It is with a lot of anticipation that we saw the return of our students last week, as well as all of the excited (but nervous!) faces of our brand-new Year 7 students. We also have a number of students that are new to the Kolbe community in Years 8 to 12, and we would like to extend a warm welcome to them and their families too; we are so very glad that you have joined us.
Starting a new school year can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but, as you enter a new chapter of your academic journey, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Take advantage of this fresh start to make new connections and stay open-minded to the possibilities of friendships beyond what you expect. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to new people and strike up conversations in social settings or extracurricular activities. Building connections takes time and effort, but the rewards can be immeasurable. Remember to be genuine, kind, and open to different perspectives. By taking the initiative to reach out and connect with others, you’ll not only expand your social circle but also deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you. For our returning students I would like to encourage you to offer a friendly smile to a new face, or perhaps include someone new during break times; it could make the world of difference to someone’s day!
At Kolbe our Kinship Vision is to be able to build a sense of belonging by developing positive identity, creating meaningful connections, and promoting and supporting wellbeing. For all of our new families I would like to introduce our Wellbeing Team who are focused on supporting our students in the community. The team is composed of myself, Mrs Jenefer Wiltschut, as Head of Wellbeing, Mrs Kilian Buffier, Care and Intervention Coordinator and our two school psychologists, Mrs Amanda Smith and Mrs Niketa Durack. Together with our staff, students and parents we will help to build a positive learning environment that is fostered by positive relationships, respect, and inclusion.