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As we begin our Easter break, I am reminded of the wonderful time of year this is. Many of us would have memories of camping trips; family gatherings; days at the Easter Show; beautiful cool mornings followed by bright sunny days; and, of course, chocolate - and lots of it!
This eveving, we celebrate the first of the three commemorations of the Church’s most important time of the year, the Easter Triduum - Holy Thursday, when Christ washed the feet of his disciples and shared bread and wine with them; Good Friday, when Jesus, despite his very human fear and trepidation, demonstrated his great love for us by sacrificing himself on the Cross; and then the feast of Easter itself, when Jesus triumphed over death, rising to remain with us to this day.
These events, celebrated in the Easter Triduum ceremonies over the coming weekend, are a reminder of how we should live our lives, as Jesus showed us: by forgiving others, loving one another, having faith, spreading the Good News, and embracing hope. We pray, this Easter, that we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us and the hope his resurrection brings, that we too might live our lives with faith, knowing that God is with us always.
I encourage all of you to take some time to reflect on the significance of this short holiday and what it means to us as Catholics. Let us remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and strive to emulate his teachings of love, compassion, and forgiveness in our daily lives.
Finally, I wish you all a blessed Easter and a restful break. May we return a little refreshed on Wednesday 3 April 2024 ready to tackle the end of Term 1.
THE SACRED PASCHAL TRIDUUM
THU 28 MARCH 2024: MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
- No Morning Mass
- Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper:
- Fairy Meadow 6pm
- Wollongong 7pm
FRI 29 MARCH 2024: GOOD FRIDAY
- Wollongong (Grassed Area) 10am, Stations of the Cross
- Wollongong 3pm, The Passion of the Lord
- Fairy Meadow 3pm, The Passion of the Lord
SAT EVENING, 30 MARCH 2024: EASTER VIGIL
- Fairy Meadow 6pm Easter Vigil
- Wollongong 7pm Easter Vigil
SUN 31 MARCH 2024: EASTER SUNDAY
- Wollongong 7am, 10.30am & 5pm
- Fairy Meadow 8.30am
- Gwynneville 9am
- Balgownie 10am
You are invited to attend our Catholic Schools Week celebration on Thursday 11 April 2024. See the details below. Food and drinks must be pre-ordered and paid for on Qkr! by Tuesday 2 April 2024 5:00pm. The menu is currently live.
| TIME | WHAT | DESCRIPTION |
| 5:00pm | Liturgy | Students and families gather in prayer |
| 5.20pm | Open classrooms K-6 | Students share their learning with parents |
| 6.00pm | Family picnic in playground | Pizza Van, Samaras, drink stall, coffee van, Kens Kones |
KINDER ENROLMENTS FOR 2025
The enrolment application form is now completed digitally and is available on our school website.
Before you start
Before you start the application, please ensure that you have copies of the following ready to upload (please note if you are applying on a mobile device, you can use the camera function to submit a photo of the documentation). Wherever possible, documentation provided should be in English.
All applications require:
- A clear photo of your child
- Your child’s birth certificate
- Your child’s immunisation history statement (Click here to find out how to access your child’s statement from the Australian Immunisation Register)
- Proof of identity for all parents/carers listed in the application (e.g. driver licence, birth certificate, passport)
- Proof of address for all parents/carers listed in the application (e.g. utility bill; rental agreement)
Only if applicable to your child:
- Your child’s Baptismal certificate (if baptised in a Catholic Church)
- Supporting documentation related to your child (e.g. medical; disability)
- Any court or parenting orders relating to your child.
Only if your child is on a visa:
- Your child’s passport
- Your child’s visa documentation (Please note that we cannot accept applicants travelling on a Visitor [600] or Student [500] Visa)
Applications are due by Monday 8 April 2024.
IN LOVING MEMORY
In recent weeks, three of our St Brigid's community have lost dear family members. We hold in our hearts and prayers:Frank Phillipson (Daniel and Florence's granddad and Julie's dad), Carmel Hurrell (Grace's Nan and David mum) and Wayne Paloff (Lisa Paton's father).
We pray that in this time of loss, you'll feel God's love much more and that you'll find comfort in those around you.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. ~Amen~
SACRAMENT OF FIRST EUCHARIST 2024
The 2024 Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Program enrolment will open on Monday 1 April 2024 with enrolments closing on 17 May 2024.
SOME IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
- Compulsory Parent information Evening - Tuesday 25 June at 6:30pm
- Candidate's Commitment Mass - Saturday 29 June at 5:30pm
- Retreat Day - Thursday 15 August from 8:50 am - 3:00 pm
- First Holy Communion Mass - St Brigid’s Parish Church 18 or 25 August at 9:00am
RECOUNT FROM OUR YEAR 6 LEADERS - CHRISM MASS
The Chrism Mass is held during Holy Week in every Catholic diocese around the world. This year, four of our Year 6 Leaders attended the Chrism Mass at St Francis Xavier Cathedral on Tuesday night, accompanied by their parents and Mrs Roche.
It was a beautiful, solemn occasion where the priests, deacons and representatives of the entire Wollongong diocesan community gathered around Bishop Brian, who blessed the Holy Oils for use in the coming year. It was a particularly special moment for us when Bishop Brian blessed the Sacred Chrism, which will be used at our Confirmation on 18 May 2024.
We shared our experiences with the rest of our class and told them about the sacred ritual of bringing the oils to Bishop Brian to be distributed to all the priests of the parishes in the diocese. We learnt that the Oil of Chrism is a sign of fullness of grace and spiritual strength; it consecrates and enables us to live out the call to follow Jesus.
Our resident cantor, Bethany, thoroughly enjoyed the power of the 'massed choir' and Sarah loved the solemnity of all the priests walking down the aisle and celebrating Mass together.
CURRENT ALTAR SERVER ROSTER
|
DATE |
SATURDAY 5:30pm |
SUNDAY 9:00am |
|
31 March |
NO MASS at SBG |
Millie |
|
6 / 7 April |
Anthony |
Simon |
|
13 / 14 April |
Millie |
Anthony |
|
20 / 21 April |
Simon |
Matthew |
CLASS MASS TIMETABLE FOR TERM 1
Each term, our students are provided with the opportunity to attend mass with our St Brigid parishioners. Mass is a central aspect of our students’ faith formation and greatest act of worship and sacred celebration of community.
Parents, carers, grandparents and relatives are invited to attend mass, and are especially encouraged to come along when their child(ren) are involved. Morning tea is served after each Mass and is fabulous opportunity to meet other parents and members of our parish community. You are also welcome to go to the classroom for a 10-15minute learning walk. Please see the schedule for Term 1:
|
Week 10 |
4 April 2024 |
Year 6 (Confirmation Prep) |
|
Week 11 |
11 April 2024 |
Year 6 (Confirmation Prep) |
Thank you for supporting our fundraiser!
Our Year 3 and 4 students were magnificent as they took control of the food stall with enthusiasm while some of our Year 6 students worked tirelessly to sell bracelets. The level of enthusiasm and service was outstanding!
Thank you to our Year 3 and 4 parents who were so generous in their contributions of such a variety of food. It all tasted amazing! Once again, thank you for making the day such a wonderful event.
Our final total on the day was $777.00. Lucky 7, three times over!
After a term of fundraising and compassionate giving, we at St Brigid’s are proud to announce that we have raised well over the amount needed to supply our friends in Samoa with a water tank for their village. This has a huge effect on the people of this community as it means that the young people do NOT have to spend hours of their time carrying water to and from their local river. They can now attend school instead.
A huge thank you to all the families who have given so generously over this period of Lent and Project Compassion fundraising. A special thanks to the teachers and students who have organised events such as the International Food Fair and the Rice Day to reach this amazing total. To Angus and Emmett who raised a whopping amount of $175.50 from selling their paintings for Project Compassion.
You are truly living the mission of Jesus in our school.
NAPLAN 2024
NAPLAN testing has occured for students in both Years 3 & 5.
Education ministers changed the way NAPLAN results are reported to parents and carers, now that all students are taking the tests online, and with the move to an earlier NAPLAN in March.
Proficiency standards with 4 levels of achievement for each year level replaced the previous 10-band structure. The proficiency standards include a baseline benchmark to identify students who are likely to need additional support.
The numerical NAPLAN bands and the national minimum standard were replaced by the following 4 levels of achievement:
-
Exceeding
- Strong
- Developing
- Needs additional support
The descriptors for each category make it clear to parents what their child’s literacy and numeracy skills are at the time of NAPLAN testing, and support discussions with their school on their child’s progress.
CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL
On Thursday we held our annual Cross Country Carnival and Funday. The students came dressed in their house colours ready to participate in a variety of events. Congratulations to all students for participating and giving it all their best as they participated in their events.
All ribbons will be handed out at next Friday's assembly.
The overall winning house was:
1st - MacKillop RED 184 points
2nd - Evans BLUE 145 points
3rd - Samaritan GOLD 104 points
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent St Brigid's at the Diocesan Cross Country Carnival to be held in Nowra on Tuesday 7th May:
Samuel G, Lidia C, Zara H, Rhiley A, David M, Ryder M, Charlie E-B, Ireland C, Arielle N, Emma L, Tom S, Hayde R, Logan A, Aria J, Maya I, Sachi B, Ted F, Elliott G, Hurley M, Gisele M, Juliette I and Liana D.
These students will receive a Compass notification next week outlining all details.
DIOCESAN SPORTS TRIALS
Congratulations to David M who travelled to Wagga to participate in the MacKillop AFL Trials on Tuesday 26 March. David should be very proud of the way he participated, the skills he domnstrated and the sportsmanship shown. Well done David!
ST BRIGID'S LEARNING MERIT AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards during Week 7,8 and 9 of Term 1 2024.
Week 7 - Term 1
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive our Catholic Values Award of Service. This Award recognises those who are called to respind actively to God's mission as servant leaders by reaching out to others - especially the needy as Jesus did.
| CLASS |
CATHOLIC VALUES AWARD - SERVICE |
LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Isabel T | Kyrie T |
| Year 1 | Luke W | Zachary R |
| Year 2 | Della M | Jayden M |
| Year 3 | Liana D | Elliot G |
| Year 4 | Logan A | Veronica A |
| Year 5 | Sachi B | Millie A-B |
| Year 6 | Simon C | Zara H |
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 fait, learning and outreach.
| CLASS | STRONG FOUNDATIONS AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Abigail Y | Lucy G |
| Year 1 | Ryan C | Korban H |
| Year 2 | Kana B | Leo G |
| Year 3 | Marta O | Gabriella L |
| Year 4 | Maya I | Mia W |
| Year 5 | David M | Darren Y |
| Year 6 | Emma L | Briella I |
Week 9 - Term 1
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the Building Partnerships Award. This award recognises thiose students who work collaboratively with other students and their teachers to enhance their learning.
| CLASS |
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS AWARD |
LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Emily J | Stella B |
| Year 1 | Joshua R | Rose C |
| Year 2 | Emmett B | Freya D |
| Year 3 | Sofia M | Sebastian T |
| Year 4 | Grace H | Hayde R |
| Year 5 | Arielle N | Aaliyah O |
| Year 6 | Bethany M | Ali S |
| CLASS | STUDENT |
| Week 7 - Year 2 | Quinn S |
| Week 8 - Year 2 | Jayden M |
| Week 8 - Year 3 | Liana D |
| Week 8 - Year 4 | Mia W |
| Week 8 - Year 5 | Sachi B |
| Week 9 - Year 6 | Simon C |
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 |
| Week 8 - Year 4 | Lucas S |
Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrated a birthday Week 4,5,and 6 of Term 1.
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Kai R | Emmett B | Neave M | ||||
| Iniya N | Samuel G | |||||
| Briella I | ||||||
| Sarah M | ||||||
| Tayla R | ||||||
| Emma L |
NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL OFFICE
Parent Talk newsletter aims to provide parents and carers with relevant and timely information about parenting, education, wellbeing, upcoming Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) events and webinars for parents, and significant Catholic news and events.
The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT represents all parents and carers of students in our Catholic schools. We value and promote the critical role that parents play in the education of their children, and provide leadership, advocacy and support for parents and carers of children in almost 600 Catholic schools. Parents and carers are invited to subscribe to CCSP’s Parent Talk newsletter to receive future editions keep up to date with how our Council supports Catholic school parents to support their children’s wellbeing, faith journey and academic outcomes. Click here to subscribe.
The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT is conducting a survey to gauge parental involvement in their child's school including their learning. They are looking to receive feedback on areas that are really important to parents. Participants have the option to receive a 2024 Faith Diary as a token of appreciation by providing their name, address, and mobile phone number at the end of the survey.
The survey link is provided: CCSP Survey.
Premier's Reading Challenge
The challenge aims to encourage a love of learning for leisure and pleasure in student's. It is not a competition - however, there are rewards of certificates and medals for participants - but a challenge to each student to read, read more and to read more widely.
Between Monday 26 February and Friday 23 August 2024 students in Year 3-6 are encouraged to read and record what they have read at the link below. Student's in K-2 will participate and have their entries uploaded in class. Countless research links the time spent reading quality literature to improved results in school - this is a way to support improvement in your child's literacy, knowledge and vocabulary skills.
Each child is able to borrow books from the school library, which count towards the Challenge, when they bring their library bag to school every Friday.
Teachers will be able to provide log in details in Years 3-6 next week.
PARENTS & FRIENDS NEWS
|
Weekend |
Mower #1 |
Mower #2 |
|
6/4/2024 |
Russell B | Thomas M |
|
27/4/2024 |
Shane Gilbert | David H |
What's coming up in Term 2:
| Thursday 9 May | Morning for Mum's - Mothers Day Celebration & Stall |
| Tuesday 14 May | P & F Term 2 Meeting 6.30pm in School Hall |
| June | Pie Drive |
| Friday 21 June | Parent's Trivia Night |
Want to know what's happening with upcoming P&F events?
Follow us on Facebook@St Brigid's Gwynneville P&F Association
Keep an eye out on the FB Page, Compass and the Brigid Bulletin for updates or to get in touch please email the exec at pandf@sbgdow.catholic.edu.au
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
COMMUNITY NEWS
SAVE THE 2024 DATES FOR TERM 1
| 28/3 | Cross Country Carnival | 9:30am |
| 29/3 | Good Friday public holiday | All day |
| 1/4 | Easter Monday public holiday | All day |
| 2/4 | Pupil Free Day | All day |
| 3/4 | Students return after the Easter break | |
| 4/4 | Year 6 Parish Mass - Confirmation preparation | 9:30am |
| 9/4 - 10/4 | 3 way PP interviews by appointment | All day |
| 9/4 | Da Vinci Decathlon - selected students | All day |
| 11/4 | Catholic Schools Week Celebrations | from 5:00pm |
| 11/4 | Year 6 Parish Mass - Confirmation preparation | 9:30am |
| 12/4 | Term 1 ends | 3:00pm |
| 29/4 | School resumes for staff and students | 8:50am |
ST BRIGID'S SCHOOL UNIFORM 2024
Summer Uniform - Girls
| Shirt unisex white over shirt with embroidered school crest | $39.99 |
| Culotte bottle green tartan with elastic back waist | $49.99 |
| Tunic bottle green tartan - white collar, cuff and red tab | $59.99 |
| Cardigan bottle green with school crest | $74.99 |
| Pullover bottle green with school stripe | $74.99 |
| Wind jacket bottle green nylon fleece lined with school crest | $71.99 |
| Hat bottle green with school crest | $24.99 |
| Socks white turn over ankle style - 2 pack | $12.99 |
| St Brigid's school bag | $69.99 |
Summer Uniform - Boys
| Shirt unisex white over shirt with embroidered school crest | $39.99 |
| Shorts grey gaberdine with elastic waist - SBG logo | $34.99 |
| Cardigan bottle green with school crest | $74.99 |
| Pullover bottle green with school stripe | $74.99 |
| Wind jacket bottle green nylon fleece lined with school crest | $71.99 |
| Hat bottle green with school crest | $24.99 |
| Socks grey ankle style turnover with school stripe | $9.99 |
| St Brigid's school bag | $69.99 |
Unisex Sport Uniform
| Polo top - bottle green with red panels, embroidered school crest | $49.99 |
| Shorts - bottle green with piping & SBG logo | $35.99 |
| Bottle stretch Jacket MF, white piping, red & white panels & crest | $79.99 |
| Track pants - bottle green with red panels and white piping | $69.99 |
| Socks - white ankle style (3 pk) | $12.99 |
Uniform Shop
Please note the second hand uniform shop is closed.
School Winter Sports uniform
The winter sports uniform will be available for the start of Term 2, 2024.
