Damian McKew

Damian McKew will conclude his nine years of Principalship at Clonard to take up the position of inaugural Principal of Iona College in the rapidly expanding residential area to the south of Geelong. Damian has 12 months to convert an empty paddock into a new school which will open in 2020.

Damian’s leadership at Clonard has been outstanding. It has included expanding the footprint of the school to twice its original size, numerous building projects, but more importantly providing strong instructional leadership and support for student wellbeing programs.

Sound judgement has always been a characteristic of Damian’s leadership. His capacity to make decisions that, depending on circumstances, are based in empathy and compassion, or the need to challenge have always displayed wisdom based in both his personal qualities and experience. These qualities will provide the best possible foundation as Damian seeks to establish a new school with all of the challenges associated with forming a new curriculum, employing an entirely new staff group and overseeing the design and construction of new buildings.

We also wish Damian every blessing as he faces the challenges of establishing a new school and thank him for his many years of service to Clonard.

(Excerpt from Michael Doyle's farewell speech to Damian at the KM end of year function)

Teresa Lincoln

Teresa Lincoln will depart Kilbreda College as Co Principal after three years of distinguished service. Teresa will take up an appointment as Secondary Principal Consultant for the Southern Region of Catholic Education, Melbourne.

Together with Nicole Mangelsdorf, Teresa’s leadership has been characterised by her warm manner, approachability and overall commitment to enhanced teaching and learning outcomes supported by strong wellbeing programs.

Teresa and Nicole’s leadership provided strong witness to the importance of collaboration and teaming within schools, a factor that has had a positive impact on both staff and students. We particularly thank Teresa for her assistance in organising a number of Kildare Ministries’ projects including pilgrimage planning, the Sydney Conference held this year and a combined student leadership seminar.

We wish Teresa every blessing in her newly chosen pathway and thank her for her contributions to Kilbreda.

(Excerpt from Michael Doyle's farewell speech to Teresa at the KM end of year function)

Nola Vanderfeen pbvm

In fare-welling Nola on behalf of the Member's Council, Anne Boyd acknowledged Nola's contribution to Kildare Ministries not only as Trustee but throughout the implementation phase. She also honoured the long standing partnership between the Presentation and Brigidine Sisters in a range of circumstances prior to Kildare Ministries.

"Nola" Anne said, "you have brought not only a breadth of educational experience and expertise in governance for Kildare Ministries but you have imbued us all with your passion for Community Works".

In presenting Nola with an engraved vase, Anne expressed the wish that the gift would symbolize the hopes of all that Nola's life would now be filled with a new array of floral beauty and colour.

(Excerpt from Anne Boyd's farewell speech to Nola at the final meeting)

Ishti Griffiths

After seven years as Operations Manager, Ishti Griffiths decided to leave PFC and pursue other endeavours. Ishti has been a valued member of the PFC team, and has overseen the development of the current operational model, built relationships with referral agencies to support guests in need, brought in facilitators to deliver specialty Holiday Program activities, and most recently has supported the transition of governance from the Presentation Sisters to Kildare Ministries.

Her insights and wisdom about the needs of her community at PFC were enlightening and her collaboration invaluable. We will miss Ishti and wish here every blessing in her endevours.

Departing Board Directors

Kildare Ministries would also like to express their gratitude and well wishes for the future to departing Board Directors.

Helen Carboon (Left) and Kathy Donnellon (Board Chair, Right) from the Star of the Seas Board.

Koos Kruger and Brett Kimorley have left the Brigidine College, St. Ives' Board.

Marg Daniels csb from the Brigidine College, Indooroopilly Board.

Matthew Dique and Chris Byrne have also left the Indooroopilly Board this year.

Mary Keogh pbvm, retiring from the Presentation Family Centre Board.

Apologies, photos were not available to everyone listed in this newsletter.

Christmas Wishes