Student and Staff News

Staff Collaboration

Staff from St Brigid's College and Ss Michael and John's Primary School recently took part in a professional learning workshop. The session focused on creating personal wellbeing plans, informed by the DOBCEL staff wellbeing model. The day invited reflection on how caring for ourselves supports our work and calling in Catholic education.

School Production

Our amazing cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory came together on the last day of term to run the first Act of the show. Not only did we get to see the fantastic work our actors, singers and dancers have been putting in, it was also wonderful to see the cast supporting each other throughout the day.

Thank you to Vicki Thomas, Executive Producer of the production, for all her work so far, and to Malory Ryan and Ann-Maree O’Beirne for their valuable help on the day.

We can’t wait to get started on Act 2!

Teen Mental Health First Aid

As part of the Pastoral Care program at St Brigid’s College, we are pleased to provide all of our students the opportunity to participate in the Teen Mental Health First Aid program.

The course equips students with the skills to provide initial peer-to-peer support to a friend or classmate who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. It also encourages students not to take on these challenges alone, and helps them identify when and how to involve an adult.

Our Year 9 cohort was the first to take part in the training, finishing the final of three sessions in the last weeks of Term 1. A big thank you to Cass and Trina from Headspace Horsham for facilitating the course! Year 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12 students will complete the course during Pastoral Care in Term 2.

Congratulations Hollianne!

Hollianne was announced as the winner of the Victorian Agricultural Shows Grain Judging State final winner. Hollianne will go on to represent Victoria at the National Finals this year. 

Pictured with Chloe Bowels VAS at the WASA Gala Dinner held during the holidays. 

VCE Elevate Program 

We are pleased to let you know that Elevate Education will be hosting a free parent webinar on artificial intelligence and study on May 6th.

In a recent survey of over 3,000 students, 75% reported already using AI tools when they study. While these tools can be powerful when used well, many students are currently using them in ways that undermine learning rather than support it. 

This session will help parents understand how AI tools work, the most common mistakes students make when using them, and how you can support ethical, effective AI use at home.

Live Parent Webinar: How to Help Your Child Navigate the World of AI and Study

Wednesday 6th May 6:30-7:30pm (AEST)

Click here to register for free  

During the webinar, Elevate will cover: 

• What AI tools such as large language models are and how they work 
• The most common ways students misuse AI for homework and study 
• Practical guidance for supporting ethical, learning-focused AI use at home 

We hope you’re able to join us!

ANZAC Day

Last Saturday, our College Leaders represented St Brigid’s at the Anzac Day services in Horsham. They laid a wreath and paid their respects to those who have served, and continue to serve, in war, conflict, and peacekeeping operations.

We will remember them. Lest we forget.

Year 9 Camp

Last week our Year 9 cohort had a wonderful time away at Warra Gnan Coastal Camp in Warrnambool! Students got involved in plenty of outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking, bike riding, and exploring the coastal area. A big thank you to our amazing staff who supported the camp experience and prepared all meals for the students.

Year 7 Big Sister and Man Cave Program

Last Thursday, all Year 7 students participated in the Man Cave or Big Sister program. These programs are preventative mental health and wellbeing initiatives that align closely with our Teen Mental Health First Aid program coming up this term.

Man Cave focuses on empowering boys to become positive, respectful young men. The program aims to create lasting, positive shifts in attitudes and behaviours by providing psychologically safe spaces, and challenging harmful gender stereotypes.

The Big Sister program involved meaningful discussions and interactive activities where the girls built confidence, strengthened connections with one another, and developed practical strategies to support their wellbeing and relationships.

Here are some reflections from participating students:

"I enjoyed connecting with other students in my year level."

"I enjoyed learning and hearing stories from people's past experiences, and how people can overcome tough situations."

"I learned that some people are struggling with the same things that I am."

"I learned that you don’t always know what someone else is going through."

"It was a safe space to speak and share."

"I learned that my classmates have the same insecurities as me, even if we look different on the outside."

"One of the most challenging things was allowing myself to be vulnerable."