Learning & Teaching

Professional Development

This week, Emma, Petrina, Mick and Ashley completed the third session of their Numicon Intervention Program. They learned about Diagnostic Assessments, Recording student progress and how to run activities that are targeted to students' needs. 

Petrina and Keena attended “Crucial Conversations” Professional Learning at the Catholic Leadership Centre to enhance their leadership skills in effective communication. 

Keena, on Thursday, attended the Literacy Network for MACS at the Catholic Leadership Centre, where leaders worked on their school's annual action plan. 

“In faith we grow and learn”. 

Seesaw 

Student learning is posted on your child’s profile page. These posts and images are a great way to keep the learning conversation with your child. Sharing the posts with, opening up dialogue about learning creates a lifelong love of learning. 

Parent comments on the posts and feedback on student learning is always warmly welcomed. Seesaw is our tool to ensure parent engagement in learning is active and relevant. 

Please email Jackie if you are having trouble accessing Seesaw.

Religious Education

We were blessed to gather together to celebrate our upcoming Sacrament of Reconciliation with a Reconciliation Family Night last week. Families reflected on the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation as part of our everyday practice in order to live with love, respect and compassion for others in our lives. We are so thankful for our family support and guidance in preparing for this sacrament. 

On Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th March, 18 students, 1 teacher and 3 catechist students participated in their First Reconciliation, a sacrament of reflection, healing and forgiveness. We were also very proud that 7 students also engaged in learning about Reconciliation in class, came along with their families to receive blessings. This sacramental occasion was led by Fr Vincent and Fr John Healy who both helped support our candidates in what is not always an easy process. Admitting our mistakes and trying to make amends takes a lot of reflection, compassion and forgiveness. However, we know that through love, kindness and empathy our hearts can be healed when relationships have been damaged or broken by hurtful words and actions.

Our Catholic Faith centres on Jesus’ example for us on what it is like to live with love and forgiveness for others. God too, is always there to love us and forgive us our mistakes when we ask. Our students absolutely lit up the church with their joyous singing that encouraged us to “Knock on God’s door because he is always there for us and knows exactly what we need”. Congratulations to all our students and Miss Jackson, who celebrated this special milestone in their faith journey. We feel very privileged to share this memorable occasion with you all and your families. A special thanks to Michelle, Miss Annie, Mr Luke and Miss Jackson for all the learning they have facilitated for our students and for the wonderful support they offered in preparing for and supporting this  Sacramental journey. The students' passion and commitment to this event was a testament to your love and care for which we are most grateful. Please keep these students in your prayers.

Last week was Catholic Education Week. We reflected on the year of Jubilee and what it means to be a Pilgrim of Hope. Students reflected on their own hopes for themselves, our community and the world. These have been shared on giant letters which are now displayed at the front of the school.

Our fantastic Mini Vinnies also organised some great activities during the week for students to take part in at playtimes.

“In week 8 it was Catholic Education Week. We did lots of fun activities such as a colouring competition, obstacle course and a scavenger hunt and last but definitely not least Trivia”.        - Piper and Emily

Physical Education 

Cross Country Trials & Whole School Lapathon

Our Seniors and Middles took part in our cross country trials, showcasing their incredible endurance and determination. Meanwhile, the whole school came together for the annual Lapathon challenge, where the energy was electric. A special shoutout to MACKILLOP, our victorious house! Well done to everyone on their outstanding performance and teamwork! What a fantastic day of achievement and St B’s spirit!

Senior Futsal

Congratulations to our Senior boys Futsal team who finished Runners Up at this week's Macedon Ranges District Futsal Competition, the boys lost by one goal to Macedon Primary School.

Sustainability

Our Sustainability leaders Alison, Jack, Eleni and Jono together with our little nature warriors Emmett, Wilbur, Violet, Piper B and Beau worked very hard to produce a sustainable Superhero themed scarecrow for the Victorian Schools Garden Program’s annual competition. The scarecrow had to be made entirely from recycled materials. The result of their efforts was a magnificent scarecrow named Brigitron who has been displayed at the International Flower and Garden Show throughout this week. 

Her impressive bio for display was “ Brigitron: a futuristic guardian, channels St. Brigid’s legacy of agricultural pioneering and protection. Her mystical flame helps defend the land with advanced tech, embodying warmth and wisdom, Her repurposed make-up embodies her sustainable roots and beliefs.” We tried to incorporate many aspects of St. Brigid into her design. We were so proud to be awarded 3rd place and receive a $500 nursery voucher which this little dynamo team will put to good use on a project for our own garden. 

Working Bee

A massive thanks to our small and mighty crew who achieved so much at our working bee on Saturday morning. 13 families absolutely smashed out weeding, mulching, pruning and a multitude of other jobs around our yard. Thanks to our amazing leader Brendan Ennis who volunteers his time with his beautiful wife Anne-Maree who go above and beyond every week with their generous donation of time and expertise to the benefit of our school community. We are so grateful to everyone who made such a difference in such a short time.