As we come to the close of another remarkable year, I am reminded of the gentle wisdom at the heart of The Polar Express: “Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” Last week, at our Christmas Music Concert Believe, we glimpsed that unseen magic made beautifully visible.

From the opening notes of O Come All Ye Faithful to the exhilarating final chorus of Believe, our students offered us more than music – they offered us joy, courage and the unmistakable power of the sisterhood that lives here at Kilbreda. Their hard work across the year, the unwavering support of our parents and carers, the artistry of our instrumental teachers, and the visionary guidance of Ms Kara-Lee Rabbetts created an evening that lifted spirits and strengthened community.

This same spirit of connection shone brightly at our Year 10 Social. It was heart-warming to witness our young people celebrating the year that was – dancing, laughing, supporting one another and honouring the friendships that sustain them. My deepest thanks to Ms Jessica Baddeley and all staff who brought this rite of passage to life with such care.

In recent weeks, I was privileged to attend an event honouring Sister Brigid Arthur – an extraordinary woman who embodies our 2025 value of Hospitality: Welcoming All. Her fierce compassion for refugees and asylum seekers, her persistent advocacy and her willingness to go where others will not, reflect the heart of the Brigidine story. I returned from that event filled with gratitude, only to arrive at Kilbreda on a Student Free Day to discover a group of our Year 11 students – on a Friday night – joyfully serving our community through Brigid’s Bites. It was a living reminder that the flame of St Brigid burns brightly in the hands of our young people.

Earlier this week, five of our senior students joined thousands of young Australians at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival. From the opening liturgy at St Patrick’s Cathedral to a rain-soaked pilgrim walk to the Exhibition Centre, their enthusiasm never waned. In the plenary session, surrounded by 6,000 voices singing and dancing, they encountered a Church alive with hope. My sincere thanks to John Riddle for his leadership and accompaniment of this group.

Across the College, our students have transitioned beautifully into their Headstart classes – leaning into new content, welcoming new teachers, and embracing the possibilities of 2026. There has been much joy in our corridors, not least during the Year 8 Homeroom Dance Battle last week, where creativity and high-energy choreography lit up the Mary Dalton Hall.

We also extend our warmest congratulations to Olivia C (Year 11), who won the My First Voice competition with a powerful speech on organ donation. Her prize trip to Canberra, and her meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, was a moment of well-deserved recognition for her courage and eloquence.

As we look ahead, I warmly invite all families to our Celebration of Achievement Evening on Wednesday 10 December. This cherished tradition allows us to honour the academic, cultural and personal accomplishments of our students; to recognise the boundless dedication of our staff; to celebrate the rich tapestry of life at Kilbreda; and to present, for the first time, the Sister Angela Ryan Memorial Award for Service to the Kilbreda College community. It promises to be a truly special night.

As we close the year, we offer our heartfelt thanks and warmest blessings to several much-loved members of staff who will be retiring from Kilbreda College. Felicity O’Malley, Camille Riordan, Keryn Holden and Marina Leggatt have each given decades of extraordinary service, shaping the hearts, minds and spirits of generations of young people. Their dedication to Catholic education, their professionalism and care, and the quiet, consistent way each has woven strength and kindliness into our community leave an enduring legacy. We also farewell Jane Cowan, Marian LeBas, Kyle Turnbull and Debra Greaves, offering our deep gratitude for the commitment, expertise and generosity they have shared with our students and colleagues. Their contributions have enriched the tapestry of Kilbreda in countless ways, and they take with them our appreciation and warmest best wishes for the years ahead. Finally, we thank our AFL trainees, Campbell Bedford and Dominic Schepis, for their exceptional service to Performing Arts and Sport. Their enthusiasm, reliability and wholehearted support have made a significant impact, and we are deeply indebted to them for all they have brought to the life of the College.

Finally, as we prepare to conclude the school year with our End-of-Year Assembly and Mass celebrated by Father Peter Matheson, my heart is full. Full of gratitude for your trust. Full of admiration for your daughters. Full of appreciation for our staff whose strength and kindliness animate our mission each day.

May the Christmas season bring you rest, renewal and moments of deep peace.
May your homes be filled with welcome, your tables with laughter and your hearts with hope.

Thank you for your presence, your partnership and the golden thread each of you weaves into the Kilbreda story.

We are strong. We are kind. We are Kilbreda. With every blessing for Christmas and the New Year,

Stephanie Smyth

Principal