Cohort News

Year 7 Pastoral Care

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,

We are now in Week 8 of Term 1, and I am pleased to report that the Year 7 students have settled well into the College. The girls have established their daily routines and are navigating their schedules with confidence. It is encouraging to see them engaging so positively with their subjects and school life.

Assessments

As we move further into the term, formal assessments have commenced. The students appear focused and are managing this transition into high school academics well.

If your daughter is absent on the day of an assessment, please ensure you follow the specific guidelines found in the Year 7 Assessment Handbook. This document is available on Compass under the ‘Favourites’ menu for your reference. I have also linked it here for easy access.

Term 2 Winter Uniform 

Please be reminded that all students must be in full winter uniform at the start of Term 2.

I ask that you refer to my previous communication regarding uniform requirements and ensure you have organised a fitting at the uniform shop before the end of this term. Planning this now will ensure a smooth start to the new term.

Thank you for your continued support of the girls during their first term at Brigidine.

Tony Munguia

Year 7 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 8 Pastoral Care

As we approach the halfway point of Term 1, we are pleased to report that it has been a wonderfully smooth start to the year for our Year 8 cohort. The students have settled into their new routines well and are embracing the increasing academic responsibilities of the year.

However, the academic pace is now quickening, and the first major round of assessments has officially begun. We wish all students the very best of luck during this period. Remember to manage your study time effectively, prepare well, and don't hesitate to reach out to your teachers if you need clarification or extra support.

A key highlight of recent weeks was the College’s celebration of International Women's Day (IWD). The whole school gathered on the Monday of Week 7 for a special assembly dedicated to recognising the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

As part of our IWD activities, many students participated in the International Women's Day Poster Competition. The standard of entries was exceptionally high, but we are thrilled to announce that several Year 8 students received top honors!

A huge congratulations to Zara Muir, who was declared the overall winner of the competition. Congratulations also go to Kaliyan Pavlovic and Niamh O'Leary, who finished equal second. The girls created an incredibly engaging and thoughtful visual representing the most influential women in their lives. Well done girls! Your creativity and insight are a credit to the Year 8 group.

The College is currently fundraising for 2026 Project Compassion. Funds donated are used to support community-led projects that aim to alleviate the impacts of poverty for individuals, families and communities worldwide. Families are most welcome to make donations here.

Reminders

• Interim Reports Released: Monday, March 16th
• Last Day of Term 1: Thursday, April 2nd (early dismissal at 12:00pm)
• Parent Teacher Conferences Years 7-9 (Via Microsoft Teams): Monday, April 20th (Week 1, Term 2)
• First Day of Term 2: Tuesday, April 21st, full College Winter Uniform required

• College Athletics Carnival (venue - ES Marks): Tuesday, April 28th

   

As we look toward the final weeks of the term I am very confident that Year 8 will finish strongly and continue to make the most of the opportunities that the College has to offer.

Jon Campbell

Year 8 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 9 Pastoral Care

Dear Parents and Guardians of Year 9,

It is hard to believe we are already in Week 8. Students have continued to settle well into routines and have been working consistently across their subjects. As we move closer to the end of term, it is important that students remain organised, keep up with assessment requirements, and seek support from their teachers when needed.

Pastoral Care Focus Theme - Achieve

In Pastoral Care this term, our focus has been on developing students’ understanding of what achievement really means. We have explored the idea that achievement is not just about academic results but also about effort, persistence, attitude and personal growth.

Students have been encouraged to reflect on their personal goals for 2026 and to consider the positive habits and actions required to support these goals. They have also spent time thinking about the type of person they would like to become this year; and have begun creating vision boards that represent their goals, motivations and intentions.

More recently, students have been learning to recognise negative thinking patterns and how these can impact confidence, motivation and wellbeing. They have been introduced to practical strategies to challenge unhelpful thoughts and develop more positive and constructive ways of thinking. These skills are important in building resilience and supporting students to remain focused on their goals throughout the year.

We encourage families to continue conversations at home around goal setting, maintaining positive routines, and supporting students to develop a strong and healthy mindset.

Attendance and Uniform

Regular attendance and punctuality remain essential as learning and assessment tasks continue. Students are also reminded to wear the correct school uniform each day.

Thank you for your ongoing support. 

Kathy Phetrasi

Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 10 Pastoral Care

As we move further into the term, Year 10 has been settling into a rhythm of assessments and class-based tasks. This period is an important opportunity for them to practise organisation and revision habits; and foster growing independence that will support them through their senior years.

Students also recently completed AllWell testing. This testing provides valuable insight into each student’s learning profile and helps the College tailor support to individual needs as they prepare for Stage 6. The way in which they conducted themselves during the testing was noticed by the examiners and I was pleased to be able to commend them on this. 

We will soon begin sharing information about careers pathways, subject selection, and the many opportunities available to them as students start thinking about their HSC journey. Mrs Kehati will be coming to speak with Year 10 in early Term 2 to discuss the range of resources and events to help students explore their strengths, interests, and future directions.

Students have been showing Voice in PC time - which is exactly what the BRAVE framework asks of them. They’ve been speaking up respectfully and discussing how these everyday behaviours show that voice isn’t about being loud, it’s about acting with integrity; and each honest choice helps shape a more respectful environment. Thank you to the PC teachers for leading these activities. 

I continue to have high expectations regarding uniform and I am working with students on this area. The uniform policy can be found on page A14 of the College diary and or here. 

Thank you for your continued support as the girls navigate this busy but exciting stage of their learning and wellbeing. Please feel free to email me with any questions and or concerns. 

God Bless,

Jessica Harper

Year 10 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 11 Pastoral Care

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

It is hard to believe how quickly this term is flying by! It’s been a busy few weeks filled with College spirit, individual achievements and the beginning of some exciting Year 12 preparations.

The College celebrated International Women’s Day in Week 7. During Pastoral Care, students recorded special messages highlighting inspirational women within our own College community who have made an impact on them. It was a heartening exercise in gratitude and recognition.

A massive congratulations to Klara James for making it through to the Zone Finals for Public Speaking. This is an incredible achievement that requires both courage and skill. We are all very proud of you!

Year 11 is currently gearing up to run a market stall to raise vital funds for Project Compassion. It has been wonderful to see the unique ideas emerging from each PC class. More importantly, I am incredibly impressed by the leadership students are showing as they organise these initiatives and the genuine collaboration taking place.

The Year 12 Jersey Committee has been officially selected! The group met virtually with the supplier last week to kick off the journey. We will be immersed in the design process for the next few weeks before the final options are put to a cohort vote. Thank you to the Committee members for their time and dedication to this project.

We are now in the thick of it with assessments. We recognise that this can be a stressful time for many. Please remember:

• If students are feeling overwhelmed, they are encouraged to reach out to their teachers or to me directly.
• Year 11 is the time to learn how to learn. It’s about trial and error, and figuring out which study habits and organisational tools work best before you head into Year 12.

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."

Rebecca Monohan

Year 11 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 12 Pastoral Care

Year 12 at the International Women’s Day Forum

Last week, four of our Year 12 student leaders had the incredible opportunity to represent our school at the International Women’s Day event held at the ICC. Surrounded by trailblazing women from all walks of life, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the keynote address by former New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern.

Ms. Ardern spoke candidly about the nuances of women in leadership, emphasising that leadership isn’t just about authority, it’s about empathy, resilience and the courage to lead with kindness. Our leaders returned to the College inspired, carrying a powerful message: your voice has value, and your leadership style can be uniquely your own.

A quote that really resonated with me from the event was:

"One of the criticisms I’ve faced over the years is that I’m not aggressive enough or assertive enough... I rebel against that. I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and even strong." 

Jacinda Ardern

This made me believe that leadership can be strong and compassionate at the same time and is something all young women can aspire to. 

Year 12 Exam Block

As of Wednesday, March 18th, our Year 12 Exam Block officially commenced. We know this can be a high-pressure time, but we as teachers have full confidence in their abilities.

To our Year 12 cohort, remember:

• Preparation is Key: Trust the work you have put in. A steady, organised approach is your best tool for success.
• Be Kind to Yourself: While results matter, your wellbeing matters more. Ensure you are getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and taking short breaks to recharge.

Celebrating Harmony Week

This week (Week 8), we are celebrating Harmony Week, a time to recognise our diversity and foster a sense of belonging for everyone. The celebrations will reach a delicious conclusion in Week 9 on Friday, March 27th. Our Year 12 Hospitality students, led by Ms. Clarke, will be preparing a variety of cultural meals available for purchase on Compass now. It’s a fantastic way to support our senior students while enjoying flavors from around the world!

Key Dates for the Diary

Please ensure these dates are marked in your calendars to help manage the busy weeks ahead. Note the upcoming holiday break and the early dismissal to conclude the term.

• Year 12 Exam Block: Wednesday, March 18th (Week 8) – Wednesday, March 25th (Week 9)
• End of Term & Early Dismissal: Thursday, April 2nd at 12:00pm
• School Holidays: Friday, April 3rd - Monday, April 20th
• Term 2 Commencement: Tuesday, April 21st

Holiday Seminars

To support your daughter's continued progress, we will be offering a series of holiday seminars. These sessions are a fantastic way for students to refine their exam techniques and consolidate learning in a focused environment. Further information and registration details will be released soon.

Wishing all our Year 12 students the very best of luck over the coming week. Study hard, stay grounded and look out for one another.

Thanks,

Nikki McWhirter

Year 11 Pastoral Care Coordinator