Our New Leaders

Jane Collopy - Mission Leader, Kildare Ministries

We welcome Jane Collopy to the Mission and Ministry Team as the new Mission Leader for Kildare Ministries.

Jane is a highly experienced and passionate leader in Catholic ministry with a deep commitment to faith, justice, and community engagement. Her extensive background spans executive leadership, mission strategy, and ministry formation and teaching in Catholic schools. Jane is currently the Executive Ofﬁcer of Highways and Byways, which was established by the Missionary Sisters of Service to continue their vision and mission into the future. She is also a member of the Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) Ecology Alliance committee.

Jane completed her secondary education at Star of the Sea College and went on to study Theology and Religious Education. She has taught Religious Education in Catholic secondary schools in Victoria and led Ministry Formation and Retreats through the Marist Young Adult Network, Oblate Youth Ministry Rosies van, Edmund Rice Centre Amberley and Parade College Bundoora.

Close to Jane’s heart is walking alongside First Nations people, integral ecology and building networks that empower students and adults to engage meaningfully with social justice initiatives.

We look forward to the positive contribution Jane will no doubt make in further enlivening the Vision, Mission and Values of Kildare Ministries.

Catherine Howison - Principal, Marian College Ararat

We welcome Catherine Howison as the new principal of Marian College Ararat. Catherine is a highly esteemed and experienced educational leader who served as Deputy Principal at St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill since 2015. Prior to her appointment as Deputy Principal, Catherine undertook a wide range of other leadership positions at the College which she first joined in 2006.

Catherine completed her initial teaching training and Master of Educational Leadership at Australian Catholic University. She is a woman of strong faith and deeply committed to living Gospel values.

Catherine was commissioned as Principal of Marian College, Ararat during the gathering of the College community for their commencement Mass.

We wish Catherine a long and happy association with Kildare Ministries and the Marian College community!

Shane Hogan - Acting Principal, Brigidine College St. Ives

We welcome Shane Hogan to the Kildare Ministries community as Acting Principal of Brigidine College, St Ives for 2025. Shane brings over 35 years of educational and leadership experience to the College which includes having served as Principal at Regis Grammar School, Kambala Rose Bay and St Ignatius’ College Riverview.

Shane was commissioned as Acting Principal of Brigidine College, St Ives during the gathering of the College community for their commencement Mass.

We wish him well for the year ahead and look forward to the deep educational and pastoral expertise that he brings to Brigidine College St Ives.

Our New Board Chairs

Dr Michael McDonald OAM - Chair of the Brigidine College St Ives Board

Michael brings extensive experience in leadership and governance across the Catholic education and service sector. An experienced board leader, Michael has chaired numerous boards over the years and currently serves as the Executive Officer of Catholic Religious Institute and Ministerial Public Juridic Persons NSW and ACT School Authorities (CRMNA).

A man of faith, justice, and compassion, Michael is deeply committed to mission. In recognition of his significant contributions to the Catholic Church and the broader community, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2021.

We warmly welcome Michael to this role and look forward to his leadership and contributions to Brigidine College and the wider Kildare Ministries community.

Margaret Blythman - Chair of the Kildare Education Ministries Board

We warmly welcome Margaret Blythman as the Chair of Kildare Education Ministries (KEM) and look forward to her leadership and contribution. From 2015-2024, Marg was Principal of St. Joseph’s College, Mildura, after serving as Deputy Principal at St. Francis Xavier College (Officer Campus). A genuine lifelong learner, Marg has engaged in extensive study and professional development related to education and leadership. She was Chair of the Ballarat Diocese Secondary Principals group and also was a member of the Executive of the Principals’ Association for Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools.

As a highly respected principal within Mercy Education, Marg developed a firm understanding of leadership and governance within RI/MPJP schools. Through her practice of distributive leadership, justice and support for the disadvantaged, Marg’s spirituality suits her very well to working as part of Kildare Ministries.

St. Brigid's Day Celebrations around the Ministries

Brigidine College, Indooroopilly

Brigidine College, St. Ives

Clonard College, Geelong