About
Brigidine

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 co-curricular choices and endeavours. In the academic sphere we currently offer 35 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.

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

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

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

Current Parents of Year 8 student

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

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

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

I am proud and privileged to be the Principal at Brigidine College St Ives and I invite you to find out more about our wonderful school. Brigidine is a place for everyone, with our committed staff, our College is infused with the importance of honouring individual strengths and talents and nurturing students to work collaboratively, looking outwards towards the world.

Our motto, Strength and Gentleness, is such a powerful statement for our times. Brigidine girls are called to be strong yet considered leaders in their own lives and the lives of others – to be people of influence and compassion in their local and global communities. As an independent, forward-thinking girls school we are committed to preparing girls for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and purpose in our global community. A Brigidine education is one that prepares young women to make a difference in the changing world in which we live.

I look forward to meeting you at one of our College tours.

Laetitia Richmond
Principal

MISSION STATEMENT

We 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.

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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Ms Laetitia Richmond

PRINCIPAL

With a career spanning more than 30 years in Catholic education, Teash Richmond, is a highly experienced Principal and asset to Brigidine College. Ms Richmond has an impressive academic background. In addition to her Bachelor of Education, she holds Masters Degrees in Religious Education, Art Education and Arts Administration. She engages in continual professional learning to ensure she can lead our school community with a contemporary understanding of educational priorities and the needs of students and teachers.

Ms Richmond is a natural and engaged leader who is passionate about the education of girls. “The compass point upon which I have based my leadership style is of true service and building authentic relationships within the school community. My busiest and most challenging days are met with a calm, well humoured and professional demeanour. I am committed to advancing opportunities for students through their experiences in holistic education. Within the ministry of Principal, I am privileged to lead the faith, academic, and pastoral life of Brigidine College.”

Ms Leone Smyth

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

As the Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning, Leone is a well-qualified and dynamic educational leader, who provides innovative leadership, vision and direction for teaching and learning at the College. Leone is passionate and knowledgeable about girls’ education, with a refined understanding of contemporary, evidence-based teaching and learning practice. She has a proven record of strategic leadership at the senior level of the College.

Leone has a lengthy resume of qualifications with a Masters in Business (Industrial Relations), Graduate Diploma in Education, Graduate Certificates in Theology, IT and ICT Education, Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment and a Diploma in Business Administration. More recently Leone completed the AIS Flagship Leadership Program. Leone delivers over 30 years of educational and business expertise to the College.

Leone enjoys teaching across a wide range of subject areas and helping students realise that their future is in their own hands and that anything is possible. Her goal is to ensure that teachers’ professional practice at the College meets the highest possible standards.

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 Richard Luxford

BUSINESS MANAGER

As the Business Manager of the College, Richard Luxford ensures the effective financial and operational management of the College as well as serving the College Board in governance and company secretarial matters.

Richard's qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Acctg.), Fellow CPA Australia ( FCPA) and Fellow Governance Institute of Australia ( FGIA) & Fellow Chartered Governance Institute ( FCG).
Richard has a broad resume of roles with experience both in Australia and abroad, specifically the UK, Germany, Indonesia and New Zealand. He has over 40 years of experience in Financial and Operational Management in Not-for-profit, Manufacturing and Services and more recently 15 years in Education. In his role at Brigidine, Richard is passionate about bringing innovation and improvement of infrastructure and services to students and families.

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.

Mrs Pamela Malone

DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATION

Pamela has over 25 years’ experience as an educator and has worked in a number of schools across a variety of educational settings. She joined Brigidine in 2019 as the HOD of TAS and VET where she led a dynamic and creative team. Pamela teaches a range of TAS subjects including Food Technology, Design and Technology, Textiles and Design along with VET Hospitality. Pamela specialises in Food Technology and has co-authored several textbooks in this subject area.

Pamela’s educational philosophy is to ignite a passion for learning in students so that they become lifelong learners helping them build successful futures no matter what pathways they choose. She likes to encourage students to develop real skills for real life. She is passionate about creating learner centred environments built upon strong respectful relationships between students and their teachers.

Pamela has a Bachelor of Education from Sydney University and completed her Master of Education specialising in Design and Health. Pamela also holds a Graduate Certificate from Sydney University in Design and Technology as well as a Graduate Certificate in Theology from Newcastle University. Pamela is also passionate about vocational education and holds TAFE qualifications in Certificate IV in workplace Training and Assessment, Certificate II Hospitality(operations) and Certificate II in Hospitality Essentials.

Mrs Mandy Loomes

DIRECTOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Brigidine’s riches lie within its community, which is why community is so highly valued at Brigidine College. Mandy’s role encompasses all aspects of Community Engagement including Enrolments, Marketing, Communications, Publications, Philanthropy, Events, Archives, Alumni and Community Relations. These areas are seen by Mandy and the Leadership team as integral to the strategic direction, ongoing development and sustainability of the College. Mandy is supported by the dynamic Community Relations team to enrich the Brigidine experience for all students, parents and staff.

Mandy has a Bachelor of Economics, is a Justice of the Peace, a member of Educate Plus and has more than 20 years of experience working in education. She is passionate about the importance of her work and keeping everyone connected.

Mandy enjoys and values her interaction with students, parents, staff and alumni to support the Brigidine Community. She sees effective and genuine communication as an important part of the Brigidine experience that nurtures the journey for us all.

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.”

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’.

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

  • Mrs Michelle Dixon  (Chair)
  • Ms Dawn Carroll (Deputy Chair)
  • Mr Steven Graham
  • Prof Bridget Griffen-Foley
  • Sister Ailsa Mackinnon
  • Mr Dom May
  • Ms Louisa Rebec
  • Mr Stephen Zadro

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

Mrs Michelle Dixon

Chair of the Board

Ms Dawn Carroll

Deputy Chairperson

Mr Steven Graham

Prof Bridget Griffen-Foley

Sister Ailsa Mackinnon

Mr Dom May

Mr Stephen Zadro

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.

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.

Child Safeguarding

Brigidine College promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all young people. We are committed to creating and maintaining a child safe environment in which all students feel safe and are safe. 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.

Positions vacant

Diverse Learning Teacher

Diverse Learning Teacher 2025

12 month parental leave position for the 2025 academic year

About the College

Brigidine College St Ives is a Catholic Independent girls’ school situated on Sydney’s North Shore. The College seeks to creatively and energetically engage students in a process of learning that promotes curiosity, confidence, achievement and service. A dynamic and supportive staff with a strong focus on individualised learning makes Brigidine a workplace of choice.

About the Position

Brigidine College St Ives seeks an experienced Diverse Learning teacher whose classroom practice shows a commitment to excellence. Duties will include developing and teaching a range of Life Skills courses to students in Years 7-12 with moderate intellectual and/or language needs. The position also requires experience in providing in-class support to teachers and assisting with the differentiation and adjustment of the curriculum to meet individual student needs. Ability to teach English would be highly advantageous.

This is a 12 month parental leave position for the 2025 academic year

Selection Criteria

  • Qualifications in Diverse Learning
  • Experience in supporting the academic and pastoral needs of students
  • Ability to teach English would be highly advantageous
  • Understanding of current theory and practice in Diverse Learning
  • Ability to liaise closely with academic and pastoral staff to enhance student outcomes
  • Ability to liaise with parents and external providers in the development of Individual Educational Plans

Why Brigidine College St Ives?

  • Dynamic and well-resourced Faculty
  • Supportive professional environment
  • Positive learning culture

A Working with Children Check is required prior to employment commencing.

How to Apply

Enquiries can be made to Jessica Marino, at jmarino@brigidine.nsw.edu.au or Edward Codsi, Director Staff, at ecodsi@brigidine.nsw.edu.au or on 9988 6200.

Applications including a covering letter, qualifications, detailed Curriculum Vitae with academic transcripts, and the names and contact details of three referees should be addressed to: The Principal at employment@brigidine.nsw.edu.au

Applications close 10.00am Tuesday 12 November 2024.

Early applications are encouraged and will be considered as received. An appointment may be made prior to the closing date.

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