The Bridge Issue 2 2023

THE bridge

WHAT WE LIKED

It has been a busy year for our Music Club with concerts, band camp, various eisteddfods and the Festival of Music. Congratulations to our Chamber Vocals and String Orchestra who have both achieved success at the eisteddfods they have competed in this year.

The Bridge, the Brigidine College St Ives biannual magazine

Editor Aleisha Ford

Graphic Design

Darren Rochford

Proof Reading

Mandy Loomes

Photography

Cameron Bloom

Michael Hennessy

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

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

Excerpt from Isabella Brooker’s 2023 HSC Visual Arts body of work, Fur-ensic.

From the Principal

Kitty has a breadth of experience in Catholic education, including principalships at Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta and St Clare’s College Waverley, as well as working closely with Mercy, Marist and Dominican education communities. She is a Councillor of the Federation of Religious Institute and Ministerial PJP Catholic School Authorities in NSW and ACT, and Chairs the Education Policy Committee of the Council. Kitty is involved with the Leadership Centre of Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW) in their Flagship Program for aspiring principals and is the Executive Officer of the Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association. Brigidine College has been truly fortunate to have had the benefit of her deep understanding of Catholic education and her insights into the challenges for contemporary independent school communities.

In 2015 Kitty arrived just after our Diamond Jubilee and the opening of the Anita Murray Centre for the Performing Arts and Sciences. During 2015 and 2016, alongside Principal Jane Curran, she oversaw the development and completion of planning that included refurbishment of the Convent building. As she leaves, we are preparing for our 70th anniversary celebrations in 2024 and are in the final stages of our master plan for our sporting precinct. Her guidance and experience in planning for school facility improvements has been invaluable to our community.

Kitty was invited to the position of Board Chair at a significant time in the history of Brigidine College. The year 2014 marked the transfer of governance of Brigidine College St Ives from the NSW Province of the Congregation of the Brigidine Sisters to Kildare Ministries. As a member of Kildare Ministries, we are part of a community of schools and community works that share the values and charism of the Brigidine Sisters.

As Board Chair, Kitty has generously offered unwavering support to Brigidine College in its growth over the last decade. Working closely with our Board Directors, College Leadership Teams and College Principals, Kitty has had a clear vision of the needs of the College and how the Board can best support them. Her development and involvement in the Board subcommittees of risk, finance and property have enhanced the growth and professionalism of our school community.

Throughout her tenure, Kitty has joined with staff, students and parents to celebrate College life. Her presence at graduation ceremonies, Founders Day, College musicals, and assemblies has been very welcome and much appreciated by staff and students alike.

On a personal level and on behalf of Brigidine College I thank Kitty for her generosity of spirit, understanding and her time to journey with us through the joys and challenges that College life brings. As Principal I have been fortunate to enjoy her support and collegiality. We wish Kitty all the best for life beyond Brigidine!

LAETITIA RICHMOND PRINCIPAL

We have been extremely fortunate to have had the wisdom and expertise of Mrs Kitty Guerin leading our Board for the last nine years. At the end of 2023 Kitty will complete her term as Chair of our College Board.

Clockwise from top: Graduation Assembly 2019, College Board 2015, Kitty presenting award to 2019 College Captain Caitlin Cummins, Kitty with Principal Laetitia Richmond and 2021 College Captains Flora Tucker (left) and Stella Hall (right).

2023 Master Plan

Brigidine students love to be busy and involved in the life of the College. As part of the Independent Girls’ Schools Association (IGSA), hundreds of our students participate in sport each term at both home and away venues.

Throughout 2022 and 2023 we have been working on plans to upgrade and enhance our College facilities. We have been moving through the stages of preparing and delivering a Master Plan that looks at how we best prepare for the long-term future of Brigidine College.

To complement our learning spaces, consideration has been given to the particular needs for cocurricular facilities. Brigidine students are involved across a wide spectrum of sports and our current gym and outdoor court offer limited possibilities for training and competition matches for the many teams at the College.

As part of the planning process, we embarked upon the exciting journey of renewing our sports facilities. This planning has included:

• Modifying the existing outdoor sports court – new artificial grass surface, seating, waterproof roof cover, landscaping and storage.

• New Indoor Sporting Facility – including demolition of an existing building and construction of a new building that will house two full size courts suitable for basketball, netball, volleyball and more.

• New carpark – mostly below ground under the new building and enclosed for 20 cars which will require the demolition of the existing car park.

Working with our project managers, the Carmichael Tompkins Project Group, the architectural firm, Mayoh was chosen after a thorough selection to deliver this Master Plan. The extensive process of consultation was undertaken throughout 2022 and we have been on a path of design development, which will provide the College with a way forward in continuing to develop its resources in the years ahead.

During 2022 we were also extremely fortunate to be able to buy a property adjacent to the school. This will be a substantial asset to the College as we consider further facility upgrades, incorporating it into our plans for future development of the College’s physical environment.

Currently we are finalising our builder tender process. We hope to commence this building work in November 2023. While it is anticipated it will take 16 months to complete our aim is to minimise any potential impacts on the operation of the school and for our staff and students.

We are so excited for the opportunities that these new sporting facilities will bring and will continue to provide our College community with updates as we progress. These will include details on our website and potential site visits during Alumni events.

LAETITIA RICHMOND PRINCIPAL

“Developing a person’s physical literacy across their lifespan is crucial if we want more Australians to live active, healthy and happy lives.”

DR NATASHA SCHRANZ CO-CHAIR ACTIVE HEALTHY KIDS AUSTRALIA

Artist’s impressions.

Social and Emotional Skills Benefit Student Wellbeing

Brigidine’s Wellbeing program aims to nurture, challenge and support students through their ever-evolving education journey and empower them to develop strong social and emotional skills. Attendance and maintaining routine are crucial to the development of these skills.

Research within a learning environment now places greater emphasis on the interplay between engagement, attendance and wellbeing and how this positively enables students to flourish from a holistic perspective. Positive student wellbeing underscores the need to recognise that attendance is not merely a duty but an investment in fostering a holistic education.

The Student Wellbeing Hub (studentwellbeinghub.edu.au) strongly advocates for compulsory daily attendance due to the significant role it plays in cultivating a strong sense of belonging amongst peers. “This innately builds connection through established relationships and positively impacts behaviour through increased levels of motivation and engagement” (Dr Lyn O'Grady, 2020).

The commitment of each Year Coordinator, together with their team of Mentor Teachers, is the heart of our Brigidine’s Pastoral program. They engage students in a myriad of ways to build connection and foster strong social and emotional development. Our Pastoral team recognises that building connections is the cornerstone of emotional wellbeing and that “relationships are the number one predictor of a long and happy life” (Cross, 2022). The school environment prioritises student health and wellbeing through an evidence-based multi-faceted, systemic, whole school approach. These connections become pillars of support through a student's ups and downs, nurturing emotional resilience.

In 2023 Brigidine’s Wellbeing program facilitated a range of interactive workshops for students to enrich their learnings. They were led through active discussions and extended into Pastoral lessons.

Year 7 and 8

• ySafe presentation focused on cyber safety, protecting and understanding a digital footprint and how to find the balance of exercising healthy digital hygiene.

Year 9

• Psychologist Brad Marshall presented ‘The Tech Diet for students’ focusing on learning positive ways of engagement, being mindful of traps and the warning signs of distress when using online platforms.

Years 9 and 10

• The Batyr@schools program ‘Looking out for your Mates’ presentation focused on mental health and learning about the steps of early intervention with appropriate avenues of support.

• The Butterfly Foundation’s presentation ‘Let’s Talk – Eating Disorder Myths’ focused on promoting healthy body image and debunking the circulating myths of eating disorders.

• The NSW Police Commissioner launched the NSW Police Youth Anti-violence Education campaign this year. A workshop produced by the NSW Police Force and co-funded by the Department of Education and the Advocate for Children and Young People was presented by Senior Constable Lynda Hart (Youth Command Officer, Ku-ring-gai and North Shore). It featured interviews by high profile players from various sporting codes who shared empowering personal experiences and ways to protect one’s safety.

Years 10 – 12

• Three individual tailored programs were conducted by Paul Dillon, a leading expert in drugs and alcohol. The workshops focused on the impact and effects of substances, provided information on harm minimisation, safe practices, factual data on drug types and their use in Australia by young people.

Through the implementation of preventative programs in our community, we hope to educate our students and support the rising mental health challenges they face during these times. Such programs play a significant role in fostering emotional wellbeing and provide numerous opportunities for growth through coping mechanisms, building resilience and regulating self-awareness. Most importantly students know they are safe within a supportive environment that promotes positive relationships.

SIA MASTRO DIRECTOR STUDENT WELLBEING

Immersions and New Perspectives

Brigidine College conducted three Immersion programs during the July winter holidays. Immersions are transformative events that give young people a chance to see the world from a new perspective and find strengths, gifts and capacity within themselves beyond their school learning. As part of the holistic education our students receive at Brigidine, these experiences can be life-changing, meaningful and amazing for all involved.

In 2023 we have taken students to communities where our First Nations people can share their culture and perspective with our students, enabling them to appreciate the gift of this culture and people to our world. The feedback from all the three immersions was positive, and it paves the way for future immersions to grow and re-emerge as we resume greater normality after the challenge of the pandemic. These experiences draw our young people away from the safety of their own homes and lives, and into a wider cultural and personal experience that can be enriching, helping to shape them as global citizens and young women capable of making a difference in the world.

KAKADU IMMERSION

Mrs Alison Finnerty and Ms Elle Carroll led a group of ten students from Years 10 and 11 to the Northern Territory for this immersion. After flying to Darwin, they journeyed to Kakadu National Park and camped with local Indigenous communities living there. They experienced first-hand the art, spirituality and life of the local First Nations people and journeyed to waterholes, sacred sites and other special places of interest to reflect on the gift and richness of this ancient culture. The week-long trip had a strong impact on the students who attended.

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND IMMERSION

Mrs Leone Smyth and Ms Libby Goode led a group of 12 students from Years 8 and 9 to Cairns in the far north of Queensland. This immersion involved close connections with the local Indigenous communities and experiences of the Great Barrier Reef and local islands along the coast. The students snorkelled and swam in the waters of Fitzroy Island, learned about the sustainability of this delicate ecosystem and spent time with the local First Nations people, experiencing their lifestyle and their ongoing care of this sacred and special part of Australia. This week-long journey helped our younger students enjoy the warmth and sunshine of Far North Queensland and experience the beauty and fragility of this amazing place with one another.

RED DIRT IMMERSION TO OUTBACK NSW

Mrs Kate Ryder, Ms Vicki Boyd, Mr David Chant and Mr Brian Loughland led a group of 15 students from Years 9, 10 and 11 to the north-west corner of NSW to experience the local communities and towns there. Travelling alongside the young men from St Pius X College, Chatswood, the students journeyed to Coonabarabran, Baradine, Coonamble, Brewarrina and Bourke. They went to Indigenous sites, bush walked to sacred sites in the Pillaga area and the Warrumbungle Ranges and spent time in local schools supporting young people through shared learning programs and activities. The return journey included a stop at Dubbo Zoo and an overnight stay. This week-long experience was enjoyed by all involved who were able to learn more about the culture and people of these areas, and to interact with both the local young people and several important elders in a range of positive and enriching experiences.

Immersions and trips will continue to develop in the years ahead at the College. The immersions will always be about cultural exchange, and a transformative experience in various settings. Other trips may develop for sporting and performance groups to enjoy as well in the future. These safe and positive experiences for our students provide a chance for them to develop a new perspective on their own lives and their journey in education at Brigidine.

BRIAN LOUGHLAND DEPUTY PRINCIPAL FAITH AND MISSION

Opportunity to Develop Tech Skills with Enterprise Computing Course

The new Enterprise Computing syllabus means new opportunities to develop in-demand tech skills.

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, we are excited to offer the new Enterprise Computing course (previously Information Processes and Technology) to our Year 11 students in 2024. In recent years we have found it difficult to persuade girls to study computing technology courses, however this updated course provides new opportunities for our students to elevate their career trajectories by combining tech skills with other passions. Here are some compelling reasons for studying Enterprise Computing.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Enterprise Computing goes beyond coding. It teaches students to use technology to solve real-world problems, in partnership with real businesses. These skills can be applied in many areas of life and work.

• Career Prospects: Technology is among the fastest-growing sectors worldwide. Knowledge in digital tools and processes positions students for opportunities in areas such as software development, interactive media, data management, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

• Building Confidence: Overcoming challenges in computing can instil resilience and boost confidence. These are traits beneficial in any chosen field.

• Unleashing Creativity: Computing isn’t just logic; it’s creative too. Whether it’s designing interfaces or creating software, students can channel their creativity through technology.

• Interdisciplinary Learning: Enterprise Computing can blend with subjects like business and economics, sciences, mathematics and arts, offering a well-rounded education that nurtures both technical and non-technical skills. It reinforces responsible and ethical use of digital applications and platforms.

• Combining Passions: With tech skills, students can merge their other interests to create unique career paths. A student passionate about health, for instance, might develop tech solutions for medical challenges.

• Empowerment in Technology: The tech industry has been skewed towards males. Introducing girls to computing studies early on can encourage more female participation and leadership in this vital sector.

As technology becomes even more embedded in our lives, it’s crucial for our students to be not just users but creators and innovators.

Students in Enterprise Computing will be encouraged to develop an entrepreneurial mindset by working collaboratively, growing specialised communication skills, and applying system, design and computational thinking skills. The knowledge and skills developed in this course ensure students can contribute to a world increasingly reliant on the manipulation and use of digital systems.

LEONE SMYTH DEPUTY PRINCIPAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

Student Leaders 2024

We are delighted to announce our Student Leaders for 2024. College Captain Natasha Townley

Senior Vice Captain Indie Smith

Senior Captains Koey Chow

Sophie Hemens

Sophie Hoppett

Olivia Howell

Roseanna Huang

Zara McCauley

Lara Price

Zoe Tobin

Year Ambassadors Ella Baker

Holly Calleia

Olivia Finn

Gabrielle Hopping

Lola Kierans Ball

House Captains

Fatima Emily Guerrera and Albee McInnes

Kildare Zannah Dixon and Marnie Hilton

Lourdes Sophie Lowry and Erin Shanahan

Prague Gemma Hatherell and Maggie O’Sullivan

Cocurricular Captains

AFL Isobel Gardner

Athletics/Cross Country Zoe Shirdon

Basketball Gemma Hatherell

Dance Eleanor Taylor and Caitlin Walley

Debating

Roseanna Huang and Gisella Sorbara

Drama Bronte Suominen and Kate McCrindle

DEA Hayley Christie and Jana Weingartner

Football Charlea Maher

Girls in Black Mia Perry

Hockey Caitlin Smith

Music Sophie McGrath and Jessie Walsh

Musical Sophie McGrath

Netball Grace Smith

Robotics Ines Teixeira Pinto

Rugby 7s Annaliese Chan

Social Justice Irlanda Biviano and Lara Price

Softball Poppy Howlett

Sports Aerobics Maya Nicey and Hanah Bayldon

Swimming Sophia Cooper

Touch Football Leila McDougall

Volleyball

Nina Vinci

Water Polo Sophia Cooper

Left to right: College Captain 2023 Sarah Hudson, College Captain 2024 Natasha Townley, Principal Laetitia Richmond, Senior Vice Captain 2024 Indie Smith, Senior Vice Captain 2023 Daisy Daddo.

An Inspirational Future

Through the generosity of donors to the College, Brigidine has offered six study grants to students in Years 11 and 12 for Business Studies/ Economics, Geography/Science, History Extension, Legal Studies, Mathematics and Performing Arts.

Those students who met the criteria were invited to apply for their area of interest for one of these $500 grants which included a strong personal interest in the subject. The quality of each application was extremely high, making the decisions for the panel difficult ones. It was incredibly inspiring to read of each student's 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.

BUSINESS STUDIES/ECONOMICS: CAITLIN O’SULLIVAN

The guidance and entrepreneurial spirit of my parents sparked my interest in learning about business at a young age. At 11 years old I developed a brand called ‘Satisfying Slimes’ producing and selling handmade slime products across the Northern Beaches. I raised $200 in sales and donated this profit to Arranounbai school in Frenches Forest. I also have firsthand business experience, having worked in various industries including hospitality, childcare and retail, where I have been mentored by business owners and learnt the logistics of their businesses. When I graduate from Brigidine, I wish to continue my studies as a business student by applying for a Bachelor of Business course in 2024. I am highly committed to reaching my full potential in Business Studies and hope that I can continue my passion for business and one day create a successful business of my own.

PERFORMING ARTS: CHARLOTTE SIM

I have been a proud member of the Performing Arts at Brigidine since Year 7. I have displayed a passionate commitment to both Cocurricular Music and Drama during my time at the College. I have been in four College Musicals: Mary Poppins, Chicago, I Can Hear Music and Footloose I participated in the Year 11 Play, playing the role of Mary Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, and performed in the Drama Showcase in Years 9, 10 and 11 in individual and group performances. I have been a member of Girls in Black since Year 9, which allowed me to be the Stage Manager for this year’s Year 11 Play, Happily Ever After…?. I am also a member of three ensembles in the Music Club: Senior Choir, Vocal Ensemble and Chamber Vocals, having been in the first two for the past six years. I have held junior leadership positions for Music and am Music Captain this year. I am studying Drama and Music I for the HSC. I have loved my experiences with Brigidine’s Performing Arts and have learnt so many life skills which I will take forward into my tertiary studies. I am looking to complete a Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in Drama and minoring in Mathematics.

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 to advise your interest.

LEGAL STUDIES: JULIA OBER

Studying law and potentially becoming a lawyer has been a dream of mine since I was about 10 years old and as I near my opportunity to do this at a tertiary level, this excitement has not faded. I have thoroughly enjoyed studying Legal Studies for the past year and a half, finding myself more intrigued about the world around me every lesson. I intend to study law as part of a double degree in my tertiary education and have already applied for early admission to the University of Technology Sydney for a number of law degrees.

GEOGRAPHY/SCIENCE: HAILEY CERNEAZ

Ever since I was a small girl I have been drawn to the geography of our planet and our people. I did puzzles, learnt the names of countries and capitals by heart, drew maps and created games that took me on adventures around the world. Out of this childhood fascination for the world grew a serious passion as I discovered a real interest in my Year 7 Geography class with Mrs Suominen. I went on to choose Geography as an elective subject in Years 9 and 10, and continued to deepen my understanding of the oceans, biosphere, climate change and cultural demographics.

HISTORY EXTENSION: EMMA GOODALL

MATHEMATICS: JESSICA HILDEBRANDT

I first discovered my love for mathematics when I was in Year 8. Since then, I have found a profound beauty within numbers. I am continuously captivated by the way that numbers so elegantly describe relationships and phenomenon in the real world. From that moment on, my passion for Mathematics has only grown, and in my senior years my thirst for maths has led me to elect as much Maths as I possibly can! Next year, I plan to study Engineering (Honours) at either University of New South Wales or University of Sydney. At this stage I am looking to enrol in either Biomedical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering. In pursing engineering, I hope to continue learning and applying mathematics to help solve real-world issues.

For my senior years I have found Geography to be the most challenging yet also the most interesting and rewarding of my subjects. I especially found the Year 11 Senior Geography Project to be a valuable and expansive learning experience as I undertook research in my local community on the environmental and social effects of relocating The Forest High School. Through these scholastic opportunities I have also developed fundamental geographical skills, such as critical thinking, analysis, problem solving and the ability to concisely express complex issues, that will help me beyond school.

After school I hope to attend the University of Sydney to study a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (International and Global Studies) or a Bachelor of Arts (Dual Degree, Sciences Po, France). Both these degrees would allow me to focus my studies on the physical and human aspects of geography, whilst expanding my worldview to remain relevant with the ever-changing modern society. Furthermore, the dual degree that incorporates two years of exchange in France would allow me to utilise the French I have learnt at school and discover a new culture all whilst continuing to immerse myself in geographical topics.

I have always been fascinated by history and historical events, which my studies of Modern and Ancient History have allowed me to explore. However, History Extension has enabled the development of my interest in microhistory, the construction of history and history in relation to Early Christianity, as the case study for the subject. My History Extension project allowed me to explore my passion for American history alongside my interest in microhistory and Native American history. Additionally, the case study of Early Christianity, has helped develop my passion for theology, and interest in discovering the different interpretations of Jesus and the construction of early Christian texts, which I intend to continue beyond the History Extension course. I intend to either study a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History or American Studies, or a degree in Theology, alongside a degree in Law.

Brigidine’s Student Writers

The Lamp is a student-led literary journal that the Creative Writing Group started this year. We collect cover art and all forms of writing –whether it be poetry, discursive, narratives, short stories – and edit them together. We then publish them in the magazine and distribute it to the entire school at the end of each term. The Creative Writing Group is so passionate about this initiative, we love the enthusiasm the school community has had towards The Lamp, sharing our work so generously. We’ve published two issues so far and there will be many more to come! Here are some excerpts from this year’s issues.

JOSIE CROCKER, YEAR 10 SENIOR CREATIVE WRITING GROUP LEADER

GOOD MOTHERS ROSEANNA HUANG, YEAR 11

They do not cast shadows with their presence.

Instead, they live in them. Claire always knew she would have children. It was expected of her; her parents expected it, her friends, her distant relatives, everyone. It was just what happened. You grew up, got a job, married, and had children – your pride and joy. She frequently attended the exultant celebrations of the perfect babies her family knew. All the storybooks she read and the feel-good movies she watched always ended with the main character married and with children. They were always so happy.

Only happy mothers belonged in stories. She grew up and moved to the city. She married a man that a friend of a friend introduced her to, and she became an accountant. Her first child came at 30 and the second at 33. She did her duty. But it was hard. God, it was hard. Pregnancy was bad, labour was worse. Giving birth was hours upon hours of pain ticking in a hospital bed with her legs spread, blue-robed nurses crowding her and time reducing itself to contractions that felt like failure. Could she not even bear the pain women had gone through for centuries? Her husband held her hand, but she had never felt so disconnected.

AN ODE TO ASPARAGUS ERIN CRAN, YEAR 7

A flood of emotion, A crunchy taste, Upon my tongue

Carcass of green, A blanket of texture.

Asparagus, so nurturing The hearty vegetable

But alas,

Despite its best efforts, Its deathbed, Nurtured in the steamer

A fall from heaven, Into a desolate hell

But tender, Ever so tender, The titular vegetable

Finds new life

With the edamame

A legume of loyalty, A wise friend

O, imperial vegetation

Unfortunate grave

May you rest

With edamame

As you await Your untimely death

After the first birth came the sorrow. She cried so much without a reason to. She felt guilty because her daughter had colic, and because she felt like she wasn’t being a good mother. James didn’t understand her melancholy and Claire could not explain. Their baby kept crying. Their marriage became strained.

Failure stared back at her when she looked in the mirror.

But on she went. She did everything she could to give her children a good life. She taught them, comforted them, scolded them, loved them. They were hers, and she poured her entire self into them. She got over her unhappiness and strove to just be a good mother.

THE FOG ARABELLA GERKE, YEAR 9

The clouds meandered through the sky, their eternal tears beating like drums on the town’s stone paths. Gardens drowned and worn umbrellas lay discarded on doorsteps. The town’s soaring buildings held no candlelight, and the inhabitants suffocated in silence. A figure braves the late hours of the day, his stumbling steps picking up in pace. Soon, people call out, begging him to flee the fog. His stalk turns frantic. His wide eyes glance at the moon, a tremor shakes his gloved hand, his umbrella discarded in the empty street. The fog soon consumes it in its path.

His heavy boots finally enter the warmth inside, but the fog becomes the tangible tension filling the streets, becoming thicker. As the moon smiles down at the town below, it beckons the fog out too, calling it to fill the streets. It twists and tumbles, swiftly entering the town. Young eyes crowd windows, witnessing the fog colliding with the town’s bleak buildings, like an old man lost on his journey home. A shriek breaks the vow of silence.

“I’ll never live up to your standards, will I?” Desperation fills her voice, tears threatening to silence her.

“You never listen to us.” An answering echo silences her. “This is not how someone your age should act!”

“There is no normal! Whatever you think isn’t always true!”

“How dare you-”

“Shut up! I’m leaving!”

Worn boots trample the foyer, and Agnes’ sobbing joins it soon after. The moon peers down at her red hair as it escapes down the street. Cobblestone roads threatening to trip her. The fog obscures the path, making it heave and sway. Her steps beckon quiet splashes from the path, silenced in the rain’s heavy onslaught. Moonlight illuminates her distressed attempt at escape.

The hidden presence of a stone ends her journey abruptly. The fog’s putrid vapour swiftly enters her system, nulling her senses and silencing her pain-filled groans.

Warm sunlight highlights her features, and she soon regains consciousness. Her milky eyes ache from the absence of her pupil.

“Her eyes!” She quickly surveys the room. Taking in her staring parents, the barren room, and the sun, looking in at her from the window. “Agnes?”

“Hello.” The word scares them from their seats. Her voice is like gravel, deep yet feminine, and of too many origins to distinguish. Suddenly, she leaps from her bed, her thin covers falling to the floor. A wide grin cuts her cheeks, and her eyes grow wide, her excitement palpable. Leaping off her

feet, she darts to the chair her parents had vacated to escape to the corner of the room. It flies over her head, hitting the window and shattering the glass. Like a fox, she leaps through the windowpane, fleeing the house. Her parents slowly peer out the window, shocked by the silence left in her absence. A light trail of bloody footprints stain the cold cobblestones, the small glass remains being carried away with her.

“There she is!” The cry echoes through the desolate town square. “Grab her!” People spill into the square, some carrying rope, others carry small pots and pans. Soon, she is held down, and the village pastor and the village doctor’s faces hang over hers. Her shrieks fill the square, her gaunt frame seizing under the people’s strong hands.

“What do you think, doctor?”

“Father, what happened to the girl? Is this the work of the devil?” Murmurs exchange throughout the crowd. Trepidation rotting into hostility. As the pastor leans down over her, inspecting her bruising arms and bitter eyes. Suddenly, her body seizes, and she snaps forward, biting the glasses off the tip of his nose.

Her children have said she is good. But Claire is not in the papers. She is not immortalised in tales. Mothers are expected to be good, and so what else is new? From the moment she became pregnant for the first time, she was no longer the main character in her own life. Her entire story became her children, and who she was before them left the pages and lived in the margins. She cannot help but lament what happened to her, and what undoubtedly happens to millions of women around the world.

Her experiences as a mother are not abnormal, but it felt like it. She has been unhappy for a significant period of her life after the birth of her children. She has felt mind-numbingly alone. She has felt like she is not a proper woman. She has felt subpar, not up to

standard, and if only she had known someone who struggled like she did, maybe she would not have tasted failure like bile in the back of her throat as often as she did.

However, the truth is, only happy mothers belong in stories. Only smiles and loving arms deserve to dance across the pages of fairytales. The rest of the good mothers, the ones with faltering smiles, have their hardships become part of the shadows their children cast. Unhappiness, and by extension an unhappy mother, reads as an inference. They end up in the blank white spaces at the edges of print. They end up in the pauses before a sentence.

They end up in the gaps between stories.

Roseanna Huang’s short story, Good Mothers was shortlisted in the Year 11/12 section of this year’s 'What Matters?' online writing competition run by the Whitlam Institute at Western Sydney University.

Cocurricular

Sports Aerobics National Champions

Two College teams (Year 8 Stage One and Senior Secondary Aerobics) won silver medals, and four teams finished fourth at the recently staged National Championships in Adelaide. While these shiny silver medals are a clear and obvious symbol of success, should we look a little deeper, behind the medals, to the heart of the program within, we get a powerful view of what a successful Brigidine Cocurricular program looks like. This year we had 13 teams comprising of 86 students who commenced their journey in the early weeks of Term 4, 2022. Gathering once a week at 7am the individuals in these teams made the annual commitment to one another, a commitment to work hard physically and artistically, with grit and resilience in search of constant improvement, with the goal of progressing to a nationally recognised standard via regional, state and National Championship events. The fact that 65 students and 10 Brigidine teams (76%), qualified for the National Championships in 2023 is an indication of the incredible depth of success at the heart of the Brigidine Sports Aerobics program. Regardless of the number of national medals won in 2023, the standards attained by all student participants in Sports Aerobics are exceptional by any measure.

The Sports Aerobics program is wonderfully led by Mr Josh Holmes (Head of PDHPE) who is both extremely passionate and knowledgeable regarding all things Sports Aerobics, yet of the 13 teams that competed this year, 11 were coached by alumni students, with one team being coached by current Year 12 student Jessica Rheinberger. In a further example of the Brigidine community’s passion for sports aerobics, Alumni coaches Ruby Szelid and Abbie Gates, both from the Class of 2021, impressively travelled to the Adelaide National Championships in support of the teams they

coached. The fact that so many former and current Brigidine students choose to maintain a connection with the Sports Aerobics program by coaching our teams to such high standards is a testament to the wonderful culture shaped by Josh Holmes, and perhaps the most powerful indication of the incredible success that lies at the heart of Brigidine Sports Aerobics.

OWEN VALE DIRECTOR COCURRICULAR

The Brigidine College Sports Aerobics program, now in its twelfth year, has yet again enjoyed incredible success in 2023.

Developing Tomorrow’s Theatre Technicians

For the last 10 years the Girls in Black program has been training students in the area of technical theatre. This covers a broad range of skills and technology in an ever-changing area.

The students meet each week to learn about backstage management, sound systems, theatrical lighting and videography. They then have the opportunity to put these skills into practice in support of Brigidine's events.

For students who are interested beyond school, the skills learned in Girls in Black can lead to career paths in a number of industries such as live events, theatre, broadcast, film and television. Many of the skills students practice in Girls in Black are also more broadly applicable: students learn to communicate effectively with each other to coordinate the various technical elements of a show, understand problem solving processes, and how to work as a team to achieve a common goal.

The highlights each year for many of these students are the College's Musical, Year 11 Play and Festival of Music. These are wonderful events where they are able to work alongside students from other year groups and be a significant part of these memorable shows that could not happen without them.

With over 50 students currently enrolled in Girls in Black it is wonderful to see this program remain a popular choice amongst students of all ages year after year.

GARETH EDEY GIRL IN BLACK CONVENOR

“I had the opportunity to be backstage for Footloose the musical earlier this year. I was able to familiarise myself with the various props and use my knowledge from previous experiences. From the first rehearsal to the final performance, I got to know many people in the cast, and I even made a new friend among them. Additionally, I became efficient at handling props on and off stage. It was an exciting and enjoyable experience to cherish.”

– Ereni Boutsikakis, Year 9

“Being Stage Manager for the 2023 Year 11 Play was so enjoyable. It allowed me to improve my communication and leadership skills, and to gain experience working backstage for a production.”

– Charlotte Sim, Year 12

“Working backstage during the 2023 musical of Footloose was amazing! Whilst it was very chaotic backstage making sure everything was in place at the right times, I loved working with the amazing cast and crew, who made the entire production such a fun experience.”

– India MacNamara, Year 9

A Spectacular Performance

Dance Spectacular is the highlight of the year for the entire Cocurricular Dance community at Brigidine College. It brings together more than 250 student performers from Years 7 to 12, across a range of dance styles and forms.

Held at Chatswood Concourse on 2 September, the matinee and evening performances showcased the incredible talent, dedication, teamwork, artistry and learning that has taken place within the Brigidine Dance program this year. While it is certainly an impressive showcase, Dance Spectacular is also a wonderful show, full of colour, music, movement, energy and a celebration of all that is Brigidine Dance.

DIRECTOR COCURRICULAR

OWEN VALE

Happily Ever After...?

The Year 11 Play is a longstanding and important cultural event for the College. Starting back in 1976 we have staged an incredible range of productions, including world firsts, classics, and contemporary plays. It offers all students in Year 11 (regardless of whether they study Drama) an opportunity to work together to perform on stage in a dynamic and exciting cocurricular activity. This year the College presented its first original Year 11 Play written by our Head of Drama, Miss DiAnne McDonald.

What do you get when you create a magical potion filled with a Fairy Godmother who can rap, a group of sassy bluebirds who can dance, a pair of all-knowing narRATors and a sparkling mirror that answers back? And who will live happily ever after…?

Fairytales have always fascinated me. As children we grow up rightfully believing that our own narrative will always end “happily ever after”, but what happens after that? Stephen Sondheim explored this in his seminal and perennially popular musical Into The Woods, and using this theatrical conceit I wanted to create a script that could showcase the magical talents of our strong and gentle students. One of the joys of this “choose your own adventure” production was that the audience decided the ending.

We had 55 incredibly enthusiastic and talented Year 11 students on stage in this production, many of whom were performing for the very first time and I sincerely hope it has left them with a lifetime love of the stage. It also provided the opportunity to literally tap into the extraordinary talents of our Year 11s not only on stage but also behind the scenes helping backstage, with costumes or makeup, or creating choreography specially for this production.

As the Fairy Godmother said to the audience “isn’t it always the truth that you wait all your life for one prince, and then two show up at once!”, along with our Year 11s I was blessed to work with my own two “princes”. I sincerely thank and acknowledge Mr Chris Rutherford for his support behind the scenes, and Mr Gareth Edey who leads our Girls in Black in providing invaluable technical support for every Brigidine production.

DIANNE MCDONALD WRITER & DIRECTOR

Connecting Through Music

Now in its second year, Brigidine’s Music Camp was held in Term 3 giving musicians a chance to bond whilst honing their skills for their upcoming performances in the Festival of Music and State Band Championships.

Almost 120 students descended on the Collaroy Centre for two days to engage in longer rehearsals where all members of the ensembles could be present. It takes an enormous amount of time to get a large group of people playing a piece of music correctly, bringing all the parts together to create a successful outcome, so the opportunity for practice the Camp provides is crucial.

After a day of intense music making students spent the evening being entertained with a quiz, led by Music Captain Charlotte Sim (Year 12) and the Music leaders. The Teachers team was

robbed of victory by one point! A Talent Show was also held which led to the selection of soloists for the upcoming concerts.

Thanks go to all staff involved, including Mrs Michelle Casiglia for her superb organisation skills in pulling the camp together, and our three College Alumni who gave their time and expertise to ensure yet another amazing camp experience.

Bring on Music Camp 2024!

CHARLIE LOVELOCK HEAD OF COCURRICULAR MUSIC

School Snapshots

Theatresports

Mother’s Day Liturgy

Founders Day

Founders Day

Year 11 Leadership Camp

Grandparents Day

Indigenous Day

Year 9 Food Trucks

Peer Support

Year 11 Leadership Camp

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Year 9 yLead Leadership Day, Chatswood Concourse

Career Clusters Presentation

Brought to You by the Letter B

The brains of the Brigidine community came together on 26 August for the annual P&F Trivia Night. The theme Brought to You by the Letter B meant that everyone had a ball!

The evening is the main fundraiser of the year, with funds raised this year going towards upgrading the outdoor sports court as part of the College’s Master Plan. This will include a new artificial grass surface, seating and a waterproof roof cover to allow students to use the court all year round.

The College would like to extend its thanks to the P&F who organised and hosted the event, to the Property team for their help with set up and to our wonderful community for supporting the event. We also thank our Silver Sponsors, Exetel and BRASV Group for their support. Thanks to all of you, every student will benefit from the court upgrade.

PIP INMAN ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Community at the Heart

Community is at the heart of our College and never is that more evident than when we all come together and work towards a goal. Each year through events like the Trivia Night the P&F set their sights on raising money for an item or items all our students will benefit from. In the past this has included items such as a new minibus and shade sails for the gym. Last year, funds raised were put towards new outdoor tables which can be used by students at recess and lunchtime, or for private study and outdoor learning. The tables arrived on campus in Term 3 and our Property team will safely instal them during these September holidays ready for the girls when they return in Term 4.

It is thanks to our community, projects like this are possible. Community is alive and kicking at Brigidine and the College would like to thank everyone for their continued support.

Some members of our P&F Committee trying out one of the new tables.

Latest News

FROM THE ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

As I write this, the nation is gripped by the excitement of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with huge crowds filling stadiums, amazing television ratings being reported and the Matildas winning the hearts of us all.

In an interview given by James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, at the start of the tournament he said, “Football Australia has always believed in the power and potential of the CommBank Matildas and women’s football.” He added “Their unwavering spirit and resilience resonate with our nation’s values and their success on the pitch has made them a symbol of national pride. To see Australia united behind this team has been inspiring.”

At the start of the tournament the Matildas set out to leave a legacy, a goal they have well and truly placed in the back of the net. Their success has undeniably changed the face of women’s football and sport for generations to come, inspiring young girls and women to believe they can achieve, whatever their goal might be.

2023 ALUMNI DAY – SAVE THE DATE!

Alumni Day will be held on Saturday 11 November and this year we are excited to welcome the following year groups to join us at the College.

• Class of 1973, 50-year reunion

• Class of 1978, 45-year reunion

• Class of 1983, 40-year reunion

• Class of 1988, 35-year reunion

• Class of 1993, 30-year reunion

• Class of 1998, 25-year reunion

• Class of 2003, 20-year reunion

• Class of 2008, 15-year reunion

• Class of 2013, 10-year reunion

• Class of 2018, 5-year reunion

Each year our Alumni continue to leave their own legacies and inspiration, allowing those who come after them to follow in their footsteps.

In this issue, Ruth Bridger (Gardner) Class of 1958 talks about being one of the very first students at the College. Those Pioneers, as we now know them, set the wheels turning for what we see today; a thriving College with almost 900 students in attendance, offering a wide range of subjects and running a Cocurricular program that provides each student the opportunity to be part of a group or team doing something they love.

As well as sharing your stories many of you have also taken the opportunity to leave your legacy in the grounds of the College by purchasing a Commemorative Paver. These will be placed in our new Alumni Garden due to be opened in 2024 and dedicated to honouring every one of our Alumni, all of whom have helped pave the way in the history of the College.

The character Ted Lasso from the Apple TV+ series by the same name has inspired

Come along, relive your school days and catch up with old friends. More details to follow closer to the time.

We have quite a few gaps in our database where Alumni have married, moved house, or changed their email address. If you are in contact with old school friends, please share this date with them and ask them to send their current email address to us so we can update our records: alumni@brigidine.nsw.edu.au

PIP INMAN ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

audiences with his resilience, zest for life and hilarious one-liners. Coaching a football team who are the underdogs, he teaches them to believe in themselves, imparting upon them his wisdom and genuine approach to life. He tells them “Courage is about being willing to try, winning is an attitude, and happiness is a choice” and encourages them to “be open, because good ideas come from anywhere, to be sincere, to have confidence in themselves and most importantly…believe!”

As I read the stories on the following pages it is clear to see our Alumni have the same unwavering spirit and resilience enjoyed by the Matildas. It fills us with a great sense of pride in the 8000 strong and gentle women who have walked the corridors of the College, but these women have been inspiring one another long before Ted Lasso appeared on our screens. So I can’t help but think that, just maybe, Ted Lasso got his inspiration from them!

PIP INMAN ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

SPECIAL OLYMPICS DREAM

Lisa Weingartner joined Brigidine as a Year 7 student in 2017, graduating in Year 12 with the Class of 2022. During her Brigo years Lisa completed her bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and her sporting achievements were many, leading to her holding the position of Athletics and Cross Country Captain in Year 12. After graduating, her love of sport has continued. She competed in the Special Olympics National Games in 2022 and in June this year she travelled to Berlin to represent Australia as a competitor in the Special Olympics World Games 2023 and was the proud flag bearer at the closing ceremony.

Read on to learn more about Lisa’s journey to the World Games and the realisation of a long-held dream.

Embarking on an extraordinary journey, Lisa found herself immersed in the domain of intense competition with a burning passion for her sport. Through years of unwavering dedication and rigorous training she refined her abilities. Due to her determination, she achieved brilliant success at the Special Olympics National Games in Launceston last year where she won Gold in all her races. Coaches and officials recognised her talent and commitment.

With a heart full of dreams and a determination that knew no bounds, Lisa’s relentless pursuit led her to the pinnacle of Special Olympics sport – the World Games in Berlin in June 2023. The moment she received the invitation to compete on the global stage, a rush of emotions engulfed her; a mixture of pride, excitement and a deep sense of accomplishment.

As she stood at the threshold of this monumental opportunity, Lisa knew that every drop of sweat, every early morning and late-night practise and every setback she had overcome had brought her to this point. The road to the World Games wasn't just about physical prowess; it was a journey of self-discovery, resilience and unwavering belief.

With her heart racing and her mind focused, Lisa stepped onto the grand stage of the World Games, ready to showcase her prowess to the world. The cheers of the crowd, particularly her parents and both sets of grandparents, the camaraderie with fellow athletes, and the electrifying atmosphere all combined to make this moment truly unforgettable. Her presence at the World Games was a testament to her unyielding spirit and the embodiment of her lifelong commitment.

In the end, the journey to the World Games was more than just a tale of athletic achievement; it was a story of triumph over challenges, perseverance in the face of adversity, and the realisation of a dream that had ignited within Lisa’s heart long ago.

Congratulations Lisa, what a fantastic achievement and a true example of a strong and gentle Brigidine woman. We look forward to hearing what comes next!

We love to hear stories like Lisa’s. If your passion has taken you on a journey, if you have overcome setbacks or been on an adventure to reach your goal, please share it with us. Contact Pip Inman at alumni@brigidine.nsw.edu.au

NATIONAL SUCCESS FOR ALUMNI ROWERS

In March this year, Scarboro SLSC and Trigg Island SLSC in Perth, Western Australia hosted the 2023 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. The Aussies, as it is known, is an annual competition covering more than 480 beach and ocean events at which members from Australia’s 314 Surf Clubs come together to compete in. Over 6000 competitors took part in the event which is the largest of its kind.

Four of our Alumni from the Class of 2022, Alani Barros, Ella Gale, Hannah Grice and Zoe Ellis competed in the Surf Boat Rowing competition over the four days securing silver medals in the final. Congratulations girls! Second in Australia – an amazing achievement!

Latest News

COMMEMORATE YOUR SCHOOL DAYS

In 2024 the College will be celebrating its 70th anniversary and we are excited to share with you our plans to open an Alumni Garden. To be located in a wonderful lawned area which is embraced by the original Convent building and at the heart of today’s campus, the Garden will be a celebration of our roots and all that our Alumni community represents.

We love that our Alumni are proud to be “Brigidine Girls”. This Garden will serve to acknowledge the pivotal role you have all played in paving the way for our students and school today.

We hope the creation of this permanent feature within the grounds of the College will build on your feelings of identity and belonging within our community, and at the same time, honour the significant contribution you have made to the history and heritage of the College.

We invite you to mark your time at Brigidine with a Commemorative Paver, to be placed in the Alumni Garden. Your Paver can be etched with your name and graduating year, or if you have siblings who also attended the College your family name can be displayed.

It is our wish for the Garden to be a place of celebration, so, as we approach the 70th anniversary of Brigidine College St Ives what better way for you to celebrate the part you played in our story.

If you would like to know more about how you can purchase a Commemorative Paver, please contact Pip Inman, Alumni and Community Relations Coordinator or scan the QR code below.

We look forward to celebrating our 70th anniversary with you. We will share details of our events and plans in the coming months. Please keep an eye out for them so you can join us. If you are in contact with old friends who may have changed their contact details, please encourage them to let us know so they don’t miss out on these planned events: alumni@brigidine.nsw.edu.au

ST BRIGID’S CHAPEL WEDDINGS AND CHRISTENINGS

The beautiful St Brigid’s Chapel is available to members of our community to celebrate the joyous and meaningful days of their life such as weddings and christenings.

Weddings are traditionally celebrated on Saturdays and dates are restricted during our busy term times with more flexibility during the College breaks.

Christenings are normally held on Sundays, again subject to availability during term time and more flexible during holiday periods.

Priests from Corpus Christi Parish are happy to officiate, although are not available on the third Sunday of each month. Alternatively, you may have a family or local priest with whom you wish to share this special day.

If you would like more information about booking St Brigid’s Chapel for your wedding or christening, please contact Gail Dugan, Events Coordinator at gdugan@brigidine.nsw.edu.au or 9988 6276.

Location of the Alumni Garden.

FROM BOWIE HALL TO THE CAPITOL THEATRE

When she was in Year 8, she was cast as Danny in our 2013 musical Grease and in 2017 she played the role of Kira in our production of Xanadu. In June this year we were thrilled to hear the announcement that College Alumni, Annelise Hall from the Class of 2017 had been cast as Sandy in Australia’s new national production of GREASE

Annelise’s interest in musical theatre was sparked at a young age when she played Molly in Annie as a Year 1 student at Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School. As well as roles in our College musicals, in 2017 Annelise beat 15 finalists to win a scholarship for the StarNow Hollywood Immersion program. She was one of almost 13,000 hopefuls who applied for the chance to attend the course in Los Angeles. In an interview with the North Shore Times Annelise explained “The scholarship paid for flights, accommodation in an amazing mansion villa in West Hollywood, a personal trainer and a personal chef. I feel so grateful I had the opportunity to go.” There she learned about acting techniques and the business side of the industry, along with spending time at Beverly Hills Playhouse.

GREASE RETURNS TO SYDNEY

Since treading the boards of Bowie Hall, Annelise went on to achieve qualifications in Musical Theatre from the Queensland Conservatorium and Brent Street and has played many roles including Sophie in Mamma Mia! with The Show Co. Annelise is also a passionate vocal coach. She works with renowned speech pathologist led company, VocaLab, teaching musical theatre and assisting with vocal re-training post rehabilitation. Now, she is about to take on the legendary role of Sandy in GREASE After a run at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre later this year, the show opens in Sydney at the Capitol Theatre in March 2024.

In an interview with Nui Te Kao from The Herald Sun at the time her casting was announced Annelise said “I’ve always looked up to Olivia Newton-John, so it’s a dream come true to step into the role. Olivia made Sandy her own. It’s super exciting to put my twist on the character.”

With amazing costumes and all the unforgettable songs we have grown to love, the stage is set. Congratulations Annelise, we can’t wait to see the show!

The No. 1 Party Musical GREASE returns to Sydney in a new, multi-million-dollar live production at the Capitol Theatre from March. Starring Joseph Spanti as Danny, Annelise Hall as Sandy, Mackenzie Dunn as Rizzo, Brianna Bishop as Marty, Jay Laga’aia as Vince Fontaine and Marcia Hines as Teen Angel. Featuring dazzling costumes and all those unforgettable songs: Summer Nights, Sandy, Hopelessly Devoted to You, You’re The One That I Want, Greased Lightnin’, and Grease is the Word

Get ready to dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks as “bad boy” Danny and “the girl next door” Sandy fall in love all over again. It’s the one that you want Sydney!

Special Brigidine Offer!

Join the Brigidine community for a spectacular evening of entertainment! We are thrilled to offer Brigidine friends and family the chance to see GREASE at a discounted rate of $79.90 for Premium, A Reserve and B Reserve tickets (up to $60 off the normal price!). This offer is valid for one performance only on Wednesday 1 May, 7pm. Simply scan the QR code to reserve your seats! Offer closes at 11.59pm on Monday 2 October.

Top: Annelise as Kira in Brigidine’s 2017 production of Xanadu. Above: Annelise playing the role of Danny in Brigidine’s production of Grease, 2013.

Joseph Spanti (Danny) and Annelise Hall (Sandy) in GREASE. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart

Alumni Profile

RUTH BRIDGER (GARDNER) CLASS OF 1958

Brigidine College St Ives has a rich history spanning almost 70 years since its beginnings in 1954 when Mother Romuald Walz, College Principal, opened its doors and welcomed our first students. Since then, almost 8000 young women have followed in their footsteps, and it was those first students who paved the way for the College to grow into what we see today.

Ruth Bridger (Gardner) was one of the very first nine students at the school. In fact, she was the fifth student to be registered when she joined the College on 9 February 1954.

The youngest of four siblings, Ruth, along with her sister and two brothers, grew up in Victoria Avenue, Chatswood where their father’s

X-ray practice was conducted from their home. The patients’ waiting room became the family dining room where roast lamb was served for family lunch on Sundays. Ruth travelled to school every day by tram, train and then on the bus from Pymble station.

Ruth was unsure about Brigidine; it was a school she had not heard of in a suburb that really wasn’t on her radar. Additionally, her best friend Maria was going to Monte so of course that’s where she thought she was headed. However, Ruth’s father, Austin, was a pioneer radiotherapist and diagnostic radiologist, and he was a whiz at physics. He hoped the Brigidine Sisters would be teaching Physics. He was wrong. Despite this, he enrolled Ruth and she completed her Leaving Certificate in Mathematics, English, French, Latin, Modern History and Chemistry. Physics didn’t get a look in!

Ruth recounted that her parents had met in Cairo. Her father was a first-generation Australian (his father was from Dublin). After medical school, he did his post-grad study at Cambridge, and then spent about 15 years overseas, mainly in Cairo where he met his wife Aileen. She was of Scottish/Northern Italian background and a Scottish Presbyterian. Her mother went to Cheltenham Ladies College in the UK. Both parents and her older sister spoke fluent French, with Aileen also speaking Italian. Ruth’s father was the Director of Radiotherapeutics and Radiology at Cairo University and was awarded ‘A Commander of the Order of the Nile’ on completion of his time in Egypt (1937).

French became Ruth’s favourite subject at school. It was very useful when, as a 23-year-old, she spent some time working as a nanny in Cannes on the Riviera in the South of France.

Mother Adrian was Ruth’s favourite teacher and Ruth fondly described her as a ‘mother figure’. Adrian taught the girls Chemistry and Mathematics. Ruth enjoyed Adrian’s wisdom and understanding of the world and saw her as a talented, educated and loving person. Mother Adrian was popular with all the girls and her views and opinions were respected. She was also known to love a joke and on 1 April 1958 Maureen Dalton wrote in her diary “We tried to fool Mother Adrian and very nearly did. Ruth was to come in late and say there was a policeman at the door, but Mother saw Ruth’s face was not straight and quickly remembered it was April 1st” – very happy times!

Ruth describes her school friends as a great group of girls who got on well with one another, something which is still evident today when we see them at our annual Pioneers Day. She became very close friends with Maureen Dalton and Marie McNamee. Ruth is Godparent to Marie’s sister and one of Marie’s

children. On their last day at the College Ruth and Maureen decided to walk from school to Pymble Station, a decision which led to a great friendship. Today, Ruth describes that walk as ‘a sentimental journey’.

After graduating from the College in December 1958 Ruth embarked on a long career spanning 41 years. She completed a Diploma in Physiotherapy at Sydney University and later (1994) a Masters in Health Science Education. She spent time working at St Vincent’s and the Royal North Shore Hospitals and in the country she became head of the Tamworth Base Hospital Physiotherapy Department.

Whilst in the UK Ruth had the privilege of working at the University College Hospital, London and the world-famous Stoke Mandeville Spinal Unit (where the precursor

Far from taking it easy in her retirement, Ruth is now busy documenting the 120-year history of the Strathfield Croquet Club; a task she says seems to be ‘never ending, but thoroughly enjoyable’ as she weaves together the story from its foundation to what the club has become.

With today’s technology, capturing a moment is history is easy. We simply use our phones to take a photo or record a video. Of course, in the 1950s it was quite different and much of the history of the College from that time is documented through Alumni sharing their memories with us or by them donating memorabilia from their school days to our Archival Collection. Ruth was one of the first Alumni to share such things with us and continues to do so today – something we are extremely grateful for.

of the Paralympic Games began). In 1970 she won a scholarship to study at the Kaiser Foundation Rehab Centre in California, USA. On her return to Australia, she took the opportunity to complete the Maitland Spinal Manipulation Course in Adelaide and later returned to Adelaide to join the staff as a Lecturer at the School of Physiotherapy. After marrying, Ruth retuned to Sydney in 1978 and lectured at Sydney University Physiotherapy School for 21 years until her retirement in 1999.

During her career, Ruth also worked part-time for 15 years as a Marriage Counsellor and Group Leader with the Family Life Movement (Lewisham/Strathfield). This career served her well as a step-parent of four teenagers. It also helped her with the changes made to the Physiotherapy curriculum, in areas of Ethics, Law, Communication, Teaching, and Learning. Ruth attributes her interest in groups and the communication process to her early experiences at Brigidine College.

Many of the photos we hold in our Archive Collection from the early days of the College were taken by Ruth’s older brother Frank Gardner. Frank was a commercial photographer working in the city for Women’s Weekly at the time. He later went on to have his own firm called Colour Prints where House and Garden magazine was his client for 25 years. The photos Frank took and the detail within them provide us with a wonderful insight of the original College building and the people who walked its corridors. Frank’s photos help give us a greater understanding of our beginnings as a school and provide wonderful memories to those featured in them. You can see some of Frank’s photos from one of the first College Debutante Balls on the next few pages of this issue of The Bridge

If you have memorabilia, photos, or memories you would like to share or donate to our archival collection please contact us. We would love to work with you to ensure the history of the College is safe guarded for generations to come.

Mother Romuald and Mother Adrian outside original building (photo by Frank Gardner).

Frank Gardner, aged 25.

Formals, Dances and Debuts

Ruth Bridger (Gardner) Class of 1958 has been a regular donor to the archives for over 30 years. Most recently Ruth donated the negatives of photographs taken by her older brother Frank around 1959.

On occasion Frank, a professional photographer, would come to the College taking the first photos of students, nuns, novitiates and postulants, and capturing the buildings as the College grew. The negatives had been damaged by heat and age but have now been scanned and digitally restored to document and preserve these valuable memories and the creation of College traditions that we continue to share and celebrate today.

As our current Year 12 students are excitedly preparing for and attending their formal where thousands of photos will record every detail, we look back at the first farewell dances attended by the Class of 1958 during a time when photos were limited. We thank Ruth and Frank for preserving this time in perpetuity.

The Class of 1958 was the first group to complete their senior schooling, I-IV Form, at the College. The first senior dance took place in 1957 with the second held on 8 December 1958 at the newly constructed War Memorial Hall in Pymble. The College annals note the popularity of the dance with ‘greater attendance than last year’ and much like our Year 12 formals nowadays, Ruth’s photos show the girls in sleeveless dresses, enjoying the company of their friends.

In early 1959, The Brigidine Ex-students’ Association held a debutante ball, an opportunity for recent Brigidine graduates to make their entrance to society. The ball was held at the glamorous Mark Foy’s Empress Ballroom on Liverpool Street (now the Downing Centre) alongside alumni from

Brigidine Randwick. Attendees of the event recall travelling to Randwick to meet the other debutantes and prepare for the ball. Ruth also remembers taking dance lessons with her brother Clive at Miss Mann’s Dance Studio in Lindfield.

In traditional debutante style, the young women wore white formal gowns with full skirts embellished with lace, along with tall

Sidgreaves (Thompson) Class of 1959, who served as Matron of Honour.

Since the first debutante ball, the College has held many dances, from informal discos to the Red and White Ball (1988-1991), alongside senior dances, semi formals and formals. Whilst most new graduates no longer make their debut the Year 12 Formal continues the tradition of an occasion to

gloves and they all carried bouquets. Whilst some of the dresses were store bought, Gerri Lang’s (Avery) dress was handmade by her mother and Marie Duff (McNamee) showed great skill in sewing her own. The group wore matching glass brooches, organised by Marie’s mother and received as a graduating gift from the principal Mother Romuald Walz. Accompanied by the brothers of their friends and schoolmates, the boys only attended the ball if alongside a debutante, so Ruth’s brother Clive accompanied Marie. The girls were introduced and presented to Cardinal Gilroy by Mrs Win Thompson, alumni of Brigidine Randwick and mother of Annette

dress up and celebrate the end of their school journey and the transition to life beyond the College. Memories made at the formal are a continuing reminder of the friendships made at Brigidine and we hope these friendships will continue for all our alumni, just like the Class of 1958 who still catch up and reminisce about their high school days almost 70 years after their debut.

JACKIE ROSSINGTON ARCHIVIST

1959 Brigidine Ex Students’ Association Debutante Ball. Back Row L-R – Maureen McCallum (Dalton), Ruth Bridger (Gardner), Patricia Martyn (Lanceley), Angela Hendy (O’Connor), Barbara Driscoll (Brooks). Front Row L-R – Gerri Lang (Avery), Mrs Win Thompson, Marie Duff (McNamee).

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

Left: 1959 Brigidine Ex Students’ Association Debutante Ball. Marie Duff (McNamee) accompanied by Clive Gardner.

Below: 1958 Farewell Dance. Barbara Driscoll (Brooks), Maureen McCallum (Dalton), Gerri Lang (Avery), Ruth Bridger (Gardner), Marie Duff (McNamee).

Above: Glass brooch presented to the leaving Class of 1958 by the Principal, Mother Romuald Walz and organised by Marie Duff’s (McNamee) mother.

Right: Ruth Bridger (Gardner).

All photos by Frank Gardner [Ruth Bridger (Gardner) Collection] except brooch photo above.

Commemorate Your School Days

The College will turn 70 in 2024. As part of our celebrations we will be opening the Brigidine Alumni Garden, to be located in a wonderful lawned area embraced by the original Convent building and at the heart of today’s campus. The Garden will pay tribute to our roots and all our Alumni who have paved the way in the history and heritage of the College. Mark your time at Brigidine with a Commemorative Paver. Your Paver will be placed in the Alumni Garden and etched with your name and graduating year, or your family name.

It is our wish for the Garden to be a place of celebration, so, as we approach the 70th anniversary of Brigidine College St Ives we invite you to celebrate the part you played in our story.