Dear Parents,

One of the hard things for me about being a Catholic today is that we live at a time when it is difficult to communicate in society the joyful and liberating ideas about Life and God that are integral to our faith. Pope Francis has encouraged us all not to live in such a way that we are judged to be the "sourpusses" of society. One Catholic idea I love and wish that people in general knew to be “good news” is that with God, everything is new.

"Do not remember the former things,

or consider the things of old.

I am about to do a new thing:

now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness

and rivers in the desert."

Isaiah 43 18-19

There are more than Ten Commandments in the Bible and here we have a commandment that works for our intellectual and spiritual health. This commandment directs us to forget past wrongs, things we may have done or things done to us, the constant remembrance of which create a bitterness and an anxiety that dries up joy. It is concentrating on what God is doing that liberates us from the darkness of ourselves. Christians can talk blithely about trusting God; the trust we speak of comes from the deep belief that God is always offering new life to us so that we can turn away from what is deathly. We have to know "to perceive it", this divine energy that is like a river in the desert of our daily living. The belief of our mind needs to be fed by the experience of our hearts.

The start of the year is a good time for these very Catholic ideas to sit in the heart. I said to the girls at the first assembly “Who wouldn't want to be a teacher when we get to work with girls who are so happy to be together and have hopes for a wonderful life and year ahead." I also said that the trouble with the first day is that it is followed by a second and a third so we all need to have new ideas about how we are going to accept the grace to grow in perseverance and patience. These virtues are needed to gain the long term goals we desire as the ordinary days of our lives slip by.

February 2014 Issue # 01

COMING EVENTS

WEDNESDAY 12 & THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014

Year 12 Hospitality & Food Technology Farm Stay

THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2014 Year 7 Laptop Roll out Evening

at 6.30pm in Cullen

FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2014 Swimming Carnival

FRIDAY 7 March 2014

P&F Meet & Greet at 7.30pm in Cullen

BRIGIDINE BASICS - The hem of a student’s uniform touches the floor when kneeling. - Every girl is to be at school by 8.30am at least. - Teaching commences at 8.40am - Supervision of girls begins at 8.20am. Girls should be in either the Main Quad or the Canteen Quad. - Parents should not drop and pick up daughters in Aeolia Street. This causes dangerous traffic for the students.

The girls and staff returned to a school covered with fresh paint. Parents may not notice easily

because we have gone with the same colour scheme. The Kilbride wing was refurbished and the

classrooms have new furniture. I bought four contemporary images of Brigid from artists in Ireland

and these have a strong presence in each room. I was disappointed that we have not been able to

put the new gates up at the Aeolia entrance but we are waiting on the final OK from Randwick

Council.

St Brigid's feast day is 1st February and so we had her Mass, our opening Mass, on Monday, 3

February. In the northern hemisphere the 1st of February is when the light changes and Spring is

coming. Our distinguished achievers from HSC 2013 returned to be congratulated by the school and

to have morning tea together. The Dux of 2013, Katherine Duffy, spoke wonderful words of wisdom

and intelligence to the students. We are proud of Catherine's results and prouder still that she was

able to speak with perspicacity, warmth and humour about her experiences as a HSC student

Brigidine wishes a wonderful "new life" to all the class of 2013.

ST BRIGIDS FEAST DAY MASS

Ms Edmondson with Maeve Cooper -Top All Rounder. Ms Edmondson with Katherine Duffy

HSC Students of 2013

GRADUATION COSTS I have decided that Brigidine will bill parents for the cost of graduation celebrations in school fees from the beginning of Year Eleven. This makes planning for Graduation much easier for us. Should girls leave Brigidine before graduation, the graduation fees collected will be reimbursed to parents. SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM Running classes so that girls may receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation) is now an annual endeavour here at Brigidine. Should you want your daughter to receive these sacraments then you can send an email to our Religious Education Coordinator, Mrs Christina Day at info@bcrandwick.catholic.edu.au From where I sit it seems that we have had a very good start to the year. May all our students be engaged in the struggle to balance fun and challenge in their schoolgirl lives.

May Brigid Bless the House Wherein you dwell

Ms Kate Edmondson Principal

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Welcome back everyone to 2014. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the new faces. A special welcome to our new Year 7 students, the graduating class of 2019, and all the new students in Years 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Students at Brigidine are well known for their friendliness and hospitality in making new members to our community feel welcome, as I myself have experienced.

I welcome the new parents to our community and hope their years of association with the College are happy and successful. I do ask parents to contact the College if there are any problems or concerns. Your first point of contact should be your daughter’s home room teacher. Welcome to a l l new staff and welcome back others to our College community.

College Planner

The planner provides parents/ guardians with information regarding all policies: Respect, Rules, Responsibility – p.15 Behaviour Management Policy – pp. 16-19 Uniform Policy – pp.28-30 Anti-bullying Policy – pp.22-24 Procedures to follow – pp.33-35 Student Acceptable Use Agreement – pp.25-27 Homework, Assignments, Assessments – p.36

This information assists parents when they are seeking an answer to a question or a query or they are seeking clarification on an aspect of the College. If you are unable to find the information you require, please contact the College.

This year we have also introduced an eDiary (more details to follow in the coming weeks). The introduction of this diary heralds the end to the physical diary in 2015. Paracetamol Due to an omission in this year’s diary, parents/guardians who give permission for their daughter to be given paracetamol, should she require it, must sign the note that your daughter will come home with this week and have them stick this into their diary (this can be stuck on the ‘Notes’ page, p.58). Paracetamol will not be given to any girl without this permission. Peer Support The Year 7 will be following the Peer Support Program, which allows them the opportunity to buddy with a Year 11 student. This provides them with a chance to seek out all they need to know about Brigidine, and assists them in settling in and making new friends. Year 7 Laptop Information Evening All Year 7 students will be issued with their laptop at the information evening on Thursday the 13th of February. In order to ensure receipt of the laptop, attendance by parents/guardians is compulsory. The Student Acceptable Agreement Form must be signed by both parents/guardians and the students and returned on this evening. Aeolia Street The traffic around Aeolia Street and Perouse is increasing and causing many issues, not least the safety of the girls entering and exiting the College. This is a reminder to all parents that there is NO PARKING in Aeolia Street. Collection and drop offs should happen on Coogee Bay Road in the designated areas provided by council. The worst times to collect and drop off your daughters are between 8.25 am—8.35 am and 3.15 pm—3.40 pm. Perhaps you might consider arriving and departing outside these times. Double parking is also not permitted and IT ONLY TAKES A MINUTE TO CREATE AN ACCIDENT. A message from Transport for NSW From Monday 17th February 2014, all students without a current bus/train pass will be required to pay for journeys to and from school. Please note new application forms are required for any student who has changed details i.e. change of name, school, station/stop, or address (even if address is in the same suburb). Swimming Carnival Our annual College Swimming Carnival takes place on Friday 21st February. This is still a school day and attendance by all students is compulsory. Parents and friends are most welcome to join on this fun filled day. The carnival will be at Botany Aquatic Centre Swimming Pool in Jasmine

Street Botany. More details have been included in the latter part of this newsletter. Senior shirts All senior students must wear a bra that is not visible under their white shirt (white or skin toned). Black or fluorescent coloured bras are not allowed.

General reminders Just a reminder of some important expectations of students and implications for parents:

The school day commences at 8.35am when the first bell rings. The girls are expected to go to their Period 1 lesson at this time. The class roll is called at 8.40am. Please make sure your daughters arrive at school on time. Students should arrive before 8.30am to ensure they are ready for Period 1.

Girls who arrive late for any reason should report to the Office immediately to sign in. If a student arrives late without written explanation, the student is supervised in Tullow. A note of explanation from parents in the diary is sufficient to explain the lateness and to allow entry in their Period 1 lesson. Two unexplained “lates” will incur 20 minutes of detention during lunchtime and three lunchtime detentions will incur one hour detention on a Tuesday afternoon.

Bus and train passes are a privilege. Students are required to meet the conditions set out by the transport authorities. These authorities actually have the right to withdraw passes if used incorrectly. Students are required to catch the bus for which the pass has been issued. Also students are not permitted to lend their passes to anyone.

If your daughter is absent from school, please ring. A note of explanation is required on the first day of her return.

All students should be in their Summer Uniform. No makeup is to be worn. One earring in the LOBE of each ear (studs or sleepers). Hair tied back with ribbons in uniform colours only. White ankle school length socks with the bottle green trim. Black leather low heeled shoes - lace up only. Variations to the uniform are not permitted. The PE uniform is ONLY to be worn to school when the student has sport. Refer to pages 28-30 of the school diary for more details.

No mobile phones are to be used whilst on school premises. Dates to note:

11/02/14 – 13/02/14 ‘Paddock to Plate’ Camp (Year 12) 13/02/14 Year 7 Laptop Information Evening 14/02/14 Year 12 Reflection Day 18/02/14 Stage 6 Information Evening 21/02/14 Swimming Carnival 21/02/14 Public Speaking Round 1

I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during the course of this year. Please let me know if I can be of assistance to you.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support. Brigid Taylor Assistant Principal

UNIFORM NEED ALTERING? Too long, too tight, elastic not right? I have over 50 Years experience in sewing and doing alterations and now I do them for my Grandson’s uniforms! If you need prompt, affordable help with making those uniforms fit just right, please call me. I can also come to the uniform shop if you need help with fitting. Tina 9399 8009 or 0410 540 084

RSVP using this form

http://www.bcrandwick.catholic.edu.au/uploaded/file/Miscellaneous/Forms%20for%20Parents/BCR%20meet%20and%20Greet%202014.pdf

Curriculum News We have organized an information evening for Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12) parents for Tuesday 18 February in the Cullen Centre starting at 7 pm. At this meeting we will be explaining Brigidine College’s assessment expectations for stage 6 students and giving information about the year ahead for our HSC class. Mrs Denise Wright from the Board of Studies will be attending to tell us about the Board’s expectations for students as well as explaining how the HSC works with regards to assessment marks, exam marks and their moderation.

While this evening is aimed at Year 12 students and their parents, any interested stage 6 students and parents are invited to attend. Year 12 and Year 11 students have been given letters outlining the evening.

Brigidine had a very successful HSC class in 2013 and a number of our now ex-students attended our

opening school mass last week. Many of these girls were presented with awards for being

Distinguished Achievers. These girls were placed in the top 10% of their subject for the HSC.

Congratulations again to all those ex-students and you can find a list of them attached to this

newsletter.

Students in Years 9 & 11 have until the start of week 5 to finalise their pattern of study and elective

classes for 2014. By now most girls have settled in to their classes, however, if your daughter wishes

to change her electives or levels she needs to see Mr Morgan with a note from her parents

requesting the change.

List of Distinguished Achievers 2014

Aluni, Mauaiseaso Community and Family Studies

Alves, Marisa English (Advanced)

Alves, Marisa Mathematics

Alves, Marisa Music 1

Alves, Marisa Studies of Religion II

Alzate, Jasmine Mathematics Extension 1

Alzate, Jasmine Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Bambridge, Grace Drama

Bambridge, Grace General Mathematics

Bambridge, Grace Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Calvert, Elizabeth Hospitality Examination

Chang, Fleur Chemistry

Chang, Fleur Mathematics

Charalambu, Kyra Hospitality Examination

Ciccarelli, Cassandra English (Advanced)

Ciccarelli, Cassandra Modern History

Ciccarelli, Cassandra Studies of Religion I

Ciccarelli, Cassandra Visual Arts

Cooper, Maeve Community and Family Studies

Cooper, Maeve Food Technology

Cooper, Maeve General Mathematics

Cooper, Maeve Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Cooper, Maeve Studies of Religion II

Cummings, Jasmine Biology

Cummings, Jasmine Chemistry

Cummings, Jasmine Mathematics

Cummings, Jasmine Mathematics Extension 1

Cummings, Jasmine Studies of Religion I

Denney, Hannah English (Advanced)

Denney, Hannah Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Denney, Hannah Studies of Religion II

Duffy, Katherine English (Advanced)

Duffy, Katherine Mathematics

Duffy, Katherine Modern History

Duffy, Katherine Studies of Religion II

Gregor, Stephanie Ancient History

Gregor, Stephanie Modern History

Gregor, Stephanie History Extension

Hairis, Despina Design and Technology

Hairis, Despina General Mathematics

Hairis, Despina Hospitality Examination

Hunt, Taylor General Mathematics

Lawrence, Jasmine English (Advanced)

Lawrence, Jasmine English Extension 1

Liem, Amanda English (Advanced)

Liem, Amanda Legal Studies

Liem, Amanda Mathematics

Macdonald, Anna English (Advanced)

Macdonald, Anna Modern History

Meldrum, Beth Community and Family Studies

Meyer, Madison Hospitality Examination

Milne, Caitlin Business Studies

Milne, Caitlin Community and Family Studies

Milne, Caitlin General Mathematics

Mo, Kimberly Chemistry

Murray, Charlotte Food Technology

Roberts, Johanna Design and Technology

Roberts, Johanna Studies of Religion I

Roberts, Johanna Visual Arts

Romit, Merlyn Biology

Romit, Merlyn English (Standard)

Sfara, Elisa Biology

Simos, Alyssia English (Advanced)

Suniary, Caroline Chemistry

Suniary, Caroline Mathematics

Suniary, Caroline Mathematics Extension 1

Taueli, Taylor Food Technology

Taueli, Taylor Hospitality Examination

Tjandra, Tara Mathematics

Tjandra, Tara Mathematics Extension 1

Tjandra, Tara Music 1

Tjandra, Tara Studies of Religion I

Tveshor, Natalie Visual Arts

Wei, Chieh-Hsin Mathematics Extension 1

Wei, Chieh-Hsin Music 1

Wheatley, Madeleine Business Studies

Wheatley, Madeleine Legal Studies

Wheatley, Madeleine Mathematics

Wheatley, Madeleine Mathematics Extension 1

Williams, Maxine Modern History

Williams, Maxine Visual Arts

Williamson, Erika Food Technology

Wilson, Rebecca Drama

Zouglis, Jenifer Modern Greek Beginners

Zouglis, Tina English Extension 1

Zouglis, Tina Modern Greek Beginners

Anthony Morgan Curriculum Coordinator

Upcoming Opportunity in 2014 – Italian, Design and Food Tour to Italy During the 2014 September/October school holidays, Brigidine will be offering an Italian, Design and Food tour to Italy to elective students in Years 11, 10 and 9 (2014). Please note places are limited and are taken on a year level and elective subject choice basis. If the opportunity becomes available for other students to attend we will advise at that time.

Your daughters have been informed of this tour and we wish to inform you that the information afternoon will be held at Brigidine early in Term 1, 2014.

Mrs M Johnson and Mrs D Ginzburg

Sports News

SWIMMING CARNIVAL The Annual Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 21st February at Botany Pool.

Students in Year 7 will be bussed to the pool and back to school at the end of the day. Year 7 must

arrive at school for 8.00 Roll Call. It is estimated that students will be back at school between 2.30-

3.00pm

Students in Years 8 to 12 must make their own way to the pool and home. Roll Call will be at the

pool at 8.30am. If any student in Year 8 to 12 needs to catch the organised school bus they must

fill in the permission note and return this to their roll teacher. If catching the bus you need

to be in the Main Quad at 8.00am. The carnival will commence at 9.00am and

finish at approximately 2.00pm.

All student supervision will conclude at 2.15pm. Therefore, could all parents/carers please ensure

that your daughter has made adequate arrangements for her return home at the conclusion of the

carnival. Pool authorities do not permit children to remain at the pool and they must leave at the

conclusion of the carnival.

Please note that the Swimming Carnival is a compulsory College event. If your daughter is absent

on the day of the carnival due to illness, please contact the school and inform them of her absence

either by leaving your message on voicemail or contacting the office at 8.00am. On her return to

school she must present a doctor’s certificate to her roll call teacher.

The carnival will be held regardless of weather.

All students must come prepared with hats, sunscreen and drink bottles. If it is wet weather you

are advised to bring appropriate clothing.

Canteen facilities will be available from 10.30am.

Dress for the Carnival

Students may dress up in their House Colours for the carnival but they must make sure they are in

appropriate clothing to travel in. NO PAINT IS TO BE USED AT ANY TIME AS DRESS UP. If you do not

wish to dress up you are to wear correct PE uniform.

All students must be aware of sun safety and wear appropriate clothing to prevent sunburn as well

as using sunscreen and wearing a hat. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

Parents and family members are all welcome to attend on the day but a reminder that all students

are expected to sit in the stands with their house.

We hope to see lots of participation from all girls and great team spirit. Good luck to all teams and

all swimmers.

BLUES AWARD Congratulations to Molly Blakey and Jessica Thornton on receiving a Blue Award for their outstanding achievements in Athletics. Both Jessica and Molly were very deserving recipients of this prestigious award that is given to athletes selected by the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Committee to have excelled in their sport and displayed incredible talent and aptitude in their area. Well done girls and keep up the good work.

REPRESENTATIVE PATHWAYS In order for your daughter to be eligible to attend various selection trials throughout the year and to progress through the pathways from CGSSSA to NSW and beyond – they must be registered on the NSWCCC website. This is for students that play sport at a representative level. If you think your daughter may use this pathway she must be registered, so please follow the steps below to do so.

NSW CCC Website

1. Please go to the website www.csss.nsw.edu.au 2. GO TO THE HELP BUTTON 3. Select I AM A PARENT/GUARDIAN. You can either retrieve your password or get a password 4. Set up a PARENT ACCOUNT 5. Now you can log in 6. Select the sport you are interested in 7. Select REGISTER. Here you will either be asked to make an EXPRESSION OF INTEREST or to

REGISTER. This is different for each 8. Once you have completed all the information an email will be sent immediately to the

diocesan/association rep, principal and sports coordinator for approval (consent) 9. Select you payment option – direct deposit or credit card. You will not be marked as paid

immediately as accounts need to be manually reconciled. This usually takes 7 working days 10. You can log on at any time to see the status of your registration 11. Please make sure your details (email address and mobile) remain up to date so that you can

be emailed or sent a text message

Mrs Elder

Sports Coordinator

Years 7-10 Painting in the Visual Arts

As we commence a new year our Year 7 students have newly purchased uniforms and many students

have updated their uniforms to start the new school year. Years 7-10 will shortly commence painting

in the Visual Arts Classroom. There are aprons in the art rooms and every girl is responsible for

wearing an apron to protect her school uniform. If a student gets paint on the uniform the

manufacturer states it can be removed with just hot water. I have found the hot water actually sets

the paint.

We tested a number of products last year and found using Earth Wool Mix neat gave the best result.

Sards Wondersoap can be purchased as a bar of soap and used on the stain. After many years in the

art room I have found Nappy San has become a good friend if the item is soaked. Another alternative

suggested by one of our elective students is bi-carbonate soda and lemon juice. She found it got all

the stains out over the holidays.

The Visual Arts Department is keen for the girls to enjoy painting while still protecting their uniforms.

Ms Deirdre Brennan Visual Arts Coordinator

http://www.csss.nsw.edu.au/

Free Graduated Licensing Scheme Workshops for Learner Driver Parents in the Randwick area Young drivers are three times more likely to be involved in casualty crashes. That's why the RTA has

introduced a new licensing scheme, with more supervised driving practice for learner drivers.

To help parents in supervising learner drivers, the RTA has set up a FREE 2 hour workshop for parents

that offer practical advice on how to help learner drivers become safer drivers.

A FREE RTA parents' workshop will be conducted by David Riches and hosted by Randwick City

Council on Thursday February 27th at Council’s Administrative Offices in Frances Street, Randwick

from 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm.

Early bookings are essential, by phoning Catherine on

9399 0786 now to reserve your place, or email catherine.hoe@randwick.nsw.gov.au

UNIFORM ITEMS FOR SALE

GARMENT SIZE CONDITION PRICE

Summer Dress 12 Excellent (near new – old style) $25.00 each

2 x Summer Dress 12 Good (old style) $10.00 each

2 x Swimmers 14 Excellent $15.00 each

2 x Track suits (top & bottom) 12/14 Excellent $60.00 each

1 x Kilt 8 Good $20.00 each

Contact Kelsia

0466 430 594

SECONDHAND TEXT BKS

FOR SALE YRS 7 -10

In Good

condition

GARMENT SIZE CONDITION PRICE

School blazer 10 Excellent (brand new) $90.00

1 x Track suits (top & bottom) 10 Good $50.00

1 x Summer Dress 4 Good $40.00

Pullover 10 Excellent $30.00 each

1 x Kilt 2 Good $40.00 each

Contact: J Mather

0417 009 912

For Sale Uniforms (make an offer) size 10 and 12 sports uniforms, shorts, pants, jackets, bags, swimmers size 10 and 12 girls uniforms size 12 kilt and blazer winter blouses 10 and 12 Call Melissa 0424643284

Second Hand Uniforms for Sale Sport track pants size 10 very good $30 Sport track jacket size 14 good $25 Sports bag good $5 Senior shirt size 10 very good $20 Senior shirt size 12 good $15 Senior shirt size 12 very good $20 Junior shirt size 10 very good $20 Sport Track jacket size 12 good $30 Kilt size 10 very good $50 Sports shorts size 10 good $12 Sport hat fair $5 Blazer size 12 good $90 Summer dress size 12 very good $45 Sport top size 14 fair $5 Cassandra Mob: 0420 939 118

SENIOR BLOUSE x 3 size 12 $15 (Fair condition) BLAZER x 1 size 14 - $75 (Good condition) JUNIOR DRESS x 1 size 14 - $30 (Good condition) KILT x 2 size 14 - $50 (Excellent Condition) Edna Mob: 0423 245 170 or after 12 November contact Whitney: 0433 072 755 Blazer, size 14, excellent condition, $80 Kilt, excellent cond ,size 8-12, $50 Pullover, size 16, good cond., $30 Track jacket, size 12, good cond., $30. Long sleeve jnr winter shirts, 1x size 10x 1x size 14, good cond., $10ea. short sleeve sport polo, size 10, fair cond., $5 Long sleeve sport polo, good cond., size 10-12 $10. Swimmers, size 8, good cond., $8 Jnr Blue apron science/food tech good cond., $5 3 piece hospitality uniform, $45 Contact Jeneva Mob: 0408412777

1 x Kilt (size 10-12) - $30 1 x Blazer (size 10-12) - $40 Contact: Jenny Mob: 0412 226 725

UNIFORM PRICE SIZE CONDITION Blazer $100 16 new Blazer $90 14 excellent 3 long sleeve blouse $15 each sml-med excellent Long sleeve blouse $10 14 great 2 track suits $50 sml-med great 2 sports tea shirts $10 each sml-med good Long sleeve sport shirt $15 sml great Sports bag $5 new 3 uniform dress tunics $25 sml-med great 3 woollen pullovers $25 med excellent 2 kilts $55 med excellent Sport shorts $10 sml excellent Swimming bathers $15 sml new Or whole uniform package $250 Dress uniform tunic Blazer Pullover Kilt 2 long sleeve blouses

Track suit Sports shirt Contact Rachel Mobile: 0402 606 886

UNIFORM PRICE SIZE CONDITION Blazer $150 16 Excellent Contact Jenny Mobile: 0403 257 204

Uniform Price Size Condition

Blazer $40 10 Good

Kilt $40 10 Good

Senior Shirts x 3 each $15 12 Good

Pullover $25 12 Good

Contact Ted Mobile: 0432284952

For Sale Summer dresses size 12 x 2, size 10 x 4 swimmers size 14 x 2 and size 8 sports polo shirts S and XS Sports shorts size 8 x 2, size 7 and size 5 sports bag Track suit top size 14 Track suit pants size 12 Blazer size 14 Winter blouses size 12 x 4 and size 8 x 5

All fair condition, make an offer - Mel 0424 643 284

For Sale Sport uniform pants and jacket – size 14 girls $60 both (excellent condition) Sports shorts x 2 – sizes 8 - $15 each 2 x Kilts – size 10 - $15 each 2 x summer school dresses – size 8/10 - $15 each School cap – never worn - $10 Mixed bag of aprons, winter shirts, Brigidine swims suits (x 2) free if everything purchased Total $130

Contact Julia – 0435 295 952