Department News

Language Department

Benvenuti! In this week’s newsletter, we have decided to shine the spotlight on our Year 9 Elective Italian class and gain an insight into why they chose Italian and what they have been doing this Term.  

Let’s hear from some of our students……..

Ciao!

Mi Chiamo Coco,

Sono una studentessa d’italiano e faccio l’anno nove!

I chose Italian as a subject because learning a new language is a good skill to acquire and because I love Italy!  My favourite thing about learning Italian would be my teacher. She is very helpful and has taught me to learn as best as I can. I believe learning a second language is important because it teaches you about the world and grows your vocabulary. The thing I find most challenging when learning Italian is remembering all the verbs and their conjugations. Education Perfect has helped me massively when learning Italian so I can remember words correctly. I also enjoy watching Italian shows such as Doc, an Italian drama tv show about a doctor helping people in hospitals. Songs are also a good way to learn Italian. I would recommend Italian to all students because it is fun and interesting to know more than one language.  In Italian we have been learning how to tell people what clothes we are wearing and verbs that are used in everyday language such as to want, to have to, to go, to go out, to call, to meet, to see and more.

Mi chiamo Isabella Larbalestier 

Sono una studentessa d’Italiano e faccio l’anno nove. 

Language has been an important part of my life as I am part of a multilingual family. Therefore,  I chose Italian not only to explore and immerse myself in another culture and language but also to aid my development in the languages I speak at home (Czech and English). I have thoroughly enjoyed my year 9 Italian classes so far as we have covered many interesting topics such as, Cosa mi metto (what will I wear - fashion), organising outings and body parts and conjugating verbs, for instance dovere (to have to or must). As a class we have also engaged in Italian films/tv shows and songs such as Scuola Scuola. In my personal opinion I view languages as a key to open many doors in one's life as it allows you to experience multiple cultures and creates opportunities in the future (like going abroad for study). I find, due to already speaking a second language it has been slightly easier to learn Italian, however there have still been difficult aspects such as grammar and learning vocabulary which are false friends. In order to overcome these challenges I have watched Italian movies, completed education perfect tasks, Duolingo and even read a few paragraphs from books in Italian. 

Although many may view languages as a waste of time, it truly can open many doors. Thus, I implore any students wanting to learn a language to go with it and see where it will take you! 

Ciao!

Isabella Larbalestier

Ciao, Mi chiamo Mia Flores e ho quindici anni!

 I chose Italian because I have a little bit of background with Italian and I wanted to understand the language better. There are many reasons why you should choose Italian as an elective.  Some of them are because it’s a good language to learn and you should always know a second language because if you go on holidays to Italy it would be helpful to know the language before you get there. I have done Italian since year 7 and I’m continuing through until the end of year 10.  Throughout the two and a half years of me doing Italian I have learnt so many new words and vocabulary which has made me more confident about the Language.

Ciao, siamo Hannah e Lea. Siamo studentesse italiane e facciamo l’anno nove. We chose Italian because we thought it would be fun and interesting to learn about another culture and learn a new language. In Italian we enjoy learning about the language and its culture, but we also enjoy the small class that we have as we are able to learn the content better and more easily. We think the most challenging aspects would be learning new grammar rules, such as those to do with verbs. The most helpful resources that we have used in Italian are the Education Perfect activities, and we enjoy watching Italian movies and shows as they help us to learn more about Italian. 

Siamo Kayleigh, Sinead e Mia, e siamo studentesse d’italiano e facciamo l’anno nove

We chose Italian because we want to travel there when we are older and because we like learning the language! It's fun because we get to do speaking and listening even though it's challenging to learn and remember grammar. Our current topic is Cosa Mi Metto? (What will I wear?) It's great because we now know how to describe ourselves.

Ciao, Siamo Emma Vecchiet e Maya McCarthy

Siamo due studentesse d’italiano e facciamo l’anno nove. 

We decided to choose Italian as one of our electives because we enjoyed learning the language in year 7 and 8 and wanted to learn more and become fluent one day. We wanted to be able to speak the language to help us in our future when we travel to Italy to be able to communicate with people there. We enjoy many parts of our Italian class. We enjoy using dialogue to communicate in Italian and watching Italian tv shows. We believe that it is important to learn a second language in school. This is because by learning a second language it broadens your opportunities for the future, including jobs and travel. The most challenging aspects of learning Italian include the many different verbs and pronouns and strict rules on where to use them and the sentence writing and using the right conjunction to connect sentences. What helps us learn Italian is watching Italian tv shows and using dialogue to communicate with each other.

We would definitely recommend Italian to other students who are interested in expanding their knowledge of language as Italian is very easy and fun to learn.

Mi chiamo Evie 

Sono una studentessa d’Italiano e faccio l’anno nove.

I chose Italian for Year 9 because I love the Italian culture and I have always wanted to know how to speak another language. In class, I enjoy learning about different trends and styles in the Italian culture and using different expressions in Italian. This term we learnt about types of clothing, new verbs and how to invite people to organised events and outings. I think it’s important to learn a second language to expand your vocabulary, to be able to explore different cultures and travel around the world! Italian is a wonderful and enjoyable subject to learn, and I would recommend it to any student who loves to travel and learn new things about different cultures.

Mi Chiamo Bella 

Sono una studentessa d’ italiano e facco l’anno nove.

I chose Italian because I have really enjoyed it since the start of high school. I thought it was cool how you can develop within the language through a community of people and support. I believe having the skill of knowing a second language is very valuable in life and can help you with future opportunities. My most challenging area of learning throughout Italian would be the topic that we are currently on - we have been learning about clothing in a unit called Cosa Mi Metto. The aspect that helps me the most to comprehend the language is a website called Education Perfect as it gives you much room to improve. I would certainly recommend italian to other students but advise them that you would have to be focused and have a strong motivation to continue to pursue it!

Mi chiamo Lili. Sono una studentessa d’Italiano e faccio l’anno nove.

I chose to do this elective because I have always wanted to continue learning Italian because I really want to have that skill when I go to Italy or anywhere else in Europe where they speak it.

I enjoy learning with the class and having discussions which help me with my assessments. I enjoy celebrating Italian culture by learning about their traditions and their FOOD!

I think that people should learn a language, even if it isn't Italian because it is good for improving your brain and it’s natural ability to focus. I think that students who already know a second language like me, will find it easier to learn another one. I think that if students have the opportunity to learn Italian for a few years, then they should take it.

 However there are some challenges when learning a language. I sometimes find it hard to remember the verbs and how to conjugate them. Even though some aspects are challenging, it is good to learn at least from  7-10 just so you can add that into your resume and to help train your mind. Some things that help me to learn Italian are watching movies/shows in class which are also really fun, dialogues and reading. I recommend learning Italian to students because it is just a great skill and even if you only do it from 7-10 it can still help and it is useful to add it to resumes too. I think it is fun to learn a language even though sometimes it is challenging. 

Janine Christofides

Head of Language

Music Department

The Music department has been out and about in Term 3 watching some live performances. 

The elective music classes went to see the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra (ARCO) at the City Recital Hall performing the Overture to Don Giovannie and Symphony No. 41 in C Major ‘Jupiter’ by Mozart. It was a very informative concert as the leader or the orchestra took us through the main features of the music before it was played so we knew what we were listening for and had a greater understanding of the pieces. 

They were followed by Taikoz, the Australian Japanese Taiko drums ensemble performing Flowing Water and Like a Ripple. It was wonderful to see this group live. It was a fantastic performance full and energy and complex rhythms. We were especially interested in the Odaiko (big drum) with its booming sound. 

The following week we headed to the Capitol Theatre to see the musical production of Moulin Rouge. The students and teachers thoroughly enjoyed this experience to see live theatre again. In this show, in particular, there were amazing sets, costumes and lighting. The dancing was outstanding and we heard never-ending medleys of pop songs moulded into the storyline. A wonderful theatre experience was had by all.

We sadly now say goodbye to our wonderful Year 12s from our music ensembles. Thank you to all the students in Year 12 who over the past 6 years have given so much enthusiasm, dedication and joy to performing in the Brigidine community. I hope you have made memories you will cherish forever. I would like to thank in particular our music leaders Abigail Connolly and Chloe Kalogerakis who were always happy to lend a hand and go above and beyond to get everything ready for our performances. 

Congratulations to our new music leaders: 

Sarah Birrell- Choir leader 

Celine Chia- Orchestra leader

We are looking forward to working with you this coming year!

Jacqui Hanniffy   

Head of Music       

PDHPE Department

Years 7-10 PDHPE

Throughout Term 3, PDHPE students across Years 7-10 have been working through the varied and relevant health topics in their theory lessons and they have completed an array of dance assessments in the practical component of the subject. 

Year 7

Year 7 have been studying a unit called ‘Be Smart, Don’t Start’, which examines strategies to make safe and informed decisions in relation to drug use. Here the students assess the impact of drug use and predict how this might affect the future health, safety and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Year 7 has also completed an assessment task reporting on the dangers and consequences of Vaping. In the practical component of this subject, students have learned a variety of bush dances, culminating in a group dance assessment where students added their own creativity and flair to the original routines. This has been a great way to get moving and keep fit whilst having fun!

Year 8

In the unit  ‘Are You Okay?’  Year 8 has been exploring the impact of stress on mental health and proposing strategies to address misconceptions and promote positive attitudes about mental health issues. They have also had the opportunity to assess resources and services that support young people’s mental health. For their assessment, students designed an infographic on depression and researched strategies that can assist in the treatment of mental health issues.  In the practical component of PDHPE, Year 8 students have been learning high intensity aerobic dance moves to increase their fitness, building up to their group practical assessment, where students choreographed their own aerobics routine. Year 8 produced a range of energetic and vigorous routines. Great work Year 8!

Year 9

Year 9 students have been studying the unit ‘Women’s Health Issues’. In this unit, students explored the various health issues affecting women and their impact on wellbeing, such as the sexualisation of women in the media, body image, women in sport, violence against women, breast and cervical cancer and disordered eating. Students also analysed how norms, stereotypes and expectations influence their health. This unit corresponded with their Term 3 assessment task, in which Year 9 investigated the issue of eating disorders. Here our girls designed their own websites to inform young women about eating disorders and the impact it could have on an individual’s physical, mental and social well being. In the practical component of the course, Year 9 were introduced to various dances that reflected a theme or culture. Students were given the opportunity to express their creativity in the composition and performance of a group choreographed dance routine that brings together elements of their chosen theme. 

Year 10

Year 10 students completed a unit called ‘Risky Business’ where they explored strategies to support their own and others’ personal safety. Year 10 formulated safety plans to meet the needs of challenging situations that are potentially dangerous. Students also examined online safety programs and support services for young people facing issues such as sexting and proposed a range of responses where peers are encouraging them to behave in an unsafe manner on the road.  In their Term 3 assessment task which focused on Road Safety, Year 10 researched various road safety campaigns on speeding. Here they analysed the likelihood of their success and proposed strategies that could reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. In the practical component of the subject, Year 10 were taught how to Jazz Dance by a qualified Jazz Dance instructor from the 5678 Just Dance Program! The students were then able to refine and apply their movement skills to compose and perform their own innovative sequences. For their practical assessment task they expressed their creativity in the composition and performance of a group choreographed Jazz Dance routine. Year 10 performed some amazing routines! We are very proud of their efforts.

Years 9 and 10 PASS Elective Courses

Our Years 9 and 10 PASS elective classes have been lucky enough to experience expert tutoring in the art of Kickboxing from instructor Chris Ingrati from Jai Martial Arts Maroubra. Throughout term 3, PASS students experienced a Muay Thai curriculum that aligned with our PASS syllabus. Muay Thai focuses on close, medium and long range kickboxing skills incorporating the use of hands, elbows, knees and feet. In consultation with Chris Ingrati, a program and assessment were specifically designed for our girls.  Our elective students have learned new skills and movement sequences, including basic 5 punch combinations, defending straight and hook punches, roundhouse kicks and moving whilst performing punch combinations. In their Kickboxing practical assessment, students were assessed individually and worked hard to demonstrate actions and strategies that contribute to active participation and skilful performance. 

Year 11

Our Year 11 PDHPE, CAFS and SLR students studied hard this semester for their yearly examinations. We wish them all the best as they receive their results in the coming weeks. 

Year 12 

Our Year 12 students have been attending a series of HSC workshops in PDHPE and CAFS in preparation for their HSC. We know they are very well prepared and wish them all the very best as they sit these final examinations. 

Vanessa Culhane     

Head of PDHPE