Newsletter November 28th, 2023

It was fabulous to see all the students smiling faces as they "Stepped Up" into their 2024 classes for the morning!  Students had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their teacher and class mates in preparation for the following year.

Today we welcomed Miss Ruby Anderson into our Year 4/5 class and newly appointed Year 1/2 teacher Ms Rachel Simmons.  

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.

Rachel is currently a Year 6 teacher at St Catherine of Siena in Melton West and has had thirteen years of experience teaching years one to six. Rachel is committed to providing students with a positive learning environment and high-quality education.

I am sure you will join me in congratulating Ruby and Rachel and making them feel welcome to our wonderful St Brigid’s school community.

We have many items of clothing in lost property. If your child is missing any uniform items, drink bottles, plastic containers, can you please collect by the last day of term. Any items left in lost property will be donated to Steptoes Op Shop after this date.

Second hand uniform items:

We are very grateful for the support received each year from Step toes Op Shop who donate monies towards St Brigid's student awards each year. We have decided to support them in return with our second hand uniform. Going forward we will be not accepting any donations of pre-loved uniform, instead can you please donate any items to Steptoes directly. Families requiring uniform can purchase from Steptoes, for a minimal cost. Thank you for your assistance with this.

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 have commenced. 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.