Welcoming All

It has been a fabulous start to 2025!

The commencement of the 2025 school year at Kilbreda College has been full of fun and anticipation as students joyously reconnect, filling our hallways, classrooms, sporting fields and campus with the vibrant energy that defines our College community. It is always with a sense of joy that as staff we witness the lively chatter and enthusiastic greetings from our girls as they welcome each other and embrace the new academic year.

A pivotal moment in these early weeks was the celebration of our Opening College Eucharist on Thursday 6 February, a significant occasion in the Brigidine tradition, concelebrated by Bishop Tony Ireland and College Chaplain, Father Peter Matheson. The Mass held a profound message of welcome.

The school year kicked off with a myriad of activities designed explicitly to create a sense of belonging within our community. The Big Sister, Little Sister Program, led by remarkable graduates from the Class of 2024, has been instrumental in supporting Year 7 students as they make a smooth transition to Kilbreda, embodying the spirit of mentorship and sisterhood.

From the elegant Year 12 Formal to the heartwarming Year 7 Welcome Mass, our pastoral activities, and, of course, our Opening College Eucharist – each event has played a crucial role in uniting us as a community. These gatherings have provided opportunities for both individual and collective celebration, fostering a sense of unity that is essential for a thriving and supportive school environment.

In the midst of upcoming events, we urge everyone to prioritise self-care and wellbeing. Please take a moment to ensure you are nurturing your physical and emotional health, as a healthy community is a thriving community. Wishing each member of our school family continued success, joy and connection in the coming weeks. Take care and embrace the experiences that lie ahead.

Messages of Safety:

• Tuesday 11 February was Safer Internet Day – a great reminder to be smart and safe online. The eSafety Commission is all about helping young people stay secure while enjoying the internet, whether it’s for school, socialising or gaming. Remember to keep personal info private, be kind to others, and report anything that feels wrong. The internet is a powerful tool, but we all need to be careful and responsible to make it a better place for everyone.

• Mentone Station – Students are reminded of the requirements of using public transport and to tap on and off appropriately when using their Myki. Fare evasion can attract fines.

• Bike riding – Students who ride to school are reminded that it is a legal requirement to wear a helmet. It is also recommended that students do not wear audio devices when riding to improve awareness of their surroundings.

New wellbeing resource for Parents – SchoolTV available on PAM

SchoolTV is a wellbeing resource implemented at our school to help support you in the challenges of modern-day parenting, relating to youth mental health and wellbeing. Parenting is a learning journey and SchoolTV supports families by providing credible information from trusted sources with practical strategies to help alleviate some of the challenges being faced by young people today.

Watch video interviews with leading wellbeing specialists and browse a library of resources. Each topic is accompanied by factsheets, podcasts, books, articles, apps and other videos.

This award-winning resource helps families build relationships, foster connections, enable understanding and break down barriers to navigate a pathway towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people. It will assist you in starting those conversations on topics that can sometimes be awkward or difficult to tackle.

Parents and caregivers are the greatest influence on a young person’s life and SchoolTV focuses on empowering confident parenting.

Jane Delahunty

Acting Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement