Filter Content
Monday February 13 each year is observed as National Apology Day. This day commemorates the first national apology made in Australia - that made in 2008 by then Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, on behalf of the Federal Government. National Apology Day remembers the official apology to the children and families traumatised by past forced child removal and assimilation government policies in 20th century Australia. (National Sorry Day, or the National Day of Healing, observed on May 26 since 1998, marks the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in the Australian Parliament.)
Kevin Rudd’s apology in 2008 was greeted with cheers and tears across the nation as those of the Stolen Generations were recognised for the grief, suffering and loss that they and their descendents have suffered.
The spirit of the anniversary of the apology is reflected in the challenging Gospel reading this Sunday (Matthew 5: 20-22, 27-28, 33-34). In this reading, Jesus asks us to go one step further than the letter of the law by recognising its spirit. One example he gives relates to the commandment, You must not kill. Jesus invites us to consider how our spirits, when guided by higher virtues, should lead us to enlightened ethical decision-making; for surely we ‘kill’ when we allow and tolerate harm of our environment and of people.
On National Apology Day, we might reflect on how even our national policy- and law-makers can be moved to act from a deeper perspective of the law, as God intended and Jesus came to teach us.
"We commemorate the apology to keep the spirit of its words and their meaning alive. The commemoration is a very real part of the healing journey. One that encourages us to keep looking for new ways to work together for genuine change in the lives of our survivors and their descendants". – CEO, The Healing Foundation, Fiona Petersen
Loving God, Creator Spirit, God of the Dreaming, you who created all people in your image and likeness, may we listen with care to all people of this land and treat all with respect.
Source of all creation and unity, bless us in our endeavours to live as one in Christ.
May you, our God of justice, give us the strength and courage to transform the world according to the vision of Jesus.
May you, our God, model of community and equality, inspire us to bring harmony and a new vision of peace and reconciliation to all. Amen.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW FAMILIES FOR 2023
We extend a very warm welcome to the following 20 new families who have enrolled in St Brigid’s and commenced at the start of the 2023 school year: Aitken, Burrows, Crocco, Crofts, Elias, Espirit, Fei, Flote, Hoskins, Kamineni, Marcano, O'Connor, Ramsay, Roeder, Stylianou, Wang, Holgate, Janrota, Zheng and Sciberras.
Our beautiful Kindergarten class of 2023 has settled in magnificently to daily life at St Brigid’s. Thank you to the parents who have been so supportive of our teachers in preparing for this special time. The first week of school is always an exciting time and seeing the Kindergarten students begin their school days is indeed very rewarding for us all.
COMMENCEMENT MASS
Yesterday, at our opening school Mass for 2023, we prayed for our elected student leaders and inducted them into their new leadership positions for 2023. As a school community we recognise and acknowledge the importance of the special role that they will play in our school community; not just as peers, but also as mentors for the students at St Brigids.
Thank you to Mrs O'Donnell (REC), Mrs Lavelle and Mrs Roche for preparing the students to led such a beautiful Mass. The readers proclaimed so confidently and the cantors sang beautifully. All students actively participated in the Mass through their fabulous singing, clear responses and prayerful gestures. Well done one and all!
| LEADERSHIP POSITION FOR 2023 | RECIPIENT |
| School Captain | Zachary C |
| School Captain | Rosie S |
| SRC Chairperson | Philippa L |
| Faith | Emerson E |
| Justice | Amelia E |
| Learning | Nicolo M |
| Service | Eve A |
|
Senior School Leaders |
Reed B | Bailey C |
|
Senior School Leaders |
Matthew C | Lachlan E |
|
Senior School Leaders |
Rocco G | Shennah L |
|
Senior School Leaders |
Rafael M | Rio M |
|
Senior School Leaders |
Christopher M | Willow |
|
Senior School Leaders |
Eliza P | Hugo S |
|
Senior School Leaders |
Sofia S | Anthony S |
|
Senior School Leaders |
Lucas T |
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC)
The SRC works as an advocate for the needs of the school community, and as a point of contact between the student body and the school leadership team. It addresses relevant issues and sets achievable goals which support the school.
The SRC aims to:
- develop leadership skills
- provide opportunities for students to create and to implement
- give students a greater voice in decision-making processes,
- empower students to contribute to a positive school culture and
- strengthen the school community through active participation.
It is with great pleasure that I announce the Semester One Student Representative Council for 2023:
| SRC Chairperson | Philippa L |
| Year 6 | Rio M |
| Year 5 | Chloe M |
| Year 4 | Ireland C |
| Year 3 | Grace H |
| Year 2 | Ava Y |
| Year 1 | Sophia N |
| Kindergarten | Semester 2 only |
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Parents and/or carers who wish to walk or pick up from school are encouraged to use the Pedestrian gate on Gipps Road (next to the Church) and to park in this vicinity. Not only will this allow for a better flow of traffic on Vickery Street as parents leave the car zone, the crossing in Gipps Street is manned by a NSW School crossing supervisor.
If you do have to access the children's crossing in Vickery Street please be mindful of the flow of traffic. Unfortunately, there are too many impatient drivers on the road that are overtaking and dangerously entering the wrong side of the road and then trying to merge back close to our children's crossing.
The pedestrian gate in Gipps Road is opened from 8:35 - 8:55am and 2:50 - 3:10pm
CAR ZONE PROCEDURES
Please follow all the school procedures and traffic rules to ensure the smooth operation of our car zone but even more importantly, for the safety and well being of all our families.
Please do not queue and block the traffic in Vickery Street. You must do a lap of the block or time your arrival when the zone is not so congested. Please do not use technology and be on your phone in the car zone.
The car zone has a 2 minute limit. As we commence calling names from 2:55pm-3:10pm. please do not enter the zone until 2:53pm. Heavy fines can be given as a result of parking in this zone.
RECORDING OF ABSENCES ON COMPASS
The NSW Education Act (1990) and Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) require Parents/Carers to ensure that children of compulsory school age attend school on each day that the school is open for instruction. If students are absent from school, Parents/Carers are required to provide the school with an acceptable explanation, within seven days of the absence.
After seven days, absences will automatically be recorded as Absent - unexplained / unjustified if the school is not provided with an acceptable explanation from Parents/Carers. Parents wishing to provide the school with an acceptable explanation after the seven-day period, will need to contact the school and the school will adjust the attendance register. Parents will no longer be able to enter the absence through the parental portal in Compass after the seven-day period.
The school will continue to support Parents/Carers and frequently send home letters giving Parents/Carers the opportunity to provide the school with an explanation for absences.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING FAMILIES
Nothing brings more joy to a family than the birth of a child. The new parents, grandparents, and siblings are all filled with joy and excitement at the thought of welcoming the newest member of their family to the world. The first little smile, the first tears shed, and the first baby laugh will surely capture the hearts of each family member and create the most beautiful and unforgettable memories for the baby's parents. Lots of best wishes to the following families....
Ms Sparks became Grandma Kate to beautiful Addison who was born on 25 January.
Temi, in Year 1, became a big sister to Desola who was born on 27 January 2023.
NCCD
All students have the right to a quality learning experience at school. Students with disability must be able to take part in education without discrimination and on the same basis as other students. To ensure this, schools must make reasonable adjustments if needed for students with disability. Educators, students, parents, guardians, carers and others (eg health professionals) must work together to ensure that students with disability can take part in education.
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005 describe schools’ responsibilities.
TAEKWONDO PROGRAM STARTS NEXT WEEK FOR K-6
The Taekwondo Kickstarters program is a modified taekwondo program, developed by Australian Taekwondo, for delivery in schools. It is a fun, safe and inclusive program that teaches kids about all of the benefits that Taekwondo has to offer.
Taekwondo is the safest martial art and the best at developing a child’s physical literacy. The program is designed to create a level of consistency with respect to curriculum and content to provide schools and participants with a quality taekwondo experience that can be delivered and enjoyed nationally.
Features of Taekwondo Kickstarters includes:
- A nationally accredited framework to help delivery in the school system.
- A safe, fun and inclusive program for all school students.
- Learning for children from K-6 in the fundamental skills and values of taekwondo, specifically those with minimal experience in the martial arts.
- Alignment with the Australian Curriculum.
Thank you to the P&F for paying for 2 weeks of the 6 week program.
SCHOOL MERIT AWARD POLICY
The purpose of our weekly school-based merit award system is to recognise and celebrate student achievement and success in a variety of learning and leadership areas. As the title suggests, it is based on merit for achievement and is not designed as an encouragement award or given out so everyone in the class will receive an equal amount of awards each term or year. The classroom teachers have a myriad of ways of encouraging and recognising the growth of the students at a class level.
THE STRUCTURE OF MERIT AWARDS K-6
- Step 1 - 5 Merit awards = First Assistant Principal Award+
- Step 2 - 5 Merit awards = Second Assistant Principal Award+
- Step 3 - 2 Merit awards = First Principal Award
- Step 4 - 5 Merit awards = Third Assistant Principal Award+
- Step 5 - 5 Merit awards = Fourth Assistant Principal Award+
- Step 6 - 2 Merit awards = Second Principal Award+
- Final Step - 2 Merit Awards = St Brigid Medal
THE PROCEDURE
- When students achieve a milestone they are required to submit the actual relevant merit awards to the school office for validation
- The awards are verified by the Assistant Principal and/or Principal and signed, stamped and dated
- The next milestone award is presented at the assembly on the Friday after all the documentation is presented.
- The Assistant Principal and Principal will sign and date the back of the awards when they are presented.
- The final awards of the year are presented at the final assembly in Week 9 (if it is a 10 week term) and Week 10 (if it is an 11 week term). No awards will be presented after this assembly.
The Primary Tuition Fee for 2023 will be $1781 per family and the Primary School SEDSO Building and Maintenance Levy will be $1187 per family in 2023. The St Brigid's Resource Fee is $235 per student.
School fees are due thirty (30) days after annual accounts are issued, however, schools offer a variety of methods of payment and flexible repayment terms to provide families with support to meet their commitments. To facilitate this flexibility, families are asked to complete a Diocesan Request to Pay School Fees by Instalment to advise the school of their intended payment option. These forms are also available from the school office.
Payment methods include BPAY, Centrepay, cash and EFTPOS. Parents may also access the Compass Parent Portal to make payments.
The following documents are available on our St Brigid's website for the information of families: CLICK HERE
- Diocesan School Fee Management Policy
- Diocesan Frequently Asked Questions
- Diocesan Request to Pay by Instalments
- Information regarding school Fees
COVID SMART MEASURES CONTINUING IN TERM 1, 2023
A combination of layers safety measures:
- Mask-wearing
- Rapid antigen testing (RAT)
- Strongly encouraged vaccinations
- Ventilation
- Hygiene
- Cleaning
Allows us to keep schools operational.
In line with the health advice and community settings, schools will continue the ‘baseline’
COVID-smart measures in Term 1 2023. These measures allow us to keep our schools operational while prioritising student and staff safety and wellbeing.
Masks
In response to NSW Health advice and the current COVID-19 situation in the state, the Minister for Education and Early Learning has strongly encouraged mask-wearing when indoors for all school-based staff and for all students when physical distancing is not possible, and for people who believe they have been exposed to COVID-19.
Masks are an effective way to reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory viruses and infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and the flu.
Hygiene and cleaning
- Encourage students and staff to wash their hands regularly with soap and water.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly, as incorrect use can increase the risk of infection.
- Boosted day cleaning of schools may be implemented, focusing on target areas such as high-touch areas and other hard surfaces, door handles, lockers, light switches and handrails in stairways and movement areas.
Reducing the risk of illness
All students, staff and their families should follow NSW Health’s advice to reduce the risk of not only COVID-19, but also other illnesses that may affect schools. Schools should reinforce the following NSW Health messages with their communities:
- Stay home if unwell or showing even the mildest of symptoms
- Keep up to date with vaccinations – including the flu vaccine, which is available from your local GP or Pharmacy
- Get tested immediately for COVID-19 if you become symptomatic and isolate until
- you receive a negative result and are symptom free
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing regularly with soap and water
- Take a RAT before visiting vulnerable loved ones or going to large gatherings and
- events.
RESPIRATORY ILLNESS PROCEDURES - GOOGLE FORM
Please continue to fill in the reporting google form if your child has even the mildest of respiratory symptoms or has tested Positive for COVID-19.
The information contained in this form gives me very good data about prevailing illness in the school which I can communicate to parents to help us all work together to ensure the health and safety of our community.
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.
Your support in ensuring the health and safety of the St Brigid’s Community during this global pandemic has been greatly appreciated.
Please complete it any day or time of the week, including weekends. The information will automatically come to Ms Uroda and Mrs Benoit.
Just a reminder that we do not encourage the sharing of food from home for special occasions e.g birthdays, Easter and Christmas. If we do have a treat day at school, we will always ask you to contact the office should you not wish for your child to partake in buying a special treat. Thank you for your ongoing support.
UNIFORM and SUN SMART POLICIES
Please ensure that you are familiar with and support the school to ensure that both these policies are implemented correctly. They can be found on the school website:
https://www.sbgdow.catholic.edu.au/parents/policies-procedures-forms/
| 13/2 | Swimming Trials for selected students at Uni Pool | 9:00am |
| 14/2 | Taekwondo sport program commences | All day |
| 16/2 | Year 4 and Year 1 Parish Mass followed by a cuppa | 9:30am |
| 20/2 | Year 6 parents Sacramental information night | 6:30pm |
| 21/2 | Pancake Tuesday | Order via Qkr! |
| 22/2 | Ash Wednesday Mass - Year 2-6 attending | 9:30am |
| 25/2 | Confirmation Candidates attend Mass at St Brigid’s | 5:30pm |
| 2/3 | Year 2 and Year K Parish Mass followed by a cuppa | 9:30am |
| 7/3 | P&F AGM and General meeting | 6:30pm - 8:00pm |
| 14/3 | PP teleconferences commence | By Appointment |
| 15/3 | NAPLAN Starts for Year 3 & 5 | |
| 17/3 | Project compassion Mufti Day and Special food | Order Via Qkr |
| 6/4 | Cross Country Carnival | From 9:30am |
| 6/4 | School term ends | |
| 24/4 | School commences for Term 2 | |
| 25/4 | Pupil Free Day - Anzac Day Public Holiday |
Welcome back to Term 1. I am delighted to back in my role as Assistant Principal and look forward to working with you all throughout the year.
NAPLAN
Every year the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses the literacy and numeracy skills of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.
NAPLAN tests complement the wide range of formal and informal assessments already conducted in schools. The NAPLAN test window starts on Wednesday 15 March.
The NAP locked browser is used by the students to access the NAPLAN tests. Any previous versions of the NAP locked down browser must be removed prior to installing the latest version. This can be downloaded from the online assessment platform www.assessform.edu.au
Please refer to the attached document for further parent information.
ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS SYLLABUS
Over the past three years the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) has engaged in the review of the NSW curriculum. During 2022 our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 teachers trialled certain aspects of the reformed English and Mathematics syllabus. This year all K-2 teachers will fully implement the reformed English and Mathematics syllabus.
Our Year 3-6 teachers will begin trialling aspects of the Stage 2 and Stage 3 English and Mathematics syllabus ready for full implementation in 2024.
The new curriculum will give students more time to focus on key learning areas so that they can acquire a deeper understanding of central concepts. It will ensure students develop strong foundations for learning, life and work in a complex and fast-changing world.
What are details on English K–2?
- The English syllabus shows essential learning as outlined in the research for building foundations in reading and writing.
- The syllabus recognises that for most students, oral language comes before written language. Oral language outcomes and content are inclusive of students whose primary communication is not through speaking and listening.
- Each research-based key to reading has an explicit outcome, including phonics. The teaching advice suggests that teachers should typically provide daily opportunities for students to practise reading, starting with the use of decodable texts.
- Focus on reading ‘fluency’ as a key component of building strong foundations.
- More emphasis on writing and ensuring that students have a clear understanding of how to create a sentence.
- ‘Literature’ is highlighted as essential in the development of core knowledge for subject English. Listening to and using literature can foster an understanding, appreciation and love of reading.
- Content is structured to highlight the parallel connections across oral language, reading and writing.
What are the details on Mathematics K–2?
- The new Mathematics syllabus clearly shows essential learning and supports students to make connections across concepts as outlined in the research for building foundations in Mathematics.
- There is a focus on developing reasoning skills to support a deeper understanding.
- Content is structured to highlight the parallel connections across Number and Algebra, Measurement and Space, and Statistics and Probability, underpinned by the latest research.
- Teaching advice for Mathematics includes examples to support the development of language and vocabulary. This will be particularly helpful for early-career teachers. Vocabulary knowledge influences the development of reading, writing, oral language and Mathematics skills.
- The new syllabus affirms the strong evidence base of outcomes and content, with an increased emphasis on place value.
SWIMMING SELECTION TRIALS
On Monday 13 February 2023 we will be holding our Swimming Selection Trials for those students wishing to compete to be selected in the St Brigid’s Swimming Team to represent our school at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival.
The Swimming Selection Trials will be held at University of Wollongong Pool. The trials will begin promptly at 9:00 am and conclude by 12 noon. At the conclusion of the trials the students will walk back to school.
REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
Best of luck to Rafael M and Bailey C who will be participating in the MacKillop Basketball Trials on Friday 24 February 2023. This is such a wonderful achievement and we wish the boys all the best at the trials.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2023
ASH WEDNESDAY MASS: 22 FEBRUARY 2023
Lent is given to us by God as “a sacred time” for our hearts to be renewed and purified (Preface II of Lent). Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, a day of fast and abstinence, when the blessed ashes are sprinkled over our heads as a sign of repentance.
The Mass timetable for Ash Wednesday, 22 February is:
- St Francis Xavier Cathedral 7am, 12.10pm & 6pm
- St John Vianney Co-Cathedral 11am (includes Good Samaritan Parish School)
- St Brigid’s Church 9.30am (includes St Brigid’s Parish School Year 2-6)
THE LENTEN OBSERVANCES
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of abstinence from meat for everyone over 14 years of age, as well as days of fast for those bound to fast (one full meal and two small meals).
- All who have completed their 18th year and have not yet begun their 60th year are bound to fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
- All who have completed their 14th year are bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
- Pastors, teachers, and parents are to ensure that even those who, by reason of their age, are not bound by the laws of fasting and abstinence from meat, are taught the true meaning of penance
ST BRIGID'S AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards since returning to school for 2023.
Week 3 - Term 1
The Strong Foundations Award. This award recognises those students who co create a safe, supportive and friendly environment. They are active participants in their faith, learning and outreach.
| CLASS | STRONG FOUNDATIONS | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | N/A | N/A |
| Year 1 | Emmett B | Della M |
| Year 2 | Ari O | Aurora M |
| Year 3 | Logan A | Mia M |
| Year 4 | Macy G | Hunter M |
| Year 5 | Ali S | Rhiley A |
| Year 6 | Amelia E-B | Emerson E |
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!
| CLASS | STUDENT |
| Year 4 | Ned L |
| Year 5 | Harper L |
Happy Birthday to the following students.
We hope you have a great birthday!
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Ellen O | Ishaan C | Sebastian T | Flynn D | Arthur R | Simon C | Zac C |
| Rhea E | Myra C | Hayde R | Christian J | Zlata K | Sofia S | |
| Joshua R | Della M | Veronica A | Tom S | Daniel M | Rosie S | |
| Zachary R | Bella W | Florence M |
Scholastic Book Club Issue 1 Orders due online by 17 February 2023
Twice a term, Scholastic Book Club catalogues will be sent home with your child. There are no cash or EFTPOS payments, parents can order and pay online for their child’s Book Club purchases using a credit card via LOOP (Linked Online Ordering and Payment platform). The books are then delivered to school and distributed to the students.
Every order helps earn free books and teaching materials for the library and classrooms however there is never any obligation to order. St Brigid’s has earnt thousands of dollars worth of resources through this scheme.
How to order using LOOP?
- Sign in or register an account at: scholastic.com.au/loop
- Click on ORDER and select school and child’s class.
- Add your child’s first name and last initial (for book distribution).
- Enter product item number from the Book Club catalogue.
- Make payment via credit card
- All orders are attached to the school account until ready to be submitted to Scholastic by the school. A due date will be published in the Brigid Bulletin. No late orders can be processed.
Our second-hand uniform stock has been moved to the Kildare Conference Room (behind the Hall building) and will be open each Friday from 8:35 am – 9:00 am. In addition, you can order the school hat, cardigan, and school bag via Qkr! Mrs Mitrevski can also fill phone orders with payment taken over the phone.
At the beginning of the new school year, we would like to remind parents to check and update any details for your children and yourself in the Compass portal.
School fee balances can be checked via the Parent Portal on Compass.
To do this on your phone:
- Open the Compass App
- Open the menu button in the top left hand corner (3 lines, also commonly refered to as the hamburger)
- DO NOT USE THE SCHOOL FEE OPTION IN THIS MENU
- Find and click 'Open in Browser'
- Click your name in the top right hand corner
- Click billing tab (fourth tab along)
To do this on your computer:
- Open the Compass Portal (httpss://sbgdow-nsw.compass.education/)
- Click your name in the top right hand corner
- Click billing tab (fourth tab along)
NEWS FROM THE P&F EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
You are warmly invited to attend the AGM and Term 1 meeting which will be held on TUESDAY 7 March 2023 in the St Brigid's School Library. The meeting will start at 6:30pm.
|
Date |
1st Mower |
2nd Mower |
|
18/2/2023 |
Anthony Petre |
Louise MacDonald |
|
4/3/2023 |
David Hides |
Adam Fredricks |
|
18/3/2023 |
Mark Eckermann |
Thomas Mortlock |
Thank you to our regular group of mowers who have generously volounteered to continue on the roster for 2023. We currently have 15 volunteers but if you would like to join the roster, please ring the school office on 02 4229 1969.
ST BRIGID'S CHURCH MASS TIMES
| Saturday | 5:30pm Vigil |
| Sunday | 9:00am |
| Thursday | 9:30am |
PARISH BULLETIN
PARISH WEBSITE
Sunday 5th March, 2023 | 12-3pm | Edmund Rice College, Wollongong
Celebrate International Women’s Week at the Illawarra Women’s Day of Dance and Culture! All women are welcome to come together to hear inspiring stories from our guest speakers, share delicious food, experience traditional dance and music from different cultures, and access free women’s health checks and information from the Multicultural Health Service.
The ISLHD Health Promotion
Cancer Council’s Healthy Lunch Box website
Healthy Back-to-School lunch boxes made easy!
Developed by dietitians, healthylunchbox.com.au is a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about packing a healthy lunch box. It’s a great resource to promote to parents, even the canteen. On the website there is an interactive lunch box builder, a wide range of nut-free recipes, an ‘Inspiration and Ideas’ section that includes healthy snack alternatives and informative blogs to help kick start the year.
City of Wollongong Brass Bands
