Hope at Brigidine College St. Ives

With 2024 dedicated to the core value of ‘Hope’ in all Kildare Ministries communities, Brigidine College St Ives has set about enabling the essence of this important Christian value to arise through a range of experiences and events in the areas of social justice and mission.

2024 Social Justice Forum

Over 150 senior students from the College and nearby schools were invited to join the 2024 Social Justice Forum from 4pm to 8pm on Thursday 16 May. The keynote speaker was Sr Brigid Arthur from BASP, who spoke about the work of BASP and the human stories from her experience in leading this ministry. Other workshops focused on mental health concerns, the work of Caritas Australia, environmental concerns and homelessness.

Make a Difference Monday

Each Monday at lunchtime 40-50 students spend time on the Colonnade area outside the Bowie Hall sitting at tables working diligently for the ‘Days for Girls’ organisation. Cutting up cloth squares and packing items for menstruation kits for young women who are without access to suitable sanitary products from nations around the Pacific region. This action provides hope for young women and gives them a chance to participate in their own education and work without the challenge of their monthly period affecting their lives.

Homelessness Week

In 2024 the College provided hope for homeless people through a range of initiatives across the school community. After keynote presentations from Dignity Dishes and our local NSW Parliamentary member, Mr Matt Cross, on homelessness and the housing crisis during assembly that week, the community moved into action with the creation of toiletry packs for homeless people and thousands of meals for Dignity Dishes. Coordinated by the Year 11 student cohort, this school initiative provided staff and students with the opportunity to give hope to others. Acting in a positive way enabled students and staff to experience how small actions of hope can lead to a positive outlook and a sense of solidarity with those experiencing life’s challenges.

Special Days and Weeks 2024

Brigidine College students know the importance of making a difference to the lives of others as a core component of their Catholic education and mission as Jesus’ disciples in the modern world. This year they participated in Reconciliation Week for our First Nations Peoples; Refugee Week, where they heard from Jesuit Refugee Service staff and guest speakers; the St Vincent De Paul Society Winter Appeal; Pink Day, where students Cut hair for a Cause for people going through chemotherapy for cancer treatment; and Cancer Council fundraising.

Hope is found in our ministry, through social justice awareness and action which grounds our community in the essential works of the church in creating and sustaining hope in the world.

Brigidine College St Ives – New Sports Precinct

It was an exciting day on 7 February for the College with the official turning of the sod and commencement of the new Sports Precinct project. Gathered onsite were the architects, builders, project managers, members of the Leadership Team and representatives from the College Board, College Captain, Tash and Vice Captain, Indie as we marked this special occasion.

This milestone event signified the culmination of meticulous planning and anticipation as the College embarked on the journey towards the completion of this new building in 2025, which will provide the school and community with an amazing new sports facility.

The initial phase of the project has been completed with the demolition of the Sr Adrian building and the original gymnasium, clearing the way forward. As the dust settled from the demolition phase, we moved into the next stage of the project, which was deep excavation to prepare for the footings. This crucial step lay the foundation, figuratively and literally, for the construction of the Sports Precinct project.

Construction has progressed with the completion of all the in-ground services, carpark perimeter blockwork walls, carpark base preparation and installation of stormwater pipes.

The College is thrilled with how the Sports Precinct is taking shape and is looking forward to the next stages.

It is anticipated that this state-of-the-art facility will be available of students to use in September 2025.