We commenced Term 2 with a professional learning day for staff on Monday 24 April the focus of which was “Building Communities of Wellbeing and Engagement”. Before commencing our learning for the day, we gathered in prayer as a staff for an Easter Liturgy to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and light our Paschal Candle. The Paschal Candle is one of the most important symbols of Easter and is used to symbolise the light of Christ and his resurrection.

This year, the Christian celebration of Easter, Jewish celebration of Passover and the observation of Ramadan by Muslims overlapped, which only occurs about every 30 years. In recognition and celebration of this and the diversity of our community, staff shared their family and community customs in relation to Passover and Ramadan during our liturgy.  While the period we commonly refer to as Easter has passed it is important to remember that we remain in the Easter season until Pentecost Sunday which falls on 28 May.

When students returned on Wednesday 26 April, we commenced the day with an ANZAC Day service to remember and honour the men and women who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. A ceramic poppy was placed in the lawn behind our Flagpole for each war and peacekeeping operation Australian armed forces have been involved in. The day prior, approximately 30 students together with many family members, joined Ms Smyth, Mrs Moloney and I for the ANZAC Day march and service at Mentone RSL. It was wonderful to see so many members of the Kilbreda community join together to remember those who have served and to pray for peace in our world. Sienna Koop, College Co-Captain, sang our National Anthem beautifully for all gathered to conclude the service.

This Saturday, we will celebrate the Past Pupils of Distinction Dinner at which we will acknowledge and celebrate past pupils who were nominated by members of the community not only for being successful in their chosen career but more importantly for having made a positive difference in the lives of others. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2021, we will celebrate the nominees from 2021 and 2023 at the dinner. Eight of the nominees, having been selected by the Stewardship Council and Past Pupils’ Network Committee, will be inducted as Past Pupils of Distinction. They are:

2023 inductees:

Fiona McCormack AM – Class of 1980
Vikki Petraitis – Class of 1983
Daniela Ruberto – Class of 1987
Sister Angela Ryan csb OAM – Class of 1955

2021 inductees:

Nola Barber OBE – Class of 1918
Natalie Holbery – Class of 1992
Doctor Jennifer Nielsen – Class of 1982
Jennifer Isaacs AM – Class of 1961

Each of these women have lived out the College motto of Strength and Kindliness and our core values of courage, compassion, hope, hospitality, justice and wonder. Each has made a significant difference in the lives of others through their profession and/or community service. We thank them for the positive difference they have made in our world and look forward to acknowledging this at the dinner.

I would like to extend my thanks to the Past Pupils’ Network Committee, chaired by Mrs Denise Leonard, for their commitment in leading our Past Pupils of Distinction program.

Gracious and loving God,
The cross of Christ is the sign of your desire for justice and peace for all.
Open our minds to your vision as we remember all who suffered through Australia and New Zealand’s involvement in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Grant all servicepersons who sacrificed health and life for the good of all, the gift of your deep peace.
May we who inherit the freedom for which they fought become instruments of your peace in our homes, workplaces and world.
We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen

We Pray For

We ask for your prayers for members of our community and their families who have recently lost loved ones:

Sister Marie O’Kelly csb
Past Staff and Past Pupil (Class of 1946)
See tribute in our ‘Archives Report’

Father of Vanessa Swanborough (Staff)

We pray that our loving God hold them both gently in the palm of His hand.

Nicole Mangelsdorf
Principal