festival with an official opening ceremony where we acknowledged and thanked Dr Michele Zarro. We also expressed our thanks and gratitude to Tonya Unsworth and Carrie Christensen who worked tirelessly behind the scenes organising and coordinating every aspect of the festival. 

Later in the evening, families enjoyed live music, dance and choir performances and were able to bid on some special art pieces produced under the direction of Michele. 

The project was a wonderful initiative of the St Finbarr’s Parents in Partnership group. Thank you to all those who volunteered and supported the night. 

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Image credit to Lara Milenko Photographer

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

Library News

New Library furniture, shelving and resources arriving soon! 

Library borrowing will not be available for the school holidays. All students have access to SORA (our online library). If you are unsure of your student’s email address and password, this can be provided by contacting the office or your classroom teacher. 

St Finbarr’s website: School Library Resources

Please select the parent and families drop down option and then select Library. Here you will find instructions on how to use Sora (great for travelling and school holidays), class library timetable, and a search option for students and parents to find books in our school catalogue.

News - St Finbarr's Primary School Byron Bay - Oliver (softlinkhosting.com.au)

The Richmond Tweed Regional Library: school holiday activities and public library resources

https://rtrl.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/events_list.asp

Week 2, Term 4

•       Tuesday 22nd October – 1st Nov- Scholastic Book Fair
•      Friday 25th October - Grandparents and Special Carer’s Day. Liturgy followed by morning tea (Book Fair open to Grandparents)

Parent Connect