Principal Message
Presentation Sisters Celebration.
On 7th June, Kildare was proud to host the celebration for the 150th anniversary of the Presentation Sisters arrival in Wagga from Kildare Ireland, their Sesquicentenary. It was a wonderful service in the hall involving students from all nine visiting schools along with Kildare students who led the dramatisation. Our SRC acted as guides and support for the elderly sisters and did an amazing job.
With the Sesquicentenary we celebrate their foundational and dedicated contribution to Catholic education in this region opening many schools starting with St. Mary’s then St Eugene’s which evolved into Mount Erin High School which combined with Trinity Senior High and St Michael’s Regional High to form both KIldare and Mater Dei Catholic Colleges. Their charism continues to evolve and stay alive in our college.
Recognising 20 years of Kildare Catholic College.
Last Friday 14th June, the staff of both Kildare and Mater Dei celebrated our 20th anniversary with mass at St Michael’s Cathedral celebrated by Bishop Mark Edwards OMI. We celebrated the mass along with a number of guests from the Presentation Sisters and Christian Brothers with three of our heritage Principals Sr Barbara webber and Brs Julian McDonald and Carl Sherrin.
At the conclusion of the mass both school principals were asked to speak. I took the opportunity to reflect on the nature of school restructures and the challenges schools have had to navigate as they rebuild culture and relationships. I also took the opportunity to pay tribute to our previous school leaders and leadership teams for their contribution to our collective story and looking with hope to a prosperous future.
Both schools then received their copies of the ‘Christ the Teacher’ Icon. This icon has been gifted to each school in the diocese. Our icon will be displayed in our front office. As quoted in our Catholic Education Charter; “it elicits a desire to grow in the knowledge and understanding of Christ and his teaching. The Gospels remind us that Christ is “the Light of the world” (John 8:12) and “You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for
that is what I am” (John 13:13).
The Catholic school is a ‘privileged place’ which engages a ‘living encounter with a cultural inheritance’(CCE, para. 26). It is an integral ministry of the Church as it draws its inspiration from Christ and the Traditions of the Church and so engages in an educational mission of service and communion in advancing the reign of God announced and lived by Christ.
Heartbeat.
Congratulations to all the students who took part in the Heartbeat KCC concert over the past two weeks concluding yesterday. It was terrific to see such energy and talent from our students from Years 7-12. On their and your behalf I’d like to thank the team of staff led by Melanie Hale and Michael Mack who supported our students these past months and through the performances. Their generosity is a wonderful gift to our community. Thank you!
Attendance.
Its important at this point of the year to note a few reminders about the importance of attendance at school. It is very important we work in partnership, which we talk about at enrolment time and need families to do their part to assist in having their children at school every day. If there are issues please make contact with your child’s home group coach or Academic Care and Wellbeing Coordinator.
Please remember that every day counts and if a day is missed it adds up to a cumulative impact on learning. Just one day a fortnight adds up to close to a year across a child’s school career. I’ll note that again, close to a year of learning lost.
As the adults in their lives we need to speak positively about school as foundational for life. Each day missed puts them behind and can affect their educational outcomes and social connectedness. This can snowball if days accumulate. Open and prompt communication with those who can help is always a good idea. Please call the college on 69326100.
Please avoid making routine medical and dental appointments during the school day or planning family holidays during term time. Exemptions from attendance can only be given for elite sport or significant medical circumstances supported by a doctor’s certificate. The NSW Education Act 1990 as amended 2012 does not empower a Principal to approve a holiday. These were approved due to Covid impacts but such a facility is no longer available.
As a further consequence excursion/ camps costs etc. could only be considered for refund if for elite sport or significant medical circumstances.
Such events are an important part of a student's overall education and formation as we discussed with each of you at enrolment time.
CEDWW communication to parents.
Just to ensure all had access to this communication from our Director please see below. We have discussed this with our community in the past and I look forward ongoing to respectful dealings with our families.
Dr Watson’s email to all families sent through Compass.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the college.
