After a very busy and enriching first semester, the routine of classes is very apparent in Year 7. Learning, both within and beyond the classroom, continues to be rewarding for all students who are prepared to face each challenge with enthusiasm and hope.

Year 7 students must be congratulated on their active participation at the College. It has been so rewarding to watch friendships flourish and students gain confidence. Many students have attended the College production auditions, joined the Kilbreda Chorale, signed up to learn an instrument and may be contemplating trying out for various upcoming sports.

Positive Psychology

At the College, there is a deep and active commitment to each student’s wellbeing. Our school policies, programs, structures and curriculum, in fact, all our undertakings, are student-centered. During pastoral time this term, Year 7 students focused on the importance of a Positive Psychology based on the PERMAH model, which focuses on character strengths and behaviours, allowing students to build a life of meaning and purpose; to move beyond surviving to flourishing. Such an environment affords all students experiences of connectedness, a sense of belonging, engagement and positive, respectful relationships with peers and teachers.

We believe that positive relationships lie at the heart of learning, and for children to be ready to learn, they must first feel happy and secure. How to have a good relationship with others, how to form positive and life-giving relationships and how to resolve conflict is part of what each person must learn to live rich, hope-filled and rewarding lives.

Mobile Phones

We ask that students do not contact parents during school hours. Mobile phones are not permitted during school hours. Phones must be on silent or turned off in school bags as soon as students arrive at school. Students are encouraged to inform a teacher if an issue should arise.

Social Media

The hyperconnected nature of our current environment means we are reminded of our challenges via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages leaving us feeling overwhelmed, stressed and anxious. Unfortunately, our brains have not evolved fast enough to adapt to this digital landscape. The combination of constant access to information and having little control over the situations presented, can be stressful. Adult carers are encouraged to check in with their children and be aware of what information they may have been exposed to. It may not necessarily be the information itself that is harmful, but rather their inability to process and understand. By providing children and young people with the skills and strategies to cope, we enable them to flourish and thrive, socially, emotionally and academically.

Adolescence is the transitional stage of development. The rate of this transition will vary depending on the individual and their gender. Setting boundaries, implementing consistent monitoring, and maintaining a strong and loving connection will help families adjust during this time. The role of parents is to prepare children for independence. That involves the guiding values such as kindness, fairness, courage, patience and honesty. Growing up is a lifelong task.

You Can Sit with Me Program

As part of the transition program at Year 7 we are introducing the ‘You Can Sit With Me” program.

Ambassadors are trained what to do and say if someone comes to sit with them by asking “Are you ok?” At no time does the ambassador need to offer advice nor intervene in the problem, rather offering a safe place to sit and referring them to a teacher if they feel they need help.

At the start of next term, Year 7 students will be invited to apply for this leadership position. Seven students will be selected for the remaining terms. The successful applicants will be chosen based on the compassion and kindness they show to others as we believe this is an example of true leadership.

Homeroom Morning Teas

The Year 7 Homeroom Morning Teas are an ongoing initiative to promote a sense of community and connectedness amongst our Year 7 students. These informal gatherings provide a valuable opportunity for students to socialise, interact and form friendships with their classmates, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment within the College.

Additionally, the Morning Teas aim to strengthen bonds between staff and students and to open conversations about our rich history and the Brigidine tradition with staff member, Sister Lia.

Leah Cristiano
Level Leader: Year 7

Year 7 Family Trivia Night

All Year 7 families are invited for some trivia fun and games while enjoying good company! 

Enjoy many hilarious rounds of Kahoot! with our popular trivia host, Allen Dickson, supported by our Year 12 Student Leaders.

BYO drinks (non-alcoholic) and snacks. Tea/coffee provided.

Friday 28 July from 6pm to 9pm in the Mary Dalton Hall

Tickets
$15 adults
$10 students

There will also be a silent auction, with all proceeds going towards Saltbush Balnarring – a Kildare Ministries charitable organisation that exists to enrich the lives of people experiencing hardship by providing a peaceful environment for rest, play, growth and connection.

Year 7 Family Survey

A reminder to all families to complete the Year 7 Family Survey that was recently sent out to everyone. Having been part of our Kilbreda College community for almost a semester now, we value your feedback on your daughter’s time at the College.

A short survey can be found by clicking on the link below. It is expected to take about 8 minutes to complete.

Thank you very much for taking the time to provide your insights and for all the support you have given to your daughters this year. The survey will be open until Friday 23 June.

Thank you also to those families that have already completed the survey.

Andrea Halliday
Director of Development and Community Relations