From our Chairperson

Welcome to Issue 4 of Tower Talk 

The highlight of 2017 for the Past Pupils’ Network Committee was the celebration of Kilbreda women making a difference, an initiative we have developed over a period of time. The Kilbreda Community honoured and celebrated past pupils who have achieved outstanding success and excellence in their field/s of endeavour, have made / are making a positive difference in the lives of others and embody the Kilbreda motto of “Strength and Kindliness”. The Past Pupils of Distinction Inaugural Dinner to celebrate all nominees and inductees was held at the College on 4 August 2017. Nominees were recognised and Induction to Kilbreda Past Pupils of Distinction took place at a Dinner. Further details  are in this issue.

An important part of the role of the Past Pupils' Network Committee is to assist Past Pupils in connecting with former students and staff members from their time at Kilbreda and with the wider College community. One way in which we do this is by hosting reunions. During 2017 we have welcomed many past students back to Kilbreda as a part of the following reunions: 1, 20, 30, 40, 41 and 55 Years. For many it was their first visit to Kilbreda since their student days.  Former students have enjoyed the hospitality of the Past Pupils' Network starting with drinks and nibbles, perusing and being entertained by photos relevant to the year group and taking trips down memory lane whilst touring specific areas of the school. The tour of the Tower is always the highlight and a great photo opportunity. We look forward to welcoming groups to Kilbreda in 2018. The first reunion for 2018 is planned for February to celebrate 30 Years on from Kilbreda.

Vale Jill McKern (née Fletcher). We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Jill McKern, Class of 1963. Jill was a woman of great strength and love of life. She fought her battle with cancer with courage and determination whist living as full a life as possible. Jill had a love of and pride in her alma mater. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the Past Pupils’ Network Committee and attended many functions with the support of her husband David and her wonderful friendship group from her Kilbreda days. Jill found great joy in her ongoing association with Kilbreda.

Many Kilbreda alumnae attended her Requiem Mass where the Hymn to St Brigid, sung by Kilbreda alumnae, Katherine Gale and Amanda and Samantha Hargreaves, was a special inclusion.

We would love to hear what is happening in the lives of Kilbreda Past Pupils and would welcome any artciles and photos that could be included in future issues of Tower Talk. The next edition is planned for June 2018.  Articles can be emailed to myself at denise127@optusnet.com.au or Kylie Montesanti at kylie.montesanti@kilbreda.vic.edu.au 

This e-newsletter is produced twice a year. If this has not been emailed directly to you, to ensure you receive your copy please update your contact details, particularly your email address on pastpupils@kilbreda.vic.edu.au

Denise Leonard (née Morrissey) 

Chair Kilbreda Past Pupils’ Network Committee