Principal's Update

Our College motto, Strength and Kindliness, has and continues to guide us through these challenging times.  To be strong of mind, heart and spirit while being kind to ourselves, our loved ones and the wider community will help all of us get through the challenges together.  In recent weeks many of our students have gone out of their way to show their support, express their gratitude and reach out to members of our community. This has included: creating images and messages of thanks and support for health care workers and emergency services personnel, producing video messages of support and encouragement for students and staff at the College and creating and displaying positivity posters around the neighbourhood.  It is truly wonderful to see the way in which the Kilbreda community is rallying together to support not only each other but the wider community as well.

Not surprisingly, survey feedback collected in the last week indicated that what is most challenging during this period of remote learning is the disconnection we feel from others as a result of not being able to be together physically on site at the College.  Fortunately, the technology we have available to us today allows us to maintain our interaction and connection with others to some degree, but this can never replace the face to face conversations and sense of community you feel when we gather together.  It is important that we continue to celebrate and participate in as many College events as we can during this time and so next week, we will hold our first virtual College assembly and in the fortnight that follows, our College Fun Run.   Active participation in these events and the activities offered by the College throughout the week, such as the fitness activities each Wednesday, Drama Club, cooking demonstrations and numerous others, are a great way for students (and staff) to connect and maintain that sense of community! I encourage all students to take up these opportunities.

During the week all schools received a ‘thank you letter’ from the Premier of Victoria, Dan Andrews for the way in which all Victorians have come together during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The letter is shown below.

This Sunday, 10 May, we celebrate Mother’s Day.  For many of us, contact with our mothers or our children, will be restricted to a phone or video call and in some cases this may not even be possible.   Despite the distance we feel, I hope that all mothers have a wonderful Mother’s Day filled with love and gratitude.

Heavenly Father,

on this Mother’s Day,

we thank You for our mothers through whom

Your gift of life begins

and through whom we are nurtured

into great human beings.

We lift up all mothers to Your love and care.

We pray for them, for their needs of

strength and support

to continue to nurture a family of love,

in honor and love for You, our God.

Lord Jesus Christ,

we call upon Your blessed name to bless all mothers today and every day.

Extend Your hands of grace over them.

Amen.

We Pray For

We ask for your prayers for members of our community and their families who have recently lost loved ones:

Pamela Morrell-Porter

Grandmother of Phoebe Morell-Porter (Year 8) 

Judith Murphy (née Newport) 

Past Pupil - Class of 1962 

We pray that our loving God hold them gently in the palm of His hand.

Nicole Mangelsdorf

Principal

Special Report:

Wellbeing Checklist for Secondary

Please find below an important report by 

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg (SchoolTV).

During this time of Coronavirus, many of us have experienced a variety of emotions ranging from fear to anxiety. All of these are considered to be normal and natural responses to any challenging situation that can often result in our minds telling us all kinds of scary stories. This can be especially true for teenagers and senior students for whom ‘what if’ stories will often predict the worst.

Adolescents are considered to be more at risk of anxiety and depression disorders which may affect their mood, thinking and behaviour. Although this is completely understandable given the current situation, any unusual behaviour that lasts for more than 2-3 weeks, may be a cause for concern. Adult carers need to remain vigilant for any signs of distress, even though your adolescent may not have any prior history of mental illness. Early intervention, diagnosis and treatment have never been more important.

If you do have any concerns relating to your teenager’s mental health, you may wish to consider using the assessment tool provided by Beyond Blue. The checklist aims to measure how your teen has been feeling over the past four weeks. After completion, the results can be printed for your records, or alternatively, provided to your medical practitioner.

Click hereto access the Beyond Blue Assessment Tool. If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact your school for further information or seek medical or professional help.