Our final weeks of term 3 have epitomised our Year 12 student leaders’ theme of compassion through connections.  Staff and students have come together through various sporting activities, design and technology challenges, STEM opportunities, Year Level gatherings, musical performances and wellbeing initiatives such as ‘Wear it purple day’ and ‘R U Okay? Day’ to acknowledge and celebrate the gifts and talents of each other.  This reflects our commitment to being an inclusive community, one that values all, has positive relationships at the heart of everything we do and consistently demonstrates a commitment to welcoming all.

2023 Election of College Captains

Over the past month our Year 11 students have embarked on their 2023 Leadership journey.  By way of an introduction to the process, our 2022 College Co-Captains Alice Merchant and Francesca (Frankie) Malignaggi shared insights with the cohort about their own personal journeys.  From the outset Alice and Frankie were clear and open that their leadership journey was one of self-discovery, resilience and life-giving connections.  They acknowledged that while it can be stressful juggling the demands of Year 12 studies and the responsibilities that come with leading a school community, they encouraged all Year 11 students to embrace the opportunity before them to lead change at Kilbreda College.

Putting oneself forward for a leadership position requires courage.  It involves placing oneself in a vulnerable position by having to present to staff and peers about their vision for the role and the skills and qualities they possess that will make them a successful College Captain.  Presently 10 Year 11 students are embarking on the process to be selected by their peers as a 2023 College Co-Captain.  Our 2023 College Co-Captain nominees are Ava Busuttil, Caitlin Gellie, Gemma Hubeek, Rachel Jones, Sienna Koop, Hayley Meure, Michaela Meyer, Cleo Talbot, Mary Tobin, and Mia Wilson.

This week each nominee delivered outstanding presentations to their peers about their suitability for the role.  They spoke passionately about the skills they possess and how the extensive opportunities that they have been provided with over the past five years has enabled them to grow in confidence and discover new talents.  Over the first two weeks of Term 4 our College Co-Captain nominees will participate in student-led interviews that will be facilitated by our Year 8 to 10 Student Leaders. Our 2023 College Co-Captain appointments will be announced at our Term 4 Assembly.

Year 7 2023 Trivia Afternoon

It was wonderful to connect with the 175 Grade 6 students who will be joining our school community in 2023 on Wednesday afternoon.  Thank you to all our student leaders who assisted with the planning and preparation of this trivia afternoon and for the warm hospitality they provided to our future Kilbreda students.  There was a great buzz in the Hall as students shared their knowledge of sport, music and all things Disney whilst at the same time having the opportunity to foster connections with our school community.

We are very much looking forward to strengthening our connections with these students and families during Term 4 in preparation for Orientation Day.

Susan McClean Growing Up Online Presentation

The College extends a warm invitation to all parents and carers to join us on Monday 10 October for a parent seminar: ‘Growing Up Online.’  This educational and empowering seminar will be facilitated by Susan McLean, Australia’s foremost expert in Cybersafety and young people.  Susan’s famous ‘no nonsense’ approach will provide a wake-up call to even the most switched-on parent/carer about the reality of the online world.  The seminar will take place in the College auditorium from 7.00pm to 8.00pm.  Further details regarding this event will be communicated to families in early Term 4.

I wish you and your family a restful and rejuvenating spring break and I look forward to working alongside you next term to inspire the students to discover their passion and purpose, and to realise their potential.

Stephanie Smyth
Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement