From the Leadership Team

From The Principal 

Rob French, Principal

As we draw near to the end of the 2025 school year, I have been reflecting on what an extraordinary year it has been at Kilvington. Our School Calendar has once again been filled with moments that brought our community together in ways that were joyful, meaningful and uniquely Kilvington. 

From the School Fair and Lift with Laughter Day, to Live to the Max Day and last week’s spectacular Celebration Night, each occasion has showcased the connection, generosity and spirit that define the School. 

This has also been a year of personal development and achievement across every corner of the campus. Whether in classrooms, on the stage, on the sporting field or through service to others, our students have embraced opportunities, supported one another and demonstrated the values that guide us. 

In the coming weeks, our VCE students will receive their results – the culmination of their effort, resilience and determination throughout the year. While these results are an important milestone, I remind students that they are not the measure of who you are. 

An ATAR cannot capture your character, your compassion, or the positive impact you have on those around you. We are immensely proud of every one of our Year 12 students, not just for what they have achieved, but for the remarkable young people they continue to become.  

To all our students, from our youngest in the ELC to our Year 12s preparing for their next chapter, congratulations on a wonderful year. It has been a privilege to watch you learn, grow and contribute so much to the School. 

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our staff for their unwavering commitment, care and professionalism. Their work is at the heart of every success we celebrate. My appreciation also goes to our parents for the trust you place in us and the support you show our community every day. 

As we farewell families leaving Kilvington this year, and welcome new ones joining in 2026, we do so with gratitude for the part each person plays in shaping the story of Kilvington. 

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe, restful and joy-filled holiday period. Thank you for your support throughout 2025. I look forward to all the new year will bring. 

Reflecting on the year 

Julia Padgett, Deputy Principal

Every so often, it’s important to pause and look back on the journey we’ve taken. Reflecting on the highs and the lows, the decisions we made, the challenges we faced and how we dealt with them can help us grow and become more resilient.

With the end of the school year approaching, and before the busyness of December takes hold, it's the perfect time to reflect. Students can recognise how far they’ve come, not just in their schoolwork, but in all areas of life.

Alongside the challenges they embraced, they can see the skills they’ve developed and the relationships that have blossomed. Celebrating growth, rather than focusing only on results, encourages a growth mindset and a healthy sense of achievement.

These celebrations are not limited to what happens at school. Perhaps your child learned to ride a bike, joined a new sports team or took up a new musical instrument. Perhaps they showed kindness to a friend, stuck with a tough subject or became more independent in managing their studies. These milestones deserve celebrating too.

Looking back also helps us to look ahead. By identifying one thing they’d like to try or improve next year, students can enter the new year with purpose. 

Importantly, you can model this process by sharing your own reflections. Talking about what you found challenging and what you’re proud of shows that reflection is a lifelong practice.

Here are some questions you can use as conversation starters:

• What have you learned this year that you’re proud of?
• What challenge did you overcome, and how did you do it?
• What’s a special memory from this year?
• Who helped or supported you this year, and how could you thank them?
• What’s one thing you’d like to try or improve next year?

By celebrating progress and looking ahead with a clear goal, we can support our children and ourselves in starting the new year feeling positive and prepared.

Staff News – Farewell

After 13 outstanding years of leading the Health and Physical Education Department, Steve Bustin will be leaving Kilvington at the end of the year to take up an exciting new role as Head of Health and Physical Education at Brighton Grammar School. 

Steve has been a highly respected and valued member of the Kilvington community, known for his professionalism, leadership and passion for student wellbeing and physical development. He has made a significant contribution to both the curriculum and the culture of the School, and we thank him for his many years of service and wish him every success in this next chapter of his career.