Faith and Community
Foundation Day
This week, we come together in joy as we celebrate 139 years of our College’s rich history and the enduring legacy of the Brigidine Sisters. Foundation Day is more than just a milestone; it is a reminder of the strength of our multi campus community and our shared commitment to faith, learning and justice.
Joy is at the heart of this celebration. It is found in the stories of those who came before us, in the spirit of service we embrace today and in the hope we carry forward. As we gather for liturgy and our student-led mini market, we recognise that true joy is found in community, generosity and gratitude for the opportunities we have to make a difference.
May this Foundation Day remind us of the joy that comes from being part of something greater than ourselves - a community built on faith, courage and a commitment to justice.
Last week, we were privileged to welcome Dalal Smiley, CEO of Wellsprings for Women, who reminded us of the deep connections we share within the Kildare Ministries family. Her powerful reflections on the transformative work of Wellsprings, supporting women and families in need, resonated deeply with our students and staff, inspiring us to live out our values with greater compassion and purpose.
Project Rockit
On Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 our Year 7 - 9 students will engage with project Rockit over a series of workshops.
Why Project Rockit?
At St Joseph’s, we believe that young people have the power to create positive change in the world around them to further support our offerings. We are hosting Project Rockit for our Year 7 - 9 learners to provide them with an engaging, evidence-based learning experience that will empower our students. Aligned closely with our value of hospitality, this initiative fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported. By building skills, confidence, and connections, we are equipping our young people to lead with courage, learn with wonder and create a community where all belong and feel safe.
https://www.projectrockit.com.au/
Lee Pethybridge
College Leader - Faith and Community
Kildare Ministries Social Justice Camp
This week, Cora Wilson and I ventured with Mr Butler and Mrs McLeish to the annual Kildare Ministries Social Justice Camp at the Edmund Rice Centre, Lower Plenty. After our early departure at 7am, we finally arrived at 10:30am to meet 30 other Kildare school students with similar passions for social justice and change. We were able to mingle and make friends, discussing our key interests and the issues we’re striving to fix.
The day began with a heart-touching account led by Sister Brigid, who was accompanied by two Ethiopian asylum seekers who had left their home country only three months ago. We were grateful to listen to their stories and struggles of finding their feet in Australia, as well as the ways in which we can help them and others going through similar challenges.
After this, two representatives from the St. Vincent de Paul organisation came to visit. We learned about their main goals, how they originally started and later did some practical activities in groups that helped us empathise with homeless people and break the stereotypes that are often unknowingly implanted in our minds.
After lunch, we did more activities in groups and listened to my personal favourite speaker, Krushnadevsinh Ravalji, also known as Kano, who founded his non-profit organisation ‘Third Culture.’ It aims to empower young people across the world in leadership and enhance diversity in Australia. His story definitely touched me and re-inspired my passion for the leadership role I’m blessed with this year!
We then had dinner and after that, we took part in a quiet reflection time where we held a small liturgy and pondered the information we had absorbed throughout the day. After a lovely breakfast, we got up for another early start with some morning yoga and a debrief of the previous day. We then moved into school groups to discuss our plans for this year at St Joseph’s, inspired by ideas from other schools and the things they do to highlight social justice. We came up with some really cool ideas together, alongside the other Kildare students, such as implementing more days to raise awareness and money for direct causes in our school and ensuring our students are informed about the issues that can so easily be mended if we all come together and use the empathy I know we’re all born with to help those around us.
Thank you.
Ella Hickey
Living Justice, Living Peace Student Leader
Brigid and Patrick House Mass
Students and staff from Brigid and Patrick House gathered this week for their annual House Mass at our Parish Church. Fr. Novie shared the Gospel and spoke about our 2025 theme of Hospitality.
The Homily's message highlighted Jesus' mission of hospitality and the presence of God's Kingdom. Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to prepare the way for His coming, instructing them to rely on the hospitality of others and to spread peace.
Mr Butler and House Leaders shared prayers, and contemporary hymns enriched our liturgy. Students were able to participate in receiving a blessing and in the sacrament of the Eucharist. Afterwards a shared lunch was enjoyed by all. Thank you to our canteen providers for the delicious selection.
Holly Morris
Liturgy Leader