College News

Back to latest news

From the Principal

Published 01/04/2021 · Academic

As we come to the end of a very short Term, one that has certainly flown by, I look back on the many wonderful and varied experiences that our students have taken part in. I must say that after the first week of wearing masks, life slowly returned to our ‘new normal.’ We enjoyed several Swimming Carnivals, Secondary Athletics Inter-House competitions, many excursions, guest speakers, Year group Liturgies, Open Day, Stations of the Cross, whole school Masses and welcoming picnics.

One of the highlights of the Term was our ability to gather together as a whole school to acknowledge the Spirit of Mercy recipients and our 2020 Year 12 High Achievers. We were able to reflect upon the success of the 2020 cohort, and congratulate these students on their achievements. We also congratulated the students who received Spirit of Mercy Awards in recognition of their commitment to the Mercy values in their school life.

SEQTA was made available to students and parents this Term and we are pleased at the relatively smooth transition to this new platform. Of course, behind the scenes there is much preparation and adjustment being made, but Reports were published to schedule and our Parent Teacher meetings have been booked. Thank you to the many families who are to meet with their children’s teachers and receive 1:1 feedback.

As we progress through the year and become more familiar with SEQTA, it is our intention to make more features available to our community. From Term 2, parents will be able to access their Finance information and their child’s archived documents through SEQTA Engage.

Our staff and members of the College’s Advisory Council are currently discussing and planning for the College’s next Strategic Plan. On Wednesday, 5th May, we will invite parents to one of two meetings in order to provide feedback on our vision for the College for the next five years. We hope that many of you will take this opportunity to participate. The Parent Forum will be held at 9.00a.m. on that day and an opportunity to share in the Strategic Planning will take place during this meeting. Furthermore, for those who prefer, a Strategic Planning session for parents will be held on the same day at 6.30p.m. in the College Staff Room.

During this Term we welcomed three new staff members to our College, Mrs Jessica Coolican as College Nurse, Mr Paul Davies who joins our Property and Works team, and Ms Sasha Wells as Aboriginal Liaison worker.

We said farewell to Mrs Cate Mitchell, Mr Ali Shah, Ms Kara Moss and Ms Nicole Kirry as they move on to other positions. We thank them for their time and commitment to our students. We also wish Mrs Jenn McDougall and Mrs Tiffany Morrissy our best wishes as they commence their leave.

School recommences for students on Tuesday, 20th April. Students will return in their winter uniform. The change for 2021 is that female students may choose to wear socks, rather than tights with their winter uniform, on a normal school day. Obviously, when the weather becomes much colder, tights will be the more practical option for the girls. For special occasions, such as College photos, or when representing the College, they will still need to wear College tights. We ask that you spend some time over the holidays ensuring that your child’s winter uniform is in good order.

As we approach Easter Sunday, the day we celebrate the Risen Lord, may we remember Jesus’ sacrifice and give thanks for what he has brought to our world. We wish you a blessed and Holy Easter and pray that God may shower you with blessings, love and peace. Our Archbishop, Timothy Costelloe, has requested that we share his Easter message with you. Please access it here.
God bless,

Carmen Cox
Principal

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