Term 4 is now well underway and as always it was a joy to see our staff and students return safely from holidays, re-energised for the busy term ahead. Whilst most of our community were relaxing, our VCE Unit 3/4 students were undertaking practice examinations in preparation for their final VCAA exams. These trial examinations provide both an extremely valuable experience and feedback to students which can benefit their performance in their final examinations. In addition, our Unit 3/4 Italian, Japanese and Theatre Studies students have already completed their final oral and performance exams.

Over the last week we have gathered our Year 12 students together in their Year 7, 2017 homeroom groups for a celebratory morning tea. Mrs Moloney, their Level Leader in Year 7, and their Year 7 Homeroom Teacher were present, and the students were given their individual ‘time capsules’ which they prepared in Year 7.  It has been a joy to see the reactions of the Year 12’s as they opened their time capsules and revealed the long-forgotten content they had included in them. As I said to each group, it has been a privilege and a pleasure to journey with them over these last 6 years and we look forward to celebrating their final days at the College and their Graduation with them next week.

This is a significant milestone for our students and a time that can be filled with mixed emotions; the excitement of leaving secondary school, along with the fear of the unknown which can arise with this.  We trust our Year 12’s behaviour as they celebrate their graduation, will reflect the respect they have for themselves, their families, their peers and the community that has supported and encouraged them over many years.

Last night, approximately 200 people attended the opening of our Art and Design Exhibition which showcases the creative talents and learning of students in 2022 across our art and design subjects. Congratulations to everyone involved in what was an outstanding Opening Night that featured our Fashion Show which was opened by our VCE Unit 1/2 Dance class. Those gathered also enjoyed finger food prepared and served by our VCE-VET Hospitality students. Learning Leaders, Ms Sonya Hood and Ms Caaren Hulme, together with all of the teachers of students involved, are to be congratulated on what is a most impressive exhibition and wonderful opening night! If you were unable to attend last night, the exhibition is open tomorrow morning, Saturday 15 October, from 10.00am to 12.00pm.

And so, as our Year 12’s come to the end of their journey at Kilbreda, we keep them in our thoughts and prayers. May they act with strength and kindliness throughout their lives; inspired by the teachings of Christ, the courage and service of the Brigidine Sisters and the values of the College which have endeavoured to instil in them.

Loving God,

We pray for our Year 12 students as they near the end of their time at Kilbreda College.

We pray for all those who have taught them: that their care, dedication, love and support will provide the basis for a lifetime of the care of self, care for others and care of creation.

We pray that their family and friends will guide them in the weeks ahead, and we pray that you will share this journey with them and their life-long journey to come.

Amen.

Nicole Mangelsdorf

Principal