STAFFING FOR 2022

Mrs Nichole Benoit, who has been on parental leave this year, has applied for a further year of  flexible work in 2022. She will return to St Brigid's in a part time teaching capacity in order to adjust to life as a working parent. 

Given Mrs Benoit will not be in her role as Assistant Principal in 2022, Mrs Amy Sammut has been offered a further one year contract as Acting Assistant Principal at St Brigid's. We thank Amy for her commitment and generosity to St Brigid's in accepting this significant position for 2022. 

Ms Brooke McMahon has been successful in gaining a full-time temporary position at St Peter and Paul Primary School, Kiama. As a community, I thank Brooke for all that she has brought to St Brigid's in the past 2 years and wish her every success in her new appointment. 

Ms Kate Sparks, who has been on leave for the past 2 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has made a very courageous decision to relinquish her permanent position at St Brigid's to care for a family member who is immunosuppressed. Kate contributed much to the faith, learning and culture of St Brigid's school over 3 years. We thank her most sincerely and wish her every blessing into the future. 

Mrs Julie Mewett is the successful applicant to replace Kate as a permanent member of the St Brigid’s teaching staff. Julie has worked at Good Samaritan for many years as a highly credible classroom practitioner. We are delighted to welcome her to St Brigid's in the new academic year.

Classroom Teachers for 2022

Specialist Teachers for 2022

Support Staff for 2022

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT 

We congratulate Edwina J who won the Sports Council Red Award at the 2021 CDF Sports Awards. Not only was this a wonderful achievement for Edwina, it is also a privilege for St Brigid's to be represented. 

Last Friday the Minister for Education announced that the NSW Government is expanding the use of Rapid Antigen Home Testing (RAHT) to reduce the time students and staff in primary schools spend away from school if they are a close contact of a positive case in their school community (i.e. a student, staff member, or visitor who has been on the school site).

As a result, the CEDoW Incident Response Team has now been provided with documentation by CSNSW that outlines the key components of the process, including sourcing and distribution of the RAHT kits to school families, and instructions on RAHT administration.

As soon as Principal's are informed about the roll out I will communicate the details to you.

STUDENT REPORTS

Adjustments to curriculum have been made throughout Terms 3 and 4 due to the disruption caused by COVID-19. The focus for Semester 2 has been on learning and student well-being and NESA approved reduced outcomes with the priority being 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 (Years 1-6) 

Reports will be distributed via Compass on Friday 10 December 2021.

Year 6 Parents are reminded to print the school report when they are distributed on Friday 10 December 2021. This is particularly important if your child is not attending a Wollongong Diocesan systemic high school, such as Holy Spirit College, as access to your child’s Compass profile will cease upon completion of primary school.

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:

1. You and your child remain in the car
2. Ring the school office 4229 1969 to notify that you are waiting outside
3. 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.

      

  

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! 

    

    

CHRISTMAS FUN DAY -  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. 

 

 

  

 

TERM 1 DATES FOR 2022

Natalia reporting here on the Week 7 and Week 8 Trash Free Tuesday data.

In Week 7 we had some great results and our class percentages are gradually increasing. 

Kindergarten - 67%

Year 1 - 70%

Year 2 - 65%

Year 3 - 59%

Year 4 - 53%

Year 5 - 31%

Year 6 - 50%

Congratulations to Year 1, you are the TRASH FREE TUESDAY WINNERS and the recipients of the St Brigid's Peace Lily.

In Week 8, the results were more pleasing. Keep trying hard everyone.

Kindergarten - 71%

Year 1 - 52%

Year 2 - 81%

Year 3 - 83%

Year 4 - 50%

Year 5 - 56%

Year 6 - 53%

Congratulations to Year 3, you are the TRASH FREE TUESDAY WINNERS and the recipients of the St Brigid's Peace Lily.

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HO HO HO IT'S CHRISTMAS FUN DAY!

Get your Santa hats and reindeer antlers ready and dust off that Christmas outfit ready to celebrate Christmas!

Due to Level 3 restrictions, we are unable to have a Christmas concert, but rest assured, we will be celebrating the festive season on December 7, 2021 at the St Brigid's Christmas Fun Day.

On this day students can wear their most festive clothes and enjoy a day of Christmas cheer with a special order of pizza, an ice block and a candy cane for lunch, Christmas arts and crafts throughout the day, Christmas Carol playing, dancing, writing Santa letters, funny Christmas jokes and more.

Students only need to bring an item to donate to St Vincent De Paul on this day. Please see the REC section for what item your child can donate. We can't wait to share in the Christmas spirit!

VINNIES VAN APPEAL

19 November 2021

St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School

2 Vickery St

Gwynneville NSW 2500

 

Dear St Brigid’s Staff and Students,

Thank you so much for the lovely Christmas treats and toiletries the school kindly donated to the St Vincent de Paul Illawarra Shoalhaven Vinnies Van.

The Van provides a warm meal, hot beverages and snacks to people experiencing homelessness and who are at risk of homelessness, 5 days a week, all year round. Our Patrons greatly appreciate all that is given from the Vinnies Van.

The love and care put into this donation was just amazing. Our Patrons really appreciate having Christmas treats for themselves and their families. Being able to shower with soap and liquid soap, wash your hair, brush your teeth and smell nice using deodorant can help a person feel better and contribute to a person’s overall health.

So on behalf of St Vincent de Paul Staff, Volunteers and Patrons, we thank you for your kind donation.

 

Yours faithfully 

Kelly McCrohon

Vinnies Van Coordinator

 

  

CHRISTMAS FUN DAY and FUNDRAISING

Christmas is a time of hope and joy!  This year has had it's fair share of challenges once again, and at times it's been tough to see the joy through the hardship.  But as we approach the Christmas season, we're reminded to reflect on the good things, as well as the hope we can bring to others.

A fun filled day is organised for Tuesday 7 December 2021 where children and staff will come dressed in their Christmas mufti. Classes will be immersed in Christmas music, art and crafts. Instead of a gold coin donation for wearing mufti, we are asking that each child bring a Christmas Hamper item. 

This fundraising day is for our Gwynneville Chapter of the St Vincent de Paul Society, who will assist those families in most need within our local area. Items have been indicated below for each grade, however, any donation will be appreciated.  

PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2022

Please note the dates and times for the Sacramental Program for 2022. 

CONFIRMATION

• Session Parent/Caregiver Meeting 6/7 April - St John Vianney's 6:30 pm
• Session 1 - 4/5 May - St John Vianney's 6:30 pm
• Session 2 - 11/12 May - St John Vianney's 6:30 pm
• Session 3 - 18/19 May - St John Vianney's 6:30 pm
• Session 4 - 25/26 May - St John Vianney's 6:30 pm

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Friday June 3 and Saturday June 4 2022.

RECONCILIATION AND EUCHARIST 

• Session Parent/Caregiver Meeting - 29/30 June - St John Vianney's 6:30 pm

Reconciliation

• Session 1 - 20/21 July - St John Vianney's 6:30 pm
• Session 2 - 27/28 July - St John Vianney's 6:30 pm

Eucharist

• Session 1 - 3/4 August - St John Vianney's 6:30 pm
• Session 2 - 10/11 August - St John Vianney's 6:30 pm
• Session 3 - 17/18 August - St John Vianney's 6:30 pm
• Session 4 - 24/25 August - St John Vianney's 6:30 pm

First Reconciliation will be available after each Eucharist session.

Eucharist dates are Saturday 3 & 10, September 2022. 

REFLECTIONS

Sunday 28 November First Sunday of Advent

The readings of the First Sunday of Advent set the stages for our reflections on the entire season. They contain a number of promises, all pointing to peace and fulfilment. Each reading depicts a dimension of suffering that was often brought on by the people themselves. The promises are assurances that the end of their suffering was in sight. The promises reveal a loving and provident, a merciful and forgiving God. These are promises full of hope. The coming of the Lord is clearly a time of expectation, not of fear and trembling. Although the earlier tradition about the Day of the Lord included punishment of the wicked, the focus here is on redemption. The time of expectation may be preceded by apocalyptic signs in the heavens and dismay on earth, but this cosmic shift will bring fulfilment, not destruction. The love and providence, the mercy and forgiveness of God will be made manifest. What is expected of those who receive the promise? An Advent way of life exhorts us to ‘wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ’. This way of life is both simple and profound. It does not necessarily require unusual behaviour on our part, but it calls us to live the usual unusually well. It affects the everyday events of life; it directs the way we interact with people; it informs the attitudes that colour our judgments and motivations. It is as ordinary as the birth of a child; it is as extraordinary as the revelation of God. © Dianne Bergant CSA

Sunday 5 December Second Sunday of Advent

The advent of God’s coming with its promise of fulfilment happens within world history. The first reading locates God’s act of restoration in the city of Jerusalem. The Gospel situates the ministry of John within a particular period of world history. They point us to historical experience as the place and the time of restoration, of incarnation, of redemption. They show us that God works within everyday life, in conventional places, during regular time. In fact, from a human point of view, the extraordinary events of salvation took place within what was quite ordinary. John proclaims the kind of transformation that results in a change of heart. Reversals characterise such transformation: the robe of mourning is replaced by the splendour of glory; tears are turned into rejoicing; those led away by enemies are brought back by God; valleys are filled, mountains are levelled, winding roads are made straight; even nature offers itself as shelter for the people of God. Those who are shamed and discarded are made glorious; those who suffer are comforted; the oppressed are freed; all of life’s obstacles are removed; the way to God is made straight; the natural world enjoys peace and harmony. The transformation or repentance of heart takes place within human life, within relationships of justice between people and with the earth, in right living, in genuine unselfish love. It produces the fruits of righteousness of which Paul speaks. Advent is the time to prepare ourselves for this. © Dianne Bergant CSA

Living in right relationship with the Earth

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:

Congratulations to the following students who have received an Assistant Principal's Award. Well done!

 

 

Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards.

Week 7 - Term 4

CLASS	VALUES  AWARD		LEADER OF THE WEEK
Kindergarten	Marta O'D		Sofia M
Year 1	Hkum Seng D		Vita K
Year 2	Ryder M		Millie A-B
Year 3	Sarah M		Simon C
Year 4	Hugo S		Bailey C
Year 5	Andy P		Georgia F
Year 6	Luca D B		Reginald T

 

Week 8 - Term 4

CLASS	FAITH  AWARD		LEADER OF THE WEEK
Kindergarten	Samuel J		Elliott G
Year 1	Mia M		Aria J
Year 2	Leo O		Raphael I
Year 3	Tayla R		Theo D B
Year 4	Sofia S		Nahla O
Year 5	Alessia S		Noah S
Year 6	Charlotte W		Eden S

    

 

 

   

 

  

Happy Birthday to the following students celebrating during Weeks 7 and 8.

We hope you have a great birthday!

SCHOOL BANKING UPDATE

School Banking update from the Commonwealth Bank.

For 90 years, our School Banking program has helped children learn about money, reinforced the importance of regular savings and provided structure for parents to support their children to save.

Though the program continues to have strong support from schools, parents and teachers, recent decisions by some state and territory governments because of a review by the corporate regulator mean we are unable to continue providing programs in schools, and we have had to make a difficult decision to close our School Banking program for all government and non-government schools across the country.

Our School Banking program was established in 1931 at a time when having a bank account was not commonplace, and since then we have helped more than 15 million Australians take their first financial steps. This would not have been possible without the wonderful support we have received from schools like yours, including all the parents and volunteers, and for this we are deeply grateful. Thank you.

Even though this is a sad time, School Banking has taught so many young Australians, past and present, the value of money and we believe this should be celebrated. We have created a place for you to share your stories, fondest memories and lessons learnt through the program. To share your story and access our financial education resources, please visit commbank.com.au/schoolbanking 

Even though the CommBank School Banking program will not be returning to your school after this year, you can continue to make deposits into your child’s Youthsaver account through online transfers or at any CommBank branch. If you need further information please phone 132 221 or visit your local CommBank branch.

SCHOOL FEE ACCOUNTS 

A reminder that 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

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.

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 BULLETIN

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PARISH WEBSITE  

WOLLONGONG LIONS AFL 2022 REGISTRATIONS

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