It is hard to believe that in just a few short weeks, we will begin the Advent season as we prepare for Christmas. Before we do, we enter these final weeks of the semester and come to the conclusion of our young people’s academic endeavours for the year. During this time of the year, we hold our Year 9 to 11 students in prayer as they prepare for exams. It is a time often filled with both anticipation and challenge, and we pray that each student may approach their studies with calm, confidence and a sense of purpose.

Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2025

We are thrilled to be a part of this year’s Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) which will take place in Melbourne from 30 November to 2 December. The Festival is a national celebration of faith, community and joy, drawing thousands of young people from across Australia to encounter Jesus in new and life-giving ways.

Run over three days, the Festival provides opportunities for prayer, music, workshops and reflection, all designed to empower young people to live their faith with courage and hope in today’s world.

Kilbreda College will proudly send a group of 10 senior students and several staff members to this inspiring event, and we look forward to hearing their reports on the festival.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers

As Christmas approaches, we once again partner with our local St Vincent de Paul Society to provide Christmas hampers for families in need. These hampers bring comfort and dignity to many in our community who may be struggling at this time of year.

Baskets have been distributed to each Homeroom, as well as placed in Reception. Information about suggested donations will accompany each basket. Every tin, packet or thoughtful gift makes a real difference. Thank you for your generosity and care.

Brigid’s Bites

We are delighted to share that Brigid’s Bites has now received approval from Kingston Council to begin operation! This new initiative will provide food and hospitality to those in need within our local area, a beautiful expression of our Brigidine value of “Compassionate Action and Hospitality”. Brigid’s Bites will run every Friday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm until 12 December.

May this season remind us that faith is lived not only in prayer and reflection but also in action, through service, generosity and hospitality. Like St Brigid, may we continue to “make the world a better place because we have lived in it.”

Prayer for Exams

Loving God,
Bless our students as they prepare for their exams.
May their minds be clear, their memories sharp, and their hearts at peace.
Help them to trust in their efforts and to know that their worth is far greater than any result.
Guide them to balance study with rest, diligence with hope, and faith with courage.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

John Riddle

Director of Catholic Identity and Mission

Head of Counselling Services