English
As we embark with enthusiasm upon another academic year, English students and teachers are eager to return to the onsite learning we all value so much. The rich conversations and explorations of ideas and issues that shape and define society can once again truly come alive in our inclusive classroom environments.
This year, we are pleased to welcome new teaching staff to our diverse and talented team. We are very fortunate to be joined by talented and experienced teachers - Ms Clare Kelly, Ms Jessica Baddeley, Ms Jane Delahunty and Ms Amy Masters. I am sure you will join with me in making them welcome as they work to support our students and serve the College.
As the new Learning Leader for English, I feel immensely privileged to be joining Kilbreda, a school with a rich history of academic achievement where young women can thrive. I have previously worked in leadership roles in the independent, Catholic and government sectors and look forward to playing a key role in shaping the curriculum and experiences that all students have during their time with us. As English teachers, we are fortunate to work with students from their first days in Year 7 through to their senior pathways in Year 12 and it is immensely rewarding to play a small role in their development, equipping them with the core skills (and hopefully passion for literature!) to pursue their ambitions beyond the school gates.
As the semester begins in earnest, it is certainly a busy start to the year, particularly for our VCE English students. Inspired by the classic films 'All About Eve' and 'Rear Window', our Year 11 and 12 English students are channelling their creative energy to create new and insightful texts ahead of their first formal assessments. It has been superb to watch the girls grow in confidence as they find new meaning in the texts and uncover their own ‘voices’ as authors.
Meanwhile, in Years 9 and 10 students are exploring issues of gender and class in the divergent texts 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' and 'Billy Elliot'.
For our younger students in Years 7 and 8, they commence their English studies learning about the power of stories and examining representations of First Nations People. There is much to know, learn, understand, and challenge, in all the texts we read and view.
With the easing of restrictions, we have many exciting opportunities for the year ahead, ranging from debating and public speaking to onsite incursions. We look forward to welcoming different authors to work with students across the year levels. Our Year 12 students will certainly benefit from meeting with VCE authors Rosaline Ham ('The Dressmaker') and Toni Jordan ('Nine Days'). It is such an advantage to be able to meet with accomplished writers in person who can share their wisdom and insights to enrich student understanding.
To conclude, I am delighted to present our English Student Leaders for 2022, Siorcha Creaton and Lilly Downie. In future editions, the girls will be sharing news and updates regarding the great work I know they will do in fostering a love of English and in supporting their peers with their English studies.
Nicola O'Shea
Level Leader:
English