Principal's Address

Dear Families of Killester,

Our world has seen so many instances in these past few weeks where it would be easy to despair and see little hope, at these times I am drawn instinctively to Galatians “So let’s not get weary of doing what is good" (Galatians 6:9). Our call to be the 'hands, feet, eyes, voice and heart of Jesus" (KEM Principles of Living Justice), means that we can never grow weary of doing what is right. We have seen across our globe, anguish in the face of continued injustice, due so often to the fact that these fights still need to be fought. Here at Killester we often pray to be "people of listening hearts" who "hear the invitation" and acknowledge "we cannot cease from journeying". One of our greatest challenges as an educational organisation is to ensure that respectful dialogue happens in a way that ensures we understand the wrongs of the past whilst looking to a future that is hope filled, and where justice and compassion are the hallmarks of our society. I have no doubt the young women of Killester will continue to engage in these discussions, and continue to be involved in action,  for many years after they have left the gates of their secondary school. I have been so proud of the honest conversations I have both participated in, and those I have witnessed, where our young women are calling out injustice where they see it, be it in conversations about observations of brutality at the hands of the police, the Australian Government's treatment of refugees, the incarceration rates of indigenous Australians or, the inequity of access to appropriate medical care across our country and the globe. Now, more than ever, our world needs educated and vocal young women who are prepared to speak for the voiceless and fight for just causes. 

The return of all of our year levels has been wonderful, as hallways and classrooms have been yet again filled with the laughter and chatter of students. It has been a privilege to visit the Year 9 and 10 Passion Project showcases this week where the students have demonstrated to us all the work they are capable of producing when they are guided to follow their passion. I am very much looking forward to seeing the work of the Year 7 and 8 students later in the week. We have surveyed all staff and students about the learnings we are able to take from our remote learning experience and we will endeavour to incorporate these into planning for the future.

Our brand new Tullow Centre has opened for classes and we are eagerly planning an official opening to celebrate this wonderful new learning centre when restrictions allow us to celebrate in style. Planning has commenced already for the next phase of our major capital works, Kennedy Hall. 

Much work has been undertaken to reorganise the College calendar for the remainder of 2020. Where possible we have undertaken to plan functions and events in different formats so as to not forgo milestone celebrations across the school year. I urge all families to ensure they have accessed the updated College Calendar to check for changes to dates and event details. 

These last two weeks of term will allow us the opportunity to spend time re-establishing the necessary rhythm of school life before the holidays arrive and we can all take a very well deserved break. I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all of the students for the way they have moved back onto school grounds with a positive and joyful attitude. In particular, I congratulate the Year 12 VCE and VCAL students who have embraced the challenges of remote learning and returned with a determined and positive outlook for the few months remaining of their secondary schooling experience. 

Ms Sally Buick

Principal