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As we commence Term 3, I warmly welcome all members of our À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ community back after the winter break. I hope the holidays provided opportunities for rest, renewal and time with those who matter most. A special welcome is extended to the new students and families joining our community this term. We are delighted that your journey has brought you to À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ, and we look forward to accompanying you in the years ahead.

While winter has certainly made its presence felt with crisp mornings and blustery days, there is something quietly energising about the beginning of a new term. Schools have a wonderful way of coming alive again as classrooms fill with conversation, music returns to our hallways, sporting fields become busy once more, and students embrace the many opportunities that accompany a new season of learning.

One of the highlights of our opening week was the annual Pathways Expo. It was wonderful to see students, families, staff and tertiary providers engaged in rich and thoughtful conversations about the future. The evening was filled with optimism as students explored the many possibilities that lie beyond school, discovering that there is no single pathway to success, but rather many different journeys waiting to unfold. Whether considering university, apprenticeships, vocational education or employment, our young people were encouraged to dream broadly and make informed decisions with confidence. Thank you to our parents for the invaluable role you play in supporting these important conversations and partnering with us as your daughters discern the next steps in their educational journey.

The performing arts continue to remind us of the extraordinary gifts that flourish within our community. It was a privilege to witness the outstanding performances of our students in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, presented in partnership with St Bede’s College. Whether on stage, behind the scenes or supporting the production in countless other ways, our students demonstrated remarkable dedication, creativity and teamwork. Most importantly, they experienced the joy that comes from working together towards something greater than themselves. To see our young people encouraging one another, giving their all each evening and growing in confidence as artists was inspiring. We congratulate every student involved who brought this wonderful production to life.

Last Thursday, I also had the privilege of spending time with our Year 11 students during their Retreat Day as they began to consider what it means to lead in the Brigidine tradition in an ever-evolving world. Throughout the day, students strengthened relationships across their year level, reflected on the strengths they admire in others and within themselves, learned from inspiring women leaders and contemplated the enduring legacy of St Brigid. Leadership at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ has never simply been about holding a position. Rather, it is about responding generously to the needs of others, acting with courage, compassion and hope and choosing each day to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us. It was heartening to witness our students engaging so thoughtfully with these important questions as they continue their own leadership journeys.

Our commitment to excellence in learning continues to be reflected in the achievements of our students and graduates. We warmly congratulate Year 10’s Georgia A on her selection into the prestigious 2026–2028 Monash Scholars Program, recognising her outstanding academic scholarship. We also celebrate Alicia Vu (Class of 2025), who has been awarded a Premier’s VCE Award for Politics. Alicia’s achievement is an extraordinary testament to her intellectual curiosity, commitment and love of learning. We are immensely proud of both young women and the example they provide for our community.

This semester also marks the beginning of an important journey for À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ as we commence a process of discernment to shape our next Strategic Plan, Towards À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ 2030. Every generation is entrusted with the responsibility of building upon the legacy it inherits while responding courageously to the opportunities and challenges of its own time. Over the coming months we will listen deeply to the voices of our students, families, staff, alumni and wider community as together we discern the next chapter of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ’s story. We look forward to inviting our families to participate in this important process as we imagine the future we are called to create together.

As we begin Semester 2, I have also been reflecting on the importance of belonging. Australian researcher and clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller reminds us that when young people begin to opt out of opportunities because something feels difficult or uncomfortable, they can gradually narrow the very experiences that build confidence, resilience and growth. Schools therefore have an important responsibility not simply to promote wellbeing, but to foster what many are now describing as well-belonging – a deep sense of being known, valued and connected.

At À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ, we believe that every young person flourishes when they know they belong. When students experience authentic warmth, are recognised for their unique strengths, feel respected for who they are and are encouraged to embrace challenge, they develop the confidence to participate fully in school life. It is within strong communities of belonging that resilience is nurtured, anxiety is reduced and learning flourishes.

As partners in your daughters’ education, I encourage all families to continue nurturing this sense of belonging throughout Semester 2. Together, let us inspire our young people to embrace every opportunity, participate wholeheartedly in the life of the College, persevere when learning becomes challenging and remain open to discovering gifts they may not yet know they possess. In doing so, we will continue to form young women who know they belong, who have the courage to embrace challenge, and who are ready to make a meaningful contribution to the world.

I wish every member of our community a wonderful Term 3 and look forward to all that we will achieve together as we continue to grow, learn and discern the future of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ.

Stephanie Smyth

Principal