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- PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
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- STUDENT WEEKLY AWARDS
- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AWARD
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
- NEWS FROM THE OFFICE
- P&F NEWS
- PARISH INFORMATION
- PRINCIPAL AWARD
- COMMUNITY NEWS
The Gift of Grandparents
In 2021, Pope Francis announced that the recognition of grandparents and the elderly should be a regular and celebrated event in Catholic communities. This week, on Wednesday July 26, the church recognised the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This feast is celebrated each year on this day, a recurring reflection of the important role that grandparents play as a link between the generations.
Each of us has memories of our own grandparents, special members of our family who shared in our formation as the people we became and also, in many cases, who participated in the development of our faith. Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, reminds us that, “We must treasure the spiritual and human wealth that has been handed down from generation to generation”. In this, the importance of the thoughts and wisdom of the elderly is recognised and emphasised by the Church.
Saint Joachim and Saint Anne have been a part of the Church's liturgical calendar for many centuries. They are celebrated in the modern Church as the patron of grandparents. At this time, grandparents themselves are reminded that old age is a gift, as is their important role of passing on their experience of life and faith to the young.
Passing on these ideals and truths to our children is so important and one of the most enjoyable roles we, the adults in their lives, play in their development and learning. More than ever, using the celebration of our grandparents, we commit ourselves to making every effort to dismantle the ‘throwaway’ culture in favour of enhancing the true value of grandparents and the elderly.
“Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.”
RENEWAL LEAVE
Thank you for the warm welcome back to school. It was just fabulous seeing the beautiful faces of the students on Monday morning. I had a wonderful renewal leave, which included the 7-day St Augustine Camino walk in England, the Benedictine pilgrimage throughout England and Scotland, a visit to my dad in Croatia and a magnificent 11 days in France before returning to Australia via Tokyo.
I started my Camino pilgrimage at Rochester Cathedral which was established by Augustine, as he began his mission to convert the English to Christianity. As they walked, the Benedictine monks and pilgrims, led by Augustine, who had been sent out by Pope Gregory the Great from his own nearby monastery of St Andrew, sang Gregorian chants and had a successful impact on the local leaders and communities.
On Day 4 I arrived in Canterbury, were I visited Canterbury Cathedral, St Dunstan’s Church and the Catholic Church of St Thomas Becket just down from the Cathedral gate. Here, are the relics of Thomas Becket and statues of Ethelbert and Bertha. Here, Augustine and his Benedictine monks established the See of Canterbury and King Ethelbert was baptised Catholic.
I then headed through Stodmarsh stopping for a rest and some quiet time before having a bite to eat at the The Red Lion, where lots of pilgrims stop along the way.
After a few more villages I came into the town of Ramsgate, the end and climax of the pilgrimage. St Augustine’s Abbey, was designed by Edward Pugin, as his ‘ideal English church’, and was his personal place of worship. It is the current Shrine to St Augustine, a link with 1400 years of English history. St Augustine landed nearby, charged with bringing the Gospel to the English people, in 597.
St Augustine, a Benedictine monk and the first Archbishop of Canterbury is revered for his role in bringing Christianity, its music, art and learning to England.
Best of all was the mouth-watering gelato I gobbled up in every country, town and village I visited. Here I am in my Dad's village, Pirovac, eating my 3 favourite flavours - chocolate, hazelnut and lemon!
THANK YOU
I would sincerely like to thank members of the School Leadership Team, the St Brigid's office staff and relieving Principal, Ms Mahon, who kept the school running beautiful during my period of leave and during Mrs Benoit recovery from her injury.
Mrs Benoit and I would especially like to mention and sincerely thank Mrs Arthur-Worsop who carried a very big load during this time and was ably supported by our fabulous and capable staff.
FIRST EUCHARIST COMMITMENT MASS
The candidates and their families have been invited to a special commitment Mass this Sunday 30 July 2023 at 9.00am in St Brigid’s Church, where they will publicly state their commitment into the Sacramental program.
Could the students please meet Mrs Hobbs and Mrs Arthur-Worsop no later than 8:50am outside the Year 2 classroom (closest to the Church). Family members will proceed directly to the Church. The candidates will sit together with their teachers at the front of the Church during Mass. Following the Mass you are invited to stay for a catch up and morning tea.
The SRC works as an advocate for the needs of the school community, and as a point of contact between the student body and the school leadership team. It addresses relevant issues and sets achievable goals which support the school.
The SRC aims to:
- develop leadership skills
- provide opportunities for students to create and to implement
- give students a greater voice in decision-making processes,
- empower students to contribute to a positive school culture and
- strengthen the school community through active participation.
It is with great pleasure that I announce the Semester 2 Student Representative Council for 2023:
| SRC Chairperson - Year 6 leader | Philippa L |
| Year 6 | Hugo S |
| Year 5 | Briella I |
| Year 4 | Allaria D |
| Year 3 | Jacob M |
| Year 2 | Sofia H |
| Year 1 | Violet D |
| Kindergarten | Ariel E |
BOOK WEEK 2023 - SAVE THE DATE
The CBCA Book Week theme for 2023 is "Read, Grow, Inspire". We will hold our celebration on 22 August from 9:00am - 10:30am. More specific information will be sent soon, but start getting your outfit ready!
SAVE THE DATES - TERM 3
| 28/7 | Gymnastics Program | All day for 8 weeks |
| 31/7 | Year 4 Religious literacy Assessment | 9:00am |
| 1/8 | School Photos | All day |
| 3/8 | First Reconciliation for Year 3 students | 10:15am |
| 10/8 | First Reconciliation for Year 3 students | 10:15am |
| 18/8 | Bullying No way activities and blue mufti day | All day |
| 21/8 | Library today | All day |
| 22/8 | Book Week Parade, Open classrooms | 9:00 - 10:30am |
| 24/8 | First Reconciliation for Year 3 students | 10:15am |
| 24/8 | Year 3 retreat day for First Communion | 9:00am - 2:30pm |
| 26/8 | First Communion Mass | 5:30pm |
The Bishop of Wollongong, Most Rev. Brian Mascord DD, has published a new document on the nature and purpose of Catholic schools in our diocese. Titled Bearers of Christ’s Love — Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Wollongong, this document is the first of its type in our diocese since the 1970s.
In it, Bishop Brian explores the purpose of Catholic schools as an expression of the Church experience, as well as the vital connection between schools, parents/carers, parishes, and the diocese itself.
Throughout the document, Bishop Brian reiterates:
- The significant role Catholic schools play in the evangelising mission of the Church and the nurturing of students’ faith.
- The commitment of Catholic educators to complement and support the educational rights and duties of parents as their child’s first educator.
- The essential requirement for Catholic schools to be places of educational excellence, where learning, wellbeing and actions of outreach and service are integrated in a holistic educational vision and practice.
- That Catholic schools are places where those seeking a Catholic education are welcome, reflecting the diverse mix of cultures, nationalities and religious traditions that currently make up our school communities.
I encourage you to take the time to watch the short video from Bishop Brian and read this important document on the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong website.
NAPLAN
Students in Year 3 and Year 5 received their National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) report this week. This report outlines the child’s performance in NAPLAN tests held in March this year. NAPLAN assesses aspects of literacy including reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, as well as numeracy. NAPLAN testa are designed to provide information about how your child’s literacy and numeracy skills and understanding compare to national standards.
From this year, proficiency standards replace the previous reporting of student NAPLAN results that used numerical bands and national minimum standards. The proficiency standards provide clearer information about a student’s achievement and are descriptive, making them easier to understand.
The numerical NAPLAN bands and the national minimum standard will be replaced by the following 4 levels of achievement:
- Exceeding
- Strong
- Developing
- Needs additional support
A fact sheet about the new proficiency standards is linked below.
NUMERACY COLLABORATIVE INQUIRY
Teachers in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 have been involved in a collaborative inquiry focusing on improving numeracy pedagogy to enhance numeracy outcomes. This connects with the use of the reformed Mathematics syllabus that is being implemented. As part of this implementation the staff are collaborating on planning teaching and learning experiences using school data and the reformed syllabus.
Attached are some guides (Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2) that can help you support your child at home in the learning area of Mathematics.
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Congratulations to all the students who participated in our school Athletics Carnival. Despite the weather the students participated well and gave their very best to each of the track and field events. A big thank you to the teachers and parents who assisted with the running of the events on the day.
Congratulations to our overall house champions:
|
EVANS - BLUE |
604 points |
|
MACKILLOP - RED |
522 points |
|
SAMARITAN - GOLD |
435 points |
Congratulations to our age champions:
|
JUNIOR |
11 YEARS |
SENIOR |
|
Ireland C David M |
Harper L-D Zach C |
Willow M Bailey C |
The following students have been chosen to represent St Brigid’s at the South Coast Athletics Carnival to be held at Beaton Park Tuesday 8th August 2023:
Lidia C, Bailey C, Ireland C, Zach C, Finn D, Lachlan E, Ted F, Charlotte F, Vita K, Zlata K, Harper L-D, Sarah M, Bethany M, David M, Alice M, Maggie M, Rafael M, Rio M, Willow M, Hurley M, Ryder M, Hayde R, Tayla R, Hugo S, Sofia S and Ava Y.
SOCCER GALA DAY
Good luck to our Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 students who are attending the Diocesan Soccer Gala Day today. The philosophy of these gala days is to have fun and participate in a sport that many not be something you regularly play.
Thank you to the staff and parents who accompanied the teams and took on roles of team manager. We greatly appreciate your support.
Another fabulous effort from St Brigid's community in reaching out to those in most need. Kelly was again "blown away" by the generosity of the families and continued support of the Vinnies Van. We were able to give Kelly care packs and snack packs ready to be given out from the van.
Year 4 is to be congratulated on the organised manner in which they co-operated to put the packs together.
Hebrews 13:16: "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for which such sacrifices God is pleased."
YEAR 6 MASS WITH BISHOP BRIAN
Last Wednesday Year 6 walked to St Therese Catholic Primary School to attend the Year 6 Mass with Bishop Brian. Other schools from the Diocese of Wollongong participated, including, St Therese, St Joseph's Bulli, St Columbkille's Corrimal, Good Samaritan Fairy Meadow, Holy Cross Helensburgh, St Michael's Thirroul and St Pius Unanderra.
Matthew and Anthony were chosen as alter servers and processed in with Bishop Brian and the other priests and acolytes, and Rosie was chosen as a cantor for the Alleluia verse.
Bishop Brian reminded us of our role as senior leaders of our schools and the responsibility involved. He also gave us some good advice: "Remember that God is always with you".
Each school was presented with a set of prayer cards to be given to the students. After Mass we got to mingle with the other students from different schools as we ate our lunch and played handball.
We then walked back to school having had a memorable experience.
Matthew C and Anthony S
ST BRIGID'S AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards during Week 9 and 10 of Term 2 and Week 1 and 2 of Term 3.
Week 9 - Term 2
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive our Catholic Values award of Compassion. This award recognises students from Kinder to Year 6 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.
| CLASS |
CATHOLIC VALUES COMPASSION |
LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Kane F | Mun S-D |
| Year 1 | Della M | Ayesha O |
| Year 2 |
Ava Y - Compassion Liana D - Courage |
Joshua M |
| Year 3 | Hannah J | Mia W |
| Year 4 | Hunter M | Lachlan C |
| Year 5 | Neave M | Lidia C |
| Year 6 | Eliza P | Rio M |
Week 10 - Term 2
Today students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the Strong Foundations Award. This award recognises students from Kinder to Year 6 who create a safe, supportive and friendly environment. They are active participants in their faith, learning and outreach.
| CLASS | STRONG FOUNDATIONS | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Jhasritha K | Rose C |
| Year 1 | Kana B | Bella W |
| Year 2 | Drew G | Hudson I |
| Year 3 | Hayde R | Charlotte F |
| Year 4 | David M | Alice M |
| Year 5 | Molly S | Daniel M |
| Year 6 | Anthony S | Emerson E |
Today, students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the Deep Thinking Award. This award recognises those students who use critical and creative thinking to become independent life-long learners. Thjey use a variety of thinking strategies and take responsibility for their learning.
| CLASS | DEEP THINKING | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Alana E-B | Rhea E |
| Year 1 | Jayden M | Emmett B |
| Year 2 | Sofia M | Andre C |
| Year 3 | Finn D | Veronica A |
| Year 4 | Darren Y | Arielle N |
| Year 5 | Praise M | Fab M |
| Year 6 | Hugo S | Rocco G |
| CLASS | LEARNING PATHWAYS | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Korban H | Daniel A |
| Year 1 | Sophia N | Ben F |
| Year 2 | Sebastian T | Amelia P |
| Year 3 | Grace H | Logan A |
| Year 4 | Macy G | Hugh S |
| Year 5 | Sarah M | Rhiley A |
| Year 6 | Bailey C | Lachlan E |
Congratulations to the following students who have received an Assistant Principal's Award. Well done!
| CLASS | STUDENT |
| Term 2 - Week 9 - Year 3 | Mia M |
| Term 2 - Week 9 - Year 3 | Isla R |
| Term 2 - Week 9 - Year 6 | Rafael M |
| Term 2 - Week 10 - Year 1 | Della M |
| Term 3 - Week 1 - Year 2 | Sofia H |
| Term 3 - Week 1 - Year 4 | David M |
| Term 3 - Week 1 - Year 4 | Millie A-B |
| Term 3 - Week 1 - Year 5 | Zara H |
| Term 3 - Week 2 - Year 1 | Emmertt B |
| Term 3 - Week 2 - Year 5 | Fabrizio M |
| Term 3 - Week 2 - Year 6 | Rocco G |
Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrated a brithday in
Week 9 & 10 of Term 2 & Week 1 & 2 of Term 3
We hope you have a great birthday!
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Rose C | Leo J | Amelia P | Hannah J | Ryan T | Nicolo M | |
| Ariel E | Ayesha O | Maggie M | Maya I | Lidia C | Shennah L | |
| Alexander L | Sophia M | Sparsha V | Praise M | |||
| Leila G | Jaxson M |
UPDATING QKR!
Please make sure that you have updated all relevant information on your child's profile on Qkr! Just a reminder that your child's class needa to be updated annually.
SCHOLASTIC
TERM 3 P&F GENERAL MEETING - ALL WELCOME!
The Term 3 P&F General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 8 August, 6:30pm in the school library. This meeting is open for anyone to attend, new people always welcome!
If there is anything you would like to have discussed at the meeting please email pandf@sbgdow.catholic.edu.au.
FETE UPDATE
The Fete Committee has been working hard behind the scenes, however, we still NEED YOUR HELP!!
The Fete Committee desperately needs a TREASURER and ENTERTAINMENT COORDINATOR. We know our school community is full of talented professionals and we call on your help! If these important roles are not filled within the next week, we run the risk of the Fete not being able to go ahead.
Treasurer - Ideally someone good with numbers or accounting experience (but not essential). Can be a joint role, so grab a friend. Main responsibility is to track income and expenses for the fete, and setting up a payment system for the day. Most input is in the preparation for the fete and less involvement on the day.
Entertainment - Organise anything from DJs, musicians, dancers, magicians... you name it!
All of the roles are fully supported by the Fete Committee, the P&F exec and parent volunteers so you're not doing it alone!
If you are interested in volunteering in either of these roles, in another capacity, or have a great idea for a stall please email Pandf@sbgdow.catholic.edu.au
Looking forward to continuing to provide updates as the preparations continue - it’s exciting!
DISCO
Oh what a night! Over 150 students boogied the night away at our annual Disco last Friday evening.
A huge thank you to Amy Young for her outstanding organisation and to Claude Spinelli, from Pro Sound and Lighting, for once again donating his time and expertise.
Want to know about the fun things happening at school?
Follow us on Facebook @ St Brigid’s Gwynneville P&F Association
UPCOMING LAWN MOWING ROSTER 2023
|
ROSTER 2023 |
||
|
Weekend |
Mower #1 |
Mower #2 |
|
05/08/2023 |
Bobby Greenfield |
Ryan O’Connor |
|
26/08/2023 |
Juan Marcano |
Brett Shrimpton |
|
16/09/2023 |
Anthony Petre |
Louise MacDonald |
|
07/10/2023 |
Mark Eckermann |
Thomas Mortlock |
|
21/10/2023 |
Fabrizio Curcio |
Jason Shoebridge |
|
4/11/2023 |
Paul Brogan |
Jeremy Crook |
|
18/11/2023 |
Matt Duggan |
n/a |
|
2/12/2023 |
n/a |
Darrell Mitchell |
|
16/12/2023 |
Russell Bailey |
Adam Fredericks |
ST BRIGID'S CHURCH MASS TIMES
| Saturday | 5:30pm Vigil |
| Sunday | 9:00am |
| Thursday | 9:30am |
A MESSAGE FROM FR BERNARD
Dear Parents and caregivers,
SAVE OUR KNEES | PADDING FOR CHURCH KNEELERS
The kneelers in our churches at St John Vianney Co-Cathedral and St Brigid’s need renewal with padding that will provide comfort and support to all, students, parents, and teachers who kneel during liturgical worship. Improving this practical aspect of our community life will foster an environment of welcome and prayer.
Please contribute to the purchase of padding materials for the kneelers in our churches. No matter how large or small your donation is your generous donation will help ensure a far more agreeable experience for all members of our congregation, young and old.
HOW TO DONATE?
To be part of this important renewal for our liturgical worship, please complete a pledge form online at: www.lumenchristi.org.au/
- Direct Deposit
- BSB: 066 711 Account #: 008056 Ref: Your Name-SOK
- Cheques Payable to: Lumen Christi Parish
Or collect an envelope from the church door (mark it “Kneelers Donation”) and place it inside the collection bag, collection boxes, or hand it in at the parish office.
Thank you for helping to save the knees of our students, parents/caregivers, and teachers who come to the House of God to pray in thanksgiving and for the needs of their loved ones.
Fr Bernard Gordon
PARISH WEBSITE
Considered an honour of the highest order, the Principal's Award celebrates outstanding achievement by a student in faith, learning and other contributions to school life. Congratulations to:
