Assistant Principals' Update

Learning and Teaching 

Kilbreda Connect 2.0

Here we are, at the start of Term 4. In some respects the year has flown by, the continual need to change plans and adapt our way of learning and teaching has kept us continually engaged with school life. On the other hand, months of lock down and not being able to socialise with family and friends and being restricted in our movements has felt like forever.

What a celebration to have some of our students and the majority of staff back onsite this week. We are looking forward to the occasion in just a couple of weeks (all going to plan) when we will be able to welcome back the rest of the school community.

I am looking forward to…

• Teaching my class in person and having the opportunity to reconnect
• Sharing a conversation with my colleagues and not having to schedule a meeting to say "Hello"
• Welcoming back all students to the physical campus and hearing the joyful sounds of community
• Celebrating the wonderful achievements of the VCAL class at their showcase
• Seeing the amazing creativity of our students displayed during the Art and Design Live Evening (via Zoom)
• Acknowledging the end of an era for our Year 12 students and honouring their hard work and achievements.

Survey Opportunity

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the students and parents who participated in the most recent surveys related to remote learning. We know that you have completed a number of surveys this year, and we really appreciate you taking the opportunity to engage in this manner. Your feedback is currently under consideration by the leadership team and will soon form part of a professional learning discussion with the teaching staff. 

As a College we are continually looking to ways to build upon our existing programs and structures in order to provide opportunities for students to flourish emotionally, spiritually, socially, physically and academically. Your feedback is an important part of our continuous growth plan as we continue to build a contemporary, comprehensive and innovative learning environment that will provide a community where students are continually challenged to become creative and critical thinkers.

Subject Selections

All students have now completed their subject selections and we have almost completed the task of creating a grid that will provide students with their subjects of choice. 

With such a variety of subjects on offer it is likely that some students will not be able to participate in 100% of their preferred subjects. The aim is always to provide our senior students with ‘clash free’ options as it is these studies that will count towards their final scores and ultimately their entry into further study or the workforce.

Students will soon receive notification of their allocated subjects and booklists will be released to families shortly thereafter.

Jane Ward

Assistant Principal: 

Learning and Teaching

Wellbeing and Engagement

Farewell to Year 12 – The Class of 2020

We hold our Year 12 students and their families firmly in our prayers and in our thoughts, and we wrap them with lots and lots of love as they head towards their VCAA exams. 

Most of our Year 12 students have been a part of this community now for six years, and we are so proud of their many accomplishments, as well as the strength, resilience and perseverance they have demonstrated throughout the year that has been.

Over the coming weeks, we have a number of events planned to celebrate the grit and grace of the Class of 2020.  This includes a Virtual Arts Exhibition, the VCAL Showcase, the Term 4 Formal Assembly and the Year 12 Graduation Ceremony.  On behalf of the College community, I extend a warm invitation to each of you to join us in congratulating these fine young women, in acknowledging their wonderful array of gifts and talents and in wishing them well for the future. Further information regarding these events can be found here:

• Year 12 VCAL Showcase
  Thursday 22 October 2020
  11.30am to 1.00pm

• Virtual Art Exhibition
  Thursday 22 October 2020
  6.00pm to 8.00pm

• Year 12 2020 Graduation Ceremony  Thursday 29 October 2020
  7.00pm to 8.30pm

I truly believe the Class of 2020 is the chosen class to change the world for the better.  A change that focuses on courage, compassion, hospitality, hope, justice and wonder.  They are the class that showed a heightened awareness of what it means to truly show ‘Strength In Unity'. Yes, it has not been easy but together, with Kate Lowe and Keely Ortland as their inspirational College Co-Captains, our girls have stood tall, maintained their strength as a group, showed sheer determination, persistence and resilience to look after each other and continued to build school spirit. The Class of 2020 will be remembered for many reasons, for their tenacity, their spirit, their determination, their wonderful sense of humour and a shining light for our school community.

COVID-19– The Transition Back

Unfortunately, the reality of COVID-19 is not quite over and there is still a considerable amount of uncertainty.  We have all experienced this event together and we are at various levels of transition and adjustment across the College.  The circumstances of this situation have significantly impacted students, parents and teachers alike.

Emotions during this time have varied.  For some it has been an opportunity to reflect on what is important, while others have embraced the opportunity to learn new things.  One thing that has remained constant is the need for good parenting and supportive teachers.  Both of these offer young people stability and familiarity and are vitally important during this time of transition and adjustment.

Whilst many children may be excited at the prospect of lockdown restrictions being lifted, others may feel mixed emotions.  Each child’s reaction will differ depending on how well they cope with stress and change. As we all adjust to new routines, it will be vitally important to keep a check on our young people’s mental health and wellbeing.  Encourage them to focus on the things they enjoy and value in order for them to remain motivated and ensure their sense of belonging.

Please view the following special report by leading psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Greg on School TV HERE.

Wellbeing resources to support VCE and VCAL students

As part of the Mental Health Toolkit, the Department of Education and Training (DET) has partnered with Smiling Mind to produce resources to support VCE and VCAL students to remain positive and engaged in their education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Young people share strategies with peers about looking after yourself, understanding and managing emotions, being mindful, the importance of positive study and sleep habits for optimal learning and stress resilience, being kind to yourself, navigating uncertainty and preparing for change.

New episodes will be released on a rolling basis over the coming weeks to support students as they complete VCE and VCAL subjects, finish school and start considering their future study and employment opportunities.

Stephanie Smyth

Assistant Principal:

 Wellbeing and Engagement