A very warm welcome to all Barbreck families – new and returning! I trust that you have had a wonderful holiday and wish you the very best for the new year. 2020 is going to be a fantastic year in Barbreck, as we have much planned for the girls to learn, do and experience.

Bushfires and Fundraising

The recent bushfires have been devastating and have affected many people, some of which are connected to the Barbreck and St Catherine’s community. Therefore, most of our fundraising efforts this year will be in support of those communities and wildlife affected.

We are ready

Barbreck staff and I have been busy preparing for the new year and eagerly await the girls’ commencement. The return to school is an exciting time for all, as the girls catch up with their friends and teachers and new students meet their fellow classmates and future friends. There will be much story-telling, laughter, many hugs and arranging for play dates and get togethers!

Goodbyes to Mrs Baldacchino and Mrs Hoole

In the very late stages of 2019, we farewelled both Mrs Victoria Baldacchino and Mrs Judy Hoole from the Junior School library. We wish both ladies the very best and acknowledge their years of working in the library, contributing so much to the school and the education and care of our students.

Parent Information and Social Evening 

The Principal, Mrs Michelle Carroll, together with the Head of Junior School, Ms Karen McArdle and the Parents’ & Friends’ Association invite parents to attend the Junior School Parent Information Night and Social Evening:

Thursday 13 February 2020 – 6.15pm – 8.30pm

Light refreshments, hosted by the PFA, will commence at 7.30pm in front of the Sports & Aquatic Centre.

Welcoming new Teacher-Librarian – Mrs Cindy Requin

Mrs Cindy Requin has been appointed as our new Teacher Librarian and comes to us as a highly experienced librarian having worked previously as both Junior and Senior School librarians at various schools. I know she will be a wonderful addition to the Barbreck team and will offer so much to the learning experiences of the girls.  As you pass through the library, please make yourself known to her and welcome her to our school.

Timetable and Bell Time Changes

This year, we are moving to an 8 x 40 minute lesson day which will add more structure and uniformity to our timetable in addition to enabling a depth of learning to occur in the classroom. The new bell times are set out above.

Brain Food for Snack Time

As many of the girls may have had an early breakfast to attend before School activities, we have introduced a quick snack break between Lessons 2 and 3. I encourage families to please pack some brain food such as grain crackers, quality muesli bars, homemade bliss balls, fruit or vegetables to eat during this time.

Timetables for Display at Home

The girls will be copying their timetable into their Record Books. We will be sending blank timetables home for you to display prominently. This way, you will know what lessons your daughter had in the day and can use this to start conversations about what she is learning about. I know that when we sometimes ask what they did that day, we often get the answer “Nothing”. Knowing their timetable will help you prompt their memory and enable them to recall the lessons.

Becoming Independent and Organised

Having a timetable also provides the opportunity for the girls to start learning some independence and organisational skills. We will be sending home a packing list for this purpose. We ask parents to take a little time over the weekend to sit with their daughter and work out everything that needs to be packed for each day of the week. Once completed, parents can allow them to obtain the item, physically pack it and then cross it off the list. This might be slow going at first but it has three benefits: a) she knows what she has packed and b) she is learning about being organised and how to make lists and c) parents will not be making the dash to school bringing forgotten items!

Assembly Changes

This year, in response to parent feedback, our Barbreck assembly has moved to Lesson 8 (2.40pm) on Fridays. We hope that this change enables more parents to attend and share in our wonderful celebration of the girls’ achievements each week.

I look forward to a wonderful year ahead and engaging with our many Barbreck families.