From the Principal
It has been wonderful to have our Year 12 and some of our Year 11 students return to classes onsite, to see them in their classrooms and outdoors during breaks and hear their excitement to be back onsite with their peers and teachers. Students are of course the heart of any school community and we are delighted to have had our Year 12 students back, even for just this short time, before they conclude their formal classes.
It is hard to believe that our Year 12 students are about to complete their secondary schooling, a time which has been significantly impacted by COVID. The Class of 2021 has spent more time in their final two years in remote learning than they have onsite. Despite this they have faced the challenges with optimism, embraced the opportunities they have had and continued to support and encourage one another. We are incredibly proud of each of them and the way in which they have demonstrated both strength and kindliness.
One of the highlights of this fortnight has been seeing the girls gather in their Year 7, 2016 homeroom groups for a special morning tea and open the time capsules they created at that time. There has been much joy, laughter and the sharing of memories as they looked at the photos, letters, notes and other items they had placed in their capsule so many years ago.
On behalf of the staff and students of the College I take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to our 2021 College Co-Captains, Ellie Carter and Laura Mitchell, who have modelled servant leadership, through a strong commitment to enrich the lives of students and strengthen our College community this year. Ellie and Laura, together with all of our Year 12 leaders, have embraced their leadership role and, despite the challenges of 2021, given so much of themselves to lead, support and encourage students across all year levels. All have been outstanding role models and embodied our College values not only this year but throughout their time at Kilbreda.
While once again we cannot gather together for our Year 12 Graduation Mass and Ceremony, we very much look forward to watching this significant celebration next Wednesday evening and acknowledging each member of the Class of 2021. We trust that each graduate takes with them very fond memories of their time at Kilbreda; the friendships they have made, the opportunities they were given to challenge and extend themselves, their interactions with staff and importantly that they felt a valued member of a wonderful community.
To the Class of 2021, I encourage you to follow in the well-worn footsteps of thousands of students who have graduated from Kilbreda over the years and to go with the aim to not only maintain the proud history our past students have created, but more importantly set about creating your own history, living your life to the full and making a difference.
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, acting with Strength and Kindliness, and always remember from where you have come. Kilbreda will always be a part of your journey, and you will always be a part of Kilbreda.
May you always be inspired by St Brigid
to be woman of peace,to bring harmony where there is conflict,to be a light in the darkness,to bring hope to the downcast, and
to be the change that is needed in this world.
We Pray For
We ask for your prayers for members of our community and their families who have recently lost loved ones:
Maureen Connolly (née Toyne),
Class of 1952
(Past Pupil)
Anne Commadeur
Sister-in-law of Sr Lia Commadeur
(Staff)
We pray that our loving God hold them gently in the palm of His hand.
Nicole Mangelsdorf
Principal