Welcome to the 2025 school year! I am excited to welcome back our students and to embrace this year’s theme of Hospitality – fostering a warm and inclusive environment for everyone in the Kilbreda College community.

Our teachers have returned with enthusiasm, eager to support students in their academic journey. They are committed to enhancing students’ understanding of key concepts and skills while also helping them develop the learning dispositions that will lead to continued success. Success in learning involves several factors: asking questions, engaging actively in classroom activities, completing assignments on time, and seeking clarification when needed. A willingness to take risks and tackle challenges head-on will also help students explore topics in greater depth.

As Dylan Wiliam, Emeritus Professor of Educational Assessment at the UCL Institute of Education, wisely said: “If a student knows what they need to do to improve, and experiences the success that comes from applying effort to self-determined goals, they create a positive cycle of confidence-building, growth mindset, and self-regulation, which fuels even more success.”

Kilbreda College also offers various opportunities for students to strengthen and consolidate their learning outside the classroom.

Homework and Catch-Up Club

Students are invited to attend Homework Club every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the College Library. Each Tuesday, Mrs Vanessa Swanborough, our Learning Diversity Mathematics teacher, will be available to support students with their mathematics work.

Senior Mathematics Support

Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 can access additional mathematics support on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the Library, where they will be assisted by Mr Brett Reidy.

English Hour of Power

VCE students enrolled in English Units 3 – 4 will have the opportunity to participate in a targeted program aimed at supporting their studies. This program will provide tailored assistance, helping students reinforce and extend their learning while refining study skills and exam techniques. The Hour of Power sessions will be offered once each cycle (Monday Day 1) and will be facilitated by experienced VCE English teachers. This will take place in the Library from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

VCE and VCE VM Parent Information Evening – 7.00pm Monday 17 February, Auditorium

We invite parents of Senior students to join us for the VCE/VCE VM Information Evening. This event will provide an overview of the academic journey ahead and cover the following topics:

• VCE/VCE VM Policies and Procedures: A detailed explanation of expectations, assessment requirements, and the structure of these pathways.
• Support for Senior Students: Learn about the resources available to help students succeed academically and personally in their final years.
• Progress to Date: A review of students’ progress so far, focusing on key milestones and what lies ahead.
• Q&A Session: An opportunity for parents and students to ask questions and address any concerns.

I look forward to meeting many of you at this session.

There is much to look forward to this year, and I am excited to work with the students to deepen their understanding of how they learn, problem solve, question and engage in their learning to achieve success.

Clare Kelly

Assistant Principal: Performance and Development