The Bridge Issue 2 2022

THE bridge

Editor Lisa Foulstone

Graphic Design

Darren Rochford

Proof Reading

Mandy Loomes

Photography

Michael Hennessy

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

WHAT WE LIKED

Our Performing Arts department continue to impress us with their dedication, creativity and talent. Our Class of 2022 Dance and Drama students have surpassed all expectations with a commendable 13 Callback and 26 OnStage nominations respectively. Our very best wishes to this talented cohort of students as they complete their Brigidine journey.

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

From the Principal

• Developing confident, creative and successful learners.

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

As a learning community we are committed to:

• Inspiring and embedding learning that is outward looking, adaptable, transformative and engaging for every student.

At Brigidine we aim to create learning opportunities that will engage and challenge each girl to be courageous in their learning. We are proudly a comprehensive school that caters for and celebrates all learners.

• Developing strategic partnerships with external agencies to embed enterprise skills throughout the curriculum.

• Adopting a wide variety of technologies and innovative practice to promote exceptional learning opportunities through differentiated instruction.

Part of our ongoing strategic intent in this area is to improve access to subjects that use technology to enhance understanding and skill and are reflective of contemporary thinking and practice.

• Utilising comprehensive data analysis to inform and evaluate the learning growth of each student.

At Brigidine we strive to ensure the work of our teachers is reflective, collaborative and employs a range of formal and informal data to ensure each student is known and that teaching and learning is tailored to meet the needs of students.

This is one of my favourite quotes from Sir Ken Robinson, educationalist and author (1950–2020).

As Principal, I recognise that it is more necessary than ever for schools to be clear about their purpose and their mission.

Brigidine College strives to be an innovative school, a place where decisions are centred on research about how girls learn, develop and thrive.

For a school to be innovative it requires a strategic vision, one that not only pursues academic excellence but embraces all that makes people fully aware of themselves, each other and their spiritual self.

Our current strategic plan focuses on five areas of strategic intent: Faith, Learning, Wellbeing, Community and Governance. Our strategic intent for teaching and learning centres on the following vision and goals:

We hope that by continuing to develop real world learning in partnership with industry experts in a range of career areas our students will appreciate the value and application of lessons learnt in class.

• Providing rich and innovative professional development to continue building the capacity of our staff as contemporary and creative educators. Brigidine College is committed to having a teaching staff who are expert practitioners and thinkers in their field. Essential upskilling of staff is a priority at our college.

“The heart of a principal’s role: appreciating the individuality of the student body, seeking potential at every turn, and constantly striving to move the school forward in the face of constant change.”

• Engaging both students and parents in the learning journey through sound communication of student performance and areas for growth.

We see over the coming years that there will be opportunities to change the way we report student progress and engage students and their parents more fully in the learning journey. This will include real time access to assessment feedback so parents can see the development of their daughter in the subjects she undertakes.

Brigidine has an outstanding reputation for establishing high expectations and achieving excellent academic results. We are proud to provide a quality education through excellence in learning and teaching along with a strong focus on wellbeing. Staff are passionate about developing the academic, social, physical and spiritual whole of the young women in our care.

I value developing the leader within every girl. As an educator and leader, I have specialised in girls’ education and empowering each student with the opportunity to explore whatever is their specialty. Offering a breadth of subject choice is key to this ideal.

A growing body of research confirms the benefits of building a sense of community in schools. Students in schools with a strong sense of community are more likely to be academically motivated, to act ethically and selflessly, to develop social and emotional competencies and to avoid problem behaviours. There are also educational benefits, with studies showing that schools with a powerful sense of community have been shown to have significantly higher academic outcomes, higher academic motivation, significant improvements in behaviour and better developed social skills.

Brigidine is a place where we hope that each student feels connected to each other and

their teachers. We challenge our students to look beyond their own lives and see where they can make a difference in the world.

Brigidine provides an education that truly empowers and motivates young women to be the best individuals they can be. Our school motto Strength and Gentleness is a constant call to be courageous in all aspects of our lives.

We seek to build an even stronger community at Brigidine that encompasses our students, staff and parents. I would like to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of the Brigidine staff. Strong bonds between staff and students are essential to teaching and learning and I am proud these are evident every day in our school community.

LAETITIA RICHMOND PRINCIPAL

Introducing Our 2023 Senior Leaders

Term 4 marks the transition in College student leadership from Year 12 to Year 11.

We thank our outgoing leaders for the gifts and talents they have brought to their roles. Congratulations to our newly appointed Senior Leaders who will shape next year with their ideas and hopes for our community.

College Captain Sarah Hudson

College Vice Captain Daisy Daddo

Senior Captains

Scarlett Davies

Jessica Hildebrandt

Ella Marks

Abigail Mills

Amelia Newton

Olivia Noble

Genna Papaioannou

Alexis Pridgen

Cocurricular Captains

AFL Olivia Byrne

Art Samsara Crowe, Alessia Marrocco

Athletics/Cross Country Keeley Holmes

Basketball

Alana Reddy

Dance Erika Barnier, Elif Caner

Debating Lulu La Ganza, Zara Macilquham

Drama Bailey Haynes, Grace Uther

Duke of Edinburgh Madison Lisle, Jessica Tillotson

Football Lola Vallaydam

Hockey

Music

Year Ambassadors

Sabina Arianayagam

Maria Ayoub

Sophia Bignold

Georgia Dewar

Charlotte Lee

Musical

Netball

Rugby 7s

Social Justice

Sophie Osborne

Charlotte Sim

Sophia Bignold

Hannah Thonell

Scarlett Rowland-Smith

Maria Ayoub, Anai Fensom

Softball Kirra Gilchrist

House Captains

Fatima Molly Baczkowski, Keeley Holmes

Kildare Eloise Bradbury, Emilie Huxley

Lourdes Scarlett Judd, Lola Meikle

Prague Alana Reddy, Sienna Wilson

Sports Aerobics

Swimming

Tennis/Tildesley

Touch Football

Volleyball

Water Polo

Jessica Rheinberger, Sophie Temple

Taylor Bradac

Charlotte Sim

Ashleigh Cunningham

Raya Santos

Isabella Brooker

Staff Update

Ms Leone Smyth was appointed to the role of Deputy Teaching and Learning at Brigidine College in 2022 following the appointment of Mrs Elizabeth Webster to St Lucy’s, Wahroonga at the end of 2021.

Leone was the Director Administration at the College and has been a highly effective and valued member of staff for the past six years. Her dedication to the ethos of Brigidine College is always evident in her daily interactions with students, staff and parents.

Leone is highly qualified and brings a wealth of experience to this role. Leone’s qualifications include:

• Graduate of the AIS Flagship Program 2020

• Master of Business (Industrial Relations), Charles Sturt University

• Diploma of Education, Macquarie University

• Graduate Certificate in Theology, University of Newcastle

• Graduate Certificate in Information Technology, Macquarie University

• Graduate Certificate in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Education, Charles Sturt University

Qualified to teach across a range of subject areas that include Studies of Religion, Economics, Business Studies, Legal Studies, Commerce, Geography, Information Processes and Technology, Software Design and Development, Industrial Technology –Multimedia, Design and Technology, Information Software and Technology, Technology Mandatory, Business Services (VET) and Information and Digital Technology (VET), Leone’s breadth of knowledge will support students in choosing the most appropriate course of study to achieve academic excellence.

Leone has had extensive experience working with NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) on exam committees, syllabus writing and as a chief examiner. Her recent experience in this realm includes:

• 2022 – Exam Committee, Business Services

• 2021 – NESA writer for new syllabus resources (Information & Digital Technology (IDT) and Business Services), CSSA (Catholic Secondary Schools Association) writer for Information Processes and Technology (IPT) and Business Services

• 2020 – Chief Examiner IDT and Assessor Business Services

• 2019 – HSC Assessor IDT and Business Services

• 2018 – Chief Examiner Business Services and Assessor IDT

• 2017 – Chief Examiner IDT and Assessor Business Services

• 2016 – Chief Examiner IDT

• 2013–2018 – Convenor of CSSA IDT and/or IPT Trial Exams

• 2007–2021 – HSC Marking (as SM, Judge and Pilot) Business Services and IDT

Leone has worked closely with the students, teaching and support staff as well as the middle leaders at Brigidine College, both Heads of Department and Year Coordinators and as a member of the Leadership Team. She is a dedicated and highly regarded member of our community. We wish Leone all the best as she begins her leadership journey as Deputy Principal.

Curriculum Update Exploring Science

In Years 7–10 we have updated and adapted our programs and assessments to make them meaningful learning tools, relevant to current world issues, encouraging students to pursue their interest in science at university and beyond. From developing mRNA vaccines to address the next virus to exploring new methods to harness renewable energy, you can be sure that Brigidine women will be at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs and inventions in the forthcoming decades.

The new Earth and Environmental Science class is now entering the Year 12 stage. These girls are exploring a range of topics which apply science to issues that will determine the future survival of our society. The Chemistry class of 2022 spent time undertaking their depth studies measuring the vitamin C content of supplements, while Biology explored polypeptide synthesis, the building blocks of proteins. Understanding this area of Biology will lead to all types of exciting inventions, including better methods for growing artificial meat, restoring damaged body parts and much more. Our Physics girls deep dived into the world of astrophysics. With COVID-19 now not imposing as many restrictions we were able to conduct the Pulse@Parkes event where the Year 11 Physics class were able to remotely take control of the famous Parkes radio telescope. The data the girls obtained is saved and analysed by CSIRO astrophysicists who are detecting gravity waves and measuring the strange accelerating expansion of the universe.

We are very excited to again have a Science Extension class for this year’s HSC, with many girls realising the usefulness of this course for their future studies at university. Indeed, at many of the university open day presentations our girls attended, the message was loud and clear that the students who can interpret statistics and know how to program a computer will have a huge head start to their studies. Science

Extension and the College’s information technology courses, along with the Robotics and Science Clubs will go a long way to preparing Brigidine girls for their future careers.

ROB FARR HEAD OF SCIENCE

With science at the forefront of the news and current topics of discussion, the Science Department at Brigidine has been very proactive in providing and facilitating diverse and meaningful learning experiences to engage our students in the study of scientific methods and practices.

The Brigidine Honours Program

The Brigidine Honours Program is an enrichment opportunity which focuses on facilitating student autonomy. It offers the freedom to choose the direction and orientation of learning and fosters intrinsic motivation because inquiries are driven by curiosity. It also enables students to enter a variety of academic competitions which require flexibility, innovation and creativity.

THE RESEARCH PROJECT

Just like any University Honours Course, students undertake a personal research project which augments their research skills, their project management capabilities and the clarity of their communication. The Honours students are invited to liberate themselves from the constraints of seeing academic subjects as belonging to separate storage containers of information, or schools of thought. They are encouraged to identify the connections between diverse subjects, such as Science and Art or Psychology and Architecture and prompted to tackle real world issues and considerations, such as how we might regulate Artificial Intelligence in the future or the contribution DNA makes to our thoughts and opinions.

Each Honours participant is encouraged to select a question or hypothesis which intrigues or fascinates them. They are guided through the process of investigation, using the expertise of the College Librarians and the extensive e-resources available in the Kinkead Library. The Honours Coordinator and their peers become facilitators in the learning process so that, during Honours tutorials, students share and discuss their findings, consider their difficulties and set feasible and purposeful goals in order to make progress.

Like all academic journeys, the Honours students find the nature of their paths varied – often delightfully smooth and occasionally problematic. Within the structured manner of this program, students rejoice at their successes and are supported through their difficulties so that they build resilience and tenacity.

Some examples of the Project topics selected this year include:

• The speed of Darkness – Why does evil spread so quickly? (Year 7)

• Facial Recognition – How do we understand facial expressions? How do facemasks impact this process? (Year 8)

• Green Architecture – How sustainable is it? (Year 9)

• Lost in Translation – The impact of context on a text (Year 7)

• Quality of Life – How can it be measured? (Year 9)

• Colour Psychology – How does colour influence our decision making? (Year 10)

The final phase of the Honours Program is the Viva Voce, where students share their findings and conclusions with a panel of peers, teachers and members of the Alumni. This is a dynamic experience requiring students to participate in a discussion about their evaluations and research strategies in order to demonstrate the expertise they have acquired.

INTELLECTUAL COMPETITIONS

Additionally, Honours students are invited to take part in intellectual competitions and challenges, such as The Knox NSW da Vinci Decathlon. The selected team members attend training sessions, facilitated by Year 12 pupils, and prepare to tackle a range of activities which require collaboration, lateral thinking and meticulous time management.

CATHERINE O’FLYNN HEAD OF ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

For more information about the Honours Program, please contact Catherine O’Flynn at coflynn@brigidine.nsw.edu.au

As academic tutors, this year’s Senior Honours students cultivated and shared their skills as research mentors and supervisors. They managed the progression and development of the younger students’ personally selected projects, from initiation to completion.

(Left to right: Eva Ossowski, Charlotte Parker, Aisling Tutaan, Lara Veidners)

Social Justice Duke of Edinburgh

The students involved in the Duke of Edinburgh program have persevered and overcome many challenges this year. From multiple postponements, Covid restrictions and bad weather they have excelled and managed to complete their awards.

Special congratulations to the Year 12 students who have completed their Gold award; an amazing achievement given the restrictions and challenges of the past two years. They overcame all the odds and managed to succeed due to their dedication and enthusiasm. The Duke of Edinburgh Gold girls are an inspiration to our younger students, keeping them motivated and enthusiastic about their award, because it really is a once in a lifetime experience with their peers. Many of these girls have created memorable moments and developed skills that will aid them in their future endeavours.

As part of the Gold residential, the girls completed multiple activities over two weekends, including Days for Girls, Dignity Dishes, 4titude and a Manly clean up with Pittwater Eco Adventures. On a trip to Campbelltown, the girls assisted in setting up new Dignity apartments for people experiencing homelessness. Overcoming the challenge of creating beds from a flatpack and other furniture they set up over 23 cosy, stable homes for those in need. The girls hosted the disability group, 4titude, planning and participating in activities with them including a fun softball game.

Brigidine students have hiked many mountains, and canoed numerous lakes and rivers this year, enjoying the challenges of being back completing group expeditions. Climbing to the top of Mt Kosciusko to watch the sunrise was definitely just one unforgettable experience during many expeditions Bronze, Silver and Gold students have achieved this year.

Making over 750 meals for Dignity Dishes, hundreds of Days for Girls’ components and picking up over 15 kilograms of plastic from the ocean at Manly Beach; the Brigidine Gold Duke of Ed students have made a significant impact on the environment and for our community – well done girls.

SKYE WACHER DUKE OF EDINBURGH COORDINATOR

Social Justice Community Outreach

The College commits to acts of charity, outreach and advocacy with a preferential option for the poor, to care for creation and to work in solidarity with all people.

In 2022 the College expanded the Community Involvement Program (CIP) to include all students in Years 7–10. The program requires all Brigidine students to contribute to community service in their own area or community and complete the required hours. This is an important educational and social endeavour that fits with our spiritual focus as a community of faith and as a community that educates in a holistic way for every student.

Students have embraced the CIP 7–10 and have seen how small acts of kindness can have a large impact on the wider community. By deepening student capacity to give time to others, it is hoped Brigidine students will continue to develop empathy and compassion for those who are less fortunate.

Whole school Social Justice initiatives have returned to pre-Covid engagement by all students led by the 2022 Social Justice captains Dani and Olivia. They have enthusiastically and passionately led Brigidine in many initiatives supporting marginalised people and raising awareness in our community to enable change. From the winter sleepout, Vinnies winter appeal and Homelessness week to support for Tonga, Lismore and the refugee crisis in Afghanistan as well as organising speakers at assembly, Brigidine students have been encouraged and empowered to work for change and advocacy ably led by Dani and Olivia.

SKYE WACHER SOCIAL JUSTICE COORDINATOR

The purpose of outreach is for each member of the community to be courageous and compassionate in giving dignity to all people and respecting their human rights and their full participation in society.

Making a Difference With Strength and Gentleness

I was extremely privileged to go to Government House on 2 September to receive the NSW Youth Community Service Award, given to 26 school students across NSW. It was both humbling and inspiring to be surrounded by so many people who were making meaningful contributions to help disadvantaged groups within their communities.

During my time at Brigo, I’ve tried to make the most of the volunteering opportunities, participating in Landcare with Ms Ryder, Days for Girls, cooking with Dignity, the residential project for Duke of Ed and organising social justice initiatives. I’ve also volunteered outside of school with one of my most meaningful experiences coming from working with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). With my Mum and her family coming from a refugee background, it deeply concerned me when the Taliban took over in Afghanistan, creating a humanitarian crisis as well as adversely impacting the rights of women. Despite Australia announcing a small

intake of refugees, I did not think Australia was really pulling its weight to help. Through connections with my neighbour who was a member of JRS, I was able to participate in local MP delegations and help draft a letter to the (now previous) Minister for Immigration, Alex Hawke on behalf of school students across Australia, lobbying to increase the intake of Afghan refugees. Alongside the lobbying from countless other groups, it was positive to see the government respond to our requests, accepting an additional 16,000 people at the beginning of this year.

From this experience, I learnt that when you have gratitude for what you have, it inspires you to help others experience the same opportunities. I think it’s important to volunteer as it can reshape your perspective about certain groups in society and increases your awareness of issues greater than yourself. It also puts everything into perspective as we often find ourselves living in a privileged ‘bubble’ and may forget just how lucky we are. I find it an incredibly fulfilling experience as it enables me to create small positive outcomes for others in a selfless way. Hence, I encourage you to help make a difference and take the opportunity to volunteer; not just for the hopes of winning some fancy award (although the recognition is always nice), but as an outworking of your strength and gentleness.

OLIVIA BORTOLUSSI YEAR 12

Photography by Michael Mannington

Events

Father’s Day

In September our students enjoyed sharing time with their Dads at the Father’s Day Liturgy and breakfast.

Rugby 7s – A Season of Firsts

In 2022, a pioneering group of Brigidine students became our first ever Rugby 7s players.

Five teams took to the field in the New South Wales Rugby Union Saturday afternoon competition hosted by Pymble Ladies College and Loreto Normanhurst. As the newest school to compete in the Rugby 7s competition, Brigidine was faced with the challenge of competing against more experienced schools, teams and players. This challenge was met with courage and dedication, both in training and in weekend matches.

Rugby 7s is played under an exciting format, where all teams play two games at the same venue each week. With all Brigidine teams playing at the same location, a carnival and tournament atmosphere was created with players, teams and coaches able to cheer and support one another throughout the afternoon. The Brigidine community (players, parents, students and coaches) embraced the opportunity, providing wonderful ‘Brigo’ support each week.

All Brigidine players and teams improved significantly throughout the season and the onfield performances were well above the expectations of our opposition, and perhaps even our own. Most importantly, our students demonstrated great team spirit and thoroughly enjoyed playing rugby – a sport that most students never dreamt of playing for the College.

Based on the hugely successful inaugural 2022 season, many students look forward to playing again in 2023. Similarly, the coaching team thoroughly enjoyed the season and thrived working with a group of Brigidine players who were eager to learn and be resilient throughout. There is genuine rugby talent within our student community, and it would be of no surprise to those who know the sport to see several representative players emerge from our newest sporting program in the very near future.

There is of course much more that could be reported from the 2022 Rugby 7s season: highlights, stunning come-from-behind victories, tales of courage and determination

and try-saving tackles, however, these incredible images, captured by coach, teacher and photographer, Mr David Clifton, tell a far better story.

OWEN VALE DIRECTOR COCURRICULAR

Farewell Year 12

Graduation week for the Class of 2022 was a wonderful celebration of personal accomplishments, successes and achievements of each student over their last six years. Friendships and special memories of high school will stay with each girl forever. Now they embark on new and exciting journeys beyond Brigidine which will be handled with maturity, grace and dignity.

Year 12 HSC Visual Arts and Textiles and Design Showcase

On Tuesday 16 August we had the opportunity to hold the HSC Showcase to celebrate the achievements of our hardworking and creative Textiles and Design and Visual Arts students from the graduating class of 2022.

It is always inspiring to see the realisation of the projects and bodies of work after many months of ongoing decision-making, problem-solving, setbacks and successes. We appreciate each student’s undertaking to build, design and produce original and engaging works that connect and resonate with an audience.

The support and encouragement the girls gave each other is a true testament to the collaborative nature of learning and the acknowledgement that working with others provides such value to the success of their work.

The past year has required the girls to demonstrate the utmost perseverance, commitment and belief in themselves to see what began as an idea evolve into a designed solution or resolved body of work.

ALISON FINNERTY HEAD OF VISUAL ARTS

ROBYN COLLINS HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED STUDIES

Olivia Brent

Abbey Shaw

Rose Wood

Do

See What I See?

Sienna Moldrich-Hill (left) Transhumanism Graphic Design

Sayaka Nishide (right) My Cultural Heritage Collection of Works

Alexandra Stacey

You

Photo Media

Abby Lush Cosmic Confluence Graphic Design

Tallulah Dawe (left) Metempsychosis (Reincarnation and Transmigration) Drawing

Sophia Furtado (right) Dualistic Plane Painting

Events Sport

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS

Netball

Hannah Thonell (Year 11)

IGSA Opens

Alana Reddy (Year 11)

IGSA Opens

Audrey Draper (Year 9)

IGSA 15s and CIS 15s

Basketball

Alana Reddy (Year 11)

NSW Metro 18s, IGSA Opens, NSWCIS, NSW All Schools

Swimming

Zannah Dixon (Year 10)

NSW All Schools, Silver medallist

15–16 Years 200m Backstroke

Water Polo

Isabella Brooker (Year 11)

NSWCCC

Sophia Cooper (Year 10)

NSWCCC and NSW U15 Blues

Albee McInnes (Year 10)

NSWCCC and NSW U15 Waratahs

SPORTS AEROBICS

For the first time in three years due to Covid, Brigidine was represented by 12 teams at the Schoolaerobics Nationals 2022. This was the first time many of the girls had competed at such a huge event. All of our teams competed to an outstanding level and we were able to achieve the College’s best results ever, with three National Champion teams and two Silver medallists. Congratulations to the 70 girls and their coaches.

Secondary Stage 1

Gold, Silver and 5th place

Secondary Stage 2

6th and 7th

Secondary Stage 3

4th and 6th

Secondary Aerobics

Gold and 7th

Secondary Stage 3 Pairs

Gold and 6th

Secondary Open Pair Silver

Stage 1 National Champions

Matilda Sunders. Zia Hylton, Olivia Roland, Claire Cornes, Sigrid Veidners, Emelia Wallis and Liv Belger

Stage 1 Silver Medallists

Jessica Surjan, Ava Thomas, Ivy Montgomery, Jimena Blanco, Madeleine Benson, Jessica England and Sarah Grimley

Secondary Aerobics Gold Medallists

Ella Kennedy, Charlotte Lee, Keeley Holmes, Alejandra Blanco, Genna Papaioannou, Millie Fitzpatrick, Ella Marks and Alexa Hathorn

Secondary Stage 3 Pairs National Champions

Zoe Turner and Lauren Watts

Secondary Open Pair Silver Medallists

Jessica Rheinberger and Sophie Temple

ATHLETICS

Our Brigidine Athletics team competed at the IGSA and BBSSSA Athletics Carnivals. At the BBSSSA Carnival, we finished 3rd in the Junior and Intermediate divisions and 1st in the Senior division. Amelia Thornthwaite was named 16s girls champion and Lisa Weingartner won the multi-class championship. We had 15 girls who were then selected to represent BBSSSA at the NSWCCC Championships, where they achieved some excellent results, including Charlotte Bensley (Year 8) winning the 14 years girls high jump.

Kayaking

Zoe Shirdon (Year 10)

Paddle Australia National Junior Development Squad, representing Australia at the Asia Pacific Cup

Softball

Kirra Gilchrist (Year 11)

NSW 16s Softball Team

Touch Football

Alana Reddy (Year 11)

IGSA Opens and NSWCIS Opens

Keeley Holmes (Year 11)

IGSA Opens

Mia Links (Year 9)

IGSA 15s and NSWCIS 15s

Tasha Lillycrop (Year 8)

IGSA 15s

Charlotte Bensley (Year 8)

IGSA 15s

Triathlon

Amelia Thornthwaite (Year 10)

NSW All Schools

CROSS COUNTRY

Our Brigidine girls competed at the BBSSSA Cross Country Championships in May with some excellent individual performances as well as our teams winning four of the age groups. We had 14 girls representing BBSSSA at the NSWCCC Cross Country at Eastern Creek achieving some excellent results, with Jessie Walsh

SNOWSPORTS

Lily Wearne (Year 9), Ava Wearne (Year 7) and Jada Drape (Year 7) represented Brigidine at the recent Northern NSW and Queensland Interschools Snowsport Championships at Thredbo.

We had some amazing results with Lily Wearne winning 2 Gold medals, coming first in both the Snowboard Cross and Snowboard GS Division 2 Female events and Ava Wearne claiming the Bronze medal for Snowboard GS Division 3 Female and coming 4th in Division 3 Snowboard Cross. Jada Drape performed very well securing a place of 35th in Alpine Division 3 Female in what was extremely icy and challenging conditions.

finishing 1st in ACME, Lara Hathorn 2nd in the 13s, Amelia Thornthwaite 4th in the 16s and Keeley Holmes 3rd in the 17s age group. Lara, Amelia and Keeley went on to represent NSWCCC at the NSW All Schools Cross Country in July and then achieved further selection to represent NSW Athletics and NSW All Schools at the Nationals

School Sports Australia Cross Country Championships in Adelaide in August. The girls had some amazing results with Keeley finishing 24th in the U18s, Amelia 49th in U17s and Lara 10th in U14s. Lara was also part of the NSW U13 girls relay team who won the national cross country relay.

WATER POLO

On 24 September three girls from the College attended the U15 and U17 Female National State Championships for Water Polo on the Gold Coast. Sophia Cooper (Year 10) played for the NSW Blues, Albee McInnes (Year 10) played for the NSW Waratahs and Chloe Cogan (Year 9) was drafted to play for the ACT.

The NSW Blues won the Gold medal and the Waratahs won the Bronze. At this event Chloe Cogan was chosen to join the Australian Cadet Squad. She will fly to Perth in January to attend a training camp.

DIVING

Hannah Smith (Year 10) competed at the Australian Elite Junior Championships which were held in July. This was the final major event for the best junior divers in Australia. Hannah once again achieved some amazing results:

Junior A (16–18yr old)

3m Springboard Synchro: Silver

5m and 7.5m Platform: Bronze

1m Springboard: Bronze

3m Springboard: 4th place

Hannah also competed at the Australian Open Diving Championships which was the qualifying event for the Commonwealth Games and the World Diving Championships. Hannah competed in 1m springboard, 3m springboard and 3m springboard in synchro. She qualified for the finals of 3m springboard, finishing 12th in Australia, and 5th in synchro 3m springboard!

CLAIRE HATHERELL HEAD OF SPORT

Dance Spectacular

Dance Spec’ 2022 was indeed a spectacular showcase of cocurricular dance here at Brigidine.

The Concourse Theatre hosted two shows on Saturday 10 September, with over 200 students performing in 25 troupes, one duo, five individual solo routines, across jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop, tap, salsa, musical theatre and ballet. The professionalism, quality, colour and energy presented by this showcase was truly exceptional.

Dance Spec’ is always a huge day for all involved. The day began early for most performers, who prepared for the morning dress and technical rehearsal. The rehearsal was

then followed by two shows in the afternoon and evening. The backstage atmosphere throughout the day presented a complex mix of influences and emotions. Excitement, anxiety, joy, friendship and happiness filled the dressing rooms and transition spaces. Yet above all these atmospheric ingredients, a collective and connected love of dance shined through. For the Year 12 performers, the emotions were further deepened by the realisation that the 2022 Dance Spec’ would be their last. The atmosphere in the Concourse for both performances was truly electric. From the opening routine which featured the incredible Company Jazz Troupe, to the closing finale involving all performers, the audience was captivated and in awe. Screams of joy and encouragement filled the theatre. Each

performance piece told its story, and each performer committed and connected to the journey in powerful, heartfelt, upbeat, comic and character-filled moments. Everything that students and staff had worked hard for throughout the year was finally brought to life, and most importantly, shared with family and friends. The show closed with tears of joy and a triumph of emotion, as the 2022 Year 12 performers were farewelled.

Brigidine Dance and Dance Spec’ 2022 delivered a profound feeling of liberated movement, creativity, storytelling, art, athleticism and entertainment. It was truly a dance showcase that was ‘Spectacular’ in every sense of the word.

SHANNON RILEY DANCE CONVENOR

Events Festival of Music

The Festival of Music was our first music performance on school grounds with a live audience since November 2019. It was great to be back!

Music saturates so much of human society and has a profound positive influence on our thoughts and emotional wellbeing. A hugely important factor in a time when schools are dealing more and more with student anxiety and mental health. Music helps develop students’ self-confidence and self-esteem. It has a significant impact on auditory processing, crucial to learning language and the development of reading. In fact, the structuring and sequencing processes obtained through learning music substantially increases the cognitive capacity in learning mathematics, scientific reasoning, analysis and argument.

There are always buzzwords circulating the education world, “resilience” is one them.

I am both impressed and grateful to our Festival of Music parents and students for their resilience. The extra parental dedication to the early morning commute, the girls committing to 7.15am rehearsals, missing lunches with friends and staying after school. This year, for the first time we ran the Festival of Music over three nights, each night being a showcase of the three main areas in our music program. The first evening was the String Showcase featuring string groups from both Brigidine and Loreto. The second evening, the Band Showcase displaying the large number of instrumental groups at Brigidine and the third evening, our Vocal Showcase featuring our talented vocalists and choirs. A special mention must be made to all the soloists who performed over the three nights, these girls either auditioned or were specially invited to perform a solo, bravo!

We must also thank an amazing group of young people, our Alumni. Each evening these ex-Brigo girls came back to the College and shared their love of music with us. It is wonderful that their music journey does not have to end at school.

CHARLIE LOVELOCK HEAD OF COCURRICULAR MUSIC

We Put the Bridgerton Into Brigo

With that in mind, I wanted a fresh way for our audience to look at this classic. As I reread the novel, I tried to imagine what this story would be through the lens of our Year 11 students, who study it here at Brigidine in English. In a lightbulb moment, I decided to set the novel in a Year 11 English

It is also a truth universally acknowledged that a single year group in possession of a large amount of talent must be in want of a play. In 2022, the Year 11 Play transported the audience back into Jane Austen’s Regency world, where we put the Bridgerton into Brigo with Pride and Prejudice

The Year 11 Play is a longstanding and important cultural event at the College. Starting in 1976 we have staged an incredible range of productions, including world firsts (The History of Everything), classics (Romeos and Juliet) and contemporary plays (Animal Farm). It offers all students in Year 11 (whether or not they study Drama) an opportunity to work together to perform on stage in a dynamic and exciting cocurricular activity. Like many of our current cast, I too was delighted to be introduced to the crinoline world of Jane Austen when I was in Year 11. Austen’s astute wit and pithy character study of the minutiae of her world immediately engaged me. The story focusing on the most beloved Bennet family has been incredibly popular since it was written in 1813 and has been transformed into multiple feature films and TV series. Who hasn’t been utterly entranced by the scene of Colin Firth as Mr Darcy and his wet shirt …

classroom, as teacher Miss Chawton (named after Jane Austen’s home village) starts teaching her restless students. I wrote my own adaption of the novel with this theatrical concept allowing the Year 11 ‘students’ in the cast to start learning about the novel, before they start interjecting and involving themselves in the action of the narrative;

just like the village gossips of Austen’s time. In addition, I decided to use the concept of 19th century portrait painting as a performance motif to allow the audience to follow the different settings used in the novel. These were projected onto the theatre wall and mirthful laughter was often heard as audience members enjoyed seeing familiar faces morphed into an old fashioned portrait painting (thank you to Mr Rutherford for his amazing Photoshop skills!). This references our own contemporary world’s selfie, which serves as a reminder of our teenage cast’s favoured style of ‘portrait’.

We had 46 incredibly enthusiastic and talented Year 11 students on stage in this production and three dedicated and talented choreographers working behind the scenes. This production tapped into the extraordinary talents of our Year 11 students and gave them the opportunity to be involved in many different ways. Whether it was performing, working behind the scenes with costumes and makeup, helping backstage or creating choreography specially for this production, it gave many students the opportunity to perform on a stage for the very first time and I sincerely hope it left them with a lifetime love of the stage!

In our Regency world, I take my curtsey in the crinoline and hope you were DELIGHTED by this production.

DIANNE MCDONALD DIRECTOR/ADAPTER OF PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND HEAD OF DRAMA

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife.”

– Jane Austin (Pride and Prejudice)

School Snapshots

Opportunity Brigidine’s Inspirational Women of the Future

The generosity of donors allows Brigidine College to offer study grants to our students. In 2022, the College offered five study grants to students in Year 11 and 12 for Mathematics, Business, Economics, History Extension and Science/Geography.

Students with a strong personal subject interest and who met the criteria were invited to apply for a $500 grant. The quality of each application was extremely high, making the decisions for the panel difficult. It was inspiring to read each students’ passion and interest for their subject in the applications they submitted. Here are the names of the successful students along with a short excerpt from their submissions.

We thank all our donors for their continued support. If you would like to support the Brigidine Study Grants program by sponsoring a grant in a specific area please contact Mrs Mandy Loomes at mloomes@brigidine.nsw.edu.au or 9988 6278.

HISTORY EXTENSION

GEOGRAPHY/SCIENCE

At a tertiary level, I aspire to become a secondary teacher of history to help nurture passionate young students about the study of history and inspire others to pursue history related careers. The funds I receive will be able to assist me in paying for my expenses for these courses. Throughout my senior years my achievements in my study of history have most notably been the completion of my history extension major work and being the founder of the History Club at Brigidine. Through this club, I aimed to encourage younger students to look beyond the history taught in the classroom and engage in interactive activities that make learning about history more enjoyable and accessible.

In studying biological diversity, megacities and migration, and human activities I realised that I am truly passionate about the interplay between man and environment. Because of this, and my frustration with government negligence, I have decided I want to pursue environmental law. I believe that individuals –while we all have a part to play – can only go so far in terms of global sustainability, and to see true tangible environmental protections we must turn to legislation and law. Thus, I have applied to do a double degree of Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Environment at Macquarie. Furthermore, I would like to achieve a postgraduate qualification at UTS in either International Environmental Law, or Environmental Planning and Development Law.

Annabella Saracino

Eva Ossowski

MATHEMATICS

BUSINESS

ECONOMICS

Zara

Macilquham

As I have found an interest in Allied Health professions, I plan to continue studying the same subjects of English Advanced, Mathematics Advanced and Extension 1, Biology, Physics and Drama for the HSC. As I was fortunate enough to be selected to study SOR II in the accelerated class, I will have completed that HSC subject in the coming months. In terms of tertiary education, I am hoping to enter one of the fields of Allied Health. I have a love of science subjects, but also a desire to work helping people. The Medical and Allied Health fields are the perfect opportunity to combine these two vocations. I am specifically interested in progressing to university to study a degree in either Radiography or Physiotherapy. Continuing my education and expanding my knowledge of Physics, Biology and Mathematics will assist me in meeting the course requirements.

Abbi

Jackett

I have developed a passion for business studies through participating in the preliminary and HSC courses for this subject. I love learning about how businesses function in order to remain competitive and operate to maximise profits. I find it interesting to learn how to differentiate products as I feel this is crucial in learning how to be a competitive business. This skill is important as in the future I want to pursue a career in business fields and learning how to operate a business is a very important factor contributing to this goal. Additionally, this course allows me to learn about how to market products in order to attract customers to buy products. This skill is crucial in assisting me to know how to successfully sell products which would be highly important when using this in future career options. Learning about the topics of human resources, finance, operations and marketing within this course has allowed me to extend my passion of business as I love to be given insight into specific ways businesses can operate and the different things that businesses can do to be successful by maximising profits. I feel these are important skills to have as my passion for business is something I am very determined to pursue in my career path as I feel so strongly about this course.

Georgie Bickerton

I have a strong passion for Economics, which has significantly grown through my HSC study of it, as it has allowed me to gain a complex understanding of the way that economic events influence our world. It has enabled me to comprehend the things that are happening in the world around me, and has allowed me to realise the importance of both the global and domestic economy in the lives of all Australians. It has also allowed me to understand how changes in our world and decisions of the government impact my life and the lives of those around me, and also to understand the past, current and future of our society and its complex economy. My passion for Economics and global economic events has been enriched through my HSC study of Legal Studies and Geography, all of which allow me to unite my learning in the Humanities and apply it to real life events happening in our world.

P&F Social Pages

WELCOME COCKTAIL PARTY

On Friday 6 May the College hosted its annual Welcome Cocktail Party with the P&F transforming Bowie Hall into a Winter Wonderland. The evening was a great opportunity to bring the College community together. Guests were greeted by the sounds of the Alumni band and entertained by the The Ragin Cajuns whilst enjoying delicious food prepared by Barbette’s Feast and served by our Year 11 and Year 12 Hospitality students.

TRIVIA NIGHT

In August we saw the return of the infamous P&F Trivia Night. It was back with a bang raising almost $40,000. The theme ‘Around the World’ resulted in some great team costumes and a fun night was had by all.

Thank you to everyone who supported the event and helped make it such a success.

Latest News

THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR YOU

As the Class of 2022 comes to the end of their time at the College many of them will be asking themselves the question “what am I going to do after high school?” Perhaps some will have talked to friends about taking a gap year, dreaming of adventures in far flung places.

Maddy Coakes

I always wanted to take a gap year but at the end of Year 12 it didn’t look like it was going to happen. I had a place in an amazing Nursing degree and Covid travel restrictions had meant most people were going straight to uni. About a month before my course started, I deferred, and to my mum’s dismay decided I was going to take the rest of the year to “just see what happens”. Unsurprisingly, when summer came to an end and all my mates went to uni, the idea of a year-long holiday got old pretty fast. I ended up getting invited to stay with my Aunt in London and was eager for the change of pace and a European summer. Once I got here an amazing opportunity opened for me.

I took up an internship with a designer, Libby London, and have had the most amazing past few months. I have learnt so much about the industry and have had some fantastic opportunities. I’ve been involved in fittings, pattern cutting, alterations, finance and factory and supplier liaisons. My textiles experience in high school gave me the skills and assurance I needed to excel in this position. I’m currently applying for Fashion degrees at both UTS and NIDA I’m so lucky to have this experience behind me bolstering my applications. It hasn’t been all work though; I’ve been to concerts and festivals and done all the touristy things too. (I’m also pretty sure I saw Prince William, but I couldn’t tell for sure, so we’ll never really know.)

Whilst there is no one right way to experience a gap year the benefits are many: personal growth, developing a new skill, learning a foreign language, meeting new people, boosting your resumé, experiencing different cultures, gaining work experience and of course having fun!

With the world slowly opening up again post Covid two members of our graduating Class of 2021 took the opportunity to experience something different before moving onto the next stage of their studies. Maddy Coakes and Nat Guyot have found themselves in the UK and met up in London. Here we hear about their adventures and their thoughts on taking a gap year.

I would recommend taking a gap year to anyone on the fence. It has been the most amazing few months and it’s made me mature so much. Although I had my occasional moments of wavering confidence, if I could go back I would make the same decision 100 times over.

studying or exams. I skydived, did my RSA and got my scuba diving certificate, as well as catching up with family and friends.

I’m currently in England in a small country town called Odiham in the County of Hampshire where I am playing cricket and

Nat Guyot

At the start of Year 12 I still had no idea what I wanted to do at uni or during my first year out of school so I decided to take a gap year. That decision opened up so many options for me. Gap years are great because they are so flexible. You have a whole year of freedom to go wherever your interests take you, whether that’s earning money, working on yourself or travelling the world. The opportunities are endless!

I spent the first part of my gap year working and relaxing without having to worry about

literally having the best time ever. The world is such a big place and to be able to play cricket on the other side of the world is insane. I’ve now got another family and friends in a completely different country. I’m working at the bar at the Cricket Club so now I can pour a proper English pint too!

I spent a week in London. The feeling of waking up in a new city with friends and no one telling you what to do or where to go was so freeing. London is like a history book and a storybook all in one, we crammed so much into our week there. From Harry

Potter World, to seeing royals, the Tower of London, the Lego shop, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, musicals, museums, art galleries and markets. We did it all!

I also went to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and on a cricket tour to Torquay in Devon. I’m spending a month travelling around the UK then plan to backpack across Europe, so I’m sure that will bring even more experiences and adventures.

I have had the most amazing time and have grown so much in this year already. Being in a different country all by yourself and not knowing anyone when you arrive forces you to grow up quickly. It takes a certain type of confidence to jump on a plane with everything for the next six months squished and shoved into one backpack and although it can be scary, it is honestly the best thing I’ve ever done.

Education will always be there and uni and learning in general is always an option, so taking one year off won’t make much of a difference in the long run, except that you will have experiences, growth and friends to last a lifetime. I’ve got some random road trips planned for the rest of the year and have deferred a Journalism and International Studies double degree at UNSW that starts in February next year which I think I will end up doing and enjoying.

ALUMNI COME BACK FOR STAFF SPIRITUALITY DAY

At the beginning of Term 3 College staff participated in a Spirituality Day, focusing on the importance of our First Nation’s people. The day started with Les McLeod, a descendant of the D’harawal people, performing a traditional smoking ceremony.

Later in the day we heard from two Alumni, Nikki Kuper (Class of 2004) and Hannah Murray (nee Cheeseman, Class of 2009) who spoke about their work and time in Indigenous communities.

Nikki is currently working with Groote Eylandt Mining Company located on the island of Groote Eylandt NT, home to the Anindilyakwa people, whilst Hannah works with St Vincent’s Health Australia on their Reconciliation Action Plan. The plan aims to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities to foster and support equity and access to health care.

We asked Hannah a few questions about her life. Here is what she had to say:

What did you do after graduating from Brigidine?

After graduation I went to university and volunteered with the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience. After uni, I got a job with them working with the Western Sydney Aboriginal community where I mentored high school students. I then ran the Wish Granting team at the Starlight Children’s Foundation and now work with St Vincent’s Health Australia on their Reconciliation Action Plan.

How did your time at the College influence you to follow the path you are on?

There were many opportunities at school to work and be involved in social justice initiatives, connecting with the community. I found these really valuable. Street Retreat in Year 11 was a particular highlight for me.

Tell us a little bit about your job and the area you work in and why it’s so important to you.

I currently work in the Reconciliation space. Helping organisations work to reconcile with Aboriginal Australia and right some of the wrongs of the past. It’s important to understand our shared past and our privilege as nonIndigenous Australians. It’s important to work against the systemic racism we benefit from.

Is there any advice you would give to a current student who is interested in following a similar path?

First work to understand your privilege and listen to others so that you can support the work in a meaningful and authentic way.

It was a privilege to listen to the passion both Nikki and Hannah have for their jobs and to see how they continue to live by the Brigidine motto of ‘Strength and Gentleness’ in their lives beyond the school gates.

Alumni Latest News

OLYMPIC DREAMS

Hayley Ballesty (Class of 2018) joined Brigidine in Year 7 and competed in the College Water Polo team throughout her school years.

Hayley started playing water polo, aged 12 at The Sydney Northern Beaches Club. She played there for six years winning many State and National titles some as Vice and Team Captain. At age 16 she moved to the UNSW National League team and was part of the winning team which won the National Title in 2018. In the same year she represented Australia as Vice-Captain at the Youth World Championships in Serbia.

Post HSC Hayley started a scholarship at Arizona State University playing in the NCAA and played for Australia in the World Uni Games in Italy. Unfortunately, a hip injury cut that Arizona chapter short and she returned to Sydney.

Hayley began studying Landscape

Architecture at UNSW in 2020 and returned to her National League team at UNSW. In 2021, she started a contract to play in the Spanish Professional League and was based in Barcelona. That same year Hayley was invited to a National Team Camp for selection for 2022 Fina World Championships. She was selected and debuted initially in the World League Competition in Peru where the team won Gold. She then went on to represent Australia in the 2022 World Championships in Hungary.

Hayley will return to Spain for the 2022/23 season where she will continue to strive for her next goal, to make the 2024 Australian Olympic Team. When back home in Sydney Hayley coaches Brigidine water polo teams and enjoys developing the girls skills, match play and competitive spirit.

We wish Hayley every success in her 2022/23 season and are excited to follow her journey towards her Olympic dream.

WATER POLO

Magali Ogg (Class of 2021)

Magali Ogg was selected for the Australian Youth team and competed at the World Youth Championships in Serbia in August. Along with Hayley Ballesty, Magali currently coaches our Brigidine Water Polo teams.

NETBALL

Ella Johnson (Class of 2021)

Ella was a member of the NSW U19 Netball team, she competed at the Nationals in April with the team going through the tournament undefeated and taking out the championships. Ella went on to be named in the U19 Australian squad. Ella has been coaching for Brigidine this year, with her Brig 3 team winning their IGSA division in an extra time grand final by 1 point!

Brigidine has long been a place of friendships, many of which have stood the test of time long after they passed through the College gates. One such friendship is that of Clare Christensen (nee Gavin) and Katie Willoughby (nee Osborne), both Class of 2005.

Clare and Katie have been friends since they met at Orientation Day. Clare says, “when it came to the first day of Year 7, Katie and I immediately recognised each other, and despite never having a class together over the six years of high school we became best friends.” Their passion for the game of tennis brought them together and they both speak fondly of those days on the court.

Clare: Our friendship was largely formed on the tennis court as Katie and I were doubles partners throughout school. We were fortunate to win many competitions and were Brigidine’s first seeded doubles pair to play at the Tildsley Shield. To say we had a lot of fun on court is an understatement!

Katie: Our love of tennis really brought us together, however the fun and laughter we shared on the court really cemented our friendship. I think it taught me a great lesson to always find fun in everything you do and never take yourself too seriously. I look back with great fondness on my time at Brigidine and all the wonderful friendships I made. After graduating from the College, Clare went to the University of Sydney to study a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications). During this time she lived at College and completed an exchange program to Denmark where she met her husband. After university she went on to become a radio and television journalist, working as a news reader, reporter and producer on Sydney’s 2SM and 2GB radio stations and producer at 9 News. She moved

to Brisbane in 2013 to take on the role of a producer for A Current Affair. After that she moved into corporate communications and onto PR. She is now the Communications Director at a PR and media training agency, Adoni Media.

From Brigidine Katie went to Macquarie University where she studied a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood. After completing her degree she took time off to travel and work in Canada before settling back in Sydney in a job as a preschool teacher in 2012. She has now been in the same job for 10 years. After working as an Assistant Director for five years she recently took over the role as Director on her return from Maternity Leave. “I love my job and feel very passionate about the importance of quality education and care in the early years.”

They couldn’t believe it when they fell pregnant at the same time, with their babies arriving only days apart. Knowing they could support each other, ask questions and text at 2am feeds was a godsend, especially during lockdown. It has been so special for them to be able to share this incredible time with each other.

Clare, Katie, Mia and Liam can be seen together in a photo taken earlier this year when Katie visited Clare in Brisbane. We look forward to hearing more about this friendship in the future and of course the friendship between Mia and Liam.

They had the honour of being in each others bridal parties for their weddings. In 2017 Katie was Clare’s bridesmaid at her wedding in Denmark and in 2019 Clare was Katie’s maid of honour at her wedding at North Head.

On 30 April 2021 Katie and her husband Shane welcomed their son Liam Wallis Willoughby to the world. Liam weighed 3.28kg and was 50cm long. Just a few days later on 11 May 2021, Clare and her husband Thomas welcomed their daughter Mia Lynsey Christensen. She weighed 4.23kg and was 52cm.

Do you have a story to share with us? It would be lovely to hear from you. Please contact Pip Inman – Alumni and Community Relations Coordinator at alumni@brigidine.nsw.edu.au or 02 9988 6254

“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still gently allows you to grow” – William Shakespeare

BRIGIDINE HAS LONG BEEN A PLACE OF FRIENDSHIP

Clare and Katie introducing their babies to one another and celebrating their weddings in 2017 and 2019.

Sophie Joslin (nee Leahy, class of 2004), Clare, Katie

Alumni Latest News

WEDDINGS

Isabelle Kersten (Class of 2013)

On 7 May Isabelle Kersten married Jack Stillman at Kimo Estate in Gundagai. It was a true Brigidine affair with four of Isabelle’s bridesmaids being her former Brigidine classmates. Alexandra McInnes (School Captain, Class of 2013) was the Master of Ceremonies for the reception.

The bridesmaids included Jessika Chong, Danielle Wigston, Kathleen Carrick and Maeve Wadsworth as maid of honour, all from the Class of 2013.

CHRISTENINGS

Eleanor and Madeleine Carson

It was a special day on Sunday 21 August 2020, when our beautiful daughters Eleanor and Madeleine Carson were christened in St Brigid’s Chapel.

An intimate family gathering was made exceptionally meaningful with the stained-glass window dedicated to my sister Louise de Jong. – Holly de Jong (Class of 2003)

VALE CLARE BROWN (CLASS OF 1967)

My wife Clare Margaret Brown (nee Murray) and three brothers, Peter, John and Greg, lived with their parents Frances and Pat in Wahroonga.

Clare was a student at Brigidine from 1962 to 1966. She talked of how small the school was when she was there and always marvelled at how it had grown. She always looked forward to receiving a copy of The Bridge too.

After leaving school, Clare completed a General Nursing certificate in 1971 at St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst and the following year completed a Midwifery certificate at the Crown Street Women’s Hospital.

Clare and I met at Greenmount Guest House in Coolangatta in 1968 and married in 1973.

When Clare became pregnant with Heather, her nursing career was put on hold. A second daughter Kathy and a son Chris followed a few years later.

Tennis was an interest we both shared so we played in weekend mixed competitions with a team of family and friends for more than a decade and Clare also played in Ladies midweek competitions during this time.

When our son started senior school, Clare did a nursing refresher course, which was a significant achievement after many years out of nursing. She then worked for about 20 years as an RN at the Beechwood Aged Care Facility at Revesby. Clare loved her work and became a respected staff member because of her beautiful smile and quiet and caring approach to residents and staff.

Above all else, Clare’s love for family and devotion to our children and six grandchildren were paramount in her life. She enjoyed reading to them and generally just being there when they wanted attention.

Clare will live in our hearts forever.

– Bill Brown

Eleanor Carson, Leo Carson, Father Greg, Madeleine Carson and Holly de Jong

Left to right: Jessika Chong, Danielle Wigston, Kathleen Carrick, Isabelle Kersten, Maeve Wadsworth (maid of honour) and Kate DeSalvo

Isabelle Kersten and Jack Stillman

The Making of Musicals

Can you help?

Our archive is always looking to add new items to our collection. If you have uniforms, memorabilia, programs, invitations, photographs or any other item you think might be of interest, please contact our Archivist Jackie Rossington archivist@brigidine.nsw.edu.au

Margaret Cook, Barbara McCammon, Pat Short and several other staff prepared to stage Brigidine’s first musical production, The Mikado

It was late 1975 when Marie Duffy was interviewed by the new College Principal, Sister Anita Murray for a teaching position in the Music department commencing the following year.

Since its inception, Brigidine College had always taught music and although a choir had previously been assembled to compete in local eisteddfods it was Sr Anita and Mrs Duffy who almost immediately reinvigorated the culture of singing at the College. With such enthusiasm evident, Mrs Duffy suggested staging a musical, The Boyfriend, but was told to ask again next year, which she did; and in 1977 Marie Duffy along with

The original College hall was in the building now known as the Romuald Visual Arts Centre. At a fraction of its current proportions, not only was the size limiting, but the building also had no temperature control making it awfully hot in summer. This led to a decision to hold the musical at the end of winter in the hope the cold hall would be heated by all the people anticipated to attend the musical. The limited size of the hall and in particular the limited stage area meant that Year 12 and Year 7 were excluded from auditioning and the cast overall was so small that Sr Anita cooked dinner for them all on dress rehearsal night.

Although a simple production, The Mikado was a success and with increased interest from students, staff and the wider community over the following years the College opened a larger extended hall, complete with a changing area, lighting and sound equipment in 1983.

After leading seven successful productions and the creation of an annual musical legacy which continues today, Marie Duffy stepped back to supporting roles in many more musicals during her 22 years of service at the College.

Marie’s Productions

1977 The Mikado

1978 The Gondoliers

1979 Pirates of Penzance

1980 Iolanthe

1981 HMS Pinafore

1982 Oklahoma

1983 Patience

Marie Duffy and Margaret Cook, 1978

Pirates of Penzance pirates, 1979

‘Acer is most grateful for the long-term relationship it has fostered with Brigidine College over the past decade. We value the relationship and are fully committed to continuing to grow and find ways to further enhance our support to Brigidine College above and beyond the supply of computer hardware.’

Rod Bassi, Acer Oceanic Sales Director

Rod.Bassi@acer.com

Mobile: +61 408 619 434

2024 Scholarships now open Apply online