

Year 7 students at St Brigid’s have been absolutely buzzing with enthusiasm this term as they dive into their Food and Agriculture unit in Technology! From incubating baby chicks to learning how to care for their chickens on the ag plot, they’ve been hands-on every step of the way.
They’ve also been putting their knowledge to the test in the kitchen, cooking up delicious dishes with eggs they’ve helped produce. The connection between agriculture and cooking has been an amazing experience for all, and we’re so proud of their hard work and dedication!
Well done to our Open Touch teams at Tuesday’s Gala Day at Nolans Reserve, Northern Beaches!
Both our teams performed exceptionally well, showcasing great results and true sportsmanship. Congratulations to Mark H, Bronte M, and Sienna B, who were selected to trial for the Broken Bay team!
We had a day full of fun and laughter, and our students truly know how to enjoy themselves and make the most of every moment.
To our students who competed in their very last Touch Gala Day, we thank you for your dedication to sport over the years. Your commitment has been truly inspiring.
A big thank you to Mr. Devlin for his time and dedication with both teams. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
To our student helpers, thank you for spending the day with us and contributing to the success of the event.
Here at the college, we love sharing our students’ achievements. Please join us in congratulating Melinda H. of Year 7!
We are incredibly proud of Melinda’s accomplishments over the weekend at the State Athletics at Homebush. Melinda placed 2nd in the 13s-14s (U15s) Ambulant Javelin with a throw of 5.69m. She also placed 4th in the Discus, 7th in the 100m, and 6th in the Shot Put, all with solid efforts in quite unforgiving hot weather.
Melinda has since been selected for the NSW team to compete in the Australian Little Athletics Championships in Adelaide next month. Well, done, Melinda! Congratulations, and from our entire community, we wish you all the best for the upcoming Australian Little Athletics Championship. We can’t wait to hear about your amazing achievements!
Reflection is an important skill that helps learners grow by building self-awareness and understanding. It allows them to think about their experiences, recognise their strengths, and find ways to improve. By looking back on their journey, they make meaningful connections, refine their approach, and continue to develop as learners.
As I write this piece for Spark News, I reflect on the term so far and look ahead to Week 7. Our college is always full of activity, creating opportunities for real-world learning. Events such as the Opening School Mass, annual Swimming Carnival, termly Combined School Mass, Open Day, and the upcoming Groovin’ the Green provide students with experiences that help them grow personally, academically, and socially.
Our Opening School Mass and termly Combined School Masses allow students to reflect on their faith, feel a sense of belonging, and connect with the values that guide their learning journey.
The annual Swimming Carnival in Week 4 encouraged students to take part—whether competing or just having fun—while building teamwork, resilience, and school spirit, all while promoting physical wellbeing.
Our Open Day welcomed prospective students and families, offering them a chance to explore our college, meet teachers and students, and experience the academic, extracurricular, and cultural aspects of our community. Current students stepped into leadership roles by guiding tours, providing entertainment, and demonstrating our hospitality—sharing their perspective on St Brigid’s college life while showcasing their talents and achievements.
Now, we look forward to Groovin’ the Green, an event open to all. It will be a celebration of music, entertainment, and community spirit, where students can enjoy live performances, take part in activities, and strengthen friendships in a relaxed setting.
While these events stand out, the day-to-day experiences at St Brigid’s are just as important. Classroom learning and assessments, led by our dedicated teachers, challenge students to reach their full potential. Fortnightly wellbeing lessons and daily mentor periods provide a space for students to connect with their mentors, discuss important topics, and build strong relationships.
Beyond the classroom, students take on leadership roles and community initiatives through student leadership and Youth Ministry. Whether leading projects or working with their peers, they play an active role in shaping our college community and making a meaningful impact.
None of this would be possible without the hard work of our administrative and maintenance staff, who ensure our college runs smoothly. From handling enrolments, communication, and daily operations to keeping our facilities safe, clean, and welcoming, their efforts allow teachers to focus on teaching and students to focus on learning. Their contributions, though often behind the scenes, are essential to the positive and productive environment we all enjoy.
I am proud to be part of this vibrant community, and I warmly invite you to be part of it, too.
Joyce Ison
Assistant Principal, Student Achievement
Young people today are growing up in a world where exposure to other people’s lives is constant. Through social media and other platforms, they are regularly presented with curated highlights – from flawless holiday photos and academic milestones to the latest fashion trends and fitness achievements. This continuous stream of idealised content fuels what is known as comparison culture, where self-worth is often measured by how someone stacks up against others.
For children and adolescents, who are still figuring out who they are, this culture can be particularly damaging. Constantly comparing their appearance, achievements, or social standing to friends, influencers, and even strangers can lead to unrealistic expectations and a skewed sense of self-worth. This relentless need to measure up can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and anxiety – undermining both confidence and emotional wellbeing.
It’s vital that parents and caregivers understand how deeply comparison culture can influence a child’s self-perception and sense of value. Left unchecked, it can foster perfectionism and a dependence on external validation, where a ‘like’ or comment becomes the measure of their worth.
The good news is, families have a powerful role to play in helping young people navigate these challenges. This Special Report will help you empower your child to build the resilience and confidence needed to navigate today’s comparison-driven world and embrace their own unique path.
Click here to view your Special Report.