At Kilbreda, we firmly believe in ‘welcoming all’ and creating an inclusive environment where diversity is not only respected but celebrated.  Celebrating Refugee Week, which extends from Sunday 16 June – Saturday 22 June, is one of the ways that we can reaffirm our commitment to welcoming refugees with open arms, supporting their integration, and advocating for policies that uphold their rights and dignity.

Refugee Week is an annual event in Australia which aims to promote greater awareness of refugees, the issues they face, and the contributions refugees are making to the Australian community. This year’s theme “Finding Freedom” – with a focus on family – encapsulates the profound journey of resilience, strength, and unity that defines the refugee experience.

As a school community, we gathered this week for a very moving liturgy which was led by some of our Year 11 students and our College Co-Captains. We reflected upon the many challenges faced by refugees who have been forced to flee their country, leaving everything they know and have behind, in search of safety.  Sofiia and Evie bravely shared their experience of being forced to flee their home country, the Ukraine, after the war broke out and travel to Australia leaving family members and friends behind.  Like so many others forced to flee their country, they expressed their gratitude for the welcome and support that they have received since their arrival in Australia.

Personal stories such as this remind us of how very fortunate we are here in Australia, and that there are millions of people around the world who do not enjoy the safety and security that we have.  The United Nations Refugee Agency reports that ‘at the at the end of 2023 there were 117.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order.’   While it might feel that there is little we can do to change this, we can embrace diversity, promote empathy, and stand in solidarity with refugees worldwide.

The Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project (BASP), which is part of Kildare Ministries, works tirelessly to support and advocate for asylum seekers and refugees in Australia.  Students and staff at Kilbreda are currently raising funds, collecting and making donations for BASP to support them in their work through a Winter Food Drive and by taking part in the Ration Challenge.

Approximately 70 of our Year 9 students, together with Ms Ward and Ms Fox are participating in the Ration Challenge this year with all money raised going directly to BASP.   We are incredibly proud of these students for taking up this challenge to support others and hope that all the community of students, staff and families will show their support by sponsoring them.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Frozen JR!

The Opening Night of Frozen JR was a wonderful success last night! A sold-out show, audience members delighted in the joy that our very talented students brought to the stage.

The storyline of Frozen JR encourages us to overcome fear and embrace courage, to be resilient, and to hold hope dearly to us; ultimately leading to transformation and growth. To deliver such an impressive performance, the students involved both on and off the stage, have committed themselves with exceptional dedication over many months of rehearsals.  They have shown courage by letting go of any fears or doubts they may have had and have believed in themselves and their abilities. 

Bringing to the stage a production such as this also requires the involvement and support of a significant number of staff.  Congratulations and thank you to Directors, Nicole Everett and Cara Mitchell, Musical Director, Kara-Lee Rabbetts and Lighting and Sound Manager, Matt Graham who are an extremely talented, dedicated and passionate team! They, together with all other members of the Production Team have helped create a highly professional musical theatre experience for students.

A prayer for Refugee Week

God of compassion and solidarity, you came among us through your Son Jesus who became a refugee and had no place to call his own.
Look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from war, danger, hunger and poverty.
Bless those who work to bring them relief, comfort, safety and dignity.

Open our hearts and minds to recognise the love and care you have for refugees and asylum seekers throughout the world. 

Give us compassion and courage to reach out to your daughters and sons so that we will commit ourselves to healing the pain, sorrow and anxiety of all those who suffer. 

Guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice peace and harmony. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

We Pray For

We ask for your prayers for members of our community and their families who have recently lost loved ones:

Thomas Stevens
Father of Louise Stevens (Staff), Father-in-Law of Meegan Stevens (Staff) and
Grandfather of Emma Stevens (Year 12)

We pray that our loving God hold him gently in the palm of His hand.

Nicole Mangelsdorf
Principal