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A very warm welcome back to Term 4. There are lots of exciting faith, justice and learning opportunities planned for the remainder of the year. Please ensure you read the newsletter and compass alerts to keep abreast of the ways in which you can be involved in the life of the school.
Australia celebrates World Teachers Day on Friday 27 October 2023. The New South Wales Education Standard Authority (NESA) invites you to take your child to go on a treasure hunt for teaching gems in NSW. A gem is a teacher you care about, past or present, who motivates and inspires you and others. Follow this link to find your gem!
AITSL is also shouting out to school communities to celebrate Australia’s teachers for their skilled work in educating, inspiring and supporting our students.
On a sadder note, once again, we find ourselves shocked and preoccupied with terrible events of conflict in our world. The war in the Middle East has once again flared, with many innocent people, including children, caught up in the worst of human behaviour.
Here at home, in Australia, we too have been grappling with how best to assist our indigenous people, the first peoples of this land, to have improved and more equitable lives in the future. Again, in the lead-up to last week’s referendum, we have witnessed the best and worst of human behaviour in our own daily lives.
We must, at times like this, remind ourselves that God loves each and every one of us equally. No one race or individual is ‘better’ or more worthy in His loving eyes. The words and actions we choose when discussing these matters or interacting with others demonstrate the kind of person we are and the underlying values that guide us.
Most of us would be feeling that our world, and indeed our own nation, is in great need of peace and justice. The solution to our troubles can seem so very difficult to achieve when hatred, greed and bigotry are the obstacles. If we truly want peace in the world, let us begin as Jesus would have asked us, by loving one another in our own families and in the communities in which we live and function daily.
The words of understanding and peace that we speak and the example we set through our actions have great power to influence those around us, especially our children. As Christians, we who seek and pray for peace are reminded:
Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. (Psalms 34: 12-14)
In the weeks ahead, we continue to pray for peace and justice in our world and in our own country, that our leaders may be guided by the value of love of humankind, and the desire for justice and peace for all.
Kathy Uroda - Principal
LAUDATE DEUM (PRAISE GOD)
On 4 October 2023, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis published an apostolic exhortation, Laudate Deum (Praise God). He reminds us that St. Francis exclaimed “Praise God for all His creatures” and that Jesus had a sensitivity towards the natural world.
In Laudate Deum, Pope Francis provides an update on the situation eight years on from Laudato Si’ and the news is not good. The world is already in the early stages of climate catastrophe. He states that ecological concerns are intimately connected to the dignity of human life and that our care for each other and care for creation are bound together.
ALTAR SERVER ROSTER
|
DATE |
MASS TIME |
SERVER 1 |
SERVER 2 |
|
29 October |
9:00am Mass with Bishop Brian |
Hugh |
Matthew |
|
4 November |
5:30pm Mass with Fr James |
Anthony |
Simon |
|
11 November |
5:30pm Mass with Bishop Brian |
Millie |
Hugh |
|
26 November |
9:00 am Mass with Fr James |
Matthew |
Anthony |
|
3 December |
9:00 am Mass with Bishop Brian |
Simon |
Millie |
|
10 December |
9:00 am Mass with Fr Bernard |
Hugh |
Matthew |
|
16 December |
5:30pm Mass with Fr James |
Anthony |
Simon |
|
24 December |
5:30pm Mass with Fr James |
Millie |
Hugh |
|
30 December |
5:30pm Mass with Fr Bernard |
Matthew |
Anthony |
PARISH WEEKDAY MASSES
An invitation is extended to parents, grandparents and carers to attend their child/children’s designated grade Parish Mass on a Thursday and then stay for a ‘cuppa and a chat’ while the students have crunch and sip. You can also pop into the classroom to see some learning in action.
Please put the date/s in your diary!
|
PARISH MASS 9:30 AM |
LITURGICAL CALENDAR / FEAST |
GRADES ATTENDING |
|
26 October |
Votive Mass for Grandparents’ Day Mass |
Whole School Mass Led by Year 1 |
|
2 November |
All Souls’ Day |
Years 3, 4, 5, and 6 |
|
9 November |
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica |
Year 1 and Year 5 |
|
23 November |
33rd Week in Ordinary Time |
Year 2 and Year 4 |
|
7 December |
Graduation / Thanksgiving Mass |
Whole School Mass Led by Year 6 |
MISSION MONTH - SOCKTOBER
Pope Francis' Message for World Mission Sunday 2023
“Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move" (Luke 24:13-35). So let us set out once more, illumined by our encounter with the risen Lord and prompted by his Spirit. Let us set out again with burning hearts, with our eyes open and our feet in motion. Let us set out to make other hearts burn with the word of God, to open the eyes of others to Jesus in the Eucharist, and to invite everyone to walk together on the path of peace and salvation that God, in Christ, has bestowed upon all humanity.
On Friday 27 October 2023 we will be fundraising for Catholic Mission to assist them with their work in Timor-Leste and other areas of need. The children will wear mufti, a jersey if they have one, and donate a gold coin.
Throughout the day, the classes will have the opportunity to participate in the Socktober Shootout. Each class will tally up the amount of goals their class achieves after each member has one shot at goal, then the class with the most goals will have the privilege of playing soccer on the oval. A gold coin donation will be appreciated for a shot at goal.
And so we pray…
Loving God we pray for Pope Francis, that he will continue to lead the world towards, mercy, tenderness, healing, peace, and security.
We pray for our world leaders. That they may heed upon the urgency of climate change, and work towards creating a brighter and more sustainable world for future generations.
We pray for the Church in Timor-Leste, that it will continue to work in harmony with its culture and people.
We pray for peace in the midst of violence and injustice in this world. Strengthen us to advocate in solidarity with all people experiencing injustice. May we have the patience to be understanding, the courage to forgive, and the grace to admit when we are wrong.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
LOCAL SUPPORT - VINNIES
Vinnies Van Food and Toiletries Drive
In order to assist with the work of the Vinnies Van we are conducting a week long collection of designated food and toiletries items. Each class has been given a particular item to bring in. These items are listed as essentials for the van to continue to operate in the capacity that it does in assisting our brothers and sisters in need. Please ensure all items are left in your child/children’s classroom by Friday 4 November 2023.
Week 4 Monday 30 October - Friday 3 November
|
Class |
Item |
|
Kinder |
Packs of Muesli Bars |
|
Year 1 |
Toothpaste and toothbrushes |
|
Year 2 |
Packets of noodles (not cups) |
|
Year 3 |
Soap Bars |
|
Year 4 |
Packs of Le Snacks |
|
Year 5 |
6 pack of Longlife Flavoured Milks (popper size) |
|
Year 6 |
6 pack of Poppers |
|
Staff |
Deodorants (men and women) and Sanitary items |
SRC NEWS
Toys for Joy
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 pre-loved 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 Terra-cycle to help reduce landfill and help make fun new things for kids.
CHRISTMAS STORY ART EXHIBITION
Congratulations to Eliza P, Emerson E and Rosie S from Year 6 on the successful entry of their artwork in the 2023 Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition.
The top 44 artworks were chosen to be exhibited at the Wollongong Art Gallery from those who entered the competition from across the Diocese of Wollongong. These artworks were judged to best respond to the criteria and were exemplary of Stage 3 reflective writing and artistic skills.
The exhibition opening was held at the Wollongong Art Gallery last Wednesday evening 11 October 2023. The opening included viewing of the artworks and awarding of the certificates.
At the opening night the 6 finalists were announced. Congratulations to Emerson E on becoming 1 of 6 finalists. His artwork will be entered into the Sydney Archdiocese Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition to be held in Sydney on the first Sunday of Advent (3 December 2023).
The exhibition will remain open from 6 October through to 29 October 2023 at the Wollongong City Art Gallery, Corner Kembla and Burelli Streets, Wollongong. Art Gallery opening details: Tuesday - Friday 10am-5pm and Weekends 12-4pm. Why not pop in and see the St Brigid's entries.
OUTDOOR LEARNING
This term the students will be participating in 'Free Choice Play' on a Friday at lunchtime.
Students in Years 2 to 6 will have the opportunity to choose if they play at the Oval or in the Main Playground. Students in Kinder and Year 1 will have the opportunity to play on the Main Playground instead of Chrysalis Park.
COLOUR RUN TO BUY A TOSS BALL TOWER
SPORTS NEWS
Cricket Gala Day
"On Thursday the 12 October 2023, the Year 6 boys participated in the Cricket Gala Day at Thomas Dalton Park. The weather was challenging but we managed to push through the scorching weather without too much exhaustion! We all loved hitting absolute bombs out of the boundary. It was so much fun, even for the people who had never played before. Out of the eleven players, only 2 had been involved with a cricket competition outside of school. Matthew invented a new batting style, the one-handed bat! It was very effective! One of the outstanding aspects of the day was the team's great sportsmanship. We showed this by supporting our players and the other teams. A big thank you to Mrs Roche and Mrs Eckermann for taking care of us and getting us ice cream for all our hard work. It was delicious. I think we all had fun cheering from the sidelines, we were definitely the loudest team their! We all had a blast and this was a great way to finish our primary school gala days".
Reed B
ST BRIGID'S LEARNING MERIT AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards during Week 10 of Term 3 and Week 1 and 2 of Term 4.
Week 10 - Term 3
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive our Making Connections Award. This award recognises those students who use their knowledge, skills and learning opportunities to connect to real world experiences and learning. These students seek to make meaning and connections to the world beyond the classroom.
| CLASS |
MAKING CONNECTIONS |
LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Milani S | Nivana R - I |
| Year 1 | Ben F | Sophia N |
| Year 2 | Aarav J | Boone L |
| Year 3 | Jacob M | Charlotte F |
| Year 4 | Ireland C | Zahra R |
| Year 5 | Lidia C | Bethany M |
| Year 6 | Zachariah C | Reed B |
Week 1 - Term 4
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the Service Award. This award recognises those students who are called to respond actively to God's mission as servant leaders by reaching out to others - especially the needy as Jesus did.
| CLASS |
SERVICE AWARD |
LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Jackson Y | Jhasritha K |
| Year 1 | Ruby D | Archie M |
| Year 2 | Amelia P | Sebastian T |
| Year 3 | Lucas S | Mia W |
| Year 4 | Sachi B | Ned L |
| Year 5 | Briella I | Alexandria S |
| Year 6 | Rocco G | Shennah L |
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the 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 | Korban H | Ryan C |
| Year 1 | Ishaan C | Temi O |
| Year 2 | Gabby L | Maggie M |
| Year 3 | Hkum Seng D | Mia Mc |
| Year 4 | Alice M | Arielle N |
| Year 5 | Sarah Mc | Tayla R |
| Year 6 | Rosie S | Hugo S |
SILVER MILESTONE AWARDS - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
| CLASS | STUDENT |
| Term 3 - Week 10 - Year 1 | Magnus A |
| Term 4 - Week 1 - Year 1 | Archie M |
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 |
| 5 | Bethany M |
Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrated a birthday in Week 10 of Term 3, during the pupil vacation and in Week 1 & 2 of Term 4. We hope you have a great birthday!
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Alana E-B | Max N | Gisele M | Vita K | David M | Ali S | Rio M |
| Roxanna O | Emily Y | Elliott G | Charlotte F | Charlie E-B | ||
| Jackson Y | Ari O | Jude C | Paulo D | |||
| Ella F | Lynn E | Hugh S | ||||
| MunSeng D | Ava Y | Arielle N | ||||
| Nivana R-I | Evie W | Ella D | ||||
| Ryan C |
NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL OFFICE
Catholic Care Parent Presentations
To support Child Protection Week, Catholic Care 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.
Scholastic
Just a reminder that scholastic orders are due 27th October 2023. Orders are to be placed via credit card instructions on brochure.
UpdatingQkr!
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
- Green cardigan
- Green pullover
- Green outdoor jacket
- The grey ankle socks (for boys and girls)
Lowes has agreed to reduce the RRP of all logo garments at 40% off the RRP until the end term of contract. This sale is available for families now. Please see flyer below.
NEWS FROM THE YEAR BOOK COMMITTEE
Congratulations to the following students, whose yearbook cover entry was judged to be successful by our Year 6 leaders. Well done to all those who designed a cover for this year, your entry will be published in the 2023 year book.
| PRIMARY YEAR 3-6 | INFANTS K-2 | |
| 1st place | Eliza P Year 6 | Bella W Year 1 |
| 2nd place | Millie B Year 4 | Jacob S Year 2 |
| 3rd place | Rosie S Year 6 | Sophia N Year 1 |
P & F NEWS
Term 4 P&F General Meeting - All Welcome!
The Term 4 P&F General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 8 November at 6.30pm in the school library. The meeting is open for anyone to attend, new people are always welcome! If there is anything you would like to have discussed at the meeting please email the P&F by Friday 3 November 2023.
Lawn Mowing Roster 2023
|
Weekend |
Mower #1 |
Mower #2 |
|
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
| 23/10 | Year 2 Incurison | 9:00am | |
| 26/10 | G'Day Mass, opening classrooms 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 | tbc | |
| 13/11 | World kindness activities and special food | All day | |
| 24/11 | The Colour Run | TBC | |
| 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 | appointments | |
| 14/12 | Family Lunch and Final awards assembly | 11:30 - 3:00pm | |
| 15/12 | Last day for the students for 2023 | 3:00pm |
