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“It is the obligation of every person born in a safer room to open the door when someone in danger knocks.” Dina Nayeri
Refugee Week, sponsored and promoted by the United Nations, is drawing to a close. The 2024 theme, Hope Away from Home: A World Where Refugees Are Always Included, has given us many ideas and knowledge to contemplate during the week. Primarily, we are challenged to recognise that our support and welcome to refugees contributes to allowing them to rebuild their lives with hope and dignity.
The total number of humanitarian arrivals to Australia will reach 978,000 in June 2024. A majority of those seeking refugee status to be accepted by and settle in Australia come from the countries of Iraq, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Syria.
As Catholics, we are called to demonstrate our Christianity towards refugees. Pope Francis guides us in this very real expectation:
“I would like to ask you all to see a ray of hope in the eyes and hearts of refugees and of those who have been forcibly displaced. A hope that is expressed in expectations for the future, in the desire for friendship, in the wish to participate in the host society also through learning the language, access to employment and the education of children. I admire the courage of those who hope to be able gradually to resume a normal life, waiting for joy and love to return to brighten their existence. We can and must all nourish this hope!”
Of course, we must also remember that Mary and Joseph, with the baby Jesus, were essentially refugees in their own country. They had to search for a place to give birth, then flee from the murderous Herod, and to take refuge in a new place for the safety of their family. We are challenged, in this story from the Bible, not to say, “Go away… we are full, there’s no room for you.”
Loving God,
No one is a stranger to you and no one is ever far from your loving care. In your kindness watch over refugees and asylum seekers, those separated from their loved ones, those who are lost, and those who have been exiled from their homes.Bring them safely to the place where they long to be, and help us always to show your kindness to strangers and those in need.
Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning
Following an extensive recruitment process, I am pleased to announce that the successful applicant for the Year 1 permanent classroom teaching position is Ms Stephanie Shalala. She will be joining the St Brigid’s school community from the commencement of Term 3.
Ms Shalala’s referees told of her great enthusiasm for education and a dedication to nurturing young minds. Her commitment to student learning and engagement in the early years aligns perfectly with our school's mission and vision for learning.
Ms Shalala’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Primary Education degree with Distinction from the University of Wollongong (UOW) and a certificate in Religious Education through BBI-TAITE University.
She is currently teaching full time at St Therese West Wollongong and in recent years she has had experience teaching Year 1, Kindergarten and Year 3.
The Year 1 students will have an opportunity to meet Ms Shalala before the conclusion of Term 3.
Please join with me in congratulating and welcoming Ms Stephanie Shalala to St Brigid’s.
GRANDPARENTS DAY AT ST BRIGID'S
Pope Francis has chosen a line from Psalm 71 -- "Do not cast me off in my old age" -- as the theme for the 2024 celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
In a note announcing the theme for the day, the Vatican said the choice was "meant to call attention to the fact that, sadly, loneliness is the bitter lot in life of many elderly persons, so often the victims of the throwaway culture."
Pope Francis celebrated the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021 and decreed that it be observed each year on a day closest to the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus' grandparents.
G'day will be held at St Brigid's on Thursday 25 July 2024. Please save the date in your diary and more information and an RSVP will follow next week.
IN GRATITUDE
A huge thank you to Mrs Benoit and the staff for a very well organised Athletics Carnival. Congratulations to all the participants, your sportsmanship truly shone through. Whether you crossed the finish line first, broke your own personal records, or cheered on your classmates, each of you contributed to the spirit and success of the event. Well done!
In addition, thank you to Mrs Brodnik and Mrs Richardson for organising a very successful Science Expo day on Monday. Your efforts provided a fantastic opportunity for learning, discovery, and inspiration.
Thanks also to Mrs Checkley for designing the wonderful refugee pilgrimage at school on Thursday. This experience has helped raise our awareness to show solidarity and compassion for those in need.
To Mrs Arthur - Worsop who organised today's cultural immersion. The engaging activities helped our students foster understanding and respect for the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Aboriginal communities.
SACRAMENT OF FIRST EUCHARIST 2024
Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
As Catholics, we know that the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith: it is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Pope Francis has called it the “Sacrament of Love..From this Sacrament of love, in fact, flows every authentic journey of faith, of communion, and of witness.” Jesus comes to us in a unique way in the Eucharist. When He comes, we receive Him into our body and our soul. This is very beautiful, personal and intimate.
As of next week, all students in Year 3 (and other students enrolled in the Reconciliation and First Holy Communion program) will begin a school program in preparation for these Sacraments in August. As a faith community, we ask that you keep in our prayers the students, who will be preparing for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion over the coming weeks.
Key Dates
There are a number of key events occurring next week that require parent involvement. Please ensure that you have key dates in your calendars and advise the school if you are unable to attend.
A parent information evening will take place this Tuesday 25 June from 6:30pm in the St Brigid's school hall. The Mass of Commitment will be celebrated at St Brigid’s Catholic Church on Saturday 29 June at 5:30pm. All students who have registered for the Reconciliation and First Holy Communion program must attend this Mass.
|
Year 3 Parish Mass Attendance |
Thursday 4 July at 9:30am Thursday 25 July at 9:30am Thursday 1 August at 9:30am Thursday 8 August at 9:30am Thursday 15 August at 9:30am |
|
Retreat Day |
Thursday 15 August from 8:50 am - 3:00 pm |
|
Sacrament of Reconciliation after the weekday Masses |
Thursday 8 August at 9:30am Thursday 15 August at 9:30am |
|
First Holy Communion Mass |
St Brigid’s Parish Church 18 August at 9:00am or 25 August at 9:00am |
CLASS MASS TIMETABLE FOR TERM 2
Each term, our students are provided with the opportunity to attend Mass with our St Brigid's 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 10 - 4 July 2024 |
Year 3 |
THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS
“God is Love” (1 John 4:8)
Throughout the month of June, the Catholic Church invites us all to reflect on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and what it means to live our lives in such a way that we reveal the loving heart of a merciful Saviour to the whole world.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us that in His sacred humanity, we find the pattern for our own lives. In His incarnation, that means His saving life and death and resurrection, we receive the pattern and the means to become more and more like Him.
On Friday 7 June 2024, students took part in devotion for the Solemnity of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus during assembly and also shared in opportunities to learn about how the heart, as a symbol of human love, is honoured through the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Our Lord, through which was manifested God’s love for everyone.
NAIDOC WEEK
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
The National NAIDOC Committee selected this theme to celebrate not only the survival but also the relentless spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The theme also celebrates the enduring strength of First Nations culture and offers teachers a chance to explore various topics, perspectives and experiences with students.
This year, we were fortunate to secure a cultural immersion for our students to experience. Adam Towney and his team immersed the students in culture through boomerang craft, Aboriginal dancing and jewellery making. Overall a wonderful experience for all.
And so we pray…
Holy Father, God of Love, You are the creator of this land and of all good things. We acknowledge the pain and shame of our history and the suffering of our peoples – especially the grief of those who were taken as children from their homes and families, taken from all they knew and loved. We ask your forgiveness.
We thank you for the survival of Indigenous cultures.Our hope is in you because you gave your son Jesus to reconcile the world to you. We pray for your strength and grace to forgive, accept and love one another as you love, forgive and accept us.
Give us the courage to acknowledge the realities of our history so that we may build a better future for our nation. Teach us to respect all cultures. Teach us to care for our land and waters. Help us to share justly the resources of this land. Help us to bring about spiritual and social change to improve the quality of life for all groups in our communities, especially the disadvantaged.
Help young people to find true dignity and self-esteem in the ways of your Spirit. May your power and love be the foundations on which we build our families, our communities and our nation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL WINTER APPEAL
Thank you to the families who dontated non-perishable food items for this years St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. St Vincent de Paul continue to make a real and remarkable difference to the lives of people experiencing hardship in our local area.
This Winter we are working together to donate goods to help support the work of St Vincent de Paul.
As winter draws near, our school is excited to once again partner with the St. Vincent de Paul Society for their annual Winter Appeal. This initiative is a cornerstone of our community outreach, providing crucial support to those in need during the colder months.
Year 1 and Year 5 students are hosting this event. This is a wonderful opportunity for us all to learn about the importance of charity and community service.
ST BRIGID'S CELEBRATES SCIENCE WEEK
Squeals of excitement and ooohs and aaahs of wonder were heard emanating from the classrooms on Monday 17 June 2024 as St Brigid's celebrated the fun of science.
Thank you to Mrs Brodnik, Mrs Carey-Barr, Mrs Arjona and Mrs Richardson for organsing this fantastic learning opportunity for the students.
NAPLAN REPORTS
Students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 participated in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) during Term 1.
A NAPLAN individual student report will be provided for the Year 3 and Year 5 students early in Term 3. The same report format is used for every student in Australia.
NAPLAN results are reported against proficiency standards. There is a standard for each assessment area at each year level. Proficiency standards provide clear information on student achievement. Student achievement is shown against 4 levels of proficiency:
- Exceeding: the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing.
- Strong: the student’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing.
- Developing: the student’s result indicates that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
- Needs additional support: the student’s result indicates that they are not achieving the learning outcomes that are expected at the time of testing. They are likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily.
SEMESTER ONE REPORTS AND PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS
This term students in Kindergarten to Year 6 will be receiving a Semester One Academic Report.
- Kindergarten and Year 1 reports were made available on Compass from 3:00pm on Friday 14 June 2024
- Year 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 reports will be available on Compass from 3:00pm on Friday 28 June 2024
To access reports:
- If using a mobile device, go to your child's image and choose 'Reports' in the menu options across the top, then from the report cycle, select 'Semester 1, 2024 Reports'.
- If using a desktop or laptop computer, go to 'View Academic Report' in the options under your child's image, then from the report cycle, select 'Semester 1, 2024 Reports'.
Parent Teacher interviews will be held in the following weeks to discuss the Semester One Academic Report for students in Kindergarten to Year 6:
- Kindergarten and Year 1 will hold their interviews during Week 8 (Monday 17 - Thursday 20 June 2024).
- Year 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 will hold their interviews during Week 10 (Monday 1 July - Friday 5 July 2024)
The Compass Portal is now open to book Parent Teacher Interviews.
Kindergarten and Year 1 families MUST booking their interview by 3:00pm this afternoon.
The portal will close on Wednesday 26 June 2024 at 5:00pm for Year 2-6 bookings.
YEAR 3&4 EXCURSION
On Wednesday 12 June 2024, Year 3 and 4 students went to The Rocks in Sydney to immerse themselves in early settler and convict life.
When we got there, each student had the opportunity to dress up as a captain, free settler, convict or soldier. They learned about the lives of these real life historical figures.
Students walked down Nurses Walk, where they learned about the first hospital. They also learned more about Captain Tench (who wrote about the early European settlement of Sydney) and a convict called Francis Greenway who had the opportunity to put his architect skills to great use across Sydney. We discovered that, when convicts came, they built houses and wrote their initials on the sandstones.
The Rocks staff, who lead so many school tours, were overwhelmingly complimentary about our Year 3 and 4 students’ engagement and behaviour.
We had our lunch in front of the harbour before being led in some physical games. The students really enjoyed it, and learned lots of facts for their history unit. The staff did too!
CROSS COUNTRY
Congratulations to Ted F who represented the Diocese of Wollongong at the CNSW Cross Country event on Wednesday 5 June. Ted came 19th in the 8/9 year old event.
We congratulate Ted on this wonderful achievement and representing both St Brigid's and the Diocese of Wollongong. Well done Ted we are extremely proud of you!
ST BRIGID'S LEARNING MERIT AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards during Week 6, 7 and 8 of Term 2.
Week 6 - Term 2
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive our 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 | Landan T | Kim M T |
| Year 1 | Rose C | Nivana R-I |
| Year 2 | Emmett B | Emily Y |
| Year 3 | Aarav J | Gisele M |
| Year 4 | Vita K | Nisindu N |
| Year 5 | Paulo D | Arielle N |
| Year 6 | Himandi N | Sarah M |
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 | Sofia M | Kya P |
| Year 1 | Ella F | Bohdyn L |
| Year 2 | Emily Y | Magnus A |
| Year 3 | Gabby L | Joshua M |
| Year 4 | Josiah M | Jammy C |
| Year 5 | Tom S | David M |
| Year 6 | Bethany M | Daniel M |
Week 8 - Term 2
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the Catholic Values Award of Stewardship. These students are inspired to live our faith in relationship with all of God's creation by being proactive stewards, taking responsibility for the care of our common home and one another.
| CLASS |
CATHOLIC VALUES AWARD - STEWARDSHIP |
LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Gracie B | Bronte H |
| Year 1 | Ariel S E | Kane F |
| Year 2 | Myra C | Archie M |
| Year 3 | Sebastian T | Hudson I |
| Year 4 | Aria J | Logan A |
| Year 5 | Allaria D | Ryder M |
| Year 6 | Samuel G | Neave 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 |
| 4 | Aria J |
| 4 | Vita K |
| 3 | Joshua M |
Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrated a birthday Week 6, 7 and 8 of Term 2.
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Leo S | Daniel A | Josiah M | Ryan T | |||
| Luna W | Kane F | |||||
| Charlotte T | Rose C | |||||
NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL OFFICE
Catholic School Parents Australia's Free Family Engagement Resources
Catholic School Parents Australia has developed free resources to strengthen the home-school partnership. The new video workshops help guide primary and secondary parents, principals, and school staff to take a holistic approach to their children’s well-being and educational experience.
The resources also include guides for local facilitators to run through the video workshops in collaborative sessions with principals, staff and families. Insights from experts like Andrew Fuller, John Hattie and Donna Cross inform the workshop’s research-backed strategies.
The resources can be found on the Gearing Up for Parent Engagement website.
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 |
|
20/7/2024 |
Darrell M | Mark H |
|
17/8/2024 |
David H | Adam F |
|
07/09/2024 |
Shane G | Thomas M |
Pie Drive
Thank you to everyone who purchased a pie or cake in our Pie Drive, it was a huge success and hope you are enjoying delicious pies in this cool weather.
Trivia Night
The day is finally here!!! So excited to see everyone tonight!
Thank you to all of those who have purchased a ticket to attend and also to all of our wonderful sponsors who have generously donated prizes for the evening - looking forward to all the lucky winners being able to enjoy them!
For those attending:
- Time - Doors will open at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start!
- Where - Wollongong Tennis Club, Upstairs - turn left as you enter the club.
Food is available for purchase from the club’s restaurant - Bistro on Beaton. Drinks will be available from the bar down and upstairs throughout trivia.
Upcoming for Term 3 - Get the diary’s out
|
Term 3 General Meeting |
Tuesday 6 August 2024 |
|
Father’s Day Breakfast & Stall |
Thursday 29 August 2024 |
|
Yearbook Orders Will OPEN |
End of Term |
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 2
| 21/6 | Year 6 'open house' | 9:15am |
| 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 |
| 28/6 | Year 2 'open house' | 9:15am |
| 29/6 | First Holy Communion Commitment Mass | 5:30pm |
| 5/7 | Year 3 & 4 'open house' | 9:15am |
| 5/7 | Term 2 ends | 3:00pm |
| 22/7 | Pupil Free Day | All day |
| 23/7 | Students return for Term 3 | 8:50am |
Following feedback from the recent P&F meeting, I had a meeting with Poppets to negotiate the cost of the school cardigan. I am peased to say that our suggestions were acknowldged and the privce of the cardigan has been reduced to $59.99.
SCHOOL 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
