From the Principal

Our Gospel for the week just past is one of my personal favourites:

 

“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13, 31-35

 

Whilst Jesus was on earth he spent the short years of his ministry preaching to people of the time, a new understanding of God; a God who was loving, who forgave our imperfections and who desired us all to simply strive to better versions of ourselves. This message is one we continue to need to hear as our world seems determined to continue to engage in conflict and violence, despite all learnings from the past. Jesus' exhortation to us is so simple; if we act toward each other with the same love in our hearts that God has for us then we cannot go wrong. 

 

Last week our staff gathered at a staff meeting to engage with, and reflect upon, the Kildare Ministries Trustee Satatement, Walking in Solidarity. A Gender Inclusivity Statement from the Trustees of Kildare Ministries. The full text of the statement is included below. As a staff we reflected upon our values, with particular reference to this being our year of compassion. Alongside this we navigated a complex conversation about how hopitality, courage, hope, wonder and justice (our other core values) must inform our work and the ways in which we welcome and embrace all, in the knowledge that every person in our community has been created in the image and likeness of God. Knowledge of these magnificent values, this fundamental belief, and indeed, informed by the Gospel from last week, we talked together about how we can ensure that each and every individual who forms part of our diverse community, is to be welcomed and celebrated for their uniqueness. We are proud members of the Kildare Ministries family and staff enthusiastically reflected on the ways we can ensure every person who forms our rich community is safe in the knowledge that they are loved and their individuality is inherently respected. 

 

Very sadly we bid farewell this week to a face that will be familiar to you all.  Petrina Trajer has been the face of Killester for 7 years; she is the person who offers our students comfort when they feel sick, finds their lost property, ensures they have lunch, greets them at the start and end of the day and overwhelmingly makes sure that they experience Killester in a positive way. Our parents have been blessed to have Petrina answer their calls or greet them at the front door, to reassure them when they worry or provide valuable information. All staff will miss her friendly and efficient manner, her warmth and good humour but most importantly the fact that she always puts the care, concern and safety of our students as her number one priority. Petrina will be greatly missed by all in our community and we wish her the very best of luck as she starts a new and exciting chapter of her life. 

Petrina as 'Queen' on her second last day at the College
Petrina as 'Queen' on her second last day at the College

We had a marvellous day at the House Athletics last Thursday; students enthusiastically competed for their House under cloudy skies but we were rewarded with a day almost completely free of rain. Congratulations to Romero who took out the 2022 House Cup but congratulations are extended to all students who behaved exceptionally well on a fun day out. My thanks are extended to all staff who give up their precious time at training and in the organisation of events such as these.

Sally Buick

Principal

Walking in Solidarity. A Gender Inclusivity Statement from the Trustees of Kildare Ministries

We welcome and encourage everyone to participate freely and fully in the life of their Kildare Ministries community. Enjoying friendships, learning and growth are key parts of the life of our community. 

 

We firmly believe in and value the goodness, complexity, and inherent dignity of every person. Human diversity is part of the design and wonder of creation. 

 

Kildare Ministries acknowledges that each person’s gender identity and gender expression can be separate, non-binary and fluid. Within a broad spectrum, LGBTQIA+ people use a variety of terms to identify themselves and these terms should be listened for and respected. 

 

Kildare Ministries also acknowledges that sexual orientation covers a broad spectrum and can also be fluid. 

 

Gender identification, gender expression and sexual orientation represent some aspects of each person’s identity. There are also many other intersecting aspects of identity such as race, ethnicity, and religion. We support the right of people to express their whole identity without fear of bullying, judgement, reprisal, or discrimination. 

 

All should be heard and feel included and to this end we commit to fostering safe communities, safe dialogue, and relationships characterised by trust and respect. 

 

We accept the challenge to be understanding and compassionate to all.