From the Leadership Team
Rob French, Principal
Building a stronger community together
Last week, when our staff gathered last to launch the new term, some were understandably surprised when I began with a clip from the previous year's season of Britain’s Got Talent (BGT).
The clip featured a stirring choir performance of 'A Million Dreams' from The Greatest Showman. While the rendition was heartfelt and beautifully sung, it wasn’t the musical quality that moved me most - it was what the performance represented that struck such a powerful chord.
The choir had been assembled by eight-year-old Ravi, a young boy whose dream had always been to appear on BGT. The year before, Ravi had been diagnosed with a brain tumour, and in the face of immense adversity, he brought together a remarkable group to help realise his dream.
Among the performers were family members, friends, medical professionals who had supported him, and other courageous children from the brain tumour community. But what I found especially moving was the presence of Ravi’s school friends and teachers - people from his everyday life who stood beside him in solidarity. In his time of greatest need, it was his school community that rallied around him.
This moment reminded me that, perhaps more than ever, one of the most vital roles a school plays is to provide a true sense of community. In a world where traditional sources of connection are in decline, schools are uniquely placed to offer something enduring: belonging, purpose and support.
At Kilvington, we see this as central to our mission. We strive to ensure that our students and their families feel safe, seen and supported. We believe that young people thrive - academically, socially and emotionally - when they feel connected to something bigger than themselves.
Our new canteen - opening early 2026
A tangible expression of our commitment to community is the exciting construction of our new canteen, which is now underway.
Located adjacent to The Green, right in the very heart of the School where the old science labs once stood, the canteen will become a vibrant hub of student life.
It will be a place where students can gather at recess and lunch, not just to enjoy the healthy and tasty options on offer, but to connect with each other in meaningful ways. Equally important will be the morning coffee station, designed as a comfortable and inviting space for parents.
We hope it becomes a regular meeting point, a place for conversation and connection after morning drop-off, before the day ahead begins.
This new addition is more than just bricks and mortar; it represents our ongoing effort to strengthen the bonds that bring our community together. We can’t wait to welcome you to our canteen when it opens in early 2026!
The term ahead
I’m very much looking forward to the term ahead, which will feature a range of significant events that help strengthen the fabric of our community.
Our Annual Concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre promises to be a spectacular evening - a celebration of our students’ talents and a shared moment of pride for families and staff alike. If you haven’t already, you can book your tickets here.
In a similar spirit, upcoming events such as our Father’s Day Breakfast and the Junior School production of Finding Nemo will offer further opportunities for members of our school community to come together, connect and create lasting memories, and reinforce the strong bonds that define our Kilvington community.
Finally, we know that a strong sense of community doesn’t happen by chance - it’s something we build together, moment by moment, conversation by conversation.
Whether it’s in a classroom, on the sports field, on stage or over a morning coffee, we're proud to be creating a place where every student and family can feel a true sense of belonging.