COMMENCEMENT MASS 2025

At yesterday's Commencement Mass, we prayed for our student leaders, who were officially inducted into their roles for 2025. We honour their important responsibilities as mentors, guides, and role models, recognising the leadership qualities they will bring to our school community. Their dedication and commitment to serving others will inspire their peers and help shape a positive, inclusive environment for all.

Congratulations to all our student leaders. I'm confident you will excel in your roles and make a meaningful impact. As Principal, I look forward to supporting you throughout this year and witnessing the growth of your leadership.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Checkley (REC), Mrs Arthur-Worsop, and the Year 6 class for leading such a reverent and prayerful Mass. The readers proclaimed with confidence, and the cantors sang beautifully. Every student actively engaged in the Mass, contributing with their wonderful singing, clear responses, and prayerful gestures. Well done to everyone involved!

LEADERSHIP POSITION FOR 2025	RECIPIENT
School Captain - Leader of Faith and Liturgy	Ella D
School Captain - Leader of Stewardship and Environment	David M
School Captain - Leader of Service and Wellbeing	Kip M
SRC Chairperson - Leader of Student Voice and Advocacy	Allaria D
House Captain - Leader of Samaritan, Justice and Learning	Aaliyah
House Captain - Leader of MacKillop, Justice and Learning	Darren
House Captain - Leader of Evans, Justice and Learning	Alice M

Senior School Leaders	Lachlan C	Sachi B	Hunter M
Senior School Leaders	Ireland C	Rafael I	Tom S
Senior School Leaders	Charlie EB	Ned L	Pedro F
Senior School Leaders	Ryder M	Aaroz P	Arielle
Senior School Leaders	Ryan T	Kerry T	Samuel G

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION 2025 

If your child has been baptised in the Catholic Faith, you have already begun preparations for their reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. From the moment of their birth, you have shared your Faith with your children in your love, words, actions and prayers. This is an essential component in their faith formation.

Receiving the Sacraments is a very blessed time in our journey of faith, and it is the means by which baptised children can complete their journey into full membership of the Catholic Church. They are community events, which remind us of the role of the parish community in the development of our life of faith, hope, and love. 

Students in Year 6, who have received the Sacrament of Baptism, Reconciliation and First Eucharist are eligible to enrol in the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

SAVE THE DATES

• Parent Information Night  - Tuesday 29 April 2025 at 6:30pm
• Candidate's Commitment Mass - Saturday 3 May 2025 at 5:30pm
  
• Retreat Day - Thursday 12 June 2025 from 8:50 am - 3:00 pm
• Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation  - 14 June 2025 at 2:00pm

PANCAKES FOR SHROVE TUESDAY 2025

On Shrove Tuesday, we come together to reflect on the start of Lent, a time for renewal and preparation. It is a day of tradition, where we remember the practice of using up rich foods before the fasting season begins. This year, we invite all students to celebrate by ordering a delicious pancake through the canteen. Let this simple treat remind us of the importance of reflection, sacrifice, and the opportunity for growth as we journey through Lent together. 

INDUCTION OF OUR NEW ALTAR SERVERS 

Congratulations to all the following Altar Servers who were inducted into their roles yesterday. As Altar Servers, they are entrusted with the important responsibility of assisting the priest during Mass and other liturgical ceremonies. They are called to be thoughtful, prayerful, and attentive, knowing that the entire community relies on their service.

As they handle sacred things and stand close to Jesus, who came to serve, they are reminded to perform their duties with care, humility, and love, always guided by prayer and understanding.

Congratulations to Ella D, Ari O, Grace H and Veronica S

A heartfelt thank you to Alice Bunder for the exemplary training she conducted for our Altar Servers. Her dedication and guidance have helped equip them with the skills and understanding needed to serve with care, humility, and love. Through her efforts, our Altar Servers now have a deeper appreciation for their important role in assisting the priest during Mass and other liturgical ceremonies.

UPCOMING ROSTER FEBRUARY - APRIL

VINNIES VAN COLLECTION

Vinnies Vans are outreach services that provide meals and snacks, blankets, toiletries, hot beverages, and, most importantly, companionship and referrals where needed to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

In 2025, St Brigid’s will conduct a week-long drive in Week 5 of each term to support this outreach service. 

Each HOUSE will be given a choice of requested items to bring in. These items will rotate each term. The items listed are essentials for the van to continue to operate in the capacity that it does.  Please find your child’s/children’s house below with the list of requested items. 

• The following items would also be appreciated:
• Tinned tomatoes
• Rice and/or Pasta
• Tinned vegetables
• Sauces
• Tinned tuna
• Men's roll-on deodorant
• Soap
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner (travel size)

We kindly request that all donations are brought to school from Monday 24 February 2025 -Friday 28 February 2024. 

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.

Reconciliation and First Eucharist

This program will begin in the latter part of Term 3, 2025, and continue into Term 4. Enrolments for eligible students will open at the start of August. The Sacrament of First Communion will be celebrated during the 5:30pm Mass. To ensure a smooth experience for all, we kindly ask that you keep both November 15 and November 22 free at this stage. The parish has requested that candidates be distributed evenly across the Masses to accommodate our entire parish community.