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Last week was National Child Protection Week. It aimed to engage, educate, and empower Australians to understand the complexity of child abuse and neglect, and work together to prevent it. The campaign does this through the sharing of events and resources to encourage communities to engage in conversations around children’s safety and wellbeing.
This year, the theme is: ‘Where we start matters’
The Community Jigsaw, shown above, has been used during National Child Protection Week. It is based on research by Dr Sharon Bessell. During the research, a 9-year-old girl pointed out that “A community is like a puzzle, you need to have all the bits to make it work.” This gave the researchers the idea to use the jigsaw as a way to graphically represent the elements that children identify as central to a positive community.
When all the pieces are in place, a community is strong and supportive of children. The more pieces that are removed, the less supportive the community is for children.
In some cases, so many pieces are missing that the jigsaw falls apart. At this point, communities have become dysfunctional places from children’s perspective.
The Community Jigsaw can also be an important tool for policymakers and practitioners. The key question is “how do we ensure as many pieces as possible are in place?”.
In reinforcing and adding pieces of the Community Jigsaw, it is crucial that those pieces that children consider to be in place and working well are not undermined. In some communities, the decision may be taken to focus on strengthening one piece of the Community Jigsaw because that piece is weak or missing. In doing so, it is important that decisions are based on knowledge of the local area, including – crucially – children’s knowledge.
In this representation of the Community Jigsaw, the edges are left unfinished. This shows that this research is not exhaustive or comprehensive, and the Community Jigsaw can be refined and extended based on future research with children.
In 2023, the message that ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’ will be complemented with the theme ‘Where we start matters’.
Where we start our lives in terms of where we live, the resources available to us, and the opportunities presented to us, make a significant difference to our life outcomes.
Where we start as decision makers in addressing large complex policy problems such as child abuse and neglect, also has a significant personal, social, and economic outcome.
NAPCAN encourages and supports each member of the community to work together to address child safety in their own homes, organisations and neighbourhoods; to take a stand on behalf of children who are harmed by violence, abuse and neglect. There is a clear emphasis on strong family relationships and an empowered society to enable the best chance to prevent problems before they occur and to intervene as early as possible to stop them from progressing.
What part can we play?
- work at strong family relationships
- address child safety in your own home
- educate yourself and others
- teach children their rights
- know what child abuse is
- know the signs
- talk to your neighbours
- check in with friends
- be a good role model
- offer assistance where possible and
- speak up if you see something that is unsafe
Kathy Uroda - Principal
SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT
We marked Social Justice Sunday on 27 August 2023 and the new Australia’s Catholic Bishops Council (ACBC) Social Justice Statement, Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is the focus for the year ahead.
ACBC have called on the nation to seek “a new engagement” with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in their annual Social Justice Statement. It is an important year for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and, indeed, for all Australians. It’s the year when we vote on a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians through enshrining a Voice to Parliament in the Constitution.
Both the Bishops and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) speak to us in this year’s statement. They see the referendum as an opportunity for the Church to begin a new engagement with the First Peoples of our land.
As Australian Catholics, we are once again being urged to consider a vital matter relating to social justice; in doing so, we will be participating in a new engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Australia’s Catholic bishops, in their 2023 Social Justice Statement Listen, Learn, Love, reiterate their support for the Uluru Statement of the Heart. The Uluru Statement calls for a Voice to Parliament that represents the indigenous peoples of our land. Bishop Long has said, “Whatever the outcome of this year’s referendum, we ask the Church in Australia to make efforts to lead the way for our fellow Australians”, as we pursue true reconciliation.
As we draw near to the referendum date of October 14 2023, we are encouraged to enter into informed and respectful discussions. A more just and equitable Australia is the outcome to which we all surely aspire. In the history of our nation this referendum could be a turning point for the welfare and wellbeing of our indigenous peoples and an opportunity to do justice and bring healing as the world watches on.
The Australian bishops encourage us to…
- Listen and learn from what you hear.
- Let love guide you in making a decision that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to find justice.
We hope for an end to the pain, the hurt and the injustice that has burdened the First Peoples of this land for far too long.
Kathy Uroda - Principal
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
We congratulate the following students who received, for the first time, Jesus in First Holy Communion. May Jesus, who gives himself to us in the Eucharist, teach us with his words, nourish us with Holy Communion, and help us to serve others as he did.
Mia M, Jude C, Charlotte F, Finn D, Grace H, Jonas T, Isla R, Maya I, Logan A, Veronica A, Hayde R, Hannah J, Vita K, Flynn D, Ella D, Jacob M and Sophie RM
I would sincerely like to thank the parents for allowing us to walk with you and your child on this faith journey. In addition, I’d like to especially thank Mrs Hobbs, Mrs Alysha Lavelle, and Mrs Carey-Barr (Year 3 teachers) for the preparation of the students and the many organisational matters that were capably attended to. Thank you also to Mrs Benoit and the wonderful St Brigid’s staff for their support and attendance at each of the Masses. To the Parish musicians, who accompanied me at the 3 Parish Communion Masses, thank you for sharing your gifts and talents and for generously giving of your time to rehearse the music.
Kathy Uroda - Principal
SRC NEWS
Crazy Hair and Sock Day
Students are invited to come to school wearing their sports uniform with a crazy hairstyle and a pair of crazy socks. They are asked to bring in as many silver coins as possible to create a St Brigid's snake in the playground. We are trying to make the longest snake possible using our coins. I wonder how long we can make our snake?
All money raised will be going to support our local St Vincent de Paul Conference to help those in need in our local community.
Toys for Joy
All students are invited to bring in any preloved toys and leave them in the basket outside Mrs Benoit's office. For every toy donated the students will receive a house token towards their end of term house prize. Let's see how many toys we can pass onto those less fortunate than ourselves and save the toys from going into landfill.
Toys for Joy is a recycling program for toys, and is the first of its kind in Australia. The program’s goal is to reduce landfill by recycling eligible preloved toys. All toys collected will be placed in the Toys for Joy collection bins at BIG W. All toys donated will be passed onto those in need or then get passed on to our partners at Terracycle to help reduce landfill and help make fun new things for kids.
CHRISTMAS STORY ART EXHIBITION
All Catholic schools from the Diocese of Wollongong were invited to take part in The Christmas Story 2023 – a visual arts exhibition and competition for children in Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6). This is an initiative of the Catholic Education Offices in Wollongong and Sydney to celebrate and explore children’s creative and artistic ability in illustrating the Christmas story.
This exhibition and competition provides the opportunity for teachers to select artworks from Years 5 and 6 to share with the wider community and create a greater awareness of the role of the arts in Religious Education. Children can develop deeper appreciation for their talents and recognise the value of the arts in expressing understandings of the Catholic faith.
I’d like to congratulate our Year 5 and Year 6 students, Mrs Roche, and Mrs Mewett for a wonderful display of artworks and reflections.
The following student’s artwork has been chosen to represent St Brigid’s. A panel of judges will again look for artworks that reflect an understanding and interpretation of one of the scripture verses that also include authentic imagery from the time of Jesus.
| Year 5 | Year 6 | |
| Highly Commended | Bethany M | Rosie S |
| Highly Commended | Ali S | Eliza P |
| Winner | Florence M | Emerson E |
OUTDOOR LEARNING
Year 5 and Year 6 Camp
Last Thursday and Friday the students in Year 5 and 6 headed off to the Tops Conference Centre Stanwell Tops for their camp experience.
The students participated in a number of challenges and activities that supported them to develop and demonstrate their leadership skills. Students pushed themselves out of their comfort zones to try new things and participate in once in a lifetime experiences. It was great to see so many students overcome their fears on the giant swing activity.
On Friday we returned to school having developed new friendships, feeling proud of the challenges taken on and very tired from a physical camp and not much sleep in all of the cabins.
We thank Mrs Benoit, Mrs Lavelle, Mrs Roche, Mrs Mewett and Ms Sparks who attended the camp and supported the students.
ANZAC DAY STORY AWARD
Congratulations to Millie who achieved recognitiion for ????and to Mrs Richardson (Year 4 class teacher) who worked with Millie.
You can view millie's submission here:
EXCURSION RECOUNT
On Wednesday 13 September 2023, my Year 3 went on an excursion to the Nan Tien Temple. It was a short 15-minute journey on a coach.
When we arrived, our friendly tour guide showed us where we would put our belongings and then took us to try a Tai Chi class. This was the first time I had done Tai Chi and I really enjoyed it. There was relaxing music being played and one of the monks led us in some slow moves.
After that we learnt all about the Buddhas and we went and looked at all the different statues of him. The Main Shrine has 5 large Buddha's surrounded by 10,000 smaller ones.
Next, was a tasty lunch served by the Monks. We had fried rice, wedges and spring rolls. In the afternoon we walked up a huge hill to ring the gratitude bell. It is said that ringing this bell will bring you happiness, blessings, and a long life. The view from the top of the hill was great. We even got to walk over the bridge to the other side where the museums are.
It was such an interesting day. We had so much fun!
SPORTING PATHWAYS
Primary Sport Representative Trials for 2024
Throughout 2024, your child will be provided with multiple sporting opportunities within the school environment. These include school sport carnivals such as swimming, athletics, cross country; and participation in gala days. These events are opportunities for all students to participate and be involved in, to develop their skills, enjoyment, be part of a team, improve wellbeing and contribute to a positive school culture.
Through the Diocese of Wollongong Sports Council, some students are provided with the opportunity to trial for Wollongong representative teams, which give students the opportunity to access higher levels of sporting pathways, representation and opportunities to progress into state representation.
The 2024 representative pathway selection trials are open and available for you to nominate your child through the given link by Friday 22 September 2024. Some of these trials for 2024 teams commence in Term 4 2023, therefore, it is important that nominations are completed now.
Criteria for representative sport pathway nominations: Please see the attached document for more information regarding the trials and specific nomination criteria for each sport. In general the representative sport pathway trials are for students who are;
- Skilled and talented players and will be in Year 5 & 6 in 2024 (recommended)
- Experienced in the given sport and may have some high level representative experience or playing at a high grade
- competing at a high level, regular experience and a background in this high level of competition, with a strong skill based and understanding of the game
Nomination Process and Information for parents: If you acknowledge that your child meets the criteria for a given sport, you are asked to complete a nomination form using the following link: https://forms.gle/FdH6eCxum8yMMk959 or SCAN the provided QR code.
ST BRIGID'S LEARNING MERIT AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards during Week 6,7,8 and 9 of Term 3.
Week 6 - Term 3
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive our Strong Foundations Award. This award recognises those students 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 | Roxanna O | Ella F |
| Year 1 | Temi O | Leo J |
| Year 2 | Marta O | Evie W |
| Year 3 | Flynn D | Hannah J |
| Year 4 | Kip M | Hunter M |
| Year 5 | Neave M | Zara H |
| Year 6 | Matthew C | Rosie S |
Week 7 - Term 3
Today students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the Deep Thinking Award. This award recognises those students from Kinder to Year 6 who use critical and creative thinking to become independent life-long learners. They use a variety of thinking strategies and take responsibility for their learning.
| CLASS |
DEEP THINKING AWARD |
LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Alexander L | Luke W |
| Year 1 | Roman G | Chris T |
| Year 2 | Juliette I | Oliver W |
| Year 3 | Josiah M | Jonas T |
| Year 4 | Ella D | Aaliyah O |
| Year 5 | n/a | Fab M & Simon C - Camp |
| Year 6 | Rio M | Amelia E-B & Willow M - Camp |
Today, students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive our Learning Pathways Award. This award recognises students who show high engagement and motivation in their learning. They co-construct their learning tasks, demonstrating and use voice and choice to become self-directed learners.
| CLASS | LEARNING PATHWAYS | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Joshua R | Mun S D |
| Year 1 | Teni A | Magnus A |
| Year 2 | Evanna T | Hurley M |
| Year 3 | Hkum S D | Isla R |
| Year 4 | David M | Millie A-B |
| Year 5 | Bethany M | awarded for camp last week |
| Year 6 | Emerson E | awarded for camp last week |
| CLASS | LEARNING PATHWAYS | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Rose C | Noah M |
| Year 1 | Della M | Quinn S |
| Year 2 | Aurora M | Aarav J |
| Year 3 | Jude C | Aria J |
| Year 4 | Tom S | Arthur R |
| Year 5 | Zlata K | Lidia C |
| Year 6 | Rafael M | Lachlan E |
SILVER MILESTONE AWARDS - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
| CLASS | STUDENT |
| Term 3 - Week 6 - Year 5 | Zara H |
| Term 3 - Week 7 - Year 1 | Leo J |
| Term 3 - Week 7 - Year 3 | Flynn D |
| Term 3 - Week 7 - Year 3 | Hannah J |
| Term 3 - Week 7 - Year 6 | Eve A |
| Term 3 - Week 7 - Year 6 | Matthew C |
| Term 3 - Week 8 - Year 1 | Roman G |
| Term 3 - Week 8 - Year 1 | Annabelle G |
| Term 3 - Week 8 - Year 2 | Sebastian T |
| Term 3 - Week 8 - Year 3 | Grace H |
| Term 3 - Week 8 - Year 4 | Ella D |
| Term 3 - Week 8 - Year 4 | Arielle N |
| Term 3 - Week 8 - Year 5 | Ilena P |
| Term 3 - Week 9 - Year 1 | Roman G |
| Term 3 - Week 9 - Year 1 | Annabelle G |
| Term 3 - Week 9 - Year 2 | Ivy F |
| Term 3 - Week 9 - Year 2 | Sebastian T |
| Term 3 - Week 9 - Year 3 | Grace H |
| Term 3 - Week 9 - Year 4 | Arielle N |
| Term 3 - Week 9 - Year 4 | Ella D |
| Term 3 - Week 9 - Year 6 | Sofia S |
| Term 3 - Week 9 - Year 6 | Eve A |
| Term 3 - Week 9 - Year 6 | Matthew C |
Considered an honour of the highest order, the Principal's Award celebrates outstanding achievement by a student in Faith, Justice and Learning including other contributions to school life. Congratulations to:
| CLASS | STUDENT |
| Term 3 - Week 6 - Year 4 | Ned L |
| Term 3 - Week 6 - Year 4 | Kip M |
| Term 3 - Week 6 - Year 4 | Ryder M |
| Term 3 - Week 8 - Year 4 | Raphael I |
| Term 3 - Week 8 - Year 4 | Hugh S |
| Term 3 - Week 9 - Year 6 | Zachariah C |
| Term 3 - Week 9 - Year 6 | Sofia S |
Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrated a brithday in Week 6,7, 8 & 9 of Term 3. We hope you have a great birthday!
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Jhasritha K | Roman G | Marta O | Macy G | Anthony S | ||
| Luke W | Drew G | |||||
| Andre C | ||||||
| Liana D | ||||||
| Evanna T | ||||||
| Sofia H | ||||||
| Jacob S | ||||||
| Hurley M |
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Congratulations to Eve Anderson who had a successful ski season for her Illawarra Alpine Club in Perisher this year. Amazing results:
- First in the under 13 snowboard competition
- Under 13 overall champion
- Her club won the competition overall
NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL OFFICE
CatholicCare Parent Presentations
To support Child Protection Week, CatholicCare Wollongong's School Student and Family Program will be hosting several parent presentations with the aim of enhancing protective factors for children and assisting parents in helping their children navigate emotions, friendships and resilience.
Four presentations will be presented across the Wollongong Diocese at various schools. These presentations are available to all parents at Catholic schools.
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 needs to be updated annually.
NEW UNIFORM SUPPLIER IN 2024
P & F NEWS
Father's Day Thankyou!
In order to organise and run a successful fete, there needs to be support from our parents.
We need parents to volunteer to assist the committee in the planning for such an event. For a Fete to go ahead next year we will need YOUR help. Please watch out for further details in future Brigid Bulletins.
A very special thanks goes to the Fete Committee and their commitment thus far, we understand what a challenging decision this was to make.
Lawn Mowing Roster 2023
|
Weekend |
Mower #1 |
Mower #2 |
|
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 |
PARISH NEWS
St Brigid's Parish Mass Times
| Saturday | 5:30pm Vigil |
| Sunday | 9:00am |
| Thursday | 9:30am |
Lumen Christi Parish Bulletin
Lumen Christi Website
TERM 4
SAVE THE DATES FOR TERM 4
| 9/10 | Pupil free day - Staff Development Day | All day | |
| 10/10 | Term 4 starts for all students | All day | |
| 12/10 | Cricket Gala Day | ||
| 26/10 | G'Day Mass and morning tea | 9:30am | |
| 27/10 | Socktober Mission Day - Jerseys | All day | |
| 1/11 | Kinder 2024 Transition Session 1 | 8:50am | |
| 8/11 | Kinder 2024 Transition Session 2 | 8:50am | |
| 10/11 | CDF Sports Awards | ||
| 13/11 | World kindness activities and special food | ||
| 4/12 | Meet the Teacher afternoon | 1:30pm | |
| 7/12 | Year 6 Graduation Mass, awards and Lunch | 9:30am | |
| 8/12 | Student reports sent via Compass | 2:50pm | |
| 11-13/12 | Optional Parent / Teacher interviews | ||
| 14/12 | Family Lunch and Final awards assembly | 12:30 - 3:00pm | |
| 15/12 | Last day for the students for 2023 | 3:00pm |
OPEN CLASSROOMS ON FATHER'S DAY
KINDER 2024 PLAYGROUPS
YEAR 3 EXCURSION TO NAN TIEN TEMPLE
