Student Insight

Cocurricular Update

Student Insight

Cocurricular emerged from the nightmare of COVID-19 lockdowns, shutdowns and cancellations with great energy and enthusiasm in Term 1. A new year and a new start, with many new students onboard. Interschool sports, debating, music ensemble performances, theatre performances, dancing, public speaking and the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions have all resumed. So too, our many and varied clubs and groups including the Girls in Black.

The postponed 2021 Dance Spectacular, held earlier in the year, was an astonishing success, as too the recently completed production and filming of the 2022 College Musical. I Can Hear Music: A 1960s Jukebox Revue was full of vibrancy, energy and the eternally classic songs from the period. The College community has also ventured back into the pool, with our swimmers competing in no less than four carnivals in Term 1, to the relief of many.

It hasn’t been full steam ahead for all activities however, just when we all thought things were functioning close to some form of normal, an unprecedented weather pattern washed out much of the Term 1 sports season.

As this edition of The Bridge features many of the major Cocurricular events in their own editorial space, I thought we might hear from our Cocurricular Captain Lara Veidners, Year 12 and some of our newest students in Year 7, who have just commenced their active participation in Cocurricular.

OWEN VALE DIRECTOR COCURRICULAR

AVA INGLIS, YEAR 7

At Brigidine I am really enjoying my Cocurricular activities, particularly doing dance. In my experience dance has been extremely fun and I have enjoyed every single second of it. I love dance especially at Brigo! In every lesson we learn or do something different, for example we always do a different turn pattern or try a new jump!

Waking up on Monday mornings to go to my morning jazz class has been challenging because I have to wake up at 5.00am to be at school at 7.00am but it has been worthwhile, because I have had such a fun time at my classes! Now, I almost look forward to waking up early, at least on Mondays.

Cocurricular has helped me make so many new friends. I have made new friends from my year and other years as well! I have made friends in my morning jazz class and at the auditions for the Eisteddfod teams!

Next term and beyond I am looking forward to starting my training in the Eisteddfod dance ensemble groups and I’m looking forward to learning my dance in my Year 7 jazz class! I’m also looking forward to making new friends and competing at competitions!

HAKONE LICERALDE, YEAR 7

Brigidine offers a wide variety of cocurricular activities to accommodate for our vast range of interests and aspirations. We are empowered to pursue our goals and have a sense of balance in our school life. Moreover, Brigidine girls are encouraged to be independent and to explore the endless opportunities, challenging ourselves to embrace our unexplored gifts.

I participate in ISDA debating, the Honours Program, junior choir, concert band and stage band. These activities have enhanced my ability to collaborate effectively with others, uniting our community to create something better than one individual can achieve. I have grown to appreciate the gaining of many life skills, such as creativity, critical thinking, and communication. Participating in Cocurricular activities has heightened my self-awareness, decision making and discipline. My learning experiences have been enriched by discovering the unique talents and qualities of my peers.

I wish to continue to flourish in the Cocurricular spectrum, endeavouring to enjoy the journey of my personal growth and forming stronger connections with my peers. The magical moments of accomplishment with your team are what truly makes Cocurricular activities so rewarding.

“There is a common denominator shared between those girls who loved their high school experience and those who were deeply involved in Cocurricular activities, pursuing their passions or simply trying something new.”

LARA VEIDNERS, YEAR 12

An inextricable link exists between Brigidine and Cocurricular. With a diverse variety of choices, from debating and speech, dance, sports, performing arts, Duke of Edinburgh and everything in between, I attribute much of my character growth to Brigidine’s Cocurricular program. From developing lifelong ‘second family’ connections, building a rapport with teachers and coaches, whilst concurrently being intellectually (and often physically!) challenged, the programs’ emphasis on personal accomplishment and inclusivity is what makes every single Brigo girl’s Cocurricular journey so enriching. It is only with the gift of retrospect that I am truly able to appreciate the myriad of opportunities I have been afforded by Brigidine. There is a common denominator shared between those girls who loved their high school experience and those who were deeply involved in Cocurricular activities, pursuing their passions or simply trying something new. Whilst the opportunities are endless and your time in high school limited, this may give some people the false impression that there is “too much to do in too little time”. However, if anything, this is even more motivation to capitalise upon the high quality and diversity of programs on offer. Personally, it was the most daunting experiences that I reflect upon so fondly today and I for one, could not be more grateful for Cocurricular at Brigidine.