Principal Message

Our ‘Why’.

Last Friday the staff took part in a Formation Day led by Dr. Jill Gowdie of Wisdom Works Ministry Consulting, who is working with the staff on a Values, Mission and Vision process followed by the development of a graduate profile, staff and student formation program and a strategic plan for the College. In exploring our values we used as a reference point a revisiting of our charisms from Nano Nagle and Blessed Edmund Rice and how these align with our Gospel underpinnings and what Bishop Mark wants from his schools.

We had the great pleasure of welcoming a number of special guests to assist us:

• Sr. Margaret Barclay, Province Leader of the Wagga Presentation Sisters.
• Sr Camel Wallis, founder of Erin Earth and former staff member of Mt. Erin (accompanied by Gus).
• Sr Susan Miller, Schools Liaison with the Presentation Sisters.
• Br Paul Oakley, the recently retired President of the Council of Edmund Rice Education Australia and former College Captain of the first Co-Ed class between St. Michaels and Mt. Erin.
• Ms Sharon Esterman, Br Paul’s sister and Class Captain of the 1968 Mt. Erin class.

Our special guests were able to give us their sense of what our founding charisms are along with their experience of the Sisters and Brothers in action in the schools in their time. What was clear was the ongoing evolution of how the example of Edmund and Nano are continually being interpreted as times change.

From a rich day of discussion and sharing, the Kildare staff were able to articulate much that will build the foundations of Values, Mission and Vision statements which provide a clear and ongoing reference point for the work we do in this fine Catholic College. Such exercises are vital to engage with periodically to ensure there is a common understanding of what our core values are, what is important in what we do and where we are heading as a College community. 

I thank, in particular, Ms Christine Savage and Ms Narelle Potts for their organisation of our day. 

Reports

As you are accessing Mid Year reports, it is important that these be used as important feedback on learning. They should not be a surprise to students or families as we monitor what our children are doing day by day, and taking an interest in all their school work. This is as their teachers do through the formative assessment process. A report should tell the student what they already know. 

Therefore, the report should provide a solid foundation for goal setting for the term ahead. As parents, please be encouraged to work with your daughter or son on setting challenging goals for improvement in their learning. Their coaches will work with them and you to bring them to a reality.

You are welcome to make contact with your child’s teachers to explore any issues you feel need further clarification. The partnership between home and school is critical for your daughter or son achieving their personal bests.

Uniform and Personal Grooming Survey

Thank you for everyone’s support with the participation in the survey. There is some very rich data to work through to help us with decisions for the future. Processing this, and discussing further across the College community, will take some time. We will keep reporting on progress. Our next steps are to consult with College Leadership and our College Council.

As many may know my family and I have been dealing with the illness and untimely passing of my wife’s dear mother, Iris, last Wednesday and funeral this coming Friday in Junee. I’d like to thank the College community and CEDWW for their support at this time. It has been of great comfort to us.