It has been a joy this week to go around to all the classes and meet the children. Their smiles, greetings and blessings of peace were beautiful expressions of hospitality and welcome. I shared with them my feelings of excitement and nervousness, which many of them could relate to, especially those new to St Brigid’s. I told the students I have heard very positive things about the school community, including their friendliness, kindness and positive approach to their learning.  

A little about me … I come to St Brigid’s, married to beloved wife Anne, with 4 adult children and 3 precious grandsons. I have always felt privileged and grateful to work with children and young people in Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools. In the past 20 years, of my 42 years in education, I have worked primarily with parents and staff to support the spiritual, social and emotional learning of children. The foundation of my faith and life is Divine Love that I believe holds us all tenderly. 

I look forward to meeting you and working with you to support the learning and faith of your children. 

May our good God bless us in that endeavor! 

Feast day of St Brigid this coming Monday 1 February: 

This is celebrated at this time in Ireland that is suitably in Spring, given her connection with the environment. The following link tells the legend of a mantle that St Brigid spread over land, upon which she would build a community (monastery), open to people to share their lives, love and faith.  

Link: https://brigidine.org.au/about-us/our-patroness/legend-of-st-brigids-cloak/  

You may want to talk as a family about an experience of something growing from a ‘small beginning’ eg a time when welcomed someone unexpected to a meal in your home, wondering at first whether you would have enough in the pot, or a time when your family showed generosity, even though times were  tough for your family.  

Let us pray as a family: 

… Loving God, you called St Brigid to live a life of love, through hospitality and care for others: grant us, by her prayers and generous spirit, that we too may show your love to others.  

Creative, Collaborative, Connected Learners - Inspired by Love 

Welcome back to 2021! After what seemed to be a long and at times disruptive 2020, we look forward to a far more settled and exciting year of learning with our children. Along with the new learning areas completed, we look forward to finalising other ground works over the next few weeks to facilitate both student movement and play areas. This year, we commemorate the International Year of Peace and Trust and together with Pope Francis’ call for us to focus on Care for One Another, an important part of our learning focus will be on developing and maintaining positive relationships across our community. 

Gymnastics:

Over the course of the term, classes will have the opportunity to take part in gymnastics classes. These will take place on Mondays in the SAMMAT. Please check details with your child’s teacher as to when they are scheduled to have their session. 

Instrumental Music Program:

Over the coming week we will be sending out new information about the instrumental music program which will be followed up with a parent information evening. Please keep an eye out through SZapp for details. 

Child Protection Curriculum:

Welcome: 

We welcome Mr. Michael Proctor as our new Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission (APRIM). Michael comes to us with a vast experience as a Leader of Religious Education in Catholic schools, the most recent being St. Joseph’s School Hectorville. Michael is keen to get to know our community as the opportunity arises. You are welcome to contact Michael regarding any religious or pastoral care matters.

We also welcome Mr Lyndon Draper who will be sharing a Year 4/5 class with Mrs Emily Dickeson. Mr. Draper comes to us after frequenting our school as a TRT. We know you will make both Lyndon and Michael welcome.  

SZapp: 

As we begin a new school year, in order to make sure you are receiving all the correct communication from your child's teacher you will beed to change your SZapp notification settings.

SCHOOL FEE INVOICE/STATEMENTS

 School Phone Number:

School Crossing Monitors: 

If your child is in years 4-6 (minimum age is 10) and they would like to be included on the School Crossing Monitor list, please complete the expression of interest form attached. If your child has already done the training in 2020 and would like to continue to be part of the team, please complete the availability section too. 

School crossing duty begins at 3.00pm and is usually over by 3.20pm. The crossing is supervised by an adult for the duration of the duty. If you or someone you know would be interested in being an adult supervisor and have the relevant volunteer clearance, please complete that section of the form. You would need to attend a traffic police training session at the school to undertake this role. Your support is appreciated.  

Gawler Fringe:

Opening Event at Walker Place Friday 19th February 3pm –10pm.