Beyond the classroom BRIGIDINE COLLEGE ST IVES THE bridge ISSUE 2 2020
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THE
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE ST IVES
bridge ISSUE 2 2020
Beyond the
classroom
The Bridge, the Brigidine College,
St Ives bi-annual magazine
Editor and Graphic Design
Lyndal Sayer
Content and Proof Reading
Di Lawrence
Cover and feature Photography
Cybele Malinowski
Photography
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
WHAT WE LIKED
We are immensely proud of you
Year 12. Thank you for being
such a ‘well-liked’ part of our
social media for 2020.
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
2 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020
Contents
Issue two 2020
2 10
12
FRO M T H E P R I N C I PA L 2 NEWS
17 13
18
NEWS 21
Beyond the Classroom Entry before ATAR? Women In English Webinar
F ROM T H E D E P U T Y PRINCIPA L 5 FROM T HE VISUAL ART 14 NEWS 22
FAI T H A N D W E L L B E ING & TA S DEPARTMENTS Student Highlights
Finding a Silver Lining Year 12 HSC Showcase
Art Express
NEWS 26
N EW S 6 Staff Farewells
A new Virtual Tour for the College FROM T HE DR AMA, DANCE 17
& M USIC DEPARTMENTS
OnStage, Callback and Encore ALUMNI 27
N EW S 8 Introduction & Profiles
Social Justice &
Homelessness Week FROM DA NCE SPETACULAR 18
Innovate, Unleash, Inspire
ALUMNI 31
Survey
F ROM T H E D E P U T Y PRINCIPA L 10
TEACH I N G A N D L E A RNING NEWS 20
Year 12 Graduation AR CHIVES 32
Make it Happen
New mission, New life,
Girls in Black
New world
N EW S 12
Leading with Compassion
Study Grant Awards
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE 1
2 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020
From the Principal
Beyond the Classroom
‘To be happy is to find strength students to be courageous young women
who act compassionately to build community
in forgiveness, hope in battles,
and be alive with the Brigidine Charism. In a
security in the stage of fear, school where much happens, it is important
love in discord. It is not only to stop, pause and reflect on the foundation
to enjoy the smile, but also to and core of all that takes place here.
reflect on the sadness. It is not Every day for students at Brigidine,
only to celebrate the successes, opportunities exist to find the joy in their
learning, in sporting and cultural activities
but to learn lessons from the
surrounded by friends and teachers who
failures. It is not only to feel celebrate their successes and contributions
happy with the applause, but to our school community. Indeed, it is not
to be happy in anonymity. only classroom learning that contributes to
Being happy is not a fatality of the successful development of our students.
destiny, but an achievement The experiences, competencies and
confidence gained through so many
for those who can travel
“beyond the classroom” opportunities at
within themselves. Never give Brigidine play a significant part in all of the
up .... Never give up on people students we see graduating each year. This
who love you. Never give up issue of The Bridge, despite the limitations
on happiness, for life is an placed on our activities, highlights the
engagement and achievements, within and
incredible show’. Pope Francis
beyond the classroom, of our students
At a time when all we seem to talk about throughout this challenging year. Remote
is the challenge that 2020 has presented learning, social distancing and the new
it’s also important to remember the joy and normal have all become the catch cries of
happiness that each day presents. The COVID-19 and Brigidine students and staff
inspirational quote above from Pope Francis have embraced challenge and change and
is a timely reminder that we are the creators continued College life with the familiar pace
of our own life journey and the interactions and gusto that we have all come to expect.
with those we meet. While many anticipated events and activities
Brigidine College is a school that nurtures its had to be cancelled, staff and students
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE 3
‘In a society where often actively worked to recreate opportunities to Our students tell us that they are inspired by
connect, learn and discover. Our student our motto, understand its meaning and feel
attitudes reflect a ‘near
leaders of 2020 in particular lead the way with motivated to act with strength and gentleness
enough is good enough’ remote and online activities that continued to and live out the Gospel values to make a
attitude Brigidine students build positivity and closeness of the student difference in their world. They get it!
have taken a counter body. Our staff adapted to online learning in a The importance of the value of inclusivity is
cultural stand. The active heartbeat and many of the traditional face to a strength and feature of Brigidine College.
face features of school life transformed into Coupled with values of courage, compassion,
pursuit of excellence and online events. justice and wisdom, our community has
the celebration of each Assemblies, parent/student/teacher meetings, worked to respond in a way that will educate
student achieving their best information evenings around subject selection our students to challenge and be challenged
is of the highest priority of and study skills, performing arts events, HSC in a world crying out for people to rise above
showcases, Year 12 Graduation and even mediocrity and make a difference. Brigidine
all the staff’
events featuring guest speakers, all went online students will be ready to make their mark in a
so that we could still reach out beyond our society where being values driven and displaying
walls to parents, family and friends at home to attitudes and actions that are life giving and
continue to share and celebrate the journey of Gospel centered are often not favoured.
our students. A focus for the Brigidine community during the
2020 has been an extremely successful year final term of 2020 and the start of 2021 will be
for the College. In academic, cultural and developing a new value based Strategic Plan.
sporting endeavours students have excelled. In As we enter 2021 and the years beyond, our
a society where often attitudes reflect a ‘near new plan will lead us into the future, ensuring
enough is good enough’ attitude Brigidine that we remain faithful to our mission. Our plan
students have taken a counter cultural stand. will capture and build upon the ideals we hold
The active pursuit of excellence and the closely at Brigidine - a wholistic education that
celebration of each student achieving their best celebrates and meets the needs of all learners,
is of the highest priority of all the staff. where collaboration and risk taking as learners
We aspire to challenge that each of our is vital to the development and growth of our
Brigidine graduates will reach their potential as students and diversity of curriculum and
an active contributor to the world in which they learning experiences builds on real world
live, capable of questioning and changing what experiences for our students.
needs to be changed. The Brigidine motto,
Fortiter et Suaviter challenges students to be LAETITIA RICHMOND
“Women of Strength, Women of Gentleness”. P R I N C I PA L
4 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020
From the Deputy Principal
Faith & Wellbeing
Finding a Silver Lining
A famous quote on the need for positivity on strengths not weaknesses, positives
goes, ‘Don’t curse the darkness…light not negatives, and self-care instead of
a candle!’ More than ever the College self-absorption.
community has had to look for new and Despite this, it was not all smooth sailing
innovative ways to keep all our hopes up at the College. The girls did demonstrate
and to support our young women through increases in anxiety, mood and eating
the 2020 pandemic. disorders and level of depression. Our
During the lockdown, the staff were Counselling staff was increased and they
fantastic in their approach to supporting the managed to support many girls in 2020
girls’ wellbeing and their learning and the through this challenging time. Our Pastoral
transition for most girls was smooth. The team of Year Coordinators and Mentor
students were uncomfortable, missing their staff also managed increased demands for
friends and the classroom environment, but support from students and parents struggling
able to cope. As the pandemic extended its to cope in this difficult time. We were forced
hold and duration through the year College to focus on what is important and build new
life was restricted and limited in many ways to create solutions enabling growth.
ways. Mandates from NSW Health and the As we move towards the end of the year and
Government again changed the way we our Class of 2020 graduate from the College,
normally do things and excluded parents, we again focus on the need to ‘light a candle’
visitors, excursions, camps, sporting events, and celebrate new ways to enjoy graduation.
presentations, performances, assemblies The light was never more evident in the Class
and chapel time. Our wellbeing, spirituality, of 2020s wonderful success with their Year
community life, cocurricular experiences and 12 charity working creatively to raise more
connection with our parent community was funds than ever before. This great success
effectively taken from us. in a year without the normal Founders Day
Here we chose to focus on the ‘light’ and and fundraising structures. A true testament
became creative, using technology as a to innovation and creativity, casting light in
tool for interaction and re-thinking and the darkness and being ‘strong and gentle’
re-imagining ways to build connection and despite all that is happening in the world.
to support the girls. Our Positive Education
framework, based on the models of Positive BRIAN LOUGHLAND
Psychology and a growth mindset, played D E P U T Y P R I N C I PA L
its part as well, reminding us all to focus FA I T H A N D W E L L B E I N G
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE 5
News
A new virtual tour
for the school
Brigidine College is about to lauch an exciting
virtual tour which showcases our amazing Campus.
New prospective parents will be able to tour the
school from the comfort of their own home
As we are all very much aware 2020 has Another feature which enhances our virtual
been a year like no other. Due to COVID-19 tour is the voiceover of our girls narrating
all College tours and our Annual Open Day the tour through the Campus. This gives the
were not able to progress. Given they are the audience deeper insights into our offerings
most important enrolment tools we have, we and guides their attention to key areas along
had to reach our prospective parents without their journey. The background audio was
them setting foot on our Campus. The only chosen specifically to create a warm and
answer was to go virtual. Luckily just weeks enthusiastic feeling for our audience.
before restrictions were put in place, we had The end result is a virtual tour which
engaged a company called YouTour to film showcases the many features of our
and deploy our virtual tour. Campus, while confirming for our prospective
Filming was done on a normal school day parents that Brigidine College is where they
with the aim to showcase our amazing want their daughters to be. While we still
facilities and the opportunities available to believe nothing is better than inviting visitors
all girls who come here. Prospective parents onto our Campus, the end result of this
start their journey from 120m above our Virtual tour comes pretty close.
Campus, flying down through our facilities Please decide for yourself by visiting our
and stopping at key locations along the website https://www.brigidine.nsw.edu.au/
journey. At each location parents can view
high quality 360 virtual images, videos
K AT H Y G I U F F R I D A
and photos. ENROLMENTS MANAGER
6 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE 7
News
Social Justice &
Homelessness week
the Sea of Hands installation on the College to provide support services and advocacy.
In a challenging year, charity
Green. Students were encouraged to write a The Year Group charities continue to be well
and justice have never been prayer or message of hope and pin it to a hand supported. Year 12’s initiatives have raised in
more relevant. Even with which was then arranged into a representation excess of $20 000 for Feel the Magic, Year
restrictions limiting the of the Aboriginal flag. This small gesture is a 11 organised the whole school to make 2374
opportunities for student public statement of our support for Aboriginal meals and 186 baby packs for people living on
to engage in the broader and Torres Strait Islander people and an the margins and Year 8 ran a very successful
community, a new program has acknowledgement to the past and ongoing Winter Appeal for the Vinnies vans in which
hurts which these people have and continue they donated nearly fifty boxes of food. Year
allowed students to give back
to experience. 10 ran a successful Indigenous Awareness
to women and girls living in
At an online assembly last term, the College week focussed on advocacy and awareness
developing countries community was addressed by Yaser Naseri raising for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
who is a refugee who arrived in Australia people.The core mantra of justice and charity
‘Days for Girls’ is a charity which provides during 2014 after fleeing persecution in Iran. at the College is to LEAD. This means to Listen
dignity, education and opportunity to girls and Yaser spoke of the reasons why he had to to a social problem, Educate themselves and
women by supplying them with menstrual kits. leave Iran, the journey that he took to arrive the College community to the impacts of that
A large number of students have been giving in Australia including the desperation which issue, Act upon what they have learnt, and
of their time and skills to create components led to him attempting to get here by boat, through this Dignify all the people who are
for these kits and this work has continued to and the positive contribution which he has affected.
expand and grow as the year has progressed. made since arriving in Australia. He is currently
M AT T H E W S E L B Y
In Term two, the whole school stood in finishing a Bachelor of Commerce at Sydney I M M E R S I O N S A N D M I N I S T RY
solidarity with Indigenous Australians with University and continues to work with refugees C O O R D I N AT O R , M AT H E M AT I C S T E A C H E R
8 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 20208290
DISHES COOKED
HOMELESSNESS WEEK AND DIGNITY DISHES FOR DIGNITY
THIS YEAR
The Brigidine College community has partnered with Dignity and embraced
their core values to empower people who are experiencing homelessness
Brigidine’s partnership with Dignity Dishes of making a Brigidine difference during Homelessness week continued well beyond
was one that started with twenty Duke of Homelessness Week 2020 to reality. In our expectations. A total of 2374 meals were
Edinburgh students seeing a vision of the the first week of August, Year 11 students cooked and 186 baby packs made.
difference they could make by cooking meals, educated and encouraged other Year groups Everything Dignity does is guided by two
for people experiencing homelessness, once to make a difference for people experiencing core beliefs; Every person should be treated
a week as part of the community service homelessness. Students in Years 8,10 and with dignity and together we can end
component of the award. Momentum gained 11 were asked to cook 6 meals and Years homelessness in Australia. Brigidine students
as word spread and our community saw the 7,9 and 12 contributed products to make have and continue to embrace these core
positive effect a simple action could have on up baby packs. The response was values through their actions and contributions
those in need in our society. overwhelming, so much so that we needed to Dignity this Homelessness week and
Dignity is a charity with big ideas and endless more freezer space to accommodate the beyond with a total of 8290 dishes in total to
optimism, with a philosophy to get things 1000s of meals students cooked. Our wider date this year.
done and constantly dream up ways to community contributed two commercial
SKYE WACHER
do things even better. The Brigidine Year size freezers and the Brigidine dream D U K E O F E D I N B U R G H C O O R D I N AT O R
11 House Leaders brought their dream of making a difference this year during S C I E N C E D E PA R T M E N T
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE 910 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020
From the Deputy Principal
Teaching and Learning
Year 12 Graduation
Year 12 Graduation looked a little different this
year, but there was definitely magic in the air on
23 September when we celebrated the sterling
achievements of the Class of 2020
As the 2021 College Captain, Flora Tucker said: “Today is a celebration of Brigidine
excellence within Year 12, and we are proud to share their achievements with you, and
most importantly, to celebrate each student for who they are, here and now.”
The Class of 2020 have experienced a year unlike any other, which made this occasion
even more special. Our goal in reimagining this assembly was to preserve elements of
our usual traditions, whilst ensuring that our parent and friends’ community could still
feel part of such a significant milestone. So, this was the motivation behind changing
the format, so that we could take time to honour each Year 12 student for their unique
contribution to the College.
The accolades the students received were many and varied and reinforced that when
these young women venture into the world beyond Brigidine, they will be agents for
positive change who engage compassionately with the world. The charity which was
chosen by the students ‘Camp Magic’ exemplified the importance of relationships and
connection. The fact that Year 12 students were able to inspire the community
to donate more than $20,000 for such a worthy cause is testimony to their drive
and determination.
As an educator, it was truly a joy and privilege to be able to showcase the creative talent
and honour the girls’ outstanding cocurricular and academic achievements, which have
been of an exceptionally high standard. Throughout the Assembly, we celebrated an
array of exemplary works in Visual Arts, Drama, Dance, Music, Textiles and Design,
Science Extension, Society and Culture, English Extension and History Extension.
I would like to congratulate our outgoing Year 12 students for the optimism, creativity,
willingness and tenacity they have demonstrated this year. The girls’ 20/20 vision and
focus has provided them with the clarity necessary to be successful, even through these
uncertain times. We are confident that they graduated with a determination to making a
difference to the world.
ELIZABETH WEBSTER
D E P U T Y P R I N C I PA L
TEACHING AND LEARNING
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE 11News
Leading with Thankyou
Compassion We thank the following
donors and those who chose
to give anonymously for their
support to the Scholarship
and Bursary Fund
A recent survey of our parent community result in COVID times when activities were Biggs Family
confirmed that the values which are integral so restricted. Ms Richmond recently titled a Bowesman Family
to Brigidine are a key reason why parents College Council announcement “Leading with Chown Family
choose this College for their daughters. It is not Compassion”. She said, “Mindful of the many
Coakes Family
surprising then that our parents integrate these challenges the Brigidine College community is
Philippa Goddard
same values into their lives. During the recent facing the College Board has resolved to freeze
John & Jenny Gordon
challenging months we were delighted to see tuition fees at their current rate for 2021.
Kitty Guerin
one of those key values, compassion, once We encourage our students to live the school’s
Graham Hughes
again demonstrated by our community. motto – Fortiter et Suaviter – and to lead
Di Lawrence
Even though the College suspended this year’s with strength and gentleness. This decision
Li Family
Annual Giving campaign we still received gifts exemplifies such thinking.”
to our Scholarship and Bursary Fund. As I The College also extends compassion through Maher Family
thanked each one of those who gave, there the offer of Bursary assistance to families Sue Martin
was a common thread of compassion. experiencing hardship so that their daughters Anne Mayoh
“I wish I could give more but, if we all do what may continue their Brigidine education. We are McGain Family
we can, we can ease the load for those who grateful to those who support the Scholarship David M McGrath
are struggling.” and Bursary Fund as their gifts allow us to Dr Kerry-Ann O’Sullivan
Of course, our students are regularly involved support a Brigidine education for girls in need. Lindsay Piacentini
in showing their compassion. Their own Gifts to the Scholarship and Bursary Fund Preziuso Family
Student Leaders, teachers and Mentors are tax-deductible and can be made through Rolfe Family
all encourage and lead them to make a https://www.brigidine.nsw.edu.au/support/ Wilson Family
difference in others lives. We saw a wonderful annual-giving/
example at the Year 12 Final Assembly with
DI LAWRENCE
the announcement of an amazing $23,424 DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT AND COLLEEN MCKEOWN
being raised for “See the Magic” – a staggering C O M M U N I T Y R E L AT I O N S
We sincerely thank Colleen
McKeown, past staff member, who
has generously donated two plaques
News from Ireland which are on display in
the Staff Common Room.
Study Grant
awards
We are delighted that Brigidine College, through
the support of several donors, has offered five
Grants to Brigidine Year 12 students in 2020
The Grants are provided by Mrs Margaret The successful students in 2020 were:
Cook, the National Australia Bank (NAB) Geography – Layne Cook
and the Trussell Family. These Grants Economics – Charlotte North
provide $500 to each student to assist in Business – Lauren Pilling
furthering her study or experience in these Mathematics Extension – Claudia Dixon
chosen fields. One grant was awarded for Trussell Family Extension History –
each study area. Lauren Hickey
12 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020News
Entry before ATAR?
Year 12 Early Entry Schemes:
Why are they so popular and what is Early Entry?
Many Universities now have early entry for places via this scheme. In 2019, UTS Chantelle Cunningham has been offered
programs, which allow students to apply for made the headlines because they offered a range of excellent opportunities, including
University before they complete their Year adjustment factors to female students who a Scholarship at Orana Fashion Business
12 exams. Essentially, students can secure were applying to traditionally male dominated College to study a Diploma of Social Media
a place early, thereby diminishing stress and courses, such as Engineering Studies. Marketing and Diploma of Business, majoring
anxiety which might be lingering. This year, universities have sent out a record in fashion.
The Early Entry programs look at factors other number of early offers and applications for Jessica Gordon was delighted to receive
than a student’s ATAR to determine their some admission schemes have tripled as year an unconditional offer to study a Bachelor of
suitability for a university place. 12 students are very keen to secure a place in Nursing at the Australian Catholic University.
In many instances, to secure a placement light of the uncertainty caused by COVID-19. Her success was in part due to her decision
offer the candidate is still required achieve a According to available data, early entry to study a TAFE course in Human Services as
minimum Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank applications for the Australian National part of her Stage 6 pattern of study.
(ATAR). However, given that other ‘adjustment’ University increased by 70 per cent in 2020, UTS vice-chancellor Attila Brungs said his
factors are considered, the ATAR will be less and this is considered to be a direct result university will offer more places next year, and
than the official published rank. So, early entry of the universities’ decision to consider Year focus on students whose schooling had been
is based on a ‘selection rank’ not an ATAR.A 11 results. Universities began sending out impacted by COVID-19 to ensure they were
selection rank is a student’s actual ATAR plus early offers to our students in April, and many not disadvantaged, he also gave this advice
the adjustment factors the university allocates universities only closed their courses at the to a prospective student:
to a student. Sometimes these factors are end of September. Many of our students have “Remember that entrance to university is not
referred to as ‘bonus points’. been offered more than one place, and some a once-off opportunity that is closed to you
For example, ACU selects students who have have been successful in securing forever should you miss it this year”.
spent time on one big community-based prestigious scholarships. He said, “For you, more than for any
project. Macquarie University considers a Year At least 40% of our current HSC students generation before, there will be multiple
11 student’s academic achievements as well have already been offered either a conditional opportunities for a university education
as their involvement in cocurricular activities. or unconditional place at university. throughout your life. The great thing about
Many universities, such as UNSW and ICMS, It was wonderful to hear that several students being a tertiary student today is that career or
now have Elite Athlete Performer Pathways have been offered a place at Macquarie study choices made immediately after school
and Leadership Entry Programs. Some are University’s Leaders and Achievers early does not limit her range of choices in the
a part of a scheme devised by UAC called entry scheme: future. It is not expected that graduates will
the Student Recommendation Scheme, a Abigail Powell: Bachelor of Human Sciences remain in the same discipline for the duration
pathway which considers a student’s Year Libby Denyer: Macquarie University, of their working life.’
11 academic achievements as well as the Bachelor of Environmental Studies and
ELIZABETH WEBSTER
school’s rating of a student’s aptitude. This Jemima Thomas: Bachelor of Psychology D E P U T Y P R I N C I PA L
year, over 50% of our students applied and Bachelor of Laws. TEACHING AND LEARNING
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE 13From the Visual Art
& TAS Departments
Year 12 HSC Showcase
Our annual exhibition was streamed live and you can view it at https://bit.ly/3ma51oi
PREDATOR? REMNANTS IN THE AGE BAKA DUNJA MARIJA
BY ANIKA TOWNLEY DIGITAL DECONSTRUCTION (GRANDMA DUNJA MARIJA)
BY CHARLOTTE ROBERTSON BY CHANTEL JURISIC
VISUAL ARTS TEXTILES
The 2020 HSC Visual Arts “body of work” in a memorable exhibition. Not just because Coping with the unique circumstances
exhibition showcased the outstanding every work was stunning but because presented to them this year the girls did
artworks created by Year 12 students. this Showcase enabled the whole school an amazing job showcasing their ingenuity,
Each body of work on exhibition reflected community to celebrate the dedication, creativity and innovation.
insightful explorations into self-directed passion and learning of our Brigidine Visual Under the watchful eye of Mrs Robyn
concepts such as place and identity, Arts students. Collins they have produced a range of
culture and belief, through a wide variety We celebrate all the students who took part apparel, non-apparel, costume and textile
of expressive forms. The whole process of and applaude those who were also chosen to art pieces that are all testament to their hard
creating is time consuming and at times have their work exhibited at various locations work and dedication.
challenging. It is certainly not easy. as part of Art Express. For the Year 12 course, students are required
This year students have engaged in one of to develop a Major Textile Project which is
the most rewarding learning experiences
ART EXPRESS SHOWCASE
focused on an area of interest. This has two
they can have. Through Visual Arts they Congratulations to the students who components: the textile item(s) produced
acquired skills, engaged in theoretical had their work selected: and the supporting documentation detailing
dialogue, and ultimately rose to the challenge Isabella Encina design inspiration, visual design development,
of creating art. They become wiser and Chantel Jurisic manufacturing specification and investigation,
bolder through the process. The rewards are Sadie Page experimentation and evaluation.
great and the lessons life-long. Sasha Rous This year our students’ design solutions have
The experience of resolving a body of work Khloe Tria been enhanced by the application of digital
is an opportunity for students to engage with Daisy Young printing and laser cutting technology.
learning that values academic rigor as well B R I G I AT M A LT E S E PA M E L A M A L O N E
as critical and creative growth. This resulted VISUAL ARTS HOD TA S / V E T H O D
14 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020FABRIC OF SHADOWS SPINE
BY KHLOE TRIA BY SADIE PAGE
INSOMNIA BLEACHED THE CATASTROPHIC SHEDDING
BY NATALIE LUKACEVIC BY RUBY LOWE BY ZALI MCKAY
EVERLASTING GOBSTOPPERS GENESIS 2:15
BY ISABELLA ENCINA BY JULIET BUCHANAN
DAWN BEE-WARE REFLECTIONS ON STREETONS ‘LOST’
BY SASHA ROUS BY SARAH WATSON BY DAISY YOUNG
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE 15ELIZABETHAN BOTANICS THE FAIRY OF JOY BY OLIVIA RUGGIERO BY JESS KEYSER BY THE SEASIDE NATURAL FEMININITY JAPANESE INSPIRATION BY MIA KUHN BY JESSICA WEARNE BY SALLY HEFFERNAN ANZAC DAY RADICAL BY KEILY TING BY ZARA PITTIONI RESPECT YOUR MOTHER LUXURY TEXTILES CHERRY BLOSSOM INSPIRED COSTUME BY CATRIONA HIGGS BY ISABELLA ACHELLES BY STEPHANIE GUSTARD 16 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020
From the Drama, Dance
& Music Departments
OnStage, Callback and Encore
Each year our Year 12 students work collaboratively with their teachers to show
their dedication towards Drama, Dance and Music. We celebrate all the girls
for their hard work and we congratulate those who have been nominated for a
range of NESA HSC Showcases for excellence in their areas of Performing Arts.
Well done for an outstanding effort by everyone involved
DRAMA - ONSTAGE DANCE - CALLBACK
Congratulations to the following students who were sucessfully Congratulations to the Students and Dance Works
nominated for OnStage: Nominated for the 2020 Major Study Performance:
Carmelita Buay, Perfect Rebekah Astley
Nicole Chan, Metamorphosis Carmelita Buay
Chloe Christie, Every Brilliant Thing Chloe Oldham
Laura Collins, Home I’m Darling Allyssa Kozlovsky
Charlotte Cuda, Squawk
Chantelle Cunningham, Get The Money Flo-ing
Jemima Guberina, The Bleeding Tree
Madison McGirr, Suck It Up
Madison McGrath, Prima Facie
Georgia Prendergast, Miss Havisham’s Great Expectations
Charlotte Waite, Girls Like That
Lucinda Weber, The Vagina Monologue
Priya Wheatley, The Whore of Mensa
MUSIC - ENCORE
Congratulation to the following music students who were
nominated for Encore:
Madison McGrath
Jessica Gordon
Charlotte Cuda
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE 17From Dance Spetacular
Innovate,
Unleash, Inspire
A highlight of the Brigidine year for the school is the Dance
Spectacular production held annually in September. This event
showcases every class as well as individual and Eisteddfod
performances. Our Dance Spectacular highlights a wonderful
opportunity for students to experience quality teaching and
learning in the performing arts whether as part of their academic
course work or as part of our cocurricular program
BALLET
COMPANY JAZZ
18 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020SOLOIST
SALSA CAITLIN WALLEY
CONTEMPORARY SOLOIST
ENSEMBLE CARMELITA BUAY
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE 19News
Make it Happen
Girls in Black
Girls in Black is a cocurricular for larger student crews to be involved in each
one, and the girls have been able to really put
group open to girls interested
their skills into practice.
in learning technical theatre As a result, the Girls in Black have been
skills and provides backstage learning new skills in filming and live video
and technical support for production, such as multi-camera streaming,
College productions. lighting for cameras and producing audio for
The girls learn and practise in video. They have developed a much needed
skill set which could prove to be incredibly
the areas of theatrical lighting,
useful in the workforce.
sound production As this issue of the Bridge goes to print the
and stage management Girls in Black are now beginning to prepare for
the upcoming Year 11 play. It will be the first
Whilst 2020 has seen so many of our face time they have lived streamed a full-length play.
to face College events cancelled it has given Although traditionally our Girls in Black have
our Girls in Black more opportunities for been working hard behind the scenes this year
involvement than ever before. We have had they have most definitely been centre stage.
to be more creative and think outside the box
meaning many school events have become GARETH EDEY
live streamed events which in turn has allowed M U LT I M E D I A S P E C I A L I S T
20 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020News
Women In English
Webinar
With three inspirational aimed at those interested in a career in an in” events. Look out for the next one in
English-related field was held on the evening early 2021!
panellists, all outstanding
of Tuesday 2 June and was enjoyed by We heard from some of our community and
women in their field our students, parents, English teachers, and they told us: ‘‘Thank you for organising and
first ‘Women In’ event was a mentors alike. hosting the “Women in English” webinar last
huge success. The series will Our panel was made up of three inspirational night. It was one of the most entertaining,
continue in 2021. Stay tuned women, Amanda Hooton, Bridget Griffen- informative, and best run Zoom Webinars I
Foley and Alisa Piper, all outstanding in their have attended.’’
We are living in a time in which the media, fields, to discuss their own careers and ‘It was an interesting, informative and
publishing and social landscapes are rapidly the future for careers in writing. They were inspiring discussion, providing a unique
changing. Only earlier this year we saw the engaging and shared some great experiences glimpse into a variety of careers within this
closure of news outlet AAP after 85 years and advice with the audience. subject area.’
and other traditional news media sources The panel was welcomed by Laetitia ‘That was a fantastic webinar. Very inspiring!
and publishing houses are also facing Richmond, College Principal and Janet I thought the evening went from strength to
unprecedented challenges. Walker, Head of English and questions were strength and in the end, found myself taking
An event originally scheduled to be held posed to them by Year 11 students Tara Thai copious notes’
at the College we were pleased instead and Flora Tucker.
to hosts guests and our panellists in a live In collaboration with our Careers Centre and PIP INMAN
Shelley Cooper, Careers Counsellor, this was A L U M N I / C O M M U N I T Y R E L AT I O N S
webinar ‘Women in English’. The webinar C O O R D I N AT O R
the first in a series of faculty based “Women
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE 21News
Student
Highlights
2021 STUDENT LEADERSHIP
BARISTAS@BRIGO
Wednesday morning at Brigo now brings
the aroma of fresh cinnamon donuts, hot
chocolate and coffee. For Term 3 as a part of
their required service periods the Hospitality
students offered an early morning cafe service.
Students and teachers preordered online
and then picked up their breakfast from the
hospitality rooms.
Through this simulated cafe environment
Hospitality students gained essential industry
based skills. While working as a team they
liaised with customers, made, packaged and
Congratulations to the new Senior Ten Captains and all of our new Year 12 leaders:
delivered orders to industry standards.
(left to right) Mia Ferguson, Jennifer Loke, Tara Thai, Sophie Tunks, Stella Hall -
Throughout the term we saw the confidence
Senior Vice Captain, Flora Tucker - College Captain, Georgia Bonadio, Caitlin
and leadership skills of the girls develop
Fletcher, Emily Ambrogio, and Courtney Wilkinson.
and as an added bonus all our profits were
donated to the Year 12 Charity - Feel the
Magic. We plan to make the Baristas@Brigo
THE NSW SCHOOLAEROBICS cafe a permanent service and hope that once
STATE FINALS
the College is open up to visitors again so
This year Brigidine entered 15 teams the wider community can also experience the
across 6 categories. We achieved 12 culinary skills of our Hospitality students.
medals, an excellent result for all of our
girls and their coaches. The results were:
Stage 1 Gold Rockstars (Year 8) THE DOROTHEA MACKELLAR
Stage 1 Bronze Electrify (Year 8) NATIONAL POETRY AWARDS
Stage 2 Gold Backstreet Bling (Year 9)
Congratulations to Abigail Mills and Alexis
Stage 2 Silver Electrify (Year 9)
Pridgen (Year 9) and Margot Pittman
Stage 2 Bronze Intensity (Years 9-11)
(Year 10) who received Highly Commended
Stage 3 Silver Brigo Boogie (Year 9)
awards in the Dorothea Mackellar National
Stage 3 Bronze Pump it up (Year 10)
Poetry Awards. Commended and Highly
Aerobics Gold Aftershock (Year 12)
Commended awards are difficult to obtain in
Aerobics Silver Vivacious (Year 12)
a competition that receives over 7600 entries
Aerobics Bronze Electric (Year 11)
a year, so the achievements of our students is
Open B Gold mixed (Years 9-11)
very impressive. Brigidine was also only one
Open A Gold Fierce Four (Years 9-11)
of nine secondary schools nation-wide to
receive a commendation for in the ‘Schools
Award’ section. We were thrilled with the
BRIGIDINE AWARDS
number and the quality of entries from
Brigidine College was nominated for two awards this year, The 2020 NSW Volunteer Brigidine students this year. All students
of the Year Awards for our involvement with Dignity Dishes and for Letter Writing to who entered the competition will receive a
the elderly during lockdown. Well done and keep up the good work ! Certificate of Participation.
22 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020THE MOCK TRIALS TILDESLEY TENNIS
The Mock Trial won Round 3 of the Mock Trial competition against Knox last Last Term, Brigidine had a team of 15 girls represent the
Term. Courtney Wilkinson, Micaela Mulholland, Katy Prins, Zoe Bellenger, College at the rescheduled Tildesley Tennis Tournament.
Charlotte Price, Tara Thai (Year 11) and Georgie Bickerton and Genevieve We had two Year 7 players who played their first Tildesley
Kelly (Year 10), found it an invaluable experience. Good work girls ! match, our three Year 12 singles players successfully
progressed to Round 2 and Isabella Encina went on to
the 3rd round, where she played an excellent match but
NSW ART GALLERY was not able to overcome her opponent.
ART AWARD FINALIST On Sunday we had 5 doubles pairs take to the court
under sunny skies. All our pairings played well and
Congratulations to Alessia Marrocco won valuable games towards our overall point score.
(Year 9), who has been chosen as Our top doubles pairing of Caitlin Fletcher (Year 11)
a finalist in the Young Archie 2020 and Isabella Wilson, our Tildesley Captain (Year 12)
competition in the 13 to 15 years played some exceptional doubles against pairings from
category. There were over 1800 entries Roseville, Abbotsleigh and Kambala to progress to the
from Australia and New Zealand and she 4th round, which is an amazing achievement at Tildesley.
is one of 10 finalists for her age category. In the fourth round they faced a pairing from Meriden.
Her Portrait of her father is named “Papa They had their opportunities throughout the match to
Alf” and will be on exhibition at the Art take games off the Meriden pairing and continued to
Gallery of NSW until February along side play some excellent tennis! Well done to all our Tildesley
the Archibald Prize. players who were: Isabella Encina, Isabella Wilson,
Sally Heffernan, Emily Todd (Year 12), Caitlin Fletcher,
Alessandra Re, Sophie Tunks, Jamie Chung (Year
YEAR 11 HOSPITALITY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP 11), Zoe Ellis, Alyssa Parkinson (Year 10), Chloe
Nemeth De Bikal (Year 8), Sofia Encina, Emilea
Year 11 Hospitality Students started Term 4 early by making lunch for the Wallis, Olivia Carson and Freya Lugg (Year 7).
Brigidine Staff. The girls were privileged to work with the chefs from Le Cordon
Bleu Cookery School to design, plan, make and serve a selection of multicultural
lunch box treats. The menu included Katsu chicken with egg fried rice bundles,
lamb kofta, quinoa tabouli, tzatziki and flat beads or a burrito box featuring a black
rice salad, pulled pork and fresh garden salad and guacamole. Each box was
served with a diplomate cream and strawberry shot! This community partnership
was facilitated by NBBBEN and enabled the girls to get real life skills from local
industry experts. The young Brigidine chefs will feature in a video to promote the
benefits of studying Vocational courses such as Hospitality in schools.
UNPLUGGED
Congratulations Natalie Theodore and Julia Manias (Year 11)
who won the Northern Beaches Composure Unplugged song
writing competition recently with one of their original songs.
They won $500 and $600 for studio recording time.
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE 23CREATIVE WRITING FLASH FICTION
Congratulations to everyone who entered the Creative Writing Flash Fiction
competition. The entries were of a high standard and the following students
received awards:
Senior Section Winner: Isabel Hopping (Year 11)
Senior Section Runner-up: Sarah Matthews (Year 11)
Senior Section Highly Commended: Micaela Mulholland (Year 11)
Junior Section Winner: Poppy Kopelke (Year 7)
Junior Section Runner-up: Alex Lawrence (Year 9)
Junior Section Highly Commended: Tillie East-Lee (Year 7)
Junior Section Highly Commended: Romani Sprigg (Year 8)
OOH LA LA ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA
Junior Section Highly Commended: Summer Woods (Year 7)
Congratulations to the Brigidine girls who competed last
Term and received: Company Contemporary – First Place,
Company Jazz – Second Place. Congratulations also to TOURNAMENT OF MINDS
the Brigidine Eisteddfod Company Troupes.
This year as a component of the Tournament of Minds, the students were given
the challenge of brainstorming a huge discovery which would have implications
for both the past, present and future. They had to explain the significance of
the discovery, how it was discovered and the discovery itself. Within this, they
created props, answered the challenge questions and then acted it out !
Well done to the three teams who competed in the recent Tournament of Minds
competition and congratulations to the team ‘Kilty Pleasures’, Lucien Cuda,
lara Veidners, Lisa Baker, Taylor Rondeau, Ella Hemens, Molly Fileman
and Eva Ossowski, all from Year 10, who received a Merit Award.
(Missing girls from below are Luisa Baker and Ella Hemens)
BRIGIDINE’S GOT TALENT
Last Term we all laughed and cried when we had the
opportunity to witness Brigidine’s amazing raw talent. We ASCA SPEECH COMPETITION
had a virtual Brigo’s Got Talent, where the brightest and most Tara Thai (Year 11) was awarded the
talented of our school danced, sang, joked, acted and played. ASCA National Scholarship at the end
of Term 2. Congratulations Tara !
SURFING STAR ZANNAH DIXON
Zannah (Year 8) recently
competed in two surfing
competitions and was selected
to represent Sydney North in the
NSW High School State Titles in
OUR FIRST VIRTUAL CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL
Coffs Harbour. She competed
for Brigidine in the U16’s ‘All We had a good level of participation in what was a very different format to our
Stars’ event. Due to the east usual carnivals ! The results of our virtual Cross Country Carnival were
coast low there were some 2000m Results: 1. Keeley Holmes (Year 9) Fatima 2, Ella Marks (Year 9)
exciting 2m+ swells. Zannah Lourdes 3, Lola Meikle (Year 9) Lourdes
made it to the Quarter Finals in 3000m Results: 1. Keeley Holmes (Year 8) Fatima 2, Hannah Thonell
really tough conditions. (Year 9) Prague 3, Ella Marks (Year 9) Lourdes
24 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020News
Staff
MANLY JAZZ FESTIVAL ONLINE
The College was very excited to be invited to perform in
the online version of The Manly Jazz Festival this year.
We were one of only a small number of schools to submit
our performance and this is our 3rd year as part of the Jazz
Highlights
Stars of the Future. Well done everyone involved !
2020 ANNUAL DINNER AND AWARD
PRESENTATION EVENING
Congratulations to our fine teachers, Sherryl Bremner and Chloe
Vardy who have both received a World Recognition of Teachers
Award by The Teacher’s Guild of New South Wales.
Sherryl was acknowledged for making an outstanding contribution
to the profession for many years. She has served Brigidine College
with distinction, a passionate historian, and has consistently given
back to the profession. Sherryl has mentored a number of early-
career teachers and is always willing to act as a supervisor for pre-
FLORA TUCKER SECOND IN THE PLAIN service teachers. Sherryl is a woman of integrity who has a kind and
ENGLISH SPEAKING CCMPITETION generous heart, always engaged with the profession, she is a regular
presenter at the History Teachers Association conferences, is a Senior
Congratulations to Flora Tucker (Year 11) who placed 2nd
HSC Marker and a member of the CSSA examination committee. A
in the Plain English Speaking Competition. This year the
worthy recipient of this year’s World Teachers Award, Sherryl inspires
competition was held over Zoom and Flora presented and
and ignites in her students a passion for life-long learning.
prepared an impromptu speech with only 3 minutes to do so.
Chloe Vardy is recognised as an outstanding early-career teacher.
The competition is open to all secondary schools in Sydney,
Since she started at Brigidine a year ago, and since her first day
so an impressive result for Flora to achieve 2nd place.
on the job, she has demonstrated the ability to adapt to the every-
changing teaching environment – especially during our remote
learning period! Chloe has a passion for her subject area and also
AHIGS (VIRTUAL) FESTIVAL OF SPEECH
works hard to understand how her students learn best and is always
The festival has approximately 27 schools attend and open to reflecting on her practice so that she can improve. It is
students have the opportunity to perform in the areas of evident that Chloe has the ability to motivate, inspire and encourage
drama, debating, poetry, prose readings, current affairs her students to aim high and achieve her personal best. She is an
and religious and ethical questions. The Festival is for excellent role model for our students and we know that she has a
girls in Years 7-11 and offers an important focal point for very bright career ahead of her.
skill development, personal expression, teamwork and
friendship. Congratulations to the students who represented
the College and thank you to Mrs Walker, Mr Rutherford,
Mrs Abercrombie, Ms Boyd and Mrs Cimen for their help in
preparation. The categories were:
Current Affairs: Abigail Mills (Year 9), Alexis Pridgen
(Year 9), Chloe Nemeth de Bikal (Year 8)
Junior Public Speaking: Alex Lawrence (Year 9)
Senior Public Speaking: Flora Tucker (Year 11)
Junior Poetry: Summer Woods (Year 7)
Senior Poetry: Stella Hall (Year 11)
Junior Reading: Lila Barnard (Year 8)
Senior Reading: Tara Thai (Year 11)
R & E Ella Hemens (Year 10), Lucienne Cuda (Year 10),
Lara Veidners (Year 10)
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE 25News
Staff Farewells
relationship that Noela holds with the College Jan Whiddon, she ran the Club Women’s Issues
will remain strong. We wish Noela all the best and Languages Club as well as volunteering
and thank her for her wonderful contributions her time to Tournament of Minds. She has
to the College and the life of her students. inspired generations of students to experience
exchange programs and remain committed to
FAREWELL their language studies. Even when the trend for
KIEREN VALENTINE
languages have had less-uptake in schools, the
It’s wonderful to honor and acknowledge the numbers at the College were significantly high.
commitment and teaching service of Kieren This is because of her vibrant personality and
Valentine at Brigidine College. Kieran has because she was able to connect with each of
worked at the College for 15 years and during her students and execute personalized, inspiring
this time she has been a valued member of and customized teaching.
the Visual Arts department. She has taught Anne-Marie has nurtured generations of
all Year groups from Year 7 through to Year students through to the end of the rigorous
FAREWELL
12 and was instrumental in establishing and Continuers and Extension courses. Students
NOELA KING
developing the teaching of Photography have commented on the positive impact that
Noela began teaching at Brigidine in Term and Digital Media in Stage 5. Her caring and languages study at Brigidine has had on their
4 1988, employed by Sister Anita when the good humored approach has been greatly lives and how Italian and French have enriched
Brigidine Sisters still lived in the Convent and appreciated by her Mentor groups, Visual their perspective on the world. She has also led
the standard classroom equipment included Arts/Design and Technology classes and also her staff through immense educational change,
chalk, overhead projectors and fordigraph Brigidine staff. We thank her for her years of recently overseeing the implementation of new
worksheets. She finishes her amazing service and wish her well as she embarks syllabuses across the learning continuum.
teaching career having embraced how the on her ‘tree change’ with her family in the Anne-Marie is also renowned for her European
delivery of education has changed through beautiful Hunter Valley region. style, always wearing beautiful Italian shoes; her
the inclusion of technology, including remote easy and sophisticated style reminds us that
learning this year via zoom, but recognising Italians have an innate sense of timeless fashion.
that the relationship of the classroom and Anne-Marie truly lived the saying “fare bella
beyond remains as essential as ever. figura” (to make a good impression).
Through her teaching of English and History, We will dearly miss her bruschetta, antipasto
as well as her involvement in cocurricular and tiramisu! We will also miss her warmth,
activities such as Public Speaking, Year 11 friendship and the kindness she shows to
Play and musicals, Noela has supported girls everyone she meets.
to build their confidence and engage their Whilst it is very hard for us to say arrivederci,
curiosity and desire to learn. we know that she will enjoy being able to
Noela’s choice to be a Year 11 Mentor for devote more time to her beloved grandchild.
many years enabled her to work with young It is evident from the positive culture of the
women as they transition to being College and languages department that Anne-Marie
community leaders. The girls have benefitted Mitchell leaves her Faculty in a strong position,
greatly from her passion for the Year 11 and we thank her for serving our community
FAREWELL
‘Street’ retreat as she was instrumental in the ANNE-MARIE MITCHELL with distinction.
development of a program that could inspire
a sense of mission to make a difference in I would like to take this opportunity to offer my
our world. Such is her passion that Noela’s gratitude to Mrs Anne-Marie Mitchell, a brilliant
wish in retirement is to continue as a volunteer bilinguist and first-rate educator, who has
with some of the groups that the College has retired from her position as Head of Languages.
made connections with such as Key College, Anne-Marie commenced her time at Brigidine
a YOTS school for struggling youth. College in 1992, initially, as a teacher of LOTE.
Noela is a woman of strength and of She has been a French, Italian and Religion
gentleness and has led her students to teacher as well as a Year Co-ordinator. In 2003,
understand the importance of this motto in she became the Acting Head of LOTE and was
their everyday lives. then afforded this role permanently from 2004.
Whilst the direct teaching connection finishes For numerous years she organized and ran
with retirement, the ongoing community the most exceptional Food Fair. Together with
26 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020
26 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020From the Alumni and Community
Brigidine Relations Coordinator
Alumni Alumni
Connect
Alumni Connect is the home of Brigidine
College St Ives alumni community.
We are extremely proud of the almost
7000 young women who have passed
through our gate during the College’s 65
year history.
With strength and gentleness each of
them has gone on to make a difference
in an ever-changing world.
Our alumni are an integral part of our
wider College community. Often alumni
choose to enrol their daughters or
granddaughters at the College to carry
on a tradition started years before. Welcome to the Alumni section of The Bridge. I hope you enjoy
Being part of this community means the profile stories we have featured and encourage you to read
you can come together, celebrate, and
the Alumni survey results found on page 31
remember your College days.
To ensure you receive news of College
I have been asked before how we find the Alumni community. They are embedded in the
events and invitations to Reunion
stories for the alumni section of The Bridge. history of the College but more importantly
Days we encourage you to register on
The heart and soul of them come from the they are part of its future too. I hope you enjoy
Alumni Connect, where you can make
alumni who allow us to share stories about reading the stories we have included in this
sure the contact details we have for
their passions and pursuits, and the purpose issue and that they serve as a reminder of the
you are up to date.
they have found in their lives since leaving way in which our alumni community is making
Take a trip down memory lane in
the College. The theme of the stories is often a difference around the world. In a year where
the Photo Gallery or read about the
connected to the skills and values they learned terms like ‘the new normal’, ‘social distancing’,
Principals who have steered the College
as a Brigo Girl. Skills and values, they have ‘lockdown’ and ‘pandemic’ have become part
through the decades in the Principals
been able to use in a meaningful way as they of our daily conversation’s, now more than ever
Hall of Fame. You can stay in touch with
journey through life often making a difference to it is important we choose to live by our
one another and share your stories with
others lives along the way. school motto “fortiter and suaviter” strength
us. We love to hear where life has taken
The stories come from every walk of life and and gentleness.
you since your graduation!
each one is unique but what I am most struck I hope you and your loved ones remain safe
by is the passion each one has for their chosen and well as 2020 comes to an end and I look
To register simply go to https://
path. Once a Brigo girl walks through the gates forward to meeting many of you in person in
alumniconnect.org.au/ and enter your
of the College for the last time as a student our the coming year!
details under ‘First time users’. Your
relationship with them does not end, it simply PIP INMAN
‘Peer year’ is the year you graduated.
changes, and they become part of the bigger A L U M N I / C O M M U N I T Y R E L AT I O N S
TO THE COMMUNITY
FROM KATRINA TUCKER, P&F PRESIDENT
There would be no debating the fact that 2020 has been a year of adapting and being flexible to whatever is
thrown at you. One of the distinguishing traits at Brigidine is the importance of the greater community and the
opportunity to feel connected and valued. Your Brigo P&F will always strive to maintain and foster the community
and we have been working behind the scenes to try and develop events that meet regulations. We soon realised,
however, that 2020 was not going to be the year for P&F activities. Rest assured we are looking towards 2021
and where permitted will bring the parent and friend community together. In the meantime if you would like to
reach out to the committee we would love to hear from you, either as help with future initiatives or you may have
a suggestion, our ears and minds are always open. The P&F sends out our best wishes to the community and
strength to tackle the rest of the year with the knowledge that the whole is greater than the parts.
BRIGIDINE COLLEGE 27Alumni Profiles and Vale Alyce Kassis Verity Paton ALYCE KASSIS CLASS OF 2016 VERITY PATON, CLASS OF 2008 With a passion for the fashion Verity moved to LA in 2013. She believes her time at Brigidine industry, I knew the career taught her how to be an independent woman. Since 2015 she has path I wanted to take after been in a Marketing and Communications role at a K-12 private graduating from the College school in Calabasas. This is her very personal COVID story. Since then I have travelled, worked in the I write this note on day 167 in lockdown, I kept thinking to myself! industry and whilst working I studied at quarantine, isolation, safer-at-home, honestly, I Remote Learning soon became Remote ORANA Fashion Business College. I began have lost track of what we are calling it. I am in Learning 2.0. We were pressured to move by working in retail and interned at various Los Angeles, California. the $40,000 (USD) a year education to online fashion companies covering ecommerce and Lockdown started on March 13, 2020. Six for the remainder of the American school Public Relations. After interning at The Iconic long months it has been. I have seen the year. Another 10 weeks. I felt like the rug I became a stylist, shooting with models for seasons change and my vocabulary gain had been pulled from beneath my feet. The the website and assisting on campaign shoots words like pivot, mask, zoom-fatigue, and team worked hard, not wanting to cancel with senior stylists. The Iconic was such a social-distancing. Time has ebbed and flowed, but recreate, it took a toll on all of us. We great experience, it gave me an insight into the weeks felt like months, others have passed turned an in-person 400 Gala event, online many elements of the industry from styling and more quickly, and I have thought to myself “oh in just under two weeks. Four locations, 30 buying, to photography and marketing: a great this week wasn’t terrible”. media pieces, and my debut as a live stream opportunity to learn and an exciting company I am the Marketing and Communications producer to what I found out later were 3000+ to work for. After The Iconic in 2018 I pursued Manager for a large K-12 Private School in viewers from around the world. We raised my own venture and opened my own clothing Calabasas, and these past months have been over half a million dollars for our families who boutique in St Ives, Alyzz K Boutique. We some of the hardest of my life. No in-person like many, had come into unforeseen stock a variety of versatile Australian and school is made for an online experience. We economic hardship. International brands, both instore and online, had four days to switch on Remote Learning, In the months from March to June, I see Los including clothing, footwear and accessories for what we thought would be two weeks Angeles improve their numbers, things are for everyday wear as well as for more formal max. Then the numbers grew higher, USA opening however, the signs that it was safe occasions. I love being able to cover all shot to the top of the cases list, and my were not there. Mixed signs from the local aspects of the industry, I do the buying, stomach began to churn in concern. I was government, “it’s safe to eat out, but stay marketing, sales and run the social media forced to get used to my new commute from at home only with your household”. “Don’t and online platforms. It has been such a great my bed to my desk, working what felt like go outside without a mask, but if you’re experience to be running my own business in all the time, because what else was there to exercising, be smart and don’t wear one - we an industry I am so passionate about. I think do? Finding a new way to do my daily walk, don’t want you to pass out”. Amongst all my time at Brigidine gave me the confidence watching sourdough bread feed as the star unknown, was all confusion. to take risks in my career path and to give on Instagram, and purchasing masks like they Then came that fateful day, the death of everything your best shot! were underwear - you can never have enough George Floyd in Minneapolis. The horrific 28 THE BRIDGE SEMESTER 2 2020
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