Learning That Transforms

We are reminded of the much-loved picture book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Its refrain is simple yet profound: “We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it. Oh no, we’ve got to go through it.” This captures a deep truth about learning and about life. Growth rarely comes from avoiding the hard parts; it comes from stepping through them – through the challenges, the setbacks, the uncertainties and the surprising moments of discovery.

At Kilbreda, this is the story of our students every day. In their learning, they encounter experiences that test their resilience, stretch their imagination and invite them to grow in ways they never expected. Guided by the words of Jesus, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27), we are reminded that courage and faith are never far apart. Standing in the tradition of St Brigid and the Brigidine Sisters, we know that true leadership is always marked by strength and kindliness, hope and hospitality. Each day we seek to send clear signals to our young people: that they are capable, courageous, and called to shape a more just and hope-filled world.

Year 9 BRIDGES Camp

This spirit of courage and discovery was evident as our Year 9 students journeyed to Camp Jungai in the Rubicon Valley for their BRIDGES adventure. Sleeping under the stars, cooking meals, canoeing, tackling high ropes and walking in the quiet of the bush, they also engaged with the stories and traditions of Australia’s First Nations Peoples. Through challenge and reflection, the BRIDGES values: Building Resilience, Independence, Dependability, Generosity, Excellence and Self-esteem came to life, reminding students that the journey of growth is always one of faith, resilience, and community.

A Journey Back in Time

Our Year 8 students immersed themselves in history with Medieval Day, stepping back into the Middle Ages with the support of our dedicated Humanities staff and the Kryal Castle team. From apothecary experiments and calligraphy to medieval dance and a re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings, the day offered both joy and challenge. It showed once again that deep learning happens when knowledge is lived, embodied and shared in community.

Alongside this, students also joined with St Bede’s College for the annual Trivia Challenge, an opportunity not only for fun and competition but also to foster new connections, strengthen friendships and grow in confidence as they collaborated with peers. Experiences such as these remind us that learning is as much about relationships and belonging as it is about content, and that when students connect across schools, they expand their sense of community and possibility.

Learning in Performance and Practice

We also celebrated the creativity and commitment of our students through performance and practice. Our VCE VM students presented their I Learn, I Lead projects, demonstrating the maturity required to balance studies with the demands of VET and workplace learning. Our senior Music students displayed both courage and artistry in their exam performance programs, while our Year 8 and 9 dance and drama students lit up the stage with energy, imagination, and expression. Each of these moments reminded us that learning is not only about the acquisition of knowledge and skills, but about discovering one’s voice, building confidence, and sharing gifts generously with others.

Leadership for the Future

We are also guiding our aspirational Year 11 students through the process of electing the 2026 Year 12 Student Leadership Team. The calibre of nominations reflects their desire to serve, to inspire, and to continue the Brigidine tradition of leadership marked by faith, hope, justice and compassion.

Looking Ahead – Brigidine Day

As we look toward Brigidine Day on Friday 19 September, we prepare to gather as one united community to honour our founders, the Brigidine Sisters, whose vision and courage established a legacy that continues to inspire us more than 120 years on. Guided by the example of St Brigid, who saw Christ in every person, our celebration will be one of prayer, joy and service.

This year, our Brigidine Day fundraising will support Wellsprings for Women, a vital ministry that has been empowering and uplifting women for more than 30 years. Conceived as a place run by women for women, Wellsprings was launched on 22 July 1994 under the tireless leadership of Ann Halpin, whose vision was inspired by the age-old practice of women gathering at a well to talk, share stories and draw strength. Today, Wellsprings continues to embody the qualities of water including sustenance, resilience and life-giving force, nurturing women as they learn, share and empower one another to reach their full potential. In supporting Wellsprings, we walk faithfully in the footsteps of St Brigid, extending hospitality, justice and compassion to those most in need.

A Closing Blessing

As this term draws to a close, we give thanks for the many ways our students have grown in courage, kindness, and wisdom. We pray that the seeds planted through their experiences, in classrooms, on stage, on camp and in community, may continue to flourish in the weeks ahead.

May the spirit of Jesus, who calls us to “take courage and not be afraid,” be our constant guide.
May the example of St Brigid inspire us to see Christ in every person and to lead with strength and gentleness.  And may the love of God fill our community with hope, hospitality and joy as we look forward to gathering again in Term 4.

Stephanie Smyth

Principal