Wellbeing and Engagement
Brigidine Day 2021 – ‘Go the Distance for Refugees’ Strava Challenge
In 2021, as part of our Brigidine Day initiatives, we are inviting all members of the Kilbreda College community to join us in walking in solidarity with the millions of forgotten men, women and children refugees and asylum seekers who are forced to leave loved ones behind and start new lives in strange environments.
Our ‘Go the Distance for Refugees’ Strava challenge is designed to simulate the distance a refugee has travelled to reach safety. We encourage all members of our community to walk, run, cycle or even skateboard a minimum distance of 115km over the coming month, the distance from Damascus in Syria to Beirut in Lebanon.
Further details regarding the challenge can be found on the flier below.
Information on how to set up a Strava account can be found here:
The ‘Go the Distance for Refugees’ Strava challenge is designed to support the work of the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) and raise much needed funds to assist them with their ministry to those that Pope Francis describes as ‘being on the periphery.’ BASP is Kildare Ministries community work in the Brigidine tradition, based physically in Melbourne, but supporting people seeking asylum and those with protection visas across the state of Victoria, and engaging in national advocacy. BASP works with, and for, people seeking asylum both in detention and in the community.
If you would like to sponsor the College ‘Go the Distance for Refugees’ Strava team, please donate via the following Give Now page: https://www.givenow.com.au/crowdraiser/public/kilbredacollegegothedistanceforrefugees
Student Leadership
As Kilbreda people, the spirit of St Brigid propels us to be leaders who respond to the needs of the world. We all have the duty to do good. This week we launched the process of appointing our 2022 Student Leadership Team with our Year 11 students. It was great to hear Indiana Dickson and Anais O’Connor from Year 7 talk about the qualities that they look for in a leader including compassion, inclusivity, approachability and an openness to listen to the views of those they serve. Samantha Hargreaves, Class of 2015, spoke passionately about what sets good leaders apart especially in leading through dark times. She reinforced the importance of staying true to one’s principles and being decisive. Our College Co-Captains, Ellie Carter and Laura Mitchell reflected on the joy that working collaboratively to achieve a common goal brings and highlighted the importance of leaders being open-minded and empowering others to willingly share the gifts for the benefit of all. Francesca Malignaggi and Sian Napier, our Year 11 Student Representative Council leaders, did a wonderful job in hosting the assembly. They were well-supported by a team of compassionate, outward-looking, creative and just Year 11 students.
We wish all Year 11 students applying for Student Leadership roles all the best for the process that they are about to embark on. May they continue to lead our College community with strength and kindliness.
Thank you most sincerely to Ms Amanda Flynn, Student Wellbeing Leader 10 to 12, and Mrs Sue Dempster, Level Leader: Year 11, for their leadership of this comprehensive leadership appointment process.
Upcoming Parent Webinars
Wellbeing Resources
Melbourne University Psychological Services have prepared the following tips that covers understanding common reactions in yourself and others during the COVID-19 pandemic, what you can do to look after yourself and manage feelings of stress, anxiety, or distress associated with COVID-19, and helpful resources and support. You can see the tips HERE.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) have prepared a resource ‘Managing Lockdown Fatigue’ which outlines what lockdown fatigue is, some of its causes, signs and symptoms, ideas to help you to manage it, and where to seek help if needed.
Stephanie Smyth
Assistant Principal:
Wellbeing and Engagement