Once again, this week, our Church guides us to look towards Mary as role model, and comforter. During the month of May, dedicated to her, we have recalled the events of her life through her special prayer, the Rosary. Our students have recited the Hail Mary in her honour and learnt more about her through the beautiful words that are so familiar to us all.

The last day in May has been set aside to remember a major event in Mary’s life - one of her actions from which we learn much about her. The Visitation, celebrated on May 31, tells of Mary’s visit to her older cousin, Elizabeth, as they celebrate together the news that they are both to become mothers. Despite Mary’s own news and excitement, she travels to visit Elizabeth in order to check on her welfare and to celebrate her joy. 

Mary set out and travelled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”.  (Lk. 1:39-42)

In this world of so many concerns and troubles, this beautiful feast might remind us that, as Mary and Elizabeth experienced joy when they met in the presence of Jesus,  we also experience joy with the presence of Jesus in our lives and with each other. 

Mary’s beautiful words to Elizabeth, contained in the Magnificat, show her not only as a woman of faith, to become a devoted mother, but also her humility and love of God: 

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: The Almighty has done great things for me. And holy is his Name".

"Parents and families are recognised as integral ,members of the school community and partners in their child's education." (ACER, School Improvment Tool)  

DIRECTOR’S VISIT 

What a marvellous day we had with the Director of Schools, Mr Peter Hill on the 17 May 2024. Mr Hill saw some great learning in action and assisted us in blessing and officially opening our new Native Bee Garden.

Mr Hill was given a police fine by Gracie W as he approached the Humpty Dumpty crime scene!!!

 

  

  

CONGRATULATIONS CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES

I extend my heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to all involved in the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. This sacred milestone in our students' spiritual journeys could not have been achieved without the dedication and hard work of our entire school community.

To our Year 6 teachers, Mrs Roche and Mrs Richardson, our REC, Mrs Checkley, and staff of St Brigid's, thank you for your unwavering commitment to nurturing the faith and guiding our students through this important preparation. Your efforts in organising classes, retreats, and activities have provided a strong foundation for their spiritual growth.

To the parents and families - your support and encouragement have been invaluable. Your involvement and prayers have strengthened our community and enriched the Confirmation experience for our students.

And to our Year 6 candidates - congratulations on reaching this significant faith milestone. Your commitment and openness to receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the way in which you led the Liturgy was truly inspiring.

This collaborative effort has not only prepared our students for Confirmation but has also brought our community closer together, reinforcing our shared values and faith.

 

     

Congratulations to....

Rhiley A, Simon C, Zara H, Briella I,  Emma L, Sarah Mac, Florence M, Bethany M, Neave M, Ilena P, Tayla R, Molly S, Isabella S and Alexandria S.

  

      

 IN GRATITUDE 

Our beautiful 'Native Bee' habitat and garden has been blessed and officially opened. This has taken months of organisation, preparation and after school hours work. Firstly, a huge thank you to Mrs Cuff, our leader of Environmental Education at St Brigid's, whose vision and passion drives these wonderful initiatives.  She was ably assisted by Mrs Lavelle and the student environment club. Thank you to Mrs Shrimpton for designing the signage.

   

Today, each family will receive a copy of the document Christ In You Pastoral Plan for 2024 and Beyond. It is the fruit of our shared reflection on the Letter to the Colossians and its presentation of the mystery of Christ’s presence in us and the hope of glory it calls us to share with everyone. It is a mystery of loving presence that challenges us to answer Pope Francis’ call for the coming Jubilee Year to do works of mercy that give hope.

When you read the Christ in You document, I invite you to reflect upon its Scriptural quotes from the Letter to the Colossians that inform our commitment as a parish to developing our Community Life, Worship, Mission, Stewardship, and Parish Support. Thus, prayerful reflection on the Word of God will become the true basis for our mission and service.

By presenting to you the Christ in You Pastoral Plan and its Goals, our Pastoral and Finance Councils hope to encourage a deeper reflection on who we are as God’s People in Lumen Christi Parish and how we are called to live for others according to the grace and peace of God. This is a work in progress and it is open to further refinement through our reflections on Bishop Brian’s challenge to Come and See more of Jesus’ life so that we can go and prepare a way for him into the hearts of all. The experience of grace and mercy during the Jubilee Year 2025 will further shape our Parish life and Pastoral Plan.

In making our own the mystery of Christ’s presence in us through prayer, worship, and service that bears witness to God’s love, may the Holy Spirit give us words and deeds that make known to everyone the riches of glory in Christ.

STAFFING ANNOUNCEMENT

Mrs Claire Shrimpton, our current Year 1 teacher, has been the successful applicant for
a permanent position at Ability Action Australia. This position commences at the beginning of Term 3. Ability Action Australia is a provider of allied health services to the NDIS and caters for children with additional needs up to 9 years of age. Claire has been appointed in the role of Key Worker.
 

We congratulate Claire on this significant appointment and wish her every happiness as she leaves a long and successful career in Catholic Education.  She has worked for 18 years in Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) in three Catholic Primary School communities, after having worked in the United Kingdom and Sydney Catholic Schools in her earlier career.
 
A  period of recruitment will commence on Monday 3 June 2024 for a permanent fulltime classroom teacher. In the coming weeks, we will farewell and thank Claire for her dedication and passion for teaching and making a difference in the lives of hundreds of students. Her last day at St Brigid’s will be Friday 21 June 2024.
 

As you may be aware, the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) have undertaken a comprehensive review of the NSW Curriculum, leading to curriculum reform and subsequent implementation of a reformed curriculum which commenced in 2023. In response to the curriculum changes, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong has made significant modifications to student semester reports for Primary schools to better reflect your child's academic progress at key points throughout the year and provide parents and carers with a clear picture of their child’s strengths and areas for improvement in specific subject areas.

The following changes will be evident in your child’s semester report from Semester 1 2024: 

• A ‘new look’ report format released via Compass reflecting the outcomes of the new K-10 English and Mathematics syllabuses providing a descriptor for each of the focus areas found in the respective syllabuses
• All Kindergarten students will now receive a written report in Semester 1 and Semester 2 with a three-point grade scale used to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors:
• Thorough
• Sound 
• Basic
• Students in Year 1 - Year 6 will continue to receive semester reports twice a year with a five-point grade scale used to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors: 
• Extensive
• Thorough
• Sound
• Basic
• Elementary 

Report formats are also available for students who are working towards outcomes by which a graded report will not accurately represent their learning progress. As an alternative to a graded report, a comment is provided for each Key Learning Area in line with the student’s goals identified in their Personalised Plan. These reports are only used following consultation between school and parents/carers. 

We look forward to this positive shift in our reporting system and appreciate your continued support in your child's educational journey.

Tips and Tricks to support you child in English Maths 

If you would like to know how you can support your child with the content of the new English and Mathematics syllabuses, please refer to the NESA parent guides.

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.

St Brigid's Parish Mass Times

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YEAR_7_2026_Week_6_Holy_Spirit_College.pdf

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