Message from the Principal

At the beginning of Term 1, all teaching and support staff were involved in a Professional Development Day focused on further improving the way we cater for our students through differentiating strategies. These strategies ensure we are able to cater for all of our students irrespective of where they sit academically. 

The Professional Development was delivered by Geraldine Nicholas who also runs our Gifted Program in conjunction with Penny Willoughby, as well as our STEM program as part of our Wellbeing Groups. Geraldine has a specialised skill set not only in the area of Gifted Education but also as a Secondary Science Teacher. Throughout this year staff will also work closely with both Geraldine and Penny to improve their individual teaching practice through differentiating strategies. 

At our first whole school Mass, our Year 5/6 student leaders for 2021 were commissioned. They recited their commitment to the school, were blessed by Father John Salvano our Parish Priest and they received their badges.

This year our enrolment numbers have grown by 19% from the beginning of 2020. As a way of welcoming the new families, our parent community hosted a Welcome Dinner. The dinner was well attended and I thank those parents who helped set up, provided food, served and/or helped clean up. This dinner has traditionally been for our new Prep families however it has evolved as a result of the increasing number of new families who have joined St Bridget's across all year levels. 

At our recent monthly School Family Mass, the students who form our Mini Vinnies Team as part of the St Vincent de Paul Greythorn Conference were commissioned and received their badges. The aim of Mini Vinnies is to empower primary school students to become advocates within our school and local community by putting their values into action. As a Catholic School these values are based on the Gospel values. 

Over the last 4 years our School lizard Winston has lived in our foyer and has been very popular not just only among our community but also with the many visitors to our school. Unfortunately, during this term Winston became critically ill and after visiting a specialist reptile vet I made the decision to have Winston euthanised. While it was a difficult decision I know that he is in a place of peace. 

While I have received many generous offers to replace Winston, I have decided no too but instead have decided to create a memorial for Winston in our foyer. His tank will be renewed as a terrarium and the children will create some visual art of Winston to decorate the foyer with. I think this will be a lovely way to remember Winston. 

Finally, I would like to thank my staff for their support, hard work and dedication during this Term. Also, on behalf of my staff and I we wish you a happy and safe Easter. We look forward to seeing you all after a well earned rest on Monday 19th April. 

Kind regards

Robyn Thomson

Principal