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Dear Parents and Friends,
“…My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”
(John 15:12)
Yesterday was Remembrance Day where we paused at 11:00am to remember the moment in 1918 when World War I came to an end. On this day, we remember Australian men and women who have served in war and peacekeeping activities. Remembrance Day does not glorify war – it honours the memory of all those who laid down their lives for Australia. As a mark of respect to those who have served, we stopped to observe one minute’s silence.
This year will mark the 103rd anniversary of the Armistice, which ended the First World War. One thing we can do for the people who fought for our country, is to continue the tradition of remembering them.
Images of war, violence and destruction fill social media and the news. Pope Francis has been inviting us to think of our neighbour since he began his papacy. Even when reading his latest Encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, we are called again to consider who is our neighbour.
When we look through the news and some of our social media feeds, we can be brought to tears by the vulnerability of children caught in war zones, in places that we may have heard about in, but not necessarily known about in terms of human cost and the impact of war.
One image that was thrust into the global spotlight in 2016 was that of Omran Daqneesh, the 5 year old who became the face of Aleppo’s devastation as a result of the Syrian Civil War. For almost 12 months, Omran’s bloodied face, was used to cast shade on the rebels and support the Syrian government. When Omran’s face filled the news feeds in 2016, the war had been raging for 5 years…now, 5 years later, not much has changed. Whilst the barrel bombs and the rockets no longer rain daily in the capital, the devastation remains. Not only to the buildings and infrastructure, but to the health and livelihood of the citizens of Syria who are dying from starvation and Covid-19.
Today, Omran and his family no longer fill our social media; yet they, and thousands like them need their stories told. Why not search beyond your ‘likes’ to see what is happening to those communities like Omran’s in Syria who have been and continue to be effected by war. Let’s do more than ‘like’ an image; engage in the image. Let us learn about the story and share the story with others. Let us foster a culture of encounter. Perhaps the words of Pope Francis will help…
Mercy nourishes and strengthens solidarity towards others as a necessary response to God’s gracious love, “which has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:5). Each of us is responsible for his or her neighbour: we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they live.
Concern for fostering good relationships with others and the ability to overcome prejudice and fear are essential ingredients for promoting the culture of encounter.
As another Remembrance Day comes and goes, let us be ever mindful of becoming people of peace and encounter.
Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning
REMEMBRANCE GARDEN
Yesterday, our School Captains, Luca and Edwina accompanied me to the blessing and opening of the new St Francis Xavier Cathedral Remembrance Garden. A beautiful liturgy, celebrated by Fr Bernard Gordon, was attended by representatives of the Lumen Christi Catholic Parish Schools, Members of Parliament, the Australian Defence Force, Emergency services and Lumen Christi Parishioners.
“O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, the bereaved are consoled and the courageous are strengthened to persevere in goodness, bless this remembrance garden in honour of those who have given generously that others may live.
May we who honour those who have given so much for our freedoms and well being imitate their virtues of loyalty, self-sacrifice and compassion”. (taken from the blessing 11/11/21)
HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Adrian, Kelly, Paige Hennessy (Year 6) and their extended family on the recent passing of Martin Hennessy, dear brother, brother-in law and uncle. Like many of his family, Martin was an ex-student of St Brigid's.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
GYMNASTICS PROGRAM TERM 4
Last Thursday, Fit Futures commenced the delivery of a 6-week gymnastics program to all the St Brigid's students.
Students in Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 will develop the ability to travel in various ways, form shapes such as a star, tuck, straddle, pencil, motorbike and replicate a combination of skills. They will be able to balance on different bases of support; from lunging, standing on one leg and side planks. Lessons will provide opportunities to try many new skills and discover different ways of achieving these. Pupils will learn to take turns on equipment, share, show fair play and appropriate use of equipment.
Gymnastics will develop the health and fitness of the students in Year 3-6. They will consistently be doing squats, lunges, planks, press ups, vee sits and other strengthening activities to improve core strength as well as upper body strength. There will be opportunities for rhythmic elements and sequencing through dance and expressive gymnastics as well. Fundamental Movement Skills such as loco-motor and non loco-motor skills, throwing, catching and balancing objects will also be taught. Some circus style skills will come into the program after half way to get students linking skills and movements together to create performances.
SEMESTER TWO REPORTS
Due to the disruption caused by COVID-19, adjustments to curriculum have been made
throughout Terms 3 and 4. Focus for Semester 2 has been on student well-being and learning, and priority has been given to Religious Education, English and Mathematics. As a result of this extended period of Remote Learning and the lack of opportunities for teachers to provide quality assessment tasks to determine student learning attainment and/or growth, student reporting in Semester 2, 2021 will look a little different to the one you received earlier this year (Year 1-6). This Report provides information about your child’s participation in learning during this time of extended Remote Learning. I would like to extend my thanks to you, the parents and carers, for your ongoing support and commitment to your child’s learning through these unique times.
MORNING PROCEDURES
Morning drop off is from 8:35am - 8:50am via the car zone. Alternatively, students walking or riding to school will enter via the pedestrian gate in Vickery Street. On arrival the student/s proceed directly to class.
The school gates and the office door is locked from 8:50am after the staff member finishes duty.
If you are running late and there is no staff member visibly on duty, please ensure you follow this procedure:
- You and your child remain in the car
- Ring the school office 4229 1969 to notify that you are waiting outside
- A staff member will then come out to accompany your child safely into school so that there is a clear hand over of duty of care and the reason for the late arrival can be recorded.
COVID-19 UPDATE - KEY CHANGES FROM 8 NOVEMBER 2021
As I communicated at the end of last week, all NSW schools will operate at updated Level 3 settings for the rest of Term 4, with more activities allowed in a COVID-safe manner.
From this Monday 8 November 2021, until the end of Term 4 2021, the following activities will be allowed in a COVID-safe manner:
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School Masses |
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Assemblies and presentations |
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Community use of school facilities |
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Excursions and incursions |
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Visitors supporting curriculum delivery, wellbeing programs and school operations |
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Graduations and formals |
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School sport |
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Orientation and transition programs |
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WHAT CAN WE DO TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE?
By continuing to support each other and following the required COVID-safe measures, we can prioritise student and staff wellness and minimise disruption to student learning.
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Stay home if unwell |
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Vaccinations required |
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Wear masks indoors |
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Always check in |
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Physically distance |
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Maximise ventilation |
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Students will remain in specific cohorts |
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Maintain good hygiene and cleaning |
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ORDER YOUR ST BRIGID'S SCHOOL BAG NOW
The St Brigid's school bag has been a compulsory school item for the past 3 years and part of the school uniform requirements. A long transition period was afforded families, therefore, if you intend replacing your child's school bag for 2022, it must now be a St Brigid's school bag. The quality, size and ergonomic features of the bag make it a very good choice and investment that will last from Kinder - Year 6. The bag can be ordered on Qkr!
SAVE THE DATE - TUESDAY 7 DECEMBER 2021
On this day, students and staff are invited to dress up in their best Christmas outfit to support the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Instead of donating a gold coin, we ask that you contribute a gift to the Christmas hamper for your class. These will be presented to our local St Vincent de Paul conference on Friday 10 December 2021. Thank you for your support. See the RE section for information on what each class is invited to donate.
| 16 November 2021 | Kindergarten Transition 1 |
9:15am-11:00am |
| 23 November 2021 | Kindergarten Transition 2 |
9:15am-10:45am |
| 29 November 2021 | Year 5 Leadership day |
All day |
| 30 November 2021 | Kindergarten Transition 3 |
9:15am-10:45am |
| 7 December 2021 | Christmas mufti day and Vinnies Christmas appeal |
All day |
| 10 December 2021 | Meet Your Teacher for 2022 |
12:00 - 2:30pm |
| 10 December 2021 | Student reports sent out via COMPASS |
3:00pm |
| 14 December 2021 | Graduation liturgy and luncheon |
From 12:15pm |
| 15 December 2021 | Year 6 Graduation excursion |
9:45am-1:30pm |
| 15 December 2021 | Break Up for 2021 |
3:00pm |
TERM 1 DATES FOR 2022
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Friday 28 January 2022 |
Staff development day 1 |
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Monday 31 January 2022 |
Staff development day 2 |
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Tuesday 1 February 2022 |
Year 1 - 6 start school |
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Tuesday 8 February 2022 |
Kindergarten start school |
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Thursday 7 April |
Last day of Term 1 for the students |
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Friday 8 April 2022 |
Pupil free day and break up |
We are Writers
We are continuing our focus on improving writing across the school with our teachers engaging in professional learning to improve their practice of sentence level grammar and cohesion. The teachers have seen the fruits of their learning and teaching in the students' writing and the students are experiencing much success. Please enjoy some of the writing samples below from our students.
Drew from Kindergarten
Reg from Year 6
Iva, Andy, Shay and Ash from Year 5
Simon from Year 3
Quentin, Chris, Mattieu, Dara, Edwina and Paige from Year 6
TRASH FREE TUESDAY
Natalia reporting here on the Week 5 and Week 6 Trash Free Tuesday Data. In Week 5 we had some great results in some classes. It be amazing if students could keep up the good efforts so we can try to reach over 50% in each class.
In Kindy - 61%
In year 1 - 35%
In year 2 - 61%
In year 3 - 48%
In Year 4 - 43%
In Year 5 - 25 %
In Year 6 - 40%
Congratulations to Year 2 and Kindy, you are the recipients of the St Brigid's Peace Lily.
In Week 6, the results were more pleasing. Keep trying hard everyone
Kindergarten - 67 %
Year 1- 55 %
Year 2 - 48%
Year 3 - 50%
Year 4 - 37 %
Year 5 - 33%
Year 6 - 60%
Congratulations to Kindergarten again, you are the TRASH FREE TUESDAY WINNERS!
VINNIES VAN APPEAL
St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation that aspires to live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.
The St Vincent de Paul Society's members and volunteers reach out to the most vulnerable in our community through their Conferences, Special Works and Vinnies shops. Members and volunteers assist people in need and do not discriminate against cultural, religious or political beliefs.
Each year St Vincent de Paul Homelessness Coordination Services and the Illawarra/Shoalhaven Vinnies Van, based at 12-16 Miller Street Coniston, provides over 240 hampers filled with pantry items, Christmas goodies, small toys and other items.
This year, our St Brigid's community will be supporting 2 hamper drives.
The first one, for the Vinnies Van, will take place next week. I have indicated in the table below the items that each grade will need to bring in, however, any donation will be appreciated.
The second fundraiser will take place in week 10 and this will be for our local conference of St Vincent de Paul. More information in the next Brigid Bulletin.
I understand that this is a big ask for this time of the year, but we are the fortunate ones!
All items MUST be at school by Friday 19 November 2021
Thank you, in advance, for your support and generosity.
| GRADE | ITEM |
| Kindergarten | Puddings |
| Year 1 | Canned fruit |
| Year 2 | Christmas cake |
| Year 3 | Christmas shortbread biscuits |
| Year 4 | Men's toiletry items (e.g.deodorant, soap, shaving cream) |
| Year 5 | Fruit mince pies |
| Year 6 | Long life custard |
REFLECTIONS
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Sunday 14 November Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time  |
Although this is not the last Sunday of the liturgical year, the major theme found in the readings is the end of time. The events that will usher in and will take place during this time are described in apocalyptic terms. The struggles of life will culminate in a massive cosmic confrontation between the forces of good and those of evil. This last battle will be universal in scope, just like the first primordial conflict between chaos and God. In some way, all of the readings state that good will finally prevail over evil. In the last days Michael, the angelic warrior of God, will rise up. In the epistle, Christ is pictured seated triumphantly at the right hand of God with his enemies under his foot, a sign of conquest. Finally, in the gospel, the Son of Man, the mysterious figure from apocalyptic literature, comes in the clouds with great power and glory. All of these images are apocalyptic; each of them is quite hopeful. We read these stories at the close of the liturgical year, because we are coming to the conclusion of our yearly telling of the story of salvation. However, apocalyptic images are timely whenever we find ourselves in the throes of the battle with evil and it appears that we will succumb. These forms will remind us that good will be able to withstand evil. From this we will conclude that we need only trust in God. © Dianne Bergant CSA |
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Sunday 21 November Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe  |
Each one of the readings depicts the enthronement of Christ who is revealed as the messiah-king. Until his trial, Jesus himself refused to be identified as king. The royal messianic expectations that prevailed during his lifetime were predominantly political. If he assumed them, his followers might have instigated a rebellion against the Roman occupiers. When finally he did acknowledge his royal identity, he insisted that his rule was not like that of other kings. Enthroned in heaven, Christ is revealed as the faithful witness to all that God has done and will continue to do. As first-born from the dead, his resurrection is the promise of our own resurrection. The dominion that he received from God is universal and exclusive and it will last forever. When he comes again on the last day, he will be revealed in all his glory. Christ's kingdom is a kingdom of truth and life, of holiness and grace, of justice and love and peace. We need not stand at a distance from him, afraid to approach because of our human vulnerability. He is the one who loved us so much that he handed himself over to suffering and death so that we might live. He has already brought us to birth in this kingdom through Baptism and he has taught us how to live in it. Today we look to that time when his glory will be revealed, when we will all be gathered into the embrace of God, there to sing praise to that glory forever. © Dianne Bergant CSA |
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 2 | Hunter M |
| Year 3 | Rhiley A |
| Year 3 | Zara H |
| Year 3 | Simon C |
| Year 3 | Theodore D-B |
| Year 3 | Isabella S |
| Year 4 | Willow M |
| Year 5 | Abby H |
| Year 5 | Emily V |
| Year 5 | Malachy H |
| Year 5 | Xavier C |
| Year 6 | Ariel L |
Congratulations to the following students who have received an Assistant Principal's Award. Well done!
| CLASS | STUDENT |
| Year 2 | Hunter M |
| Year 3 | Zara H |
| Year 3 | Enzo H-D |
| Year 4 | Nahla O |
| Year 5 | Malachy H |
| Year 6 | Ariel L |
| Year 6 | Charlotte W |
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards.
Week 5 - Term 4
| CLASS | JUSTICE AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK | |
| Kindergarten | Gisele M | Evanna T | |
| Year 1 | Sparsha V | Maya I | |
| Year 2 | Ireland C | Arthur R | |
| Year 3 | Molly S | Florence M | |
| Year 4 | Zachariah C | Rosie S | |
| Year 5 | Cash S | Luke S | |
| Year 6 | Addison W | Natalia R-T | |
Week 6 - Term 4
| CLASS | LEARNING AWARD | LEADER OF THE WEEK | |
| Kindergarten | Evie W | Mila J | |
| Year 1 | Logan A | Jude C | |
| Year 2 | Macy G | Darren Y | |
| Year 3 | Ryan T | Joshua S | |
| Year 4 | Philippa L | Anthony St A | |
| Year 5 | Ash A | Tayah A | |
| Year 6 | Paige H | Chris H | |
Happy Birthday to the following students celebrating during Weeks 5 and 6.
We hope you have a great birthday!
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 3 |
| Hudson I | Jonas T | Molly S |
| Mila J | Lucas S | Harley S |
SCHOOL FEE ACCOUNTS
School fee accounts should be finalised by 10 December 2021. In preparation for 2022 please be advised of the following:
PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES BY INSTALMENT
EXISTING FAMILIES IN OUR SCHOOL WITH INSTALMENTS
- If you are currently paying instalments there is no need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment as your request carries over from year to year, unless you wish to amend the frequency of your payments e.g. weekly to fortnightly, etc.
- Your first school fee statement in 2022 will have the dates that your payments are due and the amount. Please ensure you have updated your payment amount if it is different to the previous year, otherwise you will become behind in your payments. It is encouraged to set up an automatic payment to ensure the school fee payments happen on time.
EXISTING FAMILIES IN OUR SCHOOL WITHOUT INSTALMENTS
- If you would like to pay school fees by instalments in 2022 and have previously not taken up this option for payment, please complete a Request to Pay by Instalment form as soon as possible. The form is attached below and is also available on the St Brigid's website.
- On completion of the request either return it to the school office or you can email it directly to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.au.
- Following receipt of the request, instalments will be generated on your school fee account during the process of invoicing 2022 school fees. Your school fee statement will provide a list of scheduled payments indicating the amount and their due date depending on the frequency you have chosen.
- It is important to note that if you currently have a child or children at another school in the Diocese (e.g. high school) and you are paying by instalments at this location, you will not need to complete another request form. The instalment request carries over from school to school with the same payment frequency.
PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES NO INSTALMENT
If you do not have an instalment plan set up, upon receipt of the first statement in February 2022, you will have 30 days to pay the balance in full.
If you would like to speak confidentially to the Principal regarding your school fee account, please contact the school office so an appointment can be arranged.
If you have any other questions regarding school fees, please contact the school office.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Arriving Late to School
If your child is late to school they must enter through the front door of the office. This door is locked and we ask that parents phone the school office before the child exits the car so that we can record explanation in Compass for the late arrival and then safely walk them into school.
Parents are not required to come into the office with students to sign in.
Departing School Early
All students departing early from school leave through the office to be signed out. A phone call prior to the departure time will allow us to call the child from their classroom and they can be waiting in the office at the time of departure.
Please phone the office when you arrive at the front of the school and we will bring the children out.
Explaining Absences
If your child is absent please do one of the following:
- Explain the absence in the Compass portal, entering the reason for the absence (selecting from the drop-down list) and providing further information in the details/comment box;
- Email the school with the reason/details for the absence; or
- Phone the school with the reason/details for the absence.
Unexplained Absences
Unexplained absence notes will be sent to parents/carers for the previous two weeks. Parents will have to advise of the reason for the absence in the ways outlined above. An unexplained absence is recorded as unjustified after 7 days without explanation.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB
Scholastic Book Club Issue #7 brochures were given out last week. Orders are to be placed through the LOOP online ordering system on the Scholastic website.
Orders are due by Friday 19 November 2021.
LAWN MOWING ROSTER
We are looking for a few more volunteers for the next roster. If you can help please contact John Harman on 0419 993 133 or dabeers@bigpond.com
St Brigid’s Gwynneville
PARISH WEBSITE
DIOCESAN WEBSITE
Please visit the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong website for further information.
Lowes 20% off Sale
Includes Schoolwear and everything in the store for 3 days on Thursday 18, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 November 2021. You will need to be a Lowes Card holder (either Zero or Rewards) to receive the discount but you can apply instore on the day or online.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
Applications are now open for the University of Wollongong LITTLE and EARLY LEARNING LABS, an academic and creative arts 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): 10 – 12 January 2022
Early Learning Labs (Years 3 to 6): 17 – 21 January 2022
Venue: University of Wollongong (Wollongong campus only)
Applications close: Wednesday, 17th November 2021
For further information about workshops and the application process please visit our website, or contact the Learning Labs team via email at learning-labs@uow.edu.au.