Living Legacy Project

Our Year 12 VCE VM class recently had another former Kilbreda student return to share their stories with the class. Please find below a reflection from past pupil, Elizabeth Cooper née Grundy (Class of 1966).

A Lifelong Connection to Kilbreda

My journey with Kilbreda College began in 1961 when I entered Form 1, continuing through to Matriculation in 1966. At the time, I believed my years as a student would mark the conclusion of my connection with the College. Little did I know that Kilbreda would remain an important part of my life for decades to come. In 1987, I returned through the school gates once again, this time as a teacher and the proud mother of a Year 7 student.

While I was not a standout student academically, my years at Kilbreda provided something far more enduring. The College nurtured friendships, resilience, curiosity and a love of learning that would shape my future. These foundations gave me the confidence to pursue further study, travel widely and build a rewarding career in both primary and secondary education. Looking back, I realise that Kilbreda helped me develop not only knowledge, but also the courage to embrace opportunities and challenges throughout life.

The Kilbreda of the 1960s was a very different place. Our uniform was famously bottle green, so green, in fact, that local schoolboys affectionately nicknamed us “the grasshoppers.” As the first girl in my family to attend Kilbreda, I was often asked to put on my uniform whenever visitors came to our home. The uniform itself was extensive: summer and winter hats, gloves, tunic, summer dress, jumper, blazer, stockings and brown shoes. Uniform regulations were taken seriously. Students could be stopped at the gate for missing gloves or other uniform infringements, sometimes resulting in after-school detention. Yet, like students in every generation, we found creative ways to express ourselves, rolling tunics higher, ironing hat brims flat, or letting our hair extend just beyond the permitted collar length.

The 1960s were a remarkable decade of social and cultural change. Australia embraced decimal currency, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were recognised in the Constitution, the world watched the first moonwalk and music was transformed by The Beatles. Against this backdrop, Kilbreda instilled in us a deep sense of pride in our Catholic education and our school community. Under the leadership of Mother Margaret Mary Bourke, students were encouraged to represent Kilbreda with confidence and dignity. I still remember travelling by train into Melbourne to march behind the Kilbreda banner in the annual St Patrick’s Day procession, joining thousands of Catholic school students in a tradition that connected faith, community and identity.

School life was structured and disciplined. Classrooms were arranged in neat rows, learning often relied on rote memorisation and regular testing was the norm. Yet among those routines were teachers who left lasting impressions. I vividly remember Miss Martin explaining the seriousness of the Cuban Missile Crisis, bringing world events into our classroom and helping us understand their significance. There were lighter moments too, such as being chosen to model teenage fashions at a Mother’s Day fundraiser, a memorable occasion made even more amusing by my father’s raised eyebrows when I appeared wearing a pair of “slacks.”

Beyond the classroom, sports days at St Bede’s oval remain treasured memories. House competitions fostered enthusiasm and camaraderie, while events such as the “early morning race,” where competitors collected and dressed themselves in parts of the school uniform as they ran, brought plenty of laughter. There were also moments of youthful misjudgement, including one ill-fated attempt by a friend and me to leave school for the afternoon. A frightening encounter with a passing train quickly convinced us that returning to class was the wiser option.

Of all the memories I carry from Kilbreda, the friendships stand out most strongly. One friend I met in Form 1 has remained by my side throughout life. Together we studied at university, began our teaching careers at the same school, celebrated marriages, welcomed children and supported one another through the many seasons of life. More than sixty years after first meeting at Kilbreda, our friendship remains one of the greatest gifts the College has given me.

Reflecting on my time at Kilbreda, I am filled with gratitude. Alongside my family, the College instilled in me a belief in the transformative power of education, a lifelong love of learning, respect for others, and an appreciation for the opportunities afforded to young women through education. More than six decades later, I recognise that Kilbreda did far more than educate me, it helped shape the person I became. For that, I will always be thankful.

Elizabeth Cooper née Grundy

Class of 1966

Student Reflections

As a Year 12 VM student at Kilbreda College, it was a privilege to listen to past student, Elizabeth Grundy, who attended the school from 1961 to 1966, speak about her experiences. Hearing her stories gave us a deeper understanding of how much the school has changed over the years while still holding onto its strong sense of community and values. She spoke about the strict rules, uniforms and expectations students followed during her time, but also shared many positive memories of friendships, school events and the support she received from teachers. It was interesting to hear how different school life was compared to today, especially without modern technology and the opportunities students now have access to.

What stood out the most to me was the pride and connection she still felt towards Kilbreda many years later. Her stories showed how the school helped shape her confidence, resilience and future pathway. As current students, we were able to reflect on our own experiences and appreciate the opportunities we have today. Listening to someone who once walked the same hallways reminded us that Kilbreda’s history and traditions continue to influence generations of students. Her visit was both inspiring and meaningful, leaving many of us with a greater appreciation for our school community. 

Samara G

Year 12

On 26 May, our class had the incredible opportunity to interview Liz, a Kilbreda alumni who graduated in the 1960s. We sat down with her to explore what school life was like during that era, diving into both her favourite highlights and some of the less glamorous realities of the time. Hearing firsthand about what it meant to be educated as a woman in the 1960s gave us a whole new perspective on how fortunate we are with our education today, and how much Kilbreda has changed and grown throughout the decades.

It was absolutely amazing to get to know Liz. Not only is she a wonderful lady, but she is also deeply insightful. We loved hearing all her fun little stories, and it was a fantastic surprise to learn that she later returned to Kilbreda as a teacher! This experience is truly something we will always remember.

Ruby H

Year 12

I Learn I Lead

The Year 12 VM students recently completed their ILearn ILead presentations, taking on the role of class leader for between 45 minutes and an hour. Although many felt nervous about presenting to their peers, each student rose to the challenge and delivered a presentation that reflected their individual interests, experiences and strengths. Through this process, they demonstrated their growth as active learners and developing leaders.

A wide range of topics was explored, providing audiences with opportunities to learn something new and gain different perspectives. The presentations highlighted the students’ willingness to step outside their comfort zones, persevere through challenges and engage others in meaningful learning. We are very proud of the effort, courage and commitment they showed throughout the project and the positive contribution they made to the learning of others.

Some of the topics included:

• The Pyramids of Giza
• Billie Eilish
• New York Fashion Week
• Medieval Royal Dining
• The Evolution of Makeup
• The History and Legacy of KISS
• Criminology
• Paediatric Nursing
• The Impact of Music
• Art
• Women’s Equality
• Fascism: The Concept and Consequences
• Venus
• How Physical Activity Supports Mental Health
• The Kardashian Empire
• Policing
• Concerts
• Horse Racing

Enrichment Day

The VCE VM students participated in a City Tour with the Salvation Army as part of their Enrichment Day program. 

Students participated in a guided walking tour that commenced at Bourke Street and toured the Parliament House and Treasury Gardens vicinity. As they navigated the city streets, they paused to engage in activities that helped to challenge stereotypes surrounding social hardship and encourage empathy. Students learned about homelessness in Australia, hearing real stories, on location, that safely prompted their consideration of people in need.

The workshop was designed to challenge preconceptions, increase knowledge, inspire empathy and provide a platform for social justice activation.

Our Year 11 students were immersed and engaged and respectfully asked probing and interesting questions.

Ruth Myers

VCE VM Enrichment Coordinator

Year 11 Partnership with St Patrick’s Primary School

The St Patrick’s partnership is an amazing opportunity provided by Kilbreda to help us all better improve our leadership, communication and teamwork skills. It’s fun to help teach the St Patrick’s kids as it not only supports our learning but also theirs. This partnership improves our confidence, responsibly and the ability to work with others even when it may seem difficult. This partnership is truly incredible, and we all look forward to seeing the Prep children each fortnight.

Sarah M

Year 11

My experience at St Patrick’s has been an amazing. I have loved getting to know all the Preps individually, doing fun activities with them and seeing their confidence grow. This experience has given me a better understanding of working with young children and it has also shown me the importance of creating a safe, supportive and engaging classroom environment. Throughout this time, I developed my confidence and improved my ability to communicate clearly with younger students. It continues to be a very rewarding experience and I am so grateful I got to be a part of it.

Charlotte K

Year 11

Jennifer Gamble

Learning Leader: VCE VM