2024 – Hope: Bringing a Sense of Purpose

We have had a wonderful start to the 2024 school year, with students, staff and families already having so many opportunities to connect as a community. 2024 is the year of ‘Hope’ at the College and both students and staff are passionate about bringing a sense of purpose to all that they do.

To have hope is more than just wishful thinking. According to social science researchers at Arizona State University, having hope is harder work than we may think. Hope is a cognitive practice that involves the intentional act of setting goals and working toward them with purpose. 

John Parsi is the executive director of the Hope Center at Arizona State University and he states that, “Hope requires a person to take responsibility for their wants and desires and take action in working towards them.” Research has shown that students who demonstrate a hopeful disposition have better health and have greater capacity to tackle challenges.

How can parents and carers support young people to have hope in a world that can bring challenge and obstacles?

Step 1 – Take small steps for long-term success
Think about short-term goals for just today or this week and make a list of actions that need to be completed to accomplish those goals. Then, envision the larger, long-term goals and align how the short-term actions today will help achieve those bigger, broader goals they have for themselves.

Step 2 – Check in
If your child isn’t excited and enthusiastic about taking the next step in reaching their goals, odds are the goal needs to be adjusted.

Step 3 – Remember that hope takes practice

Having hope all the time can be really hard. There are times when we encounter setbacks or challenges that cause our hope to wobble. Refocusing on the small steps to get to the larger goals help to reset the purpose and vision

Step 4 – Foster a culture of hope
A community that supports and encourages one another can help to cultivate a culture of hope, among our young people and amongst other members of our community.

Check in with your child to see how they are going with their goals. Ask if there is any way that you can support them. Encourage them to check in with their friends and classmates, to provide encouragement and support to one another.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
Romans 15:13

Scholars of Distinction

It was fantastic to celebrate our Scholars of Distinction last week at our Term 1 College Assembly. We are proud of all our graduates and the young people they have become during their time at Kilbreda College. The entire Class of 2023 is to be congratulated for their commitment to their studies and their contributions to the community throughout their time at Kilbreda. The girls served as wonderful role models for younger students and have lived the Kilbreda motto of Strength and Kindliness.

It has been great to see some of the 2023 graduates already returning to the College, volunteering as Big Sisters to support the Year 7 students in their transition to Kilbreda and also sharing their experience of Year 12 with our current Year 12 cohort. We look forward to other opportunities to invite their participation as alumni.

VCE and VCE VM Parent Information Evening

Last Monday we held the VCE and VCE VM Parent Information evening. It was wonderful to see so many parents in attendance to gain a greater understanding of the structure of the VCE program and how to support their daughters through the senior years.

Please find below the slideshow from the evening for those who were unable to attend.

Jane Ward
Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching