Welcome and Farewells
Welcome to Kitty Guerin as a Trustee of Kildare Ministries
We welcomed Kitty Guerin as a Trustee of Kildare Ministries in November. Kitty comes to the Trustees with extensive knowledge and experience of Catholic Education in New South Wales. She is the former principal of two Catholic girls’ schools: St Clare’s College, Waverley and Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta and has worked closely with Mercy, Marist, and Dominican education communities.
Kitty is well known to Kildare Ministries having served as Director and Chair of the Board of Brigidine College, St Ives for
9 years, concluding her period of tenure in 2023. Kitty has current knowledge of governance for mission for Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (MPJPs). She is a past Chair of the former Federation of Religious Institute Schools NSW and is the foundation Chair of the newly formed Catholic Religious Institutes and Ministerial Public Juridic Persons NSW and ACT School Authorities (CRMNA).
We welcome and congratulate Kitty on her appointment as a Trustee and look forward to the wise, positive and mission focussed contribution that she will no doubt bring.
We Thank and Farewell
Carmel Barker
Principal – Marian College Ararat
In 2024, Kildare Ministries farewelled Carmel Barker, who has led the Marian College community as Principal since 2015, following three years as Assistant Principal. During her 13 years, Carmel’s leadership consistently embodied the College and Brigidine motto of Strength and Kindliness, instilling these values throughout the school community and inspiring students, staff, and families alike. In the transition of moving from the charism of the Brigidine Sisters to the vision and mission of Kildare Ministries, she has led with generosity and openness to new possibilities.
In her welcome on the school website, Carmel outlined a vision of education “… that empowers students to become life-long learners …”, and nurtures “… growth towards confidence, wellbeing, social responsibility, justice and creativity.” Daily, through her actions over the past 13 years, Carmel has strongly and consistently worked to make this vision a reality.
Under Carmel’s dedicated and compassionate leadership, Marian College achieved the honour of being named The Age’s 2024 Schools that Excel winner for independent schools in rural and regional Victoria—a reflection of her commitment to academic excellence and the holistic development of each student.
As Carmel concludes her role as Principal, we extend our deepest gratitude for her years of service and her enduring impact. Her commitment to the school’s mission and her embodiment of strength and kindness will be fondly remembered and celebrated for years to come.
Laetitia Richmond
Principal – Brigidine College St Ives
After five years of dedicated service, Laetitia (Teash) Richmond concludes her tenure as Principal of Brigidine College, St Ives, at the end of 2024. Since stepping into the role in 2020, Teash has been a transformative leader, bringing both vision and compassion to her leadership. Her unwavering commitment to the College’s mission, values, and the Brigidine tradition has been instrumental in shaping a vibrant and inclusive school community, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, holistic student development, and social responsibility.
Over the past five years, Teash has led a team of committed and professional staff, creating a learning environment where students continue to achieve academically and spiritually as well as in a range of sporting and creative activities. Her dedication to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for students and staff alike has helped the College to flourish. Her focus on student wellbeing and her compassionate approach have left an indelible mark on the College community, enriching the lives of countless young women and preparing them to make meaningful contributions to society.
As she concludes her role at Brigidine College, Teash leaves a legacy of inspiration, integrity, and service. Her influence will continue to be felt long after her departure, in the hearts of students, staff, and the broader College community. We extend our deep appreciation to Teash and wish her well as she takes up the role of Principal of St Scholastica's College, Glebe.
Phillip Steele
Co-Chair of the Board – Saltbush Balnarring Beach
Kildare Ministries farewelled Phillip Steele who resigned from the Board of Saltbush Balnarring Beach as of the AGM on 13 November. Phillip joined the Board as a Director in 2017 and held the role of Chair and Co-Chair in recent years. An Emeritus Professor of Monash University, Phillip came to the Board with significant academic and leadership experience.
During his time on the Board, Phillip observed Saltbush pivot its activities through the COVID crisis and participated in negotiations for a new trading name from The Presentation Family Centre to Saltbush Balnarring Beach. A Masterplan was established for the site and a Future Fund created to support long-term financial viability. Phillip played a key role in expanding the relationships of Saltbush with referrers, donors, and the broader community, including Kildare Ministries schools.
Phillip’s deep commitment to continuing the vision and mission of the Presentation Sisters of Victoria who founded Saltbush to “provide a place of welcome, comfort and rest to all who call upon it and a retreat within which they might regenerate their spirits” has been clear throughout his time on the Board.
We thank Phillip for his valuable contribution and dedication to the ongoing development of Saltbush and wish him all the very best for the future.
Paul Desmond
Chair of the Board – Kildare Education Ministries
Kildare Ministries bids farewell to Paul Desmond, Board Chair of Kildare Education Ministries, who resigned as of the end of 2024. Paul joined the Board following his retirement in 2023 as Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sandhurst, bringing over forty years of experience as a teacher, principal, and system leader. Throughout his tenure, Paul has demonstrated exemplary leadership, a commitment to strong governance, and a deep respect for collaborative engagement. His faith-filled and dedicated guidance over the past year has been invaluable.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Paul for his service and wish him a fulfilling and restful retirement.
Melanie Sherrin
Kildare Ministries Risk and Assurance Manager
Although Mel has only been with Kildare Ministries for 15 months and in a part-time capacity, she has made significant impact through her work as our Risk and Assurance Manager.
Mel has been an invaluable member of the Mission and Ministry Team, bringing great insight, and commitment to her role. She has worked closely with the Trustees through the Policy and Governance Committee and Risk Coordinators across our schools and community works. Mel’s expertise in risk management and assurance has strengthened our governance processes, with a significant piece of work being the development of a comprehensive enterprise risk framework for Kildare Ministries.
Her thoughtful approach, warm collegiality and generosity have been greatly appreciated by all who have worked with her, and we will miss her at Kildare Ministries.
While we are sad to see Mel leave, we are thrilled for her as she embarks on an exciting new chapter as Company Secretary with the Australian Physiotherapy Association and wish her every success in her new role.
Photos from the celebratory End of Year farewell lunch for our Leaders
