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Dear families and friends of St Brigid's,
I would like to share with you a short piece of scripture that gives me comfort and courage:‘Go into the deep and drop your nets’. Luke 5:4
Put simply, this means to listen to God, even when it doesn't make sense or feels messy, and be brave enough to act on it.
I often find one piece of inspiration or personal meaning from scripture and this line from Luke is something I can resonate with. Go into the deep is about God telling you to do something that feels scary, risky, or goes against your own judgement. It's a call to move beyond what's comfortable and familiar and to have courage and take a leap of faith, knowing God is there to guide you. Drop your nets is your part. It's the act of courageously doing what God is asking. It's letting go of self doubts and fears and taking that leap of faith.
The simple message is that God's plan is often bigger and better than our own, but we have to be willing to trust Him and take a chance. When we do, the results can be miraculous and far beyond what we could have achieved on our own.
When have you felt despair, scared or challenged lately? This is being in the deep. Did you seek God for guidance in these moments and if so did you act with courage or drop your nets?
Happy Father’s Day!
I wish all the fathers, fathers to be, grandfathers and father figures in our school community a very happy Father’s Day. I hope you feel the love on Sunday 7 September. Please come along to our Father’s Day brekky and Digit’s with Dad Open Houses on Thursday 4th September from 8:00am. We can’t wait to spoil you!
Farewell for now and Thank you!

I would like to thank and acknowledge the wonderful leadership team, teachers, staff, Fr Bernard and parishioners for their support of me and the beautiful and ongoing welcome I have felt. I would also like to thank you, the parents and carers for making me feel humbled and welcome in this vibrant community. I feel very blessed to have had this opportunity and I look forward to working alongside you as partners in your children’s faith, learning and wellbeing journey.
We welcome Ms Uroda back from her renewal leave in Week 7. I have heard she is feeling refreshed and has an amazing tan. Hopefully she brings some sun and warmth with her to Gwynneville.
P and F Trivia - FUNdraising Event
Our P and F Trivia night on Friday night was a huge success. All who attended had the most amazing night, sharing laughs, great food thanks to Caitlyn ( Delta and Zoe's mum - Kinder) Shiso Fine - Japanese infusion and games galore. I can't thank our P and F President, Lauren and her team, April, Romina and Mark enough for their dedication to ensuring this was a wonderful night. Thank you to all who supported by purchasing a ticket and supporting the games and raffles on the night. The money raised will go towards a fun filled activity for our students later this year.
A special mention and thanks goes to our parents with businesses, thank you for your generous support:
Ferri’s (Ben Y3) - FGK
Sherley (Quinn Y3 & Leo Y1) - Ruki
Kate Goode’s (Nixon Y1) - Sorella Hair
Amy Johnson (Stella Y1) - Therapy Beauty
Mardee (Parker's mum Y1) our fantastic trivia master!!
We had other donations from
Romina + Chloe in Kindergarten.
A further mention and thanks goes to local businesses for their support:
Donations from the community:
- Gwynneville Bakery
- Pod Emporium
- Gwynneville Bakery
- Maison Hair
- Oh Darling Beauty
SOUTH COAST ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Soccer Gala Day
We celebrated Bullying No Way Day on Tuesday 19th August. We raised awareness of the different types of bullying, its effects and how to respond to bullying. We also focussed on kindness and ways to spread this as the antidote to bullying. Despite the rain, we ended the day with teamwork, collaboration and respect in games. Please enjoy some photos of the day.
NEWS FROM OUR REC
Sacramental Program
We are pleased to invite families of baptised Catholic children in Year 3 and above at St Brigid’s School to participate in the 2025 Lumen Christi Parish Sacramental Program for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
This is a significant step in your child’s faith journey and an important milestone in their full initiation into the Catholic Church. These Sacraments offer children the opportunity to experience God’s mercy and grace, and to be more deeply united with Jesus through the Eucharist.
The celebration of these Sacraments is not only a personal moment for your child but also a shared celebration of our parish and school community, who support and nurture the faith of our students.
Enrolments for the 2025 Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist WILL CLOSE ON 31 AUGUST 2025.
Please refer to the following information for details on how to enrol your child in the program. We look forward to accompanying you and your child on this special journey of faith.
Enrolment Period |
Register online between 1 July - 31 August 2025 |
ST BRIGID’S SCHOOL |
|
Parent information Evening |
Tuesday 23 September at 6:30pm |
Candidate's Commitment Mass |
Saturday 18 October at 5:30pm |
School Program St Brigid’s and Good Samaritan |
5 weeks Monday 13 October to Friday 14 November 2025 |
Parish Mass Attendance |
Thursday 16 October at 9:30am Thursday 23 October at 9:30am Thursday 30 October at 9:30am Thursday 6 November at 9:30am Thursday 13 November at 9:30am |
Sacrament of Reconciliation after the weekday Mass |
Thursday 13 November at 10am |
Retreat Day |
Thursday 13 November |
First Holy Communion Mass |
St Brigid’s Church 15 November at 5:30pm 22 November at 5:30pm |
St Brigid’s Parish Mass - SCHOOL TIMETABLE
You are warmly invited to join your child as his/her class attends Parish Mass.
As a Catholic school, we value and celebrate the strong bond between family, school, and parish. Coming together to share in the Eucharist strengthens this connection and shows our children the importance of faith lived out in community. Your presence at Mass not only supports your child’s faith journey but also nurtures the sense of belonging that is at the heart of our Catholic tradition.
We hope you can join us in this special celebration of faith.
Please note changes* from previously advertised
* Jubilee Mass 25 September: cancelled
Term 3 2025 St Brigid’s Parish Mass Thursday 9:30am |
|
4 September |
Year 6 Kindergarten |
11 September |
Year 1 Year 5 |
Term 4 2025 St Brigid’s Parish Mass Thursday 9:30am |
|
16 Oct |
Year 3 Year 4 |
23 Oct |
Year 3 Year 2 |
30 Oct |
Year 3 Year 1 |
6 Nov |
Year 3 Year 5 |
21 Nov |
Whole School Mass All Benedictine Saints (and Y3 First Reconciliation) Led by Year 4* |
27 Nov |
Year 6 Kindergarten |
11 Dec |
Whole School Mass Year 6 Graduation Led by Year 6 |
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
The theme for Season of Creation this year is:
Peace with Creation
On September 1, the Catholic Church marks the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, which begins the Season of Creation (September 1 – October 4, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi). This special day invites us to pause and reflect on the beauty of God’s creation and our responsibility to care for our common home.
As Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si’, we are called to live in harmony with creation, to protect the earth’s gifts, and to ensure a future for generations to come. Our students will be learning and praying about how they can care for creation in their daily lives, both at school and at home.
We encourage families to take some time over the coming weeks to pray together in gratitude for the gift of creation and to think about simple ways we can make a difference — whether it be reducing waste, saving energy, planting something new, or simply enjoying the wonder of nature.
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On September 8, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This joyful feast day honours the birth of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and reminds us of her special role in God’s plan of salvation.
As a school community, we give thanks for Mary, our Mother, and ask her to pray for us so that we may grow closer to Jesus each day. Families might like to mark this feast at home by praying a decade of the Rosary together, lighting a candle, or offering a prayer of thanks for Mary’s loving presence in our lives.
Whole-School Vigil Liturgy – Thank you!
On Thursday 14th August, our school community came together to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. This important feast reminds us of Mary’s special place in God’s plan and inspires us to live with faith and hope.
It was a beautiful occasion made even more meaningful by the joyful singing of our students, which lifted our hearts in prayer. Thank you to the parents and grandparents who joined us for this special celebration.
Caritas Catholic Earthcare – Creation Changemakers
This year, our school is joining with Caritas Australia’s Catholic Earthcare Program in their new Creation Changemakers campaign. The focus for 2025 is to create a Garden of Peace – a living symbol of hope and harmony in our school community. Inspired by the Season of Creation theme Peace with Creation, this initiative brings together our faith and our call to care for God’s creation.
To help fund our garden, we will be collecting cans, poppers and bottles from 2nd–12th September. All proceeds will go directly towards creating our Garden of Peace.
Vinnies Van collection - Thank you!
Thank you to all the families who have generously contributed items to the Vinnies Van collection again this term. Your support is greatly appreciated!
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY
Literacy week Happenings
Arthor Visit
Local author Sandi Wooton visited the students of St Brigid's on Monday 18 August to read her colourful picture book - Paint with Magic. She also shared with the children some of the process involved in writing and getting a book published.
Some of the things we learnt and thought were:
"Sandi's book was amazing. I liked how the octopus kept on trying until he was satisfied".
Mun Seng D
"I liked the beautiful colours in the book and how the whale was smiling".
Esme M
"It's not easy to get a book published - you have to send it out to a lot of publishers before one may accept it"
Parker M & Aaroz P
An author doesn't always know the illustrator or have a say in what the images look like"
Archie M & Ned L
"You have to work through many many drafts before you have a final copy"
Pedro F
"Such great advice from an inspiring author"
Sparsha V
"Sandi got the idea for her book from an encounter with an octopus in a tank who reached out its tentacles to her".
Year 4
"The last pages gave me an idea for another book about dinosaurs, plants and volcanoes".
Millie F
See gallery for more photos
Parade
The staff truly appreciate the efforts that parents and carers went to to prepare a costume for the parade. The children get SO excited for this event and it is often a memory that remains with them long after their school days. Enjoy the color of the day in our photo gallery.
Congratulations
Earlier in the year each class was given the challenge to work as a team to be the first entire class to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge. It was a close race between our two senior classes but Year 5 has triumphed and will enjoy their pizza lunch reward next week.
Twenty four of the school’s best borrowers and library helpers were invited to a VIP event to preview and be the first to borrow the new books that have been purchased with the proceeds of the book fair and a generous P&F donation. We, once again, thank Marg Ryan and her happy helpers who are not afraid of Contact and spent hours covering these items. Watch out for these new titles coming home soon in a library bag near you.
Library Borrowing
The day to return books is THURSDAY each week. New books are then borrowed on FRIDAY. Please remember to bring a library bag to protect books on the way to and from school.
Year 3 - Our Act of Peace
1000 Paper Cranes
After reading Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr, Year 3 were so moved with compassion that they decided to emulate Sadako’s story by making one thousand paper cranes. When we began, not one student (or teacher) knew how to fold a crane. However, as soon as one student mastered the art of origami crane-making, they generously taught others, and before long every student was joining in. Over the past few weeks, students have dedicated their time at home, during school breaks, and even at OOSH, working together to fold over one thousand paper cranes. Year 3 students wrote a letter which has been translated into Japanese (by one of our parents) and sent to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Here is a short extract:
“We made 1000 paper cranes in memory of Sadako Sasaki. As part of the Jubilee of Hope Year, we read the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr, and we were inspired to take part in an act of peace by making paper cranes. We wanted to honour Sadako and remember all the people who suffered in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We felt very sad learning how Sadako died and how the war caused so much hurt. Folding over 1000 paper cranes was our way of showing compassion. Each one was a prayer for peace in the world.”
Year 3 2025
Well done Year 3! This remarkable effort has demonstrated that every small action counts for change. Through service, collaboration, and compassion, you have created something extraordinary together—one paper crane at a time.
see gallery for more photos
PARENT ENGAGEMENT
We’re excited to be offering an 8-week gymnastics program for all students throughout Term 3. Delivered by qualified instructors, the program will support students’ physical development, coordination, balance and confidence in movement.
This initiative aligns with the NSW PDHPE syllabus, particularly in the area of "Movement Skill and Performance", helping students develop competence and confidence to participate in a range of physical activities.
This term, our school is joining Socktober to raise funds for children in need around the world. Together, we’ll combine fun, learning, and global awareness while making a real difference.
This year, our support will go directly to a community in Zambia, where families are facing food shortages. The money raised will help develop a maize mill, providing long-term support and lasting change.
Socktober is not only fun—it’s also a chance for students to live out their Catholic Social Teaching, learning about Human Dignity, Solidarity, the Common Good, and the Preferential Option for the Poor.
What’s Happening on the Day
Dress-up Day
Theme: Come as your favourite soccer or sport star!
- Donation: $1 (expected: $180 raised)
Cupcake Stall – Led by Blue House
- Cupcakes sold at Recess.
- Expected: $270 raised
- All Blue House students are asked to bring 6 cupcakes each
Guessing Competition
- Prize: Jar of soccer ball chocolates.
- Cost: 3 guesses for $1
Shoot at Goals Competition
- One lucky student from each class wins a prize.
- Entry: $1
Soccer Skills with Year 6
- Watch, learn, and join in!
- Cost: $1
ARRIVE TO THRIVE - ATTENDANCE
St Brigid's Attendance Procedures
The following table outlines the procedures that will be followed to ensure every student at St Brigid’s has the opportunity to thrive. Regular school attendance plays a key role in each child’s academic progress, wellbeing, and social development.
Every fortnight, the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) provides us with updated attendance data. This allows us to monitor patterns and respond early to any concerns. Our staged approach ensures that appropriate support is offered in partnership with families to promote consistent attendance for every learner.
Attendance Level | Percentage | Follow up |
Regular | 90% – 100% |
n/a |
Targeted | 80% – 89% | Stage Leader/ Parent phone call |
Targeted | 71%- 79 | Parent F2F meeting to discuss strategies |
Intensive | 70% and below | Parent Meeting - Individual student plan writtten |
Please find below a link to the form used to apply for Extended Absence in excess of five days. Notification of extended absence in excess of 5 days form
SPORTS DAYS IN TERM 3
CLASS | DAYS |
Kindergarten | Tuesday & Friday |
Year 1 | Tuesday & Friday |
Year 2 | Thursday & Friday |
Year 3 | Wednesday & Friday |
Year 4 | Wednesday & Friday |
Year 5 | Thursday & Friday |
Year 6 | Thursday & Friday |
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS IN 2025
There are eight such days scheduled for 2025, where our teachers, school leaders, and administrative support staff engage in targeted professional learning. These days are crucial in enhancing the skills and knowledge of our staff, ultimately leading to better outcomes for our students.
On these days, students do not attend school. This allows our staff to focus on professional development, planning, and enhancing their capabilities. Professional learning is an essential part of our commitment to building a highly skilled and professional workforce.
- Day 1 - Friday 31 January
- Day 2 - Friday 11 April
- Day 3 - Wednesday 4 June
- Day 4 - Wednesday 2 July
- Day 5 - Monday 1 September
- Day 6 - Friday 26 September
- Day 7 - Thursday 18 December
- Day 8 - Friday 19 December
Canteen
All canteen enquiries can be directed to Nicole Bonar - if your child is absent on the day you have organised a lunch order please text Nicole Bonar on the below mobile number and let her know before 8.30am - she will organise a credit for you.
On Friday 5 September the canteen will have a Nacho's Bowl special meal deal. Look out on facebook and Compass for updates.
Please note the canteen will be open on Thursday 25 September instead of Friday 26 September!
ST BRIGID'S LEARNING MERIT AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards during Week 4, 5 and 6 of Term 3 2025.
Week 4 - Term 3
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive our Catholic Values Award - Compassion. This award recognises those students who are moved by God's grace to be accepting, empathetic and merciful by embracing the dignity of each person so that they are loved and valued.
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the Strong Foundations Award. This award recognises students who create a safe, supportive and friendly environment. They are active participants in their faith, learning and outreach.
CLASS |
STRONG FOUNDATIONS AWARD |
LEADER OF THE WEEK |
Kinder | Vihaan A | Ellie T |
Year 1 | Kya P & Charlotte T | Sebastian N |
Year 2 | Mun Seng D | Zachary R |
Year 3 | Emily Y | Roman G |
Year 4 | Sebastian T | Amelia P |
Year 5 | Logan A | Sparsha V |
Year 6 | Arielle N | David M |
Week 6 - Term 3
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the Building Partnerships Achievement Award. This award recognises those students who work collaboratively with other students and their teachers to enhance their learning.
CLASS | BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
Kinder | Golsa I | Dylan I |
Year 1 | Achilles R | Gracie B |
Year 2 | Roxanna O | Korban H |
Year 3 | Ben Ferri | Sophia N |
Year 4 | Mila J | Hudson I |
Year 5 | Veronica A | Lucas S |
Year 6 | Aaroz P | Aaliyah O |
Considered an honour of the highest order, this award is presented to students who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to learning and loyalty to St Brigid’s School. They are someone who is a faithful and proud student of St Brigid's.
Congratulations Ella and Kip!
CLASS | STUDENT |
Week 6 Term 3 - Year 6 | Ella D |
Week 6 Term 3 - Year 6 | Kip M |
Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrated a birthday in Weeks 4, 5 and 6 of Term 3.
Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
Sophia N | Marta O | |||||
Andre C | ||||||
Liana D |
P&F, PARISH AND COMMUNITY NEWS
PARENTS & FRIENDS NEWS
Thank You – Trivia Night Success!
A huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported our Trivia Night – what an amazing evening it was! With your generosity, we raised over $1,500 profit. These funds will go directly towards putting on a fun end-of-year event for our school community.
We are so grateful to everyone who attended, donated prizes, or helped behind the scenes to make the night such a success.
A big thankyou too to SHISOFINE FOOD TRUCK for the beautiful meals provided on the evening.
Father’s Day Breakfast & Gift Stall – Thursday 4th September
Join us in celebrating all the amazing dads, grandfathers, and father figures in our community.
- Breakfast 8am - 8:50am (followed by open classrooms) – Pre-order your breakfast on Qkr
- Gift Stall – Order a special present for the wonderful men in our lives via Qkr. Children will choose from the stall which is held during school hours.
Orders close Sunday 31st August – don’t miss out!
New! St Brigid’s Buy Swap & Sell Facebook Page
We’re excited to launch the St Brigid’s Buy Swap and Sell Facebook Page, where families can buy and sell second-hand uniforms within our closed school community.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN and don’t forget to follow our P&F Facebook Page to stay up to date with all events and news.
Email: pandf@sbgdow.catholic.edu.au
Updating QKR
Please be sure to update your children on the QKR app. You should get a prompt when you first open the app though if you don’t it is just 2 simple steps:
- Click PROFILES
- Click on your CHILD’S NAME and select the correct year for 2025.
This stops confusion of orders being misplaced or sent to the wrong at events throughout the year.
PARISH NEWS
St Brigid's Parish Mass Times
Saturday | 5:30pm Vigil |
Sunday | 9:00am |
Thursday | 9:30am |
Lumen Christi Parish Bulletin
Lumen Christi Website
Canteen
All canteen enquiries can be directed to Nicole Bonar - if your child is absent on the day you have organised a lunch order please text Nicole Bonar on the below mobile number and let her know before 8.30am - she will organise a credit for you.
Due to the Staff Development day (SDD) on Friday 26 September the canteen will be open on Thursday 25 September 2025.
DATES FOR TERM 3
15/8 | Liturgy of the Word followed by assembly | 9:00am |
15/8 | P&F Trivia night | 7:00pm |
18/8 | Book Week Author - class visits | All day |
28/8 | Literacy week: reading & dress up parade | from 8:50am |
1/9 | Staff Development Day - pupil free | All day |
4/9 | Father's day BBQ breakfast followed by 'Diving into Digits with Dad'! | from 8:00am |
23/9 | Eucharist Parent Information Night- Year 3 | 6:00pm |
26/9 | Staff Development Day- Pupil free | All day |
PUPIL FREE DAYS IN 2025
- Day 1 - Friday 31 January
- Day 2 - Friday 11 April
- Day 3 - Wednesday 4 June
- Day 4 - Wednesday 2 July
- Day 5 - Monday 1 September
- Day 6 - Friday 26 September
- Day 7 - Thursday 18 December
- Day 8 - Friday 19 December
ALTAR SERVER ROSTER
JULY- AUGUST
DATE |
SATURDAY 5:30pm |
SUNDAY 9:00am |
5/6 July | Ari | n/a |
12/13 July | Ella | Grace |
19/20 July | Simon | Veronica |
26/27 July | Ari, Simon & Ella | Grace |
2/3 August | Ari | n/a |
9/10 August | Ella |
Veronica |
16/17 August | Simon |
Gace |
23/24 August | Ari |
Veronica |
30/31 August | Ella |
n/a |
WEEKDAY PARISH MASSES
St Brigid’s is part of the wider Catholic community. In our context, Religious Education is shared by home, parish and school, with each having its own distinct contribution. The relationship between the Religious Education program and the religious life of our school within the Lumen Christi Parish community is deeply interconnected.
While our students actively participate in prayer – be it silent, meditative or traditional within the school day, we also come together for school liturgies and whole school Masses to celebrate significant events in the school and Church's calendar. As we have our church onsite, classes attend parish Masses on Thursday mornings.
We would like to extend an invitation to all families to attend our Parish Masses alongside our students and parishioners. We know how much this means to your children and our parish community.
In Sacrosantum Concilium, Pope Francis declared active participation in Mass is “the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian spirit.”
In order for you to plan your involvement in our school/parish Masses, please see the attached 2025 Parish Mass Calendar for families. Each grade will attend Parish Mass each term and we request that parents use the calendar provided to schedule attendance for the Whole School Masses as well as one of the Thursday parish masses each term. Please note that our Whole School Masses are led by students from Year 2 -Year 6.
From 2025, we would also like to extend an invitation for parents to become involved in the parish Mass on the dates shown (and with their child’s class) : please fill in the attached form if you would be interested.
After each Mass, there will be an opportunity to enjoy a ‘cuppa’ with our parish community followed by a visit to your child’s class.
TERM 3
24 July at 9:30am | Parish Mass |
Year 2 & 4 |
7 August at 9:30am | Parish Mass |
Year 3 |
21 August at 9:30am | Parish Mass |
Year 5 & 1 |
4 September at 9:30am | Parish Mass |
Year 6 & K |
25 September at 9:30am | Whole School Mass - Jubilee |
Year 4 |
TERM 4
23 October at 9:30am | Parish Mass - First Communion prep |
Year 3 & 2 |
30 October at 9:30am | Parish Mass - First Communion prep |
Year 3 & 1 |
6 November at 9:30am | Parish Mass - First Communion prep |
Year 3 & 5 |
21 November at 9:30am | Whole School Mass - Benedictine Saints |
Year 2 |
21 November at 9:30am | Parish Mass |
Year 6 & K |
11 December at 9:30am | Whole School Mass - Graduation |
Year 6 |
AUTHOR VISIT BOOK WEEK
SOUTH COAST ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
BULLYING NO WAY DAY
BOOK WEEK PARADE
BOOK WEEK - READ TO YOUR CHILD
Year 3 - Our Act of Peace
1000 Paper Cranes