“As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst.” – St Teresa of Calcutta

As we approach the final days of term, it is with deep gratitude and joy that we reflect on all that this Lenten season has brought to our community. Lent calls us to renewal – to prayer, self-denial and altruistic generosity – and in so many ways, our Kilbreda community has answered that call with remarkable enthusiasm and heart.

Project Compassion

Our Project Compassion campaign has been a truly inspiring expression of our core value of Justice this term. Through the generous contributions of students, families and staff – via Homeroom Project Compassion boxes and our dedicated Kilbreda donation QR codes – our community has demonstrated in real and practical terms what it means to see the face of Christ in those most in need. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a profound difference to the extraordinary work of Caritas Australia in communities across the world. Thank you to each and every person who has given so generously. A particular word of thanks to our Living Justice Leaders whose energy and vision have driven the campaign forward throughout the term.

We are not finished yet! In these final days of term, there are two wonderful opportunities remaining to contribute to our Project Compassion total.

TOTAL RAISED SO FAR = $1,096.40

TARGET = $5,000.00

Donate to Kilbreda’s Project Compassion total here or via the QR code below.

Easter Raffle and Bake Sale

Our Living Justice Leaders hosted a Bake Sale today. This was a wonderful and delicious way to support those most in need whilst enjoying some of the culinary talents of our community. Thank you to all who supported, either in donating baked goods or in purchasing.

We are also incredibly excited to announce our Easter Raffle, another initiative coordinated by our amazing Living Justice Leaders. Tickets will be available very soon and we encourage all students and families to participate. Every ticket purchased goes directly to our Project Compassion total for Caritas Australia. It promises to be a wonderful way to mark the approach of Easter and to give generously at the same time. More details to follow.

Holy Week Assembly

On the final day of term, we will gather as a school community for our Holy Week Assembly. This is always one of the most beautiful and moving occasions in our school calendar. Our student leaders will guide us in prayer and reflection as we prepare to enter into the great mystery of Holy Week, the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a profound moment in our year and I encourage all students to enter into this time with open and prayerful hearts. A sincere word of thanks in advance to all of the students who have been working so hard in preparation and to the many staff who have supported them in this process.

Walk for Justice, Respect and Kindness – Palm Sunday, Sunday 29 March

In a wonderful expression of our 2026 focus on Justice, I warmly invite students and their families to join the annual Palm Sunday Walk for Justice, Respect and Kindness on Sunday 29 March. This year’s theme, Stronger Together, calls us to stand in solidarity with refugees and those seeking asylum

The program on the day is as follows: participants are invited to gather on Princes Bridge at 1pm with banners and placards, before walking together to the Lower Terrace at Birrarung Marr at 1.30pm, where speakers and music will take place from 2.00pm to 3.30pm.

Students are most welcome to attend with their parents and families and should wear their Kilbreda College summer uniform. For any student wishing to attend without a parent or guardian, please contact me directly and I will add you to the school excursion. We will be departing from Mentone Railway Station on Sunday 29 March at 11.30am to make our way into the city together.

Please see the attached flyer for further details. I hope to see as many of our community there as possible. What a powerful witness of justice, respect and kindness to carry with us into Easter.

As we stand at the threshold of Holy Week, may the spirit of St Brigid, who herself lived a life of constant prayer, sacrifice and courageous justice, inspire us in these final days of Lent. May we use this sacred time well: to be generous, to be prayerful and to continue to see the face of Christ in all those we encounter, especially the most vulnerable.

We wish our entire community a holy and blessed Easter. May the joy and hope of the Resurrection fill your homes with peace and may you return to us in Term 2 refreshed and renewed.

Loving God,

As we conclude this Lenten journey and enter into the mystery of Holy Week,

may we hold close the sacrifice and love of your Son.

May the generosity of our community be a sign of hope to those who are suffering far away and close to home.

Through the example of St Brigid, may we continue to act with justice, love deeply, and stand with all who are most in need.

We pray this Easter brings renewal and joy to every family in our community.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

John Riddle

Director of Catholic Identity and Mission