NEWS FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
ST BRIGID’S SHOWCASES SUSTAINABILITY AND LEADERSHIP
Last Thursday, St Brigid’s had the honour of hosting the WEN Day for 120 students and 30 teachers from across the Diocese, a truly remarkable event that highlighted the ways we have put the principles of Laudato Si’ and our Sustainability Action Plan into motion. The day was a testament to the commitment of our school community to living out the call to care for our common home.
Our Year 6 students took centre stage, delivering an inspiring presentation to the 120 students about the sustainability practices and environmental projects that have become an integral part of life at St Brigid’s. Their leadership was outstanding, demonstrating not only their deep understanding of sustainability but also their passion for sharing these practices with others.
Among the impressive initiatives showcased were:
-
Solar Panels and our commitment to going off the grid, reducing our carbon footprint.
-
The Native Bee Garden, a vital project that supports local biodiversity and the health of our environment.
-
Our innovative Subpod Composting System, which allows us to recycle organic waste right here on our school grounds.
-
The Vegetable Garden, where students learn about sustainable food practices and the importance of growing our own produce.
-
The Water Tank and Wicking Bed Watering System, designed to conserve water while maintaining the beauty of our gardens.
-
Our Source System Bins and Return and Earn Scheme, promoting recycling and encouraging students to be mindful of waste.
These projects are not just practical initiatives, they are part of a broader commitment to environmental stewardship that is rooted in our Benedictine charism. St Brigid’s embedded practices and integrating sustainability into every aspect of school life has been outstanding.
This event also gave us an opportunity to reflect on how these efforts align with our core values of stewardship and care for creation. As we continue to bring our Benedictine mission to life, we are proud to show how our school community is actively contributing to a more sustainable future for all.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the countless dads (and a few mums) who have generously volunteered their time over the years to maintain all our grass and hedges. This invaluable work has saved the school tens of thousands of dollars, which has been reinvested directly into resources that benefit our students' learning and development. The beautifully maintained grounds have not only created a welcoming environment but also enhanced the overall experience for our students, supporting their engagement, wellbeing, and connection to nature.
As legislation around the safety of operating machinery in schools has evolved, and to ensure we continue to meet safety standards, we have had to employ a professional lawn-mowing service to take on this important task. However, I am deeply grateful to all the past and present wonderful groups of parent and grandparent volunteers who have given so much to help keep our school beautiful. You have truly made a lasting impact on our school community.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ILLAWARRA HAWKS!
Well done, Hawks – you’ve brought energy, talent, and pure entertainment to the court, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
SAVE THE DATE - A G'DAY TO REMEMBER
We warmly invite our school community to a special whole school Mass celebrating the Jubilee of Families, Children, and Grandparents on Thursday 29 May 2025 at 9:30am.
After Mass, take a moment to share the joy of reading by sitting down to read with your child or grandchild before we come together for a delightful morning tea. You’ll also have the opportunity to step inside our classrooms to see the wonderful learning taking place.
Plus, don’t miss the Book Fair, a perfect chance to discover new stories to enjoy together!
Stay tuned for more details, including RSVP information. We look forward to celebrating this special day with you!
NESA SHORT NOTICE INSPECTION
Today, St Brigid’s hosted a NESA Short Notice Inspection, conducted by Natalie Fry and Paul Hewitt. The inspection focused on ensuring the school meets the registration and accreditation requirements set by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA). Key areas of review included curriculum alignment, student welfare, enrolment and attendance, policies, and overall compliance with educational and legal standards.
I’m pleased to report that the inspection was a resounding success. We received very positive feedback and passed with flying colours!
A heartfelt thank you to the Stage 2 and 3 teachers, as well as the Leadership Team, for your support in preparing for this important process. Your commitment ensures that our students continue to receive a safe, supportive, and high-quality education.
OLD UNIFORM DONATIONS FOR COMMUNITIES IN NEED
As part of our commitment to supporting those in need, we invite families to donate any old St Brigid’s uniforms that are washed and in excellent condition. These uniforms will be sent overseas to assist communities in need.
Please bring your donations in a bag and leave them in the school hall on Thursday 10 April 2025.
We appreciate your generosity in supporting this initiative. A reminder that from the start of 2026, all St Brigid’s students will be in the new uniform.
ARRIVE TO THRIVE - ATTENDANCE
|
Regular Attendance: 90% – 100% Targeted Intervention: 71% – 89% Intensive Intervention: 70% and below |
Explained Absences – Important Information for Parents
At St Brigid’s, we prioritise regular attendance and appreciate your support in ensuring students attend school every day. When absences occur, it is essential that they are explained in a timely and verifiable manner.
How to Provide an Explanation for Your Child’s Absence:
-
The preferred method for explaining absences is via Compass.
-
Additional methods may be accepted at the discretion of the Principal, ensuring at least one non-digital option is available.
-
Any explanation provided must be verifiable.
Important Notes:
-
If an explanation is given verbally, the school will record the identity of the person providing the explanation, the reason for the absence, and the date it was received.
-
The Principal has the discretion to accept or not accept an explanation for an absence.
-
If an explanation is not accepted, the absence will be recorded as unjustified (Code A), and parents will be notified with reasons provided.
Regular attendance is crucial for student learning and wellbeing. If you have any questions, please contact the school office.
KINDER APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 CLOSE MONDAY 7 APRIL
The enrolment application form is now completed digitally and is available on our school website.
WINTER UNIFORM
As we move into the cooler months, please be reminded that from the week commencing 12 May 2025, students will transition to their winter school and sports uniforms. From this time, boys and girls may wear long pants, girls can wear their stockings, and all students will wear their winter sports uniform.
Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with our uniform policy to ensure that students are wearing the correct uniform at all times.
|
GIRLS |
BOYS |
|
Bottle green tartan culotte/tunic or long grey slacks with SBG emblem White collared over shirt with crest (short or long) Green school hat with crest Green school cardigan or jumper with crest Short turn over white socks or grey tights Black leather shoes Red or bottled green hair ties In Winter or on cooler days, the weatherproof school jacket may be worn over the top of the school cardigan / jumper. |
Long grey trousers with SBG emblem or Grey stubbie shorts with green SBG emblem White collared over shirt with crest (short or long) Green school hat with crest Green school cardigan or jumper with crest Grey socks with school stripes Black leather shoes In Winter or on cooler days, the weatherproof school jacket may be worn over the top of the school cardigan/ jumper.
|
A reminder that students will return to school on Monday 28 April 2025, following the two-week pupil vacation.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a productive and engaging term. Please ensure that students are ready to resume their learning, and we appreciate your ongoing support.
