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- Principal's Message
- From the Principal's Desk
- IN THE LOCAL NEWS THIS WEEK
- A message from Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong for Catholic Schools Week 2020
- From the Assistant Principal's Desk
- From the Religious Education Coordinator's Desk
- Assistant Principal's Award
- Leader of the Week
- News from the Office
- Happy Birthday!
- P&F News
- Parish Information
- Cathedral Car Parking
- Community News
Catholic Schools Week 2020 - Embracing our future together
Over the past week we have proudly presented St Brigid’s to the wider community as one of the Catholic schools of the Wollongong Diocese. It has been wonderful to welcome visitors, prospective families and our current amazing community members into our school for the celebration and sharing of what we do.
As teachers in our Wollongong Catholic system of schools, we are constantly reminded and conscious of the work that we do, with the wellbeing and future of our students at the centre of it all. Pope Francis often refers to the work of the Catholic school, particularly emphasising the notion of educating the whole person: “You have to teach not just about a subject, but also life’s values and habits … it is these that create harmony in the world.”
This week, we have had the opportunity to showcase our Climbing for the Sun Solar Project, resulting in the installation of the very successful 42kW Solar Photovoltaic System, inspired by the efforts and environmental leadership of Levi Gibson. We are confident that our students can only benefit from the knowledge and understandings they now have, of the importance of caring for our world, by ensuring the use of renewable resources wherever possible. Again, as Pope Francis has stated, “The Earth is our environment to protect and the garden to tend to.”
Proudly, St Brigid’s continues into the coming months of this school year, confident in the well-rounded and diverse education that is provided for our students. During this Catholic Schools Week, we have had reason to demonstrate how mindful we are of the individual needs and educational requirements of each of our students, while drawing pride from their successes and unique talents. We remain supremely confident that the future is in good hands!
The theme for 2020 is ‘Embracing our future together’. Not only does this theme cause us to give thanks for the wonderful learning and teaching that takes place each day, but it so beautifully links to our Catholic value of stewardship and the care of our common home.
The Climbing for the Sun Project, which we were all a part of last year, enables us to authentically live the theme of Catholic Schools Week for 2020. The sun is the source of life and warmth, seasons and food. In recent decades, however, the reality of global warming has made us realise that our behaviours can alter the impact of the sun on our planet. We rejoice that this amazing solar project gives us the ability to reduce our carbon footprint as a Catholic school community, showing greater awareness and care for God’s creation that has been entrusted to us as co-creators and calls us to ‘embrace our future together’.
The “event” started thirty years ago when Ian Kiernan AO, an avid sailor, became determined to take action against the pollution and rubbish he continually encountered in the oceans.
Kiernan’s initiative developed into a community event with the support of a committee of friends, including co-founder Kim McKay AO.
Australia creates 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. This is yet another way we can raise awareness about the impacts of litter on our environment and local area.
Thank you to Mr Dent (Jude's grandad) for his expert hedging work!
PRINCIPAL AWARD
Congratulations to Kip P in Year 6 on achieving the first Principal Award for 2020. This is an outstanding effort. Keep striving to become a great leader of faith, justice and learning.
SAVE THE DATE - LOUD SHIRT DAY AND HOT CROSS BUNS
Some of our wonderful Year 6 leaders are planning this event to help raise awareness about the work of Caritas Australia on FRIDAY 20 MARCH 2020. All proceeds will go to the annual Project Compassion appeal. Orders for hot cross buns for recess will be on Qkr! next week. All students are encouraged to wear a 'loud shirt' and donate a gold coin.
| 6/3 | Cathedral Car Parking | 6:00pm |
| 15/3 | Cathedral Car Parking | 3:30pm |
| 20/3 | Project Compassion loud shirt day | 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 |
'OFF THE GRID'
The local media has certainly been interested in our little Catholic School and its enormous achievement in becoming solar-powered. You can view the various stories from WIN 6:00pm local news and the Illawarra Mercury by clicking on the links below. Congratulations to everyone in our community for this wonderful achievement. Thank you to the many businesses and families for your generosity and support.
Dear students, families and school communities,
Thank you for your school's participation in Catholic Schools Week from 1-7 March. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and showcase many of the fantastic things happening in your school every day, and in all our Catholic schools across the Diocese of Wollongong.
We thank you for working together in partnership with us to help make your school community such a vibrant, nurturing place of learning, faith, belonging and hope.
If you or a family member or friend would like to enrol your child in one of our schools, please download an enrolment package here.
Have a look at our Catholic Schools Week video below, celebrating what our students across the Diocese love about their Catholic school. Can you spot the students from your school?
ROAD SAFETY
It has come to our atttention that there have been multiple road safety breaches over the last two weeks. We ask that all parents:
- cross at the designated crossing points (not between cars in car pick up line),
- ensure children leave parked cars in drop off zone on the kerb side,
- ensure children walk alongside parents when near roads; and
- use the local traffic lights when crossing at the end of Gipps Road.
- obey speed limits near schools of 40km/h
We appreciate your support to ensure all St Brigid's students are safe near roads.
ST BRIGID’S SWIMMING CARNIVAL
On the Monday 24 February, St Brigid’s held its annual swimming carnival. We had a blue sky, great weather and very enthusiastic students ready to cheer on their house and teammates.
All students displayed school spirit and were supportive of each other…with a competitive edge!
A big thank you to the parents who generously gave their time (some whose children weren’t even swimming!) to ensure our carnival went smoothly.
Congratulations to the following students:
- Male Junior Champion – Cameron B
- Female Junior Champion – Georgia F
- Male Senior Champion – Oscar M-J
- Female Senior Champion – Keira B
The war cries from all Houses were excellent and well prepared by the Year 6 leaders. The winning House was Evans (Blue), followed by MacKillop (Red) and Samaritan (Gold).
A great day was had by all.
SOUTH COAST SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Congratulations to the St Brigid’s Team who represented our school at the South Coast Swimming Carnival on Thursday. They did themselves and our school very proud with their efforts.
Thank you to all the swimmers and parents who braved the (very) wet weather to participate on the day. A BIG thank you to the parents that helped at the carnival in many different ways – we could not have had such a successful day without you.
Congratulations to Cameron B who was named Male Junior Age Champion.
A big cheer also to Keira B and Georgia F, who along with Cameron B will compete in the Diocesan Selection Trials next Monday. We wish them well.
DIOCESAN SPORT
Congratulations to Leki and Luca D-B who participated in the MacKillop Basketball trials last Friday. We are very proud of your achievements.
Good luck to Cameron B, Ryan F and Luca S who are participating in the Diocesan Football (Soccer) trials today.
LENT
Attached to this bulletin is an appendix from Bishop Brian Mascord, regarding the Lenten Observances and Penance.
Please take some time to read through the information. “Parents are to ensure that even those who, by reason of their age, are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence from meat, are taught the true meaning of penance”.
During the season of Lent, we are asked to pray, fast, and give alms. What does this mean for us?
Prayer — for example, Mass attendance; family prayer; a visit to a church or chapel; reading the Bible; making the Stations of the Cross; praying the Rosary.
Self-denial — for example, not eating meat; not eating sweets or dessert; giving up entertainment to spend time with the family; limiting food and drink so as to give to the poor of one’s own country (eg, Project Compassion).
Helping others — for example, special attention to someone who is poor, physically or mentally ill, elderly, lonely, bereaved, depressed, addicted or overburdened.
SACRAMENTS 2020
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
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - ALTAR SERVERS
If your child is in Year 4, 5 or 6 and is interested in training to become an altar server, please contact Mrs Arthur-Worsop or Ms Uroda by Friday 13 March 2020.
PROJECT COMPASSION FUND RAISER - 20 MARCH 2020
More information to come ... stay tuned!
SAVE THE DATE
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Sunday 8 March  |
Second week of Lent |
The Transfiguration When something is transfigured, it simply means it has changed. Through living perfectly the will of his Father, Jesus' body took on the full glory of God. We too are called to follow Jesus and live God's will for us. |
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Thursday 12 March |
Parish Mass 9:30 am |
Year 6W attending |
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Sunday 15 March  |
Third week of Lent |
The Living Water Jesus used the symbol of water to explain how important he was: when we drink ordinary water, we are soon thirsty again. But Jesus gives us eternal life. |
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Tuesday 17 March  |
St Patrick's Feast Day |
|
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Thursday 19 March  |
St Joseph's Feast Day Parish Mass 9:30 am |
Year 1 attending |
Congratulations to the students who have received their Assistant Principal's Award. Well done!
| CLASS | ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AWARD |
| Year 6G | Kip P |
| Year 3 | Lachlan E |
| Year 3 | Emerson E |
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards during the last fortnight.
Week 5 - Term 1
| CLASS | VALUES AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kindergarten | Vita K | Finn D |
| Year 1 | Lachlan C | Macy G |
| Year 2 | Neave M | Tayla R |
| Year 3 | Eve A | Anthony S |
| Year 4 | Audrey G | Malachy H |
| Year 5 | Ariel L | Paige H |
| Year 6G | Tilly B | Max H |
| Year 6W | Justin D | Keira B |
Week 6 - Term 1
| CLASS | FAITH AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kindergarten | Sparsha V | Mia M |
| Year 1 | Ireland C | Rafael S |
| Year 2 | Simon C | Florence M |
| Year 3 | Eliza P | Zach C |
| Year 4 | Tully D | Luke S |
| Year 5 | Thomas S | Addison W |
| Year 6G | Devrim T | Sienna F |
| Year 6W | Sebastian S | Arabella I-S |
STUDENT RESPONSIBLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT
The students will today bring home a Student Responsible Use of Technology Agreement that needs to be read and signed by the students and a parent or carer.
This form then needs to be returned to the class teacher by Wednesday 11 March.
The form is availble below and on the St Brigid's School website https://www.sbgdow.catholic.edu.au/learning/technologies/
LATE ARRIVALS
Please be reminded that if your child arrives at school after 8:50 am and their class has left the assembly area, they must enter through the school office to be signed in.
Scholastic Book Club - Issue 2
Book Club brochures have been sent out.
LOWES SALE - 12 March
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).
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.
Happy Birthday to the following students.
We hope you have a great birthday!
| Year 2 | Year 4 |
| Isabella S | Ash A |
CANTEEN MENU
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 7 TERM 1 | |
| 9 March 2020 | Ainsley E |
| 11 March 2020 | Daniel St A |
| WEEK 8 TERM 1 | |
| 16 March 2020 | Julie P |
| 18 March 2020 | Alex I and Col S |
| WEEK 9 TERM 1 | |
| 23 March 2020 | Gabrielle M |
| 25 March 2020 | Karen B |
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
St Brigid’s Gwynneville
PARISH AGM
Last Tuesday evening, the Lumen Christi Pastoral Region held the Annual General Meeting. In the document below you will find some very good information about the life of the Pastoral Region.
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:
- 15 March - NRL Dragons v Tigers
- 12 April - NRL Dragons v Warriers
NEED HELP WITH EDITING?
Tasman Editingis 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, contactTasman Editingfor 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
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.
Keiraville and Gwynneville Access and Movement Study - join the conversation
Keiraville and Gwynneville will experience significant growth in the coming decades as a result of the expansion of the education and health precinct. Council has worked with Neighbourhood Forum 5, the University of Wollongong, Transport for NSW and community members to study the existing and future access and transport issues in the area.
The Study outlines strategies to improve the transport system, reduce impacts on surrounding suburbs, promote the use of sustainable travel modes and ensure that the transport network can accommodate future development.
You can provide feedback onlinehttps://our.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/keiraville-gwynneville-access-and-movement2or via email toengagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au
All comments from the community will be considered, in finalising the set of actions to address access and movement issues.
Feedback is due by 7 April 2020.
Collegians Junior Rugby League 2020 Season Registration!
Collies are looking for female players to play Under 10 League Tag. We need a few more players to get the team up & running. Players can turn 8 this year to be eligible to play Under 10 League Tag.
If any person is interested they can contact (m) 0431 527 752 or (email) briano54@tpg.com.au
Regards,
Brian O’Rourke,
Secretary Collegians JRLFC
0431 527 752
