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(Matthew 5)
This Sunday, the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, we revisit the Gospel reading Matthew 5: 38-48. In this reading, we are once again reminded by Jesus to love our neighbour. He further challenges us not only to love those who are like us or with whom we are friendly and comfortable but also those who might be our ‘enemy’. This challenge to demonstrate truly Christian love recurs in the many stories of Jesus as he taught and lived among his followers.
With meekness and humility of heart, by following the values of Jesus so clearly lived out in the gospels, we too can sincerely strive to help others; even those who might challenge our own personal beliefs or chosen lifestyle.
As Lent begins, it is timely perhaps to reflect on these words of Jesus:
… love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; ... for your Father in heaven causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike.
Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning
OUR GOAL
To provide a variety of outdoor and indoor equipment and activities so that the students can engage in brain breaks which will assist their motor, sensory, social and cognitive development. By allowing physical movement / brain breaks during learning time students will:
- Cross the mid-line of their body which helps both sides of the brain engage.
- Increase circulation to improve concentration
- Improve gross motor skills including hand and foot coordination
- Build strength, wellness and stamina
- Develop social skills
- Engage in risk taking, creative thinking through imaginative play and team work
- Develop greater self-confidence and oral language
The more students are active throughout the day, the more focused they will be in the learning environment.
WHAT ARE BRAIN BREAKS?
For students to learn at their highest potential, their brains need to send signals efficiently from the sensory receptors (what they hear, see, touch, read, imagine, and experience) to memory storage regions of the brain. The most detrimental disruptions to traffic along these information pathways are stress and overload.
Brain breaks are planned learning activity shifts that mobilise different networks of the brain. These shifts allow those regions that are blocked by stress or high-intensity work to revitalise. Brain breaks, by switching activity to different brain networks, allow the resting pathways to restore their calm focus and foster optimal mood, attention, and memory.
A brain break is a short 2-3 minute break from formal instructional teaching in the classroom. It may incorporate body movements such as bouncing, climbing, dance, stretching, strength and coordination. Brain breaks may be used to help alert students; wake them up from sluggish behaviour or lack of concentration. Brain breaks may also be used to calm students down when necessary; relax them from over-excitement.
You are invited to attend our combined Catholic Schools Week celebration and Welcome event on Monday 2 March 2020. See the details below. Food and milkshakes must be preordered and paid for on Qkr! by Sunday 23 February 2020 5:00pm.
| 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 | Official Launch of Solar | Unveiling of plaque and blessing |
| 5.30pm | Family picnic in playground | Pizza van, P&F BBQ, gelato, milkshakes, icee van, coffee van |
WELCOME TO NEW FAMILIES
This week we welcomed two new students and their families to St Brigid's, Macy Greenfield (Year 1) and Hkum Seng Dumhpau (Kindergarten). We also welcomed back Nahla and Leo Oliveri. May you find St Brigid's a place of welcome and hospitality.
PARENT AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION FOR 2020
The first P&F meeting of the year was held last Tuesday night. I am very pleased to welcome the parents who have been newly elected into the executive positions for 2020. Their commitment to St Brigid’s and their generosity of spirit will help continue to build a vibrant community where the well being of all is nurtured and encouraged.
Congratulations to:
- David Macdonald – President
- Anthony Petre- Vice President
- Sonia Spaseki - Treasurer
We are still seeking a Secretary for this year. If you are interested, please contact the school office or David Macdonald davidmac26@gmail.com
On Monday 24 February 2020, we welcome Mrs Benoit back to school following her recent wedding and honeymoon. We wish you much happiness and look forward to catching up with you.
KEEP US INFORMED
We love to hear of news from our families. Have you welcomed a new child, have you achieved something in a sporting or musical endeavour outside of school? Our community is richer when we celebrate such achievements. Please let your teacher know, or email the School Office with any news you would like to share.
MISTAKES ARE OK
LEARNING LABS
Just a reminder that Learning Labs applications close next Thursday! This April school holidays, the Learning Labs program will be delivered at the University of Wollongong from 14 – 17 April 2020.
Learning Labs is an academic and creative arts enrichment holiday program targeting students from Year 1 to 6 during 2020, who are passionate, self-motivated and curious learners. Please see the schedule below:
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR TERM 1
| 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 |
The 2020 School Swimming Carnival will be held on Monday 24 February at Western Suburbs Swimming Pool, Underra.
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. 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.
Students should wear their sports uniform and please ensure your child has the following items, labelled with their name: swimming costume, towel, hat, sunscreen, morning tea and drinks.
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
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.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday begins our forty day season of Lent that leads to Easter. On Ash Wednesday, we come together like the people of the Old Testament to remind ourselves that we don’t always follow God’s ways and need to ask God for His Mercy and forgiveness.
The tradition of marking the forehead with ash can be traced back to the ancient Jewish action of dusting oneself with ash as a sign of repentance and mourning for wrongful actions. It was a public declaration of the acknowledgement of the wrong and the commitment to turn one’s life around and try not to make the same mistake again. It still remains a public declaration that during the period of Lent those who wear the cross of ash are going to attempt to turn around their lives and re-focus themselves more fully on God.
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
Letter from Bishop Mascord
Please see the attached letter from our Bishop, Brian Mascord regarding Palms Australia Volunteer Recruitment.
Reach Beyond: Become Simply Rich.…
All trades and professions are being requested by communities abroad seeking to build the capacity of their organisations and the skills of their people. They’re not asking for money or gifts that contribute to degrading dependence. Your assistance will help to develop self-reliance and sustainable solutions to poverty. Palms Australia will provide you with thorough preparation and support. You will be rewarded with riches greater than you might imagine.
Look at www.palms.org.au and talk to Roger on O422472567, or email palms@palms.org.au
SAVE THE DATE
|
Sunday 23 February |
Seventh Week of Ordinary Time |
Love Your Enemies |
| Wednesday 26 February |
Ash Wednesday Mass 10:00 am |
Whole School - Led by 6W |
| Sunday 1 March | First week of Lent |
Temptation |
| Monday 2 March | Catholic Schools Week Celebration |
Whole School Liturgy at 2.30pm |
| Thursday 5 March | Parish Mass 9:30 am |
Year 2 |
REMINDER - BEGINNING OF YEAR NOTES AND INFORMATION
We still have some outstanding forms that were sent home as paper forms - Medical Information 2020 forms (blue form) and the Consent Form For Use of Student's Image and/or Work (white form). Please return these to the school office by the 28 February 2020.
Also a reminder for the following:
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 3 - Term 1
| CLASS | JUSTICE AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kindergarten | Orlando S | Aria J |
| Year 1 | David M | Kip M |
| Year 2 | Sarah M | Isabella S |
| Year 3 | Nohan M | Rocco G |
| Year 4 | Vincent H | Iva O |
| Year 5 | Edwina J | Dalton Y |
| Year 6G | Ava S | Caelan S |
| Year 6W | Alina L | Max D |
Week 4 - Term 1
| CLASS | LEARNING AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kindergarten | Amelia D | Flynn D |
| Year 1 | Allaria D | Millie A |
| Year 2 | Zara H | Bethany M |
| Year 3 | Emerson E | Lachlan E |
| Year 4 | Georgia F | Cameron B |
| Year 5 | Charlotte W | Lila J |
| Year 6G | Ayla JT | Ilija G |
| Year 6W | Atticus C | Zara B |
CONGRATULATIONS to the STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL for SEMESTER 1 2020
Congratulations to the students who have received their Assistant Principal's Award. Well done!
| CLASS | ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AWARD |
| Year 1 | Hunter M |
HAVE YOUR ORDERED YOUR DINNER FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK?
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.
UPCOMING CANTEEN ROSTER
| WEEK 5 TERM 1 | |
| 24 February 2020 | CLOSED - Swimming Carnival |
| 26 February 2020 | Alex I and Col S |
| WEEK 6 TERM 1 | |
| 2 March 2020 | Maria I |
| 4 March 2020 | Karen B and Kate B |
| WEEK 7 TERM 1 | |
| 9 March 2020 | Ainsley E |
| 11 March | Daniel St A |
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
Happy Birthday to the following students.
We hope you have a great birthday!
| Kindergarten | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 6W |
| Angelina R | Sachi B | Joshua S | Rafael M | Tayah A | Thomas W |
| Ruby G | Fab M | Alessia S | |||
| Emily V | |||||
| Raen G |
St Brigid’s Gwynneville
Mass Times
| Saturday | 5:30pm Vigil |
| Sunday | 9:00am |
| Thursday | 9:30am |
For the most current Mass times and Parish information, please visit the Parish website
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.
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
RISING FROM THE ASHES - SHOALHAVEN BUSHFIRE RECOVERY OUTDOOR FAMILY EVENT
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Ulladulla Civic Centre Grounds (81 Princes Hwy, Ulladulla)
Everyone is invited to come along as neighbours, as families, and as a community. There will be lots of music, entertainment, food, arts and crafts, market stalls, as well as rides and activities for the children. There will also be a healing and renewal blessing between 1:00pm – 1:30pm.
Pet-friendly—bring a chair/rug and spend the afternoon with us!
For more information, contact Vivienne Benson-Hodge on 0407 264 665 or visit dow.sh/RisingAshes
Strengthening Relationships
Enrolments 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.
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