Farewell Mrs Quirk!

Goodbye and Thank you to our Principal, Mrs Sharyn Quirk.

During our End-of-Year Mass, the College community gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to our Principal, Mrs. Sharyn Quirk, as she prepares to embark on her new journey as Principal of Stella Maris College, Manly. The farewell was beautifully and thoughtfully organised by our Director of Religious Education and Mission, Ms. Jamie Lee Wood, who ensured the blessing and tribute were truly meaningful and memorable.

Sr. Maree Marsh spoke on behalf of the Brigidine Sisters, and our College Captain, Isla Dindial, offered a heartfelt acknowledgment of Mrs. Quirk’s profound impact, sharing that for many in our community, Mrs. Quirk is the only Principal we have known.

As part of the farewell, Mrs. Quirk was presented with two symbolic gifts: a candle lit for the first time from the College Candle and a stunning scrapbook filled with well-wishes and reflections from Pastoral Care classes and significant members of our community, including past College Captains. These gifts serve as lasting reminders of her time at the College and the deep gratitude we hold for her leadership and care.

Presentation Day Farewell Speech by College Captain Isla Dindial

 

Good morning, students, parents, staff, members of the executive, and, of course, Mrs Quirk.

 

Today, the Brigidine community as we know it is gathered for the final time, in celebration of a remarkable woman that we have been lucky enough to call our principal for the past 6 years.

 

Mrs Quirk, on behalf of everyone here today, I would like to extend the biggest thank you for the life and joy you have brought into Brigidine. It’s hard to believe that this morning is the last mass, the last assembly with you as our Principal. Every student here has never known school life without you, and we could not be more grateful for the positive impact which you have had on each and every one of us.

 

Throughout your time as Principal at Brigidine, the care and compassion that you have for each and every student has been undeniably evident. Your unwavering commitment to every aspect of college life; academics, sport and the arts, has been truly inspiring, allowing students to grow and flourish in their own unique way. You’ve taught us that while girls can do anything, Brigidine girls can do everything, and it is this unwavering belief that has given us pride and confidence in how we navigate school life.

 

I think we can also all agree that under your leadership, Brigidine’s school spirit has flourished. From mosh pits in the main quad on St Brigid’s Feast Day, the iconic Brigidine’s Got Talent show, and of course the multitude of Christmas activities we’ve had this year, you have built a culture of joy and connection that we will be proud to continue. Thanks to you, the College has never felt more united.

 

So, thank you Mrs Quirk for teaching us what it means to lead with passion, strength and gentleness. As you move on to the next stage of your journey, we want you to know that you will always be a part of the Brigidine community, but we are also so excited for you to be moving on to new things. It will be strange, especially for us year 12s, to complete our final year at the college without you here, but we wish you every success at your new school. A new group of students will be very lucky to have you leading them through their schooling journey. 

 

Goodbye and good luck Mrs Quirk, we will miss you heaps.