Principal's Reflection

It is hard to believe that another year, the 115th for the College, has almost passed. Once again, it has been a year full of wonderful learning opportunities, community building events and celebration. Over the course of the year two significant anniversaries were celebrated, the five year anniversary of the formation of Kildare Ministries and the 115 year anniversary of the College.  

Kildare Ministries was established in 2014 and encompasses ten schools and three community works. Since its formation we have continued to celebrate and honour our Brigidine heritage while embracing being part of the larger Kildare Ministries family and the richness this offers.  Part of this richness is for staff, students and members of the Stewardship Council to participate in a range of formation programs with members of the other Kildare Ministries’ schools and community works.  A wonderful example of this was the celebration of the fifth anniversary of Kildare Ministries, which saw each of the ten school communities celebrate the same liturgy on the same day earlier in the year.

As a school community, we gathered for a most beautiful Mass on 8 August to celebrate the 115 year anniversary of the opening of St Brigid’s Convent school, which would later become known as Kilbreda College.  It was wonderful that special friends of our College, such as Sister Anne Hill – Leader of the Victorian Brigidine Community, Brigidine Sisters, Father Peter Matheson, Mrs Marcella Reiter – chair of the Kilbreda College Stewardship Council, Mrs Denise Leonard – chair of the Past Pupils’ Network Committee, as well as four past Principals of the College – Sister Angela Ryan, Sister Helen Toohey, Ms Mary Stack and Mrs Teresa Lincoln could be present with us to reflect on the spirit that is Kilbreda.  It was a time to give thanks to the pioneering band of Brigidine Sisters who founded the College and all those who have shaped this wonderful school community over the years.  From just three students upon its opening in 1904 our College community today consists of 905 students, 796 families, 127 staff and thousands of alumnae!

I would like to acknowledge the wonderful work of the Past Pupils’ Network Committee, chaired by Mrs Denise Leonard, and thank them for the many events that they have led this year to strengthen connections between alumnae and celebrate the achievements of our past pupils. In addition to the numerous reunions, the Committee also hosted the College’s second Past Pupils of Distinction Dinner in August.  All present thoroughly enjoyed the evening, despite the arctic Melbourne weather, and it is was a most fitting acknowledgement of the significant contribution that a number of alumnae have made to the community. 

I wish you and your loved ones every blessing at Christmas and hope that it is filled with love, peace and joy. May the vision of Bishop Delaney and the inspiration of St Brigid and the Brigidine Sisters continue to guide and companion us in the years ahead as we strive to make a positive difference in our world.

Nicole Mangelsdorf 

Principal