A Cup of Kindness and the Power of Friendship

At Kilbreda, we believe that friendship is a skill worth investing in. That’s why we’re committed to helping our students build meaningful, healthy relationships that support their wellbeing and growth. Here are some key lessons we’re sharing with students – and with you, our parent community.

What Every Teen Girl Should Know About Friendship

Friends Serve Many Purposes
From laughter and companionship to deep conversations and emotional support, friendships come in many forms. Helping girls understand that different friends meet different needs allows them to build more balanced and fulfilling connections.

• Authenticity Beats Popularity
  In a world where peer validation can feel like everything, it’s vital to remind our girls that being liked isn’t the same as being known. True friendships are built on honesty and mutual respect – not on likes, followers or fitting in.
• Boundaries are Brave
  In today’s digital age, oversharing is common. Teaching girls to set boundaries – online and offline – helps them protect their emotional space and choose who gets access to their inner world.
• Conflict is Normal
  Social media often paints a picture of perfect friendships, but real relationships include disagreements. Learning to navigate conflict with kindness and clarity is a powerful life skill.
• Seek Real Connection
  Adolescence is a time when peers become central. Encouraging girls to seek out friendships where they can truly be themselves helps them avoid the trap of superficial popularity.
• Recognise Relational Aggression
  The so-called “mean girl” behaviour – exclusion, gossip, manipulation – can be deeply damaging. We’re working to help students identify and respond to relational aggression with empathy, assertiveness and support.
• Resilience Matters
  When friendship challenges arise, our role is to empower – not panic. Listening, validating and keeping home life steady can help girls bounce back stronger.
• Friendship Can Be Taught
  Through programs like URSTRONG’s Friendology, we’re giving students the tools to communicate effectively, resolve conflict and build positive relationships. This shared language helps create a culture of kindness and emotional wellbeing across our school.

As childhood psychologists often remind us, the ability to make, keep and grow friendships is one of the strongest predictors of lifelong wellbeing. A rich repertoire of friends isn’t just a social asset – it’s a sign your child is thriving.

Join Us: “A Cup of Kindness with Sister Lia”

To support our Year 7 families in this journey, we’re thrilled to invite you to our special breakfast series, A Cup of Kindness with Sister Lia. These mornings offer a chance to connect with other parents, hear inspiring stories from Kilbreda’s rich history, and learn more about our vision for the future from our newly appointed Principal, Ms Stephanie Smyth.

Sister Lia’s warmth and wisdom bring Kilbreda’s legacy to life, reminding us that kindness, community and connection are timeless values. We hope you’ll join us for coffee, conversation and a shared commitment to helping our girls flourish – both academically and socially.

Booking links are below.

Homerooms 7.70 and 7.71 https://events.humanitix.com/year-7-breakfast-2025

Homerooms 7.72, 7.73 and 7.76 https://events.humanitix.com/year-7-breakfast-2025-hr-7-72-7-73-7-76

Homerooms 7.74 and 7.75 https://events.humanitix.com/year-7-breakfast-2025-hr-7-74-7-75

Leah Cristiano

Level Leader: Year 7