Newsletter October 18th, 2021

We continue to follow the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regarding the spread and response to COVID-19. We are also monitoring the advice of the Victorian Government, Catholic Education Commission Victoria (CECV) and Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB).

The following directives are now operational: 

• Students in Year 3 to Year 6 to wear face masks when indoors on school premises, unless an exception applies.

• There are a number of lawful reasons for not wearing a face mask, including for staff and students who are unable to wear a face mask due to the nature of their disability, medical or a mental health condition.

We know that our children can adapt to ever changing situations and are resilient. As this is an aerosol virus, the wearing of masks will help to reduce the spread and continue to keep children and families safe and healthy. Wearing a mask not only supports students to reduce the risk of catching the virus but spreading it as well. Staff will support children to ensure they know how to wear masks correctly.

We encourage families to supply masks for their children. 

Again, we thank you for your support as we continue to work through the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic as a school community.

As part of our eSmart Safety Program, Leading Senior Constable Des Hudson OAM Ballarat Police Youth Resource Officer will again be visiting St Brigid’s School next Thursday 28^th October to facilitate Cyber Safety sessions. The first session will be presented to the Year 3/4 class and the second session to the 5/6 classes.

We look forward to welcoming Des as we continue to support our children to be safe online.

A reminder to please direct all school related communication and enquires through to the office throughout the day. Now that face to face learning is recommencing,  Teachers are unable to read and/or respond to messages throughout the day. Seesaw is only to be used for student work related messages. All student absences, health concerns and after school care messages are to be directed via the school office.

We are so excited to announce that next year, we will be offering Performing Arts as an additional specialist subject for all children from Foundation – Year 6! More information regarding Performing Arts will be circulated to families within the coming weeks.

Due to current restrictions and reduced face – to – face teaching time throughout Semester 2, the decision has been made to postpone our Art Show until next year with a date communicated prior to the end of this year. We are really looking forward to showcasing the wonderful work of our children at a time where we can welcome families onsite.

Parent/Teacher Interviews will now take place in Week 6 – Monday 8th November and Tuesday 9th November. The interviews will take place via Google Meet or phone call.  The interviews are being held from 3:15pm until 6:30pm both days.

All families can book a suitable time through PAM/SIMON Everywhere from today Tuesday 19th October. Please book a time online. If you need any assistance with making a booking please contact Jodie or Tracey in the office.

Teachers are presently undertaking the work of creating class lists for next year and many hours are spent on this task. Please be assured that teachers use their professional knowledge of students and their judgement of what is best for each individual child when considering groupings. In assigning students to classes, teachers are asked to consider the following criteria to ensure an even spread of: 

• Learning abilities 
• Boys and girls even grade levels  
• Learning friends - these are not necessarily social friends but students they enjoy and work well with. Students are asked for their input in this area.
• Friendship groups - again students are asked for their input

If you as parents and carers have any special requests regarding friendships, these need to be put in writing to Jayne by Monday 1st November 2021.

Monday 1^st November, 2021 (school closure day)

Tuesday 2^nd November, 2021 (Melbourne Cup public holiday)

Throughout Term 3, several discussions and planning meetings took place regarding the way forward with the languages program at St Brigid’s. In partnership with Lauren Gould (Languages Officer - Catholic Education Ballarat) and Briana and Darren Beath (founders of Auslan in the West), Auslan will be taking place from Foundation – Year 6 this term through an approach called Teachers as Co-Learners (TCL). TCL empowers classroom teachers across the school to lead short, language-focused sessions daily. Children and teachers are co-learners of the language. The teacher is not expected to be the expert and will be supported by Auslan in the West who will feature in videos outlining the learning each day. The learning will be based on the Victorian Curriculum Languages Scope and Sequence.

Throughout Term 4, additional Auslan training will take place with all classes and staff. Auslan in the West will facilitate this training. 

Parish of Gordon Update – On Thursday 14 October, Bishop Bird announced two parish appointments in the Diocese that will take effect on January 10, 2022.

Fr Justin Driscoll will become Parish Priest of the Creswick, Daylesford and Gordon Parishes. Fr Justin has served as Administrator of the Cathedral Parish for the past 14 years.

Fr Ed Moloney will become Administrator of the Ballarat Cathedral Parish. Fr Ed has served on the staff of Corpus Christi Seminary in Melbourne for the past 6 years.

We wish Fr Ed all the best and look forward to welcoming Fr Justin to the community of St Brigid's. 

Mass Times:

The read the lastest Gordon Parish News please click on the link below: