Nurturing the Ties That Bind Us

In the life of any school, there are moments – quiet yet powerful – that reaffirm why we do what we do. At Kilbreda College, the past few weeks have been filled with such moments. They have reminded us that at the heart of Catholic education lies not only academic formation, but the shaping of young people who are confident, compassionate and committed to others.

Whether in celebration, learning, or reflection, we have seen our community come alive in ways that speak deeply to our shared purpose.

The Kilbreda Festival was a vibrant expression of who we are. Throughout Performing Arts Week, our Auditorium became a space alive with creativity, as students danced, played, and sang with joy and conviction. Each performance was a testament to their passion and courage, and it was deeply moving to witness the strength and kindliness of our students as they filled the auditorium daily to support their peers. The festival culminated in a spectacular showcase evening, and we offer heartfelt congratulations to all involved – especially our talented finalists.

At the Past Pupils of Distinction Dinner, we celebrated those who continue to live out our College motto, Fortiter et Suaviter – strength and kindliness – in their lives beyond Kilbreda. Their presence was a powerful reminder that the formation offered through Catholic education is both enduring and transformative. We warmly congratulate our exceptional 2025 nominees: Louise Bedford, Jodie Belyea, Michelle Collett, Briana Kotzapavlidis, Caroline Morgan, Onella Muralidharan and Brienna Prochilo, and we honour our remarkable inductees: Noelene Dix AM, Morag Fraser AM, Dr Rosemarie Joyce csb and Jodi Wright, whose lives of service, leadership and compassion continue to inspire.

This same spirit was beautifully present at our Mother’s Day Breakfast, where past pupil Janine Wilson shared her story with authenticity and grace. Her reflections on leadership, motherhood and resilience invited us to reflect on how the values nurtured at Kilbreda continue to shape lives long after graduation. It was a joy to share the morning with so many Year 7 and Year 12 mothers and daughters, and to honour the quiet strength and love of the mothers and mother figures who have shaped us.

Our Parent Wellbeing Series, focused on understanding anxiety and building positive coping strategies, speaks to our commitment to walking alongside families. When parents and educators partner together in support of young people, we create the foundations for growth, wellbeing and flourishing.

These moments are more than events on a calendar – they are living expressions of what the Lifelong Benefits of Catholic Schooling report affirms: that Catholic schools support the development of well-rounded individuals who go on to lead lives marked by purpose, generosity and wellbeing. The HILDA Survey – Australia’s most comprehensive longitudinal study – supports this, revealing that graduates of Catholic schools are more likely to be employed, to donate to charity, to report greater life satisfaction and general health, and to work in sectors that benefit the broader community. These are not just statistics – they reflect the enduring mission of Catholic education to form both mind and heart.

We see this mission come to life every day at Kilbreda.

Our Music Retreat brought students together in preparation for next week’s Music by Candlelight showcase. The collaboration, discipline and joy evident throughout the retreat reminded us that the arts are not only about performance, but about connection, confidence and shared achievement.

Our Global Politics students recently visited Monash University, engaging in rich dialogue with staff from the Philosophy and Sociology departments. The depth of their curiosity and the thoughtfulness of their questions – some profoundly philosophical – left a lasting impression on those they encountered. These are young women who are engaged, articulate and ready to shape the world.

In the sporting arena, our Intermediate B basketball team were crowned SEGAP champions, while students are preparing with enthusiasm for the upcoming CGSAV Athletics Carnival and Cross Country season. We also celebrate Matilda Harrison (Year 10) for her outstanding achievement in winning the Athletics Victoria 5km Cross Country title – a success forged through perseverance and quiet determination.

Our public speakers and debaters continue to shine, with Kiera Blackmore (Year 9) recently winning a Lions Club public speaking competition, representing Kilbreda with grace and clarity.

We are immensely proud of all students involved in the upcoming production of 42nd Street, a showcase of dedication, creativity and teamwork. We also thank our Community Ambassadors, whose warmth and insight during recent College tours offered prospective families a true sense of what it means to be part of Kilbreda.

In all these experiences—on stage, on the sporting field, in classrooms, or through service – we witness the ties that bind us growing ever stronger. They are woven through shared stories, collaborative efforts, and the quiet yet powerful belief that every student has the capacity to lead with kindness, act with integrity, and make a meaningful difference in the world.

As we look to the future, we do so with deep hope – knowing that what we nurture here at Kilbreda endures, and that the formation we offer continues to shape lives for the better.

Research: Lifelong benefits of attending a Catholic School – Victorian Catholic Education Authority

Echoes of Our Mission: Pope Leo XIV’s Message to the World

As we reflect on the ties that bind us as a school community, we find inspiration in the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, who was elected following the passing of Pope Francis. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV brings a wealth of experience from his missionary work in Peru and his leadership within the Augustinian order. In his inaugural address, he emphasised the importance of peace, unity, and the Church’s role in addressing contemporary challenges such as technological advancements and social justice. His commitment to building bridges and fostering dialogue resonates deeply with our mission at Kilbreda College to nurture confident, compassionate, and community-minded individuals.

A Prayer for Unity and Wisdom

Loving God,
In this time of new beginnings in the Church,
we give thanks for the leadership of Pope Leo XIV.
May his call to peace, justice, and understanding
awaken in us a renewed commitment to live with purpose.

Guide us, as a school community,
to form hearts that are open, minds that seek truth,
and hands ready to serve.
Help us to listen with compassion,
speak with kindness,
and act with courage—
so that we may be a light for others
and build a world shaped by hope.

We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen.

Stephanie Smyth

Acting Principal