Welcome back for Term 3! We pray all had a wonderful, restful and peaceful break ready for all the amazing opportunities Kilbreda has to offer throughout the remainder of the year. Our prayers are especially with all students and staff who at this time are involved in the school production.

Year 8 Retreat Days

In the last week of Term 2, our Year 8s were split in half for their camp, social justice and retreat week. Whilst one half were on camp, the other was here at the College engaging in their Year 8 retreat. Both groups are to be commended for how they entered into the day which focused on teamwork, values, ethics and bringing all into better relationships with each other and with God. Well done Year 8 on two fantastic days.

Indigenous Immersion 2025

Each year, Kilbreda offers an opportunity to Year 10 students to voluntarily attend an Indigenous Immersion Camp at Saltbush Balnarring in conjunction with St Bede’s College students and staff. This year we had 13 Kilbreda and 7 St Bede’s students. The program for the three days focuses on deep cultural understanding, learning and communication with indigenous leaders and country. This year we were blessed to have Willie Pepper, Community Relations Manager for the BoonWurrung Land and Sea Council of Victoria, join us to lead certain aspects. Time was spent on activities, walking and learning on country, yarning with Willie and learning about historical and current issues around reconciliation.

Both our and the St Bede’s students are to be commended for their participation and genuine desire to learn from and walk with Indigenous people. Special thanks to Dave McKail and Trish Fiore for helping to organise and facilitate such a wonderful experience.

We look forward to our College Foundation Mass marking 121 years since the foundation of Kilbreda and so we pray:

Loving God,
As we celebrate 121 years since the foundation of Kilbreda College,
we give thanks for the vision and dedication of the Brigidine Sisters
and all who have nurtured this community over generations.

May we always be filled with a sense of gratitude, unity, and renewed purpose.
Inspire us to continue walking in the footsteps of St Brigid, with compassion, courage, and a heart for justice.

Bless our students, families, and staff as we carry forward this legacy.

Amen.

John Riddle

Director of Catholic Identity and Mission

Head of Counselling Services