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University Early Entry Guide

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Job Jump March 20 2025

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The Power of Reflection and Community at St Brigid’s

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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

SPECIAL REPORT: Social Media & Comparison Culture

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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.

FREE Webinar 19 March 2025 – Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part 1)

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We would like to invite parents, carers and grandparents to attend an exclusive webinar supporting primary and secondary students.

WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part 1)
DATE: Wednesday, 19 March 2025
TIME: 7:00 pm

This presentation is Part 1 of a two-part series.

Join this exclusive session with two of Australia’s leading experts in youth wellbeing and cybersafety, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and Susan McLean. Gain invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Topics in this session will include:

  • New Regulations on Social Media
  • Cyberbullying
  • Exposure to Hate Speech
  • Online Safety and Fraud

IMPORTANT – Please note, this webinar is a one-off event and will not be available to replay later.

Catholic Schools Broken Bay

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Please join us as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our swimming team at the Broken Bay Swimming Carnival!

Despite being a relatively small team, our students showed immense dedication and spirit. Every single one of them presented on the day and brought their absolute best to the pool.

A special congratulations goes out to Gemma B of Year 7 and Kye M of Year 10 for making the Broken Bay team. They will be competing at the Catholic Schools NSW competition, and we wish them both the very best of luck.

An extra shoutout to Kye M, who was named the 15 years boys age champion. This is an incredible achievement, marking four straight years of being the Broken Bay age champion. Well done, Kye!

Let’s give a huge round of applause to all our swimming team members for their efforts on Monday!

Year 11 Agriculture & Year 12 Food Technology Visit Tocal College

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Year 11 Agriculture and Year 12 Food Technology students visited Tocal College for a farm study on Tocal Dairy. They took part in an in-depth session with farm manager Matt Brett, exploring the management and operations of the dairy farm. They also toured the college, conducted soil testing, and explored the dairy parlour.

A highlight was reconnecting with a St Brigid’s alumni currently completing the highly sought-after Certificate III in Horse Care. With limited places available, it was inspiring to see our students continuing their learning in the pathways Tocal offers.

Our students showed great enthusiasm and engagement throughout the visit. We appreciate Tocal College’s continued support in enriching their learning.

Ash Wednesday Liturgy

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Last week, our College community gathered for a meaningful Ash Wednesday liturgy. Students learned about the significance of Ash Wednesday, the season of Lent, and the important work of Project Compassion.

We are incredibly grateful to all the students and teachers who contributed and participated in making this day a special observance in the Church calendar. Thank you!

St Brigid’s Swimming Carnival

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Days like our College swimming carnival last Friday truly showcase the strength and unity of our college community. Our recent swimming carnival by the beautiful waters of Lake Macquarie was nothing short of spectacular. With record numbers of student participation, the event was a testament to the incredible sportsmanship, talent, and all-around fun that our students bring to such events!

From thrilling races to enthusiastic cheers, the spirit of camaraderie was palpable. It was amazing to see everyone come together, supporting one another and celebrating each other’s achievements.

As we reflect on Friday’s success, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Walker House on their outstanding win!

Job Jump March 13 2025

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