THE BRIGIDINE COLLEGE ST IVES
bridge
ISSUE 1 2022
The Bridge, the Brigidine College St Ives biannual magazine Editor Lisa Foulstone Graphic Design Darren Rochford Proof Reading Mandy Loomes Photography Anthony Khoury Brigidine staff and students Printing Worldwide North Ryde Brigidine College 325 Mona Vale Road St Ives NSW 2075 +61 2 9988 6200 office@brigidine.nsw.edu.au brigidine.nsw.edu.au
Left: Madeleine Coakes’ Sapphire Coat was selected for TEXStyle 2022.
WHAT WE LIKED How pleased we all were to finally be able to participate in face-to-face debating again! Our Brigo teams started the year well and have not looked back; going from strength to strength winning debates against some very convincing opposition.
CARE TO SHARE? We are always grateful to receive photos and stories that we can share on our social media pages. Please send content to communications@ brigidine.nsw.edu.au
Contents
Issue one 2022
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28
LATE ST N E WS
BURSA RY
From the Principal
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2021 HSC Results
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What the Future Holds Canvas – Our New Learning Management System
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C U R R I C U L U M U P D AT E
Languages – Expanding their World 10 History is More than Dates
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S TUD E N T A C H I E V E M ENT S
Highlights
Change Her Life – Give Today, Help Change Tomorrow
ALUMNI
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EVENT S
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From the Alumni and Community Relations Coordinator
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Shared Pearls of Wisdom
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Sr Anita Murray Turns 90
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Dance Spectacular
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From One Generation to the Next
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From the Pool
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Alumni Profile
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Births
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Weddings
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Vales
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I Can Hear Music: A 1960s Jukebox Revue
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School Snapshots
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COM M UNITY NEWS
C O CU R R I C U L A R U P DAT E
Student Insight
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Spotlight on Your P&F
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Welcoming New Members to Our Community
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Brigo Dads Continues to Grow
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AR CHIVES
Stockings, Hats and Gloves – The History of Tennis at Brigidine
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Latest News
From the Principal
As a Brigidine community we take our inspiration from the life of St Brigid. St Brigid was called to serve the poor, the marginalised and the vulnerable, welcoming them with warm hospitality and compassionate care. Our students, staff and leaders are inspired by her example, to be people of action, giving generously of their time, talents and effort. The belief that education has a fundamental role to play in spiritual, personal, social and intellectual development has been a cornerstone of the work of the Brigidine Sisters who established our College in St Ives. A focus on education in faith and building strong learning communities is seen as a powerful means of social transformation whereby the ideals of peace, freedom and social justice are promoted. Our College motto of Strength and Gentleness reflects the demands of school leadership – strength in decision making, strength in courage and justice, strength of character; gentleness in caring, gentleness with those you lead and gentleness of spirit. Our College Leadership Team are charged with the care and leadership of our Middle Leaders, Year Coordinators, Heads of Department, students, staff and the wider community.
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As a College Leadership Team, we strive to ensure that in our work with the College community – • That confidence, strength and optimism are constant themes in daily College life for students, modelled by school leadership • That leadership and opportunity is continually coupled with accountability and humility back to our College community • That students are prepared to operate in a rapidly changing world with courage, integrity and wisdom Our current Strategic Plan, Courage, Confidence and Compassion in a Changing World 2021–2025 will direct our thoughts and actions when leading our community. Imagining College life in five years’ time is quite a challenging task but we are confident the development process of our Strategic Plan has ensured all aspects of school life have been unpacked, with meaningful and aspirational challenges set. A strategic plan does not sit in isolation as a ‘final’ blueprint. Informed by annual review and goal setting, our Strategic Plan is a living document adapting with the lives of our students and staff. Courage, Confidence and Compassion in a Changing World 2021–2025 recognises the need for continuous College improvement and growth, underpinned by our commitment to excellence and opportunity for all students.
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Our planning for the future ensures we are positioned to respond to changes in education and the changing society our students need to navigate. As a Catholic school, we recognise our focus provides our students with not only an understanding of their faith but also the moral courage and integrity required to take on the challenges of the world. We aim for our Brigidine graduates to be women of the future, exemplifying our motto of Strength and Gentleness in all aspects of their lives. Our Strategic Plan consists of five areas of strategic intent that are led by members of the College Leadership Team: Mr Brian Loughland, Deputy Faith and Mission leads the strategic area of FAITH. In this area of strategic intent, we aim to enrich and enliven our Brigidine community in faith and service. 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 in the realms of faith, social justice and advocacy, prayer, reflection and formation. Ms Leone Smyth, Acting Deputy Teaching and Learning leads the strategic area of LEARNING. In this area of strategic intent, we aim to develop 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
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strengths and capabilities through both best practice and exceptional learning opportunities. Mrs Sia Mastro, our new Director Student Wellbeing leads the strategic area of WELLBEING. In this area of strategic intent, we aim to nurture wellbeing through care, connection and compassion. Brigidine is well known for our strong focus on wellbeing, promoting a connected College community in which everyone is known, valued and cared for. We will continue to strengthen our responsiveness to our community needs, actively supporting and encouraging a positive College culture. An important element of this is our partnership with parents, caregivers, families and our wider community. Mrs Mandy Loomes our new Director of Community Engagement and Mr Owen Vale, Director Cocurricular lead the strategic area of COMMUNITY. In this area of strategic intent, we aim to embrace the power of community and partnership to create opportunity. We will continue building a culture of teamwork, collaboration and mutual support with our families, alumni and the 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.
“We aim for our Brigidine graduates to be women of the future, exemplifying our motto of Strength and Gentleness in all aspects of their lives.”
Mrs Liz May, Director Staff and Mr Richard Luxford our Business Manager lead the strategic area of GOVERNANCE. In this area of strategic intent, we aim to manage 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. As a team, the College Leadership at Brigidine is well balanced in experience, approach and areas of expertise. We work closely with the College Board to ensure all areas of College governance and management exemplify best practice. In delivering leadership to each area of College life, our team work closely with staff to ensure our students and families experience a contemporary approach to their College life. In 2022 we welcomed two new members to Brigidine College and our Leadership Team. Mrs Sia Mastro, Director Student Wellbeing and Mrs Mandy Loomes, Director Community Engagement. The newly created Director Wellbeing role is responsible for overseeing the wellbeing needs of our whole College community, by providing a caring, supportive and vibrant pastoral care program. As a community leader, Sia recognises the importance of embedding a targeted program that
embraces wellbeing from a contemporary and evidence-based context to ensure that staff and students are capable of flourishing to their optimal best. Sia has attained a diverse range of qualifications throughout her career. These have included a Master of Education (Leadership and Wellbeing), Graduate Diploma in Counselling and a Bachelor of Music Education. All areas of her specialisation and various paths of experience contribute to promoting a College environment that encourages the development of selfawareness through a myriad of multifaceted opportunities that enhance the social and emotional wellbeing of each student. Sia is committed to providing a haven of opportunities for students to be empowered, act courageously and build positive relationships through their Mentor, House and class groups whilst being challenged and inspired to develop their own individual sense of character with ‘strength and gentleness’. Brigidine’s riches lie within its community, which is why community is so highly valued at Brigidine College. As the new Director of Community Engagement, Mandy Loomes’ role encompasses all aspects of community engagement including enrolments, marketing, communications, publications, philanthropy, events, archives, alumni and community relations. These areas are seen by Mandy and the Leadership Team as integral to the strategic direction, ongoing development and sustainability of the College. Mandy
is supported by the dynamic Community Relations team to enrich the Brigidine experience for all students, parents and staff. Mandy has a Bachelor of Economics, is a Justice of the Peace, a member of Educate Plus and has more than 20 years of experience working in education. She is passionate about the importance of her work and keeping everyone connected. Mandy enjoys and values her interaction with students, parents, staff and alumni to support the Brigidine Community. She sees effective and genuine communication as an important part of the Brigidine experience that nurtures the journey for us all. As a College Leadership Team the opportunity to lead a community also delivers the responsibility to be fully aware of the need for careful stewardship and governance. As a team we remain focused on the fact that professional and personal integrity and a belief in an authentic Catholic education ensures we maintain a realistic sense of the work that needs to be undertaken with the community every day to achieve this goal. Our aim and commitment to the Brigidine College community is to advance opportunities for students through their experiences in holistic education. As Principal, I’m privileged to work with such an insightful and experienced team of leaders. LAETITIA RICHMOND P R I N C I PA L
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Latest News
2021 HSC Results
We are delighted to share with you the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2021. This year group persisted through two years of uncertainty and disruption due to COVID-19. We admire their academic successes but mostly we are proud of their resilience, optimism and capacity to adapt. We would like to particularly acknowledge those girls who have achieved significant growth and surpassed their own aspirations during their Brigidine journey. The College has maintained its consistently high academic standing again this year and we would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated staff for their unfailing dedication, care and professionalism.
Brigidine College ranked
Some of the highlights from the results for the Class of 2021 are:
• 2nd in Legal Studies with 99% of students receiving a Band 6
Dux Tara Thai achieved an ATAR of 98.95
• 3rd in Drama with 91% of students receiving a Band 6
Joint Proxime
NESA HSC Showcases
Abbie Gates and Sarah Wang both achieved ATARs of 98.65
• Madeleine Coakes selected for TEXStyle 2022 (Apparel)
Top All Rounder
• Jessica Wilson selected for Callback (Major Performance)
Tara Thai. An ‘all-rounder’ is a student who has achieved at least 10 units over 90% Top Achievers in the State Tara Thai: 1st in Drama Alyssa Wong (Year 11, 2021): 4th in Information and Digital Technology Jessica Marx (Year 11, 2021): 5th in Studies of Religion II Distinguished Achievers 86 students were mentioned on the Distinguished Achievers list, with 153 Band 6s across a broad range of courses.
• 10th among Catholic Girls’ Schools in NSW • 66th overall in NSW
• Charlotte Thomson nominated for Callback (Core Composition) • Matika Mendel nominated for Callback (Core Performance) • Maddie Xegas nominated for Encore (Performance) • Emily Ambrogio nominated for Encore (Composition) • Natalie Theodore nominated for Encore (Performance) • Chantelle Masson nominated for OnStage (Individual Performance) • Sarah Matthews nominated for OnStage (Individual Performance)
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• Tara Thai nominated for OnStage (Individual Performance) • Stella Hall, Hayley Seeto and Mollie Hine nominated for OnStage (Group Performance) • Natalie Bowesman nominated for Shape (Design and Technology) Scholarship Maya Preziuso was offered a prestigious Co-Op Scholarship at the University of UTS in Bachelor of Accounting. These scholarships are highly valued and sought after with only 28 students selected from more than 1000 applications. This is the 5th consecutive year that Brigidine students have been awarded this industry supported scholarship. LAETITIA RICHMOND P R I N C I PA L
Out of 126 Year 12 students: • 43 (34%) received an ATAR of above 90
2021 HSC RESULTS
• 76 (60%) received an ATAR of above 80 • 21.1% of Brigidine students received a Band 6 compared to 11.4% of all HSC students • 45% of Brigidine students received a Band 5 compared to 28.3% of all HSC students
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98.95
MENTIONS ON THE DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVERS LIST ACROSS A BROAD RANGE OF COURSES
BRIGIDINE’S HIGHEST ATAR ACHIEVED
THOSE WHO SCORED 90 MARKS OR HIGHER – BAND 6
ATAR BELOW 80
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86 STUDENTS MENTIONED ON THE DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVERS LIST
ATAR ABOVE 90
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BRIGIDINE RANKED 10TH IN NSW OUT OF CATHOLIC GIRLS SCHOOLS
%
34
%
60 % ATAR ABOVE 80
TOP ACHIEVERS IN THE STATE BRIGIDINE RANKED 66TH SCHOOL IN NSW
2 SELECTIONS FOR HSC SHOWCASES
“Our roots will always lie here, in the soil of Brigidine land where we have learned to flourish every day. But now it is time for us to spread our branches far and wide across the world, and I know wherever the 2021 graduates wander the world will be made a better place.”
34% OVER A MARK OF 90
153
322
BAND 6 MENTIONS
BAND 5 MENTIONS
60 % OVER A MARK OF 80
FLORA TUCKER C O L L E G E C A P TA I N 2 0 2 1
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Latest News
What the Future Holds
TARA THAI, DUX 98.95 Although leaving the comfort and familiarity of high school is a daunting thought, I am looking forward to beginning my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degree, majoring in Politics at the University of Sydney. I have always held a deep interest in becoming a lawyer, keen to incorporate my interests in public speaking, the humanities and critical thinking into a lifelong career. At university I hope to continue to foster my love for learning instilled in me during my time at Brigidine as well as acquire the skills and knowledge required to succeed in my future endeavours. I am still undecided on the area of law I wish to pursue, however, I am certain that I want my career to make a positive difference in the lives of others and I know that I will do so with the Brigidine values of strength and gentleness close to my heart.
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ABBIE GATES, JOINT PROXIME 98.65
SARAH WANG, JOINT PROXIME 98.65
This year I am looking forward to starting a double degree of Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and Bachelor of Science at Macquarie University, which will eventually allow me to become a high school mathematics teacher. During my time at Brigidine, particularly in the accelerated HSC program, I realised my true passion and love for maths and problem solving. Since then, becoming a teacher and sharing this passion with others has been my dream career. I am excited to be able to help and inspire students in the future, whilst also being able to practice something that I love each day.
This year I will be starting my five year Bachelor of Advanced Mathematics (Honours)/Computer Science at UNSW. I’ve been interested in mathematics since a very young age because I love the process of logical thinking and it has been my strongest and favourite subject since preschool. Owing to my love of maths, I am currently employed as a mathematics tutor in coaching centres, which is a part-time role I am passionate about. My future goal is to work in the field of Artificial Intelligence, especially in the medical sector, where I wish to make a contribution to the improvement of technology and health.
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Latest News
Canvas – Our New Learning Management System
Canvas was selected because of its reputation for excellence and its suitability for our needs. Many students will find that this is the system they encounter when they move beyond Brigidine College to university, because it is the system of choice in most educational institutions across the world. The implementation of Canvas began in Term 4, 2021 with Year 12 course enrolments. Teachers bravely ventured into the new system, published their course content and began using the platform to post content and assess students. In 2022, all students and teachers are using Canvas and have completed some training in its use. The Year 7 Orientation program was successfully run over three days, with
training in Canvas one of the key sessions. We are very pleased with students’ progress and view this as a move into a better future of teaching and learning. Canvas is a collaborative online learning platform which allows teachers to design teaching and learning activities in units of work called modules for students. There are lots of third-party integrations of products like Campion MyConnect digital textbooks, Mathspace, Education Perfect and Stile which makes learning simpler for students. All their learning occurs in one place and students do not need to leave Canvas. These products can be utilised to enable teachers to differentiate student work to address the diversity of learners in our classrooms.
Now that we have resumed a short period of ‘off-site learning’ Canvas allows us to use the Zoom integration within each course to enable students to quickly join meetings with their teacher from their Dashboard calendar. Canvas allows us to meet our strategic goals to improve student learning experiences, improve our data collection, integrate most of our online services and tools right in the student’s course, and enable teachers to give timely feedback to students.
There are many interactive features in Canvas, including discussions and quizzes which can allow for instant feedback on students learning. The online mark book in Canvas is very flexible and allows for written, aural and visual feedback.
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Curriculum Update
Languages – Expanding their World
Languages give learners the world by expanding their minds to other cultures and opening doors to new possibilities. The acquisition of an additional language and associated intercultural skills is key to how young people develop, both intellectually and emotionally. The ability to speak another language also gives them greater confidence and choice when it comes to future study and work. At Brigidine we have 338 students currently learning a language. Through this, our students are able to develop their first language literacy, problem-solving, intercultural and communication skills, equipping them for a wide range of careers. The College offers two languages, French and Italian. The prerequisite language study hours occur both in Years 7 and 8. In their first year, the girls study the two languages and in the following year they can continue with one of these. In the classroom, our philosophy is to immerse our students in the target culture by teaching the content in creative and engaging ways. We speak the target language as much as possible and allow our students to have numerous authentic experiences. These include eating traditional foods, brought in or homemade. Further, each year all French and Italian students enjoy films in the target language. We are anticipating that in the very near future we can continue the linguistic and cultural excursions that have been held in previous years. In the past, our girls have also been encouraged to go on exchange which has consistently been a positive and life changing experience for our students. MARIA JACKSON H E A D O F D E PA R T M E N T – L A N G U A G E S
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Curriculum Update
History is More than Dates Often, when people ask what History is, people talk about dates. While dates are important in sequencing historical events, to study History is much more than learning dates. One particular skill is the use of historical sources which involves the selection of sources relevant to a topic so that the History student can come to an understanding of an historical period from the perspective of the time in question. History students from Years 7 to 12 undertake at least one research assignment as part of their assessments each year. However, source analysis goes beyond just assessment tasks. Teachers develop skills in the use and analysis of sources in each topic they teach. The use of sources is essential in students developing their ability to explain their understanding of History, whether it be in a short test, a formal essay or class discussion. In their first Depth Study Year 7 spend time learning about how historians work, which involves students learning about the importance of primary and secondary sources. When studying the Black Death Year 8 students examine sources which demonstrate the medieval understanding about what caused the plague and how to treat it. In this COVID-19 Age this provides students with an interesting perspective on just how far medical science has developed, thankfully.
History Elective students also use sources as they seek to interpret historical issues, with Year 9 using sources to create webpages about historical shipwrecks and Year 10 using sources to create a scrapbook on the French Revolution. Our senior students continue to develop their skills in source analysis, for both Year 11 Ancient and Modern History this is embedded in their introductory units on the Nature of History. Year 12 students also work intensely on historical analysis tasks which involve creating source portfolios for their core topics, the Cities of Vesuvius and Power and Authority in the Modern World. However, it is important to note that the use of evidence, including primary sources and historian’s opinions is effectively built into each of the four topics that senior History students do for their HSC. History Extension students also explore the use of sources in their study of The Construction of History and Case Study. The skills they develop in these units are put to use when they undertake their History Project. Photos show Year 9 students from 9U and 9S studying a range of primary sources to determine if child labour in the factories of the Industrial Revolution was a good or bad thing. S H E R RY L B R E M N E R H E A D O F D E PA R T M E N T – H I S T O RY
Year 9 students have been studying the Industrial Revolution and have spent many lessons using sources to examine the benefits and disadvantages of the factory system and its use of child labour. Year 10 students have also spent many lessons examining sources about Indigenous Rights and Freedoms as part of their compulsory Depth Study.
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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. O W E N VA L E DIRECTOR COCURRICULAR
Rostrum Voice of Youth (left to right): Lara Veidners (Year 12), Luisa Baker (Year 12), Olivia Howell (Year 10) and Summer Woods (Year 9)
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AVA INGLIS, YEAR 7
HAKONE LICERALDE, 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!
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.
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!
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.
LARA VEIDNERS, YEAR 12
“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.”
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.
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Student Achievements
GRIFFIN THEATRE AMBASSADORS
Highlights
Three Brigidine Drama students have been appointed as Griffin Theatre Ambassadors for 2022. Sophie McGrath, Roseanna Huang (both Year 10) and Isabella Sham (Year 12). Through this appointment they will have the opportunity to meet theatre professionals, participate in workshops and watch new Australian plays at the acclaimed Griffin Theatre in Kings Cross. We are thrilled to have our drama queens representing the College.
TOUCH FOOTBALL Brigidine had five girls selected in IGSA Touch Football teams, competing at the NSWCIS Championships in April. Alana Reddy and Keeley Holmes (both Year 11) played in the Opens team. Mia Links (Year 9), Charlotte Bensley and Tasha Lillycrop (both Year 8) were selected in the U15 team.
SOFTBALL Congratulations to Bethany Lever, Kirra Gilchrist (both Year 11), Poppy Howlett, Sienna Newbery (both Year 10), Josie Howlett and Georgia Benson (both Year 9) who participated in the IGSA Softball trials and were selected in the final team of 12 players to represent IGSA at the NSWCIS Championships.
AUSTRALIAN MTB INTERSCHOOL COMPETITION Elleni Turkovic (Year 9) was crowned the ‘Queen of the Mountain’ when she competed with over 1000 students at the Australian MTB Interschool Competition in Thredbo. Elleni won all disciplines of Downhill, Flow, Pump Track and All-Mountain events, gaining second place in Cross Country and winning the Year 9/10 division.
BASKETBALL Congratulations to Alana Reddy (Year 11) who was selected in the U18s NSW State Basketball team earlier this year. This is an amazing achievement and follows her selection in the U16s State team last year. Alana represented NSW at the Nationals in April.
WATER POLO
NSW CANOE SPRINT STATE TITLES
OPEN WATER NATIONALS
Georgia Young and Gemma Hatherell (both Year 10) represented the Sydney Northern Beaches Breakers Water Polo to win their Grand Final for U16B at the Sydney Metro Water Polo Competition. The team was coached by alumni Tertia Garay (Class of 2011) and our own Head of Sport, Claire Hatherell.
Well done to Zoe Shirdon, Albee McInnes (both Year 10), Hayley Dunbar and Tess Lever (both Year 8) who competed in the NSW Canoe Sprint State Titles at the International Regatta Centre in Penrith on 22 – 23 January.
Congratulations to Zannah Dixon (Year 10) who competed in 21 races at the Senior State Titles before flying to Adelaide for the Open Water Nationals with only one day’s rest!
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Between them, in the U16 and U14 Women’s categories they secured 11 Gold medals, 13 Silver medals and five Bronze medals!
Zannah finished 4th in the 7.5km swim – an amazing achievement!
Bursary
Change Her Life – Give Today, Help Change Tomorrow Since 1954 our wonderful College has been richly shaped by the many contributions of those who have come before us. Initially, it was the nuns who tirelessly invested in the College and contributed so much to shape its direction. Through education they guided young women to develop strong values and to have confidence in their abilities and talents. We are grateful for their passionate and never-ending support.
Recently the College again benefited from the nun’s generosity with the receipt of two gifts. Both Sister Anita and Sister Pauline who, because of their appreciation and understanding of the importance of bursaries and of the College’s vision, personally supported the Scholarship and Bursary fund this year. They know their gifts have the power to transform the lives of young women who are given the opportunity to benefit from and receive a Brigidine education. Sister Anita and Sister Pauline’s gifts will empower girls in their growth as future leaders, build
on our values of diversity and inclusivity to further strengthen our College community. Sister Anita and Sister Pauline invite you to join them in supporting Brigidine’s Bursary Fund. Our vision depends on your generosity. Your gift is tax deductible and will not only benefit and help young women, but the community too, keeping friends together and providing a stable continuing education for our students knowing that a Brigidine education can certainly change a life. Our key focus in 2022 is to expand our Bursary program so that it is sustainable
into the future with the goal to continue to give young women the chance to learn, contribute and thrive in the safe and nurturing Brigidine environment. A bursary can have a tremendous life changing effect on lives and provides invaluable support to families who have experienced loss or hardship. Education is a gift and this investment will provide young women to access or continue their Brigidine education in spite of hardship or loss. To make your gift to Brigidine’s Bursary Fund please visit our website: brigidine.nsw.edu.au/giving
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Events
Dance Spectacular
Our Cocurricular Dance program presented Dance Spectacular 2021 on Saturday 26 February at the Concourse, Chatswood. The staging of this postponed event showcased the considerable depth of dance talent here at Brigidine, and the resilience and determination of the dance community who worked through such a challenging year for performance. Back amongst the hundreds of Brigidine dancers, was the magical and powerful energy only a live ensemble performance can bring, an energy, that had been missed by the girls for such a long time. Fresh costumes, makeup, dress rehearsals, clouds of hair spray, dressing rooms, the backstage energy, the hum of a full house and an undeniable sense of College and ensemble spirit combined to energise each and every performer. The long day started early with a dress rehearsal at 8.30am, followed by the matinee performance, finishing after 10.00pm with the evening show’s closing item,
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a celebration that included all College dancers choreographed by the 2021 Dance Captains. Onstage, the audience witnessed student passion, skill, talent, artistic diversity and boundless energy. I loved being backstage throughout Dance Spec’. The atmosphere was a powerful reminder of the wonderful Brigidine culture and morale. As the girls performed their pieces in the many moments and routines on stage, you could feel the love and support throughout the theatre as audience cheers reached deep into the wings, backstage and beyond. Dance styles ranged from Salsa to Urban Hip Hop, Contemporary
to Commercial Jazz and Tap, showing a variety of skill and technical ability. Perhaps the most uplifting moment of all, as the show finished and the curtain fell, the stage filled with excitement and dancers of all ages as they sang the Brigidine chant together, loud and proud. Despite the hardship of 2021, through strength and determination our Brigidine girls came together and united on stage for their love of dance. SHANNON RILEY DANCE CONVENOR
“Dance Spec is my favourite time of the year! It showcases our amazing dancers and all the hard work they have put in throughout the year. I absolutely love having a chance to dance with my friends and appreciate all the talented performers we have at Brigo.” C O C O YA M A G U C H I D A N C E C A P TA I N , Y E A R 1 2
“I love Dance Spec! It’s such a rewarding feeling coming together with girls from all year groups and finally performing what we’ve been working hard on all year.” M I L L I E F I T Z PAT R I C K , Y E A R 1 1
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Events
From the Pool
This year, we held two Swimming Carnivals – a Championship Carnival which allowed us to select our representative swimming team and a second House Carnival which was full of colour, participation and fun!! There was some amazing swimming on display in both carnivals, with the highlight of the carnival being the final All Age House Relay. This was a 6 x 50m Freestyle relay which had one swimmer from each Year group in each House team. This event definitely got the biggest cheer of the day and nearly lifted the roof off the Aquatic Centre! The Championship 50m race, which sees the fastest eight 50m Freestyle swimmers of the day race at the end of the carnival was also a highlight, with the eight swimmers all finishing within one second of each other! After the Championship Carnival we selected a team of 25 swimmers who represented Brigidine at both the BBSSSA and IGSA Swimming Carnivals. We achieved some excellent results at both carnivals, with our swimmers making over 20 finals at IGSA and winning the Intermediate Division at BBSSSA. We also achieved some remarkable results in Diving at the IGSA Carnival. We came equal first in Division 2, received the trophy for the Most Improved School for Diving and Hannah Smith (Year 10) was crowned the Senior Diving Champion. Brigidine had 13 swimmers and two divers selected to represent BBSSSA at the NSWCCC Swimming Carnival, with all then being selected to represent NSWCCC at the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships in June this year.
BRIGIDINE SWIMMING CARNIVAL RESULTS Age Champions Multi Class Equal 1st Katie Booth Lisa Weingartner 3rd Sayaka Nishide 12 years 1st Evelyn Howells 2nd Ella Bruce 3rd Sophie Veldman 13 years 1st Indianna Vale 2nd Nikita Muriti Equal 3rd Nakita Notoras Ruby Halpin
14 years 1st Poppy Smith 2nd Olivia Price 3rd Lilah Ogg
17+ years 1st Taylor Bradac 2nd Ashley Williams 3rd Isabella Brooker
15 years 1st Indie Smith 2nd Sophia Cooper 3rd Albee McInnes
Open Invitation 50m Free Champion Zannah Dixon (Year 10)
16 years 1st Zannah Dixon 2nd Lara Price 3rd Georgia Young
School Champion Zannah Dixon House Point Score 1st Kildare 959 2nd Lourdes 798 3rd Prague 731 4th Fatima 728
NSWCCC RESULTS Zannah Dixon (Year 10) 16 years 100m Backstroke GOLD, 16 years 50m Backstroke SILVER
Sabrina Mulhearn (Year 9) 15 Years Springboard SILVER
Indie Smith (Year 10) 15 years 100m Freestyle SILVER
Georgia Young, Zannah Dixon, Indie Smith & Sophia Cooper (all Year 10) Inter 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay SILVER
Hannah Smith (Year 10) 16 Years Springboard GOLD, Open Platform BRONZE
Zannah Dixon, Indie Smith (both Year 10), Audrey Draper, Jamie Hamilton (both Year 9) Inter 4 x 50m Medley Relay BRONZE Taylor Bradac, Bella Janoyan (both Year 11), Aysha Mallaby, Ashley Williams (both Year 12) Open 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay GOLD
C L A I R E H AT H E R E L L HEAD OF SPORT
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Events
I Can Hear Music: A 1960s Jukebox Revue In Term 1, an enthusiastic cast of students from Year 8 to Year 12 participated in our College Musical. Like 2021s All That Jazz this year’s Musical was a concert revue that was filmed and distributed to our community. We have all become increasingly familiar with accessing live performances from home and this created an opportunity for the entire Brigidine community to enjoy the hard work of the cast and crew remotely. I Can Hear Music: A 1960s Jukebox Revue comprised of 13 hit songs from the 1960s including the Beach Boys’ Good Vibrations, Little Eva’s Locomotion and Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. Amidst a backdrop of a larger-than-life jukebox and an oversized vinyl record, the students connected with these timeless tunes that have become ingrained in pop culture. The production numbers were choreographed by Class of 2020 alumni Chloe Jackett who helped our cast sing and dance their way through a decade of bright colours, teenage independence and music that set out to change the world. These songs were accompanied by scenes that brought the real-life voices of record producers, radio disc jockeys, performers and 1960s teenagers to the stage for an authentic reflection on this significant time period. We even managed a brief trip to the infamous Woodstock festival in the form of some poetry that outlined the hopes and dreams of a generation. A half-century later, how many of those dreams remain the same for us living in 2022?
In a flurry of psychedelic patterns and paisley print, I Can Hear Music reminded us of a past era that remains vivid in our collective memory. The jukebox reigned supreme and the radio was a source of comfort, soundtracking first love and first heartbreak with the sweet, unified harmonies of girl groups and teen idols. Youth culture drove a fascination with cars as teenagers everywhere sat behind the wheel and journeyed towards their adult lives. As ever, we hope the experience of the College Musical will generate strong memories for our students of their time at Brigidine as they too journey forward. I’d like to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the Maintenance team who helped to construct the fabulous set for the show. The Art Club and Hospitality also generously contributed to various aspects of the Musical experience. An exceptional production team of staff members gave of their time to ensure the smooth running of rehearsals and the filming: Mrs Roslyn Boyd, Mr Gareth Edey, Mrs Judith Allan, Mrs Emma Johns, Miss Libby Goode and Mrs Carmel McCudden. A thank you to the orchestra members, to Grainger Films for delivering a wonderful product that captures the spirit of the 60s and to the Director of Cocurricular Mr Owen Vale for his support. We hope to invite live audiences back to the College for a brand new Musical production in 2023! CHRIS RUTHERFORD DIRECTOR
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Events
School Snapshots
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Community News
SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR P&F
P&F
We are very lucky at the College to have such a wonderful group of parents who work hard to create an inclusive community. They collaborate as a team to support College events and fundraise for items which will benefit all students. I recently asked the P&F committee to tell me a little bit about themselves and why they are involved with the P&F. This is what they had to say.
JULIE CHARLTON
BARB LA GANZA
What is your day job?
Business Software Consultant
Hospitality
What is your role in the P&F?
President
Vice President
When did you join the P&F?
When my daughter was in Year 7
When my daughter was in Year 7. That’s when I volunteered for the first time at the open day BBQ, so I guess that was it!
Why did you join the P&F?
I love to be involved in the school community, it’s a great way to find out and understand what’s happening at school, especially in the high school years when you don’t have much access to school or information coming home from teenagers. It’s also nice to meet other parents from various year groups and learn from their experiences. I am also an event “junkie”, so I love being involved in planning social events and helping at BBQs etc. Joining the P&F was a gateway to getting involved at Brigidine.
It’s a great way to be a part of my daughter’s educational journey and a wonderful chance to meet other parents which is much more limited than in primary school.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the P&F and College community?
The people and events. I love being part of an enthusiastic, energetic team with the best interest of the school and the girls at heart, and who enjoy throwing a good party! And I like knowing what’s going on at school, it satisfies the curious side of me.
I love being part of any community, so to be a part of one that nurtures my daughter’s learning with likeminded people is a bonus. It’s fantastic to make a contribution to the College and I especially love how the P&F is very relaxed; I even went to a meeting in Ugg boots once because it was so cold and I don’t think many other P&Fs would make you feel so welcome no matter what you wear!
What would you say to anyone thinking about joining the P&F?
Come and join us! Everyone is welcome – we are an easy going, friendly bunch and we’d love to meet you. You don’t need to sign up for anything (unless you want to), you are welcome to just come along and join us to see what we are all about.
Do it! It’s a fabulous way to get involved in the school and make a contribution while having fun at the same time; they serve nibbles and drinks at the P&F meetings, so it’s nice and sociable!
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If you would like to get involved and join the P&F please contact Pip Inman, Alumni and Community Relations Coordinator pinman@brigidine.nsw.edu.au The P&F are ready and waiting to welcome you! PIP INMAN A L U M N I A N D C O M M U N I T Y R E L AT I O N S C O O R D I N AT O R
ROWLY CHOWN
JACQUIE ZHANG
TRINA LESLIE
Coffee Machine Rental
Senior Technical Specialist in computer network engineering
Finance for a power generation company and volunteer charity fundraising
Treasurer
Secretary
Communications
2020
2020, when my daughter started Year 7
When my daughter was in Year 7
I wanted to be involved in my daughter’s world.
To show how much I value my daughter’s education; how much I’m interested in her school life. To help school fundraising that will benefit everyone. To feel a sense of belonging. To make friends and to have some fun.
To become involved with the school community and assist in fundraising.
The P&F gives me a great insight into how the school works and its culture, I like that I can be a part of that.
Feeling a sense of belonging.
Meeting parents from different year groups, sharing their experiences and assisting with events.
It’s not as hard or time consuming as you may think. We are a cooperative and friendly bunch.
Come and join the family!
“Just do it”. It’s a great way to learn about not only the College but also the way high school operates and the resources available to students. The P&F has also provided a great opportunity to connect with other parents, especially over the last two years when the opportunities to visit the school were limited.
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Community News
Building Community
BRIGO DADS CONTINUES TO GROW Brigo Dads was set up last year to provide our Year 7 dads with the chance to meet and get to know each other in a relaxed and friendly environment. Brigo Dads is a dad’s version of our Mums Lunch and Supper Groups. After all why should the mums have all the fun!
WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS TO OUR COMMUNITY Brigidine has long been a place where community thrives and never can that be seen more than in our Mums Lunch and Supper Groups. These groups are a tradition at the College and have been running for over 35 years. Every year the first lunch or supper is hosted at the College, after this each group arranges to meet at a local restaurant or café, usually once a term. These groups are also used as a fundraiser. Over the years many thousands of dollars have been donated to
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the College to help fund various projects, today they help the College’s Scholarship and Bursary Fund. This year we were excited to welcome over 90 Year 7 mums keen to get to know one another. If you are a Year 7 mum but missed out on joining a group please contact Pip Inman, Alumni and Community Relations Coordinator pinman@brigidine.nsw.edu.au
This year we were pleased to welcome over 40 dads to our first two events held at the College. After this initial meeting, we hope the groups will arrange to catch up at a local restaurant, pub or maybe even the golf course once a term. Last year some of the groups went on to have a fabulous wine tasting evening. It’s not too late to join one of these groups, so don’t be shy. After all, you already have one thing in common, you chose Brigidine to educate your daughters. If you would like to be part of Brigo Dads or would like to organise an event for dads to take part in please contact Pip Inman, Alumni and Community Relations Coordinator pinman@brigidine.nsw.edu.au
Alumni
Latest News
FROM THE ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR “Hope springs eternal” In an article I read recently it stated that 75% of people around the world think 2022 will be a better year. Many of us have readjusted our outlook over the past two years, feeling more gratitude for what we have, wanting to get the most joy we can out of life and appreciating its simple pleasures. While things may not have looked perfect, with many of our events being postponed, a new year brings with it fresh opportunities and we look forward to welcoming you back on campus. Dreams and aspirations take many forms. The author Paulo Coelho wrote in his book The Alchemist “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting”. In this issue you can read how Tiegan Denia
(Class of 2016) fulfilled her dream of being on stage despite the Music and Performing Arts industry experiencing a tough few years. How four of our Alumni spoke at our Year 10 retreat in November to provide inspiration as the students were about to embark on their final two years at the College and what that meant to them and, how ten new students began their Brigidine journey in January following in footsteps of their mums.
With hope that 2022 will be the year when we realise our strengths I look forward to meeting many of you at events throughout the year and hearing from you about how you have followed your dreams and faced life’s challenges. PIP INMAN ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY R E L AT I O N S C O O R D I N AT O R
We also celebrate the 90th birthday of Sr Anita, Patron of our Alumni. A shining example of Fortiter et Suaviter, Sr Anita was instrumental in developing the College community, campus and curriculum during her time as Principal.
SHARED PEARLS OF WISDOM Do you remember when you reached the end of Year 10 and felt excited about becoming a Senior at the College? Or did you feel daunted about the task ahead of you? Were you looking for inspiration and guidance from those who had gone before you? Well, in November last year our Year 10 students were at that point and we were looking for some alumni willing to provide some inspiration at the Year 10 retreat. Sasha Rouse, Jordyn Parry, Tessa Panetta and Teya Murray all from the Class of 2020 joined the retreat via zoom and spoke about their own journey through school at Brigo. They chatted about how they felt in Year 10 when they were about to embark on their final two years and what they did to survive. We thank the girls for giving up their time. It is a great way to be involved in the College and to give back as part of the alumni community, we encourage others to do the same.
(Left to right, top to bottom) Sasha Rouse, Tessa Panetta, Jordyn Parry and Teya Murray
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Alumni
Latest News
From Indooroopilly, Sr Anita moved to a school in Coonamble NSW which was the first school opened by the Brigidine Order when they arrived in Australia in 1883. She went on to a school in Canberra where she worked with nuns from different orders. After this she made several more moves going back to Queensland and Canberra before arriving at Brigidine St Ives in 1974. For just over a year Sr Anita was a member of the teaching staff at the College and in Term 3 of 1975 she was appointed Principal, a position she was to hold until leaving the College in early 1989. During her principalship she presided over an expanding community with pupil numbers rising to over 600 by the time she left. She realised her vision of a flourishing College with campus growth, a broad curriculum and increased cocurricular activities. Her leadership saw the strengthening and expansion of the creative arts and she was well known for her support and promotion of sports. Building infrastructure was doubled when she implemented the building of the Library, Science Annexe, Gymnasium and conversion of part of the Convent to teaching facilities. After her departure from Brigidine College St Ives, Sr Anita taught at a Brigidine School in Windsor UK, returning to Australia as Provincial in 1999.
SR ANITA MURRAY TURNS 90
Born in a very small maternity hospital by the name of Boonara, Sr Anita was the fourth child of Elizabeth and Edmund Murray and sister to Paul, Moya and Desmond. She grew up in a house on Arthur Street which she says ‘holds the happiest of memories’ for her. Her schooling began at OLSH where she made many friends. Several of these friends went on to Brigidine College Randwick with her for their secondary education. With a fondness for the nuns who had taught her, the Brigidine Sisters left a lasting impression on Sr Anita and a year after finishing school she decided she wanted to enter the Brigidine Order.
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After some years of Novitiate, Sr Anita began her lifetime of study and teaching. She completed a degree in English and History at Sydney University and later when she moved to work at Brigidine Indooroopilly, Queensland completed her Dip Ed by correspondence from the New England University.
In 2014, the College was pleased to announce Sr Anita as the first ‘Patron of Alumni’ and since then she has supported College events and the alumni community. She often shares her memories of past staff and students and has a keen interest in the College archives. She is always eager to hear about the developments of today’s College campus and its students. Always drawing a crowd in the Staff Room when she visits, we are thrilled Sr Anita is still very much a part of College life. Sr Anita has now come full circle and again lives in Randwick. In February she celebrated her 90th birthday. On behalf of both the College and alumni community we wish her a very happy birthday.
FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT At the beginning of Term 1 we welcomed new students to the College. Amongst them 11 girls who are daughters of alumni. Following in their mum’s footsteps they were about to embark on their own Brigidine journey. It was an exciting day for both mums and daughters with one mum commenting it was her first time back to the College in 20 years! We recently caught up with these alumni and their daughters and asked them a few questions about their experiences. Amongst the group these alumni graduated with the
Classes of 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994 under the guidance of Sr Anita or Sr Joan as their Principal, all of them took a bus to school and took part in cocurricular activities available at the time. Today, their daughters are under the principalship of Ms Laetitia Richmond but there are still similarities; they take the bus to school, many of them are in the same house as their mums and all of them have embraced the cocurricular opportunities on offer today. When asked about memories of their time at the College the alumni were very clear, they were all
linked to friendship, feeling a sense of belonging and being given the belief that they could achieve anything they wanted in life. All things they hope their daughters will experience too. When asked if the ‘feel’ of the College had changed one replied “not at all, still the amazing school I remember it being!” It is wonderful to see the Brigidine tradition being passed on from one generation to the next. We look forward to following the girls as they travel through the College. Back row, left to right: Anne Soady (Class of 1991) Pippa Donald (Class of 1992) Irene Kuo (Class of 1994) Tanya Lake (Class of 1993) Jacqui Kilkeary (Class of 1994) Rachelle Muriti (Class of 1994) Michelle Poulos (Class of 1993) Front row, left to right: Juliette Soady, Poppy Donald, Chloe Kuo, Lily Cooper, Indigo Lake, Olivia Kilkeary, Nikita Muriti, Sienna Poulos, Ava Poulos
Alumni Profile TIEGAN DENINA (CLASS OF 2016) From a young age I have always had a love for the Performing Arts, however, when I look back at my time at Brigidine I feel like I almost spent more time singing on the Bowie Hall stage than I did in the classroom! I have such fond memories of performing in the school musicals, especially as Tracy in Hairspray and Liesl in The Sound of Music. I also loved my many years in the Senior Vocal Ensemble and was honoured to have my HSC Music Performance nominated for The Encore Concert. Straight after graduating from Brigidine in 2016, I spent the next year at Sydney’s prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) studying a Diploma of Musical Theatre. We were fortunate enough to perform in the Sydney Theatre Company’s production of Chimerica directed by Artistic Director, Kip Williams. The Brigidine Music and Drama staff came along to watch me perform and it was so incredible to have their support.
In 2018 I moved to Melbourne to study at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) and graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre). Living in another state was definitely challenging but I was surrounded by so much music, dance and acting that my drive to fulfil a career on stage only grew and grew. During my time at VCA I was fortunate to perform at the Hamer Hall as a featured soloist in Morning Melodies and was awarded the 2019 Lionel Gell Foundation Scholarship. Earlier this year I was thrilled to be performing as Veronica Sawyer in The Mitchell Old Company’s production of Heathers – The Musical. We sold out our entire season of performances but there was one show that had the best audience of all… the Brigidine Music and Drama staff came along to watch me and their clapping and cheering was the greatest support I could have wished for. I am so grateful for their continued investment
in my performing career and I thank them all for the many opportunities I was given during my high school years to develop my skills and love for the Arts.
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Alumni
Latest News
BIRTHS Sienna Joy Ford Born 25 February 2022, Sienna Joy Ford is daughter to Aleisha Ford (Conlay, Class of 2001) and husband Tom, and little sister to two year old Hunter. Sienna was 3.77kg and 52cm tall. Her family are loving their new addition and all the baby cuddles.
Fallon Gospova Perina Radan Fallon Gospova Perina Radan was born on 14 January 2022. She was 2.9kg and 50cm long at birth. Mum, Ash Watson (Class of 2008) and Dad, Ilija are loving all the joys and challenges of parenthood. Fallon is already enrolled to join Brigidine in 2034!
Chloe Alana Havelka-Thomas Chloe Alana Havelka-Thomas was born on 10 June 2021 at the Northern Beaches Hospital. Daughter to Claire Havelka (Class of 2015), a Palliative Care Nurse at Mona Vale Hospital, and her partner James. Chloe is always smiling and keeping Claire and James on their toes as she is nonstop moving. Now 8 1/2 months old, Chloe is trying to walk and has already tried climbing out of her cot!
William James Ciabatti William James Ciabatti was born to Tori Ciabatti (Layton, Class of 2005) and husband Justin on 29 November 2021. He weighed 4.2kg and was 50.5cm long. William joins older brothers Nicholas and Benjamin.
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WEDDINGS Alex Alder (Marshall, Class of 2012) My husband, Liam Alder and I met eight years ago at the local hotel I was working at in Belrose at the time. We got married in the Hunter Valley at Peterson House Winery on 11 February 2022. It was an afternoon wedding with the ceremony in the Chapel and reception at the same venue amongst the vines. It was a magical day. Six of my seven bridesmaids were Brigidine Girls.
From left to right: Olivia Flynn (Class of 2012), Taylor Marshall (Class of 2009), Abbey Cosh (not Brigidine), Alex Alder (Class of 2012), Grace Eather (Class of 2012), Rebecca Lacono (Class of 2012), Sophie Pentelow (Class of 2012) and Georgia Marshall (Class of 2014). Flower girls Eden and Isla Buhrer
VALE ROBYN CASTLE (CLASS OF 1964)
VALE JULIE CALDER
Robyn Castle (nee Balmain) was raised in the home her parents Ronald and Noreen built in Highfield Road in Lindfield. She was a very proud Brigidine College student and after leaving school, studied to become a school teacher. She had married Maxwell Castle in 1968, whom she met playing tennis at Narrabeen. Robyn and Max had four children, David, Greg, Chris and daughter Judy.
Julie Calder was an integral part of the Brigidine IT team for 16 1/2 years. She joined Brigidine in September 2000 as a general support specialist and quickly became established with the school database and desktop software. When the IT infrastructure rapidly expanded due to the advent of the student laptop program, Julie’s versatility and adaptability came to the fore. She developed a rapport with Dept Heads and all staff members as she problem-solved and fixed things with happy smiles and genuine friendship. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Julie and as the systems became more complex, so she thrived. Julie would often work well into evening to ensure that deadlines were met. Julie successfully took courses to ensure she stayed up-to-date with the latest technologies and ultimately she became so expert as a database administrator that she sought more challenges and moved on from Brigidine to Cranbrook. Julie was an inspiration to all people she worked closely with. Her diagnosis with breast cancer came as a shock, but true to form, she just got on with the treatment and carried on as before. A few years of remission saw Julie continue to enjoy life to the fullest until the disease reoccurred last year. Although she put up a terrific fight Julie, sadly, passed away in her sleep on 11 January 2022, surrounded by family and her many friends. Julie will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her contribution to IT at Brigidine was immeasurable.
Robyn loved her family, playing tennis and teaching and was somehow able to juggle all three with aplomb. After moving to the western suburbs, while raising the children, Robyn taught at Catherine McAuley at Westmead for 25 years and was caretaker of the local tennis courts in Kings Langley for about 40 years, many of these years also coaching the local children and spreading her deep love of the sport. Those tennis courts were named the Robyn Castle Tennis Complex in 2012 by Blacktown City Council in honour and recognition of her commitment to tennis and the local tennis playing community in maintaining the courts. Robyn also worked tirelessly for the NSW Tennis Veterans as secretary right up until just months before she succumbed to the Myeloma she battled for 12 years. Robyn leaves behind her only sister Nanette, partner Arthur, her four children and their partners and 11 grandchildren. She is dearly missed.
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Archives
Stockings, Hats and Gloves – The History of Tennis at Brigidine
On 9 February 1954, Brigidine College St Ives opened with nine girls, classrooms for teaching and science, nuns’ quarters and shortly after, two tennis courts. Mother Romuald Walz, our founding Principal, strongly believed in the benefits of physical exercise and had a keen interest in sport. So, despite the small number of enrolled students, she quickly implemented a sports program of tennis and vigoro, making use of the onsite tennis courts and limited equipment required. As the College developed, so did the student’s interest in tennis. Many will remember staff and students playing regular tennis matches after school, this quickly led to a coach Henry Lindo being employed and girls being entered into the Catholic Girls Schools Tennis Competition, eventually
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winning the Doubles Cup for the first time in 1966. As a past student recalled ‘Mr Lindo was the only lay teacher and a real gentleman. The only external sport was tennis and we competed against other diocesan girls’ schools for The Cardinal’s, Monsignor and Father Pearce Cups’. Our first tennis uniforms reached the girls’ knees and senior girls had to wear fawn coloured stockings with their tennis socks over the top. They were also required to wear their hats and gloves when travelling to games, making them the only known school competing under such uniform constraints in the heat of a Sydney summer. During the 1970s and 1980s Principal Sr Anita, renowned for her support and promotion of all sport but particularly tennis, had an additional court built on the western end of the existing facilities in 1977, and along
with Mr Lindo, led the College to increased competitiveness and success in interschool competitions. For three successive years, 1978–1980, the senior tennis team won The Cardinal Cup – a first for any team in the history of the competition. When Henry Lindo retired in 1989 after 35 years of service to the College a tribute was written in the Yearbook calling Brigidine a ‘tennis school’ and noting that Lindo’s hard work, perseverance and dedication had put the school ‘on the map’. Though our campus has expanded and we have increased the number of cocurricular activities offered, the strong tradition of participation and success on the tennis court has remained with our teams continuing to compete in the IGSSA and Tildesley Tennis competitions. JACKIE ROSSINGTON ARCHIVIST
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Give today, help change tomorrow Please help support the College vision to expand our Bursary program so it remains sustainable into the future. Education is a gift. Your gift will continue to give young women the chance to learn, contribute and thrive in the safe and nurturing Brigidine environment. You can make your gift through our website: brigidine.nsw.edu.au/giving or scan the QR code:
