News

Last Monday some of our student once again had the opportunity to represent the college with assisting at the St Mary’s swimming carnival. We are very grateful for these opportunities to help out our primary schools and for some of students, to be able to return to their primary school as a young adults. The feedback we get form the staff at St Mary’s and the community is always positive. We look forward to continuing to assist at this event and lend helping hands. Without our students help, days like these are hard to run. Our students were in and out of the water all day helping with the 10- and 20-meter events and finishing the day off with a rotation of fun activities. Thank you, to all of our students, for once again doing the college proud, Keep up the great community service.

On Tuesday, the Boys Under 15’s and Girls Under 15’s touch teams journeyed to Manly for the Broken Bay Diocese Gala day. The girls had a fantastic first game win of 5-0 and then played with dedication and demonstrated true sportsmanship while battling the remaining games. The boys who were up against some tough competitors never gave up and also played with diligence and supported each other in each game. Mrs Hill and Mr Philpot were so proud of both their teams on and off the field. Both teams are to be commended on how they represented the College with pride. A special thank you to our wonderful assistants on the day, Cohen B., Joshua H., Sienna M. and Sienna T.

On Thursday Year 10 English and Stage 6 Drama students viewed Wyong Drama Group’s production of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee. Year 10 English students will be studying the novel next term and focusing on themes of prejudice, compassion and Justice. Stage 6 Drama students focused on directorial vision, performance skills and Elements of Production as they viewed the production.

We are a couple of weeks into the new school year now and the College is alive with new and returning students.  It has been so nice to welcome fresh and familiar faces to St Brigid’s, some getting close to the end of their high school education, others just beginning.  It has also been exciting to welcome several new teachers to the College who bring a breath of experience to further enhance the educational experience of your children.

As you are no doubt aware, we have introduced a number of structural and procedural changes to teaching and learning this year and whilst it is only early days, I have been encouraged by the early feedback from staff and students.  I welcome feedback from our wider community as well, please email comments to paul.lynch@dbb.catholic.edu.au and I’ll be sure to respond.

It is a passion of mine to ensure that students who attend St Brigid’s build a strong connection to the College.  I firmly believe that those students who understand the privilege their parents have provided by enrolling them at St Brigid’s combined with a truly immersive experience offered by the school are far more likely to succeed academically and reach their full potential.

I spoke to the students on Wednesday’s assembly about my expectation that each and every one of them should represent the College in at least one activity this year.  Many of them should represent St Brigid’s even more often than this.  Representation could take the form of a sporting team, an interschool debate, compering an assembly, performing a musical item or a drama piece, competing for their House at a carnival, having a go at our Friday challenges, assisting at a Mass or Liturgy, etc, etc.  The level of representation is inconsequential to me, the contribution to the College and the willingness to support something bigger than themselves is what truly matters.

I’m a huge believer that the best schools strike a balance between opportunities to come together and have a good time but also knowing that there is a time to put your head down and focus squarely on your learning.  At St Brigid’s we are absolutely committed to achieving this balance.  Learning growth is our number one priority but along the way we want your children to grow socially, share a laugh with each other and to understand the importance of working collectively toward a common goal.

When I first arrived at St Brigid’s I raised the idea that singing could be a way to unite our students and generate school spirit.  Its fair to say that there weren’t too many who shared my optimism.  Some suggested that there was no way these kids would sing together on mass.

We’re nowhere near where I believe we can get to yet, but I have no doubt we’re heading in the right direction.  If you can spare a minute or two, please click on this link and see these outstanding young men and women as they come together and sing Sweet Caroline.

During our Feast Day Mass, our commencing staff and students were provided with a formal welcome and presented with a St Brigid’s pin.

Welcome to our new Year 7 students!

Here are some pictures of our newest students working hard during their first two weeks. It’s been a pleasure welcoming St Brigid’s new Year 7 students as they settle into High School. So far, they have taken advantage of opportunities extended to them, and over these first two weeks, they have shown to be a respectful, diligent and engaged year group. We wish our Year 7’s well next week as they experience their first Outdoor Learning Experience at Booti Booti National Park.

Isaiah R of Year 10 is proving to be an all-round athlete. Last weekend Isaiah entered in the Billigence Pathways Championship Series Triathlon out at Penrith. This particular event consisted of a 750m Swim, 20 Km Bike Ride and 5km Run. Congratulations to Isaiah on completing this event, we wish the very best for all future Triathlons and we look forward to hearing and sharing your success, Isaiah.

Stage 5 and 6 Drama students travelled to the Seymour Centre in Sydney on Monday to view OnStage, a selection of exemplary Individual projects and Group Performances from the 2023 HSC cohort. Our students were impressed by the innovation, skill and creativity displayed by all performers and have returned feeling inspired to create their own dramatic works.