Department News

Languages Department

As we come near the end of another wonderful year of Language Learning, let’s take a look at some reflections from our Year 8 Chinese students as well as some Personal Profiles from our Year 12 Italian class.

Spotlight on Year 8 Chinese

Chinese class this year has been enjoyable and engaging because our teachers would always get us involved, asking questions, asking us to translate words and even helping us prepare for our Chinese exams. Exams weren’t stressful because the teachers had taught us everything as we wrote down our notes. Although it was difficult at first because there were no proper teachers in Brigidine, I loved how the teachers tried to make it inclusive as if there were no communication barriers. Mrs Parsons was a great teacher, as she always showed that she cared for us in case we were ever stressed about our exams.

- Ashley

During this year, I always looked forward to our Chinese lessons. I couldn’t wait to be able to learn more of the beautiful language with my fellow peers and two amazing teachers. Some of my favourite aspects include being able to play fun games about the Chinese language and testing myself to see how much I know and how far I've come during this year's Chinese lessons. Something else I love about our Chinese lessons is how nice the atmosphere is. Everyone is getting involved and having fun, while learning an amazing language. And I can't forget about Ms. Parsons who always makes sure we are comfortable and prepared. It is a welcome break from all the other lessons which we have in a day that can be tiring and hard. - Olivia

The Chinese lessons we have had this year have been so fun and interesting. The Chinese lessons are so engaging, allowing the students to interact with one another and play exciting Chinese games. The Chinese teachers that we have had are so friendly, very supportive and want us to succeed. I always feel very comfortable when speaking to the Chinese teachers and they will always assist me when I have any questions or need help. Mrs Parsons is such an amazing teacher and is so kind to each student and I hope to have her teach me again in the future. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn such a wonderful language at school, and I hope that I can utilise the skills I have learned in Chinese later in my life. Chinese lessons are always a pleasure to have. - Hayley

Spotlight on our Year 12 Italian Continuers

Student Name: Leela Money

What subjects are you studying this year?

Italian Continuers, Geography, Biology, Maths Advanced, English Advanced and SOR II.

Why did you choose Italian?

I chose Italian because I enjoy learning the language. I like to challenge myself and I really engage with the subject because it interests me.

What are you hoping to do in the future?

I am hoping to do something geography and biology-related. I want to learn about the conservation of the environment and perhaps make some new rules around environmental management. However Italian or the openness to learn another language can take me around the world and I am excited to go wherever there are opportunities.

Why should other students consider studying Italian?

I believe other students consider studying Italian because it is a great way to improve your English. You learn skills about breaking down questions that can be applied to other subjects and it’s a fun experience learning a language with others. Italian as a subject has really enriched my learning experience through the connections I have made with others and through the mental connections I have made.

Student Name: Amelia Halonkin

What subjects are you studying this year?

Italian Continuers, Food Technology, Legal Studies, English Standard, Maths Standard, SOR II.

Why did you choose Italian?

I chose to study Italian because I really wanted to reconnect with my culture. I have Italian grandparents who are fluent and I wanted to learn how to have a detailed conversation with them and understand what they are talking about. I also thought it would be quite useful when travelling to understand another language.

What are you hoping to do in the future?

In the future, I am hoping to do something business/ sports related such as completing a Bachelor in Business (Sports Management) or a Bachelor of Business and international studies. I am also quite interested in completing an exchange program in Italy.

Student Name: Siena D’Ettorre

What subjects are you studying this year?

Italian Continuers, Biology, Visual Arts, SOR II, Maths Standard, English Standard  

Why did you choose Italian?

I chose to study Italian as I am half Italian and It is a prominent aspect of my life. Being able to speak Italian would allow me to connect with my family and culture. 

Why should other students consider studying Italian?

I believe that other students should consider studying Italian because it is a great and different skill to have that also opens you up to other similar languages and cultures. 

Student Name: Sophia Niccolai

What subjects are you studying this year?

Italian Continuers, Business Studies, Hospitality, English standard, Maths standard, SOR 1

Why did you choose Italian?

I chose Italian because I wanted to learn about my second culture. I wanted to develop my speaking and understanding of the language. I also chose Italian because I found it beneficial to develop a connection with my grandparents in Italy, through communicating clearly in Italian and doing so, being able to develop my speaking skills. 

What are you hoping to do in the future?

In the future, I am hoping to take a gap year at the end of the school year, travel and work during that time. After the break, I want to go to University and possibly study Business or Hospitality.

Why should other students consider studying Italian?

Other students should consider studying Italian because it lets them think more and it will help grow their brains. It is an enthusiastic way to have friendships within your class (big or small). You gain a new language that will benefit you if you ever decide to travel. 

Student Name: Amelie James

What subjects are you studying this year?

Italian continues, biology, PDHPE, SOR II, standard English, Advanced Maths

Why did you choose Italian?

I found myself having a natural desire to learn a language. I have always wanted to learn a language because I thought it would be so cool to talk in something other than English! Now, I'm not Italian, but it is so much fun learning a language, but it has also been a challenge, no doubt. 

What are you hoping to do in the future?

In the future, I hope to do something PDHPE or biology-related because I have always found it interesting. I have always loved these subjects so I wish to continue in the future!

Why should other students consider studying Italian?

Italian is a fun way to connect with other students and is so helpful in life!

Janine Christofides

Head of HSIE

Music Department

The Music Department is busily preparing for our upcoming Showcase performance. The show will feature items from our College Orchestra, Choir, Junior Orchestra, A capella group, Flute Ensemble, String Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble and Elective Music Classes. 

The Music Showcase will be held on Friday 24th November in Cullen Hall. Tickets are on sale from Monday 13th Nov  8:00am from trybooking. Adults $10.00 and Concession/Child $5.00. 

Our Gregorian Chant group is currently preparing to sing at Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday 23 November at 10:30 am led by Bishop Umbers. Last week we went for a rehearsal in the cathedral and were lucky enough to get to sing in the crypt which has amazing acoustics. Please enjoy the video!

Musical Announcement!

We are very excited to announce that we will be putting on The Addams Family Musical next year in July! Auditions for lead roles and dancers have been sent out via Compass. We can’t wait to see the wonderful talent that Brigidine has to offer! 

Here is a short overview of the plot:

The Addams Family is a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family! Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family– a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

Jacqueline Ainsworth    

Head of Music            

PDHPE Department

Years 7-10 PDHPE

Term 4 has been a busy one for PDHPE. Students across Years 7-10 have now completed their formal assessments in the personal development and health component of the subject and they are now working through the varied and stimulating health topics in their theory lessons. 

Also this term, the PDHPE Department is thrilled to include an exciting opportunity for our students. Our girls have had the chance to step out of the College and dive into an invigorating aquatics program, organised by our dedicated PDHPE staff. The program is taking place at the new Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Zetland.

As the weather warms up, this program has been a resounding success, with an impressive level of student participation. We are fortunate to have access to the modern and first-rate facilities at this venue. Our classes have been making the most of the opportunity by utilising a range of both indoor and outdoor pools.

This aquatics program provides a fantastic way to close out the year, making the most of the warmer weather and ensuring our girls remain active in the water. We look forward to a term of fitness and fun, all while enhancing our students' physical well-being.

Year 11 

Our Year 11 PDHPE and CAFS students have now started their HSC units of work and are preparing for their first Year 12 assessment tasks. We wish them all the best as they begin their final year of school. 

Vanessa Culhane

Head of PDHPE