Cohort News

Year 7 Pastoral Care

What an incredibly action-packed Term 2 it has been for our Brigidine Year 7 students! It's been wonderful to witness their boundless energy and enthusiasm as they've embraced a variety of college events and activities. Our girls truly shone at the College Athletics Carnival, demonstrating fantastic sportsmanship and a commendable commitment to participation. We've also seen a strong representation of Year 7 talent in various representative sports teams, showcasing their skills and dedication.

Beyond the sporting arena, our students have been actively involved in a diverse range of college clubs, exploring new interests and forging new friendships. A particular highlight for many was the Science Zoo Excursion, a fantastic opportunity for hands-on learning where scientific concepts came to life. Well done, girls, on your enthusiastic engagement in all these enriching experiences! This term has truly seen our Year 7 students further immerse themselves in the vibrant College community.

Important Reminders for Parents

As we approach the end of a busy term, here are a few important reminders:

• Winter Uniform: I'd like to commend the Year 7 cohort for their excellent presentation in their winter uniform. It's been wonderful to see the girls wearing their uniform with pride and adhering to the college's expectations. We expect this high standard to continue throughout the remainder of the year. Your cooperation in ensuring your daughter continues to wear her winter uniform correctly and proudly is greatly appreciated.

• Absences/Early Leave: Please remember that all absences and early leave requests need to be explained on Compass on the day of the absence or early leave. This helps us ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

• College Diary: A friendly reminder that your daughters are expected to have their College Diary signed each week by parents or guardians. The diary is a vital communication tool between home and school, and regular signing helps us stay connected regarding their learning and progress.

• Last Day of School: Friday, July 4th: Please note that the last day of Term 2 is Friday, July 4th. This special day will be a celebration of College Founder's Day, starting with Mass in the morning, followed by fun and games, and concluding with "Brigidine's Got Talent." It promises to be a memorable end to a fantastic term!

We look forward to an equally productive and exciting Term 3 with our wonderful Year 7 students!

Jon Campbell

Year 7 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 8 Pastoral Care

Dear Parents and Guardians of Year 8,

As we come to the end of Term 2, I just wanted to acknowledge the effort and progress that Year 8 has made over the past ten weeks. It’s been a busy term, and I’m really proud of how the cohort has continued to grow and support one another. 

Pastoral Care - Respect

This year, our focus in Pastoral Care has been centred on respect. This term, Year 8 students were fortunate to engage in the Verbal Combat workshop by Brainstorm Productions. Verbal Combat is a dynamic educational theatre production that explores the complexities of bullying, cyberbullying, peer pressure, and mental health among high school students. Following the performance, Year 8 participated in meaningful discussions about these themes and strategies for managing them. 

Year 8 students have also been learning about conflict resolution, with a focus on developing healthy and respectful relationships. As part of this unit, they explored common causes of conflict in friendships, such as miscommunication, differing opinions, and peer pressure. Students were introduced to practical strategies to resolve conflict respectfully, including compromise, empathy, and seeking support when needed. They also had the opportunity to practice using respectful language and active listening through role-plays and class discussions, helping them build confidence in navigating real-life social situations with maturity and kindness.

Uniform 

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring your daughters are wearing the correct uniform each day. It really makes a difference. A consistent and neat uniform not only reflects pride in the College but also helps build a strong sense of belonging, community, and discipline among the students. Year 8 has been fantastic in this area, and I’ve been really impressed by how well they’ve embraced these expectations.

Winter Appeal 

The Vinnies Winter Appeal for 2025 will run from Week 6 to Week 10 this term, with all donations going to the Redfern Support Centre. This year’s appeal theme, “No One Chooses to be Homeless”, highlights the lasting impact of homelessness and the struggles faced by vulnerable individuals experiencing housing insecurity—often as a result of difficult past experiences. Collection boxes are located in the front office. 

Years 7, 8 & 9 are encouraged to donate the following items:

• Soup / Cup noodles

• Tea, coffee, sugar, hot chocolate or Milo

• Marshmallows / Biscuits

• Non-perishable canned meals (e.g. steak and vegetables, spaghetti, baked beans)

• Mac and cheese

• Kraft cheddar blocks

• Long-life milk

• Muesli bars / Oats

• Weet-Bix / Cornflakes

• Cooking oil

• Tuna

• Pasta sauce

• Pet food

Thank you for your generous support in helping those in need this winter.

A snapshot of what’s ahead:

Term 2

• Week 8 - Wednesday 18th June: Year 8 Elevate Workshop - Memory Mnemonics (Period 1)

• Week 10 - Friday 4th July: Founder's Day and last day of term

Term 3

• Week 1 - Tuesday 22nd July: Term 3 commences and NAIDOC Week Assembly 

• Week 2 - Tuesday 29th July: Semester One Awards Ceremony

• Week 4 - Wednesday 13th August: Year 7, 8 and 9 Evangelisation Day

• Week 7 - Friday 5th September: Father’s Day Celebration

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to an exciting and successful Term 3 ahead.

Kathy Phetrasi 

Year 8 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 10 Pastoral Care

It's been a busy and highly productive term, filled with activities designed to foster student academic growth and their personal development as they navigate the exciting path towards their senior years.

One of the key highlights was the Elevate Study Skills Workshop. This invaluable session equipped our students with practical strategies and techniques to enhance their learning, time management, and exam preparation. I've heard stories of students implementing these new skills into their daily routines, a testament to their commitment to academic excellence.

In preparation for their subject selections, our Year 10s participated in comprehensive Careers Testing. This insightful assessment provided them with a deeper understanding of their strengths, interests, and potential career pathways. Following this, we began the vital process of providing detailed Subject Selection Information, getting them well-prepared for the choices they'll make for Years 11 and 12. This is a significant step, and I encourage all students and parents to continue these important conversations at home.

To further broaden their horizons, our students had the fantastic opportunity to attend the Careers Expo at Brigidine. This event exposed them to a diverse range of industries and tertiary options, sparking new ideas and clarifying existing aspirations. It's always inspiring to see their engagement and curiosity when exploring future possibilities.

Beyond the academic and career-focused events, Term Two also brought out the vibrant spirit of Year 10 at the Athletics Carnival. I was absolutely thrilled to see such a high turnout from our year group! The enthusiasm, participation, and incredible house spirit on display were truly outstanding. It's moments like these that highlight the strong sense of community and camaraderie within our Year 10 cohort. Well done to everyone who participated and cheered on their peers!

As we look ahead to the end of term and beyond, there's still much to anticipate. We're all eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated Year 10 Canberra Trip, an enriching experience that promises valuable historical and civic learning. We also have the privilege of welcoming Brent Saunders as a guest speaker, who will undoubtedly offer inspiring insights. Finally, we'll round off the term with the special occasion of Founder's Day, a time to celebrate our school's rich history and traditions.

It has been a privilege to witness the growth and maturity of our Year 10 students this term. Their dedication, resilience, and willingness to embrace new opportunities are truly commendable. I look forward to continuing to support them as they continue their journey at our school.

Warm regards,

Rebecca Monohan

Year 10 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 11 Pastoral Care

Dear Year 11 Parents and Students,

As we approach the end of Term 2, we want to bring your attention to several important upcoming events and initiatives for Year 11 students at Brigidine College. These activities are designed to enrich our students' personal growth, foster community spirit, and provide opportunities for reflection and contribution. 

Year 11 Retreat: 

Year 11 Retreat is a valuable faith-based opportunity designed to provide students with a dedicated space to reflect on their personal journey, set goals for the next 12 months and beyond, and deepen their connection with their faith and the wider Brigidine community in Christ. This retreat offers a unique chance for students to step away from the demands of their regular curriculum and truly focus on their spiritual growth and journey at Brigidine College.

Retreat Groups: The Year 11 Retreat will be divided into two groups:

• Group A: Aquinas, Brigid, and Delany Pastoral Care Classes.

• Group B: Regina Mundi, Winifred, and Xavier Pastoral Care Classes.

• Students will attend the retreat with their Pastoral Care Class. As students have been together with their Pastoral Care Class for four (4) years, we will not be accepting any requests to change retreat groups.

Event Details:

Group A:

• Departure: Group A will depart on Wednesday, 25 June, students will attend their Pastoral Care class as usual before gathering in the Main Quad at 8:50 am. Coaches will transport students to the retreat venue.

• Return: On Thursday, 26 June, students will depart the retreat venue at 1:30 pm and will be dismissed upon their arrival back at Brigidine College.

Group B:

• Departure: Group B will depart on Thursday, 26 June, students will attend their Pastoral Care class as usual before gathering in the Main Quad at 8:50 am. Coaches will transport students to the retreat venue.

• Return: On Friday, 27 June, students will depart the retreat venue at 1:30 pm and will be dismissed upon their arrival back at Brigidine College.

Important Reminders for Students:

• Aerosol Sprays: Please be mindful that aerosol sprays are strictly not permitted at the venue due to sensitive fire alarms. Any student who activates a fire alarm will be required to pay the cost of the fire brigade call-out.

• Electronic Devices: To encourage full engagement and a break from daily distractions, electronic devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, are not permitted on site. The retreat is an opportunity to truly withdraw and focus on personal and spiritual reflection.

What to Bring:

Students are required to pack the following:

• Sleeping bag, sheet, and pillowcase (pillows will be supplied at the venue)

• Towel and personal toiletries

• Warm, casual clothing (e.g., jeans, tracksuit, a couple of shirts, a sweater and a raincoat)

• 1 pair of sneakers

• Hat, sunscreen, drink bottle

Additional Information & Medication:

While the retreat is held at an external venue, it is important to remember that all Brigidine College policies and procedures remain in effect. Any student found to be in breach of these policies will be sent home immediately, and parents/guardians will be called to collect their daughter from the retreat venue.

If your daughter requires medication while away on the retreat, the following form MUST be completed and returned to the Year 11 Pastoral Care Coordinator prior to the retreat: BCR_FRM_Medication Consent_V1_20220928 

Winter Appeal: Supporting the Redfern Support Centre

Brigidine College is once again supporting the Redfern Support Centre through our annual Winter Appeal. Our combined efforts across all year levels make a significant difference to those in need, especially during the colder months.

Years 10, 11, and 12 students have been specifically allocated the following personal care items to donate:

• Shampoo/Conditioner

• Body Wash/Soap

• Body Lotion

• Tissues

• Toilet paper

• Towels

• Lip Balm

• Torches

• Butter Menthols/Eucalyptus Drops

• Socks

• Plastic Ponchos/Raincoat

• Fold-up Umbrella

Please bring your generous donations to your Pastoral Care room by the end of Week 9. 

Founder's Day

On Friday, 4 July 2025, Brigidine College celebrates its rich heritage with Founder's Day. This compulsory school day is a chance for our community to gather, celebrate, and reflect on the life of Daniel Delany, founder of the Brigidine Order.

Students are to arrive at school at the normal time of 8:45 am in full winter uniform with a blazer.

The day begins with Mass at 9:30 am in the Cullen Centre, to which all parents and guardians are warmly invited. Following Mass, festivities will continue at school. Students may then change into appropriate mufti attire.

The mufti theme is "splash of colour." Students should wear black clothing and incorporate their house colour through accessories such as a hat, socks, scarf, or shoes. This will create a vibrant display of all the houses together. Please ensure clothing and footwear are suitable for the weather and planned activities.

The cost for Founder's Day is$25 per student (non-refundable). This covers various activities, lunch, and supports our two students at the Delany school in Kenya. Paid students will receive a wristband with six activity/food boxes and a pizza coupon (for 2 slices) before Mass on Friday, 4 July. Additional wristbands can be purchased on the day for $25 (cash or EFTPOS).

I look forward to these meaningful and enriching experiences for all our Year 11 students. 

Thanks

Nikki McWhirter

Year 11 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 12 Pastoral Care

Dear Year 12 Students and Parents,

As Term 2 comes to an end, it’s a good time to reflect on what has been a full and often demanding few months for our Year 12 students. There has been a lot going on — from assessments and ongoing classwork to leadership across the College — and the students should be proud of the way they’ve handled the term.

A highlight for many was the Athletics Carnival on Tuesday, 28th May. It was great to see the girls lead their Houses with energy and encouragement, helping to create a positive atmosphere throughout the day. Their involvement and support of the younger students were particularly noticeable and a reminder of the important example they set as our senior leaders.

In the classroom, students have now completed most of their Term 2 assessments, which we know have required consistent effort and good time management. Teachers have commented on the commitment many of the Year 12s have shown, particularly in balancing competing deadlines and keeping up with the demands of their subjects. With Trial HSC exams coming up early next term, the upcoming break is a key opportunity to revise content, work on any areas needing consolidation, and start preparing in a focused but manageable way.

At the same time, we hope the girls can use the holidays to take a genuine break from the usual routine. It’s important that they find time to rest, reset, and do a few things that help them feel recharged before heading into Term 3. While the lead-up to the HSC can be stressful, looking after physical and mental wellbeing is just as important as staying on top of the academic workload.

We’ll finish this term with Founder's Day on Friday, 4th July — always a significant event in the Brigidine calendar. It’s a good chance for the girls to reflect on the College’s heritage and values, and to spend time as a community before the break begins.

To our parents and carers, thank you for your ongoing support. Your role in helping the students manage this busy time — whether through routine, encouragement, or simply being there — is greatly appreciated.

We wish all Year 12 students a safe and restful holiday and look forward to seeing them back next term, ready to take on the final stretch of their school journey.

Kind regards,

Tony Munguia

Year 12 Pastoral Care Coordinator