Principal's Report

Dear families,

Welcome to Spring!

The long, cold winter is finally over, and Spring has sprung! The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and the flowers are starting to bloom. As we welcome this beautiful season of new beginnings, I am reminded of the cycle of life and how that is experienced in our school community. We have days that bring sadness with the passing of loved ones, and we have days that bring hope and opportunity. During these times we can be strengthened by our faith and understanding that the resurrection demonstrated God’s victory over death for those who believe.

Throughout Catholic Education in the local area over the last two weeks there has been some exciting announcements. Bettina Bird, a valued member of our Leadership Team here at St Brigid’s College has been appointed as Principal at St Patrick’s Primary School in Stawell. Bettina will begin her new journey at the end of October, as she is currently on a well-deserved Long Service Leave break, we will farewell her in early Term Four. Bettina will be greatly missed here at St Brigid’s, her dedication and commitment to all students should be celebrated. I am sure the community of St Patrick’s, Stawell will be richer for her leadership. I would also like to congratulate Louise Chesterfield for her appointment as Principal to Ss Michael and John’s Primary School and we look forward to working closely with her and the SMJ community.

I would like to recognise a few students for their achievements since the last newsletter. Tom Luke (Yr11) was elected as Horsham’s Young Mayor this week. This is a great initiative and demonstrates Tom’s dedication to his civic duties. I was pleased to visit the Year 8 Camp last week and, with the theme Fear and Friendships, it was great to see the energy and excitement of the students. Our intermediate Girls netball team travelled to Melbourne this week to compete at State level and were very competitive against much larger Melbourne based schools.

The Wimmera Mail Times recently reported the sentencing of Gerald Ridsdale for charges related to the sexual abuse of children with reference to St Brigid's College and behaviour in 1987.  We remember all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, they are in our thoughts and prayers and thank them for the courage to step forward and report their experiences.  I remind our families that St Brigid's College is committed to a culture of Child Safety, aligned to the Child Safe Standards provided through Ministerial Order 1359 Child Safe Standards - Managing the Risk of Child Abuse in Schools. As such, we have staff members designated as Child Safety Officers.  Our Child Safety Officers are Leigh McDonald and Chris Rook, they, or I can be contacted should you hold any concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of our students.  Support is available, should you feel the need. Kids helpline 1800 55 1800,  Lifeline 13 11 14, Blue Knot Foundation 1330 657 380 or Uniting Wimmera 5362 4000.

Keep safe

Gerard Raven