Forming the Whole Person – Preparing for Life Beyond Our Gates

Educators have long spoken of the importance of forming the whole person, nurturing not only the intellect, but also the heart, the spirit and the capacity to live with meaning and purpose. In our time, this call has deepened. We are preparing young people for a world that is global, interconnected and shaped by rapid technological change.

At Kilbreda College, we speak of this as preparing our students for life beyond our gates. It is a responsibility we hold with both humility and conviction, for we know that our young people will go on to shape communities, contribute to society and lead with courage and compassion.

Over the past fortnight, this vision has been brought to life in rich and diverse ways.

Our students immersed themselves in the world of innovation and creativity through the STEM LEGOMasters challenge, where collaboration, problem-solving and imagination were on full display.

In a different setting, our VET Sport and Recreation students are embracing both challenge and camaraderie during their Bike Camp – an experience that calls for resilience, teamwork and a deep sense of personal achievement.

As a community, we gathered for our Harmony Day Liturgy, a moment of prayerful reflection on what it means to be an inclusive and welcoming school. It was a powerful reminder that our diversity is a gift, and that each person has a place and a voice within our shared story.

Our students also demonstrated their commitment to justice through the Lip Sync Battle, raising funds for Project Compassion with great enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. There was joy, laughter, and a profound sense that even small acts, offered together, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

The House Swimming Carnival was another highlight – a vibrant expression of house spirit, encouragement and belonging. It was heartening to witness students cheering one another on, celebrating effort and participation, and embracing the simple joy of being together.

The creative and performing arts continue to flourish within our community. Our Year 8 and Year 9 Drama performances were a delight, rich with energy, courage and imagination. It takes great bravery to step onto a stage, and our students did so with confidence and authenticity. Alongside this, our musicians continue to persist in their craft, giving generously of their time and talent to deliver performances that are, quite simply, magical. Their commitment reminds us that excellence is so often born of quiet dedication and sustained effort.

We also celebrate the intellectual courage and eloquence of our Debating Team. Congratulations to our B Grade team, Jayda S, Grace W and Annie B, on their well-deserved win on the negative side of the secret topic: “That all visitors should pay entry fees to Victorian tourist attractions such as the Twelve Apostles, the State Library of Victoria and the Victoria Market.” To win by a single point speaks to the strength of their reasoning, teamwork and composure. Well done.

We take great pride in the individual achievements of our students:

• Verity W (Year 11), who has been invited to present at Parliament House, building on her work with the I Can Network in 2025 – a remarkable example of advocacy, leadership and voice.
• Neve H and Zara T (both Year 11), selected to represent Victoria at the upcoming Hockey National Championships in Tasmania.
• Matilda H (Year 11), selected to represent Victoria at the National Track and Field Championships in Brisbane.

We also congratulate Tahlia R (Year 12), whose work “1950’s Grace Kelly Inspired Garment” was awarded Highly Commended at the Catholic Education Week Art Exhibition.

As we look ahead, we wish our Year 11 students travelling to Central Australia every blessing for their upcoming adventure. May this experience deepen their understanding of our country, strengthen their connections with one another, and open their hearts to the richness of story, culture and place.

Each of these moments – whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, on the stage, or in the quiet pursuit of personal excellence – forms part of the rich tapestry of life at Kilbreda. Each represents a thread in the golden story our students are continuing to weave.

This Sunday, we mark the commencement of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Church’s year. It is a time that invites us to pause, to reflect and to walk more deeply in the story of hope, sacrifice and renewal. In the midst of our busy lives, may we find moments of stillness and may we be reminded of the call to live with compassion, courage and love.

May we continue, together, to form young women of Strength and Kindliness – ready not only for life beyond our gates, but to be a light in the world.

I wish all members of our community and their families a safe, restful and joy-filled Easter.

Vale Peter Wicks

It is with sadness that we share the passing of former Kilbreda College teacher, Peter Wicks, who served our community with dedication from 2002 to 2017.

Peter’s contribution to the life of the College is remembered with deep gratitude. Through his commitment to his students and colleagues, he helped shape the story of Kilbreda in meaningful and lasting ways.

We hold Peter, and all who loved him, in our thoughts and prayers at this time. May he rest in the peace of Christ, and may his legacy continue to live on in the lives he touched.

Easter Prayer

God of new life,
as we journey through Holy Week into the joy of Easter,
renew our hearts with hope.

May we recognise Your presence in moments of stillness,
in acts of kindness,
and in the quiet strength of one another.

Bless our students and families with peace,
fill our homes with love,
and guide us to be people of compassion, courage and light in the world.

May the risen Christ walk with us always.
Amen.

Stephanie Smyth

Principal