College News

Back to latest news

From the Deputy Principal

Published 03/09/2021 · Academic

The third term has been an extra busy one (when is there a quiet term though?), and we would not like to have it any other way. We continue to be very grateful for the opportunities and lifestyle we are enjoying in Western Australia, whilst keeping friends and family in the Eastern States in our thoughts and prayers.

Subject selection has been completed for our students entering their senior years of schooling; complete with individual selection interviews for each of our Year 10 students. The interviewers have all commented on the maturity of students in discussions held. Our Year 11’s have reviewed their progress and pathways, we are looking forward to see their continued growth over the next term. I would also like to congratulate the 14 Year 11’s who have successfully applied for Flexitrack High through Murdoch University, exiting times are ahead for these students.

Our Year 12 students are moving towards their final assessment period, prior to their Trial WACE Examinations or the submission of final units of competencies. There are also many students who have received offers from universities for placements in 2022 based on their Year 11 results, congratulations! As mentioned in a recent letter to our students from SCSA, these offers do provide security moving into the final weeks but we strongly urge students to remain committed to achieving their personal best. In the coming weeks we will commence selections for our Years 7 – 10, 2022 students.

Book Week was held in our Library and what a celebration of literature it has been, as students and staff of all ages explored the theme ‘new worlds, old worlds and other worlds’. The week commenced with visits from two prominent authors Julia Lawrinson and Briony Stewart. Julia Lawrinson, shared her writing journey and incredible positive energy with our secondary students. Julia shared stories of growing up in Kelmscott, treasuring classics such as Helen Keller and Little House on the Prairie and her inspiration for her soon to be released book, Swedish super band ABBA (she must have known Mrs Cox is a huge fan)! Coupled with her bubbly sense of humour, our girls were encouraged to live, laugh and importantly write. It was inspiring to hear how our life experiences shape a person.

Writer and illustrator Briony Stewart joined our Primary students and they were thoroughly entertained as Briony wove stories, her creative journey and incredible artistic talents together. Briony was able to show the students how to keep their imagination alive, through simple strategies such as turning seemingly simple shapes drawn by friends into mini-masterpieces. We were most impressed by the thought provoking questions asked by all students throughout each session. The final activity which the children were involved in was a step by step process of creating ‘Lenny’ from her latest collaboration in ‘Bedtime Stories’. Wow, we have so much talent in our primary school.

Staff nestled down in our Alice in Wonderland themed reading corner for their annual 6 hour read-a-thon. Students explored the ‘magical wardrobe’ straight from Narnia to rescue old books and to give them a new home. Scavenger hunts were enjoyed across the week in our primary classes and all students competed for a book voucher in our daily book quiz (Year 8 – 9 Watson won twice in the week!). Lunch time saw primary and secondary students engage in cubby building to create their ‘other worlds’ and clever shadow puppet making!

Book Week finished with an absolute bang as old, new and other worlds collided. The morning began with the outstanding Year 2 Assembly; where the children took us on a journey from the ‘olden days’ listening to stories via the radio to our golden favourites through to movies which all originated in books. Of course the week would not be complete without our parade; how awesome our are staff and students! Well done to our Secondary students who also joined in the celebrations. Thank you for celebrating a love of books with us.

I would like to congratulate our Arts Team and our incredible students who have been very busy participating in the Arts Showcase and the Catholic Schools Performing Arts Festival. Whilst the results have been absolutely outstanding, our students must be congratulated on the manner in which they have represented not only the College but themselves. I was privileged to attend performances by our Primary Choirs and Primary and Secondary Dance Troupes; we have so much talent at our College! Wow! Thank you for sharing this with us.

God bless

Janine Walsh

Share this article

Related posts

Academic •
Learn Cert II & III Dance at St Brigid’s College
For students with a passion for movement and performance, St Brigid’s College offers a unique opportunity to pursue dance alongside a strong academic foundation.  The College provides a balanced full time secondary education while enabling students to graduate with nationally recognised dance qualifications. Students in Year 10 can begin their pathway with the Certificate II in Dance, a one-year program designed to develop both technical skills and transferable life capabilities. The course extends beyond learning choreography, with a focus on problem-solving, safe dance practices, physical fitness, and collaboration. Students explore a range of dance styles, building confidence as they work both independently and within group settings. Importantly, no prior dance training outside of school is required. This foundation leads into the Certificate III in Dance in Years 11 and 12, a two-year qualification auspiced by Empower Dance PTY LTD. This advanced program offers a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to dance education, integrating practical training with theoretical study and career exploration. Students develop strength, flexibility, and body awareness through structured conditioning, while also learning the importance of injury prevention and self-care for a sustainable future in dance. A key feature of the Certificate III is its emphasis on career pathways and self-awareness. Students are encouraged to consider their place within the broader dance industry, gaining insight into future opportunities while refining their technical and performance abilities. Both courses include practical and written components, ensuring students develop a well-rounded understanding of the discipline. Students are required to provide their own dance attire, including tan jazz shoes, body stocking, tan tights, and personal hair and makeup items, with additional information provided upon enrolment. Through this structured pathway, St Brigid’s College equips students not only with technical proficiency, but also with discipline, resilience, and a clear sense of direction. Graduates leave Year 12 with both their secondary education and a recognised qualification in dance—opening doors to further study or professional opportunities in the performing arts. To find out more about our Secondary Pathways at St Brigid’s College, visit our College curriculum Handbooks here.  
Read More
Academic •
Meet Our – Deputy Principal of Pastoral, Years 7 to 12, Jess Martin
We’re two terms in and you may have already met Jess Martin our Deputy Principal of Pastoral Care. Jess Martin’s appointment reflects St Brigid’s College’s ongoing commitment to pastoral excellence and student wellbeing. Her compassionate leadership and dedication to service enriches the community and support students to flourish both personally and academically. A Calling to Make a Difference For Jess, the decision to join St Brigid’s College was guided by a strong sense of purpose. She was drawn to the opportunity to work in a community where she could make a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of young people. This aspiration reflects her belief that schools are not just places of learning, but spaces where students should feel safe, valued, and supported as they grow. A Journey Grounded in Care and Connection Throughout her professional journey, Jess has remained focused on supporting young people and fostering environments that prioritise wellbeing. Her experiences have shaped a leadership approach grounded in empathy and understanding, ensuring that every student feels respected and empowered. This dedication to student-centred care underpins her work and continues to guide her vision for pastoral leadership. A Compassionate and Service-Driven Leadership Style Jess describes her leadership style as compassionate and service-driven, with a strong emphasis on building meaningful relationships across the college community. She believes that fostering a genuine sense of belonging is key to enhancing student wellbeing and engagement. Her approach is closely aligned with the Mercy values that are central to St Brigid’s College—respect, justice, compassion, courage, service, and hospitality. These values inform her daily practice and decision-making, ensuring that her leadership not only supports individuals but also strengthens the collective spirit of the community. Priorities for Pastoral Jess is focused on building strong connections and understanding the unique needs of students across Years 7–12. She is committed to: Getting to know students personally, gaining insight into the challenges they may face Strengthening pastoral care structures, ensuring programs are responsive, inclusive, and impactful Collaborating closely with staff to create an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive These priorities reflect her belief that effective pastoral care begins with listening, understanding, and working together. Supporting the Whole Community Jess sees her role as one that extends beyond students to include staff and the wider college community. She hopes that every member of St Brigid’s will feel known, valued, and supported. By building on the strong foundation already in place, she aims to celebrate what is working well while contributing to positive and meaningful growth. Life Beyond the College Outside of her professional role, Jessica values balance and wellbeing in her own life. She enjoys Pilates, tennis, shopping, and spending time at the beach, all of which help her recharge and maintain a healthy perspective. A Message to Students Jess shares a simple yet powerful piece of advice for students: “Be kind to yourself and to others.”
Read More