Wellbeing and Engagement
There have been so many victories – large and small – for our students this term, including:
- Our Year 7 students settling into secondary school, mastering the use of timetables and lockers, learning their way around the school and getting to know each other. The Year 7 Transition Camp was a joyous experience with students appreciating the opportunity to connect with each other in a less formal setting and dance up a storm on the final night. Our students nearly raised the roof of the Lord Somers Camp pavilion as they cheered their friends on.
- Participating in wonderful House Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. These whole school events provided pathways for our athletes and were fantastic opportunities for our students to show their House and School Spirit.
- Their willingness to serve our community through service. We have outstanding Student Leaders at the College who drive many fabulous student-led initiatives. This included our Love Kilbreda Day, International Women’s Day and Harmony Day celebrations, leading Project Compassion and College Liturgies, mentoring our Year 7 to 9 Kilbreda Dance Company (KDC) members, fulfilling the role of interns in the College Production, coordinating the VCE VM Fete and pancake stall, raising awareness of environmental issues and our waste management practices, and in their role as Student Ambassadors, promoting life at the College at our Open Mornings and Open Evening.
- The Year 12 Retreat and BRIDGES to Country Camp, in which our students took advantage of the opportunity to fully engage with social justice issues. This included importance of closing the gap for marginalised groups in society such as our First Nations people.
- Our Year 11 students making a smooth transition to their senior studies and their willingness to embrace equity in their friendship groups, Homerooms and as a year level.
- 40 Year 10 students volunteering to be Peer Support Leaders for our Year 7 students. It has been a privilege to lead their formation program and to witness first-hand their ability to walk beside each other with compassion and respect.
- 738 commendations being awarded this term in which staff acknowledged academic excellence, academic endeavour and commitment to living our College values.
- Their capacity to set goals and diligently strive to achieve them.
- Their willingness to embrace our College motto of Strength and Kindliness and come together as a community to be people of courage who speak and act with integrity.
- Their commitment to developing positive relationships and treat themselves and each other with compassion.
ANZAC Day Ceremony 2023 – Tuesday 25 April
As you are aware ANZAC Day is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It is a day when we stand and remember all of the brave men and women who have served, are serving and those forever in our thoughts and memories.
This ANZAC Day, the Mentone RSL sub-branch has warmly invited all members of our College community to attend their 2023 ANZAC Day March on Tuesday 25 April. The march will commence at 8.40am from the World War One Memorial Arch in Mentone Parade Park (at the rear of the Council Offices). This will be followed by the commemorative service at The Memorial Park, Mentone Parade (opposite Mentone Girls Grammar School).
We invite students and their families to join together with staff to march together, alongside various community groups, to the RSL for the ceremony. As a sign of respect for those who have served and are serving our country, we ask that all students participating in the march wear their full winter uniform, including their tie. We will meet at the World War One Memorial Arch at 8.20am and will then process together along with families along Mentone Parade to the Memorial Park.
Term 2 Uniform Expectations
Parents/carers are reminded that Term 2 includes the transition from summer to the winter uniform. Please be aware that the winter uniform can be worn from the start of Term 2 and becomes compulsory on Monday 1 May 2023. Prior to Monday 1 May, students can wear either the full summer uniform or full winter uniform but not a combination of both.
| Winter Skirt | Please check the length of the skirt and ensure it sits at the knee. Black tights are to be worn. |
| Winter Pants | Only the official College black pants sold by our uniform supplier which have the College crest on them may be worn. No other pants are permitted. |
| Tie | The cross-over tie is a compulsory component of the winter academic uniform and is to be worn at all times. Ties can be purchased from Student Reception for $17 or directly from Bob Stewart. |
| Blazer | The College blazer is to be always worn with the winter uniform when off campus. |
| PE Uniform | During Terms 2 and 3 the tracksuit jacket and tracksuit pants are to be worn as the outer garments with the Physical Education uniform when off campus. |
We appreciate your support on all issues related to uniform and appearance in general. Ensuring that your child wears the uniform correctly supports staff and other parents. When worn correctly, the uniform offers consistency in presentation and does justice to all students.
As always, we are grateful for the continued support of our community. Education is a team event, and as we strive to provide the best possible opportunities for every student to learn and grow, we value our partnership with parents and carers. It has been wonderful to connect with many of you throughout the course of this term at a range of community events and through our virtual Parent-Teacher interviews and to celebrate the successes of our uniquely individual and beautiful students and work with you when faced with challenges.
As we progress through Holy Week, with the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ being the pinnacle of our Catholic liturgical year, I hope that all our families take time to reflect on the significance and blessings of this season. I wish you all a blessed, safe and restful holiday period.
Stephanie Smyth
Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement