As we begin Term 2, the energy and spirit of the Kilbreda College community are already on full display. In these initial weeks, our students have reminded us of the breadth of their talents, the strength of their leadership, and their steadfast commitment to building a more just and compassionate world.

Our Year 12 Global Politics students recently led an engaging and informative session for their peers on the importance of voting and democratic participation – a powerful example of student agency and civic responsibility in action. On the sporting front, our Senior CGSAV Basketball Team made history by claiming the Division 1 title and completing their journey at Kilbreda undefeated. A special congratulations to Jasmine Perry, who was named Most Valuable Player in the Grand Final.

We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jacinta Crowley (Year 11), who proudly represented Victoria in athletics over the holidays, and to Neve Hoult (Year 9), who represented Victoria in hockey. Additionally, we celebrate Charlotte Hewitson (Year 12), who was named captain of the Dandenong Stingrays AFL football team – an outstanding recognition of her talent and leadership.

The Kilbreda Festival heats have brought our community together in joyful celebration. Stepping into the auditorium this week felt truly magical – packed with students eager to witness the incredible array of talent on display, including dance, music, vocal, band, and solo performances. We look forward to the Grand Final next Wednesday evening, which promises to be a vibrant showcase of creativity, passion, and school spirit.

Outdoors, our Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh students demonstrated great resilience and teamwork on their practice hike to Cape Woolamai, honing their navigation and outdoor education skills. Meanwhile, our music students immersed themselves in a two-day retreat, learning from industry professionals and strengthening their ensemble work ahead of their upcoming music showcase evening.

We began the week in a spirit of reflection and gratitude, with a moving liturgy celebrating the life and legacy of Pope Francis. We also acknowledge and thank Rhiannán Marie-Jeanne, Sophie McKeown and Mia Dobrohotoff for representing the College at the Palm Sunday rally for refugees and asylum seekers – a witness to our Gospel values in action.

It was equally heartening to see so many students and families proudly represent Kilbreda at the Mentone RSL Anzac Day service, honouring the sacrifices of those who have served.

As we look to the future, Kilbreda College remains steadfast in its strategic commitment to inspiring independent and engaged learners through a future-focused, inclusive curriculum that nurtures curiosity, confidence and independence.  Central to this is our Professional Learning Community (PLC) program, where teaching staff engage each fortnight in dedicated time for professional growth. These sessions are designed to enhance high-quality teaching practice, offering opportunities to refine approaches, leverage data, and engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborative discussion. This term, we also continue our efforts to future-proof the College by shaping and creating inspiring learning environments that support the needs of current and future learners.  A key part of this work is the development of our Master Plan, with opportunities for parent consultation to ensure our community’s voice informs the vision for Kilbreda’s next chapter.

This term also offers us the opportunity to honour the remarkable contributions of those who have walked before us. This Saturday we will gather for the Past Pupils of Distinction Dinner, where we will proudly induct four outstanding alumnae: Dr Rosemarie Joyce csb, Noeleen Dix AM, Morag Fraser AM and Jodi Wright. Each of these women has carried forward the spirit of Strength and Kindliness, using their gifts and talents to make meaningful contributions in their fields and communities. Their stories remind us of the enduring impact of a Kilbreda education and inspire our current students to dream boldly, lead with integrity, and work for the good of others.

As we look to the weeks ahead, I am filled with a deep sense of optimism for all that lies ahead. The strength of our community, the achievements of our students and past pupils, and the shared commitment to our mission continue to shape Kilbreda as a place of excellence, compassion, and hope. I look forward to connecting with many of you at next week’s Mother’s Day Breakfast and at the wonderful College events that will follow. Together, may we continue to nurture a community where every learner is inspired to flourish and every story is honoured.

In Remembrance

We offer our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of John Leonard, beloved husband of Denise Leonard (Class of 1961), past staff member, past parent, and long-serving Chair of the Kilbreda Past Pupils Network. John’s steadfast commitment to the Kilbreda College community, his generous spirit, and his enduring support over many years have left a lasting legacy. We hold Denise and the Leonard family in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss and give thanks for John’s life of service, friendship, and dedication to our College. May he rest in peace.

Prayer

Loving God,

We give thanks for the life and witness of Pope Francis,

a humble servant who taught us to walk with the poor,

to care tenderly for creation,

to build bridges of compassion,

and to lead with mercy and hope.

As people of the Brigidine spirit,

we are called, like St Brigid and like Francis,

to be lights in the darkness,

to shelter the lost,

to stand courageously for justice,

and to create communities where all are welcomed and loved.

Strengthen in us the values entrusted to us through Kildare Ministries:

courage to face injustice,

compassion to heal brokenness,

hospitality to welcome the stranger,

hope to inspire new beginnings,

justice to shape a fairer world,

and wonder to see your presence in all of creation.

May the spirit of Pope Francis ignite in us a renewed mission –

to listen more deeply,

to act more boldly,

to love more tenderly,

and to walk always in the joyful light of the Gospel.

As Brigid crossed thresholds to bring light to the world,

and Francis crossed boundaries to heal and unite,

may we too cross new seas in service and hope.

We ask this in the name of Jesus,

the One who sends us forth to be people of mercy, justice, and peace.

Amen.

Stephanie Smyth

Acting Principal