Hospitality in Action at Brigidine College, St. Ives
Hospitality – Welcoming All: Living Justice at Brigidine in 2025
The Kildare Ministries’ theme for 2025, the value of Hospitality – Welcoming All is lived and practised in the everyday actions, reflections, initiatives, service, connections and community engagement of students and staff at Brigidine College St Ives.
Students have embraced the value of Hospitality through a variety of events and initiatives including:
Rice Day
Led by our Year 10 students and Social Justice Leaders on the last day of the term, students and staff were invited to purchase a bowl of rice to support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. By purchasing the simple bowl of rice students not only contributed to raising much-needed funds to support Caritas in their mission to provide essential resources to those in need but recognised that working together they can make a difference and take steps towards a more just and poverty-free world. It was a simple act of solidarity that reminded students that even the smallest actions and gestures can lead to profound and meaningful change.
Stations of the Cross
In a moving Lenten Reflection, students journeyed through the Stations of the Cross in a pilgrimage-style walk around campus. At each station students paused to reflect on the final moment’s of Jesus’s life drawing connections to their own experiences of struggle, compassion and hope. The reflection concluded in our Chapel, where silence and prayer deepened our sense of unity and peace.
Hansa Class World Sailing Championships
The theme of Hospitality – Welcoming All extended beyond Brigidine when six students proudly represented the College at the Hansa Class World Sailing Championships. Held at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, this internationally renowned regatta brought together over 180 para-athletes from 17 nations, celebrating the spirit of inclusive sport. Brigidine students Alyssa, Imogen, Indigo, Olivia, Frankie and Hannah took part in the flag bearers’ procession and the national flag-raising ceremony, sharing the stage with global athletes and embracing the opportunity to connect across cultures. Meeting international competitors and witnessing firsthand the unifying power of sport was a deeply moving and inspiring experience. It highlighted the values of respect, inclusion and community—core elements of Hospitality in action. Their involvement in such a significant global event reflects Brigidine’s ongoing commitment to broadening student horizons and fostering meaningful engagement beyond the classroom.
Social Justice
Four Year 11 students attended the Kildare Social Justice Seminar, connecting them with their peers from other Kildare schools to share ideas and inspire change. They heard powerful personal stories from speakers on a range of social justice issues and were excited to bring their insights back to the College to share.
Leadership
Led by Josie from Year 12 as co-host, a group of Year 7-9 students attended the Ku-ring-gai Youth Forum, sharing ideas on youth spaces, mental health and community improvements. This valuable event was a unique opportunity for students to voice their opinions and advocate for youth wellbeing. Importantly our students have empowered others and shared their perspectives which will help shape council policy for the next five years!
Primary Schools Leadership program
We welcomed local primary school students to Brigidine for our Primary Schools Leadership Day which was led with warmth and enthusiasm by our Year 10 student leaders. The day was filled with engaging workshops and activities designed to inspire confidence, teamwork and a deeper understanding of leadership as these students embark on their final year of junior school. Our own young leaders embodied Kildare’s value of Hospitality – Welcoming All, encouraging connection throughout the day.
Environmental Justice
Led by Year 7, our newest students at the College, and helped by senior leaders the Brigo Goes Greener composting initiative was launched. Each week girls will be emptying compost bins into worm buffets to help reduce waste and care for our environment.
2025 Come ALIVE
Year 12 students announced Wellness Springs as their chosen charity and launched their theme for the year Come ALIVE which embodies and is inspired by our seasons of time: Authenticity, Love, Inclusivity, Valiance, and Empowerment (ALIVE). The first Season of Time is A for Authenticity and to celebrate this important value the Senior 10 welcomed students as they arrived at school in the morning and handed them blue ribbons to wear to show their commitment to authenticity until the next Season of Time L for Love, begins next. The girls have organised various initiatives to celebrate Authenticity including an Authenticity Affirmation Wall and Fab Fridays where students can join senior leaders in lunchtime activities including arts, crafts, sports and games to help girls get to know each other and the senior leaders, make new friends, and to be their authentic selves. Through their actions of Hospitality – Welcoming All they hope to encourage every Brigo girl to ‘Come ALIVE’ this year and make the wider community a better place!
Through reflection, action, service and leadership, Brigidine College continues to live and embrace Kildare Ministries 2025 value of Hospitality – Welcoming All.