Cohort News

Year 7 Pastoral Care

What an exciting start to the year it has been! With two weeks of Bootcamp now complete, the girls have settled into their fifth week of classes and are adjusting well to high school life. From all reports, they are embracing new challenges, making friendships, and engaging positively in their learning.

Upcoming Events & Reminders

College Photo Day – Friday, 7 March

• Please ensure students are in full summer uniform, looking neat and presentable for their official school photos.

Uniform Expectations

• Students have been guided through the uniform guidelines.
• From now on, demerits will be issued for non-compliance. Please ensure your daughter adheres to the uniform policy.

Absences, Lateness & Appointments

• All absences, late arrivals, and early departures must be lodged and explained on Compass.
• If students arrive late or need to leave early, they must sign in/out at the front office.

We appreciate your support in helping the students transition smoothly into Year 7. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Jon Campbell

Year 7 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 9 Pastoral Care

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you to all who attended our Stage 5 Welcome Evening. It was wonderful to see so many families engaging with the school community and supporting their daughters as they embark on this important stage of their high school journey.

As we settle into the term, I’d like to remind students and families about the importance of adhering to uniform requirements. These policies and expectations are outlined in the College Diary, which students should be using daily to stay organised. Parents are also asked to sign their daughter's diary each week as part of fostering good study habits and accountability.

A reminder that Photo Day is this Friday, and students must be in the correct uniform. Please refer to the email from Julie Norman for specific details.

Students will soon be undertaking NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) testing, which assesses essential skills in reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy. These tests provide valuable insights into student progress and help guide future learning.

As NAPLAN is conducted online, it is essential that each student’s laptop is fully charged and capable of running the tests. Please check that your daughter's device is in good working order, and encourage her to complete any necessary updates before testing begins. Further details regarding test schedules will be provided closer to the date.

Finally, a friendly reminder that if a student ever says they have "no homework"—that is never the case! There is always an opportunity to revise classwork, organise notes, or engage in quiet study. Developing strong independent learning habits now will set them up for success in the years ahead.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Tom Inatey

Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 10 Pastoral Care

Welcome to a new school year! It has been wonderful to see Year 10 return with enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose as they begin an important year in their academic journey. Over the holidays, many students have clearly matured, and we are already seeing their dedication to their studies as they embrace the challenges of Year 10.

The first few weeks have been busy and exciting. As a College, we came together to celebrate the Feast Day of St Brigid, a significant event in our school calendar that reminds us of the values of faith, courage, and service. We also welcomed parents of our Stage 5 students at the Parent Welcome Evening, where we had the opportunity to share our goals for the year ahead and strengthen the important partnership between home and school.

In Pastoral Care (PC), Year 10 has been focused on planning and organisation, setting goals for the semester, and mapping out their Term 1 assessments. These first weeks are critical in developing strong study habits, and we are pleased to see students taking ownership of their learning.

Looking ahead, students will soon complete 'Careers Testing', a valuable tool designed to highlight their aptitudes in areas such as communication, social skills, organisation, and more. The results of this test will help guide conversations about future pathways, including subject selections for Years 11 and 12 and possible career options. This is an exciting opportunity for students to start thinking about life beyond school and explore their strengths and interests.

As part of our B.R.A.V.E. Pastoral Care program, all PC lessons this year will centre around the theme "Voice"—encouraging students to express themselves confidently, advocate for their needs, and contribute positively to their school and wider community.

Year 10 Pastoral Care Team

If you have any wellbeing concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to reach out to your daughter’s PC teacher:

• Aquinas – Ms Sophie Pepper - sophia.pepper@syd.catholic.edu.au

• Brigid – Ms Jasmine D'Arcy - jasmine.darcy@syd.catholic.edu.au 

• Delany – Ms Jasmine Crnogorac - jasmine.crnogorac@syd.catholic.edu.au

• Regina Mundi – Ms Tayla Whiteman - tayla.whiteman001@syd.catholic.edu.au

• Winifred – Ms Jesse Bacon - jesse.bacon@syd.catholic.edu.au

• Xavier – Mr Ben Zhang - yuebin.zhang@syd.catholic.edu.au

Reminders

 Photo Day – 7th March

• Students must attend in full school uniform (not sports uniform).

• No makeup, jewellery, or eyelash extensions are permitted. Students wearing makeup will be asked to remove it.

• Ordering details have been posted to Compass by Ms Julie Norman.

 College Open Day – 12th March

• A fantastic opportunity to get involved in school life!

• If students are considering applying for a Year 12 leadership position or joining the Student Representative Council (SRC) this year, this is a great way to demonstrate initiative.

• There are many different ways students can assist on the day – we encourage them to take part!

 Attendance Reminder

Please update your daughter’s attendance on Compass as soon as possible, especially for lateness. Maintaining accurate attendance records is essential for student wellbeing and academic tracking.

We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to supporting Year 10 as they continue to grow academically, socially, and personally. Thank you for your ongoing support, and we wish all students a fantastic start to 2025!

Rebecca Monohan

Year 10 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 11 Pastoral Care

Dear Year 11 Students and Families,

We are now well into Term 1, and it has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm and commitment from our Year 11 students as they settle into their senior studies. Here are some important updates for the week ahead:

🎉 Year 11 Welcome Evening

On Tuesday, 18th February we held our Year 11 Welcome Evening, where we discussed study habits, assessments, and pastoral plans for the year ahead. A huge thank you to the students who volunteered on the night—you helped make the event a great success!

🏊‍♂️ Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to all Year 11 students who participated on this day. They showed amazing individual and house spirit. A big shout out to the 25 Year 11 students who volunteered at the Swimming Carnival! Your efforts in marshalling, timekeeping, organising volleyball, and assisting at the canteen were greatly appreciated. Thank you for your leadership and support in making the day run smoothly!

🤝 Peer Support Program

On Friday, Week 3, Year 11 students led a Peer Support Session with Year 7, helping them set SMART goals for their first semester in high school. The session was a great success, with Year 7 students feeling supported and encouraged. To strengthen their big sister bond, the girls also worked with their buddies to create fun secret handshakes—an activity that brought lots of smiles and laughter! Well done to all involved.

🏕️ Year 7 Camp – Thank You, Year 11 Leaders!

A special thank you to our Year 11 student leaders who attended Year 7 Camp. Your guidance, encouragement, and support helped make the transition period for our new Year 7 students smooth and welcoming. You played a huge role in ensuring they felt comfortable and confident as they began their high school journey.

📸 Photo Day – Friday, Week 5

A reminder that Photo Day is coming up on Friday of Week 5. Please ensure you are in full correct uniform on the day.

Key uniform expectations include:

✅ Neat and tidy appearance

✅ Black shoes (clean and polished)

✅ Skirt length to the knees

✅ Hair tied back

✅ No nail polish, fake nails, false eyelashes, or makeup

✅ Jewellery (one earring per lobe, one religious icon necklace, one wristwatch only)

📚 PC Program – HSC Seminar

This week, Year 11 students participated in an HSC Seminar during PC, where they explored:

📖 Effective study patterns

💤 Healthy sleep habits

🎯 Strategies for success in their HSC studies

It was great to see our students engaging in discussions about how they can best prepare for their senior years. We encourage them to implement these strategies early to set themselves up for success!

Wishing everyone a great term and year ahead!

Nikki McWhirter

Year 11 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 12 Pastoral Care

A Positive Start to Your Final Year

As we settle into Term 1, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the enthusiasm and dedication you have shown in beginning your final year at Brigidine College. Year 12 is a time of growth, discovery, and wonderful opportunities. By approaching this year with a positive mindset and a commitment to your goals, you are setting the stage for a fulfilling and successful journey.

Starting strong is so important, and many of you have already demonstrated great engagement in your studies. Whether it’s contributing to class discussions, staying on top of your coursework, or seeking support when needed, these habits will serve you well. Remember, you are not alone—we are here to support you every step of the way. Your teachers, mentors, and friends all want to see you succeed, and we believe in your abilities. With this support comes accountability, and we encourage you to take ownership of your learning while embracing the guidance available to you.

Of course, Year 12 is not just about academics—it’s also about making lasting memories. Our Swimming Carnival in Week 4 was a wonderful example of your school spirit and teamwork. It was fantastic to see so many of you participating, cheering each other on, and simply enjoying the day together. These moments remind us how important it is to maintain balance and find joy in the journey.

As we look ahead, I encourage you to start preparing for your upcoming assessments in Weeks 8 and 9. These assessments provide a valuable opportunity to showcase your understanding and receive helpful feedback to guide you forward. Planning ahead, staying consistent with your revision, and reaching out for help when needed will ensure you feel confident and prepared. Make the most of the resources available, including teacher consultations and study groups, to support your learning.

Most importantly, keep believing in yourself. There will be challenges, but you are more capable than you may realise. Take care of yourselves, look out for each other, and embrace each step of this journey with confidence and enthusiasm.

Let’s make this a year to cherish and celebrate. Keep up the amazing work—you’ve got this!

Tony Munguia

Year 12 Pastoral Care Coordinator