News

Dear Families, Students, Staff and Friends of St Brigid’s College, It is hard to believe that we have completed our second week of the term and the buzz in the air as we walk around the campus is just inspiring. Hosting our Mercy Education Limited (MEL) Principals The College was honoured to have been able to be one of the hosts for the Mercy Education Limited Principals’ Network Meeting this past week. It was a privilege to be able to showcase our College and to share an insight into our beautiful community. Our guests were greeted by student leaders from the primary and secondary schools who exuded hospitality and pride in their College. The meeting began with a prayer celebrating ‘Light the Way’, the words of which read by Mariah D’Silva, Florence Clarke, Isabella Goodall, Teddy Sylwestrzak, Jaden O’Brien and Benjamin Olk, truly touched our guests. A variety of topics were discussed including cyber security and risk management. As they toured our College, our community shared more of St Brigid’s story with them. Thank you to Mercedes College and Santa Maria College who then welcomed us into their community reminding us how grateful we are to be part of a shared Mercy story. Dancelife Unite Over the weekend past, our elite dance troupe, ‘Blaze’, competed in the regional competition of Dancelife Unite, in the High School Division. The dancers have been working incredibly hard this past term and, in a relatively short time, learnt a commercial jazz piece, choreographed by Emily Crockford an up and coming choreographer in Perth. We are proud to announce they placed First in their section and they lived up to their troupe’s name as they were definitely ‘on fire’. We are looking forward to watching this troupe throughout the year. Huge congratulations dancers. I would also like to thank Ms Stephanie Oborne for leading this troupe and Mrs Maryanne Coote for assisting this past term behind the scenes. Year 7 Camp Our Year 7s headed off to Point Peron for three days and two nights. The focus of the Year 7 Camp was to provide students with the opportunity to challenge themselves and learn new skills by participating in a range of controlled, risk taking activities. Students were able to improve their leadership skills, build self-confidence, and develop their determination and a positive outlook in facing the challenges of starting Year 7. The students had a magnificent time, with activities including rock climbing, crate stacking (with Rielly setting a new Point Peron record of 20 crates), archery and team building activities. Of course, a Camp would not be complete without a movie night and the obligatory lollies! I am sure our Year 7s slept well on Thursday night along with our wonderful team of staff who accompanied them. We thank Ms Wicksey, Ms Casey, Ms Cahill, Ms Bianchini, Ms Benson-Lidholm, Miss Foster and Mrs Giovinazzo for their time and enthusiasm, spent with our students. Surf Online Safe – Years 4 to 12 Our Years 4 to 12 students participated in a cyber safety session, led by Paul Litherland, who has extensive experience ‘working at the coalface of online crime’. The sessions presented risks associated with the online world and the strategies needed to maintain their safety in this ever-changing world. I was most impressed by the level of questioning of our young people and their insights into their safety. Football Season Underway Our Years 10 – 12 Football team made their season debut against La Salle College. We are proud of your efforts, both on and off the field, and are looking forward to watching the team grow throughout the season. St Mary’s Cathedral Outreach Our city outreach commenced on Tuesday. St Brigid’s staff and students have joined the roster working with the Shopfront staff packing and serving sandwiches, tea and coffee to the community outside St Mary’s Cathedral. A humbling experience for all involved. CPSSA Swimming Carnival Our Years 3 to 6 swimming team, after weeks of training, headed to Challenge Stadium for the CPSSA Swimming Carnival today. Thank you to Ms Bianca Openshaw for your work with the team. We cannot wait to share with you all the team’s achievements. Enrolments for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten 2024 and Year 7, 2025 The College will commence enrolment interviews this term for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten 2024, and Year 7 2025. If you would like to enrol your child, please contact our Registrar, Ms Patty Majko on 9290 4237 or via email – majko.patty@stbrigids.wa.edu.au Enrolments can be completed online via the College website https://sbcl.wa.edu.au/enrol/enrolnow2/ or alternatively call into Reception and speak with Patty. Kind Regards. Janine Walsh Acting Principal

Dear Families, Students, Staff and Friends of St Brigid’s College, Welcome back to all members of the St Brigid’s College community. This term we have many new families joining us and I warmly welcome you all to the College. Our Boarding students are back and we have opened ‘Mercy House’ to accommodate our growing numbers. The first day for students was filled with mixed emotions. Some of our students wished the holidays were not over, whilst others were keen to get back into the school routine. The heart and soul of the school was back, and the usual hum of students and staff was music to my ears! Professional Learning Day for Staff The staff of the College are a highly professional team who continually put the students first. Staff are keen to grow their capacity and seek out ways to further enhance their professional skills and knowledge. Last Monday the staff gathered to discuss ways to enhance deep learning for all students. The discussions enabled all staff to build on their expertise, share some of their challenges and continue to support each other in the pursuit of academic excellence for all students. This keynote session was followed by some team meetings and compliance training. I applaud the staff for their commitment to our College mission of “providing excellence in education within a Christ centred environment”. ANZAC Day During our Spirit of Mercy Assembly held on Wednesday, 26th April, I acknowledged the contribution of our Head Girls, Mackenzie Houlahan and Ella Giglia, at the Kalamunda ANZAC Day service hosted by the Kalamunda RSL. Mackenzie shared a little about what ANZAC Day meant to her. She stated that, “As a young person in today’s world, ANZAC Day is not just about the past, it’s also about the present and the future. As we remember those who have died, let us not forget those who came home and continued to suffer. Let us not forget the appalling costs of the war and all succeeding wars and conflicts in other countries. It is about recognising the ongoing sacrifices made by our current servicemen and women and the importance of supporting them and their families. As we gather to commemorate our fallen soldiers, we are reminded of the crucial importance of peace. We must work together to create a world where war is a thing of the past, and where we can all live in harmony and freedom and have hope for our future”. I also wish to especially acknowledge Year 9 student Lillian Hales who is an army cadet within our community. Lillian assisted in the flag raising at the commemoration. Many of our St Brigid’s College students came along to honour the Service men and women who currently, or had previously served our Nation. I commend those students and their families in making this a priority on ANZAC day. Spirit of Mercy Award The College held an Assembly on Wednesday morning to present the “Spirit of Mercy” Awards to recipients from last term. Each term, one student per year level is acknowledged for living the spirit of mercy within our community. Kindergarten Kai Griffin Pre-Primary Lachlan Restifo Year One     Isabella Goodall Year Two     Wynter Miller Year Three   Vivienne Robinson Year Four    Mika Klaric Year Five     Indie Omodei Year Six      Jaden O’Brien Year Seven Emily Grabski Year Eight  Ella Evangelista-Comito Year Nine  Katie Otway Year Ten    Sophie Sayer Year Eleven Kuliah Ryan Year Twelve Alisha Sadler The Spirit of Mercy Award recognises students who consistently make a positive contribution to our school community and always give of their best to live our Mercy values of Compassion, Justice, Respect, Hospitality, Courage and Service. The recipient of the Spirit of Mercy Award is a student who is recognised as quietly going about being a person who is authentically “mercy”. They are always prepared to contribute to working for a “fairer world”. They face the challenges of learning with resilience and optimism, always seeking excellence. The recipient of the Spirit of Mercy Award always welcomes others into our community. The recipient walks in the footsteps of our foundress Catherine McAuley. Congratulations and well done to all recipients of this Award. SBC welcomes New Mazenod College Principal The new Principal of Mazenod College, Mr Simon Harvey, was welcomed to St Brigid’s College with a tour of our beautiful Campus last Wednesday. Mr Harvey expressed a strong desire to work closely with the St Brigid’s College community, supporting all families attending our schools. Uniform Update The College has introduced a new shirt for boys in the Primary. The decision to update the shirt was in consultation with students in 2022. The shirt is plain green and can be purchased at the Uniform Shop. Please note that this shirt does not require to be tucked in. The current grey shirt can be worn until the end of 2025. This shirt needs to be tucked in, in line with current practice. The existing grey shorts will remain. Please be reminded that there are slacks available for students as an alternative to the College skirt. These will need to be pre-ordered at the Uniform Shop. Congratulations Congratulations to Ava Bowles (Year 6), Annalyce Page (Year 8) and Amy Lethlean (Year 10) who competed in the 2023 Saddles PlusEquestrian Western Australia Interschool WA State Championships at the State Equestrian Centre in Brigadoon on the 19th to the 22nd April.  Well done  girls. We are very proud of your accomplishments. Enrolments for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten 2024 and Year 7, 2025 The College will commence enrolment interviews this term for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten 2024, and Year 7 2025. If you would like to enrol your child, please contact our Registrar, Ms Patty Majko on 9290 4237 or via email – majko.patty@stbrigids.wa.edu.au Enrolments can be completed online via the College website https://sbcl.wa.edu.au/enrol/enrolnow2/ or alternatively call into Reception and speak with Patty. Catholic School Parents Western Australia are looking for an Administration Officer to join their team. Should you be interested, please follow the link which will direct you to their website and a copy of the selection criteria: https://csp.wa.edu.au/newsletter/article/392 The closing date for applications is Friday, 5th May 2023 at 5.00p.m. Condolences Our heartfelt condolences to the Ouwendyk family on the passing of their beloved Grandmother (Oma) last week. “Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her”. Visit to Baggot Street, Dublin Please keep me in your prayers as I embark on a pilgrimage to the House of Mercy in Ireland. Whilst I am excited to embrace this opportunity, I will be missing my St Brigid’s family. Our Vice Principal, Ms Janine Walsh will be leading the community in my absence. Thank you for your ongoing kindness in the support of our community. I feel blessed to lead St Brigid’s College. Kind regards, Veronica Parker Principal

Dear Families, Students, Staff and Friends of St Brigid’s College, Stations of the Cross and Holy Week Lord, you rose from the dead as you said you would. Over the Easter period we are reminded of the depths of your human suffering and the glory of your divinity. Your story breaks our hearts on Good Friday, but opens our hearts in joyous belief on Easter Sunday. May we, your Easter people, carry the joy of the Resurrection within us wherever we go. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen The summit of our Liturgical Year is known as the Easter Triduum. These three liturgical services take place in our parishes over the Easter weekend. The first one is the Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday, the second is the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday and the third is the Mass of the Resurrection. Belief in the resurrection of Christ is the central tenet of Christianity. On earth, we are an Easter People who carry the joy of this event in our hearts wherever we go. The students of Year Six led us through the final day of Jesus’ life on earth as a man. The Stations of the Cross are the events of Jesus’ final day in which we take time to both recall and reflect. There are 14 Stations beginning with the story of the Last Supper and finishing with the resurrection of Jesus. The students of Year Six engaged our community in this mini pilgrimage in the College Gymnasium, preparing our hearts and minds for the feast of Easter. I encourage all families to engage with their parishes this Easter season and provide you with the Mass times for both Lesmurdie and Kalamunda Parishes where you will be very welcome. Commencement of Term One Holidays As we commence our term one holiday break, I encourage all students to reflect on their progress during this first quarter of the year. Parent, Teacher, Student meetings and interim reports are a fabulous opportunity to review personal commitment and progress in all aspects of College life. I encourage all students to set new goals for term two. Showing gratitude is proven to enhance wellbeing, however it is also received with warmth and appreciation. It also helps to build connections with other people. Don’t forget to express thanks to your child for their achievements this term. Look for the positive impact they have made over the last 10 weeks, and be thankful for the wonderful child or young person that they are. There is an abundance to celebrate as a community. The incredible Year Seven students who commenced their secondary school journey with us in February are now confidently navigating lockers, classrooms and new expectations. Our boarding students who have transitioned from holiday freedom back to boarding school where routines and rituals govern all aspects of life should be commended. I am in awe of the independence of our wonderful three-year old’s and kindergarten students who are learning within a play-based environment. Thank you to all parents who have engaged with St Brigid’s this term. I continue to be in awe of the expertise within the St Brigid’s community and thankful for the many conversations and generosity of time in building our wonderful Mercy College. I have enjoyed spending time with our Parent Representatives this term and look forward to hearing about the many opportunities that these individuals enable through their service to our College. Our wonderful staff of St Brigid’s continue to put the students in our care first, when making decisions. The staff of the College care deeply for your children and are fully committed to providing an environment whereby all can flourish. Easter Bonnet Parade The students of the primary engaged in the annual Easter Bonnet Parade as the final event of the term. Thank you to all families for investing time in preparing for this wonderful showcase of creativity. A great way to finish the term! Term Two Term two commences on Wednesday, 26th April. All students are required to wear their winter uniform as outlined in the College uniform policy. Students in Years One to Twelve are able to wear their full sport uniform (including tracksuit) on their allocated PE days. SBC black slacks can be worn as an alternative to the skirt. Please order these through the Uniform Shop. To assist families in preparing for this return, and in addition to the Uniform Shop’s normal opening hours will have an additional day during the holidays. Enrolments for Year 7, 2025 The College will commence enrolment interviews for Year 7, 2025 early next term. If you would like to enroll your child for 2025, please contact our Registrar, Ms Patty Majko on 9290 4237 or via email – majko.patty@stbrigids.wa.edu.au Enrolments can be completed online via the College website here  or alternatively call into Reception and speak with Patty. Marriage Encounter Enrichment Weekends Looking for an Easter Gift for your spouse. Give yourselves time together at the end of the school holidays. Your wedding was one day in your life, but your marriage is forever. Marriage Encounter Weekends are to be held over the following dates: 22nd to 23rd April 2023 at Corpus Christi College, Bateman. (This is a Live-out weekend where couples go back to their own homes on Saturday evening), or 27th to 29th October 2023 at the Salvatorian Spirituality Centre, Currambine (Live-in from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon). Book online at www.wwme.org.au or contact Brendon and Valerie on 0493 534 865. Thank you for your ongoing kindness in the support of our community. I feel blessed to lead St Brigid’s College. Kind regards, Veronica Parker Principal

Dear Families and Friends of St Brigid’s, We have commissioned an independent market research agency, Painted Dog Research, to conduct research to help inform future strategic business and marketing decisions at St Brigid’s College. This research is imperative to both our current and future successes and we are currently seeking feedback from you – our parents – so we can better understand your needs, how you see the school, and how you believe we can best improve. This phase of the research involves a short 10-minute survey about your views on the school and what you consider to be the biggest opportunities for improvement. This survey invitation is being sent to all parents, so everyone will have their chance to provide their feedback. In completing the survey, there will be an opportunity to opt-in to a prize draw to win 1 of 2 $100 eGift cards as a thank you for your time and input in helping us as a College. To complete the survey, please click the link below or scan the QR code. Click here to complete the survey  You can also access the survey by copying this link into the URL bar of your internet browser: https://painteddogresearch.com/sbc/ All responses to this survey are confidential, so identifying data will not be stored by Painted Dog or passed on to the school. Painted Dog Research is an independent, certified market research company, bound by The Research Society code of conduct. If you have any concerns about the anonymity of your responses, or about the research more generally, please contact Noah from Painted Dog Research via email at noah@painteddogresearch.com. This research is essential to St Brigid’s and we therefore value your honesty if you elect to take part. We thoroughly appreciate your assistance in helping us continue to evolve and improve for our current and future families. We look forward to receiving your feedback.   Warmest Regards, Veronica Parker Principal    

Katie Otway (Year 8) has recently travelled to Karratha and swam in the Open 5 Km race. Katie set a cracking pace and swam a 6.5-minute Personal Best. The 1 hour 5.22.40 minutes set the fasted National time in Australia for the 13- and-14-year-old category. This time broke the previous Club record! Last week Katie was selected by Swimming WA in the “Elites” Open Water swimming. This Swimming is in the Open category from the age group of 14 years to 49 years, the best/cream of 25 females and 25 males racing against each other. Katie’s first race, 7.5 km, is on this Saturday morning, the 29th of October, at Leighton Beach. From here, it is full-on hard training to January for the under 15 years Australian National title. Then on the 25th-28th of January 2023, Katie will be racing for her School, Club and WA in the Australian Swimming National Open Water titles being held in Busselton, WA, against Australia’s best! We are so proud of her great achievement and we wish you all the best in the competitions!

Recently, Aaden Kettle (Year 6) made the trip to Brisbane for the Australian School Sports Swimming Championships!  Indeed, a fantastic experience for Aaden! During the trip, he spent time with like-minded kids who loved swimming as much as he did. Unsurprisingly, the 11-year-old boys’ team was acquainted closely with our lovely student and made fantastic friendships. They also got to swap pins with other states’ teams, which was a true highlight for Aaden. He loved that the other states appreciated our little swan pin so much! The pins were highly collectable as our team was small in number. Here are his achievements: 100m Breastroke – 5.91 Personal Best and placed 8th in his first-ever final 200m Medley Relay – Boys finished 4th (PB for Aaden in his leg) 200 Individual Medley – Finished 11th in the final Made finals in 100 Freestyle. Qualified 3rd with a PB and finished 6th 50m Breast – Qualified 8th for finals and pulled out a fantastic swim finishing in 4th with a massive 4.61sec PB. This is a high achievement for a 50m event. Freestyle Relay – boys finished in 4th Well Done Aaden, the St Brigid’s Community is so proud!