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- Principal's Message
- News from the Principal's Desk
- From the Acting Assistant Principal's Desk
- From the Religious Education Coordinator's Desk
- PRINCIPAL'S AWARD
- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S AWARD
- Student Weekly Awards
- Happy Birthday!
- Sports News from Mrs Carey Barr
- News from the Office
- P&F News
- Parish Information
- Community News
- Improves - attention, mindfulness and cognitive function
- Reduces - anxiety, stress and depression.
Clear scientific evidence from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans shows that meditation builds grey and white matter in the brain and changes brain connectivity. These changes likely underpin many of the potential benefits. For example....
- Meditation strengthens prefrontal cortex
- Modulates connections to the amygdala (flight or fight response)
- Calms the stress response in everyday life
In addition, the research suggests practising Christian meditation at school creates a safe, respectful 'space' for nurturing children's spiritual growth.
The stillness and silence helps create a space where children are open to the presence of God. This helps strengthen chidlren's relationship with God and offers a sense of personal agency in spirituality which can renew faith.
In turn, the research shows christian mediation also helps children become more aware and accepting of themselves and others.
Following our retreat experience we will continue to learn more and introduce Christian meditation to the students and parents of St Brigid's.
This year’s celebrations are especially meaningful, as we not only welcome parents back on site, they also coincide with the nationwide celebration of 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia.
This year’s CSW theme, ‘Faith in the Future’ encourages us to reflect on the achievements of the past, to ensure Catholic schools continue to be vibrant communities of faith and to improve learning.
Order of Events
- 4:30pm Tours of St Brigid’s School for families seeking enrolment in 2022
- 5:00pm Guided learning walks and talks for all current families
- 5:30pm Welcome and prayer
- 5:40pm Family picnic in the school grounds
Regular school attendance will help your child to succeed in later life. Attending school every day makes learning easier for your child and helps children to build and maintain friendships with other children. If your child doesn’t learn the basic skills in the early years of school, they may develop learning problems in later years.
Question 2 - Must I send my child every day?
● go to a special religious ceremony;
● is required to attend to a serious and/or urgent family situation (e.g. a funeral); and
● is too sick to go to school or has an infectious illness.
● birthdays;
● shopping;
● minding other children;
● routine check-ups or care such as hair cuts;
● minor family events; and
● sleeping in.
Medical and other health appointments for your child should be made either before or after school or during the school holidays.
Queston 4 - Why is arriving at school on time important?
Arriving at school and class on time:
● ensures that your child doesn’t miss out on the important learning activities scheduled early in the day when they are most alert;
● helps your child to learn the importance of punctuality and routine; and
● gives your child time to greet their teacher and friends before class and therefore reduces the opportunity for classroom disruption.
Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained to the school the same way as other forms of absence.
HOLY SPIRIT COLLEGE ENROLMENTS FOR YEAR 5 AND YEAR 6
This year, Holy Spirit College will be accepting enrolments from Year 5 students for Year 7 2023. Limited places for Year 7 2022 are available. Please contact the Enrolments Officer Raelene Ware on 42866211.
Holy Spirit College is the Catholic feeder school for St Brigid's Please find attached important dates and information.
SOCIAL MEDIA WEBINARS FOR PARENTS AND CARERS
The Council of Catholic School Parents (NSW/ACT) has joined with the eSafety Commissioner to present two free webinars for parents and carers in late March 2021.
The webinars are:
- Helping kids thrive online (for parents/carers of 5-12 year olds)
- Tech, teens and time online (for parents/carers of 12-18 year olds).
Both are free but registration is required.
Provided are two flyers to use to promote these webinars in your parent/carer community via the school newsletter and any school social media platforms.
For newsletters - link to the pdf version so that the relevant hyperlinks remain active. For social media - use the jpg version as the graphic/visual and include the relevant links in the text of the post so that people can link to the registration page.
The relevant link for both webinars is https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/webinar.
This google form can be found on the St Brigid’s website, as a link in the Brigid Bulletin and by clicking the link in the COMPASS news-feed.
Students and staff who have undergone testing but HAVE NOT been directed to self-isolate can return to school when: they have received a negative test result AND are not displaying symptoms of illness.
Please complete it any day or time of the week, including weekends. The information will automatically come to Ms Uroda and Mrs Sammut.
| 22/3 | CSW Event | 4:30pm |
| 26/3 | Pupil Free Day - Staff retreat | All day |
| 1/4 | Cross Country Carnival | From 9:30am |
| 1/4 | School term ends | 3:10pm |
| 19/4 | Pupil Free day | All day |
| 20/4 | School commences for Term 2 | All day |
TRASH FREE TUESDAY Week 7 AND Week 8 Winners
We have had another successful Trash Free Tuesday with a new winner. Our SRC members counted the number of 'trash free' lunchboxes in each class and our SRC Chairperson Natalia calculated the percentage for each class. Here is a report from our SRC Chair person Natalia:
'Good afternoon teachers and students. keep up your efforts of making sure your lunch is trash free to help your class win next Tuesday.
Last weeks winners were Year 4
This week:
Kindergarten = 30%
Year 1 = 54%
Year 2 = 76%
Year 3 = 71%
Year 4 = 78%
Year 5 = 39%
Year 6 = 71%
So this means that Year 4 are the winners again, CONGRATULATIONS!
Thank you to all the families who are supporting this wonderful initiative to reduce plastic waste and therefore care for our common home.
St Brigid's Peace Lily happily living in the beautiful customised Year 5 pot
NAPLAN 2021 Important Information
The NAPLAN 2021 assessment will be completed by Year 3 and Year 5 in an online format on Tuesday 11 May- 13 May 2021. All students will partcipate in the Coordinated NAPLAN Practice Test next Thursday 25 March. The purpose of this is to check the technical capacity to complete the test. Year 3 will sit a 45 minute test of both literacy and numeracy questions and Year 5 will complete a 45 minute writing test and a 45 minute literacy and numeracy test. No results will be given. Could you please ensure the following:
- All Year 3 and Year 5 students have the NAP Locked Down Browser App downloaded from the app store and installed on their ipads. Year 5 students who have previously downloaded the app need to ensure that it has been updated.
- All students have a working set of headphones.
- All students bring a fully charged device to school on Thursday 25 March.
IMPORTANT: Please do not open the NAP app as this will lockdown your iPad for a period of time. We will go through the app and how it is used with the students at school.
How can you support you child with NAPLAN?
Teachers will provide opportunities for the students to practice NAPLAN style questions in the online format at school. If you would like to work with your child at home then you can access NAPLAN style questions using the public demonstration site by clicking on this link.
NAPLAN Public Demonstration Site
TIPS and TRICKS to support your child with Literacy
Literacy involves students listening to, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating oral, print, visual and digital texts, and using language for different purposes in a range of contexts. Each newsletter edition, I will aim to provide some handy tips and tricks to add to your toolkit so that you can best support your child's literacy and numeracy development. This week I will outline how you can support your child with SPELLING.
Spelling is a tool for writing. Reading, writing and spelling are interconnected. Readers and writers are constantly building up images of how words look. They take notice of words in the books they read and the words they see in their environment. Effective spellers are resourceful. When they notice that a word does not look right, they experiment and substitute other letters, find the word in a book, a magazine, the environment, the dictionary, use the spell checker, or ask someone.
Children who lack confidence with spelling or are fearful of getting a word wrong, often restrict their expression to words they know and can as a consequence, become reluctant writers.
It is desirable that children become independent spellers rather than rely on others to spell words they don’t know. The first step is to encourage them to identify words they think they have spelled incorrectly. When children want to write a word, encourage them to ‘have a go’ at spelling it and then look again to see if they think it is spelled correctly. Initially, focus on what they have right rather than what is wrong. Show them where they have made an error and see if they can correct the word by trying other letters; draw the shape of the word; ask where they saw the word last; or suggest they find the book where the word appears. Some tips to support your child with spelling are:
- Draw attention to words in the environment and in the books you read together, for example: ‘Look at those two words … they are almost identical except for the last letter’; ‘That word is really long’; ‘That word is French’; ‘That word has three syllables in it’; ‘Those two words rhyme’.
- Play games with spelling. Play games like Scrabble, crosswords, making words from number plates, letters in your names, words that can be spelled the same forward and backwards. Look for spelling apps that you can play together, for example, Boggle.
- Play word games like thinking of rhyming words, opposites, or words that sound like their meanings. The Internet has many fun and free spelling activities.
- Point out unusual words in the books you read together.
- Look for words in the environment.
- Show that you care about spelling. Ask: ‘Who knows how to spell …’ Say that you will write it down and take a look at it to see if it looks right.
- Children learn to spell by writing and noticing words when they read. Make reading and writing an integral part of your child’s day.
6 Essential Learning Questions
How many times have you asked your child, 'how was school today, what did you do/learn?' And the answer has been, 'oh nothing really'? Dr Lyn Sharratt, educational leader, author and researcher encourages parents to ask their children 6 essential learning questions that directly align with their child's learning. These questions are:
ST JOSEPH'S FEAST DAY and FUNDRAISING
Our fundraiser on Friday 19 March coincided with the Feast Day of St Joseph. Each class participated in a prayer celebration, with the focus on St Joseph, and students then enjoyed a scrumptious and healthy meal from Subway.
There are seven aspects of St Joseph’s fatherhood that Pope Francis considers: 1) A beloved father who made his life one of service to Jesus and Mary; 2) A father who showed tenderness to Jesus; 3) A father who obeyed God’s call to love and care for Jesus and Mary; 4) A father who welcomed Mary into his life and care; 5) A father who exercised creative courage in difficult circumstances; 6) A father who taught Jesus the value, dignity and joy of work; 7) A father who placed Jesus and Mary at the centre of his life, loving them selflessly and without possessiveness. These are all qualities we can practice in fulfillment of our responsibilities to others.
Fr Bernard, Parish Bulletin Dec 2020
Year 6 Parents and Carers,
Please be advised that the Confirmation Parent Meeting will take place on Wednesday 24th March or Thursday 25th March at 6:30 pm in St John Vianney Co-Cathedral.
VINNIES VAN FUNDRAISER
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Sunday 21 March 5th week of Lent  |
We live in the time when the past and the future are made present; we live in the ‘already-but-not-yet’ time of anticipation/fulfilment. This is a moment of great ambiguity, of fear and trepidation but of electric excitement. It is a moment of decision. We hover at the edge of dawn, weighing whether or not to step forward into the new day or to return to the darkness of night. This ‘hour’ brings a new covenant, a deep interior relationship with God that is not based on law but which overflows from a commitment of the heart. It brings an abundant harvest that springs from a simple grain of wheat. It brings a promise from God’s own Son that those who serve him will be honoured by God, and those who obey him will enjoy eternal life. Although the ‘hour’ brings all of these blessings, it only does so with a price. The new covenant could only be written on new hearts; the abundant harvest sprang from the dying grain of wheat; eternal salvation was won at the price of Christ’s blood. As challenging as the message of these readings may be, the last note is one of hope. It can overcome the demons that control us, because it is the power of the almighty God. © Dianne Bergant CSA |
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Sunday 28 March Palm Sunday  |
In this final Lenten Sunday, we see that we have been saved through the kenotic (partial renunciation of divine nature) humility of Jesus, not through military power. We have a saviour who was crushed for our iniquities, nailed to a cross as a convicted criminal, and there endured the sense of abandonment. However, this saviour was later lifted up and exalted precisely because he emptied himself of his divine prerogatives. Jesus became one of us in order to show us how we are to live. He was raised up because he himself was first willing to be put down. The passion recounts the extent to which he willingly offered himself. We have a saviour who first offered himself for us and then continues to offer himself to us as an example to follow. As he was willing to empty himself for our sake, so we are told to empty ourselves for the sake of others. The best way to enter Holy Week with him is in the company of those with whom he has identified himself: the poor and the broken; the humiliated and the marginalised; those who suffer the abuse of others; those who never use rank to force their will. If we are to be saved, we must go where salvation takes place: in our streets and in our homes where violence rages; in the dark corners of life where despair seems to hold sway; wherever the innocent are abused or the needy are neglected; wherever there is misunderstanding or fear or jealousy. We must go wherever Christ empties himself for us. © Dianne Bergant CSA |
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Considered an honour of the highest order, the Principal's Award celebrates outstanding achievement by a student in faith, learning and other contributions to school life. Congratulations to:
| CLASS | STUDENT |
| Year 3 | Ali S |
| Year 4 | Eve A |
Congratulations to the following students who have received an Assistant Principal's Award. Well done!
| CLASS | STUDENT |
| Year 4 | Eve A |
| Year 6 | Edwina J |
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards during the last fortnight.
Week 7 - Term 1
| CLASS |
JUSTICE AWARD |
LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kindergarten | Drew G | Oliver W |
| Year 1 | Aria J | Josiah M |
| Year 2 | Hunter M | Sachi B |
| Year 3 | Neave M | Theo D-B |
| Year 4 | Christopher M | Sofia S |
| Year 5 | Tayah A | Evie B |
| Year 6 | Charlotte W | Chris H |
Week 8 - Term 1
| CLASS | LEARNING AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kindergraten | Gisele M | Aurora M |
| Year 1 | Rita-Rose F | Jude C |
| Year 2 | Alice M | Tom S |
| Year 3 | Daniel M | Bethany M |
| Year 4 | Amelia E-B | Hugo S |
| Year 5 | Xavier C | Andy P |
| Year 6 | Dalton Y | Natalia R-T |
Happy Birthday to the following students.
We hope you have a great birthday!
| Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 |
| Neave M | Philippa L | Malachy H |
| Briella I | Cameron B | |
| Sarah M |
The carnival will run from 9:00am – 12:00noon for all tabloid and sprint events. Please note that all 200m and 800m events will be run from 8:00am this year and it is the responsibility of parents to have students who have nominated to participate in these events at the carnival ready to go at 8:00am. This is due to the fact we only have the use of Beaton Park until 12noon.
COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENTS NEWSLETTER
SCHOOL FEE PAYMENTS
If you have not completed a Request to Pay School Fees by Instalments Form all School Fees were due IN FULL by 28 February 2021.
If you have completed a Request to Pay School Fees by Instalments Form in 2020 and you are continuing with these arrangements in 2021 you will NOT need to complete another form. Your instalment frequency and amount can be found on the last page of your school fee statements.
If you have been granted a Fee Concession arrangement due to financial hardship in 2020 and wish to apply again, you will need to complete another Application for Fee Concession for 2021 otherwise your School Fees were also due by 28 February 2021.
Please contact the school office to request an Application for Fee Concession Form if you require a Fee Concession for 2021. This will need to be returned to the office with the requested documentation and then an appointment can be made with the Principal to confidentially discuss your current situation.
All forms and information can be found on the St Brigid's website at
https://www.sbgdow.catholic.edu.au/parents/school-fees-information/
If you have any questions regarding school fees please contact the school office.
SCHOOL CARDIGAN ORDERS
Many parents have ordered a school cardigan and we are eagerly awaiting the delivery. We have been given a delivery date of 22 April 2021. As soon as they arrive at school we will give them to the children.
EASTER CHOCOLATE FUNDRAISER
CATHEDRAL CAR PARKING - CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS
This is a great way to contribute to our best fundraising opportunity. This year we are working towards adding to our play equipment and hopefully purchasing a geoclimber. We also need to replace some flexible furniture items for the classroom.
Can you assist at the next 4 events?
|
DATE |
EVENT |
VOLUNTEER TIME |
|
26 March 2021 |
Dragons v Sea Eagles |
5:00pm – 6:00pm |
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15 April 2021 |
Delta Goodrem |
6:00pm – 7:00pm |
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20 April 2021 |
Wiggles |
9:00am – 10:00am |
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20 April 2021 |
Wiggles |
11:00am – 12:00pm |
If you can assist at car parking at any of the above events, please click on the link below to add your name.
SAVE THE DATE
|
DATE |
EVENT |
|
28 March 2021 |
Easter BYO Picnic in Wiseman Park 10:30am |
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7 May 2021 |
Mother’s Day BBQ Breakfast in Wiseman’s Park |
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7 May 2021 |
Mother’s Day Stall - Orders will be taken on Qkr! |
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8 May 2021 |
Bunnings BBQ |
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28 May 2021 |
P&F Kids Disco – Fraternity Club |
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6 August 2021 |
Cocktail Dinner Party - Venue TBC |
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3 Sept 2021 |
Father’s Day BBQ breakfast in Wiseman’s Park |
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3 Sept 2021 |
Father’s Day stall |
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6 Nov 2021 |
Working Bee and BBQ Lunch 10:30am – 12:00 |
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2 Dec 2021 |
Christmas Concert and family picnic |
St Brigid’s Gwynneville
ST BRIGID'S CHURCH MASS TIMES
| Saturday | 5:30pm Vigil |
| Sunday | 9:00am |
| Thursday | 9:30am |
GWYNNEVILLE CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE
PARISH BULLETIN
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION INFORMATION
PARISH WEBSITE
NEED HELP WITH EDITING?
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All enquiries will be attended to promptly: info@tasmanediting.com.au
Please note that enrolment applications for Year 7 2023 close on Thursday 1 April 2021. Families that would like to submit an application for Year 7 2022 are advised to do so as soon as possible, as there are a limited number of vacancies for next year.
Please contact the College on 4285 2877 if you have any queries regarding the enrolment process.
COMPLETE TENNIS EASTER HOLIDAY CLINIC
ILLAWARRA NETFIT CLINIC
WOLLONGONG MUSTANGS SKILLS CLINICS
Festival of Democracy at Parliament of NSW
The Parliament of NSW is holding a free, fun educational event, the Festival of Democracy, for children up to 12 years and their families on 16 April 2021. From 9 am – 3 pm, visitors, families and friends are all welcome to come in and experience democracy through a range of family-friendly activities such as democracy hopscotch, craft, mystery object guessing competition, and more.
If you have any questions about this program, please contact us on 9230 2047.
