Reminiscing on Kilbreda Days

Former student Marlene Wall fondly recalls her time at Kilbreda:

“I thank God for the education Kilbreda gave me! I remember learning French from Grade 5 with La Vie de Madame Souris and the heavily Aussie-accented Mrs Edgar- mother of Judith, who was a few years ahead of me. Mrs. Edgar even sent me on errands to buy her ciggies!”

Marlene later discovered a surprising family connection—her father was related to Judith Edgar! This revelation came while speaking with an elderly relative, who mentioned a family member working at a school in Mentone.

“Which school?” I asked.
“A big brick one in the centre of town.”
“Kilbreda?”
“That’s it,” he confirmed.

Beyond French, Kilbreda offered German and Italian, taught by the elegant Signora Astolfi. Christian Doctrine classes included Apologetics and even sex education – remarkably progressive for the time.

In Year 8, Mother Winifred introduced a Question Box, allowing students to anonymously submit queries. One brave student asked, “What is the marriage act?” prompting Mother to announce, “Would the girl who asked this please see me after school.”

Another asked about the right age for lipstick. Mother Winifred’s response? “At 18, a little rouge would be permissible.”

A glimpse into the past – where tradition met quiet rebellion.

Damian Smith

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