Principal’s Message

Term 2, Week 6

Dear Families,

As we come to the end of another vibrant fortnight at St Brigid’s, it’s heartening to reflect on the many ways our school community continues to come together - as learners, athletes, and people of faith.

These past two weeks, we celebrated our unity and school spirit on Athletics Day, where students gave their all on the field, cheered one another on, and displayed true sportsmanship. It was a joy to witness such enthusiasm and encouragement across all year levels.

At the same time, we joined in prayer and reflection for National Reconciliation Week, deepening our understanding of our shared history and our commitment to walking together toward a more just and respectful future.

Moments like these remind us that education is more than what happens in the classroom—it’s about growing as individuals and as a community. Thank you to all students, staff, and families who continue to bring this vision to life each day.

Prep 2026 Enrolments Now Open

Our school tours for 2026 Prep enrolments are still underway, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting new families during enrolment interviews. If you have a child starting in Prep in 2026, please submit your enrolment forms as soon as possible, with offers to be sent out very soon.

We will continue to send this newsletter for important dates and my principal’s message. However, data shows limited parent engagement with the later pages of the newsletter. We welcome your feedback on the newsletter’s relevance as we aim to streamline communication across these platforms in a way that suits our families best.

NCCD fact sheet

Advisory Council – Parent Voice Matters

At St Brigid’s, we value the strong partnership between home and school, and one of the key ways we foster this connection is through our School Advisory Council. The Council plays an important role in strengthening communication between families and school leadership, offering a parent voice in key areas such as school planning, community engagement, and strategic direction.

We currently have positions available on the Advisory Council and warmly invite expressions of interest from parents who are passionate about contributing to the future of our school.

If you’d like to know more or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 25 June, and we’d love to welcome new members to the team.

Sports Updates from Ms Glasson

House Athletics Carnival 2024 – A Day of Spirit and Sportsmanship at Dixon Field

On Thursday, May 22, our school community came together for the highly anticipated House Athletics Carnival at Dixon Field. With boundless energy, students from all year levels gave it their all in a day packed with sprints, relays, long jumps, shot put, and team spirit. After a full day of fierce competition, vibrant house chants, and plenty of encouragement from the sidelines, Mackillop House emerged victorious, Congratulations to all students for their determination, teamwork, and consistent performance across events.

We would also like to extend a huge thank you to the Salesian students who came along to support and assist throughout the day. The House Athletics Carnival continues to be a highlight of the school year - celebrating fitness, community, friendship, and house pride. Thank you to everyone - students, staff, and volunteers - who made the day such a success!

Division Cross Country

Congratulations to Piper V, Ruby S, Stephanie and Max J who represented the Macedon Ranges at the Western Ranges Division Cross Country on the 28th of May. Ruby, Piper and Stephanie now progress to the Regional competition after placing in the top 10.

District Soccer

A huge congratulations to our incredible girls’ soccer team, who have progressed from District to Regional level - a fantastic achievement that reflects their talent, determination, and dedication. Throughout the competition, the team displayed exceptional skill on the field, working together with impressive coordination, sportsmanship, and resilience. Their teamwork and positive spirit were evident in every match, and they represented our school with pride and integrity. We are so proud of every one of them and look forward to cheering them on as they take the next exciting step in their journey at the Regional level!

Mentorship at St Brigid’s

At St Brigid’s, we take great pride in fostering a culture of learning and mentorship, not just for our students but for those pursuing careers in education and wellbeing. This term, we are delighted to have Leah and Sam completing their final year teaching rounds with us, bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to our classrooms. We also welcome back past pupil Olivia, who is undertaking her fieldwork placement as part of her psychology studies. It’s a joy to support and mentor individuals who are passionate about learning, growth, and making a positive impact in the lives of young people.

Year 6 Confirmation Preparations

We were blessed to gather together for our family sacramental night as part of our candidates Confirmation preparations. Please keep our students and their families in your prayers as they continue to prepare for this Sacrament over the coming weeks.

MHiPs update

This week, our staff engaged in a valuable professional development session led by our MHIPs (Mental Health in Primary Schools) team. The session focused on deepening teachers' understanding of children's mental health and the important role the MHIPs team plays in supporting teachers to enhance our students' wellbeing. A highlight of the session was a hands-on Lego® Serious Play® workshop facilitated by Daniel, which encouraged emotional expression, collaboration, and creative thinking - key elements in promoting positive mental health in our school community.

Science Learning Update

Across all year levels, our students have been diving into our Science unit on Changes and Systems in Our Natural World, exploring how living things grow, adapt, and interact with their environment.

Our Prep students were delighted by a butterfly incursion that helped them explore the concept of life cycles. They’ve been learning to recognise that all living things have a life cycle and that they need certain things to survive.

The Junior students ventured to the Werribee Zoo for a hands-on workshop, where they investigated how animals have adapted to their habitats. They explored the features and needs of living things and began identifying how changes in our environment affect plants and animals.

Meanwhile, the Middle students went on a local field trip to Jacksons Creek, the Pine Forest, and the Botanic Gardens. Their inquiry focused on exploring local ecosystems: What does an ecosystem look like in our community? and How do ecosystems work around us?

Through these real-world learning experiences, our students are developing a deeper understanding of the natural world and their role in sustaining it.

Wishing you all continued health and strength for the weeks ahead.

Warm regards,

Mel Daly

Principal

Petrina O’Grady

Deputy Principal