Principal's Update

In this last fortnight of Term 2, there have been numerous community celebrations, special programs/activities and competitions that students and staff have participated in.  These all add to the rich experience that students at Kilbreda have.  In the area of Performing Arts, we have watched the four groups within the Kilbreda Dance Company perform, celebrated the success of our two College choirs in the Eisteddfod by the Bay choral competition and delighted in the performances at the Winter Musicale!  All students involved in these performances should be extremely proud of the standards they have reached which have come from their own efforts and commitment.  They have been well taught, supported and encouraged by our dance teachers, music teachers and instrumental music tutors. 

Our Peer Support Program culminated with a celebratory breakfast last week, where all Year 7s gathered with their Year 10/11 Peer Support Leaders. The Peer Support Groups have been gathering fortnightly to build connectedness to the College, extend their friendships and develop communication skills.  I spoke with a number of the girls at the breakfast about the program and what they had gained from it.  The common theme that came through from the Year 7s was that it had helped them in their transition to Kilbreda as they had made new friends, both in Year 7 and other year levels, and given them more confidence to talk with students they didn’t know.  Our Peer Leaders spoke about developing leadership skills and building confidence.   Well done and thank you to the Year 10 and 11 students who have volunteered to be Peer Support Leaders and assist our Year 7 students with their transition. Thank you also to our Wellbeing Leaders, Mrs Grima and Ms Flynn who led the program.

While our Year 7 students have completed their first semester of secondary school, our Year 12 students have entered their final semester. The Class of 2019 spent three days together on the Mornington Peninsula last week participating in the traditional Year 12 Retreat. This provided the girls with an opportunity to take time away from their studies, reflect on their Year 12 journey so far and consider the road ahead.  We are very grateful to Fr Peter Matheson, College Chaplain, who travelled to the Retreat to celebrate Mass with the group.

Student achievement across all subject areas, both within the formal curriculum and in co-curricular/enrichment programs, were celebrated at the College assembly, Middle School (Year 7-9) Assembly and Year 11 Assembly.  Semester 1 Academic Awards, Community Participation and Leadership Awards were presented as well as awards recognising achievement in specific competitions. Congratulations to all students who were acknowledged for their achievements and contribution to the school community!

Yesterday, our basketball team coached by Ms Wood, reached the Grand Final of the Junior Division (Under 15) Victorian College Championships! This is an outstanding achievement given that a number of the schools in the competition have basketball academies – well done to all involved! 

These are just a few of the many highlights of the last fortnight at Kilbreda! It’s great to see so many of our students being actively involved in the College community, taking up opportunities to learn new skills or extend existing ones and being committed to their formal studies.  I hope that witnessing the achievements of their peers and the enjoyment active participation in school life brings encourages even more students to do the same in Semester 2!

As the holidays approach, I wish all students and staff a most enjoyable and relaxing break and share with you the prayer from our Year 7-9 Assembly yesterday.

God of Life,

We thank you for all the many important moments of 2019 and ask for your blessing upon everyone gathered.

We pray that our Term 2 holiday will be a time to rest, reflect on our achievements and set ourselves new goals for the second half of the year. We pray especially for our friends and family, who have supported us throughout the year.

Let us reflect on the achievements of the heart …

The heart is the seat of passion and love. We thank God for all the things that we are passionate about, and for all the people who love and support us in our lives.

Let us reflect on the achievements of the mind …

Learning is the centre of life at Kilbreda. Everything we learn brings us closer to God. We thank God for all the things we have learnt, and for the dedication and support of the staff of Kilbreda.

Let us reflect on the achievements of the hands …

Our hands are the way in which we serve others. Let our hands be the hands of God in our world – hands of welcome, warmth and care. May God bless all that we create with our hands.

Loving God,

You inspire all that we feel, think and do. We pray for everyone in this community that their holiday will be safe and peaceful. We ask for your blessing upon anyone in our Kilbreda community who will not be safe and peaceful this holiday, and we ask that you look over them with special care.

We offer you these prayers through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Nicole Mangelsdorf

Principal