Year 7 Welcome Eucharist

On Thursday 12 February, we gathered with great joy to officially welcome our Year 7 students and their families into the Kilbreda College community. Our Welcome Eucharist was a beautiful and hope-filled celebration, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their Kilbreda story. As a faith community, we prayed for our newest students and concluded by commissioning them to be a “light for the world” – carrying their gifts, kindness and courage into our College and beyond.

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this special occasion, particularly our Year 7 students who generously stepped into various ministries and leadership roles with confidence and reverence.

Commencement Eucharist and Commissioning Ceremony

Our Commencement Eucharist was a deeply prayerful and uplifting celebration as we entrusted the year ahead to God. A significant highlight of this Mass was the Commissioning Ceremony of our Principal, Stephanie Smyth. Presided over by Fr Peter Matheson, the liturgy was rich in symbolism, gratitude and hope for the journey ahead.

We are grateful to the many students who participated through proclaiming the Word, leading the offertory procession and sharing their musical gifts. Special thanks to Carole Downie for her dedicated organisation and leadership and to Kara-Lee Rabbets for guiding our choir so beautifully. I also commend our entire student body for the reverence and respect shown throughout the celebration.

We warmly congratulate Ms Smyth on her appointment and reaffirm our commitment to support her with our prayers as she leads our College community into this new season.

Year 7 Reflection Day

On 20 February, our Year 7 students took part in their Reflection Day, an important opportunity to pause, connect and grow. Throughout the day, students strengthened friendships, explored the rich charism and story of Kilbreda College, and reflected on the unique gifts and “light” they each bring to our community. Time was also given to nurture their spiritual lives and consider how their relationship with God will shape their journey through secondary school.

We thank the Year 7 cohort for the enthusiasm and openness with which they embraced the day, and we are especially grateful to our Year 11 and 12 student leaders who supported and guided them with such generosity.

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday 18 February marked Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the sacred season of Lent. Our student leaders reverently facilitated year level liturgies, inviting each of us to begin this season with reflection, repentance and renewed intention. We thank these students and our Year Level Leaders for helping our community enter into Lent prayerfully and thoughtfully.

Project Compassion

“As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst.” – St Teresa of Calcutta

With our 2026 College focus on the value of Justice, the season of Lent provides a profound invitation to respond to inequality and suffering in our world. Through Project Compassion, we unite with the work of Caritas Australia to support vulnerable communities both locally and globally.

Lent calls us to renewal, to prayer, simplicity, generosity and compassion. In the midst of busy lives, it offers a sacred opportunity to refocus on what truly matters and to act in ways that create lasting good. This spirit echoes the life of Saint Brigid of Kildare, whose witness of prayer, hospitality and courageous generosity continues to inspire our College story.

Throughout the term, our Living Justice Leaders will coordinate fundraising initiatives, alongside the traditional Project Compassion boxes in Homerooms. We have also created dedicated QR codes for each Homeroom to enable electronic donations through Caritas, contributing both to our College total and friendly Homeroom tallies.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference and is received with deep gratitude.

For the general Project Compassion Kilbreda donation, please scan the QR code below, or click here.

John Riddle

Director of Catholic Identity and Mission