Courage, Confidence and Compassion in a Changing World

Courage, Confidence and Compassion in a Changing World Strategic Plan 2021– 2025 1

We acknowledge the Garigal People of the Iora nation as the Traditional Owners of the land in which our school is placed. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

We are inspired and nurtured by the wisdoms, spiritualities and experiences of our First Nations Peoples.

Photo: Students’ artwork

Sharing the Vision Message from Chair of the Board Brigidine College St Ives is a Catholic school dedicated to the education of girls, owned and governed by Kildare Ministries – a civil and canonical entity with responsibility for 10 schools and three social welfare organisations.

Founded in 1954 by the Brigidine Sisters to educate girls on the upper North Shore of Sydney, in 2021, the College celebrates almost 70 years of excellence in education. In our contemporary context, we are proud to provide a holistic education, combining the spiritual, academic, physical, and cultural dimensions of learning.

This new forward-looking plan ensures we will be well positioned to respond to innovations in education and technology, to equip our students for successful life pathways beyond the school gates.

Brigidine’s culture is future focused with an eye to our traditions and what makes us unique. The inspiration of St Brigid – a woman of vision and courage – forms the foundation of our contemporary approach to Catholic education, empowering our students and staff to engage courageously, confidently and compassionately in our rapidly changing world.

We are excited by the challenges and growth ahead for our community, and look forward to sharing the joy of our journey together.

Mrs Kitty Guerin Chair, Board 1

Message from Principal Imagining College life in five years’ time is a challenging task, but we are confident the consultation and development process for our new Strategic Plan has ensured all aspects of school life have been unpacked, with meaningful and aspirational challenges set.

A strategic plan also does not sit in isolation as a ‘final’ blueprint.

Informed by annual review and goal setting, our Strategic Plan will be a living document in the lives of our students and staff.

Courage, Confidence and Compassion in a Changing World 20212025 recognises the need for continuous school improvement and growth, underpinned by our commitment to excellence and opportunity for all students. Our planning for the future ensures we are positioned to respond to changes in education and the changing society our students will need to navigate.

As a Catholic school, we recognise our focus provides our students not only with an understanding of their faith, but also the moral courage and integrity required to take on the challenges of the world. Our aim for Brigidine graduates is to be women of the future, exemplifying our motto of Strength and Gentleness in all aspects of their lives and dealings with others.

On behalf of the Brigidine College community, we are pleased to present our Strategic Plan 2021-2025.

Ms Laetitia Richmond Principal 2

Kildare Ministries Kildare Ministries takes its inspiration from the person of Jesus Christ and is committed to ministry grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition, reflecting the love, generosity and justice of the Gospels. Its vision is rooted in ancient tradition yet open to new expressions arising in response to evolving needs that reflect the changing times. The same spirit that inspired religious institutes to begin new works, establish new facilities and launch new ministries, flourishes in the Church today.

As a constituent entity of Kildare Ministries, our College is guided by its Vision and Mission.

Vision A community where all people are valued, where all creation is recognised as sacred, and where hope, justice and courage are our hallmarks.

Mission Responding to the changing needs of our world, we strive to build inclusive communities through the provision of education and community works.

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Our Motto Fortiter et Suaviter – Strength and Gentleness

Our Vision Following the path of St Brigid, a woman of vision and courage, our contemporary, holistic approach to Catholic education empowers young women to engage courageously, confidently and compassionately in a rapidly changing world.

Our Mission We inspire our students to value learning, seek wisdom, act with integrity, and to honour their spiritual heritage.

We challenge young women to act as global citizens, with strength and gentleness in their own lives and the lives of others.

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Our Values We are proud to produce graduates who are “Women of Strength, Women of Gentleness”, embodying the Brigidine values: Courage

Speaking and acting with integrity

Confidence

pholding our beliefs by living and leading with U our values

Compassion

Walking with and having empathy for all

Excellence

Striving for our personal best in all we do

Hope

ringing a sense of purpose and optimism to B every endeavour

Hospitality

lacing community and dignity at the heart of P our interactions, welcoming all

Justice A cting always with fairness and justness, creating equity in the world in which we live Wonder C elebrating all that is good with curiosity and gratitude

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Our Objectives Our Strategic Plan 2021– 2025 consists of five areas of strategic intent

FAITH

WELLBEING

Enriching and enlivening our Brigidine community in faith and service.

Nurturing wellbeing through care, connection and compassion.

COMMUNITY Embracing the power of community and partnership to create opportunity.

LEARNING Developing confident, creative and successful learners.

GOVERNANCE Managing our resources and sustainability.

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Faith Brigidine College St Ives is committed to:  Strengthening the contemporary spiritual life of students so they grow in faith and hope.

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 Developing empathy and advocacy for those who experience social injustice or who live on the margins of society.

Enriching and enlivening our Brigidine community in faith and service

 Inspiring and nurturing connection with, and understanding of, the Catholic Church and Kildare Ministries.

This calls us as a College community to instil a living and contemporary Catholic ethos modelled on Jesus Christ and the Vision of Kildare Ministries in our students and staff. This strategic area will continue our work in the realms of faith, social justice and advocacy, prayer, reflection and formation.

 Extending Religious Education to inform, engage, stimulate and challenge students.

 Enriching the faith experience through innovation in liturgical, prayer and sacramental opportunities promoting stillness and deep reflection.

 Prioritising the professional formation of Brigidine staff as witnesses and educators in faith.

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Learning Brigidine College St Ives is committed to:  Inspiring and embedding learning that is outward looking, adaptable, transformative and engaging for every student.  Adopting a wide variety of technologies and innovative practice to promote exceptional learning opportunities through differentiated instruction.  Utilising comprehensive data analysis to inform and evaluate the learning growth of each student.

Developing confident, creative and successful learners We will continue to advance an innovative educational environment that recognises every student’s individual needs and develops their unique strengths and capabilities through best practice and exceptional learning opportunities.

 Providing rich and dynamic professional development opportunities to continue building the capacity of our staff as contemporary and creative educators.  Developing strategic partnerships with external agencies to embed enterprise skills that build student confidence and sense of agency throughout the curriculum.  Engaging both students and parents in the learning journey through sound communication of student performance and areas for growth.

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Wellbeing

Nurturing wellbeing through care, connection and compassion Brigidine is well-known for our strong wellbeing focus and promotion of a connected school community in which each individual is known, valued and cared for. We will continue to strengthen our responsiveness to our community needs, actively supporting and encouraging a positive school culture. An important element of this is our partnership with parents/caregivers, families and our wider community.

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Brigidine College St Ives is committed to:  Strengthening and celebrating a culture that is safe, positive, inclusive, nurturing and inspiring.  Actively developing and supporting strong partnership with parents/caregivers and the wider community.  Enhancing staff wellbeing through collaboration, consultation and empowerment.  Building resilience in students for positive mental and physical health.  Supporting and celebrating the growth of selfconfident, self‑aware and independent graduates.  Evaluating and responding to emerging social challenges through educational programs informed by student voices.

Wellbeing 13

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Community

Brigidine College St Ives is committed to:  Enhancing parent/caregiver skills and knowledge in engaging with their child’s learning and wellbeing.  Building and maintaining strong relationships with educational bodies, including Catholic, independent and other relevant networks.

Embracing the power of community and partnership to create opportunity We will continue building a culture of team work, collaboration and mutual support with our families, alumni and wider community to enhance the student experience and provide rich opportunities for real-world learning.

This includes creating mutually rewarding experiences for members of our community to actively participate in learning outcomes and share professional knowledge and expertise to support career-readiness.

 Seeking community and industry partnerships that inspire and enrich learning opportunities for students in a real work setting.  Designing and implementing interactive programs and activities utilising the personal and professional skills and knowledge of our alumni, parents/ caregivers and other members of our community to support and broaden students’ career aspirations.  Developing a culture of philanthropy amongst our community for the support of initiatives that enhance the student experience, including scholarships and bursaries supporting access and equity.  Creating opportunities for our students to engage locally, nationally and internationally, to help broaden their horizons and prepare them to be global citizens of the world.

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Governance Brigidine College St Ives is committed to:

Managing our resources and sustainability Responsible stewardship ensures we respond ethically, legally and strategically to current and future needs, with careful management of both our resources and environment. College Leadership and Board Directors will work together closely to maintain high standards of professionalism and accountability in executing our future focused vision.

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 Adopting and maintaining best practice in governance, business operations, human resources, risk and compliance management and succession planning that are accountable to our College community, Kildare Ministries and regulatory authorities.  Seeking and appointing highly skilled and committed Board Directors, College Leaders and Board Committee members, in partnership with the Trustees of Kildare Ministries, to ensure ongoing strong and effective governance.  Developing and implementing a sustainable, longterm Master Plan that addresses the curricular and cocurricular strategic priorities of the College for the next 10 years, from 2021 to 2031.  Optimising enrolments through promotion of the educational opportunities at our College, including outstanding facilities, scholarships and bursaries.

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Brigidine College 325 Mona Vale Road, St Ives NSW 2075 +61 2 9988 6200 office@brigidine.nsw.edu.au brigidine.nsw.edu.au

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