Filter Content
Are You OK? “I’m here to listen.”
In today’s world, we are increasingly aware of the importance of mental health-whether within our families, among our friends, or in our workplaces. Supporting someone who seems down or is showing signs of mental distress often starts with simply offering a listening ear.
On Are You OK? Day, observed annually on the second Thursday in September, we are reminded of the importance of recognising these signs and knowing how to respond. This day encourages us to be attentive and to offer support to those in need. For more information, visit RU OK?.
As parents, teachers, and caregivers, we play a crucial role in fostering mental well-being by encouraging open conversations, normalising feelings, and breaking down the stigmas surrounding mental health. Sometimes, a simple conversation can make a significant difference. It’s important to approach those who might be struggling with compassion and to help them seek the professional support they may need.
These challenges can arise not only within our immediate families but also within our broader circles of friends and community.
As Catholics, our faith guides us to care for others deeply. Jesus’ commandment to “love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31) reflects our commitment to supporting those around us. On Are You OK? Day and beyond, let us remember to reach out and show that we are here to listen and support.
As Pope Francis reminds us, “Be courageous in suffering and remember that the Lord will come after, joy will come after, and after the dark comes the sun.”
Any day is a good day to ask, “Are You OK?” and to offer the reassurance, “I’m here to listen.”
Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning
ST BRIGID'S END OF YEAR ASSEMBLY AND CONCERT RSVP
We are delighted to invite you to our End of Year Assembly and Christmas Carol Sing-Along!
Date: Friday 13 December 2024
Time: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: St Brigid's School Grounds
We would love to see everyone there as we come together for our final event of the 2024 school year. So to help us plan and ensure a fantastic experience for all, please complete the RSVP form at your earliest convenience. Accurate numbers will assist us in organising the class items and making the evening enjoyable for everyone. Thank you, and we look forward to celebrating with you!
CONCERN FOR STUDENT WELLBEING: EARLY VISITS TO WISEMAN PARK
I’d like to bring to your attention a concern that has recently come to our attention which I feel is important to address for the well-being of our students.
It appears that an increasing number of students are going to Wiseman Park before school starts. Yesterday morning, a local council worker spoke to Mrs. Checkley about two students who were already in Wiseman Park shortly after 7:00am. We’ve also been contacted from some local residents who are concerned about students arriving very early and often without supervision.
While we encourage outdoor activity and appreciate the students' enthusiasm, it is important to ensure their safety and well-being. To address this issue, we ask for your cooperation in making sure that students are supervised if they choose to visit the park before school. Proper supervision helps ensure that they are safe and secure while they wait for school to begin.
We value your support and understanding in maintaining a safe environment for our students.
STAFF LONG SERVICE LEAVE
We are delighted to announce that Mrs. Mitrevski has returned from her well-deserved European holiday, refreshed and ready to continue her dedicated work in our school office. We trust that her time away has provided her with renewed energy and inspiration.
As Mrs. Mitrevski returns, we would also like to share that Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Frino will soon be setting off on their own well-deserved holidays to Italy and France. We wish them a wonderful and refreshing break.
Wishing Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Frino a delightful and rejuvenating holiday. We look forward to hearing all about your wonderful adventures upon your return!
WHOOPING COUGH
NSW Health’s most recent Respiratory Surveillance Report advises that Whooping Cough (Pertussis) activity continues to increase in school-aged children.
What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. It is characterised by severe coughing fits, which can make it difficult to breathe, and often ends with a "whooping" sound when the person breathes in.
Symptoms:
Initial symptoms resemble a common cold: runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and mild cough. The cough usually gets worse and severe bouts of uncontrollable coughing can develop. Coughing bouts can be followed by vomiting, choking or taking a big gasping breath which causes a "whooping" sound. The cough can last for many weeks and can be worse at night.
How is it Spread?
Whooping cough is spread when an infectious person coughs bacteria into the air which can be inhaled by people nearby.
Prevention:
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent whooping cough. Good hygiene practices, such as covering the mouth when coughing and regular handwashing, help reduce the spread of the infection.
Treatment:
If whooping cough is detected early enough, a doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics. After 5 days of antibiotic treatment, enough bacteria are killed to stop the spread to others, although the cough can linger for weeks.
Without antibiotics, people with whooping cough can spread the infection in the first 3 weeks of the cough starting. In some situations, other people who have been in contact with an infectious person may also need antibiotics to help prevent them from getting whooping cough, especially young children, people at high risk of health problems and those more likely to pass the infection to children.
School:
Children/staff members with a confirmed case of whooping cough should stay at home until they have completed at least 5 days of a prescribed antibiotic course.
If close contacts being treated with antibiotics to prevent the spread of the disease are not displaying symptoms and have not tested positive for whooping cough they are permitted to attend school.
Please refer to NSW Health - Information for Childcare and Schools for more information.
CSPA - PARENT SURVEY ON STUDENT WELLBEING AHD LEARNING
Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) is seeking the support of Catholic school parents and carers to take part in a national parents and carers survey.
The CSPA 2024 Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning is seeking your perspective as parents/carers of children who attend a Catholic School in Australia.
You are invited to share your views on existing and emerging affirmations and/or
challenges in relation to your child/children’s wellbeing and learning. Please consider completing this anonymous, confidential, and completely voluntary online survey.
More information about the study, how to participate, and how to have questions answered, can be found here.
CALLED TO BE SAINTS
Many years ago, as a young teacher, I considered the role of the Religious Education Coordinator seriously as I wanted to help build a community’s faith, engagement and commitment of service for others. But then I started thinking: What if I’m not good enough?
The doubt was not so much around my ability as a leader or teacher, but as a person. What if I’m not good enough? I had this notion that I needed to be somewhat of a ‘saint’ and a gregarious young lady maybe didn’t seem like the pious picture others had when they thought of an REC. We sometimes joke about ‘Catholic guilt,’ however it was at that time that I truly believed I suffered from a great dose of it. Let me be clear, I wasn’t behaving badly in my youth, I was just far from perfect. Aren’t we all?
Fast forward some years later, and I was drawn to the message of St. Paul, in his First Letter to the Corinthians, when he wrote “to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours” (1 Cor 1:2).
In essence, we are told that we are called to be saints. This may appear to present a problem. To begin with, although we read the lives of the saints and admire them, most of us cannot imagine ourselves in that sacred company.
It is very Catholic and beautiful, the way we feel so at home with the saints that we not only admire them and ask their intercession with God for spiritual favours, but also send them requests for the daily things of life. St. Anthony of Padua is a good example. Some of us remember the little prayer rhyme to him: “Tony, Tony, look around; something’s lost that must be found.”
Still, we tend to think that we can never imitate or measure up to most of the saints.In spite of this, it is important for us to remember that those who have become saints did so not because of the so-called great deeds they performed, but because of the love of God and neighbour that drove them. We don’t have to look hard to find the truth of this. All we need are the words of St. Paul (who would have written that same letter to all of us because the Corinthians were struggling to make their faith active in their lives) :
“If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
If we look at the lives of all the saints, we can certainly find faults. Far from discouraging us, this can give us courage. Perfection is not what we are striving for, unless it is as perfect a love as possible. We are ALL called to be saints.
|
St Vincent de Paul- Wednesday 27 September |
|
Vincent is the patron of all works of charity. In Australia, we are aware of the “Vinnies” organisation whose work is based primarily on Catholic Social Teaching.Vincent urged his followers to bring God’s justice and love to people affected by poverty and suffering, saying: “Organise charity so that it is more efficient...teach reading and writing, educate with the aim of giving each the means of self-support. Intervene with authorities to obtain reforms in structure... there is no charity without justice.” Thank you for your continued support in our “Vinnies” appeals and drives which make such a difference for a large number of people in our area. In one area of Wollongong alone, there are more than 300 meals being served from a Vinnies van. Your ongoing generosity makes all the difference.
 |
CLASS MASS TIMETABLE FOR TERM 3
Each term, our students have the opportunity to attend Mass with our St. Brigid's parishioners. This cherished tradition is a central aspect of our students’ faith formation, serving as the greatest act of worship and a sacred celebration of community.
We warmly invite parents, carers, grandparents, and relatives to join us for Mass, especially when their child(ren) are involved. After each Mass, we serve tea, coffee and biscuits, offering a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents and members of our parish community. Additionally, you are welcome to visit the classroom for a 10-15 minute learning walk following Mass. Please see the schedule for Term 3:
|
DATE |
YEAR |
|
19 September 2024 |
Year 5 & Year 2 |
|
26 September 2024 |
Year 4 & Year 1 |
CHRISTMAS STORY ART COMPETITION
Our Year 5 and 6 students are finalising their artworks that reflect an understanding and interpretation of selected scripture verses.
It has been fabulous to observe our students as they work with a variety of materials and forms to represent the scriptures. Conversations with the students have revealed how deeply they have engaged with the scripture passages and used them to create their responses.
Students are so immersed in developing their work and understanding that I have often joined conversations on the playground after overhearing them discussing the project with their friends.
The artworks are due next week and will be judged against set criteria. They will then be compared with works from other schools within our diocese. The artworks that best meet the criteria will be displayed at the Wollongong City Art Gallery.
The exhibition will be open to the public from 4 October to 27 October 2024.
CATHOLIC MISSION - CRAZY SOCK DAY
WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2024
KICK GOALS FOR GOOD IN 2024!
Year 2 are proud to be leading a Catholic Mission’s initiative to raise much needed funds supporting children overseas. In 2024, the focus projects are in Mongolia, and particularly, the Don Bosco Caring Centre. Catholic Mission is one the priority Catholic agencies Catholic schools are asked to support and is the Pope’s International mission agency, committed to promoting solidarity and social justice around the world.
With your much needed assistance and generosity, we can make a real difference this September.
HOUSE CHALLENGE - RETURN AND EARN
Last Monday, our Kindergarten and Year 1 students embarked on an exciting trip to Symbio. For some, this was their first experience travelling by bus, and their anticipation was palpable as we set off for the zoo.
Throughout the day, the students enjoyed a guided tour led by the Symbio Zoo Keepers. They had the chance to see a diverse range of animals and explore their natural habitats. A highlight of the trip was the opportunity for students to get up close with some of the animals, including the unique experience of patting a snake!
A big thank you to the parents who joined us and made the day even more special. Your support was greatly appreciated.
 |
|
|
CREATE A POSTER FOR WORLD TEACHER'S DAY 2024
Are you Creative?
We are seeking creative students to help us promote and Celebrate
World Teachers Day 25 October 2024
PRIZES
Would you like to win a pair of Apple AirPod Pros valued at over $400 or one of two JB Hi Fi gift vouchers valued at $50 each?
TASK
- Design a poster to promote World Teacher Day 2024 and come up with a catchy slogan
- Students may enter one of two categories : Years 4 - 6 OR Years 7-10
- One winner will be selected from each category and awarded $50 gift voucher each and one overall winner will win a pair of Apple AirPod Pros valued at over $400
- You can enter this competition individually OR Primary teachers you may wish to do this as a class activity.
- Students should initially gain permission from their teacher to participate as they will need to log into their school google accounts to upload entry
- Be sure to read all competition details. https://tinyurl.com/
competition24dow
ST BRIGID'S LEARNING MERIT AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards during Week 3,4 and 5 of Term 3.
Week 6 - Term 3
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive our Building Partnerships Award. This award recognises students from Kinder to Year 6 who work collaboratively with other students and their teachers to enhance their learning.
| CLASS |
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS AWARD |
LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Isaac I | Taj W |
| Year 1 | Jackson Y | Rose C |
| Year 2 | Leo G | Annabelle G |
| Year 3 | Sofia M | Lucky N |
| Year 4 | Lucas S | Nisindu N |
| Year 5 | Arielle | Alice |
| Year 6 | Chloe M | Ryan T |
Week 7 - Term 3
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the 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 AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Kim M | Abigail |
| Year 1 | Bohdyn | Daniel |
| Year 2 | Violet D | Max |
| Year 3 | Mila J | Samuel |
| Year 4 | Mia Mc | Grace H |
| Year 5 | Kip M | Allaria D |
| Year 6 | Bethany | Rhiley |
Week 8 - Term 3
Students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the Learning Pathways Achievement 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 ACHIEVEMENT AWARD |
LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Iniya N | Landan T |
| Year 1 | Mun Seng D | Kane F |
| Year 2 | Leo G | Ryan R |
| Year 3 | Oliver W | Marta O |
| Year 4 | Jonas T | Josiah M |
| Year 5 | Lachlan C | David M |
| Year 6 | Ilena P | Sarah Mac |
| CLASS | STUDENT |
| Week 6 - Year 1 | Rhea E |
| Week 6 - Year 2 | Alana E-B |
| Week 6 - Year 5 | Hunter M |
| Week 6 - Year 6 | Praise M |
| Week 6 - Year 6 | Briella I |
| Week 7 - Year 1 | Noah |
| Week 7 - Year 1 | Rose 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 6 - Year 5 | David M |
SCHOOL MERIT AWARD POLICY
The purpose of our weekly school-based merit award system is to recognise and celebrate student achievement and success in a variety of learning and leadership areas. As the title suggests, it is based on merit for achievement and is not designed as an encouragement award or given out so everyone in the class will receive an equal amount of awards each term or year. The classroom teachers have a myriad of ways of encouraging and recognising the growth of the students at a class level.
THE STRUCTURE OF MERIT AWARDS K-6
Step 1 - 5 Merit awards = First Assistant Principal Award+
Step 2 - 5 Merit awards = Second Assistant Principal Award+
Step 3 - 2 Merit awards = First Principal Award
Step 4 - 5 Merit awards = Third Assistant Principal Award+
Step 5 - 5 Merit awards = Fourth Assistant Principal Award+
Step 6 - 2 Merit awards = Second Principal Award+
Final Step - 2 Merit Awards = St Brigid Medal
THE PROCEDURE
- When students achieve a milestone they are required to submit the actual relevant merit awards to the school office for validation
- The awards are verified by the Assistant Principal and /or Principal and signed, stamped and dated
- The next milestone award is presented at the assembly on the Friday after all the documentation is presented.
- The Assistant Principal and Principal will sign and date the back of the awards when they are presented.
- The final awards of the year are presented at the final assembly in Week 9 (if it is a 10 week term) and Week 10 (if it is an 11 week term). No awards will be presented after this assembly.
Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrated a birthday Week 6, 7 and 8 of Term 3.
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Luke W | Roman G | Andre C | ||||
| Liana D | ||||||
| Evanna T | ||||||
| Sofia H | ||||||
| Hurley M |
THANK YOU .. JERSEY DAY
Jersey Day was celebrated on Friday 30 August 2024. This day was inspired by the gift of life that Nathan Gremmo gave to six people when he became an organ donor at age 13 in 2015. Jersey Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of becoming an organ and tissue donor and encourages conversations with family and friends about this crucial issue.
By registering as an organ and tissue donor, you could help save many lives. Consider the impact it could have on the 1,800 people currently on the organ and tissue transplant waiting list. That’s a significant number of individuals who need organs or tissues to survive. It’s an important issue that deserves serious consideration.
In the week leading up to Jersey Day, students were busy creating or re-creating their favourite jerseys. They had the opportunity to choose the type of jersey they wanted to work on, whether it was re-creating their favourite sporting team’s jersey, researching Indigenous markings to design their own Indigenous version, or creating an original jersey design. The outstanding work by our students was displayed on the hall windows.
It was a fantastic sight to see the St. Brigid’s community in all sorts of jerseys on the day, creating a vibrant display of bright colours. Thank you to the students, parents, teachers, and support staff for wearing your jerseys and showing enthusiastic support for this important cause.
See some other photos in the photo section of the Brigid Bulletin.
NEWS FROM THE OFFICE
PARENTS & FRIENDS RECENT EVENTS
Fathers' Day Breakfast & Stall
We hope all the dads in our community had a wonderful time celebrating Father’s Day! Thank you to everyone who attended the morning event and supported the kids in choosing something special from the Father’s Day Stall. The children put a lot of thought into picking the perfect gift for their dad and/or father figure, and we hope you loved your gift.
A HUGE thank you to all the volunteers who helped set up and run the morning. These events are made possible by our dedicated volunteers, and we couldn’t do it without your support. THANK YOU for giving your time to help make this event a success.
PARENTS & FRIENDS UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday 22nd September 2024 - Family Social Day @ Bellambi Bowling Club at 2:00 PM
This is a great opportunity for families within our school community to get together in a relaxed, social setting and enjoy a fun afternoon. We have an area reserved, and the venue is perfect for kids to run around and play while the adults can unwind. Food and drinks are available for purchase from the bar and bistro. Family and friends are all welcome!
2024 Yearbook - Coming Soon
Our wonderful Yearbook Committee has been working hard all year to collect photos for the 2024 Yearbook. Orders will open around the end of Term 2. Keep an eye on Compass for the timeline and details on placing orders through QKR.
|
Weekend |
Mower #1 |
Mower #2 |
| 28/9/2024 | Zac B |
Nathan McB |
| 19/10/2024 | Fabrizio C |
Jason S |
| 02/11/24 | Simon Y |
Ben Y |
| 16/11/24 | Mitchell O'D |
Ryan O'C |
| 30/11/24 | Vasko S |
Nigel Mc |
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 3
| 13/9 | Pupil free day | All day |
| 13/9 | Brigid Bulletin sent home | 3:00pm |
| 19/9 | Basketball Gala Day | Year 3 & 4 |
| 20/9 | Basketball Gala Day | Year 5 & 6 |
| 20/9 | Kindergarten 2025 Playgroup 7&8 | 8:50am & 1:50pm |
| 20/9 | Learning Logs sent home | 3:00pm |
| 22/9 | P&F Social Event | 2:30pm |
| 27/9 | Break Up | 3:00pm |
FATHER'S DAY
YEAR 6 NUMERACY STUDENT-LED OPEN HOUSE
KINDER NUMERACY STUDENT-LED OPEN HOUSE
YEAR 3 NUMERACY STUDENT-LED OPEN HOUSE
JERSEY DAY
SYMBIO
Following feedback from the recent P&F meeting, I had a meeting with Poppets to negotiate the cost of the school cardigan. I am pleased to say that our suggestions were acknowledged and the price 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
