We are a couple of weeks into the new school year now and the College is alive with new and returning students. It has been so nice to welcome fresh and familiar faces to St Brigid’s, some getting close to the end of their high school education, others just beginning. It has also been exciting to welcome several new teachers to the College who bring a breath of experience to further enhance the educational experience of your children.
As you are no doubt aware, we have introduced a number of structural and procedural changes to teaching and learning this year and whilst it is only early days, I have been encouraged by the early feedback from staff and students. I welcome feedback from our wider community as well, please email comments to paul.lynch@dbb.catholic.edu.au and I’ll be sure to respond.
It is a passion of mine to ensure that students who attend St Brigid’s build a strong connection to the College. I firmly believe that those students who understand the privilege their parents have provided by enrolling them at St Brigid’s combined with a truly immersive experience offered by the school are far more likely to succeed academically and reach their full potential.
I spoke to the students on Wednesday’s assembly about my expectation that each and every one of them should represent the College in at least one activity this year. Many of them should represent St Brigid’s even more often than this. Representation could take the form of a sporting team, an interschool debate, compering an assembly, performing a musical item or a drama piece, competing for their House at a carnival, having a go at our Friday challenges, assisting at a Mass or Liturgy, etc, etc. The level of representation is inconsequential to me, the contribution to the College and the willingness to support something bigger than themselves is what truly matters.
I’m a huge believer that the best schools strike a balance between opportunities to come together and have a good time but also knowing that there is a time to put your head down and focus squarely on your learning. At St Brigid’s we are absolutely committed to achieving this balance. Learning growth is our number one priority but along the way we want your children to grow socially, share a laugh with each other and to understand the importance of working collectively toward a common goal.
When I first arrived at St Brigid’s I raised the idea that singing could be a way to unite our students and generate school spirit. Its fair to say that there weren’t too many who shared my optimism. Some suggested that there was no way these kids would sing together on mass.
We’re nowhere near where I believe we can get to yet, but I have no doubt we’re heading in the right direction. If you can spare a minute or two, please click on this link and see these outstanding young men and women as they come together and sing Sweet Caroline.
