Term 2, Week 3

From the contents of this week's newsletter, I hope you, as much as we do, see the connection not only to story and tradition, but relevance and innovation.

School Closure Day at Dromkeen

Staff had reflective discussions based upon the last four years in the areas of Leadership & Management, Learning & Teaching, Religious Education, Student Wellbeing, and Community at St Brigid’s. It was very affirming to see many areas of growth that have occurred over the 4 years, in particular those in the last 12 months, as they have been areas of focus for us as a whole staff. Specifically improved, consistent and evidence-informed learning and teaching practices, enhanced community connections and growth in student numbers, and exceptional wellbeing supports and practices.

Student Leadership Updates

We congratulate this term's student leaders, who will continue to meet with myself and our SRC Year 6 leaders this term, to enact positive change driven by student voice.

PPJ ~ Opal & Mack

PJT ~ Cian & Charli

JBG ~ Harvey & Gigi

JMP ~ Blake & Wallace

JAW ~ Zoe W & Luka

MLC ~ Hunter & Chloe

MBF ~ Beau & Ollie

MMH ~ Luke & Zoe K

SHM ~ Lila & Mason

SJT ~ Jonah & Ava D

A note from our SRC Members, Eliza and Summer: "SRC is up and running! So far we have put boxes in all the classrooms for students to put their ideas on how the school can improve. We have also applied for a grant that will allow us to cover our grass area with brand-new grass. This grant included us submitting a persuasive text and video with a catchy AI-generated song about grass made by our SRC committee. Our SRC team has also been busy creating an enjoyable indoor passive play area where many clubs run such as Digi tech club, chess club, walking club, and many more. SRC is now working on a grant to provide us with a brand-new bubbler. We are also hoping to get more clubs happening, our main one being a learning club led by Miss Annie and our leading learning committee. This week we had our highest number of students attending clubs on the one day with 85 students engaging in various activities in the learning street."

A note from our School Captain, Oscar Elsum: "Interschool cross country was a blast, with years levels 3 to 6 participating in interschool. We have Piper and Anakin Van de Velde, Steph Sarac and Max Jennings headed to division. St Brigid's was very supportive to all St B students running by on the day. Some of us met past St Brigid's students and friends outside school. The day was wet and sunny and everyone had a perfect time. By the end of the day, everyone was tired and their legs were very sore but we made it back to school feeling great."

A guinea pig update from Leila and Gemma: "On the school holidays, the guinea pigs went with a family, little did we know they were pregnant. We met our little cutie on the first day back to school. it was a massive surprise to us all. The little bundle of joy is a gender unknown until around a month, if it's a girl it will be called Daisy if it's a boy it will be Charcoal, its unique coat and adorable face give a unique personality. Its fur is black, and it has other multi-coloured little features. Two of our St B's guinea pigs were pregnant and were glad to say that Petunia is the one who happily gave birth. There is one more that is a soon-to-be mum. The Father of this beautiful little miracle is Twinkle, who one of our teachers owned previously, but in shock got sold as a girl but came as a boy. We will update you if any more little babies enter the world."

2025 Prep Enrolment Tours

Enrolments are steadily growing, currently sitting at 203. Enrolment tours for 2025 preps have commenced. This year we have trialled 8am, 5pm and Saturday tours, and all have been popular, as well as the regular 9.15am. We have had many enrolment forms returned already. Feedback has been exceptional with many comments around the welcoming and warm nature of staff and students, as well as active student engagement and genuine happiness of staff and students. Places are filling fast. If you have a child commencing in 2025, or know someone who is considering enrolling at St Brigid’s, please ensure they do so soon to secure their place.

Uniform

This coming week, we will roll out the first round orders for the new school uniform. The first orders will be for those who are confident to order from sizing charts. We anticipate samples in approximately 4-6 weeks and will then open another ordering window. Uniform items for the first round will be the zip-up jacket and track pant. With vest and puffer jacket to follow soon. We are just awaiting a sample to finalise colours on these.

We are having a flash sale on existing tees, jackets and pants. All of these items will still be available to families. Our transition period is slowly over the next two years so families can continue to mix the new with current and get a good wear out of any purchases. Check out Kylie's Seesaw post for more info.

Working Bee

We have a working bee and BBQ breaky coming up this Saturday May 4th, 9am-12pm, to attend to a few items that have been waiting since the build started and would appreciate any support on the day. Items include weeding, trimming, mulching, moving crushed rock, paving, and tidying. Please bring along gloves, tools, etc to support the smooth running of the event. Any time you can contribute is much appreciated.

Anzac Day

Anzac commemorations ran throughout the week with classes reading stories, creating personal responses, lunch club Anzac biscuit making, a guest speaker, prayer service and then attendance at the Gisborne Anzac march. Our actions genuinely align with the school culture, values and beliefs and see us stand out as a community-focused school.

Community Outreach

Recently we sent some uniforms with Ammie Franklin (Salesian College staff member, and St B’s parent) to Samoa. Ammie shares that Sister Cecilia, the principal of St Joseph’s Primary School in Leavua’a, expressed her deep gratitude for the donation of uniforms. St Joseph’s is run by the Salesian Sisters. They are doing amazing work with their young people, all the way from preschool to Year 8. They are a school of around 300 students and pride themselves on their literacy program which is helping Samoan children learn English to increase their opportunities. Their work aligns with the Salesian tradition of walking alongside young people, building relationships and giving back to the community. The school strives to build students who will leave as active citizens and good Christians.

Celebrating the Fun Run Efforts

There were so many happy faces this week at St B’s when the amazing P&F team distributed the Fun Run prizes! We raised a whopping $8407.28 for our school! What an amazing achievement for our small school with a big heart.

Mother's Day Reminder!

Please lock this date away in your calendars for our St. Brigid's community celebration of our beloved mum's and other special women who care for us. We are excited to celebrate these wonderful women who love us, care for us and support us to be our best selves.

Act now to support the Government’s new vaping legislation

You can help stop the next generation from becoming addicted to nicotine by clicking this link.

More Updates

Please check out our Learning & Teaching page for news from around our school.

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P & F

Parents & Friends Announcements

P&F Dates to Remember