On Wednesday 1 February, the Year 7 students embarked on an exciting new learning journey, the beginning of secondary school. To start the day, students spent time becoming familiar with the core values of the College, expectations, and the 2023 year level theme, Belonging, and the College theme, Courage.

At the College, young people are encouraged to be in touch with their own emotions, show empathy and listen. Our College motto is Strength and Kindliness and the students were encouraged to start showing both of those qualities by introducing themselves to people, asking others to join their group, right from the beginning, being the friend they would like to have.

Courage

Courage is one of the core values of the College – speaking and acting with integrity. During our Year 7 level Assembly students watched Piper. The story focuses on courage and perseverance. A flock of sandpipers are hunting for food at a seashore by searching for bivalves exposed by receding waves and running away frantically when the wave returns. A baby (named Piper) is taken to the shoreline by her mother so she can learn how to find her own food. However, she fails to pull away in time and is soaked by the incoming surf. The incident leaves Piper terrified of the water and she refuses to leave the nest.

Soon, she is compelled to return to the shoreline by her hunger and notices a hermit crab digging in the sand. While she is watching the crab, a large wave comes in and submerges her. However, this time the crab tells Piper to open her eyes, allowing her to see large bivalves exposed by the wave. Excited, Piper overcomes her fear of water and learns how to catch the large bivalves when they are exposed underwater, catching enough to feed her entire flock. The students then reflected on the courage they have shown whilst starting secondary school.

Students completed their Hope Card activity, in which they were asked to reflect on their hopes and dreams during their Kilbreda journey. Parents were invited to share their hopes for their child during their Kilbreda journey. These cards will be offered during our Year 7 Welcome Mass this evening.

Kilbreda College is a school steeped in rich tradition. Over the next few weeks students will hear about Kilbreda’s story, Mentone’s history and the challenges and experiences faced by the Brigidine sisters. They will learn about the courage shown by Mother Mary Burke, Daniel Delany, Nano Nagle and the Brigidine Sisters who questioned their world, to rearrange, find solutions and look at the big picture!

On Friday 3 February, students took part in the Selmer Music Survey under the guidance of Learning Leader: Performing Arts – Music, Ms Kara-Lee Rabbetts and heard about the wonderful opportunities available in both the Creative Arts and Music Departments this year.

The students were encouraged to get involved in the many opportunities offered throughout the year at the College, Debating, Clubs, Social Justice, Sustainability, a variety of sporting activities and competitions just to name a few!

Once again, we thank parents and carers for entrusting us to provide your child with quality learning experiences. We look forward to working alongside you over the next six years to ensure that they continue to develop a passion for learning and those essential social and emotional skills that will allow them to navigate their way through the complexities of life. We are committed to fostering a learning environment where all students feel they belong and are valued.

Leah Cristiano
Level Leader: Year 7