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Term 2 Week 1 – St Brigid’s College News

Published 28/04/2023 · Academic

Dear Families, Students, Staff and Friends of St Brigid’s College,

Welcome back to all members of the St Brigid’s College community.

This term we have many new families joining us and I warmly welcome you all to the College. Our Boarding students are back
and we have opened ‘Mercy House’ to accommodate our growing numbers. The first day for students was filled with mixed emotions. Some of our students wished the holidays were not over, whilst others were keen to get back into the school routine. The heart and soul of the school was back, and the usual hum of students and staff was music to my ears!

Professional Learning Day for Staff

The staff of the College are a highly professional team who continually put the students first. Staff are keen to grow their capacity and seek out ways to further enhance their professional skills and
knowledge. Last Monday the staff gathered to discuss ways to enhance deep learning for all students. The discussions enabled all staff to build on their expertise, share some of their challenges and continue to support each other in the pursuit of academic excellence for all students. This keynote session was followed by some team meetings and compliance training. I applaud the staff for their commitment to our College mission of “providing excellence in education within a Christ centred environment”.

ANZAC Day

During our Spirit of Mercy Assembly held on Wednesday, 26th April, I acknowledged the contribution of our Head Girls, Mackenzie Houlahan and Ella Giglia, at the Kalamunda ANZAC Day service hosted by the Kalamunda RSL. Mackenzie shared a little about what ANZAC Day meant to her. She stated that, “As a young person in today’s world, ANZAC Day is not just about the past, it’s also about the present and the future. As we remember those who have died, let us not forget those who came home and continued to suffer. Let us not forget the appalling costs of the war and all succeeding wars and conflicts in other countries. It is about recognising the ongoing sacrifices made by our current servicemen and women and the importance of supporting them and their families. As we gather to commemorate our fallen soldiers, we are reminded of the crucial importance of peace. We must work together to create a world where war is a thing of the past, and where we can all live in harmony and freedom and have hope for our future”.

I also wish to especially acknowledge Year 9 student Lillian Hales who is an army cadet within our community. Lillian assisted in the flag raising at the commemoration.
Many of our St Brigid’s College students came along to honour the Service men and women who currently, or had previously served our Nation. I commend those students and their families in making this a priority on ANZAC day.

Spirit of Mercy Award
The College held an Assembly on Wednesday morning to present the “Spirit of Mercy” Awards to recipients from last term. Each term, one student per year level is acknowledged for living the spirit of mercy within our community.

Kindergarten Kai Griffin
Pre-Primary Lachlan Restifo
Year One     Isabella Goodall
Year Two     Wynter Miller
Year Three   Vivienne Robinson
Year Four    Mika Klaric
Year Five     Indie Omodei
Year Six      Jaden O’Brien
Year Seven Emily Grabski
Year Eight  Ella Evangelista-Comito
Year Nine  Katie Otway
Year Ten    Sophie Sayer
Year Eleven Kuliah Ryan
Year Twelve Alisha Sadler

The Spirit of Mercy Award recognises students who consistently make a positive contribution to our school community and always give of their 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. Congratulations and well done to all recipients of this Award.

SBC welcomes New Mazenod College Principal
The new Principal of Mazenod College, Mr Simon Harvey, was welcomed to St Brigid’s College with a tour of our beautiful Campus last Wednesday. Mr Harvey expressed a strong desire to work closely with the St Brigid’s College community, supporting all families attending our schools.

Uniform Update
The College has introduced a new shirt for boys in the Primary. The decision to update the shirt was in consultation with students in 2022. The shirt is plain green and can be purchased at the Uniform Shop. Please note that this shirt does not require to be tucked in. The current grey shirt can be worn until the end of 2025. This shirt needs to be tucked in, in line with
current practice. The existing grey shorts will remain. Please be reminded that there are slacks available for students as an alternative to the College skirt.
These will need to be pre-ordered at the Uniform Shop.

Congratulations
Congratulations to Ava Bowles (Year 6), Annalyce Page (Year 8) and Amy Lethlean (Year 10) who competed in the 2023 Saddles PlusEquestrian Western Australia Interschool WA State Championships at the State Equestrian Centre in Brigadoon on the 19th to the 22nd
April.  Well done  girls. We are very proud of your accomplishments.

Enrolments for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten 2024 and Year 7, 2025
The College will commence enrolment interviews this term for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten 2024, and Year 7 2025. If you would like to enrol your child, please contact our Registrar, Ms Patty Majko on 9290 4237 or via email – majko.patty@stbrigids.wa.edu.au
Enrolments can be completed online via the College website https://sbcl.wa.edu.au/enrol/enrolnow2/ or alternatively call into Reception and speak with Patty.

Catholic School Parents Western Australia are looking for an Administration Officer to join their
team.

Should you be interested, please follow the link which will direct you to their website and a copy of the selection criteria: https://csp.wa.edu.au/newsletter/article/392 The closing date for applications is Friday, 5th May 2023 at 5.00p.m.

Condolences
Our heartfelt condolences to the Ouwendyk family on the passing of their beloved Grandmother (Oma) last week.
“Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her”.

Visit to Baggot Street, Dublin
Please keep me in your prayers as I embark on a pilgrimage to the House of Mercy in Ireland. Whilst I am excited to embrace this opportunity, I will be missing my St Brigid’s family. Our Vice Principal, Ms Janine Walsh will be leading the community in my absence.

Thank you for your ongoing kindness in the support of our community.

I feel blessed to lead St Brigid’s College.

Kind regards,

Veronica Parker
Principal

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