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In the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis pointed out, "school is not a substitute for parents but is complementary to them.” Therefore, he continued, in school education, collaboration between the various components of the educational community must never be lacking. Without frequent communication and without mutual trust, a community is not built and without a community it is not possible to educate.”
Research clearly demonstrates the significant influence parents have over their child’s engagement with learning and educational achievements. Analysis of this research has identified clear, measurable benefits for students when their parents are actively engaged in their learning. These studies show that the student is more likely to develop positive self-esteem, be motivated to learn, be confident about school and achieve to the best of their ability.
The good news for many working families is that current research suggests that it is what parents do at home that really counts. Being supportive of what teachers are doing, taking an active interest in what your child is learning at school and helping them relate this to the world beyond school can make a big difference
We value the parents of St Brigid’s. We thank you and encourage you to continue to:
- hold high expectations for your child;
- show interest in the things they are interested in;
- value learning and model the behaviours of successful learners;
- give specific, rather than general, praise; and
- establish routines that promote health, well-being and regular study.
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
We were so lucky to have a bright and sunny day for our carnival. Congratulations to MacKillop house who were victorious this year. Thank you to Mrs Carey Barr for her leadership of the carnival and for all the behind the scenes planning and preparation. Thank you to Mrs Regan who assisted with organisational details and to the staff and parent volunteers who helped at each field event, running race or tabloid game. Successful events like this take the generosity of many.
ATTENDANCE - IT MATTERS
From Term 3 2021, in accordance with CEDoW guidelines, attendance conversations will be had and letters will be sent out twice per term in Weeks 5 and 10 to parents/carer, in regards to unexplained absences or absences that are exceeding reasonable attendance expectations and legislation. Strategies will be adopted in accordance with the CEDoW Attendance Policy where attendance is unsatisfactory.
In analysing the attendance data for each class at St Brigid's there is definite room for improvement. We all need to work together to ensure students are not missing out on valuable learning time through late arrival, early dismissal and unjustified absences.
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENT
Parents are responsible for the regular attendance of students at school. Apart from legal obligations under the Education Act (1990) the welfare of the student must be the focus.
The Education Act 1990 – Part 5 Attendance of Children at School contains the following provisions:
2.1. Section 21B of the Education Act, 1990 requires students between the ages of six and seventeen to be enrolled at a government or registered non-government school and to attend school whenever instruction is provided.
2.2. All students who are enrolled at school regardless of their age are expected to attend whenever instruction is provided.
2.3. Compulsory schooling is the duty of parents.
2.4. Section 23 of the Act states it is an offence if a parent fails to send their child to school.
2.5. Section 24 of the Act requires Principals to maintain an attendance register (roll) in an approved form. The attendance register must be available to authorised officers at all times.
2.6. Section 25 of the Act requires Certificates of Exemption to be processed for students not attending school for extended periods of time.
WHY IS ARRIVING AT SCHOOL ON TIME IMPORTANT?
1.Ensures that your child doesn’t miss out on the important learning activities scheduled early in the day when they are most alert;
2. Helps your child to learn the importance of punctuality and routine; and
3. 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. The bell rings at 8:50am to start the school day and all rolls are marked no later than 9:00am.
Thank you to all parents/carers of St Brigid's for your ongoing support in this matter and in ensuring the regular attendance and well-being of your child.
SAVE THE DATE - P&F COCKTAIL DINNER
GYMNASTICS PROGRAM TERM 3
During Term 3, the students from Kinder to Year 6 will participate in a specialised gymnastics program for 8 weeks of the school term. This eight-week program, taught by the external provider, Tri skills will deliver a comprehensive gymnastics program to our students.
Their programs are aimed at supporting and improving physical, cognitive, social and emotional development in a safe environment. Tri Skills is currently affiliated with the New South Wales Gymnastic Association and their coaches are accredited and register with both the State and National bodies. Tri Skills have also met all the requirements of Gymnastics NSW Quality Assured School Providers Program and are an accredited provider.
The trained teachers offer a variety of activities using specialist gymnastic equipment such as balancing beams, bars, tramps, vaulting boxes and hand held equipment. Each lesson begins with a warm up and concludes with a cool down.
CATHEDRAL CAR PARKING
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.
Can you assist at the upcoming events?
|
DATE |
EVENT |
VOLUNTEER TIME |
|
31 July 2021 |
NRL Dragons v Rabbits |
1:30pm - 3:00pm |
|
13 August 2021 |
NRL Dragons v Panthers |
5:00pm - 6:00pm |
|
28 August 2021 |
NRL Dragons v Cowboys |
2:00pm - 3:00pm |
If you can assist with car parking at any of the above events, please click on the link below to add your name.
.... to Martin, Lam, Lucy and Zita who volunteered at the last two events. We raised a further $1220.
| EVENT | DATE | TIME |
| Term 3 Commences | Monday 12 July 2021 | All day |
| Year 5 and 6 Hyde Park Excursion | Wednesday 14 July 2021 | All day |
| Talent Quest | Friday 16 July 2021 | 11:30am - 2:50pm |
| Soccer Gala Day | Friday 23 July 2021 | All day |
| Life Education Van Lessons | Friday 23-28 July 2021 | All day |
| Whole School Mass | Monday 26 July 2021 | TBC |
| Gymnastics Program Commences | Friday 30 July 2021 | All day |
| Diocesan Athletics Carnival | Tuesday 3 August 2021 | All day |
| Year 4 Religious Literacy Assessment | Monday 16 August 2021 | All day |
| Book Week morning tea and parade | Monday 23 August 2021 | 10:50am - 12:00pm |
| Term 3 P&F Meeting | Tuesday 31 August 2021 | 6:30pm-8:00pm |
| Father's Day breakfast and liturgy | Thursday 2 September 202 | 7:30am - 8:50am |
| Year 5&6 Camp | Mon/Tues 6-7 September | Overnight |
| Basketball Gala Day - Juniors | Thursday 9 September | All day |
| Basketball Gala Day - Seniors | Friday 10 September 2021 | All day |
| Last day of Term 3 | Friday 17 September 2021 | All day |
TRASH FREE TUESDAY WEEK 9 WINNERS
Natalia reporting from the SRC News desk. Here are the results for Week 9:
Kindergarten - 82%
Year 1 - 71%
Year 2 - 87%
Year 3 - 73%
Year 4 - 57%
Year 5 - 40%
Year 6 - 63%
Congratulations Year 2, you are the Trash Free Tuesday Winners for Week 9. Enjoy the St Brigid's Peace Lily.
Next term we will tally up all the classes who had won the most TRASH FREE TUESDAYS and then announce the TERM 2 WASTE WARRIORS. This class will be rewarded with extra play and a taste tester of all the fresh produce in our school garden.
HEALTHY HAROLD VISITS ST BRIGID'S
On 23 July 2021 the Life Education Van along with Healthy Harold will be visting our school to teach students about healthy and safe choices. The programs offered are engaging and educational and include the following topics:
Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2
- how to build friendships and care for others
- safe and unsafe sitauations and the warning signs
- benefits of physical activity and what our body needs to be healthy
- explore how positive relationships benefit health and wellbeing
Year 3 and Year 4
- responsible and respectful behaviour when using communication technology
- strategies to deal with bullying and cyberbullying
- explore the role of bystanders
- strategies for managing stressful situations
- medicine as drugs and the consequence of the misuse of them
Year 5 and Year 6
- understand how to respect others and ourselves
- strategies to respond to unsafe or disrespectful situations online and offline
- myths and facts surrounding the use of legal and illegal drugs
- physical, social & legal consequences of drug use
Students can purchase merchandise from the Healthy Harold shop by visiting their website or by filling in the attached form and sending the correct money to school before 23 July.
TALENT SHOW - POSTPONED TO 16 JULY 2021
Talent Show Details
- There will be two audience sessions where 2 parents/carers per student entered in the Talent Show are invited to watch the Talent Show.
- Parents of Year 2 and Year 3 entrants are invited to watch the show at 11:30am on Friday 16 JULY. Kindergarten, Year 2 and Year 3 students will watch the show at this time too.
- Parents of Year 4, 5 and 6 entrants are invited to watch the show at 1:30pm on Friday 16 JULY. Year 1, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 students will watch the show at this time too.
- Parents are required to sign in using the QR code provided at the hall entrance
- Please retain your tickets for your session. Any unused tickets need to be returned to school to be redistributed
AUTHOR VISIT AT ST BRIGID'S
Yesterday we welcomed author and Eden's mum, Mrs Nicole Subotic to share her journey as an author of her wonderful book, 'Raising Fletcher' with Stage 3 students and their teachers. Mrs Subotic brought in artefacts that inspired her to write her story about her son Fletcher and shared her struggles and successes as an author and the process it took to write a novel over 13 years. The students were thrilled to read excerpts from Mrs Subotic's Writer's Notebook. Here is a comment from our school captain, Edwina:
"Yesterday we had an author, Nicole Subotic come to St Brigid’s to talk to Years 5 and 6. She gave a little inspirational talk about her book; 'Raising Fletcher the boy with the golden smile'. She showed us pictures, her guided writing journal and told us how she was inspired to write the book. She answered many questions and we even got some photos with her. We greatly appreciated it and can't wait to see her again! We hope that it inspired you to write your own story."
STUDENTS AS AUTHORS: USING OUR WRITER'S NOTEBOOKS
Some of our Stage 3 students shared a particular entry that they were proud of from their Writer's Notebook with me. It was inspiring to see the students excited about their writing, knowing the purpose of their writing and having an audience for their writing. I also shared a story I had started writing with them and they gave me excellent ideas for the next chapter. We certainly have some budding authors here at St Brigid's.
As you are aware the recent COVID outbreak is rapidly changing on a daily basis. COVID Restrictions are also changing at a rapid rate.
The message from Cathy Zamroz (Lumen Christi Parish Office) is, that in light of these health alerts and restrictions and keeping your health and that of your families in mind, we have decided to postpone the First Communion Parent Meetings next week.
This also means that there will be changes in dates for the First Communion Programme for 2021.
The First Communion Programme dates that have emailed to you will no longer go ahead.
The First Communion programme will be pushed back to commence in October. The new dates will be emailed to you.
FAITH IN ACTION
Following recent conversations with Vinnies, there seems to be an increased need for warm garments this winter, in particular beanies, scarves and blankets.
The Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong has been challenged to knit or crochet these garments, and because my skills in this area are ‘primitive’, I am extending the challenge to any of you that may be able to help me out. All you need to do is knit or crochet a beanie, scarf or blanket OR donate new woolly items and send it in to St Brigid’s. We will make sure that it is passed on to the organisers of the Vinnies Van to be given to those most in need.
All donations need to be in by Term 3 Week 3 Friday 30 July 2021.
VINNIES VAN FUNDRAISER
Again, St Brigid’s demonstrated its compassion and service to those in need through the generous donations of toiletry items, for the Vinnies Van. Kelly is always so grateful that our school community values the work that is done by the volunteers on the Vinnies Van, and contributes to the items that are very much needed on a daily basis.
The photo only shows a small sample of the items that were donated by our caring community.
The NAIDOC 2021 theme – Heal Country! – calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction.
Country that is more than a place and inherent to our identity.
Country that we speak about like a person, sustaining our lives in every aspect - spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and culturally.
NAIDOC 2021 invites the nation to embrace First Nations’ cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia's national heritage and equally respect the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders as they do the cultures and values of all Australians.
For generations we have been calling for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of our culture and heritage.
We are still waiting for those robust protections.
This year’s theme also seeks substantive institutional, structural, and collaborative reform – something generations of our Elders and communities have been advocating, marching and fighting for.
Healing Country means finally resolving many of the outstanding injustices which impact on the lives of our people.
It is about hearing and actioning the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples which are the culmination of generations of consultation and discussions among our nations on a range of issues and grievances.
After 250 years, our children and our future generations deserve better.
We cannot afford to let pass the very real opportunity that now presents itself for reform based on a fundamental change in the relationship Australia has with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Heal Country, heal our nation.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.
REFLECTIONS
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Sunday 27 June Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time  |
God's graciousness toward us should prompt us to be generous toward others. What we receive as life-enhancing gifts, we must share with those in need, those to whom life has not been kind. As we have been favoured by the healing touch of God, so we must extend that same loving touch to others. The love of Christ impels us to be openhanded as we approach those in need. Following Jesus' lead, we must not only give to them, we must also allow them to take from us. At times this will require that we share material resources; at other times it might mean that our energy will be drained in our service of them. In all of this, Jesus has set the example for us to follow. © Dianne Bergant CSA |
|
Sunday 4 July Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time  |
True believers recognise and admit their human frailty. They also know that genuine weakness does not impede the saving action of God. In fact, God seems to prefer to act where pride and self-satisfaction do not prevail, for such attitudes are obstacles to personal transformation. However, when we open ourselves in humility and honest piety, the power of God can flood our minds and our hearts and shine forth from us to all around. When this happens, there will be no doubt in any mind as to the origin of this wondrous reality. It will be very clear that though it comes through us, it comes from God. The receptivity of Paul in this matter is in sharp contrast to the rebellion of the people at the time of Ezekiel and the resistance of those who thought that they knew Jesus so well. © Dianne Bergant CSA |
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Sunday 11 July Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time  |
God chooses ordinary people and confers on them an extraordinary responsibility. Amos was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. Most of the apostles were fishermen. Paul was a tentmaker. Christians today are mechanics and clerks, teachers and engineers, doctors and housekeepers. These are all people following ordinary trades or professions, but what they do in them is truly remarkable. They touch minds and hearts and souls, and they heal them. They instruct and comfort people, and they help to drive out the demons that possess them. They participate in very ordinary ways in the extraordinary establishment of the reign of God. Jesus chose disciples and sent them out to continue the work that he had begun, to preach his gospel and, through healings and exorcisms, to conquer the forces of evil that threatened that reign. And now we have been called; in him we have been chosen, in all of our brokenness and vulnerability. The task to which we have been called is awe-inspiring; and every spiritual blessing in the heavens has been bestowed upon us so that we will be able to accomplish it. If we allow Christ's saving power to take possession of us, we too will further his prophetic ministry. We will bring the saving grace of God to the world that is terrified and that writhes in pain; we will bring it to those places where healing is needed and where demons still hold sway. We will bring all things under the headship of Christ. © Dianne Bergant CSA |
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Sunday 18 July Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time  |
Jesus sent the disciples out on a mission, and they returned. People followed them, because they wanted to hear what Jesus and the disciples had to say; they wanted to be released from the sickness and the demons that possessed them. There are so many searching people in the world today, people hungering for instruction, good people looking for direction. They may be parents who are sick with grief over the future of a troubled child; a man stripped of his dignity through unemployment; a woman facing a pregnancy alone; elderly people feeling the surge of life leave their declining bodies; people who are angry and confused because they believe that the church is no longer dependable. They are people who are looking for answers and for meaning. They are like sheep without a shepherd, and Jesus looks to us to shepherd them. In the midst of this confusion, there are reliable shepherds who walk with us in the dark valleys. They are willing to share the dangers through which we pass, even at the risk of their own safety. They do not pit one segment of the community or one theological perspective against another, scattering the sheep and driving them away. Instead, they work to dismantle the walls that divide us. They speak the word that gathers us together. They reconcile us with God and with each other. They may not give us easy answers, but their primary concern is to lead us to Jesus, the one who is our peace. © Dianne Bergant CSA |
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Sunday 25 July Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time  |
Today we are reminded of God’s providence. We live in a world that feeds us and shelters us and supplies us with everything that we need to grow and to thrive, and all of this comes to us from the hand of God. It is usually when we are in desperate straits that we become painfully conscious of our dependence on God, but this dependence is always there. God does not merely intervene when we are helpless; God's providence operates in our lives at all times. Living in a society that promotes individualism, we sometimes undervalue the communal dimension of life. God certainly cares passionately for each of us (not even a sparrow falls without God knowing it), but God's concern is for the whole people. We are first and foremost members of a people. We would never have seen the light of day, we would not endure or develop, without others. As unique as we may be, we are a unique expression of a communal reality. God created a race; God formed a people; Jesus died for the world. By the grace of God, we belong to the community. As members of the people of God, we are called to a way of life that is noble, not selfish. We are to live with each other in humility and gentleness, with patience. We are to bear with one another in love. Through baptism we all live by the same Spirit of Jesus; we are all united through the bond of God's love. The bread that we receive from the hand of God is the bread of full life, life in all its dimensions, life in Christ. © Dianne Bergant CSA |
Congratulations to the following students who have received an Assistant Principal's Award. Well done!
| Year 4 | Willow M |
| Year 4 | Philippa L |
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards.
Week 9 - Term 2
| CLASS | FAITH AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK | |
| Kindergarten | Gabby L | Ava Y | |
| Year 1 | Mia W | Finn D | |
| Year 2 | Arielle N | Ruby G | |
| Year 3 | Praise M | Daniel M | |
| Year 4 | Emerson E | Philippa L | |
| Year 5 | Flynn S | Grace D | |
| Year 6 | Quentin M | Reg T | |
Week 10 - Term 2
| CLASS | JUSTICE AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK | |
| Kindergarten | Joshua M | Maggie M | |
| Year 1 | Grace H | Veronica A | |
| Year 2 | Leo O | Hunter M | |
| Year 3 | Zlata K | Simon C | |
| Year 4 | Sofia S | Reed B | |
| Year 5 | Isobel F | Malachy H | |
| Year 6 | Luca D-B | Paige H | |
NETBALL GALA DAY
Seventeen of St Brigid’s girls participated at the South Coast Netball Gala Day on Tuesday 15 June 2021. We had 1 junior girls’ team and 1 senior girls team attend. The girls from both teams had a wonderful day!
The gala day is focused on participation, having a go and enjoying a day of fun as a team and our students did exactly that! The girls showed great team spirit and were respectful to the other teams and umpires.
A big thank you to the parents that came and helped out on the day offering support and advice. Your assistance was greatly appreciated in cheering on the girls and keeping the day and the teams running smoothly.
Overall, it was a great day. Everyone should be very proud of how they represented their team and our school!
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
We were blessed with a cracking Winter's day last Wednesday for our carnival. We welcomed Kinder and Year 1 to their first ever athletics carnival at Beaton Park.
The track and field events that the students participated in are taught as part of the curriculum and we have been analysing videos and learning how to undertake the events in the best possible way for the majority of this term. (We have to modify our learning for high jump and long jump to account for equipment and facilities). The students took on the training with gusto and we could see that learning in action on Wednesday.
The students should be very proud of their efforts and all participants played their part to support their house team and each other. Well done St Brigid's!! And now for the MANY thank yous!
Thank you to our wonderful Year 6 leaders for leading your houses in the organisation of the day and the war cries.
Thank you to our special parent community for your support on the day - we need help to run these carnivals so a big cheer from us for supporting the school and being flexible with your roles. Thank you also to the spectators cheering on our students too!
Thank you to our teachers who, whilst being gifted with a plethora of knowledge and skills, may not be at Olympic level familiarity of the event they were managing, mastered it well and did their very best to give all students fair and substantive opportunities in the time given. Bravo St Brigid's Staff.
A special thank you to Mrs Regan and Mrs Mitrevski who worked very hard behind the scenes to make this day a great experience for everyone.
Finally...congratulations to MacKillop house for winning the carnival and to our St Brigid's 2021 Age Champions.
| Junior Boys Champion | Junior Girls Champion |
| Hugo S | Tayah A |
| Senior Boys Champion | Senior Girls Champion |
| Luca D-B | Addison W |
Happy Birthday to the following students.
We hope you have a great birthday!
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Aurora M | Josiah M | Ryan T | Nicolo M | Flynn S | Matthieu C |
| Maggie M | Hannah J | Theo D-B | Paige H | ||
| Sparsha V | Praise M | ||||
| Enzo H-D |
LAWN MOWING ROSTER
| Date | Mower 1 | Mower 2 |
| 11 July 2021 | John H | Louise Mc |
| 8 August 2021 | Max M | David H |
| 12 September 2021 | Anthony P | Matt D |
| 10 October 2021 | Thomas M | Adam T |
We are still looking for a few more volunteers. If you can help please contact John Harman on 0419 993 133 or dabeers@bigpond.com
SAVE THE DATE - P&F EVENTS
|
DATE |
EVENT |
|
6 August 2021 |
Cocktail Dinner Party - TBC due to COVID-19 restrictions |
|
3 Sept 2021 |
Father’s Day BBQ breakfast |
|
3 Sept 2021 |
Father’s Day stall |
|
6 Nov 2021 |
Working Bee and BBQ Lunch 10:30am – 12:00 |
|
2 Dec 2021 |
Christmas Concert and family picnic |
St Brigid’s Gwynneville
PARISH BULLETIN
PARISH WEBSITE
DIOCESAN WEBSITE
Please visit the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong website for further information.
Holy Spirit College Term update
With Term 2 almost at an end, we have completed the next instalment of the Holy Spirit College Term update.Tennis School Holiday Clinic
Beaton Park Leisure Centre are rolling out a new fitness programs for teens.
The cost is $150 and consists of 2 classes per week for 10 weeks. Active kids vouchers can be used to subsidise the fees.
South Coast Writers Centre - School Holiday program and Young Writers program for Term 3 2021
School Holiday fun at IPAC
Take the family to a show everyone will enjoy as David Walliams’ best-selling novel comes to life in The Midnight Gang, 30 June – 1 July.
Then, encourage your child to build confidence and theatre skills this holiday, with the week-long Merrigong Creativity Camp.
PCYC Bulli - Winter School Holiday Program
UOW LEARNING LABS
The University of Wollongong has invited students to LITTLE and EARLY LEARNING LABS, an academic enrichment holiday program. We are targeting students from Year 1 to 6, who are passionate, self-motivated and curious learners.
Dates:
Little Learning Labs (Years 1 and 2): 28th – 30th June 2021
Early Learning Labs (Years 3 to 6): 6th - 8th July 2021
Venue: University of Wollongong (Wollongong campus only)
Applications close: Wednesday, 26th May 2021
