STAFFING NEWS

It is with great joy that I extend my warmest congratulations to Mrs Amy Sammut on her appointment as the next Principal of St Brigid’s. There is something deeply reassuring about handing over this role to someone who already knows and understands the unique culture of our school community. Having previously walked alongside us as Assistant Principal, sharing in our joys, challenges, and growth, Amy is now called to guide St Brigid’s into the future.

I have every confidence that her vision, care, and authenticity will carry our school forward while honouring all that has been built together. The strong faith, rich liturgical life, and deep love of learning that flourish at St Brigid’s will continue to thrive under her leadership.

It has been an honour to serve as Principal of St Brigid's for 10 years, and I leave with a profound sense of peace and pride knowing that our school has an outstadning repution for faith, learning and wellbeing. 

Please join me in congratulating Amy and in wishing her every success, joy, and fulfilment as she begins this next chapter in her vocation as an educational leader.

In addition, the recruitment for a new Assistant Principal is under way and the successful applicant will be communicated with you in the coming weeks. 

APPOINTMENT OF FR BERNARD GORDON- PP

Bishop Brian Mascord has appointed Fr Bernard Gordon as Dean of the Cathedral and Parish Priest of Lumen Christi Parish, Wollongong.

Fr Bernard will be installed as Parish Priest at the 10.30am Mass on Sunday, 16 November 2025 at St Francis Xavier Cathedral. Following the Mass, all are warmly invited to join us for a parish sausage sizzle BBQ in celebration.

We give thanks for Fr Bernard’s faithful service and leadership over the past seven years, and we assure him of our continued prayers as he takes on this new role among us.

Please keep Fr Bernard in your prayers as he begins this next chapter in his ministry with our parish family.

YEARS 5 & 6 THE TOPS STANWELL PARK CAMP

 SACRAMENTAL PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT

We warmly invite you to attend a Parent Information Evening for families of students who will be preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist this year.

This evening will provide important information about the Sacramental Program, including key dates, preparation requirements, and ways you can support your child on their faith journey.

YEAR 4 RELIGIOUS LITERACY ASSESSMENT

We are very proud of our  excellent results following  our recent Year 4 RLA (Religious Literacy Assessment). Once again, our students demonstrated their strong knowledge and understanding of Scripture, Church teachings, prayer, and the ways we are called to live out our faith in daily life.

The results reflect the commitment and enthusiasm of our Year 4 students in engaging with Religious Education, as well as the guidance and support of their teachers. It is wonderful to see the students not only achieving academically but also growing in their understanding of what it means to live as followers of Christ.

Congratulations to our Year 4 students and their teachers for their outstanding efforts and achievements in this important area of learning.

 CHRISTMAS STORY ART EXHIBITION

Over the past several weeks, our Year 5 and 6 students have been deeply engaged in exploring the Christmas story through both Scripture and art. Beginning with Gospel passages, the students carefully unpacked the meaning of the Nativity and reflected on the themes of hope, joy, and God’s gift of love to the world.

From these reflections, each student created their own unique artwork inspired by the Christmas story. The creative process invited them to make connections between faith and imagination, expressing the sacred story in ways that were both personal and profound.

The culmination of this work was an exhibition that showcased the students’ efforts. Walking through the display, one could not help but be struck by the variety of interpretations and the depth of thought behind each piece. The beauty of the exhibition lay not only in the artwork itself, but also in the way it reflected the students’ growing faith and understanding of Scripture.

This exhibition was a true celebration of learning, creativity, and spirituality. It was a privilege to see the Christmas story brought to life in such a vibrant and meaningful way by our Year 5 and 6 students.

Congratulations to the following students...see gallery for photos of the artworks.

CATHOLIC MISSION LAUNCH & SOCKTOBER

Last week, Ella D and Kip M proudly represented our school alongside Mrs Checkley at the Catholic Mission Launch held at Magdalene Catholic College in Narellan. This special gathering brought together students and staff from across the Diocese to pray, reflect, and learn more about how we are called to live out Christ’s mission of love and service in today’s world.

Ella and Kip participated with enthusiasm and maturity, showing great pride in representing our school community. Their experience at the launch has helped inspire our own preparations for Catholic Mission Week here at school.

A very warm thank you to Tim, Kip’s Pop, who kindly volunteered his time to drive us to and from the event. His generosity and support were greatly appreciated.

This week, Year 6 led the school liturgy and activities celebrating our Catholic Mission event, including Socktober, where students learned more about global mission projects and took part in fun, meaningful activities to support those in need in Zambia. Together, we continue to live out our call to faith, action, and solidarity.

See photos in gallery

PARENT ENGAGEMENT IN TERM 4

YEAR 1 DIORAMA EXHIBITION

Yesterday, Thursday 18th September, our Year 1 students proudly presented their Diorama Exhibition in the school hall. Families, staff, and students were welcomed into “St Brigid’s Wildlife Park” to explore the students’ creative dioramas and information reports on Australian animals. Dressed as zookeepers, the children confidently explained the unique features, habitats, and behaviours of their chosen animal. The exhibition was a wonderful showcase and celebration of this term’s learning in Science and English, highlighting both knowledge and creativity. Congratulations to Year 1 on such an impressive achievement.

see photos in gallery

SOCCER GALA DAY

"The Soccer Gala Day was an exciting experience for everyone. It gave us a chance to practise our soccer skills, and for those who hadn’t played before, it was a great opportunity to try the game out. The weather was hot, so we made sure to have plenty of water breaks throughout the matches. By the end of the day, we were all puffed out and exhausted!

What made the day even better was the respectful behaviour shown by everyone. No scores were kept, which meant the focus was on enjoying the game rather than winning. This helped create a fun and supportive atmosphere where we could catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Overall, it was a fantastic day filled with teamwork, laughter and lots of fun".

David and Aaroz Year 6

Our junior and senior students had an exciting Basketball Gala Day filled with fun, teamwork and great sportsmanship!  It was fantastic to see their skills improve noticeably by the end of the day.  Even more inspiring was the wonderful school spirit shown, with students cheering each on throughout the event.  A huge thankyou to all parents who volunteered their time and support to make both days such a success.

Message from CEDoW – “A non-negotiable philosophy for schools”

As a balance to the representative pathway structures the Diocesan Sports Council facilitates gala days in netball, football, basketball and cricket. These days are: 

• Strictly non-competitive, 

• No scores are kept, 

• No finals are played and 

• No awards are given out 

The gala days are designed for students to enjoy the sport, try the sport out, have fun and exercise without the pressure of competition and winning. 

Students, teachers, parents and supporters are to be reminded of this philosophy and treat all games and interactions with others with this in mind. Referees or umpires should be treated with courtesy and respect as most of these are sourced from local catholic secondary schools and we are very lucky to have this support. If we did not have this, schools would need to supply one umpire/referee per team entered.

Students, teachers and parents should maintain a safe and respectful environment for all. They should maintain positive relationships with team officials regarding their child’s wellbeing and behaviour and encourage participation by all children. 

Teachers and parents should provide a model of good sportsmanship for the children to copy and be courteous and respectful in communication with players, team officials, game officials, other parents and event organisers.

For students, teachers or parents looking to play in higher level competitive days, the Diocesan gala days may not be for you.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

From Monday 13 October 2025, all students are required to wear their summer uniform and sports uniform.

We take this opportunity to remind families of the importance of following our school uniform policy. The uniform is more than just clothing, it fosters a sense of belonging, pride, and unity within our community.

Your support in ensuring students are dressed in the correct uniform each day is greatly appreciated. By doing so, we help create a positive and respectful learning environment where all students can feel confident and ready to learn.

Please note that the two-year transition period concludes at the end of this year. From the commencement of the 2026 school year, all students will be required to wear the new uniform.

If you have any questions or need assistance with uniform requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.