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THE KILBREDA STORY

1904

Kilbreda 1904

When the Brigidine Sisters in Echuca were invited to found a school for girls in Mentone, they would never have envisaged the changes and challenges ahead for St Brigid's school, later named Kilbreda College. The Brigidines' first Melbourne community and school opened on 7 August, 1904. Founding Sisters Fidelis Callinan, Agnes O'Keane, Michael Shea, Ligouri Quinn and Margaret Mary Murphy were familiar with the area. Over the Christmas holidays they would escape Echuca's heat at Black Rock, and travel by horse-tram to Mentone for Mass.

Margaret Mary Burke

The historic Mentone Coffee Palace, built in the land boom of the 1880's and closed in the financial crash of the 1890's was secured by a deposit placed on it by a friend of the Brigidines, James McGuffie. It enabled the extraordinary purchase of the Mentone Landmark for 2050 pounds, and the establishment of a new Brigidine community and school.

An indelible stamp was placed on Kilbreda by Mother Margaret Mary Bourke. During thirty eight formative years as Principal the name Kilbreda was officially adopted. Her Irish roots were reflected in this Gaelic name: Kil or Cill - church or community; Breda - Brigid. This beautiful and challenging name - community of St Brigid, is complemented by the Brigidine motto, adopted from Bishop Daniel Delany: Strength and Kindliness.

2004 and Beyond

Kilbreda Main Gate

At the Centenary of Foundation Opening Ceremony on 7 August, 2004 there were many direct links with founding days. One such was James McGuffie's great, great grand daughter, who carried the lamp of learning and hope. Foundation weekend was a wonderful occasion of gathering, telling stories and celebrating the past.

Past student Margaret Underwood's excellent history, A VIEW FROM THE TOWER: Kilbreda 1904 - 2004 traces Kilbreda's lively history from establishment and growth, struggle and achievement, challenge and optimism, renewal and restructuring, to the present expressions of Strength and Kindliness. A common thread has been a commitment to providing opportunity and challenge to countless young women, and for a period, boys.

Spirit of Kilbreda, An amazing musical written by Kilbreda staff and performed by students another colourful window into our past. The past illuminates both present and future, and we can draw strength and hope from our past and present for a future that is rich in the very best sense. We hope the riches we've inherited will be stewarded with care into the future and into our world.