Kildare Ministries Newsletter

An insight into the Kildare Education Ministries Board

The KEM Board commenced in 2014 and has governance of seven schools which were formally governed by the Brigidine Sisters.  Kilbreda College, Killester College, Marian College- Sunshine West, Clonard College, Marian College - Ararat, St Joseph’s College and Kildare College in Adelaide make up the seven schools. The Board has had stable membership in its six years of operation, though the nominations committee is working on the succession plan as the original Board Members complete their terms. The Board could not complete its work without the expertise and leadership of its Executive Officer, Jeff Burn who, in turn is ably supported by Pádraig McCahey our Administration Officer.

 

Board Membership

 

Louise Cleary csb - Chair

 

Louise Cleary is an educator with experience in teaching and principalship in primary and secondary schools in Victoria. She has been involved in various justice initiatives and currently is the President of ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans).

 

Morag Fraser

 

Morag Fraser is a writer and former editor of Eureka Street magazine.  She started school at Kilbreda in 1950 and has been associated (gratefully) with Brigidine education ever since, most recently as a member of the KEM Board. 

 

 

 

Annette Broadfoot

 

Annette Broadfoot has recently retired from St Bede's Primary School North Balwyn after a 45 year career in education. Annette has strong connections with Marian College-West Sunshine, where she taught for one year, and also had the wonderful opportunity to watch her daughter flourish under the great Brigidine education. Annette also serves as a privileged member of the Marian Stewardship council. 

 

 

Angela Ryan csb

 

"To see Kildare Education Ministries' schools building on the Brigidine tradition gives me great pleasure having come through that tradition as a student, a teacher and a Principal." - Angela Ryan csb

 

 

 

Gabrielle England

 

Gabrielle England has been a leader in Catholic schools and worked at CEM in curriculum initiatives. Her more recent experience is in policy, and project management of major School Improvement initiatives at state and national level. She is currently working at Deakin University on research into Principal and Teacher health and wellbeing.

 

 

Anne Walsh

An educator by background before entering the fields of multimedia and online communication, Anne enjoys the privilege of working with the KEM Board in support of our Principals and Staff, educating young people in faith and gospel values.

 

 

Marguerite Buckley

 

Marguerite has enjoyed a long association with Brigidine education, having worked at Marian College West Sunshine, the Brigidine Secondary Schools Council and Kildare Ministries in its early years. She appreciates the opportunities to support the KEM schools through her membership of the Board and values the close association that Board representation gives her with Clonard College.

 

 

 

Marg Fyfe csb

 

Margaret Fyfe is a Brigidine Sisters who has worked in education in Australia and in social and community development with Caritas Xalapa in Mexico. On returning from Mexico Margaret worked for Caritas in Australia and was the Project Leader for programs in Latin and Soh America. Margaret is currently a member of the Brigidine Congregational Leadership Team and she is the KEM Board Director for St Joseph's College Echuca.

 

Lee McKenzie

 

At its first meeting this year the Board welcomed Lee McKenzie as a new director. Lee McKenzie recently retired from a 40 year career as a secondary school teacher and Deputy principal.  She has had a long association with Kildare Ministries dating back to her own schooling and later as a co-worker in Catholic schools.  Lee lives in the Latrobe Valley.

 

Kildare Education Ministries Strategic Plan

The KEM Board’s Strategic Plan focuses on 5 areas: Governance, Stewardship, Relationships, Educational Vision and Leadership with each having its strategic intent, goals, strategies and actions which are deeply embedded in the Kildare Ministries values.

Some aspects highlighted for attention this year are:

  • Formation on the Living Justice Charter and further civil Governance Training
  • Modern Slavery Act: KEM Board will comply with the new regulations that aims to eradicate modern slavery from supply chains in our schools
  • Relationships: Each Director supports a nominated principal and school by attending the Stewardship Council meetings; the Strategic Implementation meetings and where possible supporting offer expertise in the analysis of data regarding learning outcomes
  • Reviewing of Policies: this year’s list includes - Conflict of Interest, Leadership in a Kildare Education Ministries school, Principles for Teaching and Learning and International Trips and In Country immersions

 

In these troubling times, as we begin to think about restrictions being lifted after our isolation brought about by COVID19, we reflect on the many creative ways in which people are reaching out and staying connected: genuine human solidarity and love in action. We’ve been inspired by the selflessness of healthcare workers; teachers juggling parenting, caring for the elderly and on-line teaching;  a new neighbourliness and the creativity of cooks, musicians and broadcasters. All bringing life in this time of a pandemic. But as Ilia Delio says,  “Our world does not lack in individual love; what it lacks is a collective will to love, that is, a global love reflected in economic structures, political systems and social communities.” May be these times give us the courage to make a difference in shaping a more just and equitable world.

 

Louise Cleary csb

Chair, Kildare Education Ministries Board