Next week we will celebrate International Women’s Day with our annual breakfast being held on Tuesday 5 March. We are delighted to have past pupil, Onella Muralidharan (Class of 2016) as our guest speaker. Onella is an Interior Designer and Model who, since winning the 2021 Unsigned Model Competition, has fast become one of the most recognised faces in Australian fashion and beauty media. Onella chooses to utilise her position as a Curve model to further drive messages of acceptance, body positivity and mental health wellness.

International Women’s Day provides us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on the substantial inroads made globally in the pursuit of gender equality over the past 50 years, while also raising awareness around the 2024 UN theme “Count her in. Invest in women. Accelerate progress.” At Kilbreda, we fully embrace this theme, recognizing the transformative power of investing in the education, growth, and success of women and girls, not only for their benefit but for the betterment of society as a whole. This theme also resonates deeply with our mission as we remain committed to providing a rich array of opportunities for our students to discover and nurture their talents, fostering an environment that empowers them to flourish in all aspects of their lives.

The recent House Swimming Sports held on Monday 26 February was a resounding success, with an impressive participation rate that not only showcased the athletic prowess of our students but also displayed a colourful array of House Spirit. It was a joy to witness the enthusiasm and unity within our school community on full display.

The Year 9 Bridges Camp and Duke of Edinburgh practice hikes held last week provided a unique and transformative opportunity for our students to connect with the land, deepen their understanding of indigenous culture, challenge themselves physically and build lasting bonds.

Next week our Year 12 students will spend three days on retreat at Rutherford Park which presents a unique opportunity for our students to engage in contemplation, rejuvenation, and a profound faith experience. This retreat aligns with our College mission of nurturing the spiritual growth and personal development of our students, fostering a deep connection with their faith and values.

These experiences underscore our commitment to providing a holistic education that goes beyond the classroom and supports the spiritual, social and emotional growth of our students.

World Day of Prayer – 1 March

The World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical Christian laywomen’s initiative. It is celebrated annually in over 170 countries on the first Friday of March each year. The movement aims to bring together women of various races, cultures and traditions in common Day of Prayer, as well as in closer fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year.

The artwork below by Artist Halima Aziz, represents three Palestinian women praying together in nature in a peaceful place.

Nicole Mangelsdorf
Principal