Message from the Principal
It is difficult to contemplate this is our last newsletter ever. However, despite the closure of our school, I'm incredibly proud of what we have achieved in the last six years in terms of the families we have supported and the quality education we have provided to many children over those years.
I firmly believe that as a Catholic school we have fulfilled the mission of Catholic schools that is, 'to build a community where authentic relationships based on love provide the means and the support for all students to flourish and grow into the fullness of life. Every child is precious and we hold dear the dignity and possibility of each one' (MACS).
I feel very privledged and honoured to have been the Principal of St Bridget's Primary School for the last six years. You are a community who have consistently demonstrated our school motto 'to be strong and courageous'.
This is not goodbye but see you later, as many of you have become dear friends. I will take long service leave for Term 1 and consider my next adventure with our Companion Dog Angelique.
Production
Early in Term 4, we held our School Production titled 'Side by Side'. Thank you to Siena College for the use of their beautiful Susan Alberti theatre. I'm always impressed with the confidence of our students to push themselves outside of their comfort zone. Thank you to our very talented Music and Performing Arts Teacher, Mr Jon Bode for creating the production, for his patience and for preparing the children. Thank you also to our singing teacher, Rebecca Bode and Craig from ABC Music Group our instrumental teacher for their contribution and support.
I think it's important to have an expansive specialist and extra curricular program so that all students have an opportunity to succeed and shine.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Congratulations to our Year 5/6 students who made their Sacrament of Confirmation during Term 4. In preparation for their Sacrament, the students and their parents attended a Commissioning Mass, a information workshop and finally the students attended a retreat at Don Bosco retreat centre before being Confirmed. Thank you to our classroom teachers Mr Cirillo and Mrs Madden and our Religious Education Leader, Mrs Maher for preparing the children. Thank you to Father John Salvano our Parish Priest for his support and to Father Kerin and Father John for presiding over the Mass.
Chess Tournaments
Over the course of this year, we have held 8 chess tournaments for all schools in Victoria including the State Finals. I have developed a strong and long term relationship with Pearl Yung from Northern Star Chess who has supported our school over a number of years with a weekday and weekend chess club.
This Term, we held the Primary Open Semi Final and St Bridget's placed 16th out of 33 schools. Jaden Q our highest placed student achieved 23rd out of 104 students and Sophie L placed 40th, both students received a silver medal for their efforts.
Next we held a Junior Tournament for our Prep to Year 3 students. St Bridget's placed 3rd out of 17 schools. Jaden Q achieved 13th place out of 53 students and received a gold medal. Sophie L placed 22nd and received a bronze medal.
We finished the year with hosting the Junior State Final where St Bridget's placed 21st out of 36 schools. Jaden Q placed 26th and received a bronze medal for his efforts. Congratulations to all of our students who participated.
Baptism
Congratulations to two of our students, Ben and Lucy, who chose to become part of our Catholic community through the Sacrament of Baptism.
Year 5 Leaders
Of all our students in light of our school closure, I feel the most for our Year 5's. As they will not have the benefit of a leadership opportunity at their new primary school. As a result, I thought it important these students had the benefit of experiencing the leadership process that is, to prepare a speech, to present to and to be voted in by their peers. The option was offered to the Year 5 students and after consideration they opted to proceed with the process.
Our Captains were voted as follows. Congraulations to all students.
School Captains - Ruby & Zac
O'Shea Sports Captain - Emma & Antonio
Shorten Sports Captains - Vivienne & Bronte
Pietzsch Sports Captain - Chizara
Green Force Captains - Ashlee, Lily, Sophie H, Carter and Lianna
Year 6 Graduates
Congratulations to our Year 6 students who graduated primary school. We wish them well as they move into High School.
Retirement of Christine Jamieson
Finally, I would like to acknowledge Christine Jamieson, for her work work and dedication which has spanned 28 years across Catholic Education in Administration including 22 years at St Bridget's.
I thank Chris for her support and friendship particularly over the last six years with me as Princiapl of St Bridget's. I wish Chris the very best for a well deserved retirement. Her commitment and dedication to Catholic Education has been unwavering and is greatly appreciated. I hope this is just the beginning of her life's adventures.
Lastly, look out for our future alumni events via our social media accounts.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.
Kind Regards
Robyn Thomson