Change Makers

At Brigidine College, our students bring energy and purpose not only to their studies but also to their passions beyond our grounds, challenging themselves and inspiring others to see new possibilities. Starting this term, we’ll highlight these remarkable individuals—our ‘Change Makers’—in each newsletter, showcasing the students and alumni whose dedication is shaping the world around them. If you know a student or former Brigidine student making a difference, please reach out and let us celebrate their achievements together.

You could say I was born into the entertainment industry. I appeared in my first TV commercial at just 10 months old, smiling in my mother’s arms. By the time I was 5, I was sitting in casting studios offering direction, and by 8, I had landed a role in a little film. Both of my parents have inspired my passion for this industry: my mum is an actress and filmmaker, while my dad is a foreman on movie sets. Their workdays are often thrilling and action-packed.

It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted; the competition is fierce, and I face rejection from my dream roles regularly. However, those experiences have made me resilient, confident, and determined to believe in myself and never give up.

Recently, I had the opportunity to play the lead in the film Ocean is She, which was an incredible experience that combined my favourite activities: sports, acting, and socialising. I even held an underwater camera for a scene and discovered a passion for surf cinematography. 

This experience has opened my mind to opportunities behind the camera, leading me to become the youngest candidate selected for an upskilling cinematography program, Women in Water.

Most importantly, it has shown me that my future career can be fun, creative, and exciting if I stay focused and put in the hard work in this industry.

Romalie McGrail

Year 11

I have always been passionate about the environment and care deeply that we protect our beautiful nature. This is what drew me to Australian Conservation Foundation events, where I learn lots about native wildlife, the threats they are under, and how this impacts not only nature but also human society. 

At their Q&A, I was fascinated by the policy debate between MPs Allegra Spender and Matt Thistlethwaite and left the event feeling inspired to take action against Climate Change, which impacts our nature and our future. 

Listening to a panel of politicians and a youth leader opened my eyes to the advocacy that every person can engage in, to address the environmental concerns of our earth. I was proud to ask a question about endangered species, and show how much our generation cares about these issues.

Klara James

Year 9