Killester College, Springvale
“Living with Justice, Serving with Courage, Leading with Kindness.”
The launch of the Reconciliation Action Plan at Killester College on 25 May marked a significant moment of truth-telling, justice and hope for the school community. Bringing together students, staff, representatives from Kildare Ministries and Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools, along with Bunurong Elder Uncle Mark Brown, the ceremony reflected a deep commitment to reconciliation grounded in Gospel justice and the Brigidine tradition.
Held during National Reconciliation Week, the launch embodied the College’s 2026 theme: “Living with Justice, Serving with Courage, Leading with Kindness.” Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasised that reconciliation is more than symbolism. It is an ongoing commitment to truth, healing, relationship and justice.
The gathering began with a moving procession of sacred symbols accompanied by the Indigenous worship song Birrāma Māna, reminding the community that reconciliation is a shared story grounded in Country, culture, faith and justice. Student leaders Emily Fernandez and Kshetra Anoop captured the spirit of the occasion, stating:
“Reconciliation is justice in action. It asks more of us than words. It asks us to listen deeply, to learn truthfully, and to act courageously.”
A powerful focus of the ceremony was truth-telling. Staff member Sophie Liston challenged the community to acknowledge the difficult realities of Australia’s history with honesty and courage, reminding those present that reconciliation begins with listening
deeply to stories that have too often been silenced.
Prayer and Scripture further connected the launch to the Gospel call to justice, drawing on the words of the prophet Micah:
“to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.”
The ceremony formally introduced the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan, a document that will guide ongoing work in relationships, respect and opportunities with First Nations people. Principal Annie Rosati reminded the community that reconciliation is not a destination, but a continuing journey requiring humility, courage and accountability.
This spirit was captured beautifully in the ceremony’s symbolic action, where native trees were presented as living signs of reconciliation. As the trees take root and grow within the College grounds, they will stand as a permanent reminder of the community’s promise to nurture justice, healing and respectful relationships into the future.
The ceremony concluded with a community pledge to truth, justice and action, followed by a stirring performance of Beds Are Burning by the Year 12 Music students and staff, reinforcing the National Reconciliation Week theme, “All In.”
For the Killester community, the launch of the RAP was more than the unveiling of a document. It was a public declaration of mission and identity, a commitment to Walking in Solidarity, Seeking Change, Inviting and Welcoming All, and Healing Creation through the living pursuit of justice.
Josie Dilettoso
Assistant Principal - Faith and Mission
First Nations Immersion
During Term 2 this year, three Social Justice Leaders and two staff members attended the Kildare Ministries First Nations Immersion, hosted by Clonard College in Geelong, on Wathaurong Country. As a part of the immersion, Killester students joined student representatives from all of the Kildare Ministries schools across Australia. First Nations students, as well as students from many cultures and backgrounds were represented.
As a part of this programme, students and staff participated in the ancient tradition of yarning around a campfire, they visited the Booln Booln cultural centre and participated in some First Nations art workshops.
During our time on the immersion, students and staff learned from First Nations elders about their identity, culture and life experiences. As a part of their learnings, they were able to develop a deeper understanding of Reconciliation and Australian history. There was an opportunity to reflect on the strengths of a community that values its First Nations people, their culture and knowledge. Importantly, we were also invited to consider what it means for us as a Kildare ministries school, given that Walking in Solidarity with our First Nations people and the Healing of Creation are two of our key priorities.
Emily Martin
Living Justice, Living Peace Leader
Integral Ecology Retreat at Saltbush
I was lucky enough to attend Kildare Ministries Staff Integral Ecology Retreat at Saltbush, Balnarring Beach. This experience was very warming for my soul, I have never felt so grounded. Saltbush offered a very calming and welcoming environment that enabled me to make new connections with staff and be part of our Kildare community.
Our program was a lovely mix of highlighting the importance of having a spiritual and physical connection to land. This was done through participating in immersive outdoor activities like exploring eco-spirituality at Arthurs Seat, discussing the geological patterns during our walk at Cape Schanck, practising lamenting the four quadrants and experiencing the cosmic walk by the bonfire.
Each of these moments enables us to look deep within ourselves and deepen our gratitude and knowledge for the interconnectedness of all Creation.
Every morning we were gifted with the most beautiful sunrise on the beach and were able to embrace whilst practicing our body Prayer to help orient ourselves to the Four Directions. Starting the morning off in such a beautiful and calming way, helped to prepare me for the day to slow down and open myself to listen to the story of the environment surrounding me.
Through the discussions by the campfire, we confronted our very real anxieties about the current climate crisis and reflected on how we are able to find guidance and hope with Pope Francis’ ‘Laudato Si’. These vulnerable and honest conversations enabled me to feel heard and grateful that I was surrounded by people with the same outlook.
The most special part of the retreat for me was stargazing and learning about Aboriginal constellations. We were lucky enough to have a staff member share her in-depth knowledge. I was in absolute awe learning about the connection between the stars, the land, and resource conservation.
This retreat enabled me to have conversations with others in our community about the vital importance of ecological values being upheld and how to incorporate them back into our school community. We confronted our very real anxieties about the current climate crisis and reflected on how we are able to find guidance and hope with Pope Francis ‘Laudato Si’. These vulnerable and honest conversations enabled me to feel heard and grateful that I was surrounded by people with the same outlook.
At the end of the retreat, we reflected on our next steps, both individually and collectively, drawing inspiration from the legacies of Nano Nagle and St Brigid. I came to the conclusion that it is so important that we try our best to live authentically, highlight the importance of integral ecology, and continue to live in awe of the beautiful environment surrounding us.
Jacinta Bisognon
Learning Support Officer
Killester College Receives Melbourne Rotary Sustainability Award
Killester College is proud to celebrate the achievement of our Year 11 VCE Vocational Major students and their teacher, Ms Lisa Reynders, who were recently honoured with the Melbourne Rotary Environmental Sustainability Award.
Representing the College at a special luncheon held at the Sofitel Melbourne on 3 June, students Alaska, Loan and Jennifer joined Ms Reynders in accepting the award on behalf of the school community. This prestigious recognition celebrates initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and inspire positive action within the community.
Killester College received the award for Brigid’s Blessings – Where Compassion Meets Community, our student-led Op Shop that brings together sustainability, social justice and student enterprise. Through the reuse and recycling of clothing and household goods, the project provides meaningful opportunities for students to make a positive impact while supporting those in need.
Brigid’s Blessing began when students identified the growing problem of textile waste and the amount of wearable clothing being discarded. Determined to make a difference, they created an Op Shop that encourages the donation, reuse, and recycling of clothing while providing affordable items for members of the school community. What started as a simple idea has grown into a vibrant sustainability project that challenges consumer habits, promotes ethical consumption, and encourages students to take practical action for the environment.
As part of the award, Killester College received a $2,500 grant that will be used to further expand sustainability projects within the Vocational Major program and Brigid’s Blessings. Future plans include upcycling and sewing workshops, clothing swap events, improved shop facilities, sewing and textile reuse workshops, and collaborations with the College Sustainability Group. These initiatives will continue to promote circular fashion, reduce waste, and encourage environmentally responsible choices across the school community.
This prestigious award is a testament to the vision, commitment, and hard work of our Year 11 Vocational Major students and Ms Lisa Reynders. Their achievement demonstrates the powerful impact young people can have when they are empowered to lead change and create practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
Congratulations to our Year 11 Vocational Major students and Ms Lisa Reynders on this remarkable achievement and for proudly representing Killester College on the Melbourne stage. Their success reflects our College commitment to Living with Justice, Leading with Kindness, and Serving with Courage.
Josie Dilettoso
Assistant Principal - Faith and Mission