History:
When the Brigidine Sisters in Echuca were invited to found a school for girls in Mentone they would never have envisaged the changes and challenges ahead for St Brigid's school, later named Kilbreda College. The Brigidine's first Melbourne community and school opened on 7 August 1904. Founding Sisters Fidelis Callinan, Agnes O'Keane, Michael Shea, Ligouri Quinn and Margaret Mary Murphy were familiar with the area. Over the Christmas holidays they would escape Echuca's heat at Black Rock, and travel by horse-tram to Mentone for Mass.
The historic Mentone Coffee Palace, built in the land boom of the 1880s and closed in the financial crash of the 1890s, was secured by a deposit placed on it by a friend of the Brigidines, James McGuffie. It enabled the extraordinary purchase of the Mentone landmark for 2050 pounds, and the establishment of a new Brigidine community and school.
An indelible stamp was placed on Kilbreda by Mother Margaret Mary Bourke. During 38 formative years as principal, the name Kilbreda was officially adopted. Her Irish roots were reflected in this Gaelic name: Kil or Cill, 'church' or 'community'; Breda, 'Brigid'. This beautiful and challenging name – community of St Brigid, is complemented by the Brigidine motto, adopted from Bishop Daniel Delany: 'Strength and Kindliness'.
Description:
Kilbreda College is a foundation member of Kildare Ministries 2014. The College is one of seven Victorian / South Australian Colleges governed by the Kildare Education Ministries Board. Kilbreda maintains a distinctively Brigidine tradition where Christianity is lived out through core Gospel values and the motto of 'Strength and Kindliness'.
In partnership with families and the Kilbreda Brigidine Stewardship Council, we are committed to a rounded, dynamic education that empowers young women to learn together, and to be people of hope and compassion.
We value our girls' individuality and encourage leadership that is respectful of others' gifts. A high priority is placed on working cooperatively in teams.
In 2004 Kilbreda celebrated its Centenary of foundation. We will continue to build on a hundred years of wisdom, educating young women to value the Catholic heritage and discover a place for themselves in a changing world.
Kilbreda is a place of opportunity for all, where the words of Jesus are a reality:
'I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full'
John 10:10
Features: