From the Deputy Principal

Published 01/08/2022 · Academic

It was a fantastic end to the first semester at the College, with our Parent Teacher Interviews and the release of the College reports. Teachers appreciated the time to meet with families to celebrate progress across the semester, set goals, and discuss strategies to continue academic growth. A reminder to families that student results in assessments across Pre-primary to Year 12 are accessible via SEQTA Engage and are released regularly to families. Please do reach out to teachers should there ever be questions regarding student progress throughout the semester.

This term, our focus slightly shifts to 2023 … it is hard to believe we are at this stage already. Our Year 10s have completed their individual subject selection interviews for Year 11 and we are impressed by their drive to achieve their goals in the coming years. Thank you to all families and friends who joined us at these meetings, your presence and support was greatly appreciated. I have met with the Year 11s to discuss options moving into Year 12 and our continuation of the Flexitrack High partnership with Murdoch University. We will begin focussing on selections of electives for students in Years 7 – 10 across the remainder of the term. It is an exciting time ahead.

BRLA

Our students in Years 3,5 and 9 will be sitting the Bishops’ Religious Literacy Assessment (BRLA)across the coming weeks. The BRLA is a large-scale, standardised assessment that consists of Religious Education tests developed and marked by the Office of Catholic Education Western Australia. The purpose of the BRLA is to measure student learning of the content in the RE curriculum. Formal school and student reports are produced by the Office and will become available to schools in Term Four. The BRLA provides a ‘point in time’ snapshot of student performance in RE. Students’ knowledge and understanding of the content of the RE curriculum is assessed using a combination of multiple choice, short and extended response items. Students’ faith is not assessed. We wish all of our students well.

Library

In the Library we are excited to be planning for our annual Book Week activities; daily homeroom/class quizzes, library display – items from the Academy of Taxidermy, design your own glasses at lunchtime, a scavenger hunt and the adopt a book returns. Plus this year we will also have a staff readathon, a photobooth based in the library (24^th August), award winning author Amanda Betts working with our Year 11 students (25^th August), the much anticipated Book Week Assembly and Dress Up and Parade (26^th August) and finally Perform Education presenting to students in Years 3 – 6 (29^th August). The theme this year is ‘Dreaming with eyes open’ and we are definitely hoping to open every one’s eyes to the magic of our library!

Finally, we have launched our dance program for our littlest dancers ‘Sparks’, catering for students in Years 1 – 2. The program is led each week by secondary students exploring a variety of genres, from jazz to lyrical to hip hop plus technique work. The enthusiasm of these dancers is second to none and they are setting the dance floor on fire. We can’t wait to watch these dancers continue to grow and share their talents with our group.

Kind Regards,

Mrs Janine Walsh

Deputy Principal

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Academic • 18 AUG 2026

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.

Academic • 18 AUG 2026

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.”

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