Filter Content
As we return to our daily routines, work and school, we cannot help but reflect on the events of the summer weeks, centred on relentless bushfire and drought, that have impacted on so many of us. This Earth, created and given by God to us to love, enjoy and nurture is so clearly in need of our care to ensure that it is restored and continues to provide for us, thriving as it was meant to.
Our hearts and prayers have responded to the real suffering and loss of people, their loved ones, homes and communities, and so many of our beautiful animals and plants.
We have been exposed to distressing and visible events for many weeks now. We are reminded so graphically of the responsibility that sits with each one of us, to not only respond to the needs that are so real and urgent, but also to the need for change in our lives to ensure a sustainable future for this wonderful world of ours; to bring hope for a future that is filled with the joys and blessings of God’s gift to us.
Without our awareness, hope for our planet, our immediate environment, and for all those who have been directly affected by fire and drought cannot exist. Hope requires our strength of character and action; informed decision-making for the good of the planet; and demonstrated love and compassion for those who are suffering. Without these, hope has no substance - and we need it so much at this time.
As we begin a new year, then, we might pray with hope in our hearts:
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one ...
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. (Pope Francis, ‘Laudato Si’)
Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning
WELCOME TO OUR NEW FAMILIES FOR 2020
Our beautiful Kindergarten class of 2020 has settled in magnificently to daily life at St Brigid’s. Thank you to the parents who have been so supportive of our teachers in preparing for this special time. The first day of school is always an exciting time and seeing the Kindergarten students begin their school days is indeed very rewarding for us all.
We extend a very warm welcome to the following 18 new families who have enrolled in St Brigid’s and commenced at the start of the 2020 school year: Black, Curcio, Dobson, Drury, Fiumara, Fyson, Hurrell, James, Jordeski, Kutzner, McPhail, Mortlock, Rajan, Randall, Sharon, Stojanovski, Thommen and Vimal.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
This year we have introduced a Student Representative Council (SRC) consisting of eight students from K-6 who were elected by their peers and teachers to represent their class. The SRC works as an advocate for the needs of the school community, and as a point of contact between the student body and the school. It addresses relevant issues and sets achievable goals which support the school. The SRC aims to:
- develop leadership skills
- provide opportunities for students to create and to implement
- give students a greater voice in the decision-making processes,
- empower students to contribute to a positive school culture and
- strengthen the school community through active participation.
The SRC will have a strong social justice focus, and most of the projects they will undertake share an underlying theme of helping others and promoting equality in the school and the wider community. The SRC meets three times a term with the Year 6 SRC Chair, Hudson S, and a member of the School Leadership Team.
It is with great pleasure that I announce the Semester One Student Representative Council for 2020:
| SRC Chairperson | Hudson S |
| Year 6W | Alina L |
| Year 6G | Devrim T |
| Year 5 | Edwina J |
| Year 4 | Grace D |
| Year 3 | Bailey C |
| Year 2 | Sarah M |
| Year 1 | Ruby G |
| Kindergarten | Semester 2 only |
CLIMBING FOR THE SUN PROJECT - SOLAR IS SWITCHED ON
During January, the much anticipated installation of a 42kW Solar Photo Voltaic System was completed and connected. We have now become the first primary school in the Illawarra to be virtually electricity independent. Thank you once again to Levi Gibson for his amazing effort in Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and of course the St Brigid's community for raising the remaining funds during the colour run. What a magnificent achievement for our small school leading the way in sustainability and making a difference to our planet.
Week 1 - In 10 days we generated 2, 059kW hours of solar energy, equating to $430.00 in savings.
You are invited to attend our combined Catholic Schools Week celebration and Welcome event on Monday 2 March 2020. See the details below. Food can be pre-ordered on QKR! next week.
| TIME | WHAT | DESCRIPTION |
| 4.00pm | Guided Tours of the School | For new families seeking enrolment in 2021 |
| 4.30pm | Open classrooms K-6 | Students share their learning with parents |
| 5.15pm | Liturgy in Hall/Church | Celebrating Catholic Schools week |
| 5.40pm | Family picnic in playground | Pizza van, P & F BBQ, gelato, milkshakes, icee van, coffee van |
Thank you to parents for filling in the reflection sheet this week. A reminder that the parent/teacher night will be held on TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2020 in your child's classroom. This is an opportunity for you to meet your child's teacher, browse the learning space and hear briefly about the term and year ahead.
| Session 1 | 5:15pm - 5:50pm | Kindergarten, Year 3 and Year 4 |
| Session 2 | 5:50pm - 6:25pm | Year 1, Year 2, Year 5, Year 6 |
Following the ‘meet and greet’ sessions, the P&F Annual General Meeting and Term 1 Meeting will be held in the Hall from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. You are very warmly invited to attend.
SCHOOL FEES FOR 2020
The Primary Tuition Fee for 2020 will be $1,678 per family (per annum) and the Parish School Enhancement & Debt Servicing Obligation (Parish SEDSO) will be $1,025 per family (per annum). The St Brigid's Resource Fee is $220 per student.
- For families who pay annually, payment in full is due on 28 February 2020.
- For families that have submitted a Request to Pay by Instalment or who previously had a School Fee Agreement in place, a schedule of the required payments and the due dates will be issued with school fee statements. The first instalment payment will be due on 28 February 2020. Parents may commence payments earlier if they wish, however, it is important that any existing regular payment is equal to the instalment amount provided on the schedule and that payment is made on or before the due dates on the schedule. Reference should be made to the Request to Pay by Instalments on the school’s website for conditions relating to payment in this manner.
- For families who have a Fee Concession in place, you will be contacted prior to your review date to complete annual documentation and arrange an interview with the Principal. If you have a current payment plan in place, and you are unable to increase your payments to meet your 2020 school fees, you may continue to make these payments until your next review date.
- Parents should be aware that our new accounting system will send automatic reminders for overdue payments.
The following documents are available on our St Brigid's website for the information of families:
- Diocesan School Fee Management Policy
- Diocesan Frequently Asked Questions
- Diocesan Request to Pay by Instalments
- Information regarding school Fees
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AT ST BRIGID'S
At St Brigid’s, our Bring Your Own Designated Device (BYODD) is the iPad. The iPad was introduced to support and transform a student’s learning opportunities and experiences. No other ICT device is permitted to be brought to school, worn or used by students, especially any item that has the capability for communication e.g. Smart watch and smart phone. If a fitbit is worn, it must be a simple type that cannot be connected to the WiFi or connected via Bluetooth to access data.
If students travel to and from school by themselves and require a phone for safety, it is recommended to purchase a phone that will only call and text and does not access data. If a parent deems it necessary for their child to bring a phone to school then it is an expectation that it is turned off and handed into the office upon arrival. It will be locked away until the conclusion of the school day.
The leadership team are currently updating policies that are due for review and these will be available on the school website over the coming weeks.
UNIFORM and SUN SMART POLICIES
Please ensure that you are familiar with and support the school to ensure that both these policies are implemented correctly. They can be found on the school website:
https://www.sbgdow.catholic.edu.au/parents/policies-procedures-forms/
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR TERM 1
| 11/2 | Parents Meet the Teacher | From 5:15pm |
| 11/2 | P&F AGM | 6:30pm - 8:00pm |
| 13/2 | Commencement Mass | 9:30am |
| 24/2 | Swimming Carnival | 8:45am |
| 25/2 | School Photos | All day |
| 26/2 | Ash Wednesday Mass | 10:00am |
| 2/3 | Welcome Event for CSW | From 4:00pm |
| 6/3 | Cathedral Car Parking | 6:00pm |
| 15/3 | Cathedral Car Parking | 3:30pm |
| 20/3 | Project Compassion Fundraiser | All day |
| 25/3 | PP meetings with parents | Appointment times |
| 3/4 | Pupil Free Day - staff retreat | All day |
| 9/4 | Cross Country Carnival | From 9:30am |
| 9/4 | School term ends | 3:10pm |
| 27/4 | School commences for Term 2 | All day |
2020 SAVE THE DATE
| 14 August | P&F Trivia Night from 7:00pm |
| 15 - 16 October | Year 5 and 6 excursion to Canberra |
| 10 December | End of year Christmas concert in the playground from 5:30pm |
| 15 December | Year 6 Graduation Mass/ luncheon/prize giving/ringing of bell from 11:30am |
SCHOOL PHOTO DAY
The 2020 School Photo Day is Tuesday 25 February 2020. Individual photo envelopes have been sent home. Please ensure the envelopes are returned ON THE DAY of the photos. Sibling photo envelopes are available from the school office.
Students will need to be at school on time to avoid missing out on having their photo taken. The photographers will need to keep to a tight schedule.
All students will be required to wear their full summer school uniform.
| Girls' Summer Uniform | Boys' Summer Uniform |
| Green check dress with red tie | White short sleeved collared shirt |
| Short white fold down socks | Grey stubbie shorts |
| Black leather shoes | Short grey fold down socks with school stripes |
| Green school hat | Black leather shoes |
| Green school jumper | Green school hat |
| Red or bottle green hair ties | Green school jumper |
| Optional bottle green culottes with white peter pan collared shirt |
- Students are required to wear their hair in a neat and tidy manner
- Jewellery should be kept to a minimum:
- Chains with religious symbols are to be worn under the uniform
- For girls - one pair small earrings (studs or sleepers) in the ear lobe - no multiple earrings are to be worn
The 2020 School Swimming Carnival will be held on Monday 24 February at Western Suburbs Pool, Unanderra. The carnival is for students in Years 3 - 6 and children in Year 2 who are turning 8 this year and who are competitive swimmers.
The carnival will begin at 8:45 am and conclude at approximately 12:00 pm. All children will be transported by bus to the pool, with the buses leaving at 8:20 am. The students need to be at school by 8:15 am. The buses are not able to wait for students who are late.
Please ensure your child has the following items, labelled with their name: swimming costume, towel, hat, sunscreen, morning tea and drinks.
Permission for Years 3 - 6 can be provided through Compass and permission for Year 2 students attending the carnival can be collected from the school office.
LEARNING LOGS
Learning Logs will continue to go home in Weeks 4 and 9. We ask that you take time to look through the books and affirm the work completed. A reflection will be part of the process and will be posted on Google Classroom (Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) and SeeSaw (Kinder, Year 1). Please ensure that your child completes the reflection and posts this (via Google Classroom / SeeSaw) to the teacher by Monday of Weeks 5 and Week 10.
Sacraments 2020
Enrolments for the Sacramental program for Reconciliation and Eucharist 2020 should have been finalised in December 2019. If you have not enrolled your child for Reconciliation and Holy Communion there is one final chance on Thursday 20 February, 6:00 pm at the Xavier Centre Wollongong. Please see Cathy Zamroz at the Lumen Christi Pastoral Region Office, 36 Harbour Street, Wollongong for information and enrolment forms or email cathy.zamroz@lumenchristi.org.au
Sacrament of Reconciliation Program (Year 3)
Week of 2/3/2020 – First Session
Week of 9/3/2020 – Second Session
Week of 16/3/2020 – Third Session
Week of 23/3/2020 – Second Rite of Reconciliation
National 'Apology Day' - 13 February 2020
On 13th February, we commemorate the Australian Parliament’s Apology to the Stolen Generations. This marks a day of great significance in the history of our nation. On the 13th February 2008, the Australian Federal Government made an apology to the Stolen Generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. It was a moment of solidarity and empathy that could be shared by everybody who heard it.
National Apology Day is a day to remember and pray for the children who were taken away from their families and homes. This apology was a step on the path to reconciliation. It is a commitment to right the wrongs of past injustices and is about building a bridge of respect between all people.
18 February - Charles Perkins' Freedom Rides (1965)
In 1965 students from the University of Sydney took action to draw attention to the racism that was rife in New South Wales country towns.
The Ride included a survey of Aboriginal living conditions, a direct challenge to a ban against Aboriginal ex-servicemen at the Walgett Returned Services League, and a demonstration against local laws barring Aboriginal children from the Moree and Kempsey swimming pools.
And so we pray….
Creator Spirit, God of the Dreaming, God of this ancient land, you see the good in all your people; we thank you for the gift of our many cultures. We come to you with our hearts open to your Spirit of peace and healing. We ask you to fill us with the love and understanding that can help us to accept the wrongs that have been done to our brothers and sisters. Help us to do all we can to be one in your love and peace. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus who is our hope of healing. Amen
SAVE THE DATE
| Sunday 9 February | Fifth week of Ordinary Time |
Light of the World  |
| Thursday 13 February | Parish Mass 9:30 am |
Whole School - Induction of School Leaders Led by 6G |
| Sunday 16 February | Sixth week of Ordinary Time |
I have come to fulfill the law  |
|
Thursday 20 February |
Parish Mass 9:30 am | Year 3 |
| Wednesday 26 February |
Ash Wednesday Mass 10:00 am |
Whole School Led by 6W |
| Monday 2 March | Catholic Schools Week Celebration |
Whole School Liturgy 5:15 pm |
BEGINNING OF YEAR NOTES AND INFORMATION
The information that we need to collect at the beginning of the school year is many and varied. For many of these notes we will be utilising Compass as a way of collecting permission. For notes that are required by a small portion of students the details are below.
STUDENT MEDICATIONS
As per the Catholic Education Office Administration of Medication in Schools Policy, any medication required by the students while they are at school must be kept in the school office. This medication must be accompanied by a Request for School to Administer Medication form.
The form is available at the link below and on the school website.
ASTHMA
If your child suffers from Asthma and requires medication at school, along with the form above, please provide the Asthma Notification form (attached below) and ensure the school office has a current Asthma Plan.
ANAPHYLAXIS
If your child suffers from allergies that could result in an anaphylactic reaction and requires medication at school, along with the form above, please provide the Anaphylaxis Action Plan (attached below).
ALLERGIES
If your child suffers from allergies that could result in a reaction and requires medication at school, along with the form above, please provide the Allergic Reaction Action Plan (attached below).
At the beginning of the new school year, we would like to remind parents to check and update any details for your children and yourself in the Compass portal.
School fee balances can be checked via the Parent Portal on Compass.
To do this on your phone:
- Open the Compass App
- Open the menu button in the top left hand corner (3 lines, also commonly refered to as the hamburger)
- DO NOT USE THE SCHOOL FEE OPTION IN THIS MENU
- Find and click 'Open in Browser'
- Click your name in the top right hand corner
- Click billing tab (fourth tab along)
To do this on your computer:
- Open the Compass Portal (httpss://sbgdow-nsw.compass.education/)
- Click your name in the top right hand corner
- Click billing tab (fourth tab along)
STUDENT UNEXPLAINED ABSENCES
A reminder to please logon to your parent portal and provide an explanation for any full day absences for your child/children. You do not need to provide partial absence explanations - this will be done from the school office when the students arrive or depart.
If you have any questions regarding any of this information please contact the school office.
STUDENT BANKING - Change of day
Please be advised that the student banking day has had to be changed. It will now be a Wednesday.
Please ensure all bank books are handed to the classroom teacher by Wednesday morning.
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards during the last fortnight.
Week 2 - Term 1
| CLASS | FAITH AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Year 1 | Hunter M | Hugh S |
| Year 2 | Molly S | Joshua S |
| Year 3 | Willow M | Reed B |
| Year 4 | Alexis S | Flynn S |
| Year 5 | Luca D | Dara A |
| Year 6G | Mondre G | Kip P |
| Year 6W | Leki D | Robbie L |
Happy Birthday to the following students.
We hope you have a great birthday!
| Kindergarten | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 6G | Year 6W |
| Flynn D | Arthur R | Zlata K | Sofia S | Alexis S | Devrim T | Atticus C |
| Hayde R | Christian J | Daniel M | Zach C | Sam A | Ava S | |
| Tom S | Florence M | Rosie S | Audrey G | Jasper R | ||
| Simon C | Sam S | |||||
| Andy P | ||||||
| Luke S | ||||||
| Mason M | ||||||
| Oliver E | ||||||
| Shay A |
NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT
SBG_P_F_Term_1_General_Meeting_DRAFT_Agenda_11_02_2020.pdf
CANTEEN NEWS
The canteen will be operating in 2020 on Monday and Wednesday beginning this Monday 10 February 2020. Orders can be placed via the QKR! app.
If you are new to QKR! and would like more information please contact the school office.
There is a new menu which can be accessed at the link below. It will also be available on the school website.
| WEEK 3 TERM 1 | |
| 10 February 2020 | Marie L and Kate S |
| 12 February 2020 | Elle S and Naomi G |
| WEEK 4 TERM 1 | |
| 17 February 2020 | Jim A and Gabrielle M |
| 19 February 2020 | Daniel S A |
| WEEK 5 TERM 1 | |
| 24 February 2020 | CLOSED - Swimming Carnival |
| 26 February 2020 | Alex I and Col S |
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
CAN YOU VOLUNTEER AN HOUR OR TWO?
Thank you to the following parents/grandparents/teachers who vounteered during December and January. We raised a total of $10,350 during this period.
Martin and Michael Chenery, Gary Humphrey, Lam Phung, Marg Ryan, Louise Richardson, Silvia and Dan Luchitti, Anna Meaker, Lana and Eve Anderson, Andrew Ferri, Kristina Boyton, Caterina Hides
If you can volunteer for an hour or two for any upcoming events, please add your name to our Google document below.
CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:
- 6 March - Super Rugby Waratahs v Waikato Chiefs from 6.00pm
- 15 March - NRL Dragons v Tigers
- 12 April - NRL Dragons v Warriers
St Brigid’s Gwynneville
Mass Times
| Saturday | 5:30pm Vigil |
| Sunday | 9:00am |
| Thursday | 9:30am |
Sacramental Enrolment Night
6:00 pm Thursday, 20 February, Xavier Centre (38 Harbour St, Wollongong)
For those who missed the previous enrolment night for Reconciliation and 1st Communion. Only children who are baptised Catholic and are in Year 3 or above are eligible to enrol. Please bring along a copy of your child’s Baptism certificate. The cost is $45.
Enrolments for Confirmation will be held in early April.
For the most current Mass times and Parish information, please visit the Parish website
NEED HELP WITH EDITING?
Tasman Editing is a team of enthusiastic professionals from a variety of business backgrounds who specialise in working with people from all walks of life and who wish to produce great work. We are skilled in a wide range of professional areas: advertising, business, education (organisations and students), journal and magazine articles, narrative, not-for-profit organisations … Our team members can spot those aspects of a document which need to be corrected. Each of us has an eye for detail. Each of our team members prides themselves in “striving for better” with each undertaking.
If you wish to present your best work, contact Tasman Editing for a collaborative approach to copyediting and proofreading. We will need a sample copy of your work, the type of work, word-count and an estimated timeline.
All enquiries will be attended to promptly: info@tasmanediting.com.au
CatholicCare Courses 2020
Strengthening Relationships
Enrolment's for CatholicCare's Term 1 Wollongong groups are now open. We offer a range of group work courses for adults, parents and carers, children and couples.
We offer courses to strengthen relationships, support children's development and build resilience within a supportive environment alongside others who share similar life experiences. All of our 2020 courses are listed on our website.
