We asked Kilbreda College to describe how they have given expression to the theme of Justice - the Kildare Ministries Value for 2020. Members of their leadership team will be taking part in the Vinnies CEO Winter Sleepout on Thursday 18th of June.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is an annual event held across Australia to raise money for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of finding themselves without a safe place to call home. Every night more than 116,000 people, males and females of all ages, experience homelessness in Australia.

Both myself and other members of the Leadership Team will be sleeping overnight in our cars at the College to raise money for Vinnies to continue their vital not-for-profit services, which include the provision of food, accommodation, education, counselling, employment and health programs.

As a team, we have set ourselves the goal of raising $5,300 for Vinnies and hope that you will be able to support us in reaching, or even exceeding, this target. To sponsor the Kilbreda College Team and support the continuation of the wonderful work of Vinnies please click here: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/kilbredacollege

All donations directly assist people experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness, by:

funding new initiatives
ensuring existing homeless services, like food vans and emergency support, continue
expanding the reach of Vinnies existing programs to ensure every Australian can access accommodation, meals, and emergency assistance when they need it.

Nicole Mangelsdorf

Strategic Plan and Stewardship Council Governance

The beginning of the year saw the launch of Kilbreda’s new Strategic Plan 2020 – 2024, which is the culmination of much discussion and discernment by all staff, the Stewardship Council, and parent and student representatives. It is built upon Kilbreda’s achievements and proud history, and is guided by the College’s Vision, Mission and Values.

Five Strategic Intentions, each with underlying goals, outline the future direction of the College with a focus on continual improvement and innovation, as we strive to provide the knowledge, skills and experiences today’s students need to thrive in tomorrow’s world. It is a summary of the College’s priorities and aspirations for the next five years, to be achieved in partnership with our students, families, staff and the wider Kilbreda College community.

Kilbreda College Principal, Nicole Mangelsdorf and the Kilbreda College Stewardship Council (KCSC) are informed by the Strategic Plan for the direction, focus and work of the school. Nicole is supported by a strong and committed leadership team who also work closely with the Council to enact the College’s Vision, Mission and Values.

The Stewardship Council consists of an enthusiastic and dedicated team of nine members who bring a deep commitment to the College, its history and continued growth. Each brings unique skills and expertise to the Council. Members continuing from 2019 are:

Marcella Reiter – Marcella joined the Stewardship Council in 2018 and was appointed as Chairperson in 2019. She has been connected with Kilbreda since 1973, as a former student, teacher and parent. Marcella is the author and creator of the Magic Words. She is an experienced teacher, education consultant and psychologist.

Sr Angela Ryan – Angela holds the distinguished position of being a former student at Kilbreda, Principal (1981-1983 and 1996-1999) and now serves on both the Stewardship Council and Finance Committee as a representative of the Kildare Education Ministries Board.

Sr Lia Commadeur – Lia has worked at Kilbreda since 1992 and has faithfully served the Stewardship Council as Secretary for the past 27 years, linking nearly three decades of stability and continuity of service to the College and the Council.

Fiona Jackson – Fiona has a daughter in Year 10 at the College and is an independent literacy consultant who coaches in primary schools and has co-authored eight teaching resources for literacy.

John Mitchell – John has a daughter in Year 11 at the College and is a very experienced primary school teacher. He is the Head of Physical Education and Sport at St Louis De Montfort's School and also School Sport Victoria District Coordinator.

Dr Jo Raphael – Jo is a past pupil of Kilbreda and has two daughters who graduated from Kilbreda in 2014 and 2018. She is a Lecturer in Arts Education at Deakin University and Artistic Director of Fusion Theatre

In 2020, we have welcomed two new members to the Council:

Sharon Armstrong - Sharon has a daughter in Year 8 at the College and is a Learning Consultant at Catholic Education Melbourne (Southern Region) specialising in the area of eLearning. Sharon was a parent representative on the Strategic Planning Working Party in 2019.

Lee McKenzie – Lee is our newest member, joining the Council at the last meeting, as a representative member from the Kildare Education Ministries Board. Lee has recently retired from a prominent career in Catholic Education.

All members bring a wealth of wisdom, knowledge and expertise to the Kilbreda College Stewardship Council which supports the College to fulfil its mission to educate and illuminate the hearts and minds of young women and to live out the College motto “Strength and Kindliness”.

Kildare Ministries Newsletter

Issue 4 · 12 Jun 2020

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