“Strength and Kindliness.” Do you feel those words resonating as we stand here at Kilbreda College? This independent Roman Catholic secondary day school for girls has stood proudly in Mentone since 1904. It all began with the Brigidine Sisters. They sought to create a place of learning and growth for young women.
Kilbreda College wasn’t always a school. Believe it or not, this site was once the Mentone Coffee Palace. It was a social hub in the late 1800s. Imagine ladies and gentlemen in their finest attire sipping coffee. The Royal Coffee Palace Company Limited built it. It opened its doors in November 1887. The Coffee Palace faced tough times due to competition and economic downturn. By 1894, the Mercantile Bank of Australia took over. It was then known as Como House.
The Brigidine Sisters purchased the Coffee Palace in mid-July 1904. They paid £2,050. Considering the building’s actual cost was £25,500, excluding land, it was quite a deal. Archbishop Thomas Carr blessed the Brigidine Convent School on August 7, 1904. Classes started the very next day. The school initially had three pupils in the Convent School and 25 in St. Patrick’s Parish Primary.
The school’s name changed to Kilbreda College in the 1930s. Kilbreda comes from Gaelic. Cill means church or community. Breda means Brigid. So, Kilbreda signifies Church or Community of Saint Brigid.
Kilbreda College instills core values. Compassion, courage, hope, hospitality, justice, and wonder. These values shape college life. The school uses symbols like Brigid’s Cross. It represents St. Brigid’s teachings. The Oak Tree symbolizes St. Brigid’s monastery. The Lamp of Learning represents Christian faith. The School Badge incorporates Bishop Daniel Delany’s cross. He founded the Brigidine Sisters in 1807.
Kilbreda College is more than just classrooms. It’s a community. A place where young women are encouraged to grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially. The college challenges students to act with justice. It encourages them to achieve success. The school is governed by Kildare Ministries. Other related schools include Brigidine College and Clonard College.
Kilbreda has a rich history of principals. Mother Margaret Mary Murphy was the first. She served from 1904 to 1915. Nicole Mangelsdorf is the current principal. Kilbreda College offers many activities and support. Academic assistance. Arts programs. Career development. Spiritual guidance. Sports and more.
Many notable women attended Kilbreda College. Catherine Arlove, a three-time Olympian in judo. Mary-Anne Fahey, actress, comedian and writer. Marilyn Warren AC, former chief justice.
Kilbreda College continues to thrive. It adapts to the changing needs of its students. The college motto stands firm. “Strength and Kindliness.” A fitting description for this remarkable institution.