Year 8

“As pastor, I am obliged by divine order to give my life for those I love, that is all Salvadorans, even those who will assassinate me. 

If they kill me, I will rise again in the 

Salvadoran People”.

 Saint Oscar Romero, 

Archbishop of San Salvador

The women were terrified 

and bowed their faces to the ground, 

but the men said to them, 

‘Why do you look for the living 

among the dead? 

He is not here, but has risen. 

Remember how he told you, 

while he was still in Galilee, 

 that the Son of Man 

must be handed over to sinners, 

and be crucified, 

and on the third day rise again.’ 

Lk 24:5-7

Easter is a time of resurrection and growth – values that are especially relevant during this COVID era of life. Both Oscar Romero and Saint Luke pondered the mystery of the resurrection within their own context. Romero’s canonisation in 2018 by Pope Francis proves his words about rising again, and Jesus’ ultimate victory over death provides the ultimate hope that we as a school are inspired by. There are signs of resurrection around us if we look hard enough amidst the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic.

As we come to the end of Term 1, now is a good opportunity to reflect on our journey after the extraordinary events of the past two years. For the first time since they began at Kilbreda College, our Year 8 students have experienced a full term of onsite learning, with all the joys and occasional frustrations it offers. Although most students are feeling a little tired by now, for the most part they have worked enthusiastically with each other and have enjoyed building their relationships with their teachers.

During this Lenten season, all Year 8 students and their families were 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 had its own Project Compassion collection box, so I will be announcing early in Term 2 with pride which of the seven Year 8 Homerooms raised the most money this year.

Congratulations to Eve Dziurek (8-60) who represented Victoria at the recent Australian National Athletics Championships, competing in High Jump. On 26 March, Eve jumped 1.40m in difficult conditions, with a lot of rain and puddles. It is a huge achievement for Eve to make it this far. It is testament to Eve’s hard work, commitment, and dedication to a difficult craft. Photos of Eve in action can be found here

Congratulations also to all the Year 8 girls for the participation at the College Athletics Carnival this week. They competed with enthusiasm and good sportsmanship. Not only that, they were also positive and supportive of one another, and spent time enjoying one another’s company, setting a wonderful example for everyone else. As I often say to them, "I was impressed, but not surprised!"

May God bless the Year 8 Kilbreda College Community this Easter season, and we pray that all our Year 8 girls and their families will enjoy a restful, safe and joyous break.

Bill Fitzsimons

Level Leader:

Year 8