Building Community, Connection and Belonging

Over the past few weeks, Kilbreda has marked several important events that strengthen connection and belonging within our community. Experiences such as International Women’s Day, the Year 12 Retreat and our upcoming Year 7 Camp provide meaningful opportunities for students to reflect, build relationships and feel supported during significant moments in their school journey.

These shared experiences reflect the Brigidine values of Hospitality, Justice and Compassion, encouraging students to support one another and recognise the importance of community. Through Homeroom, year level assemblies and pastoral programs, we continue to reinforce the message that Kilbreda is an inclusive community where all are treated with respect, kindness and compassion.

International Women’s Day

On 6 March, our community came together to celebrate International Women’s Day, reflecting on themes of unity, resilience and leadership. Students were invited to consider the many women – both within our community and beyond – who have challenged barriers, demonstrated courage and contributed to greater equality.

Year 11 students Pratima T and Matilda E students shared thoughtful reflections, reminding us of the responsibility we all carry to continue the work of those who have come before us.

Congratulations to Emma G and Matilda D, for their excellent leadership in hosting the International Women’s Day Breakfast. Thank you also to the many students and staff who contributed to the event, and to the families who joined us in celebrating this important occasion. The morning concluded with a beautiful performance of ‘I Am Woman’ by our Year 10 Musical Masterclass, led by Ms Kara Lee Rabbetts.

Harmony Day

On Friday 20 March, we will celebrate Harmony Day, recognising the cultural diversity that enriches both our school and the broader Australian community. Harmony Day provides an important opportunity for students to reflect on the value of inclusion and the role each of us plays in building a respectful and welcoming society.

While Australia enjoys one of the highest life expectancies in the world, this is not the reality for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who continue to experience significant disparities in health outcomes.

As a community, Kilbreda remains committed to raising awareness and encouraging students to reflect on how they can contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Year 7 Camp

We wish our Year 7 students well as they prepare for their upcoming Camp. Camp provides a wonderful opportunity for students to build independence, resilience and teamwork while strengthening friendships and connections within their year level.

Parent Notifications via PAM

Parents will now receive PAM notifications when their child receives a late to class, uniform or mobile phone infringement. This initiative aims to strengthen our partnership with families and support students in wearing the College uniform with pride while adhering to our mobile phone policy.

Families will also receive notifications when students are awarded commendations for demonstrating our College values. Recognising positive behaviour plays an important role in building a strong and connected school culture.

Mobile Phones and CDFpay

All senior classrooms are now equipped with mobile phone boxes. When students bring phones to class for learning purposes, they will be asked to place them in the box at the beginning of the lesson to ensure phones are used appropriately and consistently across classrooms.

From the beginning of Term 2, mobile phones should not be used during lunchtime, as the Canteen will only accept card payments (Student ID cards or debit cards). This change is intended to encourage greater social interaction and connection among students during break times. Families will receive further information prior to this change.

Parent Resources and Events

Wellbeing Breakfast – 18 March, 8.00am – 8.45am, Meeting Room

Families are warmly invited to meet our Counselling Team at the first of our Wellbeing Breakfasts for 2026, commencing next week. Next week’s conversation will focus on Sleep and Why It Is Important and the role it plays in supporting learning, wellbeing and overall health.

Please register your attendance via this link.

Other

Please see the Resources and Links section of this Newsletter for details on an upcoming webinar, Understanding Anxiety and Depression to Foster Resilience and for SchoolTV info.

Leah Cristiano

Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement