Cohort News

Year 7 Pastoral Care

Dear Parents / Carers of Year 7, 

We are coming towards the end of Year 7s first term here at Brigidine College. This term so far has been extremely busy with settling into high school, Year 7 camp, NAPLAN, assessment tasks, swimming carnival, celebrating St Patrick’s Day, Easter liturgy, Aboriginal Dance Workshop for Harmony Day and many more activities around the College grounds. It has been very rewarding to see Year 7 grow and adapt in such a short period of time. 

Assessment Handbook

The assessment handbook is a vital resource to assist you and your daughter to stay organised with key dates of upcoming assessment tasks across all subjects throughout the year. The handbook serves as a comprehensive guide outlining the expectations and procedures related to assessment tasks. It provides clarity on student responsibilities, including expectations regarding notifications, submission protocols, and handling situations such as technology failures or instances of malpractice. Additionally, it offers guidance on adhering to specified word counts and assessment feedback. Moreover, it has information on procedures for requesting student leave and outlines the associated protocols to ensure minimal disruption to academic progress. The assessment handbook can be found here. 

College Diaries

The College diary serves as a valuable tool for monitoring your daughter's academic journey. Within its pages, you can track her progress regarding school assignments, homework assignments, assessment tasks and school events. Moreover, the diary offers a window into her weekly reflections and blessings, providing insight into her personal growth and experiences. I highly recommend that you regularly review your daughter's diary to stay informed and involved in her education.

Winter Uniform

Starting as of Day 1, Term 2 students will be required to wear their full College winter uniform. This includes of the following: 

• SKIRT Tartan kilt – navy / green / white / yellow checks and stripes
• SHIRT White shirt poly-cotton, straight-edged lapels, long-sleeved
• BLAZER - Bottle green collarless wool blend fully lined
• JUMPER/CARDIGAN - Navy blue wool blend with V-neck and school crest
• HOSIERY - College white ankle academic socks with green band OR Navy blue tights
• SHOES - Black leather, low heeled lace-up shoes
• HAT - Formal academic hat
• BAG - Bottle green backpack with school crest 

I want to wish you all a wonderful and restful holiday break. Please note that school will resume on Tuesday 30th April. Happy holidays! 

Kathy Phetrasi

Year 7 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 9 Pastoral Care

Dear Year 9 Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of Term 1, I hope this newsletter finds you well and reflects upon some of the memorable moments your daughters have experienced over the past few months. I trust that the Easter long weekend provided an opportunity for you to enjoy some quality time with your families, cherishing those precious moments together and reflecting in the Sacrifices of Jesus Christ.

Pastoral Care Lessons on Character Strengths:

In our most recent Pastoral Care lesson, Year 9 have begun to explore and discover their own signature character strengths. This activity aims to foster personal growth and self-awareness, empowering our Year 9 students to be self-reflective and use their strengths to help ourselves and others. Research shows that applying these strengths significantly improves one’s quality of life. Last week, Year 9 discovered their top character strengths, please ask your daughter what hers were. Next lesson we will continue exploring how our top strengths can be applied to many different aspects of life. 

Uniform Update for Term 2:

As we transition into Term 2, please be reminded that the full Winter Uniform will be required. We kindly ask that all skirts are hemmed to an appropriate length and that blazers are worn to and from the College. Your support in maintaining our uniform standards is greatly appreciated.

Attention to Sleep Health:

As you are aware, this year we have placed an emphasis on incorporating the PIVOT surveys into our Pastoral Care program to be able to identify wellebing patterns in our Year 9 cohort.

Recently, the data from the PIVOT surveys has indicated an increase in the number of Year 9 students identifying a struggle with their sleep patterns. 

Adequate sleep is vital for your daughter's overall health, well-being, and academic success. We encourage you to work with your daughter to establish healthy sleep routines. Here are some tips to support a good night's sleep:

1. Consistent Bedtime: Encourage your daughter to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
2. Limit Screen Time: Reduce exposure to screens (phones, computers, TVs) at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light emitted can interfere with sleep patterns.
3. Create a Relaxing Environment: Ensure your daughter's bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it dark, quiet, and cool. Consider using white noise machines or blackout curtains if necessary.
4. Encourage Physical Activity: Regular exercise can promote better sleep, so encourage your daughter to engage in physical activities during the day.
5. Limit Caffeine Intake: Encourage your daughter to avoid caffeinated beverages, especially in the afternoon and evening.
6. Establish a Wind-Down Routine: Encourage relaxing activities before bedtime, such as reading a book, or practicing mindfulness exercises.

We understand the challenges that come with balancing academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments. By prioritising healthy sleep habits, this can assist in ensuring that your daughter is equipped to face each day with energy, focus, and enthusiasm.

Congratulations to Milla and Laura:

In March Milla Hlywa & Laura Peshevski were State Champions in the NSW Surf Lifesaving Championships in the 2-person & 5-person R&R at Freshwater. This makes it 2 years in a row now that they have taken out this title. Congratulations to both Milla and Laura on this great display of effort, achievement and teamwork!

Thank you for your continued support in your daughter's educational journey. I hope that you and your families have a wonderful holiday break.

Warm regards,

Rebecca Monohan

Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 10 Pastoral Care

As we say goodbye to another successful term, it's time to reflect on all the achievements and experiences we've had in Year 10. From academic accomplishments to memorable moments in extracurricular activities, Term 1 has been filled with growth and learning for our Year 10 cohort. This term has also not been without its challenges and I want to congratulate all the Year 10 students on how they conducted themselves during the heavy assessment period and adapting to the new College policies surrounding assessments. 

Reflecting on Term 1:

Throughout Term 1, Year 10 students have demonstrated remarkable resilience, adaptability, and determination in their studies. From delving into new subject areas to mastering challenging concepts, each student has shown immense progress and dedication to their academic pursuits.

In addition to their academic pursuits, Year 10 students have actively participated in various extracurricular activities, showcasing their talents and passions outside of the classroom. Whether it's through sports, arts, or community service initiatives, these students have made valuable contributions to our school community.

Looking Ahead to Term 2:

As we look forward to Term 2, exciting opportunities await our Year 10 students. This term will bring a host of new experiences and challenges, including:

Subject Selections: Term 2 marks the beginning of the subject selection process for Year 10 students as they prepare to transition into their senior years. This is an important time for students to explore their interests, passions, and career aspirations, and we encourage them to approach this process thoughtfully and proactively. More information on this will come early in Term 2. 

Canberra Overnight Excursion: One of the highlights of Term 2 will be the Canberra overnight excursion, where students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Australia's political, scientific and cultural capital. This excursion promises to be an enriching and memorable experience, providing students with valuable insights into our nation's history and governance. The compass notification for this will be coming soon!

Extracurricular Activities: Term 2 will also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities for students to participate in, from sports competitions to arts performances and community service projects. These activities provide students with opportunities to develop new skills, foster friendships, and make meaningful contributions to the school community.

Winter Uniform Reminder:

As we transition into the cooler months, a gentle reminder that Term 2 will see a change to winter uniform. Winter uniform includes: 

The Sports Uniform may be worn to and from school when a student has a sports lesson during the day. If the Sports Uniform is worn to and from school, it is expected that the sports jacket will be worn to and from school during winter – Terms 2 & 3. 

All students are to ensure they have the appropriate winter uniform attire to stay warm and comfortable during the colder weather.

Finally, as we conclude Term 1 let’s celebrate the achievements and growth of all Year 10 students and continue to support them on their educational journey.

The Year 10 Pastoral Care Team wishes everyone a restful and relaxing break, and we look forward to welcoming you all back for an exciting Term 2!

Warm regards,

Nikki McWhirter

Year 10 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 11 Pastoral Care

Dear Year 11 Students and parents,

As we approach the end of Term 1, it's time to reflect on the incredible achievements and activities that have taken place within our vibrant community.

Firstly, a huge congratulations to those of you who were involved in the creation of a local short film. Your creativity and dedication are truly commendable, and we eagerly anticipate seeing the fruits of your labor. Your involvement showcases the diverse talents and passions within our year group, and we are immensely proud of your achievements.

On the sports front, our Touch football team has brought home victory in their finals, demonstrating teamwork, skill, and determination. Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and your success is a testament to your commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

Additionally, we have several students gearing up for their basketball finals this week. We wish them the best of luck as they compete and represent Brigidine College with pride. Regardless of the outcome, your effort and sportsmanship are truly commendable, and we are proud to support you in your endeavours.

With exams now behind us, it's time to take a well-deserved break and recharge for the term ahead. We hope you all enjoy a restful and enjoyable end of Term 1 holiday, filled with relaxation, fun, and quality time with loved ones.

As we bid farewell to Term 1, we look forward to welcoming you all back for an exciting and productive Term 2. Remember to make the most of your break, stay safe, and return refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday and looking forward to seeing you in Term 2!

Warm regards,

Tony Munguia

Year 11 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 12 Pastoral Care

As we bid farewell to the Easter break and approach the conclusion of Term 1, it's a fitting time to reflect on our journey thus far and prepare for the exciting challenges that lie ahead. We hope all families had a restful and rejuvenating Easter spent with loved ones, creating cherished memories to carry us through the remainder of the school year.

With just under two terms remaining in our high school journey, it's remarkable to see how much we've accomplished together. The dedication and hard work exhibited by our Year 12 students during the recent exam block have been commendable. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you for your commitment to academic excellence.

As we approach the end of the term, it's crucial for our students to remain focused and diligent in their studies. While the temptation to relax may be strong, we encourage all students to continue working hard and striving for success until the very end. Consistent effort and perseverance will undoubtedly yield positive outcomes as we progress through the academic year.

A gentle reminder to all students regarding the importance of maintaining uniform standards until the end of the term. Adhering to our school's uniform policy reflects our commitment to professionalism and pride in our school community. Let's finish the term strong by upholding these standards with integrity and respect.

Myself and the Year 12 Pastoral Care teachers extend our warmest wishes to the entire Brigidine community for a safe and rejuvenating holiday. May this time be filled with joy, relaxation, and meaningful moments spent with loved ones. We look forward to reconvening for the start of Term 2, re-energized and ready to continue our journey towards success together.

Jon Campbell

Year 12 Pastoral Care Coordinator