Providing a Stage to Shine: Grit, Passion and Perseverance in Action

Angela Duckworth reminds us that “grit is passion and perseverance for long-term goals.” At Kilbreda, this grit is not just seen in moments of celebration and achievement – it’s found in the quiet determination of students who continue to show up, work hard, and give their best, whether centre stage or behind the scenes.

This week, I have had the privilege of witnessing that spirit – of determination, purpose and joy – shine through in an extraordinary range of pursuits.

On Wednesday evening, the Auditorium was transformed into a space of expression and bold creativity as our Year 10 – 12 Dance students took to the stage. Performing original solo pieces, each student shared not just a routine – but a story of discipline, vulnerability and artistic vision. Their courage to choreograph and perform was truly life-giving. This was followed by a truly entertaining Unit 1 Drama production, Do You Feel You’re Being Watched?,  which blended humour, spontaneity and imagination into a captivating 30 minute performance. Congratulations to Elizabeth Jones, Danika Hopmans, Tianna Valvo and Zara Pistone for bringing this story to life with such energy and originality.

Just hours later, on Thursday morning, our community gathered at Karkarook Park for the House Fun Run. It was a sea of maroon, as students from Years 7 and 8, along with 30 senior students, ran or walked the 3km circuit. Whether running or walking, our students embraced the event with spirit and determination. Congratulations to division winners Teagan Smullen (Year 8), Matilda Harrison (Year 10) and Jacinta Crowley (Year 11), and to all who embraced the challenge. With such depth of talent, we are well placed for next week’s CGSAV Cross Country Championships. Our thanks to the VET Sport and Recreation students and House Captains for their strong leadership ensured the success of the day.

Soon after, I was warmly welcomed by our Year 9 Café Culture students to their High-Tea event – a beautiful showcase of hospitality and learning. Their pride in their creations, their gracious hosting, and the care poured into every detail made for a truly memorable experience. It felt, at times, like we were dining at The Windsor. Sincere thanks to Rosa Malignaggi and Jenny DiBlasi for guiding students through this exceptional learning journey.

Last week, the Mary Dalton Hall was transformed for our spectacular Music by Candlelight concert. It was a true celebration of community and courage- ranging from tuba solos to a full-ensemble finale of Let’s Get Loud. These performances were a reminder that excellence is not the absence of fear, but the decision to keep going in spite of it. Thank you to our gifted musicians, hosts Leah Royal and Maya Corbett, and the ever-inspiring Kara-Lee Rabbetts.

Also last week, our athletes shone brightly at the CGSAV Athletics Carnival, finishing an impressive second overall. We were especially proud of our dominance in the 800m events and our six first-place finishes in the Year 12 100m. These results reflect not just talent, but persistence, discipline and team spirit. Our gratitude goes to Sports Coordinators Julia Smith and Maree Clark for their passionate leadership and support.

Meanwhile, our VCE VM students have been courageously finalising and delivering their ‘I Lead, I Learn’ projects. Presenting for an hour on a topic of personal choice is no small feat, and they have done so with poise, insight and pride. They remind us that leadership can be quiet, emerging through commitment and authenticity.

During Laudato Si’ Week, our Student Environmental Action Group modelled the power of advocacy and voice. Their whole school assembly and creative activities – from relay challenges to movie screenings – were a call to care for our common home. Our thanks to Alicia Vu, Amelie Corbett, Emily Aherne and Sarah Avitabile, whose leadership embodies our College values of justice and stewardship.

And as our Year 12 students received their jumpers this week, their faces were a blend of excitement and contemplation. The countdown calendar in the Atrium is more than a measure of time – it is a marker of growth. These final months invite our senior students to lean into the grit they have built over the years, and to finish well.

For students in Years 9 – 11, exam preparation is now underway – a time that calls for discipline, focus and sustained effort. To parents and caregivers: your calm encouragement plays a vital role. Support your child in establishing a balanced study routine, taking regular breaks, getting enough rest and maintaining perspective. Gently remind them that success is not defined solely by results, but by the growth that happens in the striving. This journey is not about perfection – it’s about progress, resilience, and doing their best.

This week – whether on stage, on the track, in the kitchen or in the classroom – our students have reminded us that learning is rarely linear. It is shaped by courage, persistence, setbacks and triumphs.

Our role, as educators, is to keep providing the stage – spaces where students are seen, supported and stretched.

And our students?

They continue to rise – with passion, with purpose, and with the quiet grit that will carry them far beyond our gates.

Stephanie Smyth

Acting Principal