News

Much has been mentioned about the growth of the College in recent times and this is certainly encouraging but growth can only be one part of the overall puzzle.  Rapid growth without clear direction is a recipe for disaster and can lead to disrupted learning, inequity, bullying and behavioural challenges, lower expectations and economic impacts, safety concerns and a strain on resources.

I don’t say these things to alarm you but rather because it’s important for us as a College to be transparent if we want to build an authentic community that are genuinely involved in the St Brigid’s journey, not merely passengers on the ride.  I’ve mentioned it before and I reiterate the message again here, I want our community to be truly engaged and I expect you to hold us to account so that we can all work together to ensure we achieve the best possible outcomes for your children.

There is lots of data collected in schools and it plays a significant part in guiding our direction, telling us what is working and what isn’t.  I appreciate the growing need for schools to engage with the data, analyse it effectively and use it to make informed decisions.  Having said that, there are still lots of things that happen in schools that are important signposts, some of these signs can’t be captured by a calculation.

Just in the last week alone, I witnessed a few College events that tell me we are starting to mature as a school.  The Athletics Carnival, The Stage 6 Information Evening and the more social occasion of the St Brigid’s Angels gathering highlighted to me a growing engagement with the College and its desired direction.  I know it’s not possible for parents to get to every College event but the increase in numbers recently, is so encouraging.  Along with this, I am seeing a growing confidence in our staff to speak with such poise about their subjects, their roles and the children in their care.  Our students also, are buying in which can be seen in their involvement, attendance and general connection to the College.

There will be bumps in the road ahead, more growing pains are guaranteed but the strength of this community will see us navigate all of those challenges and continue to evolve and improve.  Thank you to everyone who supports the College, it’s a special community.

Postcards from our St Brigid’s Students – World Youth Day 1 & 2

“Together we departed Sydney on Friday night, the first flight was to Dubai and took just over 14 hours. We landed in Dubai at 5am and were welcomed with a dark 38 degree morning. We then had a 5 hour layover in Dubai and soon boarded our second leg of flying which would see us land in warm 26 degree Venice at 3pm!

We were transferred to our hotel in Padua, just outside Venice. We settled in and went for a walk to explore the city, then we finished with a quick gelato stop with Bishop Anthony and a Spar Express shop before heading home for some decent sleep!

We woke up the next morning bright and early for breakfast, today we would visit the iconic Italian tourist destination Venice. We were welcomed with amazing views and a warm 29 degree day. Our day in Venice began with mass at St Marks Basilica the former political and religious centre of Venice.

From there onward we toured around the City of Venice with one of our highly knowledgeable guides.

We explored the history and amazing attractions of the lagoon surrounded city. After the tour concluded we finished our visit in Venice with a cool refreshing coke and some Margherita pizza which was delicious!

After our day in Venice we then returned to the city of Padua where we greeted another guide who showed us the beautiful city. We toured around the Padua University, the Cappella Degli Scrovegni and concluded our tour with a visit to St Anthony’s Basilica, where we viewed the holy relics of his jaw, teeth, tongue and vocal cords.

Our first night on the ground concluded with a dinner with all the Pilgrims travelling from the Diocese of Broken Bay. We then headed to bed and tomorrow will tackle Ravenna, Bologna and Florence!”

Day 6

“Today we had an early morning start, with a 6:45am breakfast and on the bus by 7:30am. We left Florence and headed to Siena for Mass at St Catherine’s Basilica.

After mass we walked high and low, through the streets of Siena in a walking guided tour. We then had some independent time, sat and had some delicious pizza, pasta, cheeses and salami for Lunch!

After visiting the Cathedral of Siena, we got back onto the bus and travelled down to Assisi. On arrival we visited the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels, where we discovered the history of St Francis.

As we settled down in our hotel, we played a couple games of Uno to finish off the day, right before moving to dinner.

Day 6 done, Bring on day 7!” – Holly R Year 11.