St Brigid's News

Dear Families, Caregivers, Students and Staff,

Connection and Belonging

Our College mission states that “We at St Brigid’s College are committed to providing excellence in education within a Christcentred environment. St Brigid’s College nurtures and supports EVERY student in their growth as members of the community, within the Spirit of Mercy.”

As the leader of our faith and learning community, ensuring that EVERY student feels a genuine sense of belonging is an absolute priority. We value each of our students and delight in seeing them grow—both in their learning and in their lives. Our Catholic ethos permeates every aspect of College life, and our beautiful Mercy charism is lived out daily through the values of compassion, courage, justice, hospitality, service, and respect.

Belonging begins with clear expectations—our rules, routines, and rituals. I often refer to these as the three Rs. They help every member of our community feel safe, supported, and ready to engage in the rhythm of daily life. These structures provide the framework that upholds our high standards and allows students to flourish.

Connection is also fostered through the many clubs and groups available across the College. These are invitations for students to get involved, try something new, and meet others with similar interests. Connection is vital for maintaining good mental health, and we are fortunate to offer a wide range of opportunities before school, during breaks, and after school. Secondary clubs launched last Monday, and Primary clubs will begin in the week of March 9.

Our staff are deeply committed to supporting EVERY student in building meaningful relationships. All students participate in pastoral activities designed to help them form and maintain friendships. Deans of Year in the Secondary School and classroom teachers in the Primary School understand the importance of spending time with likeminded peers. Students are encouraged to seek support whenever they experience challenges with friendships.

This afternoon, our Year 7 students will return from their Forest Edge camp. They have enjoyed a wonderful few days of teambuilding activities, and it is always our hope that they return feeling more connected to one another and to our College community.

Our Year 12 students have recently set their goals for 2026, and one of their priorities is “Pride”—pride in our school community. When I hear students say they love their school, I know they feel that deep sense of connection. I hope all our current students feel this way, and I especially treasure hearing it from graduates who left our community more than 50 years ago.

Research consistently shows that students who like their school are more motivated, more engaged, and achieve stronger academic outcomes.

Mrs Veronica Parker | Principal

All families are warmly invited to join us in the College Chapel for our weekly celebration of Mass, which will continue next year commencing at 8:00am every Thursday morning. We look forward to seeing you there.

As a proud Mercy school, St Brigid’s College is deeply connected to the rich story and spirit of the Sisters of Mercy—a story that continues to inspire the heart of our community today. This year, we joined Mercy communities across the country in celebrating 180 years since the Sisters of Mercy first arrived in Australia, at a milestone mass at St Mary's Cathedral, bringing with them a vision of compassion, courage, and service that still shapes our mission. Their legacy is woven into the daily life of our College, guiding how we learn, lead, and care for one another. We invite you to read more about this remarkable milestone here and reflect on the enduring impact of the Mercy story that continues to bless and guide us.

This week our College community began preparations for the season of Lent. Festivities commenced on Shrove Tuesday, with students enjoying pancakes as part of various activities across the day. On Wednesday, students, staff and families formally entered the Lenten season through our Ash Wednesday Liturgies. The Year 3–12 students gathered in the College Gymnasium for a whole-school liturgy led by the Student Ministry Leaders, who demonstrate strong leadership in guiding a beautiful celebration, supported by the Year 4–6 choir. Later in the day, the Pre-Primary to Year 2 students marked the beginning of Lent with a gentle and reflective liturgy that featured enthusiastic and joy-filled participation in the singing and responses. The Kindergarten students also held their own liturgy within their classrooms.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our journey toward Easter, a season traditionally centred on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Throughout Lent, the College will offer a range of opportunities for students, staff and families to participate in these important practices. This includes contributing to Project Compassion, with the much‑loved Easter Egg Raffle launching in Week 5; observing the Friday tradition of abstaining from meat (reflected in Café and Boarding House menus); and engaging in moments of prayer and reflection such as the weekly Thursday Morning Mass at 8:00am in the Heritage Chapel. Classroom learning experiences and our Easter Liturgy in Week 10 (1 April) will further support students in their Lenten journey.

To conclude what has been a busy, important, and special week, Thursday morning, Father McMahon presided over our weekly morning Mass, providing a prayerful and reflective start to the day for our community; and on this morning the Year 3 to 6 students celebrated the first Primary School Mass of the year, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, led by Father Matthew. A warm thank‑you to Mr Comito and his Year 4 class for their thoughtful leadership of the Mass.

As always, families and friends of the College are warmly invited to share in the liturgical life of our community. Please see below for upcoming celebrations and opportunities to participate.

UPCOMING LITURGIES AND CELEBRATIONS

• Weekly Morning Mass- Thursdays at 8am- College Heritage Chapel
• 2026 Easter Egg Raffle- Easter Egg drop-off from Monday 23 February at Student Reception in the Administration Building
• Primary School Mass- Friday 13 March at 9am- Our Lady of Lourdes church

Dr Salvatore De Luca | Head of Faith and Mission

It has been a wonderful and faith-filled few weeks in Primary.

This week, our Years 3–6 students joined the Secondary students in the College Gym for our Ash Wednesday liturgy, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. Students from Pre-Primary to Year 2 gathered in the Wandju Room where they listened to the Gospel, sang together and reverently received their ashes. Many classes also enjoyed making and sharing pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, helping students understand this important tradition in the Church calendar.

Last Friday, we also gathered for our first Primary assembly of the year, celebrating together as a whole Primary school and recognising our first group of Merit Award recipients for 2026. It was a lovely way to begin the year and acknowledge the wonderful efforts already being shown by our students.

Today, our Years 3–6 students attended Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, providing a special opportunity to pray together during the season of Lent and reflect on how we can show kindness and compassion to others.

Next week, we look forward to cheering on our Years 3–6 students as they participate in the Interhouse Swimming Carnival, which is always a fantastic day of participation, teamwork and house spirit.

It has been a joyful and busy start to the term, and we look forward to many more opportunities to learn, celebrate and grow together.

Mrs Christine Padua | Head of Primary (PK to Year 2)

Mrs Catherine Brunt | Head of Primary (Years 3 to 6)

After the holiday break, the Year 4 students have made a steady start to Term 1, 2026. From the first day, they have settled back into school routines and expectations. The students have adjusted well to the demands of Year 4 and are beginning to show responsibility in their learning. It has been pleasing to see their interest in class activities, with many students participating in discussions and tasks.

In English, students have begun the Talk for Writing program using the model texts The Cobbler of Krakow and Smok the Dragon of Wawel. They are learning story structure by retelling and performing the folk tales using actions and expression. Students are also being taught key writing tools to improve the quality and structure of their own narratives.

To introduce Biological Sciences, students learned about the life cycle of a broad bean plant, with a focus on investigating the anatomy of the broad bean seed. They explored the different parts of the seed and how each part helps the plant grow. Students were especially interested when they carefully opened the seed coat to see what was inside. This investigation led to students planting their own broad beans so they can observe and record their growth over time, helping them better understand how living things develop and change.

In Mathematics, students have been investigating place value to 100,000. Through hands-on activities, they have used MAB blocks, place value charts, and mini whiteboards to support their understanding of how numbers are built and represented. These concrete and visual resources have helped students model large numbers, partition them into thousands, hundreds, tens and ones, and explain their thinking more clearly.

In HASS, students have been exploring what motivated early explorers to travel to new lands, such as the search for trade routes, resources, and new knowledge about the world. They will also learn how exploration shaped history and influenced future settlement and connections between places.

Spellex is a spelling program taught through explicit instruction. Students have learned what phonemes and graphemes are and how to apply them in their written work. The program will assist them to spell more accurately and develop confidence in their reading and writing skills.

Joe Comito | Year 4 Teacher

Shantelle Tassone | Year 4 Teacher

Year 5 has made an exceptional start to 2026, settling into their learning with enthusiasm, positivity, and a wonderful sense of community. It has been especially pleasing to see our students warmly welcome their two new classroom teachers, embracing fresh routines and new expectations with maturity and pride.

This year marks an important stage in their journey toward becoming senior primary students. One of the highlights so far has been the opportunity to visit the senior school for their specialist lessons. Students have thoroughly enjoyed engaging, hands-on sessions in Visual Art, Science, Digital Technologies, and Italian, which are helping them build confidence, independence, and readiness for the years ahead.

Year 5 is also a significant academic year, with NAPLAN taking place this term. Our students have already shown a committed and responsible approach to their learning, and classroom activities continue to focus on building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy to support them in feeling prepared and confident.

We are delighted with the way students have supported one another, especially as many new students have joined the cohort this year. New friendships are forming, collaborative learning is flourishing, and our classroom communities are thriving.

The coming weeks will continue to be busy and exciting, with the Swimming Carnival and Year 5 Mass in Week 9 on the horizon. These events provide wonderful opportunities for students to come together, celebrate their achievements, and strengthen their connection to our St Brigid’s community.

Ms Temeka Curley | Year 5 Teacher

Ms Kate Totterdell | Year 5 Teacher

The academic year has begun strongly, and we were delighted to welcome back our high-achieving students from the Class of 2025 at our assembly on 10 February. Students who achieved an ATAR above 90, received a SCSA award, or completed a Certificate IV were invited to celebrate their success and share their plans for 2026.

While both the ATAR Dux and the Dux of General Studies were invited to address the assembly, we were especially grateful to hear from Kate Cunningham (ATAR Dux). Kate spoke candidly about how she balanced demanding sporting commitments with her studies while achieving outstanding academic results.

A key message she shared was: “If you’re good at something and you have a talent, whether it lies inside or outside the academic world - that’s okay. Stick with it. It isn’t embarrassing to be good at something or to try hard.”

Her words resonated deeply. As a community, we want our students to strive for excellence, to work diligently, and to take pride in their efforts. Achievement, whether academic, sporting, creative or personal, is something to be celebrated.

Inspired by the example of our graduates, our Year 12 students have already begun focused preparation for their final year. In recent weeks, each student has participated in a Transition meeting with senior staff to reflect on their Year 11 progress and set clear goals for 2026. I have been impressed by the insight, maturity and ambition shown in these conversations. Our students are setting high expectations for themselves while understanding the importance of balance and wellbeing.

In 2026, we continue to challenge all students to maintain high standards in everything they do. Guided by our Vision for Learning, teachers work closely with students to provide meaningful feedback and encourage them to refine the quality of their classwork and assessment tasks. A strong focus on study strategies and organisation will equip students with the skills and confidence to achieve their personal best.

It has been a positive and purposeful start to the year, and we look forward to seeing our students continue to grow in confidence as they light the way in all aspects of College life, with examples and stories to be shared with you throughout the year.

Mrs Marsha Pengilly | Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning

Design Technology is one of the few learning areas where students can apply their knowledge immediately and see tangible, meaningful results. Whether preparing nutritious meals, sewing, altering or repairing garments, or developing care‑focused skills in CFC, students build independence, confidence and practical capability that translates directly to home, work and community.

Design Technology subjects are incredibly popular at SBC, and it is wonderful to see these areas continue to grow each year. We are running more classes than ever before, and students consistently show enthusiasm, curiosity and pride in their creative work.

In week 2 and 3, year 9 and 10 students were excited to explore modern food trends and sensory properties through a fun, hands‑on investigation. They created mock “Yo‑Chi bowls” affectionately nicknamed “Frochi” while observing a teacher demonstrating how to use a new Thermomix 7 to prepare fresh fruit‑based sorbets. They then selected a range of toppings. This allowed students to analyse how texture, flavour, aroma and visual appeal influence the eating experience and shape personal food choices.

With the new 2026 Western Australian Curriculum for Technologies now being implemented, students are engaging in even richer, more practical learning experiences. The WA Curriculum emphasises that the Technologies learning area enriches the lifestyles of people and communities by encouraging innovative and enterprising behaviours through real‑world learning and fosters curiosity, creativity, problem‑solving and design thinking.

Career Pathways for SBC Technologies specialisations are:

Food Specialisations

• Hospitality and commercial cookery
• Catering and café or small food business operations
• Food science and nutrition (tertiary pathway)

Textiles / Sewing

• Fashion design and garment construction
• Costume and wardrobe production
• Textile technician roles
• Clothing alterations and small sewing businesses
• Soft furnishings and interior textiles

Children, Family & Community (CFC)

• Early childhood education and care
• Education assistant roles
• Community services and youth work
• Family support services
• Aged care or disability support
• Pathways into teaching, counselling or social work

Mrs Louren Greyling | Design Technologies Coordinator

The College pool came alive with the chants and cheers of our Secondary students at the recent Secondary Inter House Swimming Carnival. Throughout the day, our student competitors dove in and swam in races. A big round of applause to all our students.

Individual race champions and overall House points will be announced on Monday Week 7 at the Secondary College assembly in Week 7.

And in other swimming news....A big St Brigid's congratulations to Charlotte L (Year 12), who is also this year's Sports Leader, on an outstanding achievement over the recent holidays, qualifying for and competing in her first Australian Open Water Championships.

Held in January at Koombana Bay, Bunbury, the championships brought together the nation’s top open water swimmers. Charlotte competed in the 5km 18U event, proudly representing the Guildford & Kalamunda Swimming Club.

Well done, Charlotte! Keep on being an inspiration to all our avid and competitive swimmers in our community.

Get ready to journey beneath the waves as our talented Primary and Secondary students bring this beloved Disney classic to life. Expect vibrant characters, dazzling costumes, and a splash of musical magic as Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder, Ursula, Prince Eric and the whole undersea crew take to the stage.

We’re also thrilled to introduce the wonderful students who will be bringing our undersea world to life in 2026!

Stay tuned as we continue revealing more cast members and sharing behind‑the‑scenes sneak peeks from rehearsals!

📅 SAVE THE DATE

Performances: 6–8 August 2026
Location: St Brigid’s College

Full performance and ticketing details will be released soon—and trust us, you won’t want to miss this enchanting adventure beneath the waves.

Keep an eye out for more updates, ocean‑deep surprises, and all things mer‑mazing! 🌟

If you are a parent from Pre‑Kindy to Year 12 and are new to volunteering at the College, we encourage you to attend our final Volunteer Induction Workshop for the year.

Date: Tuesday, 24 February 2026
Time: 2:00pm – 2:30pm
Location: Community Room

For further information, please contact:
Kathryn Taylor, HR Advisor
📧 taylor.kathryn@stbrigids.wa.edu.au

Join our online safety presentation on February 23rd and take the first step towards creating a cyber-safe home for your kids!

Learn practical tips and expert advice on online safety, social media, gaming, and screen time management that you can implement immediately.

From setting up parental controls to having open conversations with your kids, our presentation will cover it all.

Get expert insights on how to navigate the online world with confidence and set boundaries that work for your family.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to empower your kids with the knowledge they need to stay safe online.

Register by February 20th to secure your spot: https://www.trybooking.com/DJQHQ

This event is open to all St Brigid's families; the evening presentation is an adult's only event.

Secondary Clubs have now commenced. Information about all our Secondary Clubs can be found on SEQTA notices by students, or students can speak to their Homeroom Teacher, Dean of Students or the teacher running the club.

If you're looking for an answer to a question about the day-to-day happenings at St Brigid's College, the College website is always a handy first port of call. All you need to do is either visit the main page at www.sbcl.wa.edu.au OR if you need information about:

College Uniform Shop - click here

Travel Information by bus to and From the College - click here

General Parent Information - click here for the Parent Handbook

How to access SEQTA - click here

College Pool opening Hours - click here

If you would like a click link about something particular about St Brigid's College, let us know by emailing communityrelations@stbrigids.wa.edu.au

Every year Dental Health Services (DHS) offers parents and carers the chance to register their children for free dental care at the School Dental Service (SDS). The offer is open to every student from the year they turn 5 until their 17th birthday and includes check-ups, fillings, and simple extractions.

Your child will soon bring home an envelope with an enrolment form, Frequently Asked Questions, and reply-paid envelope from DHS. Just fill in the enrolment form, pop it in the reply-paid envelope, and put it in your nearest post box.

Once forms are received by DHS, they will register your child and arrange for you to receive an appointment in the mail. If you would like further information on DHS services and the SDS please visit their website: www.dental.wa.gov.au

Our annual SBC Footy Tipping Competition is officially entering its fourth year, and we’d love for you to join us.

To join our competition, the sign-up detail are as follows:

Link: https://www.footytips.com.au/comps/St_Brigids_College_Footy_tipping_Competition_-_Parent_Forum?p=SBC1929

Password: SBC1929

Entry is $20, which you can pay by following this link: https://www.trybooking.com/DJURL

The entry fee is due by bouncedown of the first game of the season on 5 March, when Sydney take on Carlton.

We look forward to having you involved — happy tipping!!

Call All Year 8 to Year 11 students! ECU’s School of Engineering will be hosting a series of hands-on engineering workshops during the upcoming April School Holidays on Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th, and Thursday 16th of April.

These workshops will provide students with the opportunity to explore a range of engineering disciplines, including Aviation & Aeronautics, Robotics & Automation, and Civil Engineering, while engaging in interactive, practical learning experiences within our university facilities.

Please note that this is not a school excursion program. Students attend individually and registrations are completed directly by parents/guardians.

The program is open to Year 8–11 high school students, and places are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Kanyana Wildlife is running the Kanyana Kids and Kanyana Teens Programs again this year. These engaging after‑school programs are a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn about wildlife conservation and get hands‑on with real‑world environmental projects.

Term 1 Themes

• Kanyana Kids – Animal Heroes
  Discover the simple ways you and your family can support and protect Australian wildlife.

• Kanyana Teens – Animal Enrichment
  Explore how Kanyana creates stimulating environments to enhance the wellbeing of its Sanctuary animals.

Program Details

• Duration: 5 weeks
• Day: Tuesdays
• Time: 4:00–5:00pm
  Optional afternoon tea available from 3:30pm for those coming straight from school.
• Dates: Tuesday 17 February – Tuesday 17 March

Registrations are now open for the 2026 soccer season!

Join the Kalamunda City Football Club (KCFC) family and sign your children up to play soccer in one of their boys or girls teams in 2026.

KCFC is committed to helping your child build skills and confidence, whilst supporting them to get fit, have fun and make new friends.

Players aged 5+ of any experience or skill level are welcome to join.

For more information or to register go to www.kalamundacityfc.com.au/join.

Registrations close 23 February 2026