Welcome to our new College Principals

Annie Rosati, Principal of Killester College

Kildare Ministries offers a very warm welcome to Antonella (Annie) Rosati, who began as Killester’s Principal on 21 July. Annie was previously Deputy Principal Wellbeing and Strategy at Siena College, Camberwell. Prior to this, she served in a range of Deputy and Assistant Principal roles at Presentation College Windsor. Through 18 years of service to the diverse Presentation College Windsor community, she became steeped in the charism of the Presentation Sisters, and she strongly identifies with the spirit of Kildare Ministries. 

Annie has made an excellent start at Killester, already connecting very well with staff, students and parents. She is an articulate leader who ‘walks the talk’ of her strong Catholic faith in the ways she respectfully engages with her community, with strength and gentleness.  

This excerpt from Annie’s application reflects a facet of her educational vision: 

Effective leadership balances innovation with stability, fostering a distributive model where possibilities are imagined, and relationships are valued. Transformation is built on dialogue, creating a climate of teamwork and trust. My ultimate goal is to ensure that every Killester graduate continues to embody the College's vision to "learn with wonder, lead with courage, and live with compassion." Through this, they will develop a deep understanding of their role as community builders, both locally and globally. 

We warmly welcome Annie Rosati to Killester College and the extended Kildare Ministries family.  

Stephanie Smyth, Principal of Kilbreda College

We congratulate Stephanie Smyth on being appointed as Principal of Kilbreda College, effective from 7 August. Stephanie has served as Kilbreda’s Acting Principal since July 2024, when Nicole Mangelsdorf took up the role of Acting Executive Director of Kildare Ministries.  

After a thorough process, which attracted a strong field of applicants from across Victoria, Steph was unanimously identified by the Selection Panel as its recommended candidate. The Kildare Education Ministries (KEM) Board recognises Steph as a very capable leader who will continue to serve Kilbreda with wisdom, strength and compassion, and this opinion is echoed by the Trustees.  

Steph is very highly regarded in the College, where she has worked since January 2017 as Assistant Principal – Wellbeing and Engagement. Her strong and practical faith enables her to foster the spiritual life of Kilbreda and continue the Brigidine Sisters’ teaching of the Gospel by word and example, which began in Mentone 121 years ago. Steph’s passion for social justice, educational vision, engaging leadership style and broad capabilities provide her with a firm basis to capably undertake the role of Principal. 

Marg Blythman, Chair of KEM, announced Steph’s appointment to the whole school community at the end of the Mass for the College’s 121st Anniversary. This prompted deafening applause, enthusiastic cheering and a standing ovation.  

Clearly, the students and staff strongly agree with the Board!  

Peter  Houlahan

KEM Executive Officer