Primary School
From Pre-Kindy to Year 6
The Primary School at St Brigid’s College is co-educational and caters for students from Kindergarten through to Year 6. The curriculum nurtures the development of the whole person in a Christ-centred environment firmly based on the Catholic tradition. Children are encouraged to develop independence of thought and to become responsible for their own learning.
Parents play an active and integral role in all areas of the Primary School. Their involvement and support are essential in providing the best possible education for all students. Students in the Primary School have ready access to educational facilities such as science laboratories, computer laboratories, the Performing Arts Centre, the swimming pool, tennis courts, ovals and the gymnasium. Students in Years 1-6 are part of the 1:1 iPad programme and all classrooms are equipped with digital technologies.
| Pre-Kindergarten | 3 years old (2 x full days Tues and Thurs) |
| Kindergarten | 4 years old (3 x full days Mon/Wed/Fri) New in 2025 5 full days |
| Pre-Primary | 5 years old (compulsory full time) |
| Primary School | Year 1, 2, (still considered Early Years) Years 3, 4, 5, 6 |
Bush School
St Brigid’s College resides in a beautiful hills landscape and recently teachers have implemented a Bush School Programme into the Early Years. The programme aims to engage students in nature play experiences and Bush School experiences offer meaningful, open-ended interactions to occur between children and the natural world around them. Bush School learning experiences develop children’s inquiry, exploration, and discovery through an authentic connection to nature. Bush School fosters an appreciation of the natural environment, develops environmental awareness and provides a platform for ongoing environmental education.
Our Inquiry Approach and beautiful environmental setting mean that classroom teachers can implement learning experiences that develop practices to promote sustainability and conservation. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills such as safe tool use, adhering to boundaries, caring for animals, fruit-bearing trees and running creeks.
Through these Bush School learning experiences, students develop attitudes of respect, curiosity, wonder and awe of the natural world around them.
Learning
Religious education is the first learning area at St Brigid’s College. It focuses on the knowledge and understanding of the Gospel as it is handed on by the Catholic Church to those who follow Christ in today’s world. The content and processes of the learning area are intended to ensure that students, through a process of cultural, systematic and critical reflection, learn the teachings of the Gospels and understand what it means to be a Christian and how Christians live their lives.
Religious Education at St Brigid’s College follows the Perth Archdiocese Religious Education Units of Work. These cover a range of concepts and topics in a progressive and developmental manner. All students participate in daily Religious Education lessons and within each class, there is a designated Prayer Area with a focus on daily prayer and reflection. Students partake in regular Liturgies and Class Masses where they have the opportunity to receive the Sacraments of Penance and First Eucharist. Liturgical Feast days are also celebrated within the College and with the wider community.
In Three and Four-year-old Kindergarten, Religious Education is woven throughout the day in the form of prayer, Godly play, God talk and biblical storytelling. The aim of the RE program at this level is to introduce students to the person of Jesus and some of the basic teachings of the Church.
Our Early Learning Centre offers an environment, catering for three to six-year-old children, within a larger school setting. We aim to create a safe, supportive, nurturing and stimulating learning environment. This consolidates and extends the children’s interests and skills, enabling them to develop the dispositions to be life-long learners. We acknowledge that the early years plays a significant role in laying the foundations for continued success in learning.
As educators, we hold a strong commitment to world’s best practices and implement a curriculum that supports the Australian curriculum and reflects the Kath Walker Inquiry Approach, Reggio Emilia Philosophy, the Early Years Learning Framework and the National Quality Standards.
Our approach to early childhood education is shaped by our image of the child as a competent and capable individual who is rich in potential. We recognise that children possess a wealth of experience, knowledge and understanding. This is reflected in our commitment to allow children to take an active role in their learning. They have the freedom to explore, experience and interpret their world. We intricately balance our knowledge through play-based learning, intentional teaching and explicit instruction. Also, we use the environment as the third teacher. The bush school embedded in the middle of natural flora and fauna allows students to stay outdoors to be noisy, messy ad use their senses to engage in rich learning experiences.
Three-Year-Old Pre-Kindergarten
The Three-Year-Old Programme at St Brigid’s recognises the importance of quality early learning and the learning programme has been developed with an emphasis on the whole child and the interrelationship between mind, body and spirit. This holistic approach highlights the children’s physical, personal, social, emotional and spiritual well-being as well as cognitive aspects of learning. Learning is a social and collaborative activity and takes place when strong relationships are developed between children, families and communities. Strong connections are also made to the natural world in understanding and respecting the natural environment and the interdependence between people, plants, animals and the land.
Kindergarten
The Kindy curriculum is diverse and considers the children’s prior experience and builds on their current knowledge. Activities are designed to be ‘hands on’ and fun. This is where we start to build the cornerstone of learning in various areas such as phonics, Literacy, Numeracy, physical and developing social-emotionally, and many essential aspects for the student to be ready for their formal years of schooling.
Pre-Primary
Pre-primary is the first year of compulsory full-time education. The primary school takes pride in introducing evidence-based pedagogy into the class. Literacy and Numeracy are explicitly taught without comprising on the importance of play-based and investigative play. Students are always engaged and interested. The students in this year level have access to specialist teachers who are experts in their fields. They are exposed to different music genres, languages, coding, physical and health education.
Music, Physical Education, Italian, Information Technology, Library and Visual and Media Arts programmes are provided by specialist teachers in fully equipped facilities. Children also have the opportunity to take part in a range of extra-curricular activities.
Parents and families are always welcome at our Early Learning Centre. Our ‘open-door’ policy encourages parents to visit the Centre to discuss their child’s progress. Parent Information Evenings are held to provide opportunities for discussion of various aspects of early childhood development and education. These consolidate the vital links between the home and the Centre. The benefits of a mutually supportive relationship between the home and the Centre cannot be over-emphasised, as children develop confidence and a healthy understanding of themselves and others in a social context that respects and recognises individual differences.
There are seven Holy Sacraments, three of which are celebrated during a child’s primary school years. Sacraments are sacred events, a sign of God’s presence and are vital expressions of Catholic life. Each time people receive a Sacrament, there is a deeper response to the call of Jesus to discipleship. Since Sacraments are so important they are taken very seriously and there is a need to prepare to receive them thoughtfully and thoroughly. The Sacramental Programme at St Brigid’s College includes the following:
| Penance (First Reconciliation) | Year Three |
| First Eucharist | Year Four |
| Confirmation | Year Six |
Celebrating a Sacrament for the first time is an important step in the life of a Catholic child. Preparation for the Sacraments is a partnership between the family, parish and school. Whilst preparation for these Sacraments is school based, there is an expectation that parents play an active part in this preparation by attending Sacramental information nights, commitment masses and Sacramental workshops. Catholic schools assist parishes in their responsibilities to parents by providing the knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith, including knowledge about the Sacraments.
The Learning Differences Team consists of specialist teachers who work closely with the classroom teachers to ensure that each child’s needs are met. It is very important for parents to share information about their child’s special needs with College staff so that intervention and assistance can begin as early as possible.
Testing for all students takes place at the beginning of each new year and suitable programmes are prepared. The Learning Differences teacher may construct individual learning programs for students with significant difficulties. Support is offered to students within a classroom setting and at times students are withdrawn for high-intensity small group work.
The team also provides opportunities for students to engage in extra challenging activities and extension through excellent programmes such as Robotics, Opti-MINDS, First Lego League, the STEM Challenge, the da Vinci Decathlon and various state and national competitions.
College Awards K-12
The aim of the College Awards is to recognise students’ exemplary contributions, endeavours and/or high achievements in school life or while representing St Brigid’s College. Prizes are awarded for success or outstanding endeavour in a range of areas such as service, leadership and performance.
Special awards recognise the achievements of year 12 students.
Catherine McAuley Award:
This award is presented to a student (Year 12) who has consistently demonstrated a positive attitude and who, like Catherine McAuley, is prepared to accept challenges and challenge appropriately; a young woman who displays dignity and who is committed to preserving the dignity of others. This student is recognised for her involvement and participation in the life of the College and her commitment to the Mercy values.
St Brigid’s Medal
Is bestowed on a student for her outstanding contributions to the College community. This award, along with the Catherine McAuley is seen as the highest recognition that St Brigid’s can make to acknowledge meritorious involvement and participation of a student in the life of the College.
Dux and Proxime Accessit in ATAR and General Studies
The College Dux is awarded to the overall top performing students at the College in both the ATAR and the VET pathways.
The calculation of the ATAR Dux is –
• Addition of top 4 scoring ATAR subjects.
• In the case of a tied situation, the College will calculate the aggregate based on the top 5 and 6 ATAR subjects.
• Should a tied position remain, an aggregate using the results from the top 4 Trial WACE examination results will be calculated.
• In the unlikely event, a tied position remains, the Senior Leadership Team of the College will ascertain a single student to be awarded the Dux Award.
• The second placed student will be awarded the Runner up Dux Award for ATAR.
The calculation of the VET Dux is –
• Addition of top 4 scoring WACE subjects.
• The student must complete their appropriate certification.
• In the case of a tied situation, the College will calculate the aggregate based on Year 11 results achieved in their top 4 scoring WACE subjects.
• In the unlikely event, a tied position remains, the Senior Leadership Team of the College will ascertain a single student to be awarded the Dux Award.
• The second placed student will be awarded the Runner up Dux Award for VET.
The Sister Pius Stanley Award (Year 12)
Is presented to a boarder who has lived the Mercy Ethos during her time in Boarding. The recipient is compassionate and consistently demonstrates kindness and humility. She is patient in her daily interactions with others and embraces daily challenges with conviction.
City of Kalamunda All Rounder Award (Year 12)
Is awarded to a student who displays consistent commitment and participation across many areas of College life.
City of Kalamunda Student Citizenship Award (Year 6)
Is awarded to a student who displays consistent commitment and participation across many areas of College Life
The Boarding Parents Community Award (Year 12)
Is presented to a boarder who has shown dedication, commitment and a vitality of spirit towards the betterment of the boarding community.
The Sister Mary Evangeliste Shield
Is named in memory of Sr Evangeliste who taught at this College and had a particular interest in sport for women. The shield is presented to a Year 12 student who has made a significant contribution to sport.
Sportswoman of the Year Award
Is presented to a Senior School student for outstanding achievement and contribution to the area of sport while representing St Brigid’s College.
Shield of Mothers Philip and Agatha for Musician of the Year (Year 12)
Awarded to a student who has involved herself fully in the College’s Music Performance Groups. The recipient demonstrates music leadership and maintains a high level of personal musical skill.
The Shield of St Cecilia
Is awarded to the Outstanding Chorister of the Year for her leadership as an outstanding vocalist.
The Friends of St Brigid’s Community Award
Is awarded to a Year 11 student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting the College. She is someone who comes forth to assist and represent the College, both inside and outside the school. The recipient of this is award is welcoming of others just as Christ welcomed all.
Daly Sisters’ Justice Award (Years 6 – 12)
Is awarded to a student who has been active in working to overcome injustice, walking in the way of righteousness through a personal involvement in justice activities and Mercy in Action service.
The O’Connor Sisters’ Award (Years 7 – 12)
Is awarded to a student who is steadfast, courageous and strong in her faith. The recipient of this award displays outstanding community participation, such as being an active participant in Parish life, and demonstrates the values of Mercy in her behaviour.
The Australian Defence Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award
Is presented to a year 12 and a year 10 student who demonstrates a level of leadership ability, fosters co-operation and positive contributions within a team. The recipient generates workable solutions to problems while maintaining the values of the school and the community.
St Brigid’s College Christian Leadership Award (Years 6 – 11)
Is awarded to a student who has led other students through a willingness to serve and witness the truth of the Christian faith and our College values.
The Parent Forum Community Award for Boarding
(may be Awarded to a student chosen from Years 7 – 11)
Is presented to a student who has demonstrated commitment to serving others. The recipient of this award has helped out regularly at community activities outside of school hours. This student has a positive, supportive attitude to activities and encourages the same in others.
The St Brigid’s College Community Award (Years 6 – 9)
Is presented to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to serving others. The recipient of this award has assisted regularly at community activities and events outside of school. This student has a selfless, positive and supportive attitude and encourages the same in others.
The Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Award (Year 6 and Year 12)
Is presented to a student who has is consistent active Christian witness to others within the College and within the Lesmurdie Parish community. The award is at the discretion of the Parish Priest.
Woodside Scitech Science Award (Year 6)
Awarded to two students who have shown a curiosity about the world around them and a desire to experiment, investigate, and extend their knowledge. The students have demonstrated consistent passion and enthusiasm for science throughout the year.
Responsible Christian Learner Awards (Pre-primary – Year 11)
These awards are presented at final Year assemblies. The Responsible Christian Learner award is presented to students who:
- Persevere with tasks, they don’t give up when things get difficult, they stay engaged;
- Ask clarifying questions if they are not sure of the task;
- Ask for help after they have tried to solve the problem
- Come prepared to lessons
- Work to timelines;
- Are prepared to put their own position in a self-confident but acceptable way;
- Accept the consequences of their own actions rather that making excuses or blaming others;
- Volunteer to help others.
Certificate of Merit, Badge, Colours and Honours
The Certificate of Merit, Badge, Colours and Honours recognise the contribution and commitment of student in a chosen field. A student can progress to the next award level once they have been awarded the previous level for that field of endeavour. The award progression (Certificate to Honours) will be provided for the following:
- Year 3-Year 6
- Year 7-12
A student could therefore potentially receive Honours twice during their College attendance if they have met the criteria and been at the College from Year 3 to Year 12.
Awards Progression
Certificate of Merit
Awarded to students who meet criteria 1-5 for one season or year.
Badge
Awarded to students who have made at least two seasons or years’ contribution or the equivalent to St Brigid’s College in a given field of endeavour and have met criteria 1-5.
Colours
Awarded to students who have made at least three years’ commitment to St Brigid’s College in a given field of endeavour, have demonstrated an outstanding level of skilled performance or leadership and have met criteria 1-5.
Honours
Awarded to students who have made an ongoing and substantial contribution to St Brigid’s College, met criteria 1-5 and whose contribution, achievement is outstanding in their chosen field of endeavour. Students nominated for honours must have already received a Merit Certificate, Badge and Colours for their chosen field of endeavour.
Once a student has been awarded Honours, she is entitled to wear the appropriate symbol on her Blazer pocket.
Criteria for Selection for Merit, Badge, Colour and Honour Awards K-12
A student shall have:
- Shown a Christian attitude towards their teachers and other members involved in their chosen field of endeavour;
- Attended preparation, training and planning sessions promptly, regularly and with positive commitment to instruction in their chosen field of endeavour;
- Attained a level of personal excellence in their chosen field of endeavour;
- Demonstrated that they have reflected the College Values;
- Provided ongoing service to the College Community as required in their chosen field of endeavour.
The Spirit of Mercy Award is presented to one student from each Year group at a K-12 Assembly in the final week of term.
Spirit of Mercy Awards
Spirit of Mercy Award ‘The true Spirit of Mercy is flowing on us’ (Catherine McAuley)
The Spirit of Mercy Award recognises students who consistently makes a positive contribution to our school community and always gives his/ her 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.