Principal's News

Dear Parents and Friends

HARMONY DAY

Thank you to all who joined us in wearing a touch of orange on Friday. We wear orange on Harmony Day to signify social communication, meaningful conversations, and to show support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia. It is so important to keep the conversations going about the importance of respect and belonging for all Australians.

WHOLE SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY

What a great start to our second last week of school with our F-6 cross country event. Our students turned up in their house colours sports uniform. They all cheered each other on, supported each other, looked after each other and ran like they were Olympians. We were all super proud of them and received the most beautiful email from a grandparent who was there to support her grandchildren.

Please look at the sporting news tab for all the results. For those children who did not run yesterday we will be holding a rerun for those children on Monday. A big thank you to Hannah for organising the event and all the staff who made sure our children all achieved their very best!

FEEDBACK from Cross country - from a Grandmother who came to Cross Country

“Please pass on my appreciation and admiration for those who planned and conducted the wonderful morning. 

I had a lump in my throat and a tear to my eye many times ( a softie I know )  watching those beautiful children 'put in' and achieve. 

Also, the team building and school pride was great to note. A first for many of them to experience I expect.

I would like to volunteer to create a run through to erect at the end of the run. Blue, red and gold ribbons dangling over an arch made of stiffened garden hose. Reusable ! Just a thought for next year. Thanks again and congratulations St Brigid's.”

Jennifer (grandmother to Lachlan and Ben)

Touch Football

On Wednesday, some Year 6’s competed in a Touch Football Round Robin Competition. Most of us had never heard of the game but 2 parents (Elies and Leah) who play the game to a very high level who asked if we would like to have a go at Touch Football. Of course we said yes! Our children had 4 training sessions - most of them at 7.30am and they were there on time and with a mountain of enthusiasm!!

I went to each training session and I cannot believe how much enjoyment, team spirit and sportsmanship they displayed during these sessions! 

On game day we played 3 games and the children excelled - the boys won 1 and drew 1 and lost one and the girls won 2 and lost 1.

The boys got to play off for third and unfortunately missed out - not before going into over time and having to play 4 then 3 on the field. 

The girls got to play in the grand final and lost 3 to 1 but we played so well.

We could not have been prouder of the children that represented us on Wednesday - great team work, great team spirit and a give it our all attitude. Considering they only had 4 training sessions they did an exceptional job!! 

Thanks Hannah for your organization of the event and your great coaching. Thanks Arch for your great coaching and a special thank you to the parents who stayed for the day! I do not think any of us have any voices left!!  A HUGE thank you to Elies and Leah for all their hard work providing the opportunity for us to participate in the Touch Footy Round Robin,n preparing our children and encouraging them on the day.

NAPLAN

Over the last fortnight we have had our Year 3 and Year 5 students at St Brigid’s sit NAPLAN and we are so proud of each and every one of them for turning up and giving their absolute best. A timely reminder that NAPLAN does not measure every part of what makes our children wonderful, they have many gifts and talents that we are very proud of but we loved that our students turned up with such a positive mindset. 

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK & ST PATRICK'S MASS 

Last Friday a group of our Year 6 students celebrated St Patricks Day with a beautiful Mass at St Patricks Cathedral followed by a tour of the Cathedral.  A big thank you to Mrs Harrison and Deb for taking us to the Cathedral (and for the hot chocolate).

Ethan: I found it cool to see how big the Cathedral is and was shocked at how many schools were there. Getting to see the many small altars was interesting.

Gemma: I loved going to the Cathedral because it was beautiful and I had a bunch of fun with my friends.

Layla: The Cathedral was pretty beautiful. All the speakers spoke very clearly and were easy to understand. It was really nice to see lots of schools coming together. I also enjoyed touring the Cathedral itself.

Spencer: I was surprised at how many altars there are in the Cathedral. I was surprised at how many people were there- I didn’t realise how big Melbourne Archdiocese is.

Louise:  I really enjoyed the train ride there and back. The Cathedral looked really pretty.

Saorise: When we went to the Cathedral, it was really shocking at how big the Cathedral is and how many schools were there. It was a beautiful Mass learning about St Patrick and his family.

FIRST TERM IN FOUNDATION

Our Foundation students have nearly completed their first full term of schooling here at St Brigid’s and what a wonderful term they have had! They have been learning about:

• their sounds,

• Counting,

• PMP

How people look after them in the community - thank you Fireman Nate and Sergeant Stuart for coming to our school to explain your job!

They have learnt how to be good friends, navigate the ‘big’ playground and how to be a great buddy to their year 6 buddies!!

Feedback from a New Foundation Family

Here is some feedback from  a parent brand new to school life - Thanks Ben.

‘Our son Jordan loves school, and after only one term is already flourishing both academically and socially. From the moment you step through the gates at St Brigid’s, the warmth and dedication of the staff shines through, creating an environment where every child feels valued and supported. Special mention must go to Wendy, Tracey, Jodie and Lauren, whose personable approach and genuine kindness have already left a lasting impression on our family.’

CELEBRATION OF LEARNING

Don’t forget on Monday 31st of March we will be holding our termly Celebration of Learning.  All the students have been busy preparing and practising for this day.  They will be sharing several pieces of work from throughout the term. You are more than welcome to visit your child/ren before going for a walk and exploring the learning of the other levels as well. 

Date: Monday 31st March

Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am

We look forward to celebrating the amazing work of all our students with you. 

EASTER COLOURING COMPETITION

Our Colouring Competion enteries are coming in and the office is looking very festive.  Get you entries in by Wednesday when our winners will be announced.  It's not to late to join in the fun - entries are available from the office.

EASTER RAFFLE DONATIONS

Our annual Easter Raffle is fast approaching!! We ask that all donations be sent to school by Wednesday 2nd April.  Tracey is gradually disappearing behind a wall of chocolate. Please return your tickets to us by Thursday 3rd of April in time for our Easter Raffle draw on Thursday afternoon at 2:15PM (please note change of time!)

EASTER BONNET PARADE

Get your thinking bonnets on! We are can't wait for our  Easter bonnet parade on Thursday morning.  We will have a parade at 8:45am. Parents are most welcome to join us for the parade.

RUNNING CLUB

Term 1 week 9 - Running club 

Laps = 80

Km run = 4.0km

Total km = 771.7km

We are on the Hume Fwy/National Hwy in New South Wales in Mittagong. 

This time next week I will be on my way to the airport ready to head off on my overseas adventure.  Wishing everyone a very safe and happy holidays and Easter.  See you when I return middle of Term 2.

With thanks

Wendy Sullivan