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Stewardship - We 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.
This term, we have been especially mindful of another of our school values: Stewardship. It is particularly important to take note, this week, of the whole world focus on this very concept. At the recent New York meeting of the United Nations, focusing on Climate Change, important statements, negotiations and discussions have been had by world leaders on the vital attention required right now for the future welfare and health of our planet.
Pope Francis has written and published an encyclical called Laudato Si (2015). He addresses his thoughts to all citizens of the world and comments on the deteriorating relationship between people and nature. So many of his teachings in this encyclical support our growing awareness as Christians of our role as stewards of this great gift of God’s creation to us - Earth and all it contains. Here at St Brigid’s, we have included the notion of stewardship as one of the school values that underpin all that we do and guide us as we learn each day.
Pope Francis reminds us: A true ecological approach (that is, one where we look to care for and improve the health and sustainability of our planet) always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
At St Brigid’s, we hope that as our students listen to the ‘cry of the earth’ they also hear ‘the cry of the poor’. Our Church asks us, through its teachings around social justice, to keep thoughts of those who are in need of our compassion and ability to help at the forefront of our efforts, as we care for the environment and consider the future of the Earth.
Let us pray:
As stewards of the Earth, may we grow to be protectors of creation; protectors of God’s plan, inscribed in nature; protectors of one another and of the environment.
Amen.
Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning
What a huge success our 2019 school Fete was. It is a mammoth effort for our community to stage such an event but the result was outstanding. With only a few minor outstanding bills still to be paid we should make a profit of approximately $14500.
Firstly, thank you to all the families and visitors for attending and supporting the Fete. Your generosity in buying raffle and ride tickets, donating books, gifts and baking scrumptious delicacies was very much appreciated. Everyone contributed to a hugely successful day.
I would like to say a big thank you to the Fete Committee for their outstanding job in coordinating the Fete this year on behalf of the Parents and Friends Association. Everything ran so smoothly which can only happen with great organisation, months of planning and lots of creativity. The lovely fine sunny weather ensured that everyone enjoyed the Devonshire tea room, chocolate wheel, scrumptious food stalls, book and balloon stall, entertainment and the many fun activities.
Each stall looked fabulous and I thank each stallholder for taking on these roles and for your dedicated work. Thank you to Mrs Sommerville for organising and showcasing the talents of many students in the school on stage. Thank you to all of our sponsors who generously donated in some form or other for the Fete.
Thank you to our local high school communities for your support. It was marvellous to see the St Mary's College band perform and the Edmund Rice College students who helped run side show alley.
I asked the fete committee to prepare a list of volunteer names for me so I could acknowledge everyone's contribution. To my surprise, but absolute delight, there was a list of 93 names!!!!!! So.... I have attached a link to thank all these wonderful volunteers of our school.
The following award is presented for the most frequent Library borrower in each class. This reward is awarded at the end of each term.
- Kindergarten – David M
- Year 1 – Nathaneal J
- Year 2 – Christopher M
- Year 3 – Ash A & Tayah A
- Year 4 – Charlotte W
- Year 5G – Robbie L
- Year 5W – Mia A
- Year 6 – Lucas R
| Year 5 Winners | Year 5 Highly Commended |
| Leki | Mia A |
| Piper | Atticus |
| Alya | Leila |
| Year 6 Winners | Year 6 Highly Commended |
| Annie T | Ruby J |
| Lucas R | Breanna K |
| Harper D | Jazhara M |
As part of the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong Assistant Principal Performance and Development Plan Process, an Appraisal occurs for each Assistant Principal every four years of his or her contract. This provides system and community accountability that is aligned with the School and Improvement process, focusing on the Assistant Principal’s leadership achievements and strengths, as well as identifing areas for growth and development and future directions.
The Appraisal will be occurring for Ms Nichole Harris, over the coming weeks and parents are invited to participate via a short survey. Please click or type this link to access the survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HarrisParent2019
Surveys need to be completed before Friday, 25 October 2019. If you are unable to access the electronic tool, hard copies of the survey will be available from the school’s front office.
| Year 2 | Willow M |
| Year 5 | Mia A |
This year we will celebrate the gift of our Grandparents, Godparents and Good friends with a liturgy, morning tea and open classrooms on Monday 28 October 2019 from 10.30am.
We hope that you will be able to join us for this special celebration.
Thank you to Mrs Arthur-Worsop, Ms Sparks and our Year 6 students for leading a very beautiful and meaningful liturgy for the blessing and opening of our Acknowledgement Wall on Tuesday. It was fabulous having Uncle Kevin Butler, the artist, present for this special occasion.
| 14 October 2019 | Back to School | Summer uniform |
| 16 October 2019 | AFL sporting Schools | Week 1-5 |
| 17 October 2019 | Kinder 2020 Playgroup 1 | 9.00am or 2.00pm |
| 25 October 2019 | Kinder 2020 Playgroup 2 | 9.00am or 2.00pm |
| 28 October 2019 | G'day liturgy | from 10.30am |
| 29 October 2019 | Kinder 2020 Playgroup 3 | 9.00am or 2.00pm |
| 6 November 2019 | Kinder 2020 Playgroup 4 | 9.00am or 2.00pm |
| 18 November 2019 | Year 5 Excursion | All day |
| 19 November 2019 | Year 1 Excursion | All day |
| 22 November 2019 | Talent Expo and Open Classrooms | 11.20am - 12.50pm |
| 29 November 2019 | Year 6 day of the Notables | TBC |
| 10 December 2019 | Year 6 Graduation | From 5.30pm |
| 17 December 2019 | Thanksgiving Mass, final assembly, Christmas Carols and Ringing of Bell | From 9.30am |
WORLD MISSION MONTH
This year, students across Australia are encouraged to not only learn about Ghana and the work of the church there, but to do something extraordinary for mission through their fundraising, advocacy and prayers.
Thankfully, the Nazareth House for God's Children in the Diocese of Yendi in Ghana is a haven where children of all ages are loved and cared for unconditionally. Sister Stan Therese Mumuni, the Home's founder and director, has dedicated the last ten years to running the home, which currently cares for 78 children, providing them with safety, nutritious meals, healthcare and education.
Next term, we will launch World Mission Month with a liturgy on Friday 19 October 2019. This will be followed by a fundraiser, to raise awareness, advocate for those who don't have the courage to speak out, raise money and have some fun.
And so we pray
Loving God,
We pray for the children who are cared for at the Nazareth Home for God’s Children, and for Sister Stan and all the staff who work there.
We ask that you bless them with your grace, love, mercy and compassion.
Please continue to guide the staff in their mission, outreach and solidarity with the children and communities they serve. Amen
SEASON OF CREATION
We care for God's creation and we pray for God's creation- St Francis of Assisi Feast Day 4 October
How fitting that we celebrate the feast of St Francis of Assisi on the last day of the Season of Creation as he is the Patron Saint of animals and the environment. He is remembered for his love for animals and nature. St Francis, who founded the Catholic Church’s Franciscan order, lived in Italy during the late 12th and 13th Centuries. He is remembered for his generosity to the poor and his willingness to minister to the lepers. St Francis died at Portiuncula, Italy on October 4, 1226.
SAVE THE DATE
| Thursday 17/10 | Parish Mass 9:30 am | Year 5W |
| Friday 18/10 | World Mission Month Launch 2:20 pm | Whole School |
| Thursday 24/10 | Parish Mass 9:30 am | Year 5G |
| Monday 28/10 | G'Day Liturgy | Whole School |
| Thursday 31/10 | Parish Mass 9:30 am | Year 3 |
Congratulations to the students who have received their Assistant Principal's Award. Well done!
| CLASS | STUDENT |
| Year 1 | Isobel F |
| Year 2 | Willow M |
| Year 5 | Atticus C |
| Year 5 | Calista M |
| Year 5 | Emily S |
| Year 6 | Jonah M |
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards during the last fortnight.
Week 9 - Term 3
| CLASS | FAITH AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kindergarten | Oliver G | Louis C |
| Year 1 | Nathaneal J | Tayla R |
| Year 2 | Rio M | Rocco G |
| Year 3 | Sam A | Oliver E |
| Year 4 | Edwina J | Quentin M |
| Year 5G | Sebastian S | Thomas W |
| Year 5W | Max H | Emily S |
| Year 6 | Jonah M | Jazhara M |
Week 10 - Term 3
| CLASS | JUSTICE AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kindergarten | Lachlan C | Millie A |
| Year 1 | Simon C | Theo D |
| Year 2 | Amelia E | Zachariah C |
| Year 3 | Flynn S | Evie B |
| Year 4 | Ariel L | Ben C |
| Year 5G | Daniel D | Piper L |
| Year 5W | Tilly B | Ilija G |
| Year 6 | Sally F | Annie T |
Year 5 and Year 6 were given the opportunity during the term to select a public speaking topic of interest to them and put together a convincing speech. The students have been busy researching, drafting, writing and rehearsing their speeches.
During Week 9 all students presented their topics in their own class. Three students from each Year 5 class and three students from Year 6 were then selected to advance to the finals at school on Monday of Week 10.
The student's speeches were well-delivered in front of an audience consisting of Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 students and their teachers. Our adjudicators, Ms Uroda and Mrs Smith (a former Principal and Senior Consultant from Sydney Catholic Schools) both found it a very difficult task to decide on the eventual winners. The speeches given by all finalists had great content and were presented confidently. Both judges commented on the high standard of speeches as our students spoke with passion about their topic, supporting their points of view with relevant examples backed up by current statistics and appropriate quotes. Great persuasive techniques were utilised by all boys and girls.
CONGRATULATIONS to our winners:
Year 5: Sienna Flores
Year 6: Henry Jones
Sienna and Henry will now go on to represent St Brigid’s in the Regional Public Speaking Competition in Week 2 of next term. I would also like to acknowledge the wonderful effort from our other finalists: Emily, Piper, Leki, Hudson and Atticus from Year 5 and from Year 6 Harper and Madi. You all prepared and presented your speeches very well. Congratulations!
Ms Sparks
BASKETBALL GALA DAYS
FETE THANK YOU
Special thanks to Claude Spinelli from Pro Sound and Lighting for creating a wonderful atmosphere and to Laura Matheson for her fabulous MC work . Thank you to our generous sponsors once again.
It’s hard to keep track of all the wonderful donations and help, so if we missed you, please let us know so we can acknowledge them on the school Facebook page.
The Fete Committee would like to thank Ms Uroda for assisting with the fete preparations as well as her wonderful team at the office for their unwavering patience and assistance.
| WEEK 1 TERM 4 | |
| 14 October 2019 | Closed |
| 16 October 2019 | Karen Birch and Bec Subotic |
| 17 October 2019 | Alex Iabushita |
| WEEK 2 TERM 4 | |
| 21 October 2019 | Julie Phillipson |
| 23 October 2019 | Daniel St Archangel |
| 24 October 2019 | Frances Riva |
| WEEK 3 TERM 4 | |
| 28 October 2019 | Jim Armstrong and Gabrielle Micallef |
| 30 October 2019 | Elle Specogna and Naomi Gleeson |
| 31 October 2019 | Marie Linnehan and Lauren Woodcock |
WANT TO BECOME 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
The P & F Fete Committee would like to thank all our generous sponsors for contributing to a wonderful community event.
CAN YOU VOLUNTEER AN HOUR OR TWO?
If you can volunteer for an hour or two for any upcoming events, please add your name to our Google document below.
- 29 September 2019 - Illawarra Hawks pre-season game 3.00pm tip off
- 3 October 2019 - Jimmy Barnes Concert
- 6 October 2019 - Illawarra Hawks v Brisbane 3.00pm tip off
- 14 October 2019 - Illawarra Hawks v Cairns 7.30pm tip off
- 21 October 2019 - Illawarra Hawks v Adelaide 36ers 7.30pm tip off
Happy Birthday to the following students.
We hope you have a great birthday!
| Kindergarten | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| David M | Ali S | Rio M | Mia G | Dara | Mondre G | Jazhara M |
| Charlie E | Sophie J | Alya J | Zane M | |||
| Ella C | Ben C | Max H | Ruby J | |||
| Rafael S | Sebastian | |||||
| Hugh S | Emily S | |||||
| Leila P |
St Brigid’s Gwynneville
| Saturday | 5.30pm Vigil |
| Sunday | 9.00am |
| Thursday | 9.30am |
CATHOLIC ANSWERS SPEAKER
Catholic Answers Speaker Karlo Broussard comes to Wollongong Sunday 13th October 2019 (Parousia Media)
Topic: "My Truth, Your Truth" Tackling relativism and the damage it has done to the modern world.
5:00pm Mass at St Francis Xavier Cathedral 38 Harbour Street Wollongong.
6:00pm Xavier Centre - light supper provided. For more information go to DoW webpage. https://dow.sh/karlo2019
6:30 p.m. Talk: "My Truth, Your Truth"
7:30 p.m. Q & A
8 p.m. Close
RSVP: All welcome – for catering purposes – please RSVP to Helen Bennett 4222 2403 or helen.bennett@dow.org.au
For the most current Mass times and Parish information, please visit the Parish website
MINNAMURRA RAINFOREST SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM
FLARE FOOTBALL SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLINICS
