Nagle Education Alliance of Australia (NEAA) 

Our five Kildare Nagle Ambassadors, Annalyse Gaiter, Abbey Mott, Hamish McRae, Ruby McRae and Monica Thomas, gathered with Presentation students, Leaders and Sisters from across Australia to focus on the theme: “A Flame for the Future” and walk alongside Venerable Nano Nagle.

Students travelled from Trinity College Lismore, Nagle College Blacktown, Domremy College Five Dock, St Rita’s College Brisbane, Star of the Sea College Brighton, Avila College Mt Waverley, St Mary’s College Hobart and Iona Presentation College Perth, to be hosted by Mater Dei Catholic College Wagga Wagga.

Inspired by Nano Nagle, and the Presentation Sisters, we are called to action as people of the lantern through education and service to the poor.

Reflections from our Kildare Nagle Ambassadors:

The Nagle Education Alliance of Australia was a great experience that showed us how to become leaders in our community. The student conference taught us to be “A Flame for the Future” following Nano Nagle’s journey of helping those who needed the most love and support. This conference challenged us to think about how we are able to go into our community and help others in need. ~ Monica Thomas

During the NEAA conference, a traditional smoking ceremony was performed with the permission of Indigenous Elders. This smoking ceremony allowed us all to connect with the sacred land. We were given a chance to bring the cleansing smoke into our open arms, allowing all that was worrying us to disappear, making a clear path for a brighter future. ~ Abbey Mott

During the conference, we were fortunate enough to be guided by Presentation Sisters who showed us how Nano Nagle’s legacy is still relevant today, particularly to the Kildare community. We visited ErinEarth in which we learnt about how environmental protection and appreciation is a significant component of Catholic spirituality. We also visited the Mt Erin Heritage Centre, where we learnt about how the original five Sisters ,who established the Presentation Convent ,have been transformative in and spreading out across Australia into the Colleges who continue to educate today, and how our Presentation heritage continues to guide and inform our schools’ current values. ~ Hamish McRae

Meeting all of the students from so many different places was great, as everyone was friendly, like-minded, kind and it was very clear how much everyone wanted to be there, learn, and participate. The reflective walk at Mater Dei was beautiful, and everyone was very respectful and reverent, making the experience meaningful, provoking thoughts surrounding what we can do in our lives to be a Flame for the Future', like Nano Nagle. The Leadership Conference was eye-opening, and every little aspect added more and more inspiration. ~ Ruby McRae

Going to the NEAA Conference was an amazing experience that left me with many memories and new friends. The highlight of the week for me has to be the conference dinner. We listened to inspirational keynote speakers who taught us how to create “a flame for the future” within our daily lives. This conference has inspired me, as well as my fellow peers who attended, to live life as Nano Nagle did by promoting the Christian values of wisdom, understanding and inclusion within our communities. ~ Annalyse Gaiter

Thank you to Mrs Val Thomas, Principal and Mrs Amelia Bright, Leader of Faith Formation and Mission at Mater Dei, The NEAA Executive and Mrs Louise Gunter, NEAA Executive Officer and Mr Browne, for providing the means and support for this wonderful experience. We were so grateful to have so many of the Presentation Sisters share our experience with us.

Christine Savage | Leader of Faith, Formation and Mission