Cohort News
"I alone cannot change the world,
but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
— Mother Teresa
Year 7 Pastoral Care
As we head into the final weeks of Term 4, it's hard to believe how quickly the year has flown by! We are so incredibly proud of how our Year 7 students have settled into College life, embraced new challenges, and become an integral part of our community.
Focus on Final Assessments
With the end of the academic year fast approaching, now is a crucial time for all Year 7 students to focus intently on their final assessments for each subject. These assessments are an opportunity to showcase all the knowledge and skills you've gained this year. We advise each student is:
- Reviewing class materials and notes regularly
- Completing any outstanding tasks or assignments
- Seeking clarification from your teachers if you have any questions or need extra support
Managing your time effectively to avoid last-minute stress
We encourage each student to communicate with their teachers if in need of any assistance in preparing for tasks.
Important Reminders for the Final Weeks
To ensure we finish the term smoothly and maintain our high standards, please take note of the following reminders:
- Uniform: As proud members of our College, presenting ourselves well is important. Please ensure that your skirt length is just above the knee. Additionally, a reminder that make-up is not to be worn, especially eyeliner. We appreciate your cooperation in upholding our uniform policy.
Sport: With the warmer weather upon us, it's essential to stay safe and well during sport. Remember to always bring a hat, sunscreen, and a full water bottle to every sports session. Staying hydrated and protected from the sun is key to enjoying your activities!
I am sure that Year 7 will finish Term 4 off well, to cap off a truly successful first year!
Jon Campbell
Year 7 Pastoral Care Coordinator
Year 8 Pastoral Care
Year 8 students have returned from the break with great energy and maturity as they prepare for the transition into Year 9. It’s been wonderful to see their enthusiasm in the classroom.
Pastoral Focus
Our pastoral theme this term continues to focus on respect for self and others, especially in how students engage online and in their peer relationships. Last week, Year 8 engaged in a meaningful lesson and discussions surrounding what it truly means to respect others - recognising each person’s inherent worth and dignity. Students discussed how our online actions reflect our character and that what we post, like or share communicates our values. They were reminded that a digital footprint is permanent and that words have the power to either build trust or break it. The key message: showing respect online is just as important as showing respect in person. In Week 6, Year 8 will engage in a Digital Discernment workshop with a guest speaker.
Summer Uniform
Students are required to wear the College summer uniform. Skirts are to be hemmed to at least knee length, as some students may have grown since last summer. Additionally, we’ve also noticed some students wearing makeup, mascara and double piercings. Your support in adhering to these guidelines is greatly appreciated to maintain the College’s standards.
Key Events for Year 8 Term 4:
- Week 6: Tuesday 18th November - Year 8 Farm Excursion (Food and Agriculture)
- Week 6: Friday 21st November - Digital Discernment Workshop (Pastoral Care)
- Week 7: Tuesday 25th November - Swimming Carnival
- Week 7: Friday 28th November - End of Year Showcase (Music & VA)
- Week 8: Friday 5th December - Year 8 Dance
- Week 9: Friday 12th December - Year 7-11 Presentation Day
- Week 10: Monday 15th December - Community Day
Kathy Phetrasi
Year 8 Pastoral Care Coordinator
Year 9 Pastoral Care
Welcome back for Term 4!
Year 9 has started the term off really well. As there is a lot to do before the end of the year, I remind and encourage Year 9 students to remain focused on their studies.
Whilst they may find Week 5 to be difficult, an exam block is a way to reflect the processes that we have in Year 10 and Stage 6. Here are some tips to help you stay organised.
- Make a List: write down every test, exam, and assignment you have. For each one, add the subject and the due date, and what you need to do to prepare.
- Create a Timetable: get a calendar or planner. Mark all your due dates. Now, work backward and schedule when you will study or work on each task. Be realistic—don't plan to study for 6 hours straight. Ensure you give yourselves breaks. Sometimes 25 minute blocks work well.
- Break It Down: a big project or exam can feel overwhelming. Break it down into small, manageable chunks.
Assessment Procedures
If your daughter is away, you must complete an Illness/Misadventure form.
Please make sure you understand your responsibilities regarding assessments so you are not penalised for not following the procedure correctly.
I have linked the Year 9 assessment handbook for reference.
Links to assessment notifications
Year 9 Camp
Year 9 Camp is a compulsory event scheduled for Week 8, 4-5 December. This includes both the Year 9 overnight camp and the Duke of Edinburgh program.
An event invitation for the Year 9 Camp was sent out last week. We request your consent for your daughter to participate. All the necessary information can be found in the communication.
As the camp is compulsory, if your daughter is unable to attend the Year 9 Camp due to illness or extenuating circumstances, you will need to provide documentation. Refunds are only available in exceptional circumstances. See the Refund Request Form and link to the policy here: BCR Events & Activities Refund Request Form.
We look forward to this camp and it being a great time for developing teamwork, leadership, confidence and resilience.
Lauren McKillop
Acting Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator
Year 10 Pastoral Care
Here we are, Term 4! Just like that, the final leg of the junior years is upon us! It's going to be busy, but it's arguably the most crucial term yet.
The Final Exams: Week 5
Week 5 brings the last major assessment block for the year.
We're not treating these like standard tests. Think of it as a high-value dress rehearsal for the senior years. We're deliberately setting up the full senior exam environment, big halls, strict timings, and silent accountability. It's a chance to experience the formality that Years 11 and 12 will bring.
Please help us encourage students to approach this block with the dedication they'd give their final exams.
Here are some helpful links with tips on how to help your teenage daughter during their exam preparations:
- Top tips for helping your teen during an exam period (University of Queensland): Tips focusing on creating a quiet study space, discussing expectations, encouraging healthy eating/sleep, and devising stress coping methods.
- Parents - tips to support your kids going through the HSC (NSW Department of Education): Advice on time management, staying positive, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle (sleep, exercise, nutrition).
- Helping kids cope with exam stress (Kids Helpline): Provides information on the difference between pressure and stress, and signs of stress to watch for, with advice on being constructive and positive.
Operation Christmas Child
This term, Year 10s have also shown us they have huge hearts!
A massive shout out for their incredible work on Operation Christmas Child. Your daughters poured their time and energy into packing shoeboxes full of gifts for children in poverty-stricken countries.
The collective effort was genuinely outstanding, a fantastic 58 gift boxes that are now guaranteed to bring a serious amount of joy this Christmas. It was a real highlight to see the enthusiasm they tackled this project with. Well done, Year 10! Your kindness is literally heading around the world.
As always, if you have any questions about the exam schedule or your daughter's progress, please don't hesitate to contact the College or me directly.
Rebecca Monohan
Year 10 Pastoral Care Coordinator
Year 11 Pastoral Care
It has been a busy and exciting start to Term 4 for our Year 11 cohort as they begin their HSC courses.This is the first step in the final stage of their formal secondary education. This term is full of opportunity, reflection, and growth as our students step into new challenges and leadership roles.
📚 “How to Study for the HSC” Workshop
On Thursday of Week 2, Year 11 students participated in a “How to Study for the HSC” session. This valuable workshop encouraged students to consider how to best prepare for the HSC, create personalised study timetables, and explored a variety of effective study strategies.
Following this, Ms Kehati spoke with students about booking an appointment to discuss their future pathways — including university, TAFE, or other post-school options. Students are encouraged to make use of this opportunity to plan ahead and explore all possibilities available to them.
🌟 Leadership Day and Commissioning Mass
On Friday of Week 2, our newly appointed 2026 student leaders took part in the Year 11 Leadership Day. We were fortunate to have Sister Faye and Father Pat join us as guest speakers, sharing their insights into leadership within a Catholic context, and more specifically through the lens of our Brigidine tradition, one that values strength and gentleness in equal measure.
The students then spent the day thoughtfully planning key events for Term 4, in which they will take the lead in their new roles.
This special experience was followed by the Leadership Commissioning Mass on Tuesday, 28 October, held at OLSH Church. It was a beautiful celebration of faith, community, and commitment to service. A highlight of the evening was seeing parents and carers pin their children’s leadership badges, marking the beginning of their journey as the 2026 leaders of our College.
🌟 Student Leadership Team Meets with The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP
On Friday 31 October, our 2026 Student Leadership Team had the opportunity to meet with The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
During an open forum, students engaged in thoughtful conversation, asking questions about leadership, resilience, and decision-making in high-pressure environments. Minister Thistlethwaite generously shared insights from his own journey, offering practical advice on navigating challenges, staying focused on goals, and leading with integrity.
It was an inspiring session that left our young leaders feeling empowered and encouraged. We extend our sincere thanks to Minister Thistlethwaite for his time, wisdom, and support of student leadership development.
💭 Year 11 thoughts from Term 4 so far…
- Kayla Sani - I'm glad that I'm moving up to Year 12 with a supportive cohort of people! It's nice to know that we've all got each other's backs. Although Year 12 could be a challenge, I'm glad that I'm going ahead with great friends.
- Ajelen Castillo - Starting Year 12 has been extremely exciting! It's been incredibly rewarding to see how far I’ve come since the start of high school and look forward to continuing working towards my goals. I feel motivated to make the most of our final year, not just by studying but also enjoying the memories and friendships Year 12 will bring along!
- Joely Menzel - Starting Year 12 these past weeks had really taken me by surprise. From new focuses and learning intentions, to already receiving our first task notifications, I'm really learning to manage both a personal and school life. However, I also am really enjoying the freedom of tasks - exploring our future independent research projects and individual performances are giving me a taste of how I'm able to really craft my learning to help me best succeed. I've already begun studying for exams and reviewing notes, but I think with hard work and determination I'll be able to perform well.
- Ashleigh Scells - Starting Year 12 has been an amazing way to start the term. A lot of work and content to learn but super excited for this last year!
- Niamh Lynch - I had a thought this week that it's crazy to think I have started Year 12 and that high school is nearly over. I remember sitting in the hall in Year 7 and the teachers saying how quickly high school will go and not actually believing them until now, when I have one year left. It's made me realise how much I will miss it even at the hardest times, and I will especially miss Miss McWhirter as my Year Coordinator.
- Faye Moutopoulos - I’m excited to challenge myself academically, make the most of our final year of high school, and dive into the fun of our last swimming carnival together.
- Lilia Akhavan-Safa - Thought of the term so far: “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around, once in a while you could miss it.”
📅 Key Dates for Term 4
Below is an overview of important upcoming events and opportunities for Year 11:
- Weeks 7–9: Major Assessment Period, students should consult their Year 12 Assessment Handbook and individual assessment notifications for specific due dates.
- Tuesday 25 November: College Swimming Carnival
- Friday 28 November: End-of-Year Showcase – Music and Visual Arts
- Tuesday 2 December: TAS and Drama Evening
- Friday 28 November to Wednesday 3 December: ACYF – Melbourne (Australian Catholic Youth Festival)
- Monday 8 December to Thursday 11 December: Great Barrier Reef Trip (Geography students)
- Monday 8 December to Wednesday 10 December: Paddock to Plate (Hospitality and Food Tech students)
- Friday 12 December: Years 7–11 Presentation Day
- Monday 15 December: Community Day and Last day of Term 4 for students
💭 Final Thoughts
As the Year 11 students transition into their HSC year, it’s wonderful to see their maturity, enthusiasm, and commitment to both their studies and leadership. I encourage them to continue approaching each opportunity with kindness, courage, and a sense of community.
Nikki McWhirter
Year 11 Pastoral Care Coordinator
Year 12 Pastoral Care
As we move through the final weeks of the Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations, the entire Brigidine College Randwick community pauses to acknowledge the journey so far and offer our warmest support and encouragement for the finish line ahead.
The transition for Year 12 was marked by the official conclusion of classes at the end of Term 3. That milestone closed the chapter on formal schooling and opened the door to an intense, self-directed period of focus and revision. Navigating this shift requires immense discipline, and our students have done so with remarkable grace and resilience.
The HSC exam schedule has been well underway since Thursday 16 October. For nearly three weeks, our students have been demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and understanding they have diligently built over the past thirteen years. Each exam completed is not just a test of academic content, but a testament to their perseverance and commitment. We hope every student is taking a moment after each paper to acknowledge the sheer effort required to get to that desk and put pen to paper.
The end is now truly in sight. The HSC exams will conclude on Friday 7 November. This date signifies more than just the end of a testing period; it marks the powerful culmination of their schooling, their final act as Brigidine students, and the gateway to their next adventure.
A Community United in Support
We want to assure our students that the entire Brigidine College community is thinking of them. We are sending you positive energy, calm focus, and strength as you tackle these last few exams. Your teachers and all the younger students who look up to you are incredibly proud of the way you have conducted yourselves.
To our parents, thank you. You have been the essential bedrock of support, offering the quiet presence, the late-night sustenance, and the encouraging voices throughout this demanding period. Your partnership with the College and your unwavering belief in your daughters have been invaluable.
Finishing Strong: Practical Advice for the Final Stretch
For the remaining days, here is some simple, actionable advice for our Year 12 students:
- Prioritise Rest: Maintain your sleep schedule. A well-rested mind is your best ally. Quality sleep is the ultimate secret weapon for exam recall, far surpassing late-night cramming.
- Focus on the Next One: Do not dwell on past exams. Your energy must now be entirely devoted to the next scheduled paper. Review your notes, target key concepts, and work practice questions.
- Mindfulness and Movement: Take short, regular breaks. Step outside, stretch, or listen to a favourite song. A few minutes of disconnection can dramatically improve your concentration when you return to your work.
We wish each and every one of you the very best as you complete these last exams of your schooling. Finish strong, trust in your preparation, and know that you have a whole community eagerly awaiting the moment we can celebrate your achievements and welcome you to the next phase of your lives.
Tony Munguia
Year 12 Pastoral Care Coordinator