News

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.”

Early Learners | Ages 3–5 , come Experience our Bush School sessions at St Brigid’s College St Brigid’s invites families to experience the joy of learning through nature with our Bush School Experience, this introductory session is designed especially for children aged 3 to 5 years who are considering Pre-Kindy and Kindergarten at the College. Bush School offers young learners the opportunity to explore, discover and grow in a natural outdoor environment. Guided by experienced early childhood educators, children engage in play-based learning that nurtures curiosity, resilience, creativity and confidence. Through hands-on experiences in nature, children build foundational skills while developing a deep sense of connection to the world around them. This enriching program reflects St Brigid’s commitment to educating the whole child—supporting social, emotional, physical and spiritual development alongside early literacy and numeracy. Activities may include nature exploration, imaginative play, storytelling, group collaboration and sensory discovery, all thoughtfully designed to support learning outcomes in an engaging and meaningful way. The first Bush School session for 2026 will be held on: 🗓 Wednesday 6 May⏰ 9.00 – 10.30am Places are limited, ensuring small group experiences with a strong focus on individual attention and connection. Early bookings are strongly encouraged through this link www.trybooking.com/DKYEC The Bush School Experience also provides families with an insight into the warm, nurturing environment at St Brigid’s and the strong foundations we offer in our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs. It’s a wonderful way for children to become familiar with the College setting while forming early friendships and a love of learning. If you are considering St Brigid’s for your child’s educational journey, we warmly invite you to join us for this special experience in nature. 🌿 Limited places available 📌 Suitable for children aged 3–5 years For booking information or further details, please contact the College at communityrelations@stbrigids.wa.edu.au  

On Wednesday the 18 March, members of the Young Mercies for Vinnies Leadership Team attended the Vinnies Connection Meeting, held at Vinnies WA Ozanam House. This experience gave us a deeper understanding of the incredible work carried out by St Vincent de Paul Society. Throughout the day, we participated in a range of engaging and meaningful activities. We began by splitting into groups to explore the different services Vinnies provides within the community. This included learning about Tom Fisher House, homelessness support services, and financial assistance programs. We also learnt about the Vinnies helpline, which is entirely run by dedicated volunteers who provide support and guidance to those in need. A highlight of the day was contributing to a hands-on service activity, where we helped assemble care packs filled with essential toiletries for women experiencing homelessness across Perth. This was a powerful reminder of the direct impact small acts of kindness can have. We were also given a tour of the Vinnies warehouse, where we saw firsthand the large-scale operations behind their support services. From bales of donated clothing to the production of mattresses and bed frames, it was inspiring to witness the effort that goes into providing practical assistance to those in need. Later in the day, we created heartfelt cards to accompany support packs, offering messages of encouragement to people doing it tough. We also had the chance to collaborate with students from other schools, sharing ideas on how to strengthen our own Vinnies group and exploring new ways to raise awareness and funds for those less fortunate in our community. Overall, the experience was both eye-opening and motivating, and we look forward to bringing what we learned back to our school community. Article by: Florence C, Young Mercies for Vinnies Treasurer  

Welcome to Our New Head of Faith & Mission: A Conversation About Faith, Leadership and Community This term, we are delighted to welcome Dr Salvatore De Luca, our new Head of Faith and Mission across the College from Pre Kindy to Year 12. We sat down with Dr De Luca to learn more about his journey, values, and hopes for the year ahead Drawn to Community and Mission When asked what attracted him to the role, Dr De Luca shared that his connection to the College began long before stepping into this position. Through previous collaborative projects with students and staff, he experienced a strong sense of warmth and belonging. “I always felt welcomed and embraced by the College community. When the opportunity arose to join the College, I was very happy to accept.” With a deep passion for Ministry and teaching, Dr De Luca sees this role as the perfect blend of both callings—supporting students and staff as they grow in their own faith and spiritual journeys. A Professional Journey Shaped by Faith and Role Models Dr De Luca’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, nurtured by his family and inspired by many positive relationships formed throughout his education and teaching career. Dr De Luca began teaching at Mercy College in 2009, working across Religious Education, Mathematics and Physical Education. In 2017 he moved to Clontarf Aboriginal College, where he first served as Head of Religious Education and Campus Ministry, later stepping into the role of Deputy Principal with responsibility for Campus Ministry and Boarding. His academic background is equally rich. Dr De Luca’s undergraduate studies included Physical Education, Mathematics, Italian and Religious Education. He later completed two Masters degrees—one in Religious Education and another in Leadership and Management. Most recently, he earned his Doctorate, focusing on student perceptions of Christian Service-Learning. Leadership Grounded in Service When describing his leadership style, Dr De Luca speaks of servant leadership—an approach centred on humility, listening and uplifting others. “Being available to the community and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be heard is essential.” This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the College’s Values and Mission. Dr De Luca hopes to ensure that Faith and Mission remain at the heart of College life, drawing inspiration from our patrons, St Brigid and Venerable Catherine McAuley—women of deep compassion, faith and connection with Christ. “Part of my role is to draw out their spirit in all that we do, especially through celebration.” Priorities for 2026: Listening, Learning and Connecting As Dr De Luca settles into his first year at St Brigid’s College, his focus is simple but meaningful: relationships. “My priority is getting to know the students, staff, families and the wider community. I feel blessed to be able to work with students from Pre-Kindy to Year 12.” He hopes every student will come to know him, feel comfortable approaching him, and feel encouraged to participate in the many Ministry opportunities available at the College. Supporting Every Corner of the Community Dr De Luca sees his role as one that facilitates connection and growth. This includes: · Providing meaningful opportunities for engagement · Celebrating the faith and achievements of the community · Being accessible and approachable · Encouraging curiosity and questions · Offering strong support when needed · Helping bring ideas and initiatives to life Life Beyond the College Gates Outside of work, family life keeps Dr De Luca joyfully busy. He and his wife have two energetic young boys, aged three and one, who ensure there is never a dull moment. To keep up with them, Dr De Luca enjoys exercising and playing sport. A keen soccer and basketball fan, he also enjoys attending games with friends whenever possible. Family traditions remain important to Dr De Luca. One favourite is his extended family’s annual “Sauce Day”—a celebration filled with memories, laughter and, of course, fresh pasta. Recently, he has taken up sourdough baking, though he admits it is “a work in progress.” A Final Word of Advice When asked what message he would like to share with students, Dr De Luca’s guidance is simple yet powerful: “Always give your best. If you know you’ve given everything you can, you can be satisfied.”  

The first few days of the 2026 academic year have been a great success. Our students are settling back into the school routine and have enjoyed meeting their teachers. It is a joy to see them engaged in learning once again. At our College, we believe that supporting students is a shared responsibility between the school and you, their primary educators. Our journey together in 2026 begins with our Parent Evening on Wednesday, 4 February, commencing at 5:00pm. This year, we are offering a series of workshops as an alternative to the traditional Parent Information Evening. These sessions are designed to provide valuable insights and foster meaningful connections within our school community. Further details and booking links to each individual workshop can be found here

On International Women’s Day this year, we celebrate the incredible women shaping our future—those who are not only excelling in their fields but also paving the way for the next generation of leaders. One such woman is Hayley Sherrington, a dedicated early years educator at St Brigid’s College. With a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of young learners, Hayley embodies the values of empowerment, resilience, and community that are so important for young girls today.  A Lifelong Connection to St Brigid’s College Hayley’s journey at St Brigid’s College is both personal and professional. She was a student at St Brigid’s from Kindergarten through Year 7, before continuing her studies at Penhros College, upon her finishing her primary years at St Brigid’s College, Hayley was also the very honoured recipient of the Principal’s Award. From the very beginning, St Brigid’s became a place where Hayley developed a strong sense of belonging and connection to the community. Her love for the school and its values has come full circle, as she now teaches the next generation of students at the very same institution that shaped her. Her passion for education was sparked during her time at St Brigid’s, where she was deeply inspired by her Year 6 teacher, Tanya Kazakoff. Hayley credits Tanya for having the biggest impact on her, igniting her desire to become a teacher. It was this inspiration that led her to pursue a career in education, first as a teaching assistant and later as a qualified teacher and returning to St Brigid’s to teach.  A Vocation, Not Just a Job For Hayley, teaching is more than just a career—it’s a calling. She says, “The biggest draw for me is to make an impact on the younger generation. It’s not just a job to me; it’s a vocation and it’s more than a job.” This deep sense of purpose drives Hayley every day, as she works with young learners to nurture their growth and development. Through her Postgraduate studies in Early Years Education, Hayley has honed her skills and knowledge, particularly focusing on empowering young girls. She believes that empowering girls in the classroom begins with fostering confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging in the early years. By encouraging a growth mindset, Hayley helps her students embrace challenges and learn from their mistakes. “Praising effort, normalising mistakes, and promoting resilience” are key elements in her teaching philosophy. These practices help build a strong foundation of self-belief that young girls can carry with them throughout their lives. Nurturing Confidence and Independence In the classroom, Hayley places a strong emphasis on creating leadership and decision-making opportunities for her students. Whether through rotating classroom jobs or encouraging children to voice their ideas, she provides them with the tools to build confidence and independence. “By nurturing these qualities, girls feel capable, valued, and free to express themselves in all areas of learning,” Hayley explains.  Her approach is also rooted in the values of Mercy, which have shaped her as both a teacher and a person. The Mercy values emphasize compassion, justice, and service to others—values that are evident in the way Hayley builds relationships with her students. “The main thing for me is to build relationships with the kids and to have love, gentleness, and be super positive,” Hayley shares. It’s this warmth and positivity that help her students feel safe and supported in the classroom.  Giving Back to the Community Hayley’s connection to the St Brigid’s College community is deepened by her involvement in local activities. She has been an active member of the Lesmurdie Legends swimming club, furthering her sense of belonging and community spirit. For Hayley, being part of the St Brigid’s community isn’t just about her professional role; it’s about giving back to the place that gave her so much.  The Power of Diverse Role Models One of Hayley’s most powerful tools for empowering young girls is the use of diverse role models in the classroom. She believes that seeing strong women from different fields—through books, visuals, and real-life examples—helps broaden her students’ aspirations and gives them the confidence to pursue their dreams. This approach not only nurtures a sense of possibility but also promotes inclusivity and respect for all genders and backgrounds. In this way, Hayley is helping to create a classroom environment where young girls can thrive. By nurturing their confidence, encouraging their curiosity, and providing them with leadership opportunities, she is setting the stage for them to become the strong, empowered women of tomorrow.