Newsletter June 7th, 2023

We extend our deepest sympathy to Therese Winter, Therese’s mum Clare and family following the recent passing of Therese’s father, Bill.  Please keep Therese and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Recently we have advertised a position for a Learning Support Officer: Auslan Proficiency to commence at St Brigid’s this term.

I am very pleased to inform you that Cindy Murray has been appointed to this role. Cindy has been involved in the Deaf community for many years advocating, promoting and supporting social inclusion by working as an Interpreter within the rural area of Victoria (Horsham, Swan Hill, Bendigo etc). Cindy has recently worked as an Educational Interpreter at Sunshine College. This job has enabled Cindy to grow and develop her skills.  Cindy will work at St Brigid’s each Friday.

I am sure you will join me in congratulating Cindy as we welcome her to our wonderful St Brigid’s school community.

On Sunday, Year 6 student Eli was presented with the Grey Wolf Award at the 1st Ballan Scouts open day. The Grey Wolf Award is the Pinnacle Award for the Cub Scout Section of which many Cubs strive to achieve.  Part of their Grey Wolf Pathway is to lead an adventurous journey -  to take Cubs into the natural environment to explore, discover and have fun while learning and implementing Scouting Skills.

Congratulations on your wonderful achievement Eli - we are so proud of you!

On Friday 26th May, staff from St Brigid’s attended the Catholic Education Week Mass and Dinner at Damascus College. It was a lovely evening celebrating educators in our Diocese who were recognised and acknowledged for 30 years of service in Catholic Education – congratulations again Trish!

Throughout the evening, three leadership awards were presented – Partnership Award, Catholic Leadership Award and Fullness of Life Award. 

Congratulations to Jayne Bosworth who was nominated and awarded the Fullness of Life Leadership Award (nomination below).

The criteria for the Fullness of Life award is as follows:

• Leadership that leads to fullness of life for colleagues and/or students
• Excellence in education, staff formation or professional learning and student learning
• Education innovation for demonstrated commitment to evidence-based practice in education

A student free day will take place on Friday 9th June.

On this day staff will continue a three-year participation in Reframing Learning and Teaching Environments ReLATE). ReLATE is a research and evidence informed model supporting schools to create the preconditions for improved teaching, learning and wellbeing. ReLATE was developed in Australia by MacKillop Family Services, drawing on the practice model implemented in our schools and delivered by The MacKillop Institute.

Within ReLATE, wellbeing is understood as an essential pre-condition for quality teaching and learning. Safe, predictable and supportive learning environments are created and maintained in classrooms where students are not just known, but deeply understood.

School leaders and staff are supported both on their professional learning and development journey and in their wellbeing.

As we have a Pupil Free Day this Friday, there will be no hot lunches this week or the last Friday of Term 2, Friday 23rd June as this will be a hot dog lunch day instead. 

To celebrate the end of Term 2, Parents and Friends are offering hot dogs for lunch on Friday 23rd June.

One hot dog in a roll will be ordered per child. If your child does not want a hot dog or if there are any specific dietary requirements please advise via email administration@sbballan.catholic.edu.au

Please send snacks or a sandwich to school if more lunch is needed in addition to the hot dog. 

Last week, our Year 5/6 children and staff had a fabulous time on camp in Melbourne. Many adventures took place including a Dream City incursion and visits to the Old Melbourne Gaol Court Room, IMAX, ACME, Skydeck, Kingpin and Laser Tag. A massive thank you to our wonderful staff for their hard work in preparing our camping experience.

Last month, we recognised National eSmart Week. This year's theme, ‘Be your best self online’, invites children and young people to explore what it means to be a positive digital citizen.

To recognise eSmart Week, on Thursday, 25th May, LSC Brent Yearwood and SC Chris Ornelis facilitated Cyber Safety sessions for students from Years 2-6. A massive thank you to Brent and Chris for taking the time out of their very busy day to educate our children about cyber safety and  how to stay safe online.

Next Thursday 15th June, Brent will be facilitating Road Safety sessions with all classes.

We have now transitioned to full winter uniform.  Please ensure that your child is wearing the correct winter uniform to school each day including bringing the St Brigid’s school bag to and from school daily.

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. 

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.

Throughout the last two years, Big Childcare has provided out of school hours care for many children at St Brigid’s. We really appreciate the service that Big Childcare has provided to our children and families and we have valued our partnership with them and the professionalism and dedication of their staff.

At the end of this term our partnership with Big Childcare will conclude and at the beginning of Term 3, we will welcome KidsCo to St Brigid’s to commence Before School Care and After School Care and in the September holidays, Vacational Care. Further information will be circulated within the coming weeks.

We are excited to have Teeth on Wheels visiting our school for a dental visit on Thursday 10th August, 2023.

Below is a link to their E-form which needs to be completed by the 03/08/2023 for your child to participate.

 https://teethonwheels.com.au/consent-forms/consent-eform/

More information:

Preschool Storytime at St Brigid’s commenced last week - all welcome!

Enrolments are now open for the 2024 year. Onsite tours will continue this term. Please spread the word!

On Saturday 27th May, our parish celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation at the 6.00pm Vigil Mass at St Brigid's Church with children who have been part of the Parish coordinated, family based and Catholic school supported sacrament program. Special thank you to Therese Winter and the sacramental team for their wonderful work in preparing our children for this special occasion.

Congratulations  to the following children:

Anni Clarke, Grace Monterosso, Lilly Moshoudis, Milly Conroy, Sophie Barton and Tommy Sims.

All children are expected to be at school ready to begin by 8.55am daily. From 8.55am, children in F-1 are immersed in the explicit teaching of phonics while children in Years 2-6 take part in Spelling Mastery.

Parents are expected to phone through to the office the child’s absence on the day, or through our school Parent Access Module (PAM). If there has been no contact from the family in the morning of the absence, a sms from the office confirming the child’s absence from school will be sent.

Thank you for your understanding. 

Mass Times:

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