Newsletter October 17th, 2023

Today, we kindle a flame for those in Israel and the Gaza strip who have lost their lives.

We kindle it for their families and loved ones.

We kindle it for those who have been taken hostage and all who are injured and shocked.

We kindle it for emergency workers, for the fearful and the broken and the children.

And, we kindle a flame, forever and always, in hope, in prayer, in longing for peace for all, everywhere.

Amen

In light of recent events affecting our global community, we extend our heartfelt condolences and support to the people of Israel and Palestine amid the escalating violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic situation.

Dear Members of our St Brigid’s Community,

As we journey through Week 3 of this school year, I would like to take a moment to reflect upon the many exciting events and experiences that have already taken place for our students this term. With our Year 2/3/4 excursion to Sovereign Hill, Year 3/4 camp and swimming for our F/1/2/3 children, it has been a busy and productive time for our students.

Throughout this year, as part of our Little Feet Big Footprints initiative (LFBF), our Year 6 students have been working on Social Justice fundraising projects with a focus on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Yesterday, our LFBF group re-connected at St Michael’s in Daylesford and all children presented their fundraising projects to the LFBF group. On Friday at Assembly, our Year 6 children will present their fundraising projects to the whole school - all welcome!

I can confirm that this week will be Emma Anticaglia’s final week at St Brigid’s for the 2023 school year. Emma’s last day is this Friday 20th October. Emma is an incredible asset to our team, bringing enthusiasm, passion, care, and dedication to our school. As Emma steps into this exciting new chapter in her life, we wish her, Justin and gorgeous little Noah all the love and happiness as they welcome into their lives a beautiful new bundle of joy!

World Teacher's Day 2023 will be celebrated across Australia on Friday 27 October 2023. The work of teachers and their contributions to society are in numerable. World Teacher’s Day is commemorated to celebrate the work of teachers, recognising the significant contribution they have given to the society. 

Throughout the next month, we will take the time to reflect upon the amazing work of our teachers and their passion, dedication and care for all. A special morning tea in recognition of our teachers will be held towards the end of this month. 

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Take care and God bless,

Jayne Bosworth

Principal

'Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made.' Excerpt from St Brigid's Prayer

St Brigid's Primary School Ballan wishes to acknowledge respectfully the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, work, learn, play and gather. We pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

October is Mission Month and this Sunday 22nd October is World Mission Sunday. World Mission Sunday is a day dedicated to the great work of Mission. To celebrate this event, Catholic Mission is inviting all of us to answer our call to be missionaries. Pope Francis’ message for World Mission Sunday this year is inspired by the story of the disciples on the way to Emmaus, in the Gospel of Luke (cf. 24:13-35): “Hearts on fire, feet on the move”.

On Friday 27th October, staff and students are invited to wear crazy socks to celebrate World Mission Month. On this day, the children are asked to bring a can of food to support Catholic Mission. Throughout Mission Month, students and staff are invited to learn about, pray, advocate for, and financially support children and communities in need around the world.

Each year, teachers undertake the work of creating class lists for the following year and many hours are spent on this task. Please be assured that teachers use their professional knowledge of students and their professional knowledge 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 where possible 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

Parent/Carer 2024 class requests of a serious nature, need to be emailed to Jayne - jbosworth@sbballan.catholic.edu.au prior to Friday 20th October, 2023.

Requests submitted after this date will not be considered. Please note requests are not guaranteed.

We have now transitioned to full summer uniform.

Please ensure that your child is wearing the correct summer uniform to school each day including bringing the St Brigid’s school bag to and from school daily. A navy wide brim hat is also required, which stays at school for the Term. If your child does not have a hat to wear they will need to play in the sheltered area only during breaks. 

Children are able to wear sports uniform each Wednesday and on classroom nominated sports day as directed by your child’s classroom teacher. Given the nature of Physical Education lessons, on Wednesday’s children can wear either correct sports shorts or pants.

We are currently exploring options regarding tracksuit pants, sport shorts and rain coats. More details to follow regarding these items. 

A massive thank you to our P&F Committee and members of our community who helped out at our Bunnings BBQ fundraiser on Sunday. 

The day was a huge success with close to $2500 being raised. A special thank you to Aliesha Dalton for her organisation, preparation and facilitation of the Bunnings BBQ. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to IGA, Ballan for their generous donation of food towards our Bunnings fundraising BBQ - we are truly grateful for their contributions.  

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.

Book Club has arrived! Look out for your copy of Book Club in your child's school bag! It's packed with hundreds of books from just $3 to help you on your child's reading journey. Orders close 23rd October 2023. Click on Book Club Issue 7 if you wish to order!

Book Fair is happening at St Brigid's this November!

You will have the opportunity to purchase books at the following times:

Thursday 16th November 8:30am - 9:00am

Monday 20th November 8:30am - 9:00am & 2:45pm - 3:30pm

Tuesday 21st November 8:30am - 9:00am & 2:45pm - 3:30pm

Wednesday 22nd November 8:30am - 9:00am & 2:45pm - 3:30pm

Hot lunches will resume on Friday 13th October, 2023.

Volunteers

This term we have re-introduced a roster to help prepare and serve lunches on each Friday. 

Thank you to those who have been added. Ideally 2 helpers are required each day. 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 happen with the help of volunteers!

Term 4: If you are available to assist on a Friday please contact the office

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. 

Mass Times:

Korobeit Sat 5.00pm ~ Creswick 8.45am ~ Daylesford 10.30am