Newsletter April 23rd, 2025

This week we join together in heartfelt remembrance and deep gratitude for the life and legacy of Pope Francis. His ongoing commitment to compassion, justice and the transformative power of education has inspired countless lives across the globe. With humility and love, he called upon each of us – students, communities, educators and leaders alike, to walk gently with one another and with God.

Pope Francis reminded us that education is not only about knowledge, but about forming hearts capable of understanding, peace and empathy. His messages to young people were always filled with hope and encouragement, urging them to be builders of bridges, not walls.

His life was a living testimony of service and simplicity, a true shepherd who carried the concerns of the poor and the marginalised in his heart. As a Catholic community, we are blessed to have been guided by his wisdom and his deep love for humanity.

As part of our Whole School Prayer/Assembly, to honour Pope Francis’ memory, we invite our school community to take a moment in prayer and reflection at St Brigid's Church on Monday 28th April at 2:30pm facilitated by Year 4/5S.

We hope that you all had a wonderful Easter break with your loved ones. We are very excited to welcome all children back to school today as we commence Term 2.

This term, we look forward to a fantastic journey of learning, growth and connection. From engaging classroom experiences to special events and celebrations, there’s so much to look forward to.

This Friday 25th April is ANZAC Day. Due to upgrades work in A.A. McLean Reserve, the 2025 Ballan Dawn Service will be held at the Ballan Fire Brigade, 27 Fisken Street, starting at 6:00am. At this service, our School Captains will provide a short presentation about WW1 Australian Defence Force members.

Additionally, St Brigid’s students will be invited to march in uniform and with our school banner with Veterans and Emergency Services groups during the 2025 ANZAC Day Afternoon March.

Details of the ANZAC Day March and Afternoon Service are:

• Ballan March: 12:45 PM – March participants assemble at the Ballan RSL Hall, 146 Inglis Street, Ballan.
• Ballan March: 1:00 PM – commencement of the March from the RSL Hall to the Ballan Cenotaph, 125 Inglis Street, Ballan.
• Cenotaph Service: 1:15 PM – commencement of Afternoon Service at the Ballan Cenotaph.

If your child is interested in participating in the ANZAC Day March commencing at 1:00pm and Afternoon Service, please ring the school office on (03) 5368 1015 as soon as possible and prior to 3:30pm on Thursday 24th April, 2025.

All St Brigid’s Primary School staff and students attending ANZAC Day Services are encouraged to proudly wear their own medals and/or the medals of family members.

Please register using the following link:

bit.ly/CommunityWebinarMay15

This week, we welcome Photographer Kevin Cummins (Modular Media) who will be visiting St Brigid’s to continue taking professional photos of our school in action.

Hot lunches will recommence Friday 2nd May via the online ordering system - Spriggy Schools on SZapp.

Volunteers

We have re-introduce a roster looking for volunteers to help prepare and serve lunches on each Friday. Ideally 2 helpers are required.

If you are available to help out on a Friday between 11.30am-1.00pm please contact the school office with your dates (valid Working with Children Check is required).

The children really enjoy hot lunches and this can only happen with the help of volunteers!

Please find below an updated menu.

Whole School Prayer/ Assembly will continue to take place on a fortnightly basis at St Brigid’s Church on Monday afternoons from 2:30pm.

Term 2 dates:

• Monday 28th April, 2025 @ 2:30pm - Year 4/5S facilitating
• Monday 12th May, 2025 @ 2:30pm - Foundation C facilitating
• Monday 26th May, 2025 @ 2:30pm - Year 2/3M facilitating
• Monday 23rd June, 2025 @ 2:30pm - Foundation A facilitating

Suzanne Beaver will again be at St Brigids every Tuesday this year. 

Suzanne is available for individual sessions with children. Common issues addressed are managing strong emotions, self esteem, friendship issues, anxiety, and family challenges such as illness, grief and separation.

Suzanne is also available for individual sessions with parents. Topics can include a range of parenting challenges, i.e. managing strong emotions, school reluctance, helping your child form strong friendships, and helping your child to navigate family separation.

Suzanne can also assist you in finding the right external support for your child and family.

This is a great service provided right here at school. Please don't hesitate to contact Suzanne with any concerns you might have. Contact Suzanne by phone on a Tuesday or by email any day sbeaver@sbballan.catholic.edu.au.

You can also access the service through the office or your classroom teacher.

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.

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.