Watch Me – And Walk Beside Me

Dear Families,

There is a particular energy at Kilbreda as we begin Term 4. Summer uniforms, glorious sunshine and the joy of being together have brought a sense of possibility to these first weeks. Alongside the anticipation is an awareness that this term holds significant moments of completion, celebration and farewell.

At our Term 4 Assembly, I invited our students to consider two small words: Watch me. Within them is the courage to pursue a dream, to persevere when something is difficult and to step forward before we feel entirely ready. They also ask something of those watching: to recognise the effort, respect the aspiration and offer encouragement along the way.

Recent debate about the portrayal of women in sport has reminded us how readily appearance can overshadow skill, discipline and years of hard work. It raises questions for our young women about whose achievements we recognise, whose voices we hear and how we respond when someone’s contribution is diminished.

At Kilbreda, we want our students to know that their gifts and aspirations matter. We also want them to understand the responsibility they carry towards one another. Sisterhood asks us to speak with care, challenge messages that diminish women and celebrate another’s success generously. There is room for each young woman to shine.

I think of Emily G in Year 11, working hard in the gym as she recovers from two knee reconstructions, continuing to pursue her dream of being drafted to an AFL club. I think, too, of April O in Year 10, deeply committed to rehabilitating her foot following a significant injury, with her sights set on returning to the stage and dancing up a storm.

Watch me.

See the patient work of recovery. Notice the determination to keep going when progress is slow. Recognise the hope that sustains a young woman as she works towards something she loves. These moments speak powerfully of strength, and they call forth our kindliness: the encouragement, patience and companionship that help another persevere.

That courage was evident in a different form at last week’s Visual Arts, Design and Technologies Exhibition. It was a privilege to see the Mary Dalton Hall transformed into a gallery and to appreciate the ideas, experiences and questions that inspired our students’ work. Their creations invited us into stories of childhood wonder, cultural heritage, friendship, identity and care for our world.

The Year 12 Media short film screening offered another compelling expression of student voice. The Fashion Parade, hosted with confidence and warmth by our Year 12 Design and Technology Leaders, Eliza S and Grace F, was an exhilarating celebration of ingenuity and skill. Our Year 10–12 designers brought their ideas to life, while our models stepped onto the stage with courage and a wonderful spirit of encouragement for one another.

There was learning here for me, too. In preparing for the Fashion Parade, students spoke with me about an aspect of the evening they felt could be approached differently. They shared their concerns respectfully and offered thoughtful alternatives. Their insights strengthened our plans. I admired their courage and was reminded that honouring student voice means being willing to listen, reconsider and learn alongside our young people.

My sincere thanks to all staff who nurtured this work and created opportunities for our students to share so much of themselves with our community.

On Saturday, that sense of connection extended across generations as we welcomed past pupils from the Classes of 1966, 1986, 2006 and 2025. There was laughter, joy and much reminiscing as they toured the College, admired the work of our current students and climbed the Tower, recalling memories of spirited school days.

Once a Kilbreda girl, always a Kilbreda girl.

The affection with which our past pupils returned spoke of the enduring significance of belonging. I thank our Past Pupils’ Network for their leadership and care in tending the golden thread between past and present students.

Across the College, students continue to give themselves wholeheartedly to learning and community life. Our musicians are preparing for the end of year concert, our CGSAV Table Tennis and Softball players have enjoyed recent success, and our performing arts students are looking ahead to auditions for our 2027 production of Chicago. Our VCE Music, Dance, Drama and Language students are drawing on sustained preparation as they undertake their performance and oral examinations.

Each of these experiences asks students to practise, embrace feedback, collaborate and trust themselves enough to take the next step. This is the growth we value: young women becoming more discerning, independent and confident, while remaining attentive to those around them.

This fortnight, we have turned with particular affection towards the Graduating Class of 2026. Their return to their Year 7 Homerooms invited them to reconnect with those alongside whom they began their Kilbreda journey in 2021. Spirit Week has brought coloured ribbons, pigtails, memories of primary school days and the opening of retreat letters written to themselves. Amid the laughter, there is a growing awareness of all they have shared and all they are preparing to leave.

At our student Leaders’ Lunch, it was moving to hear Year 11 Leaders and staff reflect on the graduating students’ contribution. Their influence has been felt in the welcome offered to a younger student, the willingness to listen, the encouragement to participate and the care taken to ensure others belonged.

At our Term 4 Assembly, we celebrated these young women and the many ways they have enriched College life through music, productions, sport, social justice, STEM, languages and everyday acts of kindness. We honoured who they have become: young women capable of leading with compassion, integrity and quiet strength.

I offer particular thanks to our College Co-Captains, Elizabeth J and Leila T, and the entire 2026 student leadership team for their generous leadership, their commitment to inclusion and the warmth they have brought to our community.

As our graduating students prepare for what comes next, I hope they will carry the courage to say “Watch me,” and the compassion to turn towards another and say, “I am beside you.” May they recognise their capacity to shape a more just world and use their gifts and voices to make that world more welcoming for others.

We hold our Graduating Class of 2026, and our Year 11 students undertaking VCAA examinations, in our thoughts and prayers. May they approach this time with confidence and calm, trusting in their preparation and taking pride in how far they have come. May they know that the encouragement and prayers of their Kilbreda community go with them.

I look forward to sharing the celebrations of these coming weeks with many of you. Amid the busyness, may we find moments of stillness and grace, notice the good in each day and continue to walk beside one another with care.

With Strength and Kindliness,

Stephanie

Stephanie Smyth

Principal