Dear Parents and Friends,

What a wonderful start to Term 4! Our children have come back settled and ready to learn. Every morning when we are on yard duty the chatter, laughter and running to greet friends at the gate really shows that we have such a sense of belonging and community here! I love seeing the parents each evening catching up and making plans for play dates or coffee catch ups as well!

Term 4 can be seen as a transitional period for our students, as they prepare to move up to the next year level and even on to Year 7. For many of us, it's hard to believe how quickly the time has flown, in particular, for our soon to be departing Year 6s. It only seems like yesterday they were in Foundation. We look forward to celebrating their journey at St Brigid’s this term and we are well on the way in the planning of their Graduation celebrations.

Even though we are preparing for the transition it is still important to remember we have a rigorous term of learning and our students will be completing extensive assessments over the term to review their academic progress and individual growth. Please be mindful that Term 4 can see our children tire more easily - a whole year of learning and the weather warming up. Try to stick to your bedtime and morning routines because as we all know children who are rested and have had a healthy breakfast respond to their learning activities much better.

2025 School Fees

In 2025, school fees have increased in line with the MACS policy with an increase at CPI of 3.5% for tuition fees. Capital levy has increased by $94 which will cover capital expenditure. Student levies have increased by $50 for Foundation through to Year 4 and $70 increase for Year 5-6 to cover curriculum costs for 2025.

A camp fee levy has been applied to the applicable year levels. These costs will be charged at the commencement of the school year.

Fee Schedule is set out below. Please note each family is charged a basic school fee per year. In addtion, if you have two or more children a futher fee will be charged.

	St Brigid's School Fees 2025
Class	Items		Cost
Each Family	Family Fee	$2793
	Capital Levy	$200	$2,993 (1 Child)
	Two or more children per family	$997	$3,990 (2 or more children

Additionally, each family is charged a student levy per child attending our school. Please see charges per year level:

	St Brigid's Levies 2025
Year Level	Items		Cost
F - to 3	Student Levy	$467	$467
Year 4	Student Levy Camp Fee Levy	$467 $320	$787
Year 5	Student Levy Camp Fee Levy	$509 $560	$1,069
Year 6	Student Levy Camp Fee Levy	$509 $560	$1,069

2024 School Fees

Term 4 school fee statements were sent out the first week of this term. We kindly request that all families with outstanding account balances settle their payments at their earliest convenience. In the event that you did not receive your fee statement as anticipated, please reach out to Fiona (fblair@sbmord.catholic.edu.au) Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Term 4 is the term a school relies on its cash reserves that are paid by our families. We appreciate all families who have paid there fees or have created a payment plan with the school.

Whole School Picnic

Our whole school picnic is coming around quickly - it is next Thursday - 31 October. If you have not filled out the Operoo can you please do so. We certainly do not want to leave anyone behind! Students are to wear their full sports uniform including their hat. They will need a lunch and a clearly labeled water bottle in a small backpack.

School Tours

Our final Meet the Principal School Tour for 2024 is on Thursday 14th of November at 9:30am. Enrolments for all year levels are still open for 2025. If you know of anyone who is still thinking about schools for 2025 please encourage them to contact the office to book into our Meet the Principal Tour or alternatively to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet with me.

2025 Transition Dates & Times

We excitedly to welcomed our 2025 Foundation families and students for their first Transition session this morning. This transition program is an exciting and enriching experience, as the children transition from a small Pre-School setting to a larger school setting.

Dates for the next three transition sessions are:

Thursday 7th November - coffee and catch up

Thursday 14th November - coffee and catch up

Thursday 28th November - Parent Helper Course and Parent Rep for class

All sessions run from 8:45am to 10:30am.

Social Club - Parents and Friends

We thank our 2024 P&F SBSquad for their support of our great school and for creating such a welcoming and positive team. This year has seen a large focus on providing opportunities for the children and parents to have fun, enjoy being part of our great community and to fundraise. Please know that your participation in all our social and fundraising events have been greatly appreciated. We have been able to purchase equipment for STEM. With the Silent Art Auction and our upcoming Colour Run, we can start to refurbish the library.

Each year we ask for parents to be P&F Year Level Reps - we thank this year's reps for organising social events for the parents and helping out on all the different activities we have had! Now is the time that we ask you to think about being part of the Social and Fundraising team by becoming Class Reps for 2025. We are looking for two parent representatives from each year level. Parent Reps are responsible for updating the parents in their year level, with important information and reminders, and organising a couple of events throughout the year. For example, the Year 1 class reps will host and organise the Mothers Day Breakfast.

If you are interested in becoming a Parent Rep please come and see me or send me an email. You can also speak to the SBSquad if you would like more details on what the Parent Rep role entails.

Class Placements 2025

It is that time of the year again where our teachers have begun to organise the classes for 2025. This is a highly structured process, reviewing the academic, emotional, social and behavioural needs of all students, to determine the most effective class dynamic.

To support this process, teachers will ask children to name friends they will work well with for the following year. Students will do this online with photos of all the children in their year level for 2025. The aim being for each child to have one (1) nominated friend in their class next year. Teachers work closely with School Leadership to arrange these classes, with the final decision resting with the Principal.

We know our families trust the professionalism of staff to meet the needs of all students, and we remind parents to direct specific 'educational' requests' or if you have any relevant information that you believe is essential to the class placement of your child to the Principal only. This must be done in writing and not via the classroom teacher. Parents are requested to have these emails to me by 31 October. Any requests after this time will not be accepted. Your understanding and support with this is appreciated.

Summer Uniform

As of Week 3, all students need to be wearing their full (correct) summer uniform. A school hat must be worn at break times, with a strict 'no hat, no play' in place. Students are required to apply their own sunscreen, as staff are not permitted to do so. We encourage families to please apply sunscreen before school and if you would like your child to apply sunscreen again during the day to have a roll on sunscreen in their school bags.

Correct school shoes and socks must be worn and we remind students and families, when purchasing new school shoes for next year, black sneaker are not part of the regular school uniform. If the sport shoes are leather and black soles then they are welcome to be worn as school uniform. We thank you in advance for your understanding.

Aussie of the Month

Congratulations Abhiti - 4D

Abhiti is a caring and friendly student to her peers and teachers. She treats everyone with respect, constantly assisting her peers in the classroom and the playground. Abhiti, has a positive attitude and is willing to have a go on with tasks, taking pride in her work. This makes Abhiti a deserving student for Aussie of the Month. Congratulations!

Light the Way Award - October

Alannah - 2F

Alannah is a wonderful class member who is inclusive and welcoming to all. Allanah took our new student under her wing and made sure she felt safe and included in all aspects of school life.

Stephanie - 5/6K

Stephanie consistently demonstrates kindness and a caring attitude towards peers, making the classroom a more positive and welcoming environment for everyone.

Congratulations to our winners of the Aussie of the Month and Light the Way awards.

Year 1 and 2 Faith Activity Night

On Wednesday night we had our Year 1 and 2 Faith night. It was a lovely night where our parents and their children spent time together sharing their experiences of Baptism for Year 1 and for Year 2’s to learn about the sacraments they will be completing in their sacramental journey.

Year 3 Reconciliation

Please keep our Year 3 students in your thoughts and prayers as they celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation tomorrow. This private sacrament will take place at St Brigid’s Church on Friday at 9.30am followed by the Year 4’s joining them and Fr Andrew for Mass at 11.00am. Parents are welcome to attend Mass.

Best in Show

There was great excitement at assembly on Friday afternoon when it was announced that "Rusty" by Iris P (5/6K) was voted Best In Show following our Art Show ballot. Iris was very surprised when she was announced as the winner. I think you will all agree Rusty is one cute dog! Well done Iris.

Mordialloc Pre-School visits

Our Year 5’s have once again been visiting the Mordialloc Pre School, participating in activities and playing with the 3 and 4 year olds. I went down with the children on both Tuesday and Wednesday and I have to say how proud I was of our children. They played and spoke so nicely to all the young children .

And the Winners of the Fun Run Icy Pole Party Are!!!

Congratualations to Foundation R and 5/6C. FR have won an Icy Pole Party for having the most profiles created on the School Fun Run site by close of school on Wednesday. 5/6C have done such an incredible job with over $1,200.00 being raised so far that we have decided they deserve an Icy Pole Party too. We are so excited about our Fun Run on the 8th of November. We have some nervous staff members who have heard some murmurings about some special staff being slimed!!!! Keep the donations coming!

Running Club

Term 4 - Week 3

Laps = 182

Km run = 9.1km

Double Km for term 4 = 18.2km

Total km = 603.5km

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

Have a great week.

With thanks

Wendy Sullivan

St Brigid's News and Events

Raising Kids in a Digital World - Free Seminar at St Brigid's