Dear Parents and Friends,

A very warm welcome back to Term 2. I hope that you had a very happy Easter and some lovely family time together enjoying the magnificent Easter weather. It was wonderful seeing the beautiful smiling faces of our students on the first day back last week. 

I would once again like to sincerely thank the St Brigid’s community for a wonderful Term 1. It was a very busy but successful term, one in which there was so much to celebrate - learning gains, sporting achievements, leadership opportunities, friendships made, and our faith enriched. I'd like to express my gratitude to all those who help make our school a wonderful place to live and grow each day.

While still celebrating the Season of Easter (this Sunday will be the 4th Sunday of Easter), we have also begun the month of May. In our Catholic tradition, this month is given over to devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus; the same Mary who stood afraid and heartbroken at the foot of the Cross but who also rejoiced, with the other disciples, over Jesus’ resurrection.

During May, our students will learn more of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and our mother too. Her life of love and service, of saying ‘yes’ to God’s plan for her, is one that inspires all of us to reflect, as she did, on what God is asking of us. This month, as we also continue through the Easter season, we turn to Mary as a model of compassion, dignity, motherhood and love. We recall how the completion of the mission of Jesus was made possible through her role of obedience, faith and hope.

Students will learn more of the life and role of Mary, “joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son” (Vatican Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy), along with prayers and other devotions still practised in our Catholic tradition.

O Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia!

For he whom you did merit to bear, alleluia!

Has risen as he said, alleluia!

(from the Regina Coeli)

Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning,

CYCLIC REVIEW

In the Diocese of Wollongong, every five years, each school undertakes a formal process to develop a three to five-year strategic plan based on effective and rigorous plans for development and improvement. On Wednesday, we welcomed to St Brigid’s, Mr Mark Raue, Professional Assistant to the Director of Schools (Strategic Planning & Policy); Mr Noel Henry, Head of School Improvement Primary; Mrs Kay Blundell, Senior Professional Officer K-12 and Mrs Colleen Easton, Principal of St Paul’s Albion Park.

I'd like to thank the following parents for their contribution towards the Cyclic Review by meeting the panel to speak about our wonderful Catholic School: Amanda Cooper, David Macdonald, Anthony Petre, Marie Linnehan, Justin Gross, Kerry Sweeney and Julie Phillipson.

A new Strategic Improvement Plan 2019-2021 will be formulated later this year as a result of the Cyclic Review process.

CLIMBING FOR THE SUN

Levi’s mission to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, so that we can install a 35kw Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System, is only two months away. If we can achieve the target of $32,400 to purchase Tier 1 technology that includes a 30-year performance warranty, we will also become the first primary school in the Illawarra (124 schools) to be virtually electricity independent. It will also be the largest solar installation on a primary school in the Illawarra.

To date, Levi has raised an incredible $27,855! Our school challenge is to now collect enough sponsorship to raise the remaining funds of approximately $5000, which will give Levi time to focus on his training and final preparations.

So let’s get behind Levi and raise as much as we can. $250 will buy your child’s class a solar panel. All sponsor cards for the colour run are due back at school on Thursday 16 May 2019.  

KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS

Ms Harris and I have just commenced our enrolment interviews for our Kindergarten class of 2020. Currently we have 27 interviews scheduled throughout the month of May. We look forward to welcoming these new families into our school community.

BOOK FAIR AND READ TO YOUR CHILD

St Brigid's will once again be hosting Carnival Book Fairs in Week 3 - Monday 20 May to Friday 24 May 2019. This is a fabulous opportunity to restock your book shelves or buy some presents whilst helping our school. Every purchase benefits St Brigid's and we are usually able to buy hundreds of dollars of resources from this one event.

 

The fair will be open each day from 8.15-8.45 am and 3.15-4.00 pm. It will also be open from 10.00am to coincide with the Read to Your child morning on Wednesday 22 May 2019. Looking forward to seeing you there.

CATHEDRAL CAR PARKING - THANK YOU!

If you can volunteer for an hour or two for any upcoming events, please add your name to our Google doc.

MOTHER'S DAY

What a lovely celebration we had this morning which commenced at 7.30am with our scrumptious BBQ breakfast. Thank you to the dads for cooking, serving and hosting the breakfast. A beautiful liturgy was prepared and led by Year 3. Angela Moretti and her team did a brilliant job coordinating the Mother's day stall. Thank you! Another wonderful team effort.

Mother’s Day is all about celebrating the women who raise us and shape who we are. It is important for us to show gratitude in our hearts to mums for all the love and thoughfulness they demonstrate every minute of the day. Happy a lovely Mother’s Day one and all.  

PRINCIPAL'S AWARD

  

CONDOLENCES

Our thoughts are with Keith, Lisa and Zane Mayberry on the passing of Margaret on April 28, 2019. Margaret was the beloved wife of Keith, adored mother of Lisa and much loved Ma of Zane. You are very much in our thoughts and prayers.

NAPLAN

Next week students in Year 3 and Year 5 will be completing NAPLAN assessments. This year the students will be completing the assessments online, with the exception of the Year 3 writing assessment which will be a paper test.

The assessments will take place on the following days:

• Tuesday 14th May 2019 - Writing Assessment
• Wednesday 15th May 2019 - Reading and Conventions of Language Assessment
• Thursday 16th May 2019 - Numeracy Assessment

Please ensure that the student’s iPads are charged and all updates have been completed.

 COMPASS PARENT PORTAL

In preparation for the Compass Parent Portal opening, letters will be sent home to every parent outlining how to access the parent portal and your personal login details. This portal will provide parents access to the school’s student management system so it is essential that every parent registers.

What is Compass?

Compass is a Student Information System that allows you as parents access to your child(ren)’s records.

The Parent Portal parents/carers to:

• Monitor your child(ren)’s attendance, and enter explanations for late arrivals or absences
• Update your family details - mobile and email address
• Download and view your child(ren)’s semester reports
• View ‘My News’- a news feed of school announcements, alerts and updates
• View your school calendar
• Book parent-teacher meetings
• Provide consent for events and excursions.

How can I get access?

https://sbgdow-nsw.compass.education/

Every parent will have a separate account to log into the Compass Parent Portal

What can I get access to?

• The student's profile page
• Attendance pages where notes/approvals can be entered
• Full record history of the student’s attendance
• Academic reports for the student
• School Calendar
• Parent/Student/Teacher Conference bookings

What is ‘My News’?

The ‘My News’ section displays any applicable reminders or notifications which may include:

• Outstanding absences or late arrivals that require a note or approval
• Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences that are available for booking
• Semester Reports that are available to download
• Excursions or Events that require consent and/or payment
• News Feed items that have been targeted to you as a parent

Visit the Compass Parent Portal here

 SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

The Diocese have launched a new Social Media Policy. The policy can be found at: https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/about-us/policies/social-media-policy/

I will be discussing the policy in detail at the upcoming P&F Meeting on Tuesday 14 May 2019.

FACEBOOK PAGE

St Brigid’s have launched a school based Facebook page that will regularly post announcements about school events, share good news stories and promote upcoming events.

LIKE and FOLLOW our page at www.facebook.com/stbrigid.gwynneville

It is important that all parents are familiar with the Diocesan Social Media Policy and comment and contribute as per the guidelines.

COLOUR RUN

Next Friday 17th May 2019 we will be holding our school ‘Colour Run’. Please continue to collect sponsors in preparation for the event. All sponsor cards are to be returned to school next week for validation by class teachers.

SUBWAY LUNCH

Next Friday 17th May 2019 we will be offering a special 'SUBWAY lunch day' to have with our Colour Run Event.

If your child or any family members would like to purchase a Subway lunch for next Friday please complete your order on Qkr!

The SUBWAY Meal deal will include a 6 inch sub, cookie and drink.

Choices of subs include:

• Option A: Ham and Salad
• Option B: Chicken Strips and Salad
• Option C: Vegetarian Salad
• Option C: Salami and Cheese

Salad will consist of lettuce, cucumber, tomato and carrot.

All subs will come with 1 x chocolate chip cookie and 1 x apple popper OR small water

There will be no sauces on subs.

COST PER MEAL IS $9.00.

All orders need to be placed no later than 8.00am on Wednesday 15 May 2019.

DIOCESAN CROSS COUNTRY

Congratulations to all the students who represented St Brigid’s at the Diocesan Cross Country Carnival on Tuesday. The students represented St Brigid’s wonderfully and should be very proud of their achievements.

Congratulations to Celeste C who have been selected to represent the Wollongong Diocese Primary Cross Country team on 14th June 2019.

Thank you to all the teachers who supported the students with their training and Ms Kelly Young for supervising the team on the day.

DIOCESAN TRIALS

Congratulations to Daniel D who attend the Diocesan Rugby Union Trials last Friday. Danie was successful in being selected into the Diocesan Rugby Union team who will now travel to Forbes to represent the Diocese. Well done Daniel!

Good luck to Edwina and Henry J who will travel to Canberra tomorrow to compete in the MacKillop Winter Hockey Trials. 

WOOLWORTHS EARN AND LEARN

The Woolworths Earn and Learn Program is beginning again this year. This program gives schools the opportunity to earn new resources. Woolworths has partnered with Modern Teaching Aids where there are a large range of categories to choose from including; ICT, science, sports, mathematics, arts and crafts.

How you can help:

1. Between 1 May and 25 June 2019, collect as many stickers as you can.
2. Stick them on the sticker sheets and give them to school. Or drop them into a collection box in the store in Figtree or Wollongong
3. Don’t forget, you can always download and print extra sticker sheets at woolworths.com.au/earnandlearn
4. Ask neighbours, friends and grandparents to collect stickers as well.

Thank you so much for your support.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Over the next four weeks, our Year 6 students and their parents will be preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Sacrament of Confirmation builds on the Sacraments of Baptism, Penance, and Holy Communion, completing the process of initiation into the Catholic community.

Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives us the increased ability to practice our Catholic faith in every aspect of our lives and to witness Christ in every situation. It deepens our relationship with God, being sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit to strengthen our Christian life.

Confirmation Sessions will be held at St John Vianney’s Hall, Fairy Meadow at from 7.00pm.

I ask that you keep our Year 6 Confirmation candidates in your prayers as they continue on their journey in faith.

Loving God, 

Pour out your blessing

Upon our beloved children,

That during this time of Sacramental preparation

They may grow closer to you,

And come to know your special love for them.

May this time of preparation be a time of blessing

For our families and our community,

And unite us all in your great love.

Amen.

PROJECT COMPASSION

Last term’s fundraising efforts for Weeks 4 and 5 of Lent:

Congratulations to our very generous community for a wonderful effort to assist Caritas Australia in their work.

SAVE THE DATE

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK

National Sorry Day 2019 falls this year on Sunday 26 May 2019 and is a day when we pause to remember the Stolen Generations of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

It leads us into the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation and National Reconciliation Week which is held each year between 27th May and 3rd June.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2019 is Grounded in Truth: Walk Together With Courage. 

At the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To foster positive race relations, our relationship must be grounded in a foundation of truth.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long called for a comprehensive process of truth­ telling about Australia’s colonial history. Our nation’s past is reflected in the present, and will continue to play out in future unless we heal historical wounds.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non ­Indigenous peoples.

The Gospel calls us to stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society.

It is our Christian responsibility to stand for and contribute to a vision of a reconciled, just and equitable Australia.

CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS BASKETBALL CHALLENGE

An email was sent out last week in relation to information about the Catholic Primary Schools Basketball Challenge held in Albury in October.

This is a reminder to parents and guardians of students in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 that if your child is interested in participating in this event, you will need to return your ‘Expression of Interest’ form by Tuesday 14 May 2019 (Term 2 Week 3). This date has been extended due to the Staff Development Day on Friday.

After this date I will let you know if we have enough interest from our students to form teams. I will also let you know in the near future when the registration/insurance money is due.

If there are any questions about the Basketball Challenge, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.

Ms Kate Sparks

UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming P&F events for your diary:

INTERESTED IN BECOMING MORE INVOLVED IN THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL?

Are you interested in volunteering for P&F events? Would you like to help out the wonderful St. Brigid’s community but don’t know where to start? We’d love to have you on board.

Drop the P&F a line and we’d be very happy to get you involved in events or as a coordinator. We can also team you up with an existing volunteer to help share the work and learn the ropes. Email us at pandf@sbgdow.catholic.edu.au
 

Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards during the last fortnight.

Week 11 - Term 1

Week 1 - Term 2

CLASS	LEARNING AWARD	LEADER OF THE WEEK
Kindergarten	Arthur	Ireland
Year 1	Tayla	Ryan
Year 2	Reed	Georgia H
Year 3	Flynn	Georgia F
Year 4	Dalton	Charlotte
Year 5G	Leila P	Oscar
Year 5W	Mondre	Jasper
Year 6	Annie	Breanna

Week 2 - Term 2

CLASS	SERVICE AWARD	LEADER OF THE WEEK
Kindergarten	Raphael I	Ryder
Year 1	Molly	Florenece
Year 2	Nahla	Philippa
Year 3	Adelaide	Oliver
Year 4	Ben	Edwina
Year 5G	Hudson	Alexandra
Year 5W	Ava	Mia A
Year 6	Lucas	Sally

Congratulations to the students who have received their Assistant Principal Award. Well done!

CLASS	STUDENT
Year 6	Harper
Year 3	Georgia

Happy Birthday to the following students.

We hope you have a great birthday!

St Brigid’s Gwynneville

Saturday	5.30pm Vigil
Sunday	9.00am
Thursday	9.30am

For the most current Mass times and Parish information, please visit the Parish website http://www.lumenchristi.org.au