Miss Mel's Message

Term 3, Week 3

This week has been a big one for us at St Brigid's; beginning with our Year 6 students receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, celebrating Grandparents Day, Senior camp to Anglesea, and finishing with the festivities of 100 Days of Prep.

Uniform Update

The new uniform jackets and pants have arrived, and the feedback suggests the students are loving them! They are super warm and comfortable. New orders are now being taken, with the ordering window closing on Wednesday, August 7th, for puffer vests and jackets, zip-through jackets, and pants. We are also excited to launch the new puffer vest and puffer jacket, priced at $80 for the vest and $90 for the jacket. For more details, please check Seesaw. Please note, there is no obligation to purchase the new uniform, should you choose to continue with the old uniform. It will be phased out slowly as students grow and require new items.

We recently asked students to vote on a new school dress option. Students were asked to choose between the new design and the current green dress. The response was overwhelmingly in favour of the new dress. Students provided several reasons for their preference. They mentioned that the old dress, with its back zipper, is difficult to manage independently. Also, the tight collar often feels uncomfortable, especially when seated. The new dress addresses these concerns and offers a more modern look.

We are also pleased to announce that the entire new suite of uniforms will be provided to the 2025 preps. With this upcoming change, I take this opportunity to seek support from families in revisiting our expectations regarding our uniform as mentioned during our recent assembly.

Uniform Policy

It is important that we uphold our uniform policy and that students not wear clothing that is not part of the uniform. Having a set uniform is a central part of what makes us a Catholic school. Not because of how we look, but because of the ethos behind why we wear a uniform. At our Catholic school, we believe everyone is made in the image of Christ and deserves respect. No one is more worthy than another, as we are all equal in God’s eyes.

This belief is reflected in the Gospels, where Jesus shows dignity and respect to everyone. Jesus asks to eat with Zacchaeus who is a tax collector and shunned by society. He heals lepers who live in isolation outside the walls of the city and he teaches with stories of a good Samaritan who takes the time to assist a stranger when others have crossed the road to avoid helping. These examples remind us that we are all equal before God.

Wearing a uniform helps ensure that no student feels left out due to differences in clothing. It promotes a sense of equality and allows students to focus on their learning instead of their appearance. Additionally, a uniform fosters a sense of belonging and pride in our community, which is important for students' well-being. We appreciate your support in ensuring students wear the correct uniform.

School Review

Our four yearly review is now complete. The reviewer will compile the evidence and write her report. We expect to share the recommendations and feedback by late August. The student focus groups provided great feedback with key positives around the caring community within which they thrive. They expressed feeling like part of a big family that recognises their uniqueness, encourages them to try new things, and supports their leadership.

Thrive with 5

Unlocking a Bright Future: The Power of the First 1000 Days

The Australian Primary Principal’s Association (APPA) is committed to supporting families in ensuring every child has the best start in life. They have partnered with leading paediatrician Prof Frank Oberklaid of The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute to produce the Thrive with Five paper.  

In the first 1000 days of a child's life, their brain grows really fast. Every time they see, hear, or touch something, it helps their brain make new connections. Eating healthy food and getting good sleep are very important because they help the child grow strong. When parents show love and care, it helps the child feel safe and learn to trust others. Playing and exploring help children learn to talk and become curious, which makes learning easier as they get older.

Families benefit from a supportive community, ensuring both they and the child thrive. Our school is part of a supportive community, and we want to partner with families to shape a lifetime of benefits for every child. Our school newsletter will share information about the important five: play, talk, read, eat well and sleep. Share these ideas with friends and family. Be a ripple for a bright future!

Grandparents Day

On Monday we celebrated the Feast of St Joachim and St Anne, the parents of Mary, by celebrating our grandparents. We were blessed to have so many grandparents share in our special liturgy in the church and then have the opportunity to visit the classrooms. The students loved showing their work, reading stories, and taking them on a tour of their space. 

This day is a special occasion to honour and celebrate the role of grandparents and elders in our lives. They are often the anchors of our families and society, providing wisdom, love, and stability across generations. The Bible reminds us of the importance of honouring our elders. Proverbs 17:6 says, “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” This highlights the mutual joy and pride in the grandparent-grandchild relationship.

There are huge advantages for all involved when our youngest and elder generations get that time together. Having another level of love, attention, and security from additional family members is something that genuinely helps shape your child as he or she grows.

Research has shown that not only does grandparent interaction improve language skills in preschool children but might also have a positive influence on their health as well.

This week, let’s show our gratitude to our grandparents and elderly. Whether through a visit, a call, or a loving letter, let’s honour them for their enduring love and the positive impact they have made on our lives. Let’s also remember those who are no longer with us, treasuring their memory and stories.

Prep Discovery Learning

The Preps are enjoying their new focus on learning, which began with their connection to place through the Geography curriculum. They have been exploring why places are special and sharing what makes a place special to them. Prep PJ has been having a fantastic time in the new Discovery spaces, where they role-played as travel agents and looked at various places to visit. To celebrate their 100 days of learning, the Preps took their learning off-site to the McLean farm. Look out for photos in the next newsletter. 

Attention: 2025 Preps!

Come and share a story in our beautiful library, every Tuesday from 2:45pm. 

Construction Help Needed

The truck crew has also been creatively and collaboratively building their trucks a new enclosure garage. Unfortunately, the brick stacking poses an OHS risk. We are seeking a volunteer to assist the boys in building a more permanent wooden back for their garage. Please email me if you can assist in this project. mdaly@sbgisborne.catholic.edu.au

Senior Camp

Petrina and I had the pleasure of stepping away from our school leadership roles this week to accompany our senior students to Anglesea camp. A great time was had by all. Camps provide an important opportunity for children to experience new activities, develop independence, and create new friendships. These experiences help students grow in confidence and build lasting memories. Staff who attend our school camps are entitled to time in lieu days. To keep costs down staff will take a TIL (time in lieu) day later in the term. 

Thank you, Miss Petrina, Miss Turner, Miss Milner, Leanne, and Mr Luke for taking time away from their families and supporting this important aspect of school life. Thanks, Miss Steph for ensuring the learning continued in MLC. Photos to follow in the next edition.

Year 6 Confirmation

Last Sunday 28th July, 31 Year 6 students from both St. Brigid's and our Catechists from surrounding schools, took part in their Sacrament of Confirmation. With their Sponsors, families and friends in attendance, they made the decision to confirm their Catholic Faith and make a commitment to using their gifts and talents, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to go out into the world and live by the example Jesus set to treat others with love, kindness, respect and compassion.

Throughout the whole preparation period, we were extremely proud of our students who embraced all the opportunities to reflect on what their faith meant to them, leading into this important occasion. Their Confirmation was a lovely celebration of who they are and what they aspire to be, empowered and guided by our Catholic Faith.

We would like to congratulate and thank our students for their efforts as well as their families and sponsors who have and will continue to, guide them throughout their life's journey and provide positive examples of what it means to live, love and serve like Jesus did.

As a community, we are very grateful to many who made this Sacramental Celebration such a meaningful one. 

• To Jayde, Hayley and Steph who prepared the students so thoroughly.
• To Bishop Terry Curtin who spent time with us on Reflection Day and presided over the Sacrament.
• To Fr Vincent who was involved in our preparations and helped Confirm our students.
• To Vicki Firman and Kevin Petherbridge from the parish who helped prepare the Catechist students and were involved in supporting them at both our Reflection Day, rehearsal and ceremony.
• To Fr Dennis, Sister Jose and the St. Anne's Parish who we are most grateful for sharing your church and resources with us and for giving up your time so generously on Sunday to ensure our Ceremony ran so smoothly.
• To our beautiful staff that came to support the students and help run our Confirmation Ceremony and helped with preparations leading into all aspects of this process.
• To Holy Cross REL Lisa Peake and her team as well as your Year 6 students who we combined with for both our Reflection and Rehearsal Days, you helped guide our preparations throughout and we are most grateful to be able to share this occasion with you all and benefit from this parish connection and relationship. 
• To our wonderful parents Beth, Sonia, (Emily) & Michelle who created a feast like no other for our reflection day with unbelievable organisational skills and energy, we are extremely appreciative.

A massive thanks to all involved and we look forward to the next instalment of our Sacramental Program as we begin our preparations for the Year 4's First Eucharist in September. 

Book Week is Coming!

The theme for this year's Book Week is 'Reading is Magic'.

The week of the 19th-23rd August will be an opportunity to celebrate books by Australian children's authors and illustrators, highlighting the importance of reading and encouraging a love for it. All classes will be involved in sharing, discussing and responding to the shortlisted books nominated by The Children's Book Council of Australia.

On Friday, August 23rd, at 9:10 AM, we invite all students to come dressed as their favorite book characters. Feel free to make your costumes as simple or as creative as you like—no pressure! We want this to be a fun event for everyone. In the morning, we will hold a parade in the hall to showcase each other's wonderful creations, and we would love for you to attend. 

We look forward to an amazing week of activities.

P&F Parents' Night Out!

Tickets are now on sale! 

Students will be bringing home an order sheet this week, you can return with your money orbank transfer receipt details OR P&F will be accepting card and cash payments outside the office this Friday 2nd August and Friday 16th August between 8.30am - 9am. You don’t want to miss this event!!! 

Bring your friends and get set for a night of dancing, laughs, live and silent auctions and general fun, all benefiting our beautiful school and our kids!!! 

Some current auction items:

• A $2000 Flight Centre Voucher
• 75inch TV 
• Toyworld Hampers 
• Local business gift vouchers
• Fun and exciting prizes from our teachers!!!! 
• See you all there!!!

St B's Socials

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Please share our profiles with your family and friends. Together, we can celebrate the vibrant and dynamic spirit of our school community.