Spotlight On... 

Catherine Clifford

Class of 1986

Catherine Clifford (née Grech), one of the 2017 Past Pupils of Distinction nominees has worked as an educator at Chisholm Institute of TAFE within the Indigenous Department for a number of years, developing a rapport and close connection to the indigenous youth and elders in the department.  In keeping with indigenous culture, Cathy is referred to as “Aunty”, and likewise, she refers to the elders as “Aunty” and “Uncle”, giving her a wonderful sense of acceptance.

Ever willing to assist others, particularly young indigenous students in need, Cathy has taken students into her home and has accompanied them to court to ensure they were supported and didn’t get lost in the prison system. Although advised by management not to accompany a young indigenous person through the court process, Cathy stood steadfastly to her moral principles, believing that she could not deny them her support! 

At her current school, in order to provide a safe place for students to go during lunch time and support others at the same time, Cathy organised a ‘Knitters Club’. The scarves and beanies made by the students have been donated to the Sacred Heart Mission in St Kilda. Cathy is a thoughtful, proactive member of her community, providing meals to those who would otherwise go hungry, helping young people set up house, tutoring those in need of extra educational assistance, and being a practical support to the bereaved.   She has changed many young people’s lives by showing them true compassion, understanding and empathy.

College Memories

Catherine  shares, 'Bright eyed and ready for the next phase in my life! I suppose that sums up my first day at Kilbreda College in 1980.

As I climbed the stairs to Room 25, I was apprehensive and excited all at the same time. Little did I realise that this would be a small part of the journey I would embark on in education, not just as a student, eventually as a teacher.

It is true that teachers do indeed inspire their pupils, be it through preparing them for life and work skills, imparting life experience or on the whole just making their educational journey one which includes the elements of respect for others, respect for self and understanding and tolerance through relevant educational programs. For me, one of the most significant elements that I carried with me from Kilbreda College was the empathy and kindness, which is important to show, through our actions and not just our words, people who are less fortunate then we are.

I also recall teachers who promoted a sense of self-belief and during a time when women were becoming more and more recognised as an integral part of the workforce and gaining more recognition in important positions traditionally and highly represented by men. 

It is no mistake that through the memories of my time at Kilbreda, there was no other option then to send my daughter to complete her secondary education at the same school.  

Kilbreda has had a significant influence on making me the person I am today'.

Catherine Clifford (née Grech) 

Class of 1986