Newsletter November 14th, 2023

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 respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Dear Members of our St Brigid’s Community,

On Saturday, School Captains Angus and Aoife represented St Brigid’s at the 2023 Remembrance Day Service that took place at the Ballan Cenotaph. Angus and Aoife presented a meaningful speech at the service about the life story of Private Errol Wayne Noack. In addition, Angus and Aoife took part in the laying of a wreath on behalf of our St Brigid’s Community.

Last week, we shared the news that Year 2/3 teacher and Learning Diversity Leader Nicole Brightly has been appointed to the role of Learning Diversity Leader at St Columba’s Primary School commencing at the beginning of 2024. This is very exciting news for Nicole and we wish her all the best in her new position. During her time at St Brigid’s, Nicole has consistently demonstrated a child-centered approach in all of her work, embodying our school vision of nurturing lifelong learners inspired to connect with the world on a daily basis. Nicole has been an asset to our team this year and her dedication and hard work ethic has positively impacted the lives of all at St Brigid’s. Nicole will be very missed and we wish her the very best in her future endeavours.

Due to growing enrolments and in an effort to continue with smaller class sizes, next year we will continue with a 6 classroom model. I am very pleased to inform you that Ruby Anderson has been appointed to the position of Classroom Teacher at St Brigid’s Primary School beginning in 2024. Ruby is currently a student at Australian 

Catholic University, Ballarat campus and is in her final year of a Bachelor of Education: Early Childhood and Primary Education Course. Throughout her time at University, Ruby has had experience working in Primary School settings and has gained many valuable skills. Ruby prides herself on her excellent interpersonal skills. I am sure you will join me in congratulating Ruby and making her feel welcome to our wonderful St Brigid’s school community.

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

As we approach our final School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting for the 2023 school year, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our School Advisory Council members for their continued support of our beautiful school. We extend our appreciation to Alison Eskdale and Kate Grigg who will be concluding their time on our SAC this year. I am incredibly grateful for the time and energy both Alison and Kate have invested in our school. Their passion, commitment and advocacy for our school is so very appreciated. We look forward to acknowledging and celebrating Alison and Kate tomorrow afternoon.

There are currently two vacancies for our School Advisory Council commencing in 2024 and we invite expressions of interest from parents who are interested in joining the SAC. Please contact Jayne for further information.

This year we have had a strong focus on Learning & Teaching at St Brigid’s with the ultimate aim of collectively shaping our pedagogy of Explicit Direct Instruction. Next year we will continue to build our knowledge and experience in the Structured Literacy approach to learning. Our journey began this year, with components integrated into classrooms. Looking ahead, we're excited to deepen our expertise in Structured Literacy next year. Professional Learning will be a cornerstone, ensuring our staff are equipped with evidence-based practices that support this approach, benefitting every student.

We are thrilled to share exciting news for the upcoming school year. In 2024, we will be introducing the specialist subject STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) for all year levels. This additional specialist subject aims to provide our students with a well-rounded and hands-on learning experience in these crucial fields. We look forward to fostering a love for STEM while continuing to prepare our students for a future filled with innovation and discovery. 

As we approach the end of the 2023 school year, it's time to finalize accounts. For those using Direct Debit, payments will proceed as scheduled. If you pay through other methods, please complete your payments promptly. Please don’t hesitate to contact Tracey in our school office if you have any questions about school fees.

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

Class structure for 2024 will be communicated in the coming month.

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.

Ticket sales for our St Brigid’s Christmas Raffle will commence next week. Watch our Facebook page and Seesaw throughout the next month for the announcement of our fabulous raffle prizes. Our St Brigid’s Christmas Raffle will be drawn at our Christmas Carols afternoon on Wednesday 6th December, 2023.

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.

School for the 2024 school year will commence on Wednesday 31st January, 2023 for all year levels from Foundation - Year 6. Other dates for the 2024 school year will be circulated on our newsletter in a fortnight.

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

Congratulations Hamish from Year 3 on your recent success at the Ballarat Show! 

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.