Wellbeing and Engagement 

Over the past fortnight our community has come together to celebrate the Eucharist, commission student leaders, acknowledge academic excellence, explore performing arts opportunities and support each other.  It is this spirit of togetherness, the commitment to the other, that is one of the defining features of our great school.  I would like to thank all parents/carers who have attended these events.  We certainly appreciated the opportunity to engage in dialogue with you, as we know that the partnership between home and school is both a significant and valuable one.

Our students have made a positive start to the school year, and we congratulate them on their calm and respectful behaviour.  It has been great to see many students taking advantage of the opportunity Kilbreda College provides to explore passion and interests.  From joining the choir, participating in drama club, trying out for triathlon and/or other sporting teams, applying for a student leadership position, having the courage to debate, auditioning for the musical, asking a question in class, or exploring a friendship group, our students have certainly relished the opportunity to consider what might be this year.

Leadership and teamwork have been a major focus of our wellbeing program over the past fortnight.  Through the pastoral and co-curricular program, our students have been encouraged to reflect on the qualities they possess that can positively influence the Kilbreda College community.  The inaugural ‘Love Kilbreda Day’, which was an initiative of our Year 12 student leaders, reinforced the importance of love for self and love for the other.  Over the course of the day, students had the opportunity to participate in a range of activities that were designed to promote positive relationships and allow our students to experience positive emotions.  Our House Captains have worked collaboratively to lead House Assemblies and generate enthusiasm and excitement for our upcoming House Swimming Carnival.  The Day 10 sporting challenges that they offer has been a hit with our younger students. Large numbers of students from Year 7 – 11 have applied to be a student leader and/or community ambassador this year and we are looking forward to finalising these appointments over the coming weeks.

A positive psychology, in particular an emphasis on living meaningful lives, will be a key thread that we will explore with our students during the month of March.  Believing in and serving something greater than ourselves will be something that we will reflect on throughout the Lenten Season. Students will examine how they can raise their voices, take action and make a difference through our International Women’s Day initiatives, Harmony Week activities, Project Compassion campaign and the Year 12 Retreat and Year 7 Camp.

We look forward to catching up with many of you at our upcoming VCE/VCAL information night, our International Women’s Day breakfast and/or in the carpark when you are either dropping off or picking up your daughter from a rehearsal or sporting pursuit, and being that village with you for your daughter. 

Stephanie Smyth

Assistant Principal:

Wellbeing and Engagement