Newsletter August 10th, 2021
- Principal's Message
- COVID-Safe Behaviours and Current School Restrictions
- Sleep Out - Wednesday 11th August
- School Closure Day - Friday 13th August
- Outdoor Project Update
- Primary School Nursing Program
- Father's Day Celebrations
- Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Arts Night - Term 4
- Foundation Enrolments 2022
- Sacramental Masses
- Friday Assemblies and Parent Helpers
- Weekly Story Time on St Brigid's Facebook page
- Birthdays
- Gordon & Bungaree Parish News
- Community News & Events
- Change of Details
Loving God,
We thank you for the example of Mary MacKillop
who, in her living of the Gospel
witnessed to the human dignity of each person.
She faced life’s challenges with faith and
courage. We pray through her intercession for our needs.
May her holiness inspire us to be people of hope, love and forgiveness.
We make this prayer through Jesus the Lord.
Amen
Mary MacKillop is not only the first Australian to be recognised by the Church as a Saint, she is truly a very Australian saint. She characterises the spirit of the Australian mythology. She was a prodigious hard worker who put the needs of others before herself. She exhibited something of the larrikin spirit: constantly in dispute with authority but pressing on, regardless. She used the strengths of others but also didn’t tolerate those who were not genuine. Her commitment to the schooling of children from poor and rural communities established a model of Catholic education that continues today.
A Saint for and of Australia! - by Greg Sunter
Dear Parents and Families,
Sunday was the Feast of St Mary of the Cross (Mary MacKillop) - Australia’s first saint of the Catholic Church. Mary MacKillop’s legacy continues today in countless ways. Education in its many facets is still a strong ministry for the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
New ways of living the charism have emerged through chaplaincy, pastoral work and a myriad of ways of bringing healing and hope through spirituality, counselling, supervision and mentoring.
Mary MacKillop has shown us how to forgive and how to be compassionate; she teaches us about sanctity and is a saint for all of us today.
In the challenging times we are facing with the pandemic, the words of Mary MacKillop really resonate today. She said, “All will be right with a little time and patience.”
Again, I would like to sincerely thank the St Brigid’s community including children, parents, families, staff and the boarder community for your ongoing patience, understanding and support during the various remote learning periods. I acknowledge the frustration and challenge associated with the sudden move to remote learning and know that as a community we will once again support each other to ensure that we continue the positive partnerships that are already so evident at St Brigid’s.
I am mindful that we have several school activities planned for the remainder of Term 3, and are hopeful they will run, however as further restriction details become available I will continue to keep you informed.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.
Take care,
Jayne Bosworth
Following Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcement yesterday, face-to-face learning commenced today, Tuesday 10th August.
As part of planned changes to keep our schools safe and reduce the impact of any future outbreaks, all Victorian schools will be required to implement COVID-safe behaviours. These include strategies to promote physical distancing, minimise mixing between groups and limit access to school grounds to only those providing essential services.
To continue to minimise congestion, at the beginning of the day, we ask that parents promptly drop their children off at the front gate in Stead Street. At the end of the day, children can be collected at the front gate in Stead Street. Access to all school areas (excluding the front office) are currently limited to staff and children only until further notice. Parents who require assistance are asked to visit the office while adhering to physical distancing requirements.
The classroom helper program, Friday assemblies and hot lunches are still on hold until further information is provided from Catholic Education Ballarat in relation to the easing of restrictions. School camps, outdoor education programs and overnight stays including our Sleep out can take place across Victoria with no travel restrictions.
Thank you for everything you are doing to keep our school community safe. We are really looking forward to a time where we are able to welcome parents and families back on site and will be in touch as soon as we receive notification that this is possible.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
The Social Justice leadership group have organised a ‘Sleep out’ which is going take place tomorrow night, Wednesday 11th August. The students are raising funds and other donations which will go directly to St Vincent de Paul’s Winter Appeal, assisting those who are vulnerable and in need during these colder months.
A student free day will take place on Friday 13th August. On this day staff will once again participate in a professional learning day, partenering with St Michael's and St Alipius school's, facilitated by Corwin Australia focusing on Visible Learning.
It has been fantastic to see the children enjoying the playground over the last couple of days! At the recent site meeting is was discussed that the installation of the concrete blocks to the retaining wall at the end of the concrete ramp should be completed along with the planting in the garden beds within the coming weeks. We will continue to keep you updated with new developments regarding the landscaping project.
Primary School Nursing Program questionnaire envelopes were given to Prep families earlier this term. It is a confidential questionnaire about your child's health and development. Please return all questionnaires by Thursday 12th August.
Parent/Teacher Conferences will take place this term on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th September. Further information will be distributed within the coming weeks.
Sacramental masses will continue when restrictions allow crowds to once again participate in Church celebrations. Further information will be emailed to the families, as soon as details and dates are known.
Please keep the following children in you prayers as they continue their sacramental journey;
Chelsea Winter, Kristian Seketa, Joel Card, Eamon Grigg, Ruby Sims, Tahni Muscat, Ava Conroy, Nicholas Primerano, Angus Eskdale, Aoife Lakey, Jake Plageman, Madison Buttigieg, Henry Freemantle, Olivia Meehan, Bryson McMillan, Mate Marinovic, Jaimi Reid, Clara Monterosso and Terrence Ozimek.
Friday Assemblies with parent attendance and classroom helpers are currently on hold until further information is provided from the Catholic Education Office in relation to restrictions. Thank you for your understanding and we are looking forward to welcoming parents and families back on site as soon as we can.
Every Friday night at 7.30pm, during the term, one of our amazing Teachers and Learning Support Officers, are reading their favourite book, which is being shared on our Facebook page, for our St Brigid's community to listen to. Both students and families are loving this story time and its a good chance for some quiet time at the end of school week.
Mass Times:
| 1st Sunday | 2nd Sunday | 3rd Sunday | 4th Sunday | 5th Sunday | |
| Saturday 6.30pm | Dunnstown | Springbank | Dunnstown | Clarkes Hill | Springbank |
| Sunday 8.45am | Gordon | Bungaree | Gordon | Gordon | Bungaree |
| Sunday 10.30am | Ballan | Ballan | Ballan | Ballan | Ballan |
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