From the Principal

Dear families of Killester,

Our Gospel this week comes from John:

Jesus said: ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that bears no fruit he cuts away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes to make it bear even more. You are pruned already, by means of the word that I have spoken to you. Make your home in me, as I make mine in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself, but must remain part of the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing. John 15: 1-5

We are reminded this week of the importance of relationship; relationship with God and with each other. The imagery of Jesus as the vine and we, the disciples, as the branches, encourages us to recall the imperative of maintaining the relationship we have with Jesus. This relationship needs cultivation through prayer and service. At Killester we actively encourage this cultivation of relationship with Jesus in a myriad of ways, and ensure that our call to produce the fruit of the vine is one embedded through our values, prayer service.

Last week we officially opened the Tullow Performing Arts Centre. The evening was a beautiful celebration that showcased the talent of our students who performed for our gathered audience. In front of many local and ministry dignitaries, Fr Brian Collins blessed our new building and then Rosemary Copeland, co-chair of the Kildare Ministries Trustees, drew down the velvet curtain to declare our Tullow Centre officially open. Thus far the Tullow has already become a gathering place for song, performance, dance, celebration and worship. The Tullow has given us space, light and opportunity to explore the wonder of the performing Arts, we are very much looking forward to what it will continue to offer all in our community for the coming generations. The building would not have been possible without the vision of Ms Leanne Di Stefano, who attended the evening and spoke of her conceptualization of the building, the community presented Ms Di Stefano with a beautiful drawing of the building done by one of our talented Year 11 students; Seerat Cheema. The evening was made possible by the tireless work of a number of staff but, in particular our music staff, Mr Bernie Hickey, Ms Katy Addis and Mr Jeff Vague, as well as Ms Loreto Cannon, Ms Sandra Rotunno, Ms Brigtte Read and Ms Raechel O'Shea. A special mention must also go to Mr Mark Pudney, who led our Yr 11 Kitchen Operations students in preparing and presenting lovely food for the occasion. Last, and certainly not least, thanks goes to our magnificent students who showed us the magic of the Tullow and the many ways it will continue to bring joy and wonder to our community. 

Sally Buick

Principal