SCHOOL NEWS
STAFFING NEWS
As we approach the end of the school year, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge two much-loved members of our St Brigid’s staff who will be finishing their time with us at the end of this year.
Firstly, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mrs Anita Mitrevski, who has served our school community with extraordinary care and dedication over 7 and a half years. Anita truly reflects the Benedictine values of welcome and hospitality. Her warmth, kindness, and gentle presence have provided constant reassurance to staff, students, and families. Personally, I have been deeply grateful for her support and wisdom, which have been a great source of strength and steadiness in our busy days.
We also give thanks for Mrs Amanda McAlary, whose compassion and generosity of spirit have touched so many of our students. She approaches every role with flexibility and grace, always ready to lend a hand wherever it is needed, usually accompanied by her infectious laugh that lifts everyone’s spirits. Her ability to nurture and guide the studnets in her care has made a lasting impact on their lives and on the heart of our school.
Both Anita and Mrs McAlary will be greatly missed. Their dedication and contributions have helped shape the warmth and community spirit that define St Brigid’s. We will have the opportunity to formally thank and celebrate them later this term, but for now, I invite you to join me in expressing our sincere gratitude for all they have given to our St Brigid's school family.
WELCOMING OUR 2026 KINDERGARTEN CLASS
We are delighted to welcome our 32 Kindergarten students who will begin their learning journey at St Brigid’s in 2026. Having completed their playgroup sessions, the children will now commence two transition mornings designed to help them feel comfortable and confident as they prepare for school life. This Tuesday, we look forward to welcoming both the children and their parents from 8:50am to 11:00am. A special thank you to our current Kindergarten class, who will provide a warm St Brigid’s welcome and morning tea. Transition is an important part of our approach, ensuring the school is ready to receive each child and that every student is familiar with our environment so they can thrive from their very first weeks at St Brigid’s.
ROAD & CROSSING SAFTEY ON VICKERY STREET
We ask for your continued support in keeping our students and families safe during drop-off and pick-up times, particularly along Vickery Street.
A reminder that the Vickery Street crossing is a children’s crossing, not a full-time pedestrian crossing. It operates before and after school and during scholl hours when we are utilising Wiseman Park for sport or playtime. When the orange flags are displayed with the words CHILDREN CROSSING, drivers must slow down and stop when a pedestrian is on or waiting to cross, and remain stopped until all pedestrians have crossed.
Outside these supervised times, the area is not an active crossing, so please take extra care. In recent weeks, we’ve noticed some parents and students walking straight from the school gate onto the road without stopping, which poses a safety risk. We have had a few children walk ahead of parents and straight onto the road.
When crossing Vickery Street, please stop first and move across in groups. This allows everyone to cross safely and enables the car line to move off in an organised way, helping with overall traffic flow in the area.
Thank you for modelling safe and considerate behaviour and for your ongoing cooperation in keeping our school community safe.
We’re inviting students in Years 3, 4 and 5 to join our wonderful team of Parish Altar Servers! This is a special opportunity to serve at weekend and school Masses, learn more about our faith, and play an important role in our parish community.
Our third training group will begin in the coming weeks, so if you’ve ever thought about becoming an altar server, now’s the perfect time!
If you’re interested, please fill in the Google Form by clicking on the link below. We’d love to welcome you to this meaningful and rewarding ministry! APPLICATION
THE RENAMING OF OUR OUTDOOR SPACES
We are excited to introduce Harmony Habitat. A beautiful space where peace takes root and creation thrives. This area features a subpod composting system, worm gardens and a flourishing garden designed to nurture and protect our St Brigid's bee population, reminding us of the beauty and balance of God’s creation.
Inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, we are called to live in right relationship with the earth, to care for our common home and all living things.
In the spirit of our Benedictine charism, the Harmony Habitat reflects our call to seek balance, peace and stewardship, to “listen with the ear of the heart” and live gently upon the earth..
The Harmony Habitat invites us to reflect, reconnect, and renew, a living space where peace truly takes root and creation continues to thrive.
We are proud to introduce ‘Giving Garden’. A living expression of our call to care for God’s creation. This special space features a composting system, wicker bed watering system, and garden beds filled with fruits and vegetables that will be grown, shared, and enjoyed by our community.
Giving Garden reminds us of our shared responsibility to live sustainably and to cherish the earth as our common home. It also reflects our Benedictine charism, which calls us to stewardship, balance, and community, finding God in the work of our hands and in the beauty of creation.
The Giving Garden invites every student to take part in nurturing life, to plant, to care, to harvest, and to share embodying the spirit of service, stewardship, and gratitude that helps our community grow in faith and hope.
The name reflects the Benedictine charism, which calls us to seek peace, balance, and community while caring for God’s creation.
Benedict’s Backyard is more than a play area, it is a place where our students can grow together in the spirit of our school values:
- Compassion, as we show kindness and respect to one another;
- Courage, as we try new things and face challenges with hope;
- Service, as we look for ways to help and include others; and
- Stewardship, as we care for the natural environment entrusted to us.
Just as St Benedict encouraged his followers to find God in the ordinary moments of daily life, Benedict’s Backyard is a place where students can play, explore, and connect with one another and with nature. It reminds us that joy, learning, and friendship all grow when we live with respect, gratitude, and care for each other and for God’s creation.
YEAR BOOK COVER COMPETITION - EXTENSION
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You can submit by your A4 design by Friday, the 7th of November (3pm in office drop off or 9 pm emailed to the yearbook committee). |
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2025
Reconciliation: Change of time
Please note a change to the timing of our First Reconciliation celebration. It will now take place directly after the Parish Mass on Thursday, 13th November.
We warmly invite all families, who have a child preparing to receive their First Reconciliation and Eucharist, to attend the Parish Mass together. After Mass, you are welcome to remain in the church as the children receive their First Reconciliation.
Thank you for your support as we share this special faith moment with the children.
Retreat Day
On Thursday, 13th November 2025, all Year 3 students and one Year 4 student will take part in a special Retreat Day. This retreat follows on from our Religious Education unit on the Eucharist, allowing students to deepen their understanding of God’s love and forgiveness.
The day will begin in the school hall and then with Parish Mass at 9:30am. Students receiving their First Reconciliation will remain in the church immediately after mass. Parents are warmly invited to attend both the Parish Mass and the Reconciliation immediately afterwards.
The Retreat Day activities will take place in the school hall. Students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes (non-uniform day), as it will be a relaxed and reflective day of learning and faith. Students are expected to bring in their iPad on the day.
To make the day extra special, students will also enjoy a pizza lunch. Please contact the school office if your child has any dietary requirements. The school day will start and finish at the usual times.
First Holy Communion: Homework
We ask that families continue to complete the homework tasks each week and ensure children bring in evidence of their completed work.
Some families have chosen to download the homework sheets (as the tasks are not interactive online) and place them in a special folder. This is a wonderful way to honour the preparation process and provides a meaningful opportunity for both children and parents to reflect on their learning together.
We greatly value the role of parents as the first educators in faith. Your support and involvement help your child to understand the significance of this sacred sacrament and to experience the joy of deepening their relationship with God.
First Holy Communion: Important Reminders
As the special day approaches, please take note of the following important details:
- Seating: Each student will sit in their own pew with immediate family members only (up to approximately six guests). All other family and friends are welcome to sit in the pews at the back of the Church or in the upstairs gallery.
- Arrival: Students must arrive no later than 5:20pm and are to be dropped off at the Year 2 classroom.
- Family Seating: Families should be seated in the church by 5:25pm.
- Parish Mass: As this celebration takes place during Parish Mass, parishioners will be present to support the children. We kindly ask that all conversations be kept outside the church to maintain a respectful and prayerful atmosphere.
CHRISTMAS STORY ART EXHIBITION
Update
Following a very thorough judging process, the Year 5 and 6 students’ artworks have not proceeded to the next round of the Christmas Art Competition. While our students’ efforts were outstanding, the standard of the winning entries this year was exceptionally high.
We are very proud of all our participating students for their creativity, reflection, and dedication throughout the process.
Families are warmly invited to visit the Wollongong Art Gallery, where the exhibition of these beautiful artworks and student reflections will remain on display until the end of November.
We especially encourage Year 4 and Year 5 families to visit the exhibition, as students in these grades will have the opportunity to take part in the Christmas Art Competition next year.
THE GARDEN OF PEACE PROJECT
We are delighted to share that our Garden of Peace is now complete and has become a beautiful space for prayer, reflection, and appreciation of God’s creation. This special area invites students and staff to pause, be still, and recognise God’s presence in the beauty of nature.
A heartfelt thank you to all the students and families who contributed to this meaningful project. We especially acknowledge Mrs Cuff and Ms Uroda for their passionate dedication to its design and installation, and Mrs McCance for keeping the plants thriving over the holidays.
The Garden of Peace will continue to be a place where we gather to pray, reflect, and give thanks for the world God has made.
St Brigid’s Parish Mass - SCHOOL TIMETABLE
NB Changes: The Jubilee Parish Mass scheduled for 25 September has been cancelled: Year 4 will instead lead a Remembrance Day Liturgy on Thursday 11th November 2025.
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Term 4 2025 St Brigid’s Parish Mass Thursday 9:30am |
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16 Oct |
Year 3 Year 4 |
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23 Oct |
Year 3 Year 2 |
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30 Oct |
Year 3 Year 1 |
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6 Nov |
Year 3 Year 5 |
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13 Nov |
Year 3 Retreat Day and First Reconciliation |
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27 Nov |
Year 6 Kindergarten |
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11 Dec
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Whole School Mass Year 6 Graduation Led by Year 6 |
SOUTH EASTERN REGIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKING
On Thursday, 23 October, two students proudly represented St Brigid’s at the South Eastern Regional Public Speaking Final held at Nazareth Catholic Primary School, Shellharbour.
Arielle N, from Year 6, presented on the topic “From Little Things, Big Things Grow.” Her speech explored the power of small actions to create great change, highlighting the story of the Gurindji people led by Vincent Lingiari and the regaining of Aboriginal land, the simple act of a smile that can brighten someone’s day, and how a tiny seed can grow into a vast forest. Arielle delivered her message with confidence and sincerity, leaving a strong impression on the audience.
Sparsha V, from Year 5, spoke on the topic “Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Romans 5:5). She shared inspiring examples from the lives of Mahatma Gandhi, Malala Yousafzai, and a Paralympian athlete, Deepa Malik, to illustrate how hope can overcome adversity. Speaking with great conviction, Sparsha moved both the audience and the adjudicators, earning an impressive second place. She will now represent St Brigid’s at the Grand Final on Thursday, 6 November, at St Joseph’s, Bulli.
MATHS OLYMPIAD
The Junior Division Olympiad (Division J) is an inter-school competition that has been specifically designed to stimulate and challenge high potential and high achieving students in Years 5 and 6.
It provides an opportunity for students from around Australia and New Zealand to compete as part of a team while striving for individual excellence. It is a prestigious and highly regarded competition.
This year we had 23 competitors from Year 4, 5 and 6.
Please join us in congratulating the following students:
David M - top 25% and the highest score achievement in our school.
Darren Y (Y6), Hunter M (Y6), Kip M (Y6), Tom S (Y6), Pedro F (Y6), Logan A (Y5), Hayde R (Y5), Sparsha V (Y5), Elliott (Y4) - top 50%
Elliott G - Encouragement Award
"Maths Olympiad was an awesome learning experience about mathematical reasoning. It was great that a lot of students in our school competed in this competition, as it shows that we are an academic school". David M (Year 6)
(see gallery for photos)
PARENT ENGAGEMENT IN TERM 4
CRICKET GALA DAY
The Stage 3 boys had a lovely day representing SBG at the Cricket Gala day on the 16th October down in Shellharbour. It was a very hot day with minimal chances for a break as the boys played six games back to back. Great sportsmanship was displayed and new friendships emerged. Overall it was a great day!
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:
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Strictly non-competitive,
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No scores are kept,
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No finals are played and
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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.
LIBRARY BORROWING
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
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
ARE YOU LEAVING ST BRIGID'S AT THE END OF THE YEAR?
As we begin planning for the 2026 school year, we kindly request that any families who are intending to leave our school at the end of this year notify the office as soon as possible. This information is crucial for us to finalise staffing arrangements, student numbers for the upcoming year and our funding from the Government.
Please ensure that any withdrawal notifications are submitted to the school office, via the info email address by Friday 7 November 2025.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to prepare for a successful 2026 school year.
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 Nicole know before 8.30am - a credit will be organised for you.
