Principal's Reflection

Despite our hopes that the worst of the disruptions and challenges associated with COVID-19 were behind us as we commenced 2021, this was unfortunately not the case. Once again, we have been unable to hold many of the events planned for our past pupils this year.  Fortunately, the Class of 2020, whose final year of secondary school was spent largely in remote learning, were able to gather together for their first reunion celebration early in the year. Let’s hope that in 2022, our postponed Past Pupils of Distinction Dinner and our scheduled reunions proceed as planned!

Despite the many disruptions, we have had a very productive and successful year at the College thanks to the determination, commitment and resilience of staff and students alike.  It is often said that through challenge and adversity comes the greatest learning and growth. As individuals we have grown in resilience and independence, learnt many new skills and become increasingly adaptable to change over these last two years.  As a school community, we have been strengthened. Strengthened by our response to this shared experience of adversity, a response which has been marked by showing compassion, understanding, support and kindness to one another. Strength, kindliness and our core values have certainly shone through!

It is a pleasure to congratulate and welcome the Class of 2021 as the newest alumnae of Kilbreda College. These wonderful young women hold a special place in my heart as they are the first year level that I have had the privilege of journeying alongside for their entire secondary school years at Kilbreda.  Despite their final two years being deeply impacted by COVID they have continued to remain positive, grateful for what they did have and certainly embodied Strength and Kindliness. We look forward to sharing in their journey and seeing the positive contributions they make to our world in the years ahead.

The Kilbreda College community, including current and past staff and students, are deeply saddened by the sudden and recent passing of our dear colleague, teacher and friend Lucia Liberatore who first joined the staff in 1987. Lucia touched the lives of thousands of students over the years, instilling in many a love of languages, mathematics and, most importantly, self-belief and the true essence of strength and kindliness. Damian Smith shares in this edition of ‘Tower Talk’ some reflections of Lucia’s time at Kilbreda and the deeply caring, highly professional and exceptional teacher, colleague and friend she has been to all who knew her. We are so blessed to have had her in our lives and so very grateful for all that she gifted to Kilbreda over the years. May she rest peacefully.

As 2021 comes to an end let’s continue to be grateful for all that we have and to appreciate the wonder of the world around us. We give thanks for all those who have been part of the history of this great school, giving to those of us who are part of Kilbreda today, a rich tradition of commitment to justice for all, excellence in learning and a community that is welcoming and nurturing.  May we continue to be inspired by St Brigid and the Brigidine Sisters as we strive to make a positive difference in our world.

May the gift of love, peace and joy be with each of you and your families this Christmas season.

With every blessing,

Nicole Mangelsdorf

Principal