Year 7 Belonging Day

On Wednesday 23 February, Year 7 participated in their Belonging Day, which involved students rotating through six community building and faith-based activities in their House groups, introducing them to the core values of the Kildare Catholic College community - Faith, Learning, Compassion and Justice.

Presentation Qualities

Based on Nano Nagle

The Heritage Centre

Mrs Susan Bradley

Mrs Mary Dwyer

Mrs Trish Galloway

House Groups - Focus on Patron Values

Benedicta - Ms Reynolds

Gandhi - Mrs McCartan

King - Mrs Garrod

Oodgeroo - Mr Price

Romero - Mr Gaffney

Teresa - Ms O’Brien

Stewardship -

Caring for our Earth

Erin Earth

Mr Ben Holt

Sr Carmel Wallis

Gus and Tilly (dogs)

Team Building Activities

Ms Elise Campbell

Healthy Relationships

Our College Counsellors

Ms Rachel Smith

Ms Kate Roberts

The Importance of Indigenous

Culture

Mr Jason Jolley

The Year 7 Belonging Day challenged and inspired students to communicate effectively while respecting others as Christians in continuing the legacy of our Founders, Blessed Edmund Rice and Nano Nagle and our House Peace Patrons; St Benedicta, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Oodgeroo Noonuccal, St Oscar Romero and St Mother Teresa.

Stewardship of all creation was explored through a history of the schools on the Kildare site through visiting the Heritage Centre, with a time of reflection at Erin Earth, whilst Jason Jolley helped students understand the difference between a Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country and the totem of Wiradjuri through weaving an image of goanna (gugaa).

We began the day with prayer and ended the day with a Liturgy - a celebration of our work together, facilitated by the College, Boarding and House Captains. Year 7, which will be Year 12 2027, made a commitment to live the values of our College, our Founders and House Patrons and most importantly “Live the Truth”.

We were very blessed to have the following expert presenters lead activities: Mrs Susan Bradley, Mrs Mary Dwyer, Mrs Trish Galloway, Mr Ben Holt, Sr Carmel Wallis and Gus and Tilly. It was a privilege to host our guests who, through their wisdom, gave authenticity to our day.

Thank you to the staff Mr Jolley, Ms Campbell, Ms Smith, Ms Roberts, Ms Reynolds, Mr Hull, Mrs McCartan, Ms Langtry, Mrs Garrod, Mr Cohalan, Mr Price, Ms Bonet, Mr Gaffney, Ms Patterson, Ms O’Brien, Mr Gaffney (Junior) and Mr Conn who supported our expert presenters.

A huge thank you to Mrs Potts and Mr Lugton and Mr Guymer and his maintenance team for keeping us nourished and well shaded on the day.

The students engaged enthusiastically in the activities and were a credit to themselves and to Kildare Catholic College.