Strengthening in the Season

Over recent mornings, Kilbreda has been wrapped in the soft fog of early winter. The oak tree, too, is beginning to lose its leaves, reminding us that there are seasons when growth is less visible, but no less important. Winter calls us inward. It asks us to strengthen, to prepare, to trust the quiet work taking place beneath the surface.

Across the College, this is what I have noticed in our students. There is a steady light illuminating our classrooms, studios, performance spaces and learning areas. Students are applying themselves with purpose and care – designing textile garments that will be showcased at our Fashion Parade in October, diligently completing VCE practice questions, and progressing important aspects of their VCE VM iLearn iLead projects as they prepare for success in their senior studies. These are the moments that often happen quietly, but they matter deeply. They are the foundations from which confidence, achievement and growth emerge.

Kilbreda has certainly been a hive of activity across the past fortnight. Last Tuesday, Ella K of Year 12 hosted our Term 2 Assembly, which focused on the College value of Justice. Amelie B, Matilda E and Matilda D of Year 11 shared thoughtful insights into the practical ways we can live justice both locally and globally. They reminded us that justice often begins in small acts and that each act of courage, compassion and inclusion can create a ripple effect far beyond what we may first imagine.

We were also delighted by the talents of Eliza B and Metua T, who will play Wednesday in our upcoming Junior School Production of The Addams Family. Their performance gave us a wonderful glimpse of what is to come. It was also a joy to acknowledge our Principal Award recipients, as well as our Year Level Champions from Swimming and Athletics. Each of these students reflects, in different ways, the strength, commitment and spirit that enrich our community.

On Wednesday evening, our Auditorium was full and alive with energy for the grand final of Kilbreda Festival 2026, marking the culmination of Performing Arts Week. The evening was hosted beautifully by our Year 12 Performing Arts Leaders, Ari B, Isla B, Eloise H and Lauren V. I congratulate all students who participated across the week and in the final event. It takes courage to step onto a stage, creativity to offer something of oneself, and generosity to share one’s gifts with others. We are so fortunate to have students who do this with such joy and confidence.

On Friday morning, we gathered for our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast, a special occasion in the life of our College. It was a privilege to celebrate the significant role that mothers and mother figures play in the lives of our students and in the wider Kilbreda community. We were delighted to welcome back Angela Nolan, Class of 1986, as our guest speaker. Angela spoke with warmth, wisdom and authenticity, offering reflections that honoured the strength, love and enduring influence of mothers, while also reminding our students of the importance of courage, self-belief and staying true to who they are.

I also acknowledge Grace L and Lily M of Year 12, who delivered warm and insightful reflections on the role of mothers, and Vida Y of Year 11, whose flute performance added such beauty to the morning. Our wonderful Kilbreda Chorale, led by Ellen M and Matilda D, offered a loving and engaging performance of Mom, and our College Captains, Elizabeth J and Leila T, hosted the breakfast with grace and confidence.

Last Friday, we also paused to acknowledge Do It For Dolly Day, led by our Health and Wellbeing Student Leaders, Jacinta C and Rachel P. This important day calls us to reflect on the impact of our words and actions, and to commit again to creating a community where every person feels safe, valued and respected. Our art rooms were also full of activity as students created beautiful Mother’s Day cards, thanks to the leadership of our SRC team. These moments, both serious and joyful, remind us that wellbeing is nurtured through connection, kindness and belonging.

We congratulate our public speakers and debaters, who continue to achieve outstanding results in their respective competitions. We also acknowledge our Year 8 and Year 10 students who participated in the Da Vinci Decathlon last week. In particular, we congratulate our Year 8 team on achieving second place in Ideation and third place in Cartography. This is an outstanding achievement in a statewide competition for highly able students, and we are proud of the way they represented Kilbreda with curiosity, teamwork and intellectual courage.

This week, we celebrate Languages Week – a wonderful opportunity to explore culture, communication and the joy of learning beyond our own familiar worlds. From Renaissance art to crepes, and from Italian, French and Japanese language experiences to the many activities taking place across the College, our students are invited to see learning as a doorway into deeper understanding of others and of the world.

As we move further into the winter season, may we continue to notice the light that is present in our students – in their learning, their courage, their creativity, their service and their care for one another. Like the oak tree, there are times when we are called to let go, to deepen our roots and to strengthen for what is ahead. At Kilbreda, we do this together, trusting that even in the quieter seasons, growth is always taking place.

A Prayer for the Winter Season

Loving Creator,
as the winter mornings settle around us
and the oak tree quietly lets go of its leaves,
help us to trust the hidden work of growth.

May we notice the light in one another,
care gently for our common home,
and live with justice, gratitude and hope.

Strengthen our roots in love,
deepen our compassion,
and help us to be people who bring warmth, kindness and light
to the world around us.

Amen.

With strength and kindliness,

Stephanie Smyth

Principal