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St Brigid’s School, Healesville

Learning brings hope

St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School invites students to make sense of their world and their lives within a faith community that is faithful to the mission of Jesus. Our school embraces the contemporary world with a Catholic imagination, and a particular hope-filled view of the human person and all of creation.

At the very heart of our school is the desire for the full flourishing of each student, across religious, physical, cognitive, emotional and social domains. We honour the sacred dignity of each student, believing that everyone can experience success. Our school supports students to embrace a view of themselves and the world that leads to peace and social justice.

Our Vision

A Christ-centred community;

Learning from the past,

Challenging the present,

Creating the future.

Religious Education

St. Brigid’s is a Christ-centred community where students learn about the values and teachings of the Catholic faith through daily prayer, religious education lessons, whole-school liturgies, and Masses. Saint Brigid of Kildare is our patron saint, and we celebrate her life at the beginning of each year on her Feast Day. Saint Brigid lived her life demonstrating courage, generosity, and kindness. These are the values we encourage with our students.

Religious Education lessons are taught throughout the school week following the Religious Education Curriculum Framework as outlined by the Melbourne Archdiocese. Students explore, interpret, and reflect on the Life of Jesus and Scripture, God, Religion and Life, Church and Community, Morality and Justice. Students are encouraged to engage in discussions, pose questions and wonderings, and make connections between the teachings of Jesus and their daily lives.

Throughout the Gospel stories, Jesus’ message was to reach out to those in need. Students have the opportunity to learn about social justice initiatives in our local community and are also invited to participate in school-based initiatives each year. We endeavour to strengthen our ongoing connections with our parish community by attending weekday masses and supporting parish-based initiatives organised by Parish groups.

Each class gathers daily for personal prayer, communal prayer, and engaging religious songs. Prayer time allows each student to focus on their own faith journey. Students lead our school in prayer during weekly assemblies and liturgies.

St.Brigid’s School and Parish work together with parents to support their child’s Sacramental faith journey. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered at Year 3, the Sacrament of Eucharist in Year 4, and the Sacrament of Confirmation in Year 6. Preparation is part of the curriculum, and parents are involved through attendance at Parent-Child evenings.

Victorian Curriculum Learning Areas

Literacy

Mathematics

Library

Italian Language

Specialist Classes

Throughout their time at St Brigid’s, students are immersed in a rich specialist program of Bush School, Visual and Performing Arts, Physical Education, Health, and STEM. In 2026 we plan to introduce Music as a specialist class – stay tuned for more information.

Physical Education

Physical Education classes allow students to experience a range of activities to improve their fundamental movement skills and then how to participate effectively in game situations through their use of teamwork and tactics. Students are also given the opportunity to participate in the annual swimming, athletics and cross country carnivals (all levels) as well as in the basketball HoopTime event (only Grades 3-6). Progression through the School Sport Victoria pathway is also a part of the sporting program.

Visual Arts

Our Visual Arts program is designed to nurture students’ confidence, curiosity, imagination, and joy through hands-on engagement with the creative process. From making and experimenting with artworks to viewing, discussing, interpreting, and evaluating them, students are encouraged to explore and express themselves in meaningful ways.

Throughout their schooling, students are introduced to a wide range of artistic techniques, materials, and processes, allowing them to develop their skills and discover their unique creative voice.

Student artwork is proudly showcased in a variety of formats across the year — including vibrant visual displays, our Learning Expo, and the highly anticipated biennial Art Show, celebrating the artistic achievements of our young creators.

Performing Arts

Building confidence, creativity, and connection through performance.

At St Brigid’s, every student from Prep to Year 6 engages in our Performing Arts program, where creativity and self-expression take centre stage. Through weekly lessons in movement, improvisation, mime, and speech, students are encouraged to explore their individuality and develop their performance skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Performing Arts is more than just learning to act or move — it’s about building self-esteem, trust, and collaboration. As students work together to rehearse and perform, they strengthen their communication skills, grow in confidence, and experience the joy of creative teamwork.

A highlight of our program is the biennial whole-school production, a much-anticipated event that brings our entire school community together. Every student, from our youngest Preps to our Year 6 leaders, takes part in this showcase of talent, teamwork, and storytelling. It’s a celebration of the arts that leaves lasting memories for students and families alike.

Whether on stage or behind the scenes, our Performing Arts program empowers students to shine in their own unique way.

STEM

At St. Brigid’s, our STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) empowers students to become confident problem-solvers and creative thinkers. Through engaging, hands-on learning experiences, children explore real-world challenges and develop practical solutions using the design process.

From planning and building to testing and refining, students work collaboratively to bring their ideas to life. Whether designing a bridge, coding a simple game, or exploring sustainable practices, our learners are encouraged to think critically, work together, and persevere through challenges.

STEM at St. Brigid’s is more than just learning facts—it’s about nurturing curiosity, resilience, and a love of discovery. We prepare our students with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world, while staying grounded in our values of community, creativity, and care.

Bush School

Bush school is founded on the global principles of Forest School, offering students the chance to immerse themselves in a sensory-rich learning environment. Through experimentation, discovery, and exploration, they interact with the natural world. These dynamic and open-ended activities foster creative learning, encouraging children to tackle problems collaboratively while engaging in outdoor play and education.

Each week, the Prep students head outdoors to learn and play in our school’s large natural bush space. Our distinctive weekly bush school program is tailored specifically for our school, encompassing all curriculum areas, particularly science, design, and technology, alongside the development of interpersonal skills. We place a significant emphasis on integrating our Catholic Identity and Aboriginal perspectives throughout our curriculum, including within the bush school framework. We explore the environment, talk about the plants and animals that live there, think about the history and the future of the space, as well as engage in a variety of activities and games to connect children to nature. We are very lucky to have this amazing play experience that connects children to the natural world, teaches them about the wonders of life and instils a desire to take care of their planet.

Learning Support

All students with diverse learning needs have a right to access a full and engaging education on the same basis as their peers. At St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School, we seek to meet the needs of all learners, so that every student experiences success. Learning diversity in Catholic schools is enacted through an inclusive pedagogy and a commitment to uphold the rights of all to be:

  • welcomed
  • valued
  • acknowledged
  • actively engaged in education.

At St Brigid’s we endeavour to support all students by intervening as early as possible to meet the individual needs and abilities of each student so they can flourish. We have inclusive policies and practices to accurately identify the diverse learning needs of individuals, consider effective approaches of support, provide appropriate adjustments and monitor the progress of all learners. We seek to empower learners by celebrating difference and providing educational opportunities aimed at eliminating discrimination and focused on growth and progress for all. We utilize the NCCD (National Consistent Collection of Data) process to collect information and supports for any student with an imputed or diagnosed Disabilty in consultation through regular meetings with the parents/carers.

Student Wellbeing

At St Brigid’s Primary School, we’re committed to giving every student the best chance to reach their potential. We help students achieve success based on proven best practices, and ensure that we utilise shared expectations and language across all staff. This helps to create consistency, and build strong relationships between teachers and students. When it comes to behaviour, we take a proactive approach, addressing concerns early to keep our classrooms and play areas positive and focused on learning. It’s all about creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every child can thrive.

For more information about our continued endeavour to help students maximise their potential, please refer to our information pack about ‘The St Brigid’s Way’ by clicking here.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)

At St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School, we create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where both students and staff can thrive. As a Positive Behaviour for Learning School, we focus on helping students grow through engaging learning experiences that support their wellbeing and future success. We see behaviour management as an important part of learning, helping students develop valuable social skills alongside their academic growth.

Our Positive Behaviour Plan, ‘The St Brigid’s Way’, is designed to encourage positive behaviours, prevent issues, and address challenges in a fair and supportive way. It ensures that everyone—students, staff, and families—shares clear expectations for behaviour, helping us maintain a welcoming and effective learning environment where everyone knows their role in supporting each child’s education.

To guide our students, we promote four key values that help shape our school culture:

  • Be Kind
  • Be Responsible
  • Be Respectful
  • Be Safe

At St Brigid’s, these values are at the heart of everything we do, creating a community where every child can feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. All staff members are regularly referring back to these values to embed many behaviours and actions to help our students see success in many facets of their lives.

 

Enrolments

We warmly welcome families considering enrolment at St Brigid’s. Whether your child is starting Prep or transferring from another school, we are here to support you through the process.

Enrolment Timeline

Prep Enrolments for the Following Year:

February – May

  • Families are invited to attend Open Days or book a personal tour.
  • Information packs are available to find out more about specific programs offered at St Brigid’s.

May – June

  • Completed enrolment applications should be submitted during this period.

July

  • Offers of placement are sent to families.
  • Acceptance of offers is required by the end of July.

August – September

  • Enrolment interviews are conducted with the principal and Prep teacher to discuss school readiness

October – November

  • Prep Transition Program begins, including classroom visits and parent information sessions 1.

Mid-Year or Transfer Enrolments:

  • Families are encouraged to contact the school at any time to discuss availability and arrange a tour.
  • Enrolments are considered based on individual circumstances and class capacity.

For more information about Prep at St. Brigid’s, see the website below:
St Brigid's Prep Website
Get Info
Book a Tour
Apply Now

Out of School Hours Care – St Brigid’s OSHC

Our Out of School Hours Care program, delivered in partnership with Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Early Years Education (MACSEYE), provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children outside regular school hours.

Program Highlights:

  • Before School Care: A calm and supportive start to the day with breakfast and quiet activities.
  • After School Care: A mix of structured play, homework support, and creative experiences, with healthy snacks provided.
  • School Closure Day Care: Now available for long days when the school is closed for students.

Our OSHC program supports the holistic development of each child—fostering wellbeing, belonging, and community connection. All programs are aligned with national quality standards and tailored to meet the needs of our school community.

OSHC Enrolment Flyer

Community

The Parents and Friends Committee

The Parents and Friends Committee (P&F) at St. Brigid’s is a vibrant and active committee dedicated to enriching our school community. Through a wide range of fun and inclusive activities, the group plays a vital role in fostering strong connections between parents, staff, students, and the broader Healesville community.

Whether it’s organising school events, fundraising initiatives, or community gatherings, the P&F brings energy, creativity, and a spirit of collaboration to everything they do. Their purpose is to support the school not only through practical contributions but by nurturing a welcoming and connected environment where everyone feels involved and valued.

New members are always welcome—come along, get involved, and help make a difference in the life of our school!

Regulatory

MACS Statement

St Brigid’s is a school which operates with the consent of the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne and is operated and governed by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS).

MACS governs and operates Catholic schools in the Archdiocese to continue the mission of Catholic education to proclaim the Good News and equip our young people with the knowledge, skills, and hope to live meaningful lives and enrich the world around them.

Because the good work of educating the young is a co-responsible task led by every member of the Catholic school community, School Advisory Councils have been established to provide a crucial point of connection between the wider school community and school leaders. This governance model was designed to ease the administrative burden on our schools and parishes, allow parish priests to focus on the mission of education in the parish, enable greater collaboration between schools and ensure greater consistency in school policies and procedures.

More information about MACS is available at www.macs.vic.edu.au

Annual Report

2024 Annual Report To The School Community

Parish

St Brigid’s Primary School and St Brigid’s Catholic Parish have a strong connection. Throughout students’ time at St Brigid’s they will visit the church for Mass, as well as participate in liturgies at school, often led by the Parish Priest. It is through the parish that students can receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. Symbiosis between the school and parish is also reflected through partnerships with the Parish Care Group. Working together, the school and care group provide support for families in our community.

For more information about the Catholic Parish of St Brigid’s, please follow the link below, or for any other enquiries feel free to email Fr Francis Denton via Healesville@cam.org.au.

St Brigid's Parish Website