From the Principal

Celebrating the Class of 2024 and Commissioning the College Captains for 2025

On Thursday 17 October, the Kilbreda College community gathered for a truly special Term 4 assembly, where we celebrated the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2024 and officially commissioned our College Captains for 2025, Charlotte Maclean and Amelia Presnell. This momentous occasion marked both the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, as we reflected on the journey of our Year 12 students and looked ahead to the future with hope and excitement.

In my address, I shared how I was recently struck by the creativity of our students at the Visual Arts, Design and Technologies exhibition, and particularly Hannah Young’s nostalgic artwork depicting her younger self dreaming of the future. It reminded me of the dreams we all hold within us, and how the Class of 2024 has lived out those dreams throughout their journey at Kilbreda College.

Each year of their schooling has been marked by one of our core values, which have helped shape who they are and the legacy they leave behind.

Year 7 – Hospitality:

In Year 7, they embraced the spirit of hospitality, welcoming the Kilbreda community with open hearts. From braving the heat at camp to admiring the view from the tower, they learned that if you embrace Kilbreda, it will embrace you.

Year 8 – Justice:

Year 8 brought challenges as the world faced uncertainty. In the wake of bushfires and the onset of COVID-19, our students demonstrated justice by caring for those in need – whether through caring for younger siblings, reaching out to support friends from a distance, or participating in fundraising activities to raise awareness of the plight of refugees and asylum seekers.

Year 9 – Wonder:

Year 9 was a time of self-discovery and wonder. Even during lockdown, they faced challenges with curiosity and an open mind, finding joy in the little things and exploring new ideas, whether through Duke of Edinburgh hikes or adapting to remote learning.

Year 10 – Courage:

In Year 10, our students demonstrated courage by pushing themselves to explore new possibilities and discover their true passions. From recycled fashion projects to the Indigenous Immersion Camp, they stepped into leadership roles and took responsibility for making the world a better place.

Year 11 – Compassion:

Year 11 was guided by the principle of compassion. They lived out this value through actions – whether by dressing as minions on Brigidine Day or working with Yarrabah students each Thursday. Their care for others was woven into everything they did.

Year 12 – Hope:

Finally, Year 12 was a year of hope, where they dreamed big, set goals, and worked tirelessly to achieve them. Their hopes were reflected in everything they created, from the garments in the fashion show to their academic achievements and leadership contributions.

As we celebrated the Class of 2024, it is only fitting that we acknowledge and thank our outstanding 2024 College Captains, Alicia Noble and Lola Martin, for their exceptional leadership throughout this milestone 120th year of Kilbreda College. On behalf of the entire Kilbreda community, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Alicia and Lola for their dedication, vision, and passion, which have truly inspired us all. Their leadership has been marked by grace, strength, and an unwavering commitment to our school’s values.

Their courageous and compassionate leadership was beautifully demonstrated during Thursday’s assembly, where they delivered an inspiring address to the Kilbreda community. They reflected on the joys and triumphs of their journey, shared their hopes for our younger students, and thanked both the teaching and non-teaching staff for their unwavering commitment to providing the Class of 2024 with a quality education. Their words resonated deeply with all of us, and we are truly grateful for everything you have contributed to the college.

I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the entire Year 12 student leadership team. Their collective efforts have united our community and fostered a spirit of kindness, courage, and hope. Their leadership has not only shaped this year but has also left a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of Kilbreda students.

Our assembly was made even more special by the wonderful musical performances delivered by the talented Evie Hannan, Cara Honan, and Jessica Light, whose voices beautifully complemented this moment of celebration.

As we look ahead, we are excited to commission our 2025 College Captains, Charlotte Maclean and Amelia Presnell, who step into their roles with a sense of purpose and responsibility. We are confident they will lead Kilbreda with the same spirit of excellence and dedication that Alicia, Lola, and the Class of 2024 have embodied. This assembly was a celebration of past achievements and a powerful reminder of the endless possibilities that lie ahead. To the Class of 2024 – your journey has only just begun. You have the strength, compassion and courage to make a lasting impact on the world. Go forward with confidence and never stop dreaming.

Visual Arts, Design and Technologies Exhibition

The Visual Arts, Design and Technologies Exhibition held on Thursday 10 October, was a stunning showcase of the creative genius of our students. From the mesmerising media projects to the intricate visual communication and design work, every piece reflected the depth of talent and personal stories behind them. The exhibition featured superb artwork, innovative fashion, and even creative cakes that were as impressive as they were delicious. A true highlight of the evening was the fashion showcase, where 86 students proudly presented their showstopping corsets, dresses and environmentally conscious designs. The energy in the room was electric, as the audience’s support and encouragement lifted the spirits of the student models, who clearly relished the experience. The sense of community was palpable, with college ambassadors and hospitality students contributing their skills to make the evening a success. Congratulations to the Visual Arts, Design and Technologies Learning Areas for organising such an incredible event, and a heartfelt thank you to all staff who played a role in bringing this extraordinary celebration of creativity to life.