Hospitality at Killester College
At Killester College, hospitality is at the heart of everything we do—extending kindness not only to each other but also to our environment and community. Our students actively engage in initiatives that demonstrate care, respect, and service, embodying the spirit of true hospitality.
Environmental Hospitality
Our students have embraced their role as stewards of creation through a variety of environmental initiatives. They participated at Saltbush, helping with planting and maintenance efforts during a working bee each term. Additionally, students took part in a tree planting day at Saltbush, contributing to the beautification and sustainability of the property. They also worked every Friday alongside the women of Wellsprings at the community garden, fostering connection and shared responsibility. Regular 'Clean Up Springvale' days have been held, where students and staff come together to care for our local environment, demonstrating hospitality through action and respect for the Earth.
Garden to Plate: The Nano Nagle Garden
A highlight of our environmental efforts was the establishment of the Nano Nagle Garden. The produce grown in this garden is not just for display—it goes directly from garden bed to plate. Students have prepared meals using the harvest, which are then sold to staff for charity, showing a tangible expression of hospitality by providing nourishment and support to those in need.
Hospitality in Community
This year, our Year 7-12 Community Service programs beautifully reflected the spirit of hospitality through acts of service and care. Students generously served at local primary schools, demonstrating kindness and welcoming attitudes toward younger students. They also contributed to St Vinnies, supporting those experiencing hardship with compassion and respect. Additionally, students in Year 9 participated in the Springvale Intergenerational Programs at the library, fostering connection across generations and creating a sense of belonging for all involved. In addition, our Year 10 students took on a mentoring role by tutoring primary school students through the Brighter Futures program, demonstrating leadership, patience, and kindness.
Hospitality lived out at Killester
Throughout the year, our liturgies, faith formation activities, and acts of justice have vividly reflected our commitment to living out the spirit of hospitality. These small acts of kindness and community gatherings in faith have helped foster a welcoming environment rooted in compassion and inclusion.
Our Masses, themed around welcome and inclusion, have brought our community together in prayer and reflection.The Easter Liturgy, which included the washing of the feet, was a powerful moment where staff and students served one another, embodying humility and service.
A special staff formation session focused on exploring the life and work of St. Brigid and Nano Nagle through a Pray and Paint workshop. This reflective activity allowed staff to deepen their understanding of these inspiring women of faith and their legacy of
hospitality, service, and compassion.
We also attended a Justice Gathering and prayer vigil at BASP in support of refugees and asylum seekers, highlighting our dedication to justice and care for the marginalized. In a demonstration of solidarity and care, 70 students and 10 staff participated in the Winter Sleepout, raising awareness and funds for the Dandenong Soup Van.
Our school community organized a multicultural dinner for our families, where food, dance, music, and art from diverse cultures created a vibrant celebration of unity.
The Welcome Breakfast for father and mother figures in our community fostered connection and gratitude. During Harmony Week, we celebrated each other's cultures through clothing and dance, embracing the richness of diversity.
In addition, our acts of service extended to supporting those in need, with students participating in Vinnies’ Winter Appeal and BASP Christmas Appeal. This year, each homeroom walked to Springvale to purchase goods for their hampers—an inspiring act of solidarity and community spirit.
At Killester, hospitality is more than a value—it is a way of life. Through our acts of kindness, faith-filled gatherings, service initiatives, and celebrations of diversity, we strive to create a welcoming environment where every person feels valued and cared for. Our community’s commitment to living out hospitality in both small and significant ways reflects our deep belief in the power of compassion, service, and inclusion. As we continue to nurture these values, we remain inspired by the stories of St. Brigid and Nano Nagle, whose lives remind us that hospitality is a profound expression of love in action. Together, we build a school community rooted in kindness, justice, and genuine care for all.