From the Principal

On behalf of all staff at the College, I extend a warm welcome to students, parents and carers to the 2022 school year. To those students and families joining the Kilbreda College community we trust that you will quickly feel at home within our community and look forward to our partnership with you.

Each year brings new learning opportunities and experiences, whether it be studying a subject for the first time, a program or trip specific to a year level or the wide variety of activities offered at the College.  I encourage students to embrace these new experiences, take up opportunities and to strive to do your very best in all of your endeavours. Our students play a significant role in shaping our school community and so I encourage all students to actively contribute at school and to always uphold our core values.

Compassion is the core value that is our theme for 2022.  The word compassion comes from the Latin word ‘compati’ which means “to suffer with”. Compassion is to recognize the suffering of others and then take action to help. 

From the little that is known of the historical Brigid of Kildare, stories abound of her concern for the poor and oppressed, and the welcome offered to friends and strangers alike. Nano Nagle dedicated her life to educate the poor and outcast Catholic children.  She also served the sick, lonely and aged, and the marginalised in society. Brigid and Nano followed in the footsteps of Jesus, who throughout his ministry expressed compassion for the outcast, the poor, the sick, and the oppressed. His compassion, like that of Brigid and Nano, was unconditional.

'Living with compassion recognises our common humanity and sacred dignity.

 It is intentionally reaching out and embracing those who are suffering, 

regardless of their social 

or personal identity.'

Kildare Ministries 

Living Justice Living Peace Charter

In recent weeks, there has been much debate about the Religious Discrimination Bill that is before parliament.  Periodically, the Trustees of Kildare Ministries publish statements which respond to matters of injustice in Australia. The statements arise from the Kildare Ministries Vision, Mission and Values and serve to provide clarity on the position of Kildare Ministries.  I share with you the most recent statement published by our Trustees:

Walking in Solidarity. 

A Gender Inclusivity Statement

from the Trustees of Kildare Ministries

We welcome and encourage everyone to participate freely and fully in the life of their Kildare Ministries community. Enjoying friendships, learning and growth are key parts of the life of our community. We firmly believe in and value the goodness, complexity, and inherent dignity of every person. Human diversity is part of the design and wonder of creation. Kildare Ministries acknowledges that each person’s gender identity and gender expression can be separate, non-binary and fluid. Within a broad spectrum, LGBTQIA+ people use a variety of terms to identify themselves and these terms should be listened for and respected. Kildare Ministries also acknowledges that sexual orientation covers a broad spectrum and can also be fluid. Gender identification, gender expression and sexual orientation represent some aspects of each person’s identity. There are also many other intersecting aspects of identity such as race, ethnicity, and religion. We support the right of people to express their whole identity without fear of bullying, judgement, reprisal, or discrimination. All should be heard and feel included and to this end we commit to fostering safe communities, safe dialogue, and relationships characterised by trust and respect. We accept the challenge to be understanding and compassionate to all.

At Kilbreda College, as articulated in our Mission Statement, we are committed to ‘providing a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment, respecting the value and uniqueness of each person’.

We accept the challenge to be understanding and compassionate to all, just as Jesus, Brigid and Nano did.

We Pray For

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

Anne Scott

Mother of Catherine Scott (staff) and

Grandmother of Amelia Scott (past pupil - 2021)

Kim D'Souza

Mother of Vali (Year 11) and

Giselle D'Souza (Year 10)

Katrina (Katy) Heyne

Mother of Lillyan Heyne (Year 7)

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

Nicole Mangelsdorf

Principal