Principal's 

Message

As my first year at Brigidine College draws to a close, I've taken time to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared. I have had the privilege of leading a community focused on achieving the highest standards from both a student and staff perspective.

To gain fresh insights, I consulted with a number of Year 7 students who have just completed their first year of secondary school. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and their feedback was highly affirming that we are heading in the right direction.

They universally agreed, as do I, that we have a staff that is exceptionally supportive and consistently helps them in the classroom. While there was initial apprehension that secondary school would be difficult and involve excessive homework, they collectively stated that this was simply not the case. They have thoroughly enjoyed their first year in such a supportive environment.

I reiterated that I, too, have enjoyed this first year. While busy, it has been a time with much to be proud of.

I have been fortunate to attend many drama, music, and visual arts evenings, watch numerous sports performances, and celebrate outstanding academic achievements through High Achievers' Assemblies and awards ceremonies. I’ve visited countless classrooms and even taught a few classes along the way—not to mention celebrating Christmas as Santa at one point!

This level of activity points to a truly vibrant community. As one Year 7 student succinctly put it: “We love it here.” The numerous awards the College receives also back up how dedicated everyone is.

Our faith journey this year has been one of deep reflection, service, and community connection, empowering our young women to be compassionate and courageous leaders.

We have been making a greater impact in the social justice space, including attending midday Masses at the OLSH parish. We were also delighted to have students attend the recent Australian Catholic Youth Festival.

Brigidine College also starred in the OLSH Parish Christmas Carols.

We celebrated our Brigidine charism by gathering for meaningful liturgical celebrations, including our St Brigid’s Mass, Founders Day Mass, and year group Masses, centring our community in the Eucharist and strengthening our Catholic identity. Furthermore, we took time to celebrate NAIDOC Week and recognise Sorry Day as important markers in the First Nations calendar.

Our commitment to holistic education has seen students flourish academically, culturally, and in co-curricular pursuits, challenging them to think beyond boundaries.

This success will be recognised this Friday at the Semester Two Awards Ceremony. We also wait expectantly for the all-important HSC results and look forward to the many students who promised they would return for the High Achievers' Assembly in February, having scored a Band 6 in a subject!

These high expectations are a reflection of our motto, Strength and Gentleness, where students aspire to achieve well. It is reflective of the academic culture present at the College—we believe our girls can do anything, but Brigidine girls can do everything!

We proudly celebrate four students nominated for HSC major work exhibitions, including Kristian Rivera, whose work was selected to tour NSW as one of the most outstanding pieces.

Throughout the year, all students have engaged with our BRAVE pastoral care program. They have been exposed to a number of guest speakers who highlighted areas crucial to personal growth, focusing on being proactive, building resilience, and developing character.

The holistic health of every student remains central to our College life, guided by our network of dedicated staff, including Pastoral Care Teachers, Coordinators, and the College Counsellor. This team ensures a supportive and welcoming environment that truly feels like a “second home.”

The Year 7 students in my discussion were particularly animated when they spoke of the celebration days where they could dress up and be with their peers, getting to know new people by stepping out of their comfort zone. The recent Talent Quest is a prime example of this, showcasing a great level of self-confidence and talent within our community.

I have been involved in building meetings and have envisaged better facilities moving forward for our outstanding students to thrive in. The end result will be not only improved resources but also a general enhancement of the environment. I look forward to seeing some finished projects in 2026 before moving on to the next one.

As we conclude my first inspiring year, we enter the sacred season of Advent—a time of quiet anticipation and hopeful waiting.

Advent invites us to pause amidst the busyness of the end of the year and the coming holidays. It is a time to reflect on the Hope that is at the heart of the Christmas story. Just as the world waited for the birth of Jesus, we are called to bring light and hope into the world today.

May the weeks ahead be filled with moments of stillness, genuine connection with your loved ones, and simple acts of kindness that ripple through our community. Let us carry the virtues of Strength and Gentleness into our break, preparing our hearts for the joy of Christmas.

On behalf of all the staff at Brigidine College, we wish our entire community a restful, safe, and hope-filled Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Girls, be Brave, be Brilliant, and be Brigidine in all that you do. I look forward to making our 125th Year Anniversary in 2026 even bigger and better than this year!

God Bless.

Adrian Eussen

Principal