Wellbeing and Engagement
Strength and Kindliness
Our college motto, Fortiter et Suaviter, has been a defining feature of life at Kilbreda across Term 2. As the term has been unfolding, I have noticed the genuine care and connection that our students feel towards each other and their school. Time and time again they express deep gratitude for the opportunity to participate in and to contribute to school life and for the quality learning experiences they are provided with. Recently I was speaking to some Year 7 students about the peer support program and some of the key messages their Year 10 and Year 11 student leaders have shared with them. They identified the following key messages:
- Be true to yourself
- Be respectful of others
- Be kind
- Aim high – go for your dreams
- Be the best that you can be
- Be responsible
- Your voice matters
In this way, the Peer Support program served as a real witnessing of the Kilbreda College tradition coming to life as our Year 10 and Year 11 students reminded our Year 7 students that they are an important part of our school community, that they too can move through their secondary schooling, making a difference in their own lives and in the lives of so many others.
Everyone’s experience at Kilbreda College is different. Everyone of our 890 students has their own story and every story is of deep value and meaning, contributing in a formative way to the adult that one becomes. The secondary schooling years are a time for dreams but also a time for action. Educating students to be respectful, fearless, and courageous in the decisions they make and the steps they take is fundamental in empowering today’s youth. However, change and progress do not happen overnight – it takes time, patience and courage. Quite often, young people are in such a hurry to get to their destination that they lose sight of the beauty of this experience. Yet, ironically, the very experience they are bemoaning may become a sweet memory and a lesson to be remembered, at some point in the future.
Whether it be changing one’s study habits, changing one’s attitude to learning, changing one’s writing style or even changing direction in life, it requires deep thought, time, conscious commitment, inner strength, and strength derived from the knowledge that we are not alone but supported along the way. It is wonderful here at Kilbreda that a strong partnership exists between our school and parents, fostering a supportive environment and a school culture that enables our students to flourish in all facets of their life.
Kilbreda Spirit
It was great that we were able to host the SCSA Athletics carnival on Friday 27 May at Lakeside Stadium. I was thrilled for all students who represented the College. They displayed excellent sportsmanship and grit and persistence. It was wonderful that many achieved personal bests and contributed to Kilbreda being awarded the Junior, Intermediate and overall Champion School on the day. The Kilbreda spirit was also on display with our community ambassadors, working tireless throughout the day to process results, provide hospitality and ensure that the event ran smoothly. They too represented our College with distinction and were integral to the success of the day.
Being Brave. Making Change.
On Friday 3 June we will conclude National Reconciliation Week with a liturgy. As we gather to pray for Reconciliation, we will remember that June 3rd marks 30 years since the historic 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised native title – the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights over their lands did survive British colonisation. Reconciliation with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters is a key justice priority of Kildare Ministries and a key priority for us at Kilbreda College. As part of Reconciliation Week, we have facilitated several activities that have been designed to encourage our students to reflect upon our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. These have included basket weaving, banner making and aboriginal art.
Thank you to Mrs Trish Moloney and Mr Dave McKail for all they have done in coordinating activities and moving us into a space where we can consider the importance of “Being brave and making change” to ensure a better future as one nation, to heal and to reconcile.
God, Mother of mercy,
stir within us compassion and a
deep desire for reconciliation.
On this day, may this compassion and reconciliation be strong and true,
so that justice flows, action flourishes,
a difference is made, and peace is accomplished for all.
Amen.
Stephanie Smyth
Assistant Principal:
Wellbeing and Engagement