Department News

The HSIE Department

On behalf of the HSIE team, I would like to welcome everyone back to what has already been an incredibly busy and rewarding start to 2026. It has been excellent to see students take to their new courses, including our newly semesterised History and Geography courses for Years 7 and 9.

2025 HSC Results

We are immensely proud of last year's HSC results across HSIE, with all courses achieving significantly above state average results. Additionally, our Geography and Business Studies courses achieved first place overall for cohort performance within Sydney Catholic Schools. Overall, it was an outstanding year for raw course performance as well as Band 6 achievement.

Open Day 

A big thank you to the HSIE team and our fantastic student volunteers for running such a successful Open Day this year. Visitors enjoyed our exciting range of famous faces, flags, and historical inquiry activities. This year we also introduced an archaeological dig which allowed the visiting students to investigate the site and excavate some ceramic and bone artefacts, while learning about what it means to be a historian. Our current Year 7 and 8 Historians will get a chance to conduct their own dig soon!

Looking forward

We wish the best to all our classes as they prepare for their upcoming assessment tasks:

• Year 7 Geography: Landscapes & Landforms
• Year 7 History: Introduction to the Ancient Past
• Year 8 History: Introduction to the Ancient Past
• Year 9 Geography: Sustainable Biomes and Productivity
• Year 9 History: The Making of the Modern World - Movement of People
• Year 10 History: The Making of the Modern World - Movement of People
• Year 11 Senior courses: Variety of due dates across Weeks 8 -10
• Year 12 Senior courses: All assessments will take place during their assessment block in Weeks 8-9

David Martin

Head of HSIE

The Languages Department

"Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things." 

Flora Lewis

Our Language students have started off the year very well. Our Year 8 Italian students are experiencing the start of their language journey by learning about the nation of Italy as well as how to greet others in Italian. They have just begun working on a research task about Italian cities. Fantastico!

Our Year 9 Italian Elective classes have started learning about personal descriptions and how to describe themselves and others. This has involved learning lots of new adjectives including colours. Students have been grappling with adjective and noun agreements and are doing exceedingly well.

Our Year 10 Italian students have been learning about Italian cuisine and how to communicate when ordering food and drinks which is both challenging and rewarding. 

Year 12 Italian Continuers students are currently exploring the topics of the 'World of Work' and 'Youth and Social Issues'; and learning to discuss their ideas about life after school and the everyday issues confronting adolescents. As they approach their Semester 2 Assessment block, we wish them Buono Studio!

We also have 37 students currently studying languages through the NSW School of Languages as well as three students studying through the Saturday School of Community Languages. The languages studied include French, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Spanish, Greek, Indonesian, German, Croatian and Polish! Congratulations to these students for their independent and mature approach to learning.

We are very pleased to see the enthusiasm with which our language students engage in their language acquisition experience. From writing and performing role-plays, to writing extended texts, to learning grammar points and to using Education Perfect to improve their vocabulary, students are constantly aiming to learn and improve their skills. In an ever-changing world, it is satisfying to know that our students are gaining many valuable skills that they can take with them when they finish school.

Remember, there are countless well-researched facts and commonly held ideas about the many and varied benefits of learning a second language, but here are just six to consider.

When you learn a second language:

1. You can truly experience new cultures
2. You have more of an opportunity to get to know more people
3. You learn to communicate better in general
4. You are exposed to new ideas
5. You can boost your confidence

6. You can boost your academic achievement

    

Janine Christofides

Head of Languages

The Mathematics Department

The Mathematics Department is thrilled to announce the arrival of Colleen Murphy and Paul O’Connor to the department in 2026. Their wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise will enrich the Mathematics Department; and they will certainly make a positive impact on our students’ learning and the department as a whole.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the HSC 2025 cohort. Their resilience, dedication and commitment to their studies have paid off. We are extremely proud of the amazing 2025 HSC Mathematics results, in particular the achievement of Emma Hammann, who ranked 4th in the State in the Mathematics Standard 2 course. These outstanding results would not have been possible without the hard working, collaborative and enthusiastic Mathematics teachers, who have taught and supported the 2025 HSC cohort since Year 7. We are confident that these young women will continue to make a positive impact on the world.

2026 Open Day

During our 2026 Open Day, the Mathematics Department was a hive of activity, showcasing the dynamic and engaging learning experiences we offer. We were incredibly proud to highlight our innovative teaching methods, the diverse range of mathematical concepts explored, and how we foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills in our students. Demonstrations and interactive displays captivated our visitors, proving that mathematics is anything but dull!

A significant highlight of the day was the exceptional contribution of our student helpers. They were truly the stars of the show, embodying the spirit and values of our College. Our maths student volunteers were outstanding. They confidently guided visitors through our department, eloquently explained complex mathematical ideas in an accessible way, and shared their personal experiences with enthusiasm. Their genuine passion for learning and their willingness to assist made a profound impression on prospective families. Their informative and helpful nature was a testament to their dedication and a source of immense pride for all of us.

The success of the Open Day is a clear indicator of the strong interest in our College and the bright future of our incoming students. We look forward to welcoming many of these eager young minds into our community, where they can embark on their own exciting journeys' of discovery, particularly within the world of mathematics!

Trigonometry at Brigidine College

On Tuesday, March 3rd, Miss D’Arcy’s Year 12 Standard 1 class applied their trigonometric skills to a real life application of angles of elevation and depression; finding the height of the famous Fig Trees on Cullen Lawn and the height of the (less famous) flag pole in the Main Quad. Students used tape measures and clinometers to measure distances and angles. 

Students are now able to answer the age old question “But Miss…when will we EVER use this in real life?” as they discovered how to find the height of landmarks without having to climb the tree…or mountain. Students discussed how humans have been using trigonometry for thousands of years. 

Maya Mabey

Head of Mathematics

The Music Department

The Music Department has had a productive term of rehearsals, performances and musical growth. The students have continued to develop their skills, and shown consistent growth in their individual performances and ensemble skills. 

Particularly, everyone has been working hard rehearsing for the musical and it's been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and dedication so far.

ENCORE Excursion 

"Last Monday, Years 10, 11 and 12 elective music classes had the privilege of going to Encore. This was such an inspiring experience, being surrounded by such a high level of musicianship. The night felt both exciting and motivating, as every performance demonstrated the dedication and creativity of Band 6 HSC music students from across the state. Some highlights for me were a performance of Sir Duke which featured an extremely engaging bass guitarist demonstrating impressive technical control, delivering the piece with confidence and charisma. Another memorable moment of the concert was the clarinet performance by Raymond Leung which displayed an exceptional level of technical control and highlighted the clarinet’s wide range and capabilities. I’ve never seen a clarinet be so engaging! Lastly, the performance by Solange Strohmayr, who played the Charango (a small, 10-stringed instrument, developed in 18th century South America) immediately captured my attention, offering a refreshing contrast to the more commonly heard instruments in the program. This folkloric piece celebrated the culture and spirituality of the Indigenous Andean people and beyond the impressive technical aspects, felt vibrant and culturally rich. An honourable mention to Bonnie Kirgan’s vocal performance of Vanilla Ice Cream, which as a singer myself, especially inspired me as her showcase of expressive storytelling and bright vocal agility is what I would love to show in my own HSC performances. Overall this was an incredible experience and I feel so lucky to get to see and be inspired by these Band 6 performances, especially leading up to my own HSC."

Sienna Simons, Choir Leader Year 12

Year 10 and 12 Recital Night

"Recital Night was an amazing experience to perform in front of our peers and share our love of music. It featured a wide repertoire, from exquisite classical works such as ‘Estrillita’ (M. Ponce) performed by Emily Molloy on violin, to chill jazz piano, great pop singers and even a rock arrangement by Jacynta Kennedy to an interpretation of the song ‘Isn’t She Lovely' (Stevie Wonder). Everyone was spectacular; with passion, talent, and hard work showcased throughout the evening.

The Year 12s were especially fascinating and I remember being in awe the entire time. Shout out to Aurelie, who performed complex movements on ‘Postcards: I & V’ by J. Carmichael to complete her assessment. She is certainly going places in Music 2! Watching each performance was like a reward, equally enjoyable and insightful on observing techniques and connecting with each other. Overall, Recital Night was definitely memorable and one of the many highlights of elective music!"

Brianna Joel, Year 10 Elective Music Student

Amadeus for Years 7 and 8

Just a reminder that the students need to bring in their instruments on the following days:

• Year 7: Week A Tuesday & Thursday
• Year 8: Week B Wednesday & Thursday

Instruments must be taken back home on the Thursday or Friday afternoon of that week. 

Ensemble Timetable

For any students looking to join a music ensemble, please see the timetable below. If you have any questions please ask Ms Hanniffy.

• Choir: Tuesday 7:30-8:40am in DC5
• Open Orchestra: Friday 7:45-8:40am in Synan Hall
• College Orchestra: Friday 3:15-5:00pm in Synan Hall
• Handbells: Monday Recess in DC5
• Instrumental Ensembles (Chamber Strings, Flute, Clarinet, and Guitar Ensembles): Tuesday Lunch in Declan Rooms
• Gregorian Chant: Tuesday Recess in DC5
• Acapella: Monday Before School, Wednesday Recess in DC5
• Church Orchestra and Lateens: Only rehearse before specific events

Jacqui Hanniffy

Head of Music

The TAS/VET Department

The TAS and VET departments have had a busy and exciting start to the year, with students already immersed in a wide range of practical and creative learning experiences.

Our Stage 4 TAS students have begun the year working with the new syllabus, which is providing engaging opportunities to explore design thinking, problem solving and hands-on learning. Year 7 and 8 students have been busy developing their skills across a number of focus areas including engineering and design, where they are learning to generate and communicate creative ideas to solve real-world problems. 

Alongside this, students have begun textile projects, experimenting with materials and techniques, as well as exploring food and agriculture, where they are developing an understanding of food production and sustainability.

A highlight for the department has been the opening of our new Design and Technology space, which is now fully operational and already enhancing the way students engage with design-based learning. Planning is also underway for the introduction of a new Stage 4 Timber unit in 2027, which will further expand the practical opportunities available to our students. 

We have also introduced a new designated textiles space in D14. Our Year 7 Textiles students, along with our Year 9/10 Textiles and Design & Technology classes, have already been benefiting from this specialised space as they develop their practical skills and creative projects.

In VET, our Year 10 Early Commencement Business Services students have recently completed their work placements. Students had the opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience with organisations including Qantas, Kapow, and the Moxy Hotel, building real-world skills and confidence as they continue their VET pathway. 

Our Year 12 Hospitality students have also reopened the BCR Café, which now operates each Thursday at recess. This provides students with the opportunity to put their barista and customer service skills into practice while serving the school community.

Lucy Collins

Head of TAS & VET