World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.

Research shows that physical activity is good for mental health. At lunchtime last Thursday there were activities held on the oval – it was great to see students getting involved!

Community Awards

At our Term 4 Assembly, we presented the following prestigious College awards to students who had been nominated by their peers and staff for making significant contributions to the life of Kilbreda College over past years.

Mother Margaret Mary Bourke Award

This award is presented in memory of past Principal, Mother Margaret Mary Bourke to a Year 12 student who has participated in a wide range of activities, achieved excellent results in her academic endeavours and involved herself in community service activities.

The award recipients – Gabrielle Smyth and Madison Hong

Sister Mary Dalton Award

This award is presented in memory of past Principal, Sister Mary Dalton, and recognises a Year 12 student who has displayed excellence in a particular field, a positive attitude, constantly strives to achieve her personal best and has committed to service within the College and the wider community. 

The award recipient – Alicia Noble

Michelle Bassett Memorial Award

Michelle Bassett was born with heart disease and suffered significant health problems in her short life.  Despite her illness, she persevered and with determination, she overcame many obstacles to achieve her VCE and graduate from Kilbreda College in 1994.  Unfortunately, Michelle lost her battle with heart disease and died soon after her 21^st birthday. This award is presented in Michelle’s honour and recognises a student with a determination to succeed, who perseveres when presented with difficulties and accepts all challenges head on. 

The award recipient – Madalene Bevis

Catherine Arlove Sports Award

This award is presented in recognition of Catherine Arlove, a Victorian Triple Olympian who completed her studies at the College in 1988. The recipient is a Year 12 student who has represented the College in the greatest number of sporting activities over her time at the College. 

The award recipient – Jacinta Boyd

ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award

The ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award is presented to a student who demonstrates leadership and teamwork within both the school and the broader local community. At the same time, it recognises those who display strong values, such as doing one’s best, respect for others and “mateship,” characteristics that are integral to Australian society. 

The award recipient – Lola Martin

ADF Innovators Award

This award is presented to a Year 12 student who has demonstrated outstanding science and maths abilities. It highlights the value the Navy, Army and Air Force place on STEM skills and STEM career opportunities within defence. 

The award recipient – Mali Sullivan

The Caltex Best All-Rounder Award

This award recognises a student who has demonstrated the following seven key characteristics:

• Academic excellence across a range of subjects
• A positive attitude
• Exemplary personal conduct
• Outstanding leadership skill
• A willingness to serve and
• A commitment to the sporting, cultural and artistic life of the College.

The award recipient – Nyrie Bedikian

Community Spirit and Leadership Award

The award aims to recognise two students who serve as shining examples of leadership and inspiration to others, and who actively contribute not only within the school but also to the broader community. It symbolises the high regard and esteem in which the student is held by their peers, staff, and the wider community.

The award recipients – Brooke Corcoran and Alyssa Sheedy

Olympic Change Agent Award

This award recognises students who demonstrate the Olympic spirt – friendship, sportsmanship and striving for excellence – both on and off the playing field, through leadership and driving positive change in their school and local communities. 

The award recipients – Isla Teleky and Jacinta Boyd

Celebrating the Class of 2024

Over the coming week, we will celebrate a number of special occasions to commemorate the final days at school for the Class of 2024. Just as our lives are signposted by significant dates – birthdays, weddings, Christmas – so too are the symbolic events in the lives of a school journey: the Term 4 Year 12 Final Assembly, the Celebratory Breakfast, the Graduation Mass and Dinner and walking through the gates of our red brick school as a Kilbreda student for the final time. Such moments create a particular rhythm and a sense of belonging and identity amongst students. Just like the sound of our whole school community singing the ‘Hymn to St Brigid,’ this serves as a palpable reminder of our shared vision to be people of ‘Strength and Kindliness’.

We hold our Year 12 students and their families firmly in our prayers and in our thoughts and we wrap them up with lots and lots of love as they prepare to graduate from Kilbreda College. We thank the Class of 2024 for the small acts that have had a big impact on our community over the past six years. They have influenced many of the student-led initiatives that we have celebrated over the years. A few of our favourites included: Love Kilbreda Day, International Women’s Day activities, Clothes Swaps for Sustainability, Community Action breakfasts, R U Okay Day? initiatives, Performing Arts lunchtime concerts and so many other community events. The purpose of these initiatives is to always celebrate those who genuinely make Kilbreda so special in their own unique ways, whilst ensuring that our College values are deeply ingrained in our lives.

We wish the Class of 2024 all the very best for the final days of their Kilbreda journey. We look forward to collectively supporting them to the finish line.

2025 Homerooms and groups

Over the coming weeks, the College will finalise homerooms and core groups for 2025. As I am sure you can imagine, this is a very complex process, and many factors are taken into consideration when allocating students to specific classes. Our Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching, Level Leaders, Learning Diversity staff and relevant teaching staff spend a great deal of time working through this process. If there are any specific educational grounds which you believe may be relevant to this process, of which the school is not already aware, please contact your relevant level leader. Please note, that parent requests relating to friendship groups, classes and teachers, cannot be considered in this process. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Parent Information

Dr Justin Coulson is an author, co-host and founder of happyfamilies.com.au He holds a PhD in psychology and is one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts. He will be holding an online presentation for parents on:

8.00pm Tuesday 29 October:  Tweens, Teens and Screens – A Presentation for High School Parents

(As part of the session at 7.00pm there is a focus on the same topic for primary school parents – “Unplug Childhood”)

For more information https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.ac-page.com/parents-answers-with-justin-the-screen-smart-series

A recording of the event will be available for 14 days after the event.

Jane Delahunty

Acting Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement