2023 in Review (cont'd)

Oh, What A Night! – the Kilvington Centenary Gala

Towards the end of Term 3, our school community joined together in true 1920 style to celebrate and commemorate 100-years of Kilvington. 

Merrimu Reception in Murrumbeena was transformed into a stunning and glamorous Great Gatsby setting, with guests embracing the Roaring Twenties theme with vigour and dressing up in a wonderful array of outfits and 1920s flourishes.

Guests, including many Kilvonians, were welcomed to the Gala by the stunning Gatsby Girls and jazz entertainment gratefully provided by Instrumental Music Teacher, Chris Higgins and students Ethan Russell and Daniel Vanston. 

As The Baker Boys Band started their first musical set, our guys and dolls made their way into the Grand Ballroom where the party really got started. Everyone enjoyed the goodie bags, a performance by the Gatsby Dancers, the photobooth, the food, drinks and, of course, the dancing! 

A huge thank you to Kilvonian and current parent, Yvette Gray, Class of 1997, who was our emcee for the evening and lead us through the program of events. 

A note from Michael Barrett, a descendant of Kilvington Founders Caroline and Constance Barrett, and his wife Angela, following the Centenary Gala.

"What a great night of celebration! 

My wife and I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making Kilvington's 100 year Celebration Gala such a great success. We really enjoyed ourselves, the decorations and table settings were very beautiful. As the saying goes; great food, great service, great company.

I'm sure grandma and Auntie Connie would be tapping their feet to all the music and singing. 

Thank you everyone. "

Centenary Annual Concert

On Thursday 10 August, the wider Kilvington community joined together for the spectacular Centenary Annual Concert held at Hamer Hall. 

It was a fabulous evening with over 45 alumni joining in various vocal and instrumental performances, highlighting the musical talents of Kilvington’s students and staff, both past and present. 

The program featured the entire School singing the Kilvington Centenary song ‘We are Only Getting Started’, composed specifically for the event by Australian composer Mark Puddy.

There was also a special tribute to legendary former staff member, Mrs Patsy Venn, who was Kilvington’s Director of Music for many decades and inspired many students to cultivate a love of music. 

The evening concluded with Kilvonians leading the singing of the School Song, and a Grand Finale performance of O’Fortuna from Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. 

Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved for making the event one we will remember for many years to come. 

A recording of the concert can be found here.

Centenary Kilvonians ‘All Stars’ event

Our annual all-peer Kilvonian Konnections event was held on Wednesday 18 October in the Sport Centre. 

This special Centenary ‘All Stars’ event featured past staff Patsy Venn; 1963-2004, Ann Cleghorn; 1986-2016, Ann Dillion; 1990-2010, and Clare Mackie; 2011-2020, as well as current staff member Rob Cavalin; 2018-current, talking about all things Kilvington.

Acting as mediator, Clare did a wonderful job of helping the panel and the audience share their collective stories, memories and experiences of what makes Kilvington such a wonderful school and a caring and connected community. 

Some of the recollections included the many musical productions, the fun had during House Arts, the introduction of computers and award winning robotics program, and the close relationships between teachers and students. 

It was clear the school motto, Non Nobis Sed Omnibus – Not for our own, but others’ good, resonates amongst our alumni, who noted that this saying continues to guide them in their daily lives. The size of the school; Small enough to care, big enough to excel; was also noted as a key strength of Kilvington. 

Young Kilvonian Event

As a special addition to the Kilvonian events calendar, this year we held the first Young Kilvonian Catch Up. 

The event was held on Thursday 23 November at The Bentleigh Social for alumni from the past 13 years. Guests enjoyed drinks, canapes and connection to celebrate 100 years of Kilvington. 

Special thanks to Alumni Committee members, Rachel Cetrola and George Crossingham for arranging this event. 

Centenary merchandise clearance sale

We have some great items commemorating our centenary year available for sale – some items are reduced by up to 75%!

• A boxed pair of Krosno stemless wine glasses for $15.00 (reduced from $50.00).
• Coffee mug for $5.00 (reduced from $20.00).
• Double walled and vacuum insulated water bottle for $5.00 (reduced from $20.00).
• Key ring for $5.00 (reduced from $12.00).
• Tote bag for $2.00 (reduced from $5.00).

All items can be purchased by scanning the QR code below or via the Centenary Website here. There is no shipping service, so items will need to be collected from Main Reception. Please bring your receipt.