Dear Parents and Friends,

This Sunday’s Gospel reading will remind us once again that Jesus has asked us to “love” our enemies; not in a romantic way, of course, but in the whole-hearted and unconditional concern for the well-being of another. As Christians, we are so often challenged to this kind of love, and it is not always easy.

As you will have read in the Week 2 newsletter, this term at St Brigid’s, we are focusing on one of our school values - Compassion. This value calls us to act on our concern and care for others in real ways of assistance and support. Jesus would call us further towards this ideal by challenging us to demonstrate compassion even towards those whose lifestyle or beliefs do not necessarily line up with our own. In following his example, we would be more concerned with  the well-being and welfare of others than with the differences between us. Jesus is teaching us that those differences of race, colour, religion or lifestyle should not inhibit the compassion that we could show.

Our children need to see and hear us, the adults in their lives, demonstrating the kind of compassion that does not discriminate. We can remind them by our daily words and actions that to judge others means that we, too, might be judged, at the risk of losing the freedom and dignity that we so cherish.

“But I say to you that listen,

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you…

Do not judge, and you will not be judged;

Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.”

(Luke 6)

Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK CELEBRATION

Catholic Schools Week is a special time in the year when we celebrate and give thanks for Catholic Schools, especially our own school, St Brigid’s. The theme for 2019 is ‘The future has a name, and that name is hope’.

It is a time to give thanks for the wonderful learning and teaching that takes place each day in every classroom. Catholic Schools Week is celebrated every year to raise awareness in our community of the wonderful opportunities our school offers the students. Please join us next Friday 1 March 2019 to see learning in action in classrooms, our prayer in the church followed by a BYO picnic in the playground.

P AND F EXECUITVE FOR 2019

Last Tuesday might we held our AGM and first general meeting for 2019. Initially I would like to thank our outgoing Parent and Friends executive, Amanda Cooper – Vice President, Cindy Gross - Treasurer and Caterina Hides – Secretary. Their commitment and support of our school community throughout 2018 was very much appreciated.

Congratulations to the following parents who will lead our P and F Association during 2019:

• President - Dave Macdonald
• Vice President - Anthony Petre
• Treasurer - Sonia Spaseki
• Secretary - Mark Holgate

PRINCIPAL AWARD

Congratulations to Arrabella I-Surreau on achieving her First Principal’s Award this morning at our assembly. A wonderful achievement.

ENROLMENTS FOR KINDER 2020

Enrolments will be accepted from 1 March 2019 for our Kindergarten class for 2020. If you have a child to enrol or know of someone who does, please pass this information on to him or her. Please contact the school office (4229 1969) for an enrolment form.

The criteria for enrolment is taken from our Diocesan policy. Priority in enrolment is given in the following order:

2.2.1 Children of practising Catholic families who are involved in the life of the Parish to which the school belongs (the recommendation of an Ethnic Chaplain shall have the same consideration as that of a Parish Priest).

2.2.2 Siblings of students already enrolled in the school may be given priority for enrolment.

2.2.3 Children of Catholic families residing within the Parish to which the school belongs.

2.2.4 Children of Catholic families residing in other Parishes.

2.2.5 Children of Orthodox or other Christian families.

CAR PICK UP LINE

It is very important for safety that the following rules are adhered to:

• Please place your Family Name Sign on the passenger side visor of your vehicle to assist teachers managing students. IF you don't have one please contact the school office.
• Queue safely and legally until your car reaches the footpath at the front of the pick -up zone. We anticipate that 5-6 cars will fit safely and legally into the designated area.
• If your child is not ready and waiting to enter your car, you will be required to leave the pick up zone and drive around the block and re-join the queue.
• Parents and carers must remain in the driver’s seat. Do not get out to put bags into the boot of the car.
• Students must enter cars with teacher supervision. They cannot go to cars by themselves.
• When leaving the zone, parents need to use their indicator and look for cars before pulling out into traffic.
• Please be respectful of other drivers and staff if you use this service.

HALL GAMES- CALLING FOR DONATIONS

If you have any games or toys suitable for children 5-12 years old that are in excellent condition and you no longer have a use for them we would happily accept your donation to add to our Hall games collection.

SWIMMING CARNIVAL

On Wednesday, 20 February we held our annual Swimming Carnival at Unanderra Pool. We had a wonderful morning at the pool with fantastic student participation.

Congratulations to the 2019 swimming champion recipients:

Junior Boy: Cameron Browne Junior Girl: Georgia Ferri

Senior Boy: Henry Jones Senior Girl: Madi Merrick

The overall winning house for 2019 was Red House.

Thank you to all the parents who assisted on the day with event starting, marshalling, timekeeping, results running and lifesaving (Sorry you had to dive in Mr Duggan). We are very grateful for your assistance as we would not be able to offer such wonderful sporting events without the assistance of volunteers from our school community.

A squad of students will now be chosen based on our carnival results to participate at the South Coast Swimming Carnival on 7 March 2019 at Corrimal Pool.

MACKILLOP BASKETBALL

Good luck to Harper Davidson who will be participating in the MacKillop Basketball Trials next Friday 1st March 2019 at Beaton Park.

Good luck Harper!

PARENT VOLUNTEER INDUCTION

Thank you to the parents and grandparents who attended this week's Parent Volunteer Induction. If you were unable to attend and would like to help in a volunteer capacity throughout the year please collect a pack from the office to complete the required paperwork.

REC NEWS

Sacraments 2019

Enrolments for the Sacramental Program for 2019 must be finalised as soon as possible. If you have not enrolled your child for Reconciliation, Holy Communion or Confirmation, please see Cathy Zamroz at the Lumen Christi Pastoral Region Office, 36 Harbour Street, Wollongong for enrolment forms or email cathy.zamroz@lumenchristi.org.au

Please note the dates and times for the Reconciliation Program (Year 3) beginning in week 6

Parent Meeting/Workshop 1    - 5/3/19 (Tuesday)

Parent Meeting/Workshop 2   - 12/3/19 (Tuesday)

Workshop 3 (Parent and child)    - 19/3/19 (Tuesday)

Workshop 4 (Parent and child)   - 26/3/19 (Tuesday)

Retreat Day/Reception of Sacrament   - 29/3/19 (Friday)

What is Lent?

The season of Lent is a Catholic liturgical season consisting of forty days of fasting, prayer, and penance, beginning at Ash Wednesday and concluding at sundown on Holy Thursday. The official liturgical color for theseason of Lent is violet. Lent begins this year, Wednesday 6 March.

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday 28 February 2019	Parish Mass 9.30am	Year 4
Friday 1 March 2019	Catholic Schools’ Week Guided Learning Walks, Prayer and BYO picnic 12noon - 2pm	Whole School
Tuesday 5 March 2019	Diocesan Launch Project Compassion 9.30am - 12.30pm	Year 6
Wednesday 6 March 2019	Parish Mass Ash Wednesday	Years 3 - 6
Thursday 14 March 2019	Parish Mass	Year 3

DIOCESAN SCHOOL FEE MANAGEMENT POLICY

It is advisable that all parent/carers have knowledge of the Diocesan School Fee Management Policy, available on the school’s website.  A Frequently Asked Questions document is also provided to assist families with interpretation.

INVOICING & DISTRIBUTION OF SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS

Annual school fee Statements for this year were  sent home with your eldest child on 31 January 2019.    If you have not received this correspondence please contact the school office to request a replacement.  Accounts are due in in full by 28 February 2019, unless you have either a School Fee Agreement OR Fee Concession arrangement in place. 

SCHOOL FEE AGREEMENTS

Families who wish to take advantage of the flexibility of paying their school fees over the school year, rather than pay within 30 days, must have in place a current School Fee Agreement to advise their preferred method of school fee payment, amount and frequency.  For your convenience, this Agreement has been included with your statement. Agreements are also accessible from the school’s administration office and their webpage. 

Please note:  If you have an existing School Fee Agreement you are required to provide an amended version as soon as possible to update your details.  In the case that you are paying by Direct Debit or Centrepay, you may also need to provide an amended authority which will be lodged by the school on your behalf.

• The School Fee Agreement should be returned to the school office as soon as possible with any applicable payment authorities.
• Families who do not return agreements will be subject to full payment within 30 days.
  • Methods of payment offered include: BPay, EFTPOS, Cash, Credit Card, Centrepay & Direct Debit with the preferred method being BPay Payments – Please refer to the School Fee Agreement for further information regarding each type of payment.
  • Frequencies offered include: Weekly, fortnightly, monthly or intervals that suit the family budget
  • To determine your payment amount, an online ‘School Fee Calculator’ is available on the school’s website.

IF YOU HAVE AN EXISTING OR WISH TO APPLY FOR FEE CONCESSION

If your family requires consideration for Fee Concession due to financial hardship, it is necessary to submit an Application for Fee Concession, providing evidence of your financial situation and have an interview with the Principal.  This process will be undertaken by the school annually.  Parent/Carers should be assured that these situations will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, respect and empathy.

Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you require explanation or assistance in relation to school fee matters.

Thank you to those families who have returned their school permission notes. Please ensure they are all completed, signed and returned to the Office as soon as possible. A copy of each note is available to download from the newsletter site. These notes are all essential and compulsory for all children in each family.

General Permission

A general permission note covers students for local walking excursions, such as our School Cross Country and other school activities within the local community. This note is valid for 2019 and you will not be required to return a signed permission note for each local activity.

Consent Form for Use of Student's Image and/or Work

Photographs are taken and used for the school newsletter, website, social media platforms and in a variety of school and Diocesan publications. This form is a Diocesan form and covers your children for 2019, along with their work which may be used in a digital setting. It must be completed for each child in your family. Please ensure all names of your children are listed if you have more than one child in your family.

Medical Assistance

In case of an emergency, these forms are required to be completed so we can attend to any medical requirements that are needed at the time.

Afternoon Pick up Arrangements

To ensure your children are picked up according to your request, we require an indication of how they are going home each afternoon. This form can be amended in the Office at any time if your circumstances change.

Sunsmart Sunscreen Form

The Sunsmart Suncreen Permission note is an annual note allowing teachers to administer sunscreen to your children. With the weather being so hot and the sun very stong, we require this permission note to be completed. If you do not give premission and would prefer your child to use a different sunscreen other than the Cancer Council Sunscreen provided, please note this on the permission note and provide the type of suncreen you would prefer them to use.

Verification of Details Form

Please take time to read through the details we have on our records system. If there are any changes required, please make these on the form provided and return to school for updating.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

If you child suffers from Asthma, Anaphylaxis or an Allergy it is ESSENTIAL THAT WE HAVE THE RELEVANT PLAN, SIGNED PAPERWORK FROM THE DOCTOR AND MEDICATION so we may treat your child correctly and in accordance with their medical needs.

Please arrange for this to be completed as soon as possible and forwarded to the Office along with current, in date medication. All medication is to be kept in the Office and will be administered as required and in accordance with the medical plan unless prior arrangements have been made with the Principal.

Thank you for your assistance.

QKR! The online ordering system for the school Canteen and P&F Events.

Don’t forget to download the Qkr! App onto your phone so you can order recess, lunch and special food day opportunities for your children online. The P & F Association also use the Qkr! App for their online ordering system for events. Click on the Qkr! logo to download from the app store.

The following PDF will provide you with instructions on how to set up Qkr! on your phone.

Compass is coming to St Brigid's in term 2. 

What is Compass?

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

The parent portal allows you as parents to:

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

There is the option of logging onto the online portal or by downloading the app onto your phone. Compass will be our new communication tool and will eventually replace Skoolbag and any other online forms of communication.

In prepartion for the new system, you can click on either of the below links to either bookmark the online parent portal or download the Compass app. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LOGIN OR ACCESS ANYTHING ON THESE YET. Closer to the time we will issues parents with their unique login deatils.

WE WILL NOT BE GOING LIVE UNTIL TERM 2 AND EACH FAMILY WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THEIR LOGIN DETAILS PRIOR TO OUR LAUNCH DATE.

Click on the followong link to access the St Brigid's Compass Portal Page and bookmark.

COMPASS PARENT PORTAL LINK

Click on the following app to access the app store to download the Compass app for your phone.

Happy Birthday to the following students.

We hope you had a great birthday!

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

Week 3 - Term 1

CLASS	JUSTICE AWARD	STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Kindergarten	Rafael	Sachi
Year 1	Ava	Isabella
Year 2	Eliza	Willow
Year 3	Tayah	Andy
Year 4	Niya	Quentin
Year 5G	Alexandra	Max
Year 5W	Erin	Leki
Year 6	Breanna	Jonah

Week 4 - Term 1

CLASS	LEARNING AWARD	STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Kindergarten	Olivia	Millie
Year 1	Zara	Rhiley
Year 2	Daniel	Nahla
Year 3	Tully	Cameron
Year 4	Paige	Ben
Year 5G	Leila	Daniel
Year 5W	Jasper	Harrison
Year 6	Kyra	Jahzara

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

Week 3

CLASS	STUDENT
Year 3	Luke

Week 4

CLASS	STUDENT
Year 4	Niya
Year 4	Dalton

The Canteen is now open with our new menu. Please remember to download Qkr! to enable you to order from the special weekday menus and also for when we hold special food days.

This year the Canteen is open on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

CANTEEN ROSTER FOR THE NEXT FORNIGHT

Dont forget, if you are placing an order for Sushi, Lasagne & Cottage pie and Pizza, it must be ordered 2 WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE.

Please click on the link to access the 2019 canteen menu.

ST BRIGID'S CANTEEN MENU FEB 2019.pdf

Thank you for your support.