The BridgeThe magazine of Brigidine College Indooroopilly

Semester One 2017

As a Kildare Ministries school where we embrace the values of hope, hospitality, compassion, courage, justice and wonder, the College embraces the theme of Courage...the Courage to Be!

Today is a time of mission and a time of courage...the courage to proclaim what is right...the courage not to conform to the world...the courage to be open to all, never to diminish the absolute and unique nature of Christ.

As leaders, teachers, staff, students and parents of the Brigidine College Community, how are we going to be courageous? How will we profess the ‘good news’ and work together to:

• abandon complacency• be bold and creative -

rethink how we do things• not walk alone, but to

collaborate and commit to community

• listen to the Holy Spirit that grants courage to proclaim the newness of the Gospel

• revere life, resolve to be sustainable and quicken our struggle for justice and peace.

Stories provide insight and tell us about our lives and experiences, what we believe and where we would like to go in the future. As we read the gospels, we see that this was Jesus’ way of touching people’s lives, he met them where they

2017: The Year of Courage

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

“If we allow doubts and fears to dampen our courage, instead of being creative, we will remain comfortable and make no progress whatsoever...”

At the Opening Mass in February, I welcomed all those gathered to share and celebrate the beginning of 2017 with thoughts of new possibilities, an enthusiasm to learn new things and gratitude of heart as we also thank God for the opportunities laid before us.

I welcomed the new Year 7 students as they began their high school journey as well as our Year 12 students who have embarked on a definitive year where opportunities will be explored, engagement sought and decisions realised.

were in the very ordinariness of their lives and invited them to touch the mystery of the heart of their being.

When we consider ‘courage’, many of us identify the opportunity to try something new and abandon the status quo. Schools are also safe places where challenge and exposure to alternatives can be made with the support of a community. Pope Francis identifies, “If we allow doubts and fears to dampen our courage, instead of being creative, we will remain comfortable and make no progress whatsoever, and “the Holy Spirit grants us courage to proclaim the newness of the Gospel with boldness in every time and place, even when it meets with opposition.” (EG259).

Courage is commonly defined as, ‘The ability to do something that frightens one.’ It

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originates from Middle English (denoting the heart, as the seat of feelings): from Old French ‘corage’, from Latin ‘cor’ heart. Simply stated, this common definition refers to the ability to do something brave out of a motivation from the heart.

With courage in our hearts, the Brigidine College Community will engage in faith, learning and wellbeing for all, with initiatives and opportunities in 2017. As a community, our families and staff will continue and work together for the success and achievement of all.

Our heritage identifies ‘courage’ to continue to be sustainable. Our future is one where courage is needed, to be ‘real’ and connected to our community.

Brigidine College remains a place where students warmly embrace the love of learning and the sense of purpose. At the Opening Mass, we were able to welcome new students and new staff to our community. The Year 12 students who were commissioned on that day are now demonstrating their willingness to commit to being faith filled, leading with distinction and supporting the

The Year 12 leaders take their pledge at the Open-ing Mass as they embark on a definitive year

whole student body.

“Each person on your team is an extension of your leadership; if they feel empowered by you they will magnify your power to lead.” (Tom Ridge)

Our students continue to be symbols of strength and gentleness whilst our dedicated teachers and staff continue to challenge young minds to explore and engage in the 21st century.Our rich traditions bear witness to a heritage that is:

• inspired by St Brigid• connected by a woven

cross• embraced by the warmth

of fire and the light of learning, and

• present to the love of Jesus.

Brendan CahillPrincipal

The 2017 College Captains (left to right): Vanessa Tran, Abbey O’Sullivan, Brittany Campbell and Jessica O’Reilly

“Each person on your team is an extension of your leadership; if they feel empowered by you they will magnify your power to lead.”

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The College’s inaugural International Women’s Day (IWD) Forum on 9 March took on the challenge of showcasing strong women as role models for our young women.

With the theme “Find-ing Meaning in the Contemporary Land-scape”, the audience heard five inspiring women share their stories. Host Rhi-anna Patrick of ABC Radio and a Brigidine graduate of 1997 guided each speaker to explore some of their bold moments.

Ros McLennan, General Secretary of the Queensland Council of Unions and a veteran progressive activist, shared her passion for industrial and com-munity campaigning and her inspiration to work for a better, fairer future for everyone. Ros was the woman with protestors stopping the police car outside the Brisbane Children’s Hospital when the refugee baby was destined to be returned to detention on Nauru.

Michelle McDonald, commit-ted Catholic, communications professional and refugee advo-cate, is of mixed descent and married into a Hindu family. Her devotion to the Eucharist as the “source and summit” of her faith shapes her world view that we are all spiritually con-nected as children of God.

Mundanara (aka Mara) Bayles grew up in Redfern, NSW,

International Women’s Forum guest speakers pictured (left to right): Faiza El Higzi, Erin Kennedy, Mundanara Bayles, Michelle McDonald and Ros McLennan

and is connected to the Wonnarua, Bundjalung, Birri-Gubba and Ghungalu peoples. She is a proud advocate for her peo-ple, working with many organisations over the years. Mara is Managing Director of Blackcard where her drive, motivation and determination are essential elements to its success.

Erin Kennedy, 2001 Brigi-dine College Captain and Dux, formed her deep sense of social justice while at school through involvement with St Vincent de Paul, Interact and volunteering with Edmund Rice Camps. As a teacher and social justice activist, Erin has advocated for people seeking asylum, with Amnesty International and GetUP! Currently she sits on Brisbane archdiocese’s Catholic Justice and Peace Commis-sion and is also a part-time freelance visual artist who uses the transforming power of art as a weapon to fight against injustice and oppression.

Faiza El Higzi is the co-founder

of Create Global, a leadership forum for women from cultur-ally diverse backgrounds. Her moving story about escaping Sudan after a terrifying encoun-ter with the secret police had the audience spellbound. She works extensively with asylum seekers and refugees and is currently working on her PhD at the University of Queens-land, focussing on Muslim women’s rights policy change processes.

Brigidine graduate of 1997 and ABC Radio Host Rhianna Patrick guided each speaker to explore some of their bold moments.

MISSION AND JUSTICE

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This successful event will be-come an annual feature on the Brigidine Indooroopilly calen-dar for IWD in March.

This year’s Sorry Day theme was “It Takes Courage to be Reconciled”. Reconciliation is an active, living, breathing rela-tionship that needs continued care, dialogue and understand-ing with all generations. In this Year of Courage at Brigidine, this generation is invited to continue to engage in ways of reconciling and celebrating our deeper Australian culture. The Creating Bridges project utilising concepts from the Year 9 RE project created by students Trinity Waller, Mikayla Anderson and Grace El-Khoury, invited the community to cre-ate a bridge across the front of

Aboriginal Elders together with Niketa Law (centre right) were guests at our Sorry Day Liturgy on 23 May. The ceremony included the finishing of the mural (below) with handprints applied by our guests, staff and students.

Easter Egg Hunt for Caritas

Social Justice Forum in Melbourne, March

the stage using blocks of Abo-riginal and Torres Strait Islander colours to symbolise working together for ongoing reconcili-ation between all Australians. On each block community members wrote messages of reconciliation and hope exploring themes of respect and working together. During the ceremony, parents, Elders, College Captains and student leaders added to the ongoing construction of this bridge.

Student Tia-Shonte Southwood introduced Niketa Law, a proud Bindal/Bigumbul woman with a passion for Aboriginal art which started when she was in high school. She considers herself a contemporary traditional Abo-riginal artist, keeping her cul-ture alive through consistently

challenging and experimenting in Aboriginal art.

Niketa had been commissioned by Brigidine to create a mural for the wall of Foley Building. At the ceremony she explained how moved she was by the importance of St Brigid’s Cross, deciding it had to be the focal

“In this Year of Courage at Brigidine, this generation is invited to continue to engage in ways of reconciling and celebrating our deeper Australian culture.”

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Shrove Tuesday

St Vincent de Paul Bake SaleJust one of many refugee events supported by our students - February

Ash Wednesday

Students explored their faith through voluntary service at an aged care facility - May

The Year 12 Retreat at Coolum saw the students exploring their spirituality through various activities

point of her mural. The story of Brigid’s Well also intrigued her because it had an aura of an-cientness and spirituality which touched her heart.

The words in the bottom sec-tion of the mural represent the stones which were a part of St Brigid’s Well. The words on these stones reflect our school’s philosophy. The red snake-like illustration is our individual journey of learning and growth. The top corner re-flects femininity with St Brigid’s Cross acting as the glue holding everything together.

The liturgy concluded with stu-dents Ellah-Louisa Cassady and Charleston Eastment introduc-ing the Torres Strait Islander hymn, Baba Waiya. Tia-Shonte Southwood and Taliah Saylor sang the hymn to honour their uncle who passed away suddenly during the Christmas holiday break.

Andrew BeiersDeputy Principal Mission

Fr Pan blesses our beautiful mural

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My high school journey has been an unforgettable one and, as I enter my final year, I can honestly say that if I had my time over, I would not want to have spent it anywhere else.

COLLEGE CAPTAINS’ REPORTS

we must be comfortable with who we are, we must value our education and we must be grateful for the opportunities we are given. Women before us fought hard so that we could be educated; we should be

and contemplating pretending to faint, I was very much regret-ting my decision to sign up to athletics. However, when I look back on that day now, I realise its importance in my journey. It was on this day that I learnt not to be afraid of failure. I partici-pated and made many great friends, I connected with peo-ple who had similar interests as me. It’s like the Nutrigrain box, “You only get out what you put in”. If you are prepared to have a go, you will find there

As your College Captain, it is my hope that you will enjoy this year as much as I have enjoyed my last four years at Brigidine. For me, the theme of ‘Cour-age’ means having the courage to respect all and participate when called to do so. On our College website, you will find the statement, “we are a school where the respect, dignity and

“I hope everyone in 2017 participates in something that scares them because courage cannot exist without fear.”

care of others is paramount.” I believe we also need to apply this to ourselves. If we do not respect ourselves, how do we expect others to? The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others on how you want to be treated. To be respected,

grateful for our education and embrace every opportunity to learn. High school doesn’t last forever so I challenge you to make the most of it while you can.

It is no secret that I had some trouble fitting in at the begin-ning of Year 8. I was scared which led me to hide from opportunities to participate in sporting, cultural and justice activities. It wasn’t until Year

9 that I really put myself out there and got to know people. Due to a team injury, I was called upon to run the CaSSSA 1500m; as I was getting lapped

is so much more to school than homework, huge assignments and extremely challenging exams!

This year is filled with excite-ment and I am enjoying watch-ing all students overcome chal-lenges and step outside their comfort zone. I hope everyone in 2017 participates in some-thing that scares them because courage cannot exist without fear.

Abbey O’SullivanCollege Captain

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As Mission Captain, I am passionate about promoting the importance of spirituality and social justice. I feel compassion towards people from all walks of life and I want to promote that amongst my Brigidine ‘sisters’ in 2017.

It’s a year to be more loving, caring and courageous - a small leap that opens the doors to the impossible. I challenge you to have the courage to immerse yourself in the Mission life of the College such as St Vincent de Paul, Justice and Democracy, Interact, Liturgy Committee

or just simply taking part in our many fundraising events; wearing the denim, buying something from a Bake Stall or bringing something in. It’s not about how much money we make or how big an event is, it’s about journeying together and inspiring one another. To be missionary at Brigidine Col-lege doesn’t mean you must

be a part of every mission group or having the courage to cure every sick person in the world. Courage doesn’t have to be big, it could just be a smile and a friendly “hello”, an “are you okay?” or “let me help you with that”. It’s about reaching out to those in need. As young Brigidine women, let us challenge ourselves and each other to be courageous with strength and gentleness.

Vanessa TranMission Captain

“It’s a year to be more loving, caring and courageous - a small leap that opens the doors to the impossible.”

I would like to enhance every bit of school spirit that we have as a college and show every other school what we know about ourselves: that means that in every sport we do and in every aspect of our school life, we participate to our best.

In celebration of our theme ‘Courage to…’ I want you all to remember that when you are being courageous, when you want to give your all, you must actually give your all, because that is the only way that you can excel. When you give 100%, it means that you are pushing yourself to the absolute limit, and from this, you’ll actually find what your limit is; as you go along, your limit will grow. Your 100% differs from the person sitting next to you. They might be able to run slightly faster than you, or achieve slightly better grades than you,

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“take the leap and have the courage to put yourself out there.”

An excited Year 7 collects her laptop on Day 1

I am extremely grateful to be representing the cultural program in 2017, something that I am passionate about.

The range of cultural groups at Brigidine really does cater for everyone and brings together girls who wish to perform. For some girls, the thought of per-forming may be out of the ques-tion, while others would love to perform but don’t know where to start. I can tell you from first-hand experience, teams are the perfect way of breaking into the performing arts world. Your team is like your safety net, al-ways there to catch you wheth-er it be in rehearsal or on stage. The first step is taking the leap and having the courage to put yourself out there. I can prom-

“when you are being courageous, when you want to give your all, you must actually give your all, because that is the only way that you can excel.”

but if you put your 100% in, not someone else’s, you might find that eventually, you’ve exceeded beyond their limits. And this is what we need. If we put this into everything we do,

every training session, every race, and every game, we may

to make new friends not only from your own year level but from every year level. It can boost your confidence, not just on stage but in everyday life. This year I am eager to attract

ise you that, once you start, you will never turn back.

The cultural program at Bri-gidine is a wonderful place

a team of non-performing sup-porters to the cultural program. I can honestly say that seeing a friendly face in the audience can make a performance ten times better for you. The other goal I have is to encourage all performers to stay committed, stay enthusiastic and stay pre-pared! I want to try to be the person who peps everyone up at an early morning rehearsal and is still there at the end of the day, encouraging and sup-porting my fellow dancers, sing-ers, musicians and actors.

Lastly, I’d like to urge all girls in the cultural program to dream big, whether you are part of a team or an individual perform-er. In order to succeed we have to have goals. Whether you want to be able to sing solo, master a tricky piece on an in-strument, speak in front of a large audience or simply master a dance step, just have the cour-age to try, reach that goal and dream big!

Brittany CampbellArts Captain

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even begin to excel over other schools. I look forward to being able to give my 100% with you and seeing you give your 100% whether it be during train-ing for your hockey team, or running alongside you in Cross Country, or cheering you on from the sidelines. Jessica O’Reilly Sports Captain

CaSSSA Cross Country 16 yrs team

Showcase Spectacular performers

Year 7

From 22-24 February, the Year 7 students participated in a three-day, two-night camp at Camp Maranatha, Yandina. The purpose of the camp was to provide activities and experi-ences that promote personal development and team-build-

SOLAS BHRIDE REPORTS: SEMESTER ONE

astically in all the physical activities which included Leap of Faith, Chal-lenge Trail, abseil-ing, Tower of Trem-ble, high-ropes course and Possum Pull. They were very supportive and encouraging of one another as they approached

the more challenging activities which gave them that extra bit of courage to have a go! For many of the girls, one of the greatest challenges was being away from home and it was so heartening to witness the girls comfort and encourage each other to keep going.

On the first night, the Camp Maranatha staff led the girls in a mini-Olympics which involved Volleyball, Ultimate Disc and an obstacle course. We can’t be too sure which group actually won the overall competition but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. On the second night, the Year 10 helpers had a chance to lead the girls in some indoor games which certainly brought out the competitive nature of some of the students.

A special mention goes to the six Year 10 helpers who worked tirelessly, day and night, to en-sure the Year 7 girls were well looked after as well as having lots of fun. I would also like to extend thanks to the accompa-nying staff for all their efforts in ensuring a successful camp experience.

Allison PowerYear 7 Wellbeing Program

Leader

Year 8

From 16-18 May, the Year 8 students engaged in learning outside the classroom as they enthusiastically participated in their annual Solas Bhride program.

On the first day, Enlighten Edu-cation presented workshops in school designed to enhance personal development, team skills, positive self-esteem and friendships. A Chill Out session involved yoga, meditation and visualisation skills that the girls are encouraged to use to man-age stress effectively. The Real Girl Power activities explored the women’s movement and the history of feminism. It made the girls think about what empowerment and sister-hood means to them as 21st century girls. Making beauti-fully decorated journals which they then took away enabled

ing skills and to foster positive relationships amongst the girls. The early timing of the camp is a deliberate action to assist in the transition of Year 7s into secondary schooling by providing them with a different environment to get to know a wider circle of girls and to forge new friendships beyond the class group.

The Year 7s engaged enthusi-

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the girls to discuss what really matters to them as they prac-tised art as therapy.

On the following days, we moved off-campus to the Ter-race Tennyson Playing Fields. The High Resolves team ran workshops involving interac-tive, thought-provoking simula-tions and experiential activities. The girls were challenged to think of themselves as global citizens capable of exercising their rights and responsibilities to make a positive difference to their world. The girls explored diverse cultural beliefs and practices and thought about the cultural lens through which they see others. This led to consideration of ethical issues and the inequalities faced by members of the global com-munity.

Many thanks to all the teachers who accompanied and sup-ported the girls during this very enjoyable Solas Bhride experi-ence.

Rosa SerniaYear 8 Wellbeing Program

Leader

Year 9

up Mt Coot-tha and gave them an insight into the teamwork that soldiers (both Australian and Japanese) and the Papua New Guinean natives used through the fighting in World War II. It was a very challeng-ing yet rewarding day and served as an opportunity to discover each other’s strengths and weaknesses and how the girls could build on these to support each other.

As on previous days the girls were divided into new teams and were sent to test their problem solving skills and embrace the teamwork skills they had developed over the previous two days to complete a scavenger hunt around the Brisbane CBD. Facing a num-ber of challenges the girls had problems to solve, places to find and physical challenges to complete. It was a very exciting day, with lots of fun had by all. Congratulations to Group 10 who were the overall winners of the Scavenger Hunt.

At the end of March the Year 9 students had a wonderful two days learning leadership and teamwork skills. The girls con-quered the Kokoda Challenge which took them on a journey

On the second day, the girls attended a beach bonding day where they learnt to work in groups to solve challenges and support each other through ac-tivities such as stand up paddle boarding. It was certainly a fun and rewarding day, particularly after the hard work on Day 1.Unfortunately due to the rain associated with Cyclone Deb-bie, the final day was post-poned until the end of Term 2. With the help of the Character Builders team the Year 9s stu-dents and teachers had a great day competing in a photo treas-ure hunt around Brisbane’s CBD.

A number of girls also helped Libby Trickett (former Australi-an Olympic swimmer and three time Gold Medallist) break a world record. Libby had to hug more than 79 people in 60 seconds. Along with the public, Year 9 Brigidine students joined the challenge. Libby broke the record, hugging 89 people in 60 seconds.

Many thanks to the accompa-nying staff members for their hard work and support to en-sure a successful Solas Bhride experience.

Dani SprengerYear 9 Wellbeing Program

Leader

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Year 12

The last week of Term 1 saw the Year 12 students taking time to focus on their own spiritual journeys as part of the Year 12 Retreat.

Enjoying the beautiful weather at Coolum, our seniors were led through a variety of activi-ties by Dave Jorna from Project Hatch, exploring their spiritual-ity and what values we hold dear to us. Here are a few comments from the girls as feedback on their time away:

“I enjoyed getting to know an-other side to my peers”;

“Let’s keep the singing, affir-mations and closeness from Retreat going throughout the year”;

“It was the best camp/retreat ever”;

“I really loved the early morn-ing walks and watching the sunrise on the beach.”

Merryl WheatonYear 12 Wellbeing Program

Leader

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Year 8 Chill Out session with Enlighten Education

Year 7 Tower of Tremble

Year 12

Day 2 of Year 8 Solas Bhride

Year 9 negotiate the Kokoda Challenge on Mt Coot-tha

Year 7 Camp

The Science Dept had a fun-filled program of events including slime, sherbet, funny putty and dry ice bubble making!

The College tour included a visit to Brigid’s Cloak Uniform Shop where our future students were able to try on a hat for size, often resulting in fits of laughter.

OPEN DAY: SUNDAY 21 MAY 2017

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The Business Education students were showing off their robotics skills

The Home Economics Maker Space offered many popular craft activities

The singers, dancers, actors and musicians delighted visitors with their polished performances in the Brigid Centre

Our advertising campaign spread far and wide across Brisbane this year which resulted in 1500 visitors com-ing to enjoy the beautifully sunny 2017 Open Day.

The 100 student Tour Guides did a fantastic job show-ing off our facilities and displays for all departments from Maths to Music and Science to Sport. The feed-back from pro-spective families was very positive. Thank you all!

Villers-Bretonneux, France

The Spirit Squad were a big hit, attracting many people who were interested to know how much they have raised over the years for cancer research.

The Principal met Margaret McEniery, a 91-year old former Brigidine pupil. It was a special occasion for her, allowed into the Convent and the Parlour for the very first time!

Our many visitors had much to say about the friendliness and professionalism of our outstanding Tour Guides. Well done girls!

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Many were keen for a photoopportunitywith this VIP!

St Vincent de Paul Group

Legal Studies scene of the crime

The Science Ambassadors came into their own on Open Day

The Home Economics Dept provided tasty treats throughout the day

In March, the Parents and Friends’ Association (P&F) held its Annual General Meeting. Both Katrina Kupke (President) and Louise Johnston (Vice-President) were successful in renominating for their roles with Louise Dewar (Secretary) and Alan Riesenweber (Treas-urer) taking on the remaining two executive roles.

Many events throughout the school year are funded by the P&F with a special focus on welcoming new families and fostering the Brigidine Com-munity spirit. In February, we hosted a Welcome Even-ing with drinks and canapés around the Holy Lawn and live music by 2016 graduate Gene-vieve La Rosa. This is always a most enjoyable evening and a lovely opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new parents.

Our fifth Mothers and Daugh-ters’ High Tea at Hillstone St Lu-cia was held in June. The 350 guests filled the Grand View Room to capacity. Clare Poppi, Jeweller and past student, was our guest speakers. She spoke about her time at Brigidine and her career as a successful jew-eller who focuses on sustain-able design and wearable art. Guests dined on champagne (well, the mums did), cana-pés and sweet treats. A most enjoyable afternoon spent with our daughters and friends.

Coming up in Semester Two, the P&F will host the annual Dads and Daughters’ Evening in September. This night has always been an enormous suc-cess with last year no excep-tion. Prior to the Awards and

Mr Cahill, staff and students represented the College at a number of ANZAC Day services to honour the memory of those Australians who have fallen in battle

Jane Prentice MP visited on 6 June to present new flags to the College

17 February saw P&F hosting the Welcome Drinks for new, and not-so-

new, parents.

The P&F Mums & Daughters’ High Tea was another sellout event

Parents Louise Johnston, MIchelle Parcell, Katrina Kupke and Michelle

Riesenweber

Acknowledgement Evening in October, the P&F will provide refreshments on the rooftop of St Laurence’s Edmund Rice Per-forming Arts Centre (ERPAC). This event, introduced in 2015, has proved a huge hit and is a great opportunity to meet other parents in anticipation of a special College event. Our final event of the school year is Carols by the Convent. We will be hosting this again at the end of Term 4.

COMMUNITY

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We welcome all parents to our monthly P&F meet-ings which give you an opportunity to get involved in decision making on the projects funded by the P&F. They are also an important forum for parents to discuss issues affecting their daughters and their education.

We advertise our events in the fortnightly newsletter and on Facebook and aim to keep the P&F webpage on the portal up to date. We look forward to you joining us at one of these events or at our monthly meet-ings.

Katrina Kupke andLouise Johnston

CULTURALSENIOR CELEBRATIONS

Year 12 Formal: In February, our seniors (pictured be-low) lit up Hillstone St Lucia as they enjoyed their much anticipated Year 12 Formal. The transformation from school uniform to so many beautifully presented, ma-

Year 11 Social Evening: In May, the Year 11 students (below) enjoyed their social evening at Indooroopilly

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ture young ladies in the company of so many person-able gentlemen provided much excitement. The dance floor was packed throughout the night with everyone enjoying themselves immensely.

Golf Club. It was a wonderful night of dancing and socialising with their peers and partners.

In our Instrumental, Vocal and Speech Departments, we have a record number of students who are taking either private or group lessons in Strings, Woodwind, Voice, Brass, Percussion, Guitar, Piano and Speech.

In our ensembles, this year we introduced the Woodwind Ensemble and the Junior Choir allowing more opportunities for our students to follow their musical interests. These two new groups joined our existing musical groups, the String Ensemble, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, College Choir and Cantare.

Our dance program continues to remain a focal part of the Cultural program. Once again, 2017 has been a very busy year, with our three auditioned troupes - Sapphires, Emeralds and Diamonds - performing at the Brisbane and Ipswich Eisteddfods. Congratulations to all the dancers and particularly for the wonderful results where the Sapphires received a Very Highly Commended for their Jazz routine, and the Emeralds

CULTURAL

received 9th place in their Jazz routine, in the highly competitive Brisbane Eisteddfod.

In May, the Junior Showcase Spectacular was presented. This event was a combined production with Ambrose Treacy College and was a wonderful opportunity for our students from Years 7, 8 and 9 to work together on a creative project resulting in a staged musical production. It was a fantastic experience for all our young singers, dancers and actors.

At this year’s Open Day, all the cultural groups were featured throughout the morning. This included the Bridgettes, dance troupes including DanceNow, College Choir and Cantare, Senior and Junior Drama, along with all the Instrumental Ensembles, the Brigid Centre was alive with the sights and sounds of music, singing, dancing and acting.

Semester One has seen both our Junior and Senior Drama groups continue to grow. The students meet weekly to rehearse and learn new skills.

College Choir has had a busy semester, with appearances at the community ANZAC Day ceremonies and also participating in the combined choir performing at the Women’s Forum, held at Lourdes Hill College, Hawthone.

This year we have seen an exceptional number of girls interested in Debating including three Year 7 teams, three Year 8 teams, one Year 9 team and one Year 11 team. Under the guidance of their coaches they meet regularly, learning new skills, gaining a broad knowledge of different topics, and developing confidence and self-esteem. Congratulations to all the girls for their efforts throughout the Debating competition season. Thank you to all the girls and the staff who supported them, for the great work achieved throughout the Semester.

Jane MassinghamCultural Coordinator

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2017 has seen the Cultural Cocurricular program at Brigidine College continue to grow and to play a vital and important role in the life of the College.

Showcase Spectacular - “Annie” performers

Diamonds Dance Troupe

Showcase Spectacular - “Matilda” performers

As always, we start the year with the Interhouse Swimming Carnival. The noise and spirit at this event is incredible and the efforts in the pool are impressive. For the first time in many years, Damien House were awarded Swimming Champions. From this event, the Brigidine team was selected, a group of very dedicated girls who started the “new vibe” that we have continued to embrace. After weeks of early mornings and tough training sessions the girls swam with pride and we ended up 6th overall in CaSSSA and QCIS Champions, an improvement from

AFL Grand Final

CaSSSA Swimming Carnival9 March

13C Water Polo team

SPORTprevious years and the start of something wonderful.

This year we had three of our five Water Polo teams progress into the Semi-finals, with our 18C team taking out their premiership, rewarding them for a very successful season. Four out of our five tennis teams made the Grand finals of their respective divisions, with three of those teams winning their premierships. Congratulations to our Year 7 team, Year 8 team and Senior A team – Tennis Champions for 2017.

As soon as the girls stepped out of the pool they were straight into the hard work of preseason Cross-Country training. A remarkable turn out with over 30 girls in attendance at each session and the beautifully positive “new vibe” jumped to another level. These girls embraced the hard work and early starts to increase their fitness so that they could put in their best performances at the Brigidine Interhouse Carnival. The rain at the end of Term 1 postponed this event, but all good things are worth waiting for and this

carnival didn’t disappoint. Some wonderful performances across the board, an impressive team was selected and the season began full steam ahead. Congratulations to Damien

House on becoming the Cross-Country Champions for 2017, giving them 2 from 2 so far for the year. I take my hat off to each one of the members of our Cross-Country team this year for their commitment to training which showed in their results – Champions at QCIS, 6th overall at CaSSSA and 4th in the CaSSSA Percentage Cup, which places us in 4th place pound for pound amongst all large CaSSSA schools. This came about because this group of girls recognised and embraced the hard work required and they delivered, together and for each other and the College, we couldn’t be prouder!

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2017 Semester 1 sport at Brigidine has a “new vibe”. It seems something has happened over the holidays to feed the girls with a new-found enthusiasm and energy which has resulted in a great atmosphere and team performances and commitment enjoyable to watch and be a part of.

Junior D Touch team

Interschool Equestrian team at the SEQ Regional Championships, April

Winning 12 years Futsal team Gabriella Eagleton and Angelique van Zyl, Upper Coomera Waters, May

Open C Volleyball Premiers

Triathlete Sophie Fidler

Trimester 1 sport rewarded us with premierships in Senior A AFL and Junior Touch Football.

Our Futsal teams had a remarkable start to the year at the SE Qld Schools Championships. The Brigidine 12 yrs girls were premiers of this competition and our 19 yrs girl’s runners up. Both teams will now progress to the Champion of Champions competition in Term 3.

Our equestrian girls have experienced

growth and are looking forward to welcoming new students to the sport and the Brigidine College team for 2017. Brigidine Rowers have continued to work hard and enjoy many successful experiences on the water this year also.

So far this year, we have enjoyed some great success. Well done to all participants of sport in Semester 1 and thank you for representing Brigidine as well as you have. Please continue to work hard; hard work will always result positively for you and your team mates.

Continue to enjoy your involvement in teams and sport at Brigidine throughout the year.

Kay RoySports Coordinator

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Brigidine College IndooroopillyPO Box 475

53 Ward StreetIndooroopilly

QLD 4068Tel. (07) 3870 7225

Absentee Line: (07) 3371 8525www.brigidine.qld.edu.au

office@brigidine.qld.edu.au

Mr Brendan Cahill, College Principal with 2017 Captains (l-r):Jessica O’Reilly (Sports Captain), Brittany Campbell (Arts Captain),

Abbey O’Sullivan (College Captain) and Vanessa Tran (Mission Captain)