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Community News
What better way to help raise funds for the club than to have a laugh at the same time! The LSJFC is delighted to be partnering with Grandstand events to host a Comedy Night at the Ray Owen Clubrooms on Friday 6th August 2021. Ticket price includes food and drink voucher. The bar will be open with additional drinks available to purchase. All proceeds going to the LSJFC.…
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From the Principal
From the Principal
As winter sets in, and after this current lockdown, I am sure that everyone in our community is looking forward to a restful two-week break. Once again, we have had to be flexible at very short notice, and I am pleased to say we have accomplished this in just a few days. Our students are to be commended for their diligence and hard work this term, and I know that many are pleased with the fruits of their semester’s work. Thank you to the many families who made contact with our staff to discuss their children’s progress during our virtual parent-teacher-student interviews. If you have any concerns and were not able to schedule a time with your child’s teachers, I do encourage you to contact them next term so that any issues can be addressed. One of the many highlights of each term is the Spirit of Mercy Assembly. Our students performed Dance and Musical routines, and students were acknowledged for their witness to the values of the College. It is always such a pleasure to gather together and appreciate this special time as a whole school and I am grateful that we were able to be together last week. Students have been enjoying many activities this term, including sporting competitions, the Seeds of Justice Conference, language dinners, excursions, our fun EduDance lessons, along with many social activities with Mazenod College. I congratulate our students for their enthusiasm and commitment to these events. Unfortunately, we were unable to hold our EduDance Concert, some excursions, guest speakers, and the Year 12 Retreat was cut short. Students coped well with all these changes. We will see if it is possible to reschedule these events next term, but already Term 3 is busy with other activities. We will try our best! Our students were very fortunate as they were able to enjoy many activities throughout the first ten weeks of this term, and I am sure you will join me in thanking our staff who gave of their time to ensure the students enjoyed a real and varied experience of school life. We congratulate our Year 6 students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last weekend. It was a moving experience for us to share as a community. This term we farewell Ms Yvonne Hasson, Ms Anne Chamot, Ms Patricia Histed, Ms Olivia Barbarich and Ms Tina Hayden as they move on to new ventures. We thank them for the care and commitment they have given to our students. We also farewell some of the staff members of Chartwells, who have been the providers of services in our Café and Boarding House kitchen for some years. Services in the Café and Boarding kitchen will continue as per usual under the new provider. Next term we welcome back Mrs Tiffany Morrissy from leave, and Ms Delia Curetan to the Languages Department. Friday, 2nd July is a student free day as staff spend time on professional development. Monday, 19th July is a student free day with staff also engaged in a variety of professional development topics with various guest speakers. If all goes to plan, school resumes for all students on Tuesday, 20th July. Please continue to monitor the Premier’s announcements in case restrictions change. Let us be optimistic that this latest outbreak can be nipped in the bud. I take this opportunity to send a gentle reminder to parents to check their child’s winter uniform needs, including a check on hems that may need to be lengthened and ties that may need to be replaced. As we await further news regarding our State’s COVID restrictions, I hope that you are able to enjoy a happy holiday, and pray that Our Lord will keep you safe in your activities, give you good rest and good fun. I imagine that some holiday plans may have had to be put on hold! God bless, Carmen Cox Principal
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From the Deputy Prinicpal
From the Deputy Principal
It has been another very busy term but it has concluded with a celebration of our student’s achievements with the release of our first SEQTA reports to all families of students in Pre-primary to Year 12. I would like to extend my congratulations to all students who have been working consistently throughout the first semester to achieve their personal best. The next few weeks should be a time of reflection and goal setting for our students of all year levels. I would encourage all students to closely review the personal attributes section of their report, as it outlines how they have approached their studies across a variety of areas and importantly any areas for growth. Please do speak with teachers at our upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews regarding progress and how we can continue to work together to achieve these goals. Our Year 10’s have begun the process of subject selection for Years 11 and 12 for 2022; an exciting but somewhat daunting few weeks ahead for some, as we look towards laying strong foundations for the final senior years and so as to attain secondary graduation and either university, TAFE or workplace entrance. We thank our team of interviewers for the individual attention that each student is receiving in counselling them to follow the most suitable pathway and of course to our families whose support is greatly appreciated. Our Year 10, 11 and 12 students have also completed their first examinations for the year. Teachers have by this stage reviewed papers with their classes and feedback provided. Students are encouraged to meet with teachers where questions remain about key concepts and to identify areas of focus for Term 3. Commencing in 2022, we are excited to announce that we have entered into partnership with Murdoch University to offer our Year 12’s placement into Flexitrack High. This programme provides a structured and supportive learning experience for students who are seeking an alternative option to ATAR entry pathway into university. It is designed to prepare students for under graduate studies at Murdoch University and is an outstanding pathway to assist in university preparation for students not seeking to complete ATAR studies. Flexitrack: • Provides explicit instruction in the foundational academic skills of reading, writing, analysing and researching. • Developing capacity to engage critically with texts and argue effectively The course runs over 30 weeks (three school terms in Year 12), and is delivered at St Brigid’s College (5 lessons per week) by our staff, in collaboration with our allocated Academic Tutor from Murdoch University. Students on successful completed are granted a Murdoch indicative ATAR of 70.0 which can be used for entrance into all courses except Law, Veterinary Science and Engineering and 4 endorsed units for WACE attainment. We are looking forward to working with our students to be considered to enter into this programme. The Library continue to be a hub of activity, especially as the cooler temperatures are upon us. Lunch times have seen our weekly Lego Masters challenges thrive with our primary students; who are prompted by one of the many titles in our collection and an image, to create their own masterpiece. From under the sea, aliens, bridges, towers and giant food, creativity, team work and a lot of patience has been shown. We have loved watching these students think laterally! Secondary students have been busy preparing for upcoming assessments, taking time to read one of our new additions to the collection, reading a book for Story Time to our younger students or earning Mia Mad hours. The bean bag toss has taken on a new life with various age group or staff versus student challenges becoming common place. I would also like to make mention of our Junior Cheerleaders and Dance Troupes, who have been working hard each week to learn new skills and routines in preparation for Term 3! Both groups have been consistently showing such positive team work and support of each other, as their work with our Coach Annie and Year 11 students Sammy Scott, Isla Harvey and Olivia Uetake. Each week we also have our Robotics Teams who are working on a variety of tasks and their programming skills, the room is a hive of activity and these children are just dynamite in this field. Our various clubs in the secondary will continue into the next semester, and are designed to allow students to have a more personalised approach to assistance needed and sometimes an alternate method of explanation (these run either at lunchtimes or after school, teachers are able to provide timings for families to take advantage of these opportunities). A busy term, hopefully followed by a relaxing holiday for our students. Please take time to recharge and nurture the mind, body and soul. God Bless Janine Walsh
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Secondary School
Secondary School News
WOW! I have to say, that the young ladies at the College have been super this term. They have all embraced the socks on warm days and the tights on cold days. The black blazers have arrived and the young ladies I have spoken to say they are comfortable to wear and not bulky when sitting at their desks working. This term, the girls had Paul Litherland from Surf on Online speak to them regarding Cybersafety. Paul informed the senior girls that he found 56% of students attending St Brigid’s College in 2021 on social media sites without even trying. If your daughter has a social media site/s, please check with her that she has it set on private so only the people she invites as friends can see what she has posted – including all the selfies that she has taken. Paul spoke to the girls about being online bystanders and preventing bullying by reporting it to the various social media site administrators and getting their friends to report it too, so that the site will then block the person and remove their posts. The last five weeks have been extremely busy with the Year 10 -12’s sitting their exams and Year 11 and 12 students completing their Work Place Learning hours for their Cert III in Education Support. The Year 7, 8 and 9’s have had assessments – both written and practical. Some of the young ladies in Years 7 -10 have been working during lunchtimes to complete particular work, including their sewing items which I must say, look very professionally made. The Year 12’s had one day of their three-day retreat with some modifications being made due to COVID19 restrictions. Instead of going away for three days to Fairbridge, the new venue was the boarding under croft, where they participated in small group activities and explored good communication and listening skills for their road ahead. Unfortunately, the lockdown meant that the final two days were unable to be completed. The Year 7’s went to Cockburn Ice Arena last week . The girls had a great time once they gained their confidence and some girls even started doing tricks on the skates. Most carried on skating even after having their blisters patched. (resilience right there). A huge thank you to Mrs Michelle McGregor and her team for organising and attending the social and providing the girls with an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone. Our Year 8’s attended a social event with a difference last week! The first part of the evening shared with Mazenod included a sideshow alley run by Year 11 volunteers, where the students had to complete their carnival passports as they moved from activity to activity. The latter part of the evening was a fabulous silent disco. The girls were hesitant at first about the evening, however, they all seemed to have a great time playing games, eating soft-serve ice cream and listening to music. Thank you to Ms Anneleise Bianchini and her team for putting together this event for the girls. We will wait until we receive feedback to see if this is the preferred event format going forward. We know the teachers certainly enjoyed the evening! Year 8 Italian classes have been working on fashion and recently presented a fashion parade. The ladies created costumes from clothing items they had at home and then presented them to the rest of the class in Italian as their work buddy modelled on the “catwalk”. It was great to hear the girls speaking Italian confidently. The Year 11’s enjoyed their social on the Swan River, slowly cruising down to Fremantle Port and back to the Barrack Street Jetty. The night was cool, but the girls stayed warm dancing. They all seemed relaxed, with many having since finished their exams and the term nearly over. Thank you to Mrs Cumpsty and her team for providing this opportunity to the girls. As we start the July holidays, we need to remember a few things: (parents the below is what I have sent to your daughter/s. 1. Take some time out a. Go for a bushwalk b. Go and watch a movie with friends 2. Switch off a. Turn your social media sites notifications off b. Have a sleep in c. Help out around the home d. Do your chores without having to be asked (make your bed when you get out of it) e. Keep your room tidy f. Please do your own washing and remember to fold it up and put it away g. Stack up your school stationery supplies (if need be) Ms Fiona Hepi Head of Secondary
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Junior School
Junior School News
Term 2 is over—how time flies. I was recently reading an article in the Economist about how Covid has disrupted education on a large scale. Since mid-April last year, 90% of the world’s learners have been locked out of classrooms. The closure of schools has impacted many students learning. Data has shown students learning less than what they usually would have done. At St Brigid’s College, we are blessed to be able to embrace classroom teaching and face to face contact. Our teachers continuously work hard in providing students with the best possibilities in the academic, social and spiritual aspects of their daily schooling activities. You would by now have received your child’s Semester 1 report via the SEQTA portal. It is good to acknowledge your child’s effort and also a perfect opportunity to encourage your child and build a growth mindset with them. Some schools talk about Dr Carol Dweck and use the power of ‘Yet’. I, for one, believe that all our students will reach their potential with guidance and directions from our teachers and parents. We have high expectations for our students in our school community. We know they will develop their abilities; and we encourage parents to praise the process and not the end results. When you watch students playing together, the Mercy value of Hospitality is certainly evident. Hospitality is being inviting and accepting of everyone. Students in the early years are naturally inclusive. Everyone is involved in the creation, and all ideas are welcomed. For example, the boys built a zoo, and Milly wanted to have a spa within the zoo. The little ones quickly accepted the ‘out of the box’ concept. At the Lightning Carnival recently, we had students involved in various sports. They encouraged and supported one another. We all have different talents, some shine exceptionally in sports, and others don’t. Whatever their sporting capabilities, they all played as one team. The wonderful Year 11 students were there, guiding and coaching their younger counterparts. Lunchtime is a time for sharing, caring, and having conversations with our friends. When it is wet weather, the Year 6 students organise structured games for the younger ones. Let the little children come unto me; it was a delight to witness the Year 1s liturgy in the Heritage Chapel, as they sang and confidently prayed the “Our Father”. The Year 6’s received the Sacrament of Confirmation on the 27 and 28 of June. I always enjoy listening to the names of the Saints they select. We congratulate the candidates for receiving the Holy Spirit and look forward to them being the succession of the Apostles. In Catholic Education, stewardship is one of the pillars of our vision and strategies. Through Pope Francis’ Laudato Si, the Year 6s have learned that we can live out our faith by caring for our common home. The world speaks about climate change and reducing carbon footprint. But, as Mother Teresa once said, we can always do small things with love. We can start the difference right here by providing opportunities to recycle containers for charity. We encourage students to place containers for change in the designated recycling bins. We also teach students about looking after and respecting the environment through minimising litter, less plastic wrappers, putting rubbish in the bins. On the topic of the environment, the boys’ toilets will be undergoing refurbishment these holidays. The boys will certainly find the “oasis” more pleasant place to visit. Students have enjoyed their time learning to dance hip-hop with the help of the Edu-Dance instructors. Dancing teaches timing, body movements and control. But, most importantly, the students enjoyed working with one another. Unfortunately, due to the snap COVID lockdown, the students could not perform their dance items. However, some made the most of the day and performed around the college and showcased their dance in class. Our assemblies always are always magnificently linked to the curriculum. For example, Year 4 Green spoke about Colonisation and exploration, while the Year 3 Green presented about different celebrations throughout the globe. It has been an excellent term despite the lockdown. This unpredictability only makes us stronger and more resilient. “Wise men ne’er sit and wail their loss, but cheerily seek how to redress their harms”. William Shakespeare. We wish everyone a safe holiday. God Bless. Anne Tan Head of Primary
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Boarding
Boarding News
As we finish what has been both a busy and challenging term for us all, I looked back on my newsletter item at the same time last year and wouldn’t you know it, COVID 19 was a focus as it has been in recent days! Once again, I thank you all for your support and congratulate the girls for the very understanding and cooperative manner in which they have taken the restrictions of the last week in their stride. I will, prior to the start of Term 3, be writing to you with any updates that the rapidly and constantly changing situation brings us. But just to be prepared and on the safe side, please make sure that your daughter returns to boarding with at least 2 Perth based guardians in the event we need to shut down rapidly and the girls need to be collected. It would also be useful for each girl to have a supply of face masks and hand sanitiser for person use. I wish the girls a great break – they have certainly earnt a rest and a few long sleep ins. It has been wonderful to see them so involved in their winter sport and many of the boarding activities available to them including horse riding and kick boxing. Please do take the time to sit with your daughter and go through her school and boarding report. Many girls are to be congratulated for their excellent effort across both areas, but a small number need to reflect on their overall performance and attitude at both school and boarding and come back with a renewed purpose to improve their personal performance. I thank Year 11 students Kyra and Savannah who ran a fantastic end of term theme dinner on Monday evening. The theme was Disney and the girls did an amazing job in creating the menu with the chefs and decorating the dining room. Their leadership was outstanding, well done girls. As always, I’m grateful to you all for your support and understanding. Best wishes Annamaria Cream Head of Boarding
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Ministry
Ministry News
LifeLink Day A big thank you to all our families who donated to the Gold Coin Challenge on Thursday, 24th June – we raised $815.00. Each House made a money chain in an allocated area of the Wandju Room – congratulations to Watson House who had the longest chain. Your generosity in supporting this event will ensure that the wonderful work carried out by LifeLink Agencies continues in our local community. Confirmation Congratulations to our Year 6 students who celebrated the rite of Confirmation at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish last weekend; led by Fr Michael Separovich, Parish Priest, as the principal celebrant for the two services. Thank you to the Parish Catechist, Year 6 teachers and Barbara Bolding (Sacramental Program Coordinator) for their preparation of the students and coordination of the events leading up to the celebration. Term 3 Events Keep an eye out for information regarding our major events for next term: 1. Young Mercies for Vinnies Sleepout for Mercy Works – Thursday, 5 August 2. Mercy Day – Thursday, 23 September. Adrian Martino Head of Faith and Mission
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