Embracing Seasons of Growth, Gratitude and Remembrance

As we move through this final stretch of the school year, there is a palpable sense of purpose and gratitude across our community. These past weeks have reminded us of the many ways our students, staff and families bring life to our College motto of Strength and Kindliness, through learning, service and connection. From our graduating Class of 2025 preparing for their final examinations, to our Year 9 students proudly sharing their learning journeys, to our teachers being honoured on World Teachers’ Day, each moment reflects the vibrant heart of Kilbreda.

Our graduating Class of 2025 have entered one of the most significant seasons in their Kilbreda journey, a time that blends celebration, reflection and deep focus. Following our beautiful Graduation Mass at St Patrick’s Mentone and the Valedictory Dinner at Leonda By The Yarra, the rhythm of school life has shifted. The girls now find themselves immersed in the VCAA examination period, a defining moment where dedication, discipline and determination come to the fore. Across classrooms and study spaces, there is a quiet hum of purpose as students revise notes, refine essays, test formulas and seek feedback from their teachers. This is learning at its most authentic, where curiosity meets perseverance and where years of growth and formation find their expression. At Kilbreda, we know that success in these moments is not measured by marks alone, but by the courage to keep showing up, the resilience to keep striving and the grace to support one another along the way. Under the thoughtful leadership of our College Co-Captains, Amelia Presnell and Charlotte Maclean, the Class of 2025 continue to inspire with their commitment, integrity and belief in themselves. As they navigate this final chapter, we hold them in our prayers, trusting that the knowledge, wisdom and kindness they have cultivated here will guide them confidently into the future.

On Tuesday evening, we gathered to celebrate our Year 9 students at the Celebration of Learning Evening – a wonderful event that reflected their energy, creativity and growth throughout the year. The Kildare Centre was alive with conversation and connection, as parents reconnected and students proudly shared their learning across the four BRIDGES units. It was inspiring to see the depth and diversity of their work, from beautifully crafted fashion pieces and vibrant landscape paintings to impressive Japanese and Italian language projects and fascinating science investigations into the nervous system. The displays from Food Technology were equally impressive, showcasing the students’ creativity and practical skills. Musical performances by Celeste Healy and Lucy Glynn added a special warmth to the evening, capturing the pride and excitement of our students and families. The night was a celebration not only of achievement but of growth, community, and the joy of learning together.

At Kilbreda College, we are blessed with teachers who are catalysts for change, educators who inspire curiosity, courage and confidence in every girl they teach. Each day, we witness their quiet yet profound impact as they guide students to embrace the challenges of adolescence, to ask brave questions and to believe deeply in their own potential. Their shared qualities are unmistakable: an unwavering belief in their students, a commitment to stretch and challenge them and a gift for awakening both intellect and spirit. As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day today, we pause to honour the extraordinary vocation of teaching and the immeasurable contribution our staff make to the life of Kilbreda. Teachers do far more than deliver lessons; they shape hearts, minds and futures. The legacy of a great school is written in the lives of those it forms, and at Kilbreda, that legacy shines brightly through the dedication, compassion and excellence of our teachers.

As we approach All Saints and All Souls Day, we are invited to pause and remember – to give thanks for those who have gone before us and whose love and faith continue to shape who we are today. In the quiet of prayer and reflection, may we hold in our hearts the students, families and staff who have walked the halls of Kilbreda, leaving behind a golden thread of hope and kindness that continues to weave through our story. May this time of remembrance inspire us to live each day with gratitude, purpose and gentleness of spirit, honouring those who have touched our lives with their light.

Stephanie Smyth

Principal