Celebrating Dedication, Hospitality and Community

As we approach the close of the 2025 school year, it’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed! This moment invites us to pause and reflect on the extraordinary contributions of those who have shaped our community and inspired us to live out our mission with strength and kindliness.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending an end-of-year event with Kildare Ministries. During this gathering, heartfelt gratitude was expressed to Sr Brigid Arthur for her tireless work with the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP). While Sr Brigid is stepping back, she is certainly not stepping away from this vital mission. Her unwavering commitment to justice and compassion continues to shine as a beacon for us all. I am delighted that Killester has been able to support BASP through our Christmas appeal. Thank you to all families and staff who contributed so generously with food, toiletries, and monetary donations.

I also wish to acknowledge Ms Samantha Powell, who is stepping down from her role as Assistant Principal – Students Years 10-12. Ms Powell’s impact on the lives of our students has been profound, and her dedication to their wellbeing cannot be overstated. I am pleased to share that Ms Powell will take up the role of Senior Programs Leader, continuing to guide students through their VCE journey. Meanwhile, Ms Molony will lead the VM Program, and Mr Steve McPhail will assume the position of Assistant Principal – Students Years 10–12 in 2026. I thank them all for their commitment and service, which will continue to strengthen and enrich our community.

We also acknowledge Ms Faye Jamieson for her invaluable contributions over several years at the College both as a teacher and member of the College Leadership Team. Ms Helen Eglezos will commence her retirement after a wonderful career in education from the classroom to the library to leading Learning Diversity. We wish them both great joy as they commence their retirement after long careers in education.

This year, Pope Francis introduced Dilexi Te, completed by Pope Leo in 2025 – a powerful reminder that education is the work of justice. It calls us to recognise our interconnectedness: we are not above or below one another, but part of a shared human story. Addressing educators, Pope Francis reflected:

“Yours is a mission full of obstacles as well as joys... A mission of love, because you cannot teach without loving.”

This love is evident every day in our teachers, support staff, and administration teams. Their care and commitment to the growth and development of our students - in every aspect of their lives - embody the heart of our mission. This was especially evident in the compassionate leadership of Ms Sally Buick, whose principalship was marked by love and dedication. I take this final opportunity for 2025 to wish her well and thank her for her work and support.

You will already have received information from the College on how to support your child under 16 with the new social media age restrictions.

From 10 December 2025, the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 will require social media platforms to:

prevent children and young people under 16 from having a social media account
deactivate or freeze existing accounts held by people under 16

Delaying access to social media protects the health and wellbeing of young people and gives them extra time to build real world connections and digital literacy skills.

The responsibility will be on the social media platforms, not parents, carers, children or schools, to implement these new restrictions.

Most popular social media platforms will be age restricted. These include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit and YouTube.

Messaging services and online games, as well as apps and platforms that support health and education, can still be used.

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting their children to be safe online.

To help get under 16s ready for the social media minimum age requirements, you can go to the eSafety website to learn more about the social media age restrictions and find tips on how to talk about social media age restrictions with young people.

Just before closing, I wanted to share what a privilege it was to attend the opening of the Australian Catholic Youth Festival last Sunday. Our group of students and staff gathered for a blessing before making our way to the Cathedral, where Archbishop Comensoli invited pilgrims to join a walk to the Convention Centre. We were also blessed to hear a video message from Pope Leo, who quoted St Catherine of Siena: “Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.” It was truly inspiring to witness so many young people coming together – singing, praying, and celebrating life.

To our staff, students, and parents - thank you for your warm welcome and ongoing support, in this year of hospitality. A special thanks to our leadership team for their unwavering guidance and dedication.

As we enter this Christmas season of hope, we pray for peace and celebrate the privilege of being part of the Kildare Education Ministries (KEM) community. Blessings to you all for the Christmas season. May there be peace in the world, in your homes, and most importantly, in your hearts.

“Justice is not a destination. It is a daily choice - about how we show up and how we respond to the needs in front of us. It is Nano’s ‘one step beyond.’ It is how we live, love, serve, and lead.”

Ms Annie Rosati

Principal

Canteen