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Brigidine

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Our School

As a non-selective Catholic Independent School Brigidine College proudly caters for students of all abilities and talents. Framed by our motto, Fortiter et Suaviter, Strength and Gentleness, a Brigidine education combines the spiritual, academic, physical, and cultural dimensions of learning. We encourage all girls to challenge themselves and realise their potential. We believe, now more than ever, that education is more than an academic result.

Our College has an optimum size of 900 girls from Year 7 to Year 12, which is small enough to know all our girls yet large enough to offer a broad range of curriculum and cocurricular choices and endeavours. In the academic sphere we currently offer 43 courses for the HSC, ensuring that all girls find their passion for learning and maximise their academic success.

COLLEGE LIFEVIRTUAL TOUR

We respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which Brigidine College resides. We, as a community of faith, remember all those who have walked this land before us and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the local Garigal people, part of the wider Gamaraigal clan, who lived and journeyed throughout this area for thousands of years.

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I love that Brigidine provides a welcoming environment with positive, professional staff. It is clear the students are proud of their school.

Parent of Year 11 student
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Brigidine embraces girls from all backgrounds and abilities with a wide and varied opportunity for girls to apply for leadership positions.

Mother of Year 7 student
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We love the size of the school and that my daughter is known. The place just feels good”

Current Parents of Year 8 student
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It is such a strong, caring community at Brigidine. We have met so many other likeminded parents. There’s a great all-inclusive culture and the girls are all happy.

Parent of Year 11 student
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We love the school motto ‘Strength & Gentleness’ – it permeates the entire College in its traditions, attitudes, and actions of the teachers and Principal.

Parents of current Year 7 and Year 9 students
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Our daughter is very appreciative of the support and guidance she received from all facets of her schooling at Brigidine so thank you.

Mother of daughter in the Class of 2021

Our Principal

It is with pleasure that I welcome you to Brigidine College St Ives.

As I steward Brigidine through its next chapter, I feel privileged to lead a community grounded in faith, learning and a strong commitment to the education of young women. Brigidine College has a proud Catholic tradition enriched with academic excellence, pastoral care and service, and a multitude of cocurricular opportunities, all shaped by the values of the Brigidine heritage and Kildare Ministries.

Our motto, Strength and Gentleness, speaks to the world our students are preparing to enter. At Brigidine, young women are encouraged to develop confidence and courage, balanced with empathy, reflection and respect for others. They are supported to lead with integrity, to act with purpose, and to make a meaningful difference within their communities, both locally and globally.

Proudly a girls’ school, we see the uniqueness in every individual and shape their education in ways that fill them with a sense of purpose and success about their achievements. The Brigidine journey opens countless possibilities, helping young women become confident future-ready leaders.

I warmly invite you to experience the spirit of Brigidine by attending our annual Open Day or joining a guided College Tour.

Kate Quinane
Principal

Come on a tour of Year 7 with Indi and Teddy

MISSION STATEMENT

The College inspires girls to value learning, seek wisdom, act with integrity and embrace the Brigidine Tradition, empowering them to become global citizens embodying the motto “Strength and Gentleness”

Leadership Team

As a team of highly experienced educators having worked in many varied roles, together they form the foundation of our College, a leading Catholic school in Sydney.

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Mrs Kate Quinane

PRINCIPAL

Mrs Kate Quinane is an experienced educational leader with a strong commitment to the education of young women. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Teaching from the University of Sydney and has worked across a number of highly regarded girls’ schools, including Ascham School, Roseville College, Santa Sabina College and Mount St Benedict’s College.

Throughout her career, Mrs Quinane has maintained a clear focus on teaching and learning, with particular expertise in curriculum design, academic improvement and student engagement. She is known for developing innovative programs that support high academic standards while fostering curiosity, confidence and a love of learning.

Prior to her appointment at Brigidine College, Mrs Quinane was employed at St Aloysius’ College as Director of Teaching and Learning, Deputy Principal and most recently as Acting Principal. Her leadership in teacher professional development and whole-school academic growth has been widely recognised, as has her collaborative and thoughtful approach to leadership.

Mrs Quinane’s values closely align with the vision of the College and those of Kildare Ministries. She is deeply committed to honouring the Brigidine tradition while preparing students for lives of learning, integrity, service and purpose.

Mr Brian Loughland

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL FAITH AND MISSION

Brian is the Deputy Principal at the College who leads the community in faith and wellbeing. His role encompasses the religious dimensions of this catholic community as well as the wellbeing and pastoral care of all staff and students. Having been part of the Leadership team at three Catholic schools, Brian has worked in girls’ education for nearly 30 years. During this time, he has led many students and staff in various immersions, retreats and camp experiences both in Australia and overseas.

With a Masters in Arts (Theology), Graduate Diploma in Ministry, Bachelor of Education and Diploma of Teaching Brian is passionate about enabling our students to develop a sense of purpose in life and to live full and rewarding lives as young women. Brian finds reward in creating an inclusive and supportive community where girls flourish, achieve their personal best and enabling them to leave Brigidine with a capacity and desire to make a difference in the world through their leadership, confidence and compassion for others.

Mr Luther Symons

BUSINESS MANAGER

With more than 25 years of experience across multiple sectors, Luther Symons is a seasoned executive and strategic leader, bringing deep expertise in business development, corporate finance, governance and multi-site operations. His commitment to delivering high-quality education and services to the community underpins his approach, and he is passionate about fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration.

As Business Manager at Brigidine, Luther oversees the College’s key business functions, including finance, capital works, facilities management and ICT. He plays a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the College, working closely with the Principal, Board and executive team to deliver the strategic vision and operational priorities of the school.

Mr Ed Codsi

DIRECTOR STAFF

Ed Codsi is new to Brigidine College in 2023, coming to the College with a long history of experience in the Independent Schooling sector and most recently at St Pius X College, Chatswood.

As the Director of Staff at the College, Ed provides the connection between staff and the Leadership team and decisions of the College. He provides support in professional development, teacher accreditation, quality recruitment, performance improvement, risk and compliance, confidential support to those needing assistance with wellbeing or other issues and manages HR processes.

Ed believes in promoting the wellbeing of staff and students.

Ms Natasha Mercer

DIRECTOR TEACHING & LEARNING

Natasha brings to Brigidine College extensive experience in senior leadership across both independent and government secondary school settings. She has worked closely with executive teams, middle leaders and teaching staff to strengthen learning cultures and support sustained improvement in teaching and learning.

She holds a Master of Education with a focus on student engagement and educational leadership and brings more than two decades of teaching and leadership experience to her role. Natasha’s practice is informed by contemporary educational research, with particular expertise in critical and creative thinking, reflective learning practices and data-informed decision-making. She is deeply committed to professional growth and remains actively engaged in external professional learning and coaching. Natasha regularly presents at national and international conferences and contributes to broader educational dialogue beyond the school context. In recognition of her expertise, she has been selected as an International Coalition of Girls’ Schools Global Action Research Collaborative Fellow for 2026, contributing to international research focused on advancing outcomes in girls’ education.

Natasha is passionate about girls’ education and about creating learning environments that are intellectually rigorous, reflective and aspirational. She is committed to supporting young women to develop confidence, agency and a strong sense of purpose. Equally, she values professional cultures built on collaboration, trust and shared responsibility, enabling both students and staff to flourish in the spirit of Fortiter et Suaviter.

Ms Sia Mastro

DIRECTOR STUDENT WELLBEING

The newly created Director of Wellbeing role is responsible for overseeing the wellbeing needs of our whole school community, by providing a caring, supportive and vibrant pastoral care program. As a community, Sia Mastro recognises the importance of embedding a targeted program that embraces wellbeing from a contemporary and evidence-based context to ensure that staff and students are capable of flourishing to their optimal best.

Sia has attained a diverse range of qualifications throughout her career. These have included a Master of Education (Leadership and Wellbeing), Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Bachelor of Music Education. All areas of her specialisation and various paths of experience, contribute to promoting a school environment that encourages the development of self-awareness through a myriad of multifaceted opportunities that enhance the social and emotional wellbeing of each student.

Sia is committed to providing a haven of opportunities for students to be empowered, act courageously, build positive relationships through their Mentor, House and class groups whilst, being challenged and inspired to develop their own individual sense of character with ‘strength and gentleness’.

Mr Owen Vale

DIRECTOR COCURRICULAR

Owen Vale commenced as Director Cocurricular in 2021. Owen has a diverse educational background in the Performing Arts (Drama), humanities, sport and pastoral care. He places importance on promoting educational programs and experiences that are authentic, challenging, creative and collaborative.

Owen has a Master of Leadership & Management in Education, Bachelor of Education in Social Science and over 20 years of experience working in education. He has a love for the outdoors with interests in camping, travel, sailing, rugby and cycling. Owen also has a keen interest in coaching – both sport and theatre.

Owen is passionate about project-based learning and creative educational programming. In his own words “I am driven to provide students with experiences that ‘connect’, that become inspiring, relevant, and engaging. For me, it’s as much about what we can do with what we have learned and know, as it is about, what we have learned or may know.”

Our Board

The Board Directors are appointed by the Trustees of Kildare Ministries* to govern the College in the areas of education, financial, property and employment responsibilities and to plan for the ongoing development of the College.

The Principal of the College is appointed by the Board and is charged with the responsibility of leading and administering the College.

Board Members

  • Dr Michael McDonald OAM (Chair)
  • Ms Dawn Carroll (Deputy Chair)
  • Ms Anna Dickinson
  • Mr Steven Graham
  • Prof Bridget Griffen-Foley
  • Sister Ailsa Mackinnon
  • Ms Jacquie McCann

If you would like to contact the Board, please email us here.

EMAIL THE BOARD

*Kildare Ministries was established as a Public Juridic Person (PJP) at the request of the Congregation of the Sisters of St Brigid (Brigidine Sisters) to succeed and to carry on the ministries previously conducted by the Brigidine Sisters in Australia. www.kildareministries.org.au

Dr Michael McDonald OAM

Chair of the Board

Ms Anna Dickinson

Mr Steven Graham

Prof Bridget Griffen-Foley

Sister Ailsa Mackinnon

Ms Jacquie McCann

Our Faith

The Brigidine motto, Fortiter et Suaviter challenges students to be “Women of Strength, Women of Gentleness”. These seemingly opposing virtues are in fact complementary notions of moral courage (fortiter) and consideration of others (suaviter).

Guided by this motto, the College supports the spiritual journey of students within the context of the Catholic faith and practice. Students are inspired to act with strength and gentleness and live out the Gospel values to make a difference in the world.

Through experiences of prayer, liturgy and service to others, students are encouraged to develop a personal spirituality that will sustain them and provide a sense of meaning to their lives.

Heritage

In 1883, invited by Bishop Murray of Maitland, six Brigidine Sisters led by Mother John Synan, undertook the long journey from Ireland to establish the first Australian Brigidine school in Coonamble NSW.

The Sisters continued their work in education, teaching and opening convents and schools across the country, with a Sydney community based in Randwick from 1901. By the 1940s the Brigidine Sisters were working north in Lindfield and sought more space to expand and train their novices, therefore purchasing agricultural land in St Ives from 1949.

With a single building complete, Principal Mother Romuald Walz and Mother Adrian Small opened the doors on 9 February 1954 to nine girls, five in first year and four in second year. It was to be another five years before the Convent and Novitiate building was complete, with 12 novices arriving on 27 January 1959. The Brigidine Sisters occupied the Convent at St Ives until 1994 when they returned to Randwick enabling the College to expand staff and student facilities further.

In 2014 Kildare Ministries was established to oversee the educational and community works of the New South Wales and Victorian Provinces of the Brigidine Congregation along with the Presentation Congregation of Victoria. The Brigidine Sisters continue their guardianship of the College as representatives on the Members Council of Kildare Ministries and as welcome guests at College events.

Today, the Brigidine traditions and ethos endure in our mission, to inspire our students to value learning, seek wisdom, act with integrity, and to honour their spiritual heritage. We challenge young women to act as global citizens, with strength and gentleness in their own lives and the lives of others.

Discover the spirit of our Pioneer students through the videos below, as they reflect on the traditions and values that continue to guide our Brigidine community today.

Celebrating our Pioneers and Golden Girls

Our College Pioneers

Working with us

Located on Sydney’s north shore, Brigidine College St Ives, is a Catholic Independent girls’ school committed to the education of girls. The College seeks innovative and energetic teachers whose classroom practice shows a commitment to excellence and who engage students in a process of learning that promotes curiosity, confidence, achievement and service. A dynamic and supportive staff with a strong focus on professional learning makes Brigidine a workplace of choice.

Commitment to Child Safety

The College regards its child safeguarding responsibilities with the utmost importance and is committed to providing the necessary resources to maintain a child safe culture and ensure compliance with all relevant child safe organisation and child protection laws and regulations. We have zero tolerance for abuse and other harm and are committed to acting in students’ best interests and keeping them safe from harm.

Our human resources and recruitment practices are adhered to during the application, interviewing and selection process. Applicants are advised that Brigidine undertakes working with children checks (WWCC) and reference checks to ensure that we are recruiting the right people for the College.

Please click here to view our Child Safeguarding Policy.

Please click here to view our Staff Code Of Conduct Policy.

Positions vacant

Director of Faith and Identity

Position: Director of Faith and Identity
Commencement: January 2027

Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time

 

Lead Faith. Inspire Purpose. Shape Community.

We are seeking an exceptional and passionate Director of Faith and Identity to join our College Leadership Team. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced educator and faith leader to provide strategic leadership in Catholic identity, spirituality, faith formation, liturgy, service, and mission across our College community.

About the College

Brigidine College St Ives is a leading Catholic independent school for girls in Years 7–12, dedicated to educating and empowering young women to flourish with confidence, compassion and purpose. You’ll be joining a community that values collaboration, creativity, and a strong culture of professional growth.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Principal, the Director of Faith and Identity is responsible for leading and strengthening the Catholic identity and faith life of the College. As a member of the Leadership Team, the successful applicant will:

  • Lead the ongoing development and expression of the College’s Catholic and Brigidine identity.
  • Develop and implement strategic initiatives that strengthen faith formation, spirituality, mission and service.
  • Coordinate and oversee the prayer and liturgical life of the College, including major celebrations, Masses and faith events.
  • Lead student retreats, reflection programs, service-learning initiatives, and social justice activities.
  • Design and facilitate staff formation programs that deepen understanding of Catholic tradition, Brigidine spirituality and Kildare Ministries values.
  • Build strong partnerships with families, parishes, diocesan agencies, Kildare Ministries and the wider Church.

The role includes a 0.2 FTE teaching load in Religious Education/Studies of Religion.

 About You

The Director of Faith and Identity plays a pivotal role in ensuring our Mission, Vision and Values are authentically expressed in every aspect of College life. The successful candidate will nurture a vibrant faith community where every person is encouraged to flourish.

You will bring:

  • A strong commitment to the mission of Catholic education and active participation in the life of the Catholic Church.
  • Recognised teaching qualifications and current NESA accreditation.
  • A sound understanding of Catholic theology, spirituality, liturgy and contemporary faith formation.
  • Demonstrated experience leading faith, mission, formation and social justice initiatives.
  • Exceptional leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.
  • The ability to build meaningful relationships across students, staff, families and Church communities.
  • Strong strategic planning, organisational and change leadership capabilities.
  • Postgraduate qualifications in Theology, Religious Education, Catholic Leadership or a related discipline will be highly regarded.

 How to apply

A position description is available here and applications should be emailed to The Principal at: employment@brigidine.nsw.edu.au and include the following:

  • A cover letter addressing the role and selection criteria.
  • A current resume and details of three professional referees.

For further information, contact:

  • Edward Codsi, Director of Staff | ecodsi@brigidine.nsw.edu.au
  • Phone: (02) 9988 6200

Applications close Thursday 20 August 2026

 

The College reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate prior to the closing date. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

 

Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

The College regards its child safeguarding responsibilities with the utmost importance and is committed to providing the necessary resources to maintain a child safe culture and ensure compliance with all relevant child safe organisation and child protection laws and regulations. We have zero tolerance for abuse and other harm and are committed to acting in students’ best interests and keeping them safe from harm.

APPLICATIONS

Physics/Science Teacher

Position: Physics/Science Teacher Years 7 – 12
Commencement: Term 4 2026 or by negotiation

Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time

 

About the College

Brigidine College St Ives is a leading Catholic independent school for girls in Years 7–12, dedicated to educating and empowering young women to flourish with confidence, compassion and purpose. You’ll be joining a community that values collaboration, creativity, and a strong culture of professional growth.

About the Role

Brigidine College St Ives is seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Science Teacher with a specialisation in Physics to inspire students across Years 7–12.

The successful applicant will be an engaging and reflective educator who values both rigour and creativity in teaching. They will bring a genuine enthusiasm for Science, a growth mindset, and the ability to inspire students to reach their potential.

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver engaging, high-quality Science lessons in Years 7 – 12 with a particular focus on Stage 6 Physics.
  • Foster curiosity, inquiry, and critical thinking through practical and theoretical learning.
  • Contribute to curriculum development across a range of areas within the faculty.
  • Cater for diverse learning needs through differentiated curriculum and instruction.
  • Support the holistic development of students through involvement in pastoral care programs.

Requirements

  • Bachelor of Education (Science) or equivalent with a major in Physics.
  • NESA accreditation and current NSW Working with Children Check.
  • Demonstrated experience teaching Physics at Stage 6 level.
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development and collaborative practice.
  • A passion for fostering curiosity and scientific literacy in young women.

Why Join Us

  • Supportive and collegial teaching environment.
  • Commitment to professional growth and innovation in education.
  • Outstanding facilities and resources in a vibrant campus setting.

How to apply

A position description is available here and applications should be emailed to The Principal at: employment@brigidine.nsw.edu.au and include the following:

  • A cover letter addressing the role and selection criteria.
  • A current resume and details of three professional referees.

For further information, contact:

  • Natasha Mercer, Director of Teaching and Learning | nmercer@brigidine.nsw.edu.au
  • Rob Farr, Head of Science | rfarr@brigidine.nsw.edu.au
  • Phone: (02) 9988 6200

 

Applications close Thursday 20 August 2026

The College reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate prior to the closing date. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

 

Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

The College regards its child safeguarding responsibilities with the utmost importance and is committed to providing the necessary resources to maintain a child safe culture and ensure compliance with all relevant child safe organisation and child protection laws and regulations. We have zero tolerance for abuse and other harm and are committed to acting in students’ best interests and keeping them safe from harm.

APPLICATIONS

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