Filter Content
‘You did not choose me, no, I chose you’ (John 15: 16)
The story of Jesus curing the blind man, which we heard last week, the 4th Sunday of Lent, reminds us of one of the most important understandings of our loving God. It is Jesus who takes the initiative to approach the blind man at the Pool of Siloam, demonstrating his love and compassion. In this important Lenten reading, we witness as the man himself, healed of his blindness by Jesus, ‘a man from God’, becomes our model of humility and graciousness, knowing that he can do nothing without the help of others, but especially of his loving God.
The challenge for us in this familiar story relates to our own openness to God. Are we willing to move, as the blind man, beyond our comfort zones, beyond ourselves and our own personal needs, in response to God’s call to us? During the season of Lent, we are called especially to answer humbly the call to see as God sees - to respond to the needs of others, no matter the barriers that might stand in our way. In doing so, we stand for the values that Jesus lived and taught, even when faced with the difficulties of mockery, poor resources or other challenges.
Jesus is reminding us, as he did the blind man, “I see you, even though you cannot see me.” How do we respond when we hear his voice or feel his touch?
Lord, grant us the grace to have confidence in the love and actions of Jesus.
We ask for the light that will enable us to see beyond material needs and our own perceptions,
to the goodness and greatness of your work; to see as you see, to love as you love. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
RICE DAY - CONGRATULATIONS YEAR 6
Yesterday the Year 6 students and their teachers participated in a 'fasting day' for Lent, only eating a simple bowl of rice for lunch. This day provided the students the opportunity to consider the many people around the world who have so little to eat daily and an awareness of what it would be like to not have the abundance of food we normally enjoy.
The small bowl of rice in place of their normal lunch reinforced students’ understanding of what some children in impoverished communities eat each day. Ainsley, Michael and Louise cooked and served the rice for this event. They expressed there congratulations to the students and their families for the commitment and passion shown to be involved in such an event.
The students were so eager and willing to participate in Rice Day, and to date, have raised $1000 for Caritas’s Project Compassion. They came away with the message that their donation, no matter how small, can make a real difference to families in communities that are less fortunate.
- Develops courtesy and respect, including self-respect
- Improves self-control, cooperation, and physical coordination
- Teaches how to set and achieve goals
- Encourages kids to persevere when faced with challenges
- Social interaction with disciplined and respectful peers
| Tuesday 25 April 2023 | Anzac Day public holiday |
| Monday 29 May 2023 | Staff Retreat in Mittagong |
| Tuesday 30 May 2023 | Staff Development Day - Literacy/ Numeracy |
| Monday 12 June 2023 | King's Birthday public holiday |
There is now an additional section for mufti days to ensure the attire of students is conducive to their learning, activities and safety.
We thank you for supporting the St Brigid's uniform policy.
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.
| 6/4 | Cross Country Carnival | From 9:30am |
| 6/4 | School term ends | |
| 24/4 | School commences for Term 2 | 8:50am |
| 25/4 | Pupil Free Day - Anzac Day Public Holiday | All day |
| 27/4 | Year 6 Confirmation Retreat day | 8:50am |
| 29/4 | Sacrament of Confirmation | 2:00pm |
| 11/5 | Whole School Mass & guided learning walks | 9:30am |
| 20/6 | Netball Gala Day Year 3-6 | All day |
| 28/6 | School Athletics Carnival | 12noon |
MATHEMATICS COLLABORATIVE INQUIRY
As part of our schools Annual Improvement Plan (AIP) teachers in Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 will be engaging in a variety of professional learning opportunities throughout the year. These opportunities will link directly to our school goal of improving students' growth in Mathematics.
Currently Year 1 and Year 2 teachers are administering a mathematics assessment on all students to gather data. This data will be used to set learning goals for both the staff and students. Kindergarten will begin to administer the assessment in Term 2.
We look forward to sharing our learning journey as we move forward with our Mathematics Collaborative Inquiry.
CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL
Our school Cross Country will be held in Week 11, Thursday 6th April. The carnival will be held over at Wiseman’s Oval commencing at 9:15am. Students are invited to wear their sports uniform and a coloured t-shirt to represent their house colour.
The day will be broken into different categories including competitive Cross Country running, a fun run event and tabloid games. The competitive event is for those students who wish to be considered for representing at a Diocesan level (8 years and above).
More details will be sent via Compass outlining event times.
DIOCESAN SWIMMING
On Monday 13 March 2023 Mrs Brodnik accompanied a group of students to the Diocesan Swim Selection Trials at Corrimal Pool. The students had an amazing day. They swam to the best of their ability, displayed respectful behaviours and were a credit to our school.
Congratulations to the following students who participated in the swim trials:
Rhiley A, Sachi B, Reed B, Bailey C, Zac C, Finn D, Zara H, Kip M, David M, Alice M, Maggie M, Rafael M, Hunter M, Willow M, Rosie S, Anthony S and Evie W.
DIOCESAN SOCCER TRIALS
On Wednesday 8 March 2023, Hugo the Wollongong Primary Football Trials at Unanderra Park. He was one of 65 boys who trialled for selection in a team of 12-13 players.
Hugo was successful in being selected in the Wollongong Representative team who will attend the Mackillop Football trials to be hosted in Goulburn on the 26 May 2023. Well done Hugo we are extremely proud of you.
With Easter almost upon us, supermarket shelves are full with delicious chocolatey treats. The challenge for us as consumers is finding a “good egg” – one that is ethically sourced and manufactured.
The chocolate industry has long been tainted by reports of forced labour and slavery, with estimates of 1.56 million children involved in hazardous work in cocoa production in West Africa (which produces most of the world’s cocoa), with many forced to work long hours, use dangerous equipment, and endure physical and emotional abuse.
“Every person ought to have the awareness that purchasing is always a moral – and not simply an economic – act.” Pope Francis
Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) this year is encouraging Australians to join the campaign for Slavery Free Easter eggs and chocolate.
View the link below for tips and further information - How Sweet Is My Chocolate?
Also, consider not buying something that is overly packaged. Lots of Easter eggs come encased in several layers of foil, cardboard and plastic – each of which come with an environmental and often human cost of their own. Remember to recycle your foil.
. ST BRIGID'S AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students on receiving their awards during Week 7-9.
Week 7 - Term 1
Today, students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the Making Connections Award. This award recognises students from Kinder to Year 6 who use their knowledge, skills and learning opportunitiesd to connect to real world experiences and learning. These students seek to make meaning and connections to the world beyond the classroom.
| CLASS | MAKING CONNECTIONS | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Luke W | Korban H |
| Year 1 | Georgina H | Roman G |
| Year 2 | Maggie M | Jacob S |
| Year 3 | Sophie R-M | Flynn D |
| Year 4 | Aaliyah O | Kip M |
| Year 5 | Sarah M | Chloe M |
| Year 6 | Rio M | Philippa L |
Week 8 - Term 1
Today students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive our Catholic Values award of Courage.
We are challenged to be authentic people and respond to the Holy Spirit by being advocates for truth and justice.
| CLASS | CATHOLIC VALUES COURAGE | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Jackson Y | Ellen O |
| Year 1 | Annabelle G | Ruby D |
| Year 2 | Sebastian T | Amelia P |
| Year 3 | Hrihaan C | Aria J |
| Year 4 | Alice M | Lachlan C |
| Year 5 | Rhiley A | Daniel M |
| Year 6 | Reed B | Rafael M |
Week 9 - Term 1
Today, students from Kinder to Year 6 will receive the Strong Foundations award. This award recognises those students who create a safe, supportive and friendly environment. They are active particiapants in their faith, learning and outreach.
| CLASS | STRONG FOUNDATIONS | LEADER OF THE WEEK |
| Kinder | Mun Seng A D | Jhasritha K |
| Year 1 | Leo G | Teni A |
| Year 2 | Elliott G | Jaxson M |
| Year 3 | Maya I | Hkum Seng D |
| Year 4 | Ireland C | Darren Y |
| Year 5 | Neave M | Lidia C |
| Year 6 | Shennah L | Bailey C |
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 3 - Week 7 | Lucas S |
| Year 4 - Week 8 | Kip M |
| Year 5 - Week 8 | Bethany M |
| Year 6 - Week 8 | Rio M |
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 |
| Korban H | Magnus A | Hrihaan C | Isabella S | Philippa L | ||
| Kai R | Emmett B | Neave M | Amelia E-B | |||
| Briella I | ||||||
| Sarah M | ||||||
| Tayla R |
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 the billing tab (fourth tab along)
2023 NSW PREMIERS READING CHALLENGE
NEWS FROM THE P&F EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
LET’S HAVE A SCHOOL FETE IN 2023!
Calling all parents to attend the first fete meeting next Tuesday 28 March at 6:30pm in the School Library. It’s been years since the last fete - to make it happen WE NEED YOUR HELP!
You don’t need any special skills, just willingness to contribute and help make this fantastic event happen. Many small jobs are available that require minimal commitment. Grandparents make fantastic volunteers, invite them along!
Please be aware - sadly without the contribution of parents/carers we will be unable to hold the fete.
Come along, get involved, and show your children what community spirit is all about!
For those who can’t make the meeting, chat with your P&F at pandf@sbgdow.catholic.edu.au See you on Tuesday!
LET US INTRODUCE OURSELVES
Hi there! We are your new P&F Executive Committee…
- Caterina - President (Mum to Zara, Year 5 and Sofia, Year 2)
- Lil - Vice-President (Mum to Alice, Year 4 and Maggie, Year 2)
- Lauren - Secretary (Mum to Emmett, Year 1)
- April - Treasurer (Mum to Leo J, Year 1)
What do we do? Collaborate with the school to organise social events, fundraising, community building and all-round fun!
Want to join in the fun? We meet once a term in the evening at the school.
What do we want? YOU! The P&F can only provide these much-loved activities to the students if we have the support of parents/carers/grandparents.
How to reach us? Email to pandf@sbgdow.catholic.edu.au and follow us on Facebook!
EASTER PICNIC & EGG HUNT
VOLUNTEERING
Event Helpers!
We require 1 (or 2 or 3 - grab a friend!) parents/carers from Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 to help organise the below events in 2023:
- Kinderlinks Morning Tea (Kindergarten)
- Mother’s Day Stall
- Mother’s Day Morning Tea
- Father’s Day Stall
- Father’s Day Morning Tea
It’s not time consuming - all the hard work is pre-prepared and you will be provided with support from the P&F Executive. If you are yet to show your support to the P&F here is your chance!
Please continue to sign up for volunteering opportunities on SignUp Zone or contact the P&F on pandf@sbgdow.catholic.edu.au.
YEAR BOOK HELPERS
You know how fabulous our school yearbooks are. Yearbook Class Helpers are required for each year/class to help the co-ordinator ensure that your child’s class is represented well, and that we continue to create beautiful keepsakes our children can look back on in years to come.
Reach out to find how you can help your child’s class.
Please continue to sign up for volunteering opportunities on SignUp Zone or contact the P&F on pandf@sbgdow.catholic.edu.au.
|
ROSTER 2023 |
||
|
Weekend |
Mower #1 |
Mower #2 |
|
01/04/2023 |
Fabrizio Curcio |
Jason Shoebridge |
|
22/04/2023 |
Jeremy Crook |
Paul Brogan |
|
13/05/2023 |
Matthew Duggan |
n/a |
|
03/06/2023 |
Chris Burrows |
Darrell Mitchell |
|
24/06/2023 |
Russell Bailey |
Grant Stylianou |
|
05/08/2023 |
Bobby Greenfield |
Ryan O’Connor |
|
26/08/2023 |
Juan Marcano |
Brett Shrimpton |
|
16/09/2023 |
Anthony Petre |
Louise MacDonald |
ST BRIGID'S CHURCH MASS TIMES
| Saturday | 5:30pm Vigil |
| Sunday | 9:00am |
| Thursday | 9:30am |
PARISH BULLETIN
PARISH WEBSITE