Wellbeing and Engagement 

The joy and spirit of Kilbreda has radiated every part of our school grounds over the past week as we have warmly welcomed back staff and students. It has been lovely to see students reconnecting with their friends and teachers.  They have certainly appreciated the opportunity to learn alongside their peers in the classrooms and to share their break times with people dear to them. It has been fantastic to have conversations with students in the yard, to hear their excitement about sport and dance classes recommencing in the coming week and to celebrate with students who have been successful in securing a part-time job for the summer.  

Our students are the heartbeat of our great college and it will be wonderful to reunite as a full college community next week with the return to onsite full-time classes for all students.

Building and Bolstering Student Wellbeing Through High Quality Connections

As I often reflect in addressing our students, we know who we are and what we can do together.  Over the remaining six weeks of the school year, our whole school approach to wellbeing will focus on re-establishing high-quality connections and strengthening new ones with our customary Strength and Kindliness.  We will:

• Radiate a sense of optimism by strengthening our school spirit. At Kilbreda, our school spirit stems from an understanding that we are stronger together; that our sense of connection, unity and belonging empowers our learning and helps us to overcome challenges and flourish.
• Promote positive relationships through high quality connections and care and compassion for others.
• Celebrate the resilience that we have consistently demonstrated in responding to these uncertain and concerning times and look to the future with hope – bringing a sense of purpose.

The pastoral care program, 'Headstart' program, Year 8 Camp, Year Level excursions and our end of year activities will all be designed to kindle these key elements of wellbeing.

Wellbeing Resources

We acknowledge that our students are experiencing a myriad of emotions at present as they navigate the return to onsite learning, prepare for upcoming exams, adapt to changing social circumstances and re-imagine life in a COVID world. To assist students and parents overcome these challenges and flourish, our College Counselling team have prepared the following resources:

Anxiety Busters Tip Sheet

School Avoidance Tip Sheet

Parenting Tip Sheet

We would encourage parents/carers to read these tip sheets and to share some of the recommendations provided with their daughter. 

Parents/carers are invited to contact a member of the Counselling Team should they notice ongoing changes in their daughter’s presentation or become concerned about the wellbeing of their daughter.  Our counsellors are more than willing to work with parents/carers to explore support options that may be able to assist your daughter and/or family.

Parent Webinar

The last couple of years has brought many changes and losses for children, young people, and families all around Australia. There are so many questions about the impacts of the pandemic, natural disasters and life changes such as bereavement, family separation and relocation – and how we can best support the children and young people in our lives.

The Mackillop Institute has developed the 'Seasons of Growth' program to provide parents/carers with the opportunity to discuss helpful ways to support children and young people adversely affected by change and loss.

Please see flier for further details.

Stephanie Smyth

Assistant Principal:

Wellbeing and Engagement