Newsletter June 18, 2024

Dear Parents and Families,

As we journey through week 10, winter is certainly upon us and all children should now be wearing the correct winter school uniform each day.

Throughout the last two weeks, Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll announced a policy mandating that all Victorian government schools will teach the same type of reading lessons based on systematic synthetic phonics. Under the new model, students from prep to grade 2 will be taught using a structured phonics approach, with a minimum of 25 minutes daily of explicit teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness.

Under the plan, the Minister is reported to say ‘there is a clear expectation that all government schools will implement a new teaching and learning model with explicit instruction at its core from next year. Schools that have not yet moved towards the model are expected to show planning for the change over the next three years.’

Under the plan, the Minister is reported to say ‘there is a clear expectation that all government schools will implement a new teaching and learning model with explicit instruction at its core from next year. Schools that have not yet moved towards the model are expected to show planning for the change over the next three years.’

In line with this announcement, at St Brigid’s we have a strong focus on Learning & Teaching at St Brigid’s with the ultimate aim of collectively shaping our pedagogy of Explicit Direct Instruction. This year we will continue to build our knowledge and experience in the Structured Literacy approach to learning. This approach has become a significant component of our literacy program particularly in the junior area as new components have been implemented in classrooms. This year we will continue to engage in Professional Learning as a staff team and focus on evidence-based practices that support the Structured Literacy approach to learning for all students.

Take care and God bless,

Jayne Bosworth

'Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made.'

Excerpt from St Brigid's Prayer

Last week, we welcomed new student Skye McMinn and her family to St Brigid’s. Skye has joined our Year 1/2S class.

Our end of semester reports will be available on PAM from 4pm Thursday 27th June, 2024.

Semester One Formal Reports will include:

• Work Habits Table
• Level of attainment in the form of a dot on a continuum for the learning areas explicitly taught in Semester Two and in accordance with the Victorian Curriculum Achievement Standards:
  • Religious Education
  • English (Reading & Viewing, Writing, Speaking & Listening)
  • Mathematics (Number & Algebra, Measurement & Geometry, Statistics & Probability)
  • Technologies
  • Humanities
  • Capabilities (Ethical, Personal and Social, Critical and Creative Thinking and Intercultural)
  • Physical Education
  • Visual Arts
  • Performing Arts
• Comment to celebrate your child’s achievements, in relation to their Personal and Social development and learning in Mathematics and English
• Statement outlining what has been taught and learnt in Auslan
• Comment to identify your child’s next steps in learning to ensure future success and growth

As previously communicated, school will conclude at 2:20pm next Friday 28th June, 2024.

This year we have been working with architects Morton & Co on masterplanning for our school. Numbers at our school are steadily increasing and it is apparent that we are in need of a Multipurpose Hall/gym to gather for assemblies, special events, etc. We also require a space for Physical Education classes to take place in the inclement weather. Recently, we submitted an application to the Australian Government Capital Grants Program. Please see part of our application below:

The construction of a Multipurpose Hall at St Brigid's is not merely desirable but essential. With our school experiencing significant growth, evident in the steady increase in enrolments from 94 in 2023 to 113 in 2024, the lack of a dedicated gathering space poses a pressing challenge. Currently, assemblies and other events are accommodated within the onsite church, which is not ideal for school activities.

A Multipurpose Hall will serve as the heart of St Brigid's, offering a versatile space for school gatherings, including assemblies and special occasions. Additionally, it will provide a much-needed venue for Physical Education classes during inclement weather, ensuring that students can engage in physical activities regardless of outdoor conditions.

In addition to the hall, our masterplan prioritizes the construction of a new toilet block. With only one toilet block currently available inside the school premises, the growing student and staff population necessitates additional facilities. Expanding the toilet facilities will not only improve convenience but also enhance the overall comfort and well-being of everyone within the school community.

The following images reflect the removal of the current portable and the construction of a Multipurpose Hall to seat up to 250 people, along with a lobby, amenities block and kitchenette. We will also look to add 2-3 classrooms to this newly constructed area.

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who were able to help with the hot lunches in Term 2:

If you are available to help out on a Friday between 11.30am-1.00pm please contact the school office (valid Working with Children Check is required).

The children really enjoy hot lunches and this can only continue to happen in Term 3 with the help of volunteers!

Our next P&F meeting will take place on Thursday 27th June from 3.15pm - 4.00pm in our school Library. An active P&F committee allows families the opportunity to play a valuable part in providing social and fundraising activities.  Please attend this meeting if you are interested in joining our P&F committee.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as all funds raised contribute to resources and materials to support your children in their holistic development.

All of the timetabled events (to date) for the school year can be found on our school calendar which can be accessed through PAM and via this newsletter.

SZappp Mobile Application is a fantastic way for communicating and making information or resources available to our St Brigid's school community. 

Please follow the instructions in the below guide on how to install the SZappp and register an email account for communication.