Principal's Report

Dear families,

Yesterday (Thursday 1 Dec) our College celebrated our end of year Liturgy and Awards Assembly. It is always pleasing to see the efforts and talents of our students celebrated in such a public way. I put the challenge to all students, reflected in the prayer on today’s newsletter, not to wait for life to start: you are living your best life now and there is no reason to wait until you finish school. I would expect all students to strive to be recognised for who they are and have their efforts celebrated at these assemblies.

At the assembly we also farewelled staff and students who are leaving our community in 2023. I would like to thank Zhizhi Liang, Gaby Schultz, Barbara Kemp and Rhiannon Abernethy for their contribution to education and community at St Brigid’s as they move to new employment in 2023. 

We also have some staff taking leave in 2023 for renewal opportunities: Matthew Coleman, Claire McGennisken and Victoria Thomas – we hope to see back in 2024. Tamieka Rudolph from the front desk will also begin her maternity leave mid February next year. 

I am pleased to be able to report that in this time of teacher shortages, that St Brigid’s will have a full staff list for the beginning of the academic year with a number of experienced staff joining us from other schools. I will introduce these wonderful people at the beginning of next year.

Next week will be the final week for students in Year 7-9 and I encourage families to view the program on the school calendar. Reports will be released next Thursday and I ask that you use this opportunity to discuss with your son / daughter what their academic goals are for 2023 and how they may plan to achieve these.

Staff will continue their professional development in the week beginning Monday 12 December with a curriculum writing day on the Monday, Faith Formation day on the Tuesday and writing our School Wide Positive Behaviour plan on the Wednesday. The office will close on Friday 16 December and reopen on 27 January. I can be contacted over the break via email or on 0427 085 301 in an emergency.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish every member of St Brigid’s community a safe and joyful Christmas break and I encourage you to engage in your local church’s Christmas services to reflect on the riches your life provides you.

Merry Christmas.

Gerard Raven