From the Leadership Team
Matt Brinson, Head of Senior School
Valedictory reflections – The journey to the finish line
This past fortnight marked an important milestone for our Year 12 students as they concluded their formal classes, celebrated their Valedictory and began their final VCE examinations.
As I watched our Year 12s gather for their Valedictory Leavers’ Service, I was reminded that these moments are not simply about the end of schooling, but the culmination of a learning journey that began many years ago in classrooms filled with storybooks and the simple joy of discovery.
Schooling is, at its heart, a long journey, one that develops not only knowledge, but character. The foundational attributes of respect, kindness and the courage to have a go, cultivated in Junior School, have quietly prepared our Year 12s for the demands of their VCE studies and for life beyond the School's grounds.
Those early lessons in curiosity, perseverance and collaboration have formed the bedrock upon which every later success has been built. Each year of school added another layer, shaping young people who are not just ready for exams, but ready for life.
It’s easy to see the 'big skills' that get recognised often, such as critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership. Yet it’s often the 'small skills' that have the greatest impact, including the ability to bounce back from setbacks, manage time, ask for help and support others through challenges. These are skills that enable young people not only to survive Year 12, but to thrive throughout their school journey and in the years beyond.
From Junior to Senior School, students have discovered how to manage competing priorities, work through challenges and take responsibility for their own learning. They’ve learned the importance of showing up, not only for themselves, but for others, and that real progress is often made through persistence, not perfection.
As our Year 12s were about to enter their English exam, the last stretch before the finish line, I encouraged them to approach it with calm determination and confidence in what they have learned. Throughout their school years, students have learned to balance pressure with perspective, rely on each other and stay focused on long-term goals even when challenges arise.
The success of the Year 12s will reflect years of partnership between families and the school, of parents who encouraged, guided and reminded their children that effort, not perfection, is what matters most.
Valedictory celebrations always offer a powerful reminder that every stage of schooling matters. The curiosity sparked in primary years, the study habits built in the middle years and the independence encouraged through co-curricular experiences are all stepping stones towards the confidence and capability we saw in our graduating class of 2025.
Growth in adolescence can sometimes feel slow or uneven, but each conversation about effort, every small success, and even every setback contributes to the maturity that allows students to thrive in their senior years.
As Nelson Mandela once said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'
Staff farewells
As we approach the end of the year, we'd like to acknowledge and thank several valued staff members who'll be leaving Kilvington.
Fay Lancman, English and EAL Teacher, is retiring after 13 wonderful years at Kilvington. Fay has made a lasting impact on her students through her thoughtful teaching and genuine care. She's looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and enjoying a well-earned retirement.
English Teacher, Jo Frost, will also be finishing at the end of the year. Although Jo has only been at Kilvington for three years, she has made a great impact during that time, bringing her extensive experience and passion for teaching to our English Faculty and students alike.
We also farewell several staff members who are moving onto exciting new opportunities:
Lucie Dickens, Head of Languages, is departing after 14 highly successful years to take up the role of Head of Languages at Melbourne Grammar School. This is a wonderful next step in her career.
Fiona O’Rourke, Head of Library and Digital Resourcing, will be joining Loreto Mandeville Hall as Head of Library Services after three years of leading the Library with innovation and care.
Vanessa Grosso, our Library Technician for 13 years, will move to Camberwell Grammar School as Digital Services Librarian. Vanessa’s warmth and dedication have been greatly valued by both students and staff.
We thank Fay, Jo, Lucie, Fiona and Vanessa for their significant contributions to Kilvington and wish them all the very best in their next chapters.