Principal's Report

It is a wonderful time of year as we come together to celebrate the many achievements of the 2025 academic year and look forward with possibility and wonder for all that awaits us in 2026.

On Tuesday evening, we held our inaugural Co-Curriculum Awards Night, and it was a truly special occasion. We recognised excellence across Sport and the Arts, enjoyed beautiful student performances, and were delighted to have our 2025 and 2026 College Captains confidently MC the event. A warm thank you to all involved in creating such a memorable night, and congratulations to all nominees, acknowledged students and award recipients. We are incredibly proud of you. I look forward to next week as we gather again for our Academic Awards celebration.

Our Step Up Program is now well under way, with students and teachers building new connections as they transition into their 2026 classes. Across our Kildare Campus, Stage 3 works have commenced, with demolition beginning in preparation for the extension of the Learning Building. Groundwork has also started on the Multi-Purpose facility, and our AFL oval continues to be well-used for training.

At our Brigidine Campus, we are exploring further improvements to enhance student experience. Over the break, the Library will receive an upgrade, and we are excited to be introducing a new activity room for students (and perhaps the occasional staff member!). This space will include foosball, air hockey, electronic darts and outdoor table tennis - a fun addition we expect will be very popular when students return. We are also considering the installation of artificial turf to further improve the outdoor areas.

As we approach the final week of classes, I encourage everyone to work together to help our young people remain focused, supportive of one another, and kind members of our community.

Kildare Ministries Trustees – Summary of Recent Statement

The Trustees of Kildare Ministries has recently released a statement addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In deep solidarity with all those affected, they reaffirm our shared belief that every human life is sacred and that peace, justice and compassion must guide our response to global suffering.

In summary, the Trustees:

• acknowledge the profound pain experienced by those within our communities with personal or cultural ties to the region
• support the Australian Government’s recent recognition of the State of Palestine as a step toward justice and long-term peace
• call for a permanent ceasefire, an end to human suffering and full humanitarian access
• stand in solidarity with all victims of violence, both Palestinian and Israeli

• encourage all Kildare Ministries communities to consider how they may contribute to peace, understanding and reconciliation.

   

Grounded in our Living Justice, Living Peace Charter, the statement invites us to continue offering care and support to those most deeply affected and to uphold the values of justice, hope and compassion in all we do.

Anne Marie Cairns

Principal