Cohort News

Year 7 Pastoral Care

Dear Parents / Carers of Year 7,

Welcome back to the final term of Year 7! We hope you and your families had a restful and enjoyable break. As we begin Term 4, we are excited for the learning opportunities, activities, and events ahead, which will help round off what has been a wonderful year of growth and development.

Term 4 Uniform

As we begin Term 4, a reminder that students are required to wear their summer uniform in accordance with the school’s dress code. Wearing the correct uniform fosters school pride and promotes a sense of belonging. We appreciate your support in upholding our high standards. For specific uniform guidelines, please refer to the school handbook or website.

Study and Time-Management Tips for Parents

As we approach assessment periods, we understand that it can be a stressful time for students. Below are some tips to help support your child through effective study habits and time management:

• Create a Study Schedule: Encourage your child to create a weekly study timetable. Breaking study sessions into smaller, manageable chunks helps avoid last-minute cramming and ensures that all subjects receive adequate attention. Use a wall calendar or planner to visualise key dates and set achievable daily goals.
• Establish a Study-Friendly Environment: Help your child create a quiet and organised study space at home, free from distractions. Ensure they have all the materials they need (e.g., pens, notebooks, computer) and that their study area promotes focus and concentration.
• Encourage Breaks and Healthy Habits: Regular breaks during study sessions can boost productivity. Balanced meals, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep are also crucial during this time to maintain energy and focus.
• Prioritise Tasks: Help your child prioritise their assignments by focusing first on the most challenging or important tasks. This can alleviate stress by tackling difficult subjects early on, leaving more time to revise other areas.
• Limit Distractions: Encourage your child to limit distractions, such as mobile phones and social media, during study time. Using apps or tools that block distractions during study sessions can help them stay focused.
• Encourage Active Study Techniques: Encourage your child to use active study techniques, such as summarising notes, creating flashcards, or teaching concepts to someone else. This reinforces their understanding and retention of material.
• Seek Help Early: If your child is struggling with a particular subject or concept, encourage them to seek help early. They can reach out to their teachers, classmates, or use online resources to get clarity before assessments begin.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s ahead for Year 7: 

• Week 3 - Wednesday 30th October Year 7 English Incursion
• Week 7 - Wednesday 27th November: Visual Arts Studio Showcase (Years 7-11)
• Week 9 - Friday 13th December: Year 7-11 Presentation Day 

Thank you for your continued support as we begin Term 4. I hope you and your family have had a restful and enjoyable break.

Kathy Phetrasi

Year 7 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 8 Pastoral Care

Welcome Back to Brigidine for Term 4!

Dear Year 8 Families,

I hope you all had a restful break and are ready for an exciting term ahead. I am delighted to welcome you back for our final term in Year 8. How the time flies!

Firstly, I want to commend our students for their excellent uniform compliance so far this term. The vast majority have returned with superb standards upheld. It is fantastic to see everyone looking so smart and ready to learn. Your dedication to maintaining high standards is appreciated. Thank you to all our families for taking the time to ensure that the summer uniform has been ready to roll for the term

Secondly, as you will no doubt be aware the College is finally able to proceed with our renovations to the Connolly Williams Wing. This brings excitement for the change but also some changes to our movements around the College. While most of this only impacts us at the school, there is a change for parents that I’d like to remind you about. If you are coming into the school to collect your daughter or to have a meeting, please remember that the carpark outside the office is currently a staging area for the construction materials and equipment and is no longer available for use. Please factor that into your plans for arriving at the College as parking in the Spot can be difficult to come by at various times of the day. 

I also strongly encourage that if you normally drop off and pick up your daughter from school, please consider doing so from Coogee Bay Road or further along down from the Spot to try and minimise the already considerable congestion experienced on St Paul’s Road and Perouse Road. I promise that the newly renovated wing, complete with a modern library and canteen facilities, will be worth the inconvenience.

Perhaps our biggest activity in Year 8 this term is our Camp to Stanwell Tops. This will take place in Week 6 on Monday and Tuesday 18th-19th November. Julie Norman, our Assistant Principal, has already released this event on Compass for your consent. Please note that this is a compulsory activity for Year 8 and has already been prepaid in your College fees. I will be working with Year 8 over the next few weeks to prepare them for Camp logistically. Please note on the Compass event a suggested list of items to pack for the Camp.

Earlier in Week 1, I shared with Year 8 a Term Planner to assist with planning their term. Here is the link for your reference. Please note, as always, that dates are subject to change. Some may have changed already.

This term involves a new rotation for Year 8 students on Sport. We always encounter students who are unhappy with their Sport choice, either because they changed their minds or failed to nominate a sport choice in the first place. Please note that they should be contacting our Leader of Sport, Ms Hurley, in the first instance as I have no control over sport assignments.

With best wishes for a successful Term ahead,

Tom Inatey

Year 8 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 9 Pastoral Care

Dear Year 9 Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Welcome back to Term 4! 

I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable break, returning refreshed and ready for the exciting term ahead.

This term, Year 9 students will continue working diligently towards their Semester 2 goals. These goals are a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on their learning progress, set meaningful targets, and build important skills and habits in preparation for senior studies. We encourage families to discuss these goals with your daughters at home, reinforcing the importance of persistence, time management, and personal growth.

A reminder that all students are expected to wear their summer uniform this term. As the weather becomes warmer, please ensure that uniforms are worn correctly, and minimal jewellery. Students must continue to present themselves in line with the College’s uniform policy to reflect pride in their school and respect for community standards.

Additionally, with the recent parent-teacher feedback, we encourage students and families to take time to review the feedback that was provided in the Zoom sessions last week. Engaging with this feedback is essential in supporting students' ongoing progress. We recommend discussing actionable steps that align with the goals students have set for Semester 2. If further clarification is required, please do not hesitate to reach out to the relevant teachers or myself.

Looking ahead, the Year 9 Camp will take place at Somerset Outdoor Learning, Colo River, from 4th to 6th December (Week 8). This camp promises to be a valuable experience, promoting teamwork, resilience, and leadership through various outdoor activities. Bronze Duke of Edinburgh participants will commence a day earlier to meet their program requirements. More details, including the itinerary and packing list, will be shared shortly. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns about this camp in the meantime.

Looking forward to a fun filled and positive term ahead for our Year 9 Students!

Rebecca Monohan

Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 10 Pastoral Care

Dear Year 10 Parents and Students,

Welcome back to Term 4! I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break and are ready for the exciting and important weeks ahead. As we move into the final term of the year, please take note of the following key dates:

Key Dates for Term 4:

• Thursday, 18th October: Pink Ribbon Morning Tea – A great opportunity to come together for a worthy cause.
• Monday, 22nd October: Early Dismissal at 1:30 pm for Year 9-10 Parent-Teacher Interviews.
• Tuesday, 23rd October: Year 10 2024 Archdiocesan RE Test – Please ensure you have downloaded your lockdown browser in preparation for this important exam.
• Thursday, 1st November: Year 10 PAT Testing 
• Wednesday, 7th November: Pelvic Pain Presentation during Pastoral Care – A valuable educational session to raise awareness and understanding of pelvic health.
• Monday & Tuesday, 2nd-3rd December: Year 10 Retreat – A highlight of Term 4, offering time for reflection, bonding, and preparation for the transition into senior years.
• Friday, 13th December: Year 7-11 Presentation Day. Last day of term. 

Cambodia Immersion Program

I would also like to acknowledge and congratulate the students who participated in the Brigidine Immersion to Cambodia. These girls showed incredible teamwork, unity, perseverance, compassion, and understanding, giving up their time selflessly for the development and education of others in a developing country. A special mention goes to:

• Lara Block
• Claire Godward
• Emma Haley
• Abby Harrison-Green
• Ruby Haywood
• Matilda Hill
• Abby Hood
• Charlotte Mansour
• Joely Menzel
• Allie O'Keeffe
• Audrey Vonwiller
• Abbey Williamson

Your dedication and service are a testament to the values of Brigidine, and we are immensely proud of your efforts. These students became immersed in the history and culture of Cambodia through visits to museums, the Royal Palace, temples and a visit to the Silk Farm and Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. The girls engaged in a project at a local primary school teaching out of Phnom Penh delivering Literacy and Numeracy skills, teamwork and confidence building, as well as renovating two kindergarten classrooms to be a bright and welcoming space for learning. The trip taught many skills, life lessons and how to reflect on their own education and privileges. 

I encourage all students to stay focused on your studies, stay organised, and make the most of these significant events. With continued effort and support, this term promises to be a rewarding conclusion to the year.

Please feel free to come and see me if you have any questions or need any assistance as we progress through the term.

PPEP Talk®

On Thursday the 7th of November, Year 10 will be engaging in the PPEP Talk®

Periods, Pain and Endometriosis education seminar held by Dr O'Neill from the The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia. 

This is a curriculum-linked health and wellbeing education program aimed at students in Year 10.  PPEP Talk® is a fun, medically accurate and age-appropriate information session incorporating the modern neuroscience of pain, of benefit to all students, particularly the 1 in 4 girls and people assigned female at birth with severe period pain.

Pre PPEP Talk® Video:

Please see the link to our Pre PPEP Talk® Video ( https://www.pelvicpain.org.au/preppep-talk-nsw/). This is a 13 minute video for students, parents, or teachers to give a bit of a refresher on information about periods and pelvic anatomy before the PPEP Talk® session.

PPEP Talk® Next Steps:

As part of this booking, a FREE follow-up session called PPEP Talk® Next Steps. PPEP Talk® Next Steps is a FREE online session for any student who identifies a complex pain concern or would like their caregiver to know more. Students attend with a caregiver and have the opportunity to ask questions to our Gynecologist and Pain Specialist, Associate Professor Susan Evans. Students can register for upcoming sessions here (https://www.pelvicpain.org.au/ppep-talk-schools-program/ppep-talk-next-steps/). 

The PPEP Talk® Next Steps flyer has more information.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions. I will be in touch with more information closer to the date.

Kind regards, 

Nikki McWhirter

Year 10 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 11 Pastoral Care

Dear Year 11 students and parents,

Welcome back to Term 4! This is an exciting time as we transition into the final phase of Year 11 and begin our HSC content. With the Preliminary exams behind us, the focus now shifts to preparing for your final year and building a strong foundation for your HSC studies. This term is critical, and it’s important to start strong by setting clear goals and staying focused.

While academic success is a priority, it’s also essential to ensure we don’t get distracted by easily avoidable issues that can take away from your studies. Wearing the uniform correctly, for example, is something we can all manage. At Brigidine College, we take pride in how we present ourselves, and we need to make sure we are following the uniform guidelines carefully. This includes but not limited to:

- Wearing the correct uniform on the right days

- Ensuring excessive jewellery, including earrings, is not worn

- Avoiding false eyelashes

- Bringing the correct bag to school and using it appropriately (not carrying it throughout the day)

For further clarification see your College diary.

These may seem like small things, but they can become major distractions if not addressed. By taking responsibility for these matters, you allow us to focus on what’s most important: supporting you in your studies and helping you achieve your personal goals.

Your teachers are here to assist you every step of the way, whether it’s providing extra resources, guiding you through difficult content, or offering advice on how to study more effectively. Take advantage of this by working closely with them. Each subject will have its challenges, and by being proactive in seeking help, you’ll ensure that you’re well-prepared for the HSC. Remember, this is the time to start thinking about where you want to go in each of your subjects and to take those next steps toward achieving your goals.

It’s also essential that you continue to engage with the PIVOT surveys. These surveys give you the opportunity to provide valuable feedback on your overall well-being. The insights we gather from these surveys allow us to better understand when you might need extra support. Whether it’s managing stress, navigating workload challenges, or finding a balance between study and personal life, your feedback is crucial in ensuring we can provide the right support at the right time. So, please be honest and thoughtful in your responses, as they play an important role in shaping how we help you throughout the year.

As we move forward into Term 4, keep your focus on what truly matters: your learning and personal growth. Avoid distractions by taking responsibility for the small things, work closely with your teachers to achieve your academic goals, and continue to engage in the wellbeing support offered to you.

We are all here to support you on this journey, and we know that with hard work and dedication, you will succeed. Good luck, Year 11!

Kind regards,

Tony Munguia

Year 11 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Year 12 Pastoral Care

Year 12 HSC Exam Update

As we know, our Year 12 students have reached their final hurdle and are currently in the midst of their HSC exams. The whole school community is cheering them on and sending the very best of luck for the remainder of the exam block. From what we’ve seen, our Year 12s have made a strong start. They appear relaxed, focused, and in a positive state of mind, which is wonderful to see.

We’d like to remind our Year 12s, along with their parents and guardians, of a few important points as exams continue:

• Arrive Early: Please ensure you’re at school at least 30 minutes before your exam begins to allow plenty of time to settle in.
• Entrance: Enter the school grounds via the Cullen carpark entrance.
• Running Late: If you’re running late, please contact the College immediately so we’re aware of your situation.
• Illness and Misadventure: If you are unable to attend an exam due to illness or any other reason, please contact the College. Mr. Campbell or Mrs. Smith will reach out to guide you through the process.

Once again, on behalf of the entire College community, we extend our heartfelt best wishes to Year 12 for the remainder of their HSC exams. Keep up the fantastic effort—You’ve got this, ladies!

Jon Campbell

Year 12 Pastoral Care Coordinator