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"Mary is the model of how we should respond to God's call, with a humble and trusting heart".
This weekend we join once again in the celebration of Mothers Day, the day our communities celebrate with love, gratitude and joy the women in our lives. In our Catholic tradition it is timely to draw parallels between Mary, the mother of Jesus, and mothers, indeed all women, today. We are encouraged to look to her as a model of compassion, courage and, of course, devoted motherhood.
There is no need to expand on the nature of the troubled times through which our world is currently passing, particularly with regard to the safety, wellbeing and respect of women. As Mary demonstrated strength and faith in times of adversity, so we might pray for that strength, that women everywhere might view the world through eyes of compassion and wisdom, supporting one another, as they process events occurring in the world around them and even within their own families.
As women, especially as mothers, we reflect on the celebrations of this weekend, and might ask that we too, as Mary our mother demonstrated, be symbols of hope as we offer solace, comfort and security to those in our care. At the same time, we give thanks to our own mothers for the gift of life and for, to the best of their ability or circumstances, giving us guidance and support during our lives.
As we reflect on our roles, and on the learnings we can take from Mary’s role in nurturing and raising Jesus, we ask for the grace and wisdom to continue in our own nurturing role. We give thanks, this Mothers Day 2024, for the strong and compassionate women in our lives and take this opportunity to thank them.
Loving God,
We ask Your blessing on each mother …
fill their hearts with laughter and joy;
surround them with love from family and friends;
grant them health, peace, and fulfilment as they pursue their daily roles;
and may they know their value and worth in Your eyes and ours.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Peter William Ingham, the fourth bishop of Wollongong, died peacefully in the late evening of 26 April 2024. He was 83 years of age and almost 60 years a priest. On 25 July 2001, Peter was installed as the fourth bishop of Wollongong, and with his typically selfless dedication, served the diocese and our Lumen Christi Parish for 16 years.
With the mention of the name, Bishop Peter Ingham, words and images immediately spring to mind. Bishop Peter had a prodigious memory for names and faces, and it was a great joy to him to be among people at diocesan or civic gatherings. His warm and welcoming, happy and caring nature were evident in his engagement with each person. He was compassionate and approachable, faith-filled and prayerful—in essence, a servant leader. His greatest joy was to be a disciple of Jesus and a true shepherd of God’s people.
Bishop Peter was a great advocate of Catholic Education, showing a particular interest in St Brigid’s as his own little Parish school. He celebrated Mass with us on many occasions both as Bishop and Parish Priest.
"May the Lord welcome him with open arms, let perpetual light shine upon him, and through the mercy of God may Bishop Peter rest in peace.”
DIRECTOR’S VISIT
Mr Peter Hill, Director of Schools will be coming for his triennial visit to St Brigid's from 9:30am on 17 May 2024. He will have an opportunity to:
- Meet with the Principal and the St Brigid's Leadership Team to discuss the schools annual and strategic priorities.
- See learning and teaching initiatives in classrooms and
- Meet with staff and students.
WORLD CHILDREN'S DAY
In December 2023, Pope Francis announced that the Catholic Church will celebrate its first World Day of Children on 26 May 2024.
Fr Bernard has prepared a letter for all parents and the publication of a beautiful prayer card for each student in our school, which was distributed by classroom teachers today.
IN GRATITUDE TO...
The P&F executive and the merry band of volunteers for the very special Mother's day morning. The hall was decorated beautifully and the scrumptious breakfast was cooked and prepared to perfection. The students enjoyed selecting their beautifully wrapped gifts from the Mother's day stall (thanks Caterina and Zara).
THE SACRAMENTS 2024
YEAR 6 CONFIRMATION
As our Year 6 students enter the final preparations for the Sacrament of Confirmation, we are filled with anticipation and reverence for the spiritual growth and transformation that lies ahead. This Sacrament marks a significant milestone in the lives of our students, as they affirm their commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
On Thursday 16 May 2024, Year 6 students will take part in a Retreat Day which will be an opportunity to share their research on a chosen saint as well as immerse themselves in a day of prayer and contemplation, in preparation for receiving the Sacrament.
Please pray for our Year 6 Confirmation Candidates who will receive the Sacrament on Saturday 18 May 2024.
YEAR 3 FIRST EUCHARIST
The 2024 Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Program enrolment will be 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
CELEBRATING MARY AND ALL MOTHERS
As a Catholic school community, we began our term with the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist together at a Whole School Mass for Mary and All Mothers. At this Mass we gave thanks for the many blessings provided for us by Our Heavenly Mother, our mothers, grandmothers and mother figures who are the heart of our school and parish community.
Year 3 had their first opportunity to lead a whole school Mass, which has been an opportunity for each student to demonstrate our school values of: compassion, stewardship, courage, service, while embracing the teachings of our Catholic faith. Well done Year 3!
Thank you also to Mrs Checkley (REC) for her leadership of this important whole school celebration and to the cantors and to Mrs Benoit, Mrs Carey-Barr and Mrs Roche for their support and assistance.
On behalf of the entire school community, we extend our warmest wishes to all the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures.
UPCOMING ALTAR SERVER ROSTER
|
DATE |
SATURDAY 5:30pm |
SUNDAY 9:00am |
|
18/19th May |
- |
Simon C |
|
25/26th May |
- |
Matthew C |
CLASS MASS TIMETABLE FOR TERM 2
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. A cuppa and biscuit 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 10-15 minute learning walk. Please see the schedule for Term 2:
|
DATE |
YEAR |
|
Week 3 - 16 May 2024 |
Year 6 |
|
Week 5 - 30 May 2024 |
Year 5 and Year 1 |
|
Week 6 - 6 June 2024 |
Year 3 and Kinder |
|
Week 8 - 20 June 2024 |
Year 4 and Year 2 |
|
Week 10 - 4 July 2024 |
Year 6 |
National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week 2024
This year National Sorry Day falls on Sunday 26 May 2024 and is a day when we pause to remember the Stolen Generations of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It leads us into the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation and National Reconciliation Week which is held each year between 27 May and 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo decision, respectively.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2024 is, Now More Than Ever.
And so we pray…
God of love and compassion, you are the creator of this land and of all good things. We pray for your strength and grace to forgive, accept and love one another and to see you in the faces of all those we meet. May the spirit of reconciliation fill our hearts, our minds and our deeds. We ask this through Jesus, our model and guide. Amen.
Project Compassion Colouring-in Competition Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the colouring-in competition that was conducted during Lent to raise money for Project Compassion to buy a water tank for a community in Samoa.
SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING WITH 'STUDENT- LED OPEN HOUSE'
This Term we would like to invite parents and family members to join us for 'Student led open house!' Each class will host a student-led open house to showcase their learning and foster student agency and leadership.
Student led open house is more than a tour of the classroom. We want parents to fully understand and engage with the educational experience that we are providing by having the students prepare and guide their parents through their learning. We believe this is a vital way for us to build, improve and strengthen the partnership between home and school.
Each classroom teacher has chosen a KLA focus for the Term 2 open house that aligns with the curriculum and the current learning goals for the students.
The open house for each class will take place after the assembly on a Friday morning.
|
DATE |
CLASS |
FOCUS |
|
31 May |
Kinder |
English |
|
7 June |
Year 5 |
Maths |
|
14 June |
Year 1 |
Maths |
|
21 June |
Year 6 |
History |
|
28 June |
Year 2 |
Maths |
|
5 July 5 July |
Year 3 Year 4 |
Religious Education Religious Education |
WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL
Now in its 25th year, National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual campaign and event which encourages all primary school children, their parents and carers, to walk safely and regularly to school.
It is important for children and young people to be active every day. Physical activity has many social, emotional, physical and mental health benefits. Walking to school is a great way to incorporate physical activity into a daily routine to support healthy development. Regular physical activity, especially walking, can improve self-esteem and confidence, help concentration and improve overall fitness.
Encouraging kids to be active each day establishes good habits that can stay with them throughout their lives.
CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded our 2024 Cross Country Champions:
- Junior Boy - Ted F
- Junior Girl - Gisele M
- Senior Boy - David M
- Senior Girl - Lidia C
Unfortunately the Diocesan Cross Country Carnival was postponed due to inclement weather. The new date is Tuesday 28 May 2024. We wish the St Brigid's team all the best as they compete at the next carnival.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yPEId9IIOw
SPORTS PROGRAM WEEK 6-10
A huge thank you to the P&F and recent car parking volunteers for sponsoring a five week soccer skills program for all students in K-6. The students are going to love this opportunity, especially in the lead up to the Olympic games.
- Week 6 - Tuesday 4 June
- Week 7 - Tuesday 11 June
- Week 8 - Tuesday 18 June
- Week 9 - Friday 28 June
- Week 10 - Friday 5 July
ST BRIGID'S LEARNING MERIT AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards during Week 10 and 11 of Term 1 and Week 1 and 2 of Term 2.
Week 10 - Term 1
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive our Making Connections Award. This Award recognises those 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 AWARD |
LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Jacob G | Iniya N |
| Year 1 | Noah M | Jackson Y |
| Year 2 | Myra C | Max N |
| Year 3 | Ishitha N | Remi D |
| Year 4 | Josiah M | Vita K |
| Year 5 | Lachlan C | Hunter M |
| Year 6 | Florence M | Zlata K |
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the Learning Pathways Award. This award recognises those 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 AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Demola O | Tami A |
| Year 1 | Xander L | Ella F |
| Year 2 | Bella W | Ruby D |
| Year 3 | Andre C | Aurora M |
| Year 4 | Flynn D | Hannah J |
| Year 5 | Paulo D | Ireland C |
| Year 6 | Ilena P | Praise M |
Week 1 - Term 2
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. They use a variety of thinking strategies and take responsibility for their learning.
| CLASS |
DEEP THINKING AWARD |
LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Lia F | Sebastian N |
| Year 1 | Nivana R-I | Alana E-B |
| Year 2 | Annabelle G | Roman G |
| Year 3 | Maggie M | Boone L |
| Year 4 | Josiah M | Sparsha V |
| Year 5 | Christian J | Ned L |
| Year 6 | Chloe M | Tayla R |
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the Catholic Values Award of Courage. This award recognises those students who are challenged to be authentic people and respond to the Holy Spirit by being advocates for truth and justice.
| CLASS |
CATHOLIC VALUES AWARD - COURAGE |
LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Luna W | Leo S |
| Year 1 | Milani S | Ellen O |
| Year 2 | Ayesha O | Archie Mc |
| Year 3 | Evanna T | Ava Y |
| Year 4 | Grace H | Flynn D |
| Year 5 | Aaroz P | Pedro F |
| Year 6 | Emma L | Isabella S |
| CLASS | STUDENT |
| Week 11 - Year 1 | Luke W |
| Week 1 - Year 6 | Florence M |
| Week 2 - Year 3 | Boone L |
| Week 2 - Year 3 | Maggie M |
| Week 2 - Year 4 | Josiah M |
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 11 - Year |
Hayde R |
Considered an honour of the highest order, this award is presented to a student who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to learning and loyalty to St Brigid’s School. They are someone who is a faithful and proud student of St Brigids.
| CLASS | STUDENT |
| Week 11 Term 1 - Year 6 | Saran M |
SAVE THE 2024 DATES FOR TERM 2
| 14/5 | P&F Meeting in the Hall- all welcome | 6:30am |
| 16/5 | Confirmation Retreat Day | All day |
| 17/5 | Director’s School Visit | 9:30am |
| 18/5 | Sacrament of Confirmation St Brigid’s Church | 2:30pm |
| 22/5 | National Simultaneous Storytime 2024 | 12:00noon |
| 24/5 | Pupil Free Day - Staff overnight retreat | All day |
| 27/5 | School Cyclic Inquiry Day 1 | All day |
| 5/6 | School Cyclic Inquiry Day 2 | All day |
| 10/6 | Public holiday - King’s birthday | All day |
| 12/6 | Year 3&4 excursion - The Rocks | All day |
| 19/6 | Athletics Carnival | 12 noon |
| 21/6 | P&F Trivia Night | 6:30pm for 7:00pm |
| 25/6 | First Holy Communion Parent night | 6:30pm |
| 28/6 | SVDP Winter Appeal led by Year 1 and Year 5 | All day |
| 29/6 | First Holy Communion Commitment Mass | 5:30pm |
| 5/7 | Term 2 ends | 3:00pm |
| 22/7 | Pupil Free Day | All day |
| 23/7 | Students return for Term 3 | 8:50am |
Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrated a birthday Week 10 and 11 of Term 1 and Week 1 of Term 2.
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Lucy G | Chris T | Juliette I | Mia Mc | Raphael I | Ilena P | |
| Parker M | Annabelle G | Teddy F | Grace H | Alice M | ||
| Millicent F | Jayden Mc | |||||
| Tami A |
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’swellbeingg, faith journey and academic outcomes. Click here to subscribe.The Council of Catholic School Parent 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.
QKRR!!
Please be reminded to update your child's class on theQKRRappp as this allows for a much more streamlined process when staff or P&F are distributing purchased items.
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.
- Book returns on Thursdays and borrowing on Fridays.
- Scholastic Book Club issue 3 orders due via LOOP (instructions on brochure) by 17/5/24 (no cash is accepted).
Da Vinci Decathlon 2024 - A Student Recount
When the Year 5 team arrived at the Da Vinci Decathlon venue of TIGS we felt nervous and worried by other schools. As we walked up the mountainous stairs we were puffed and tired but we felt energised when we entered the room full of people eager to participate and do their best in an academic challenge.
During the first session we had 80 minutes to complete five disciplines – English, Creative Producers, Mathematics, Science and Cartography. All the tasks that we had to complete involved the escalation of AI and other technological advancements.
The next 90 minutes contained work on Ideation, Art and Poetry and Engineering. We had to invent a device that featured a surprise element in a box. In the creative task we had to create an automatic device and we made a self-constructing tent. An intriguing twist appeared when the poem had to relate to this invention. We then read a text based on the disadvantages of AI and tried to provide a solution to these problems.
The day ended with us completing Legacy and Code Breaking (the brain buster of the day!) and a fun quiz before the presentation ceremony.
To our great surprise and delight we placed third in Cartography and second in Legacy. Whilst we were proud to get these awards we felt that our greatest achievement was working as a team and being involved in a unique experience.
Alice M, Darren Y, David M, Ella D, Hunter M, Kip M, Ryder M
PARENTS & FRIENDS NEWS
|
Weekend |
Mower #1 |
Mower #2 |
|
18/5/2024 |
Mitchell O | Ryan O |
|
15/6/2024 |
Vaskoo S | Nigel Mc |
|
20/7/2024 |
Darrell M | Mark H |
What's coming up in Term 2:
| 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'sGwynnevillee P&F Association
Keep an eye out on the FB Page, Compass andtheBrigiddd Bulletin for updates or to get in touch please email the exec at pandfsbgdowwcatholiceduuu.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
WINTER UNIFORM FROM MONDAY 20 MAY
If you have not yet purchased the new uniform, students in Year 1 - 6 are able to wear the old winter uniform (as worn last year). The new winter uniform is available at Poppets so please place your order if your child has outgrown their winter uniform.
New Winter Uniform - Girls
| Culotte bottle green tartan with elastic back waist |
| Tunic bottle green tartan - white collar, cuff and red tab |
| Grey slacks with SBG logo embroidery |
| Cardigan bottle green with school crest |
| Pullover bottle green with school stripe |
| Wind jacket bottle green nylon fleece lined with school crest |
| Hat bottle green with school crest |
| Socks white turn over ankle style or grey cotton blend opaque tights |
| St Brigid's school bag |
New Winter Uniform - Boys
| Unisex white over shirt with embroidered school crest - long or short sleeve |
| Grey shorts or long grey gaberdine pants with elastic waist - SBG logo embroidery |
| Cardigan bottle green with school crest |
| Pullover bottle green with school stripe |
| Wind jacket bottle green nylon fleece lined with school crest |
| Hat bottle green with school crest |
| Socks grey ankle style turnover with school stripe |
| St Brigid's school bag |
ST BRIGID'S SCHOOL UNIFORM 2024
