Principal's News

Dear Parents and Friends,

What a fantastic term we are having!

We are so proud of our students and how engaged they have been in the many activities already completed, as well as those still to come. A big thank you to everyone in our community who has supported us in so many ways to ensure these events have been both successful and enjoyable for the children.

Father’s Day Breakfast

What amazing turnout we had yesterday for our Father’s Day Breakfast. It was nice to see so many dads, granddads and special people at our school. Our coffee van was a great hit as always and it was lovely to see our dads and granddads playing 4 square or basketball with the children. The toasties were a big hit with the dads and the children enjoyed the fruit and chocolate danishes!!

Congratulations to our raffle winners;

Robert M - Bruno’s Chicken

John T - Golf voucher

David T - Mates  voucher 

Of course these days would not be so successful if it wasn't for the ‘bakers and waitresses’ who got to school early to set up and cook for our dads and special people! A big thank you to: Cleidi, Georgia, Britt, Evelyn, Erin, Kelly, Ange P, Ange K and Emma for all their help.

Once again it shows the amazing community we have here at St Brigid’s.

Book Week

Our Book Week celebrations continued this week with a very special visit from author and illustrator Leigh Hobbs, best known for Old Tom. Leigh captivated the children with stories of how he became a storyteller and then guided our budding artists through drawing his much-loved characters Old Tom and Mr Chicken.

Sharing of Learning

On Wednesday 10 September at 2.45pm, we will be holding a Sharing of Learning session in classrooms, replacing our usual end-of-term Celebration of Learning. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to see classroom displays and talk with your child/ren about their learning journey.

Right to Disconnect

As you may be aware, the Right to Disconnect is now part of Australian law. For our teachers, this means responding to correspondence during the hours of 8.00am–5.00pm on school days.

If you have an urgent matter, please direct your email to me at wsullivan@sbmord.catholic.edu.au, and I will respond as soon as possible.

We welcome communication from families, and often a quick chat at drop-off or pick-up can resolve small matters straight away. Please note that while staff prioritise student wellbeing and learning, they are not expected to respond to emails and phone calls outside working hours or during school holidays. You can expect a reply within 24–48 school hours. Thank you for your understanding.

Communication & Relationships

A gentle reminder: if your child experiences a friendship or relationship issue at school, please contact us directly rather than approaching another child or family. A short email (two sentences is ideal) or a phone call allows us to respond within 24–48 school hours. For example:

Dear X, My child came home today feeling really sad about a friendship at school. I am available on xx to meet or speak with you about this. Kind regards, X.

We will then follow up and support the children involved.

The following is reiterated in the Parent/Guardian/Carer Code of Conduct (see attached): 

 Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• approaching a child that is not your own with a view to disciplining that child for their behaviour (such matters are only to be dealt with by school staff)
• approaching other school parents to resolve issues arising between students at school (such matters should be referred to school staff)
• any form of threatening language, gestures or conduct
• language or conduct which is likely to offend, harass, bully or unfairly discriminate against any student, employee, contractor, volunteer or other 

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all.

Foundation 2026 – Story Time

Last week, we welcomed our new Foundation students for their very first Story Time session. It was so lovely seeing the children together as a class, chatting happily while enjoying their ‘school work’. Parents also had a wonderful chance to connect in the staffroom, or relax in the TheirCare room if they had toddlers with them.

We are really looking forward to our 2026 Foundation Parent Information Night on Thursday, 23rd October 2025 and our upcoming transition sessions:

• Thursday 30th October – 8.45am to 10.30am
• Thursday 6th November – 8.45am to 10.30am
• Thursday 13th November – 8.45am to 10.30am
• Thursday 20th November – 8.45am to 10.30am

Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools – School Improvement Survey (MACSSIS) 

Monday 1 September – Friday 19 September 2025. Please check your email from ORIMA Research for your login details.

Each year, we pause to listen to our students, families, and staff to reflect on how our school community is going. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us continue to grow and improve.

The MACSSIS surveys have been designed specifically for Catholic schools in Melbourne, in consultation with principals and researchers. Students, families, and staff are invited to take part via a secure online platform. The results are provided to our school leaders in summary reports, helping guide our ongoing improvement.

Participation is completely voluntary – the surveys are not a test, but an inclusive way to support our school’s journey. You may also withdraw at any stage before, during, or after completing the survey.

💡 Once you’ve completed the survey, please take a screenshot of the confirmation page and email it to wsullivan@sbmord.catholic.edu.au. You’ll go into the draw to win a $50 book voucher! 

2026 Plans

We politely ask all families to notify the school should your child/children not be returning to St Brigid’s in 2026.  We have had a number of enquiries in recent weeks across various levels. Having an accurate indication of our enrolment numbers ensures we can plan accordingly for the following school year and access appropriate funding, such as staffing and resourcing. We thank you for your cooperation.

District Athletics 

On Tuesday we had the Mordialloc District Athletics Carnival, students from Years 3-6 represented St Brigid’s. We had an amazing day and everyone participated so well in all of their events. Overall St Brigid’s placed 7th out of 11 schools and came 1st in the Handicap division. The handicap division is calculated on the number of students you have in Years 4-6 to make an even playing field for the smaller schools. 

We had a number of students receive ribbons on the day; 

Isla S - 1st 9/10 Girls 200m and 1st 9/10 Girls 800m 

Alfie C - 2nd 11 Boys Hurdles 

Jasper R - 1st 9/10 Boys Discus 

Jessica L - 2nd 11 Girls Long jump and 3rd 11 Girls Triple Jump 

Flynn O - 3rd 9/10 Boys Triple Jump 

Emelia E - 3rd 9/10 Girls Shot put 

Daphne F - 3rd 11 Girls 200m 

We wish Isla S, Alfie C, Jasper R and Jessica L the best of luck at the Kingston Division Athletics on the 9th of October.  

In more sporting news we would like to congratulate Isla S, Harry S and Noah W for competing in the State Cross Country Championships 1.km earlier this term. 

Year 3 Reconciliation Family Activity Night 

It was lovely to see so many of our Year 3 families come together to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which they will receive early next term. The focus was on the sacred dignity of each person, that we are made in the image and likeness of God and therefore need to be able to forgive and be forgiven. We reflected on the four steps of Reconciliation - admitting, saying sorry, forgiveness and action to repair.

School of Rock - Thursday 19 September - 7:00pm - St Louis de Montfort Primary School Hall

The excitement is building and we are one month away from this year's Concert - School of Rock.  Tickets are on sale via the CDFpay App.  Limit 5 per family.  Adults $20.00 Children 5-18 years $10.00.  Toddlers free but will have to sit on a parents knee.  In preparation for our whole school rehearsal on Monday 15 September (at St Brigid's), we ask that all students bring in their costumes next week. Students are to wear their sports uniform on this day. 

Change of Date

Our Colour Run will now take place on Monday 13 October. 

With thanks,

Wendy Sullivan

Principal