From the Leadership Team

Karen Chandler, Deputy Head of Junior School

Looking back, moving forward: The power of setting and achieving goals

As the school year rapidly draws to a close, it’s natural to pause and reflect on how quickly the year has passed and how far we’ve come – what we’ve learned, how we’ve grown and what we’ve discovered about ourselves along the way.

Each student, from our youngest learners to our graduating VCE students, has faced their own challenges, embraced new opportunities, and achieved goals in both big and small ways.

For some, success this year has meant mastering new reading skills, making a new friend or showing kindness when it mattered most. For others, it’s been about performing on stage for the first time, competing in sport, completing major projects, or preparing for exams and future pathways.

At Kilvington, students are encouraged to set goals across all areas of school life, from academic achievement, the performing arts and sport to creativity and personal growth.

This approach helps students to develop into confident and well-rounded learners. No matter the milestone, each goal represents effort, courage and a willingness to learn – qualities that form the foundation of lifelong growth.

Teachers regularly set goals for students that focus on academic progress, social development and self-management skills. Throughout the term, they monitor and evaluate each student’s progress before setting new goals – ensuring ongoing challenge, support and opportunities for success.

Here are some examples of goals shared by our Year 5 students when asked, 'What do you want to achieve by the end of the year?'

Try my best at school.
Add more plot twists and depth to my stories.
Be a bit more confident.
Actually check my diary everyday.
Clean my tabs and be more tidy.
Make new friends.
Get a gold medal in table tennis.

Importantly, goals do not always need to be grand in scale. Sometimes, the most meaningful ones are the quiet, consistent steps we take towards becoming better learners, friends and members of our community.

As we celebrate the end of another school year, it’s worth remembering key lessons about achieving our goals:

Goals are about the journey and the learning that happens along the way, not just the destination.
Goals aren’t achieved overnight; they require persistence, reflection and the right strategies. Each challenge and small success helps build resilience, confidence and direction.
Through the goal-setting process, we discover more about ourselves as learners. By showing up, staying curious and giving our best effort, even when tasks feel challenging, we unlock new opportunities and insights along the way.
Taking time to look back allows us to appreciate how far we have come and to gain clarity about where we want to go next.

I hope that all students, as they reflect on the year, take pride in the goals they have achieved – whether that be making new friends, mastering a new skill, improving in a subject or reaching a personal milestone.

Each success, big or small, represents effort, perseverance and growth, and helps build the mindset needed to embrace the next goal, challenge and opportunity ahead.

Celebration Night – 20 November

Our community is buzzing with anticipation as we count down to Celebration Night this Thursday evening. It’s one of the most meaningful dates on our calendar, bringing everyone together for an inspiring mix of reflection, recognition and entertainment.

From stirring performances by our orchestras, choirs and ensembles to heartfelt student reflections, award presentations and much-loved traditions, the night will no doubt be one to remember. We can’t wait to come together and celebrate the achievements, growth and spirit of our Kilvington students.

Staff news: Farewells

We would like to say farewell to several staff members whose contracts are concluding.

Alexandra Kress has been part of the Science Faculty for the past two years, contributing not only to Science teaching, but also to the Year 9 Impact Program, where she has helped students engage in real-world learning experiences.
Phil Devlin joined Kilvington two years ago as a valued member of the Mathematics Faculty, bringing energy, expertise and a genuine care for his students’ learning.
Sally O’Toole has taught across Science, Health and Food Technology this year, sharing her enthusiasm for hands-on learning, and inspiring her students through her creativity and positivity.
Steven Hogan has taught Digital Technologies this year, supporting students to develop confidence and capability in this rapidly evolving field.
Amanda Weatherlake joined the Junior School mid-year, bringing her artistic talent and enthusiasm for creativity to our youngest learners in Art.
Clinton Markwell has been part of Kilvington for Term 4, teaching Humanities and English, and we thank him for stepping in and supporting these classes so capably.

We sincerely thank each of these educators for their hard work and commitment, and we wish them every success as they move into the next stage of their professional journeys.