Learning In All Its Fullness

As we journey through this rich and demanding time of the term, our focus turns intentionally toward learning – its rigour, its beauty and its sacredness. Across the College, students are engaging wholeheartedly in assessment: Years 9 to 11 are completing exams, Year 7 and 8 students are finalising major tasks, and our Unit 3 & 4 students are preparing for next week’s General Achievement Test (GAT). These moments are not simply about results – they are about cultivating resilience, perseverance and a deep joy that comes from doing one’s best.

We know, too, that learning flourishes in partnership. Research continues to affirm that when parents are actively involved – encouraging effort, valuing progress, and fostering high expectations – students thrive. We are deeply grateful to our families for the vital role you play in shaping this culture of learning, where young people grow not only in knowledge but also in character, confidence and purpose.

This week, we also mark the feast of Pentecost – a sacred reminder of the Spirit alive in our community. Just as the tongues of fire empowered the early disciples, so too do we see the unique gifts of our students ignited through their learning and their relationships. As a Catholic learning community, we are called to speak with compassion, act with justice, and learn with purpose. These ideals are beautifully reflected in the Living Justice, Living Peace Charter, which inspires us to live with compassion, lead with courage and learn with wonder. At Kilbreda, this way of being is not reserved for liturgy or special events – it shapes our classrooms, our conversations, and our shared mission.

In the past fortnight, we have celebrated both Laudato Si’ Week and Reconciliation Week – not simply as calendar events, but as living expressions of our Catholic identity. Our commitment to ecological justice and deep listening to First Nations peoples is not abstract; it is woven into how we teach, how we lead, and how we form our young people to be thoughtful, responsible global citizens of the world.

We are also thrilled to share that Namie Padasas and Kara Gurung, two of our exceptional Year 9 students, have been selected for the prestigious Melbourne University Girl Power in Engineering and IT Program. Their success reflects the vibrant culture of STEM learning at Kilbreda, where curiosity is nurtured, critical thinking is encouraged, and girls are empowered to imagine and pursue bold futures.

Our culture of learning extends well beyond the classroom. Last Thursday, our Cross Country team placed second overall at the CGSAV Division 1 Championships – a result that reflects not only talent but also extraordinary commitment. We congratulate every team member and offer sincere thanks to our dedicated coaches and the Kilbreda Run Club, whose early morning training sessions have fostered a love of running across the school. Special mention goes to Matilda Harrison (Year 10) who placed 1st, Teagan Smullen (Year 8) who came 2nd, and our Year 12 leaders Charlotte Maclean and Jasmine Perry, who ran their final race with great pride.

Throughout the term, our Student Ambassadors have continued to embody the spirit of hospitality so central to our Brigidine tradition. Whether welcoming prospective families at enrolment events or leading past pupils on reunion tours, these students have represented Kilbreda with grace and class. We extend heartfelt thanks to Leila Timms, Rhiannán Marie Jeanne, Rosie Smyth and Jacinta Crowley for their outstanding contributions to our weekend events.

It has also been a joy to visit our Catholic feeder primary schools, speaking with Year 5 students about life at Kilbreda. Accompanying me have been Year 8 students – proud past pupils of these schools – who have shared their experiences and modelled leadership with confidence and care. It is inspiring to witness the way our students step into leadership roles so naturally, reminding us that formation happens in every interaction.

We are currently accepting applications for Year 7 2027 and warmly encourage any current families with daughters in Year 5 to ensure the enrolment process is completed in the coming weeks.

As a community grounded in faith and compassion, we also pause to hold in prayer Nicole Everett, on the recent passing of her father, Jane Ward, on the passing of her father, and Maree Clark, on the passing of her mother, Mary. In the spirit of St Brigid, who reminds us of a God who holds each of us tenderly in the palm of His hand, we offer our love and deepest sympathy. May their loved ones rest in peace and their families be comforted by the strength of our collective prayer.

As we move through the final weeks of Term 2, may we continue to seek and celebrate learning in all its forms – with wonder, with hope, and with the deep awareness that we are shaping not only minds, but hearts.

Loving God,
In this season of learning, may our hearts remain open to growth,
our minds curious and courageous,
and our spirits anchored in strength and kindliness.
May the wisdom of the Spirit guide our students, staff, and families
as we continue to learn with wonder, lead with courage, and live with compassion.
St Brigid, inspire us to walk gently, love deeply, and act justly.
Amen.

Stephanie Smyth

Acting Principal