Year 8

“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ 

and rightly so, for that is what I am. 

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, 

have washed your feet, 

you also should wash one another’s feet. 

I have set you an example 

that you should do as I have done for you. 

Very truly I tell you, 

no servant is greater than his master, 

nor is a messenger greater 

than the one who sent him. 

Now that you know these things, 

you will be blessed if you do them.

John 13:13-17

Leadership is one of those things that is hard to define, but most people know it when they see it. There is scholarly debate as whether a leader is born or made, and all sorts of discussion about different leadership styles and skills. Year 8 students are offered a variety of opportunities to enter into leadership at Kilbreda, both formal and informal.

Foreshore Program

In the Foreshore Program, students work alongside the City of Kingston Foreshore and Coastal Management Group on the management and conservation of the foreshore and recreational areas. Students explore the relationship between Kingston Foreshore and Port Phillip Bay and participate in pollution control, propagation of Indigenous plants and revegetation. 

Under the leadership of Dr Sarah Avitabile, the Year 8 girls participate in different activities including revegetation works, weed removal, litter removal and they go on a 'walk and talk' to discuss different plants along the foreshore. 

The first group worked on Thursday 3 March at Mentone Beach and the surrounding areas, and despite the heat, planted a huge amount of native vegetation. 

Leadership

Many girls have accepted the challenge of the opportunities provided in Year 8. I am pleased to announce the following girls have been elected by their peers as Homeroom Captains for Semester One:

Congratulations 

Congratulations to Jacinta Crowley who achieved first place in the SCSA Triathlon at Eastern Beach in Geelong on 22 February. Apparently, the sprint to the finish was the highlight of an ultra-competitive race! 

Congratulations also to Eve Dzuriek, who competed at the State Athletic Championships on 20 February, and is now the State under 14 Champion in High Jump.

On Monday 28 February we all gathered for our annual House Swimming Carnival.  Fortunately, the weather was kind and Year 8 students competed strongly in representing their Houses. They did their year level proud in the way they participated and supported one another. We particularly congratulate Lucia Robb, who is the fastest swimmer in Year 8!

Project Compassion

During this Lenten season, all Year 8 students and their families are invited to support Project Compassion. Project Compassion is Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal. 

Millions of Australians come together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. For more information, or to donate online, see https://lent.caritas.org.au/. 

Each Year 8 Homeroom has its own Project Compassion collection box, so I will be able to announce early in Term 2 with pride which of the seven Year 8 Homerooms raised the most money this year.

May all our Year 8 students flourish throughout the next fortnight, especially those who are our leaders.

Bill Fitzsimons

Level Leader:

Year 8