Faith and Mission

Easter and the resurrection of Jesus reminds us that God makes all things new. He has given us the same resurrection power to live free from sin and death and to have a life fully alive. While it's easy to forget the real reason for this holiday, perhaps we could take a moment to put aside the easter bunny, egg hunts, and baskets filled with gifts and remember the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus and his resurrection from the grave. To this end I thank all who contributed to or returned boxes for Project Compassion. The work they do is surely the work of Christ and shows our students and families showing Compassion by moving to action.

In particular I would like to thank Ms Garofalo and the Year Nine RE team and students for two fabulous lunchtimes of fundraising through their creative entrepreneurial sales. They were amazing and raised over $1200.

We finish the day on Friday afternoon with the Easter Liturgy and I thank in advance the Year Eleven and Twelve drama students for performing powerfully the events of Easter week and contemporary issues. They have been impressive with their commitment and focus.

I would like to also thank Jacquie Dunstan and the Justice students who ran a lunchtime Flag painting activity to raise awareness and support for the LGBTQI+ issue.

“We welcome and encourage everyone to participate freely and fully in the life of their Kildare Ministries community. Enjoying friendships, learning and growth are key parts of the life of our community.  We firmly believe in and value the goodness, complexity, and inherent dignity of every person. Human diversity is part of the design and wonder of creation.”  (KIldare Ministries Gender Inclusivity Statement)

Killester College welcomes and supports all students regardless of their gender identity.  On Wednesday March 30, led by the Justice & Democracy group, the student body showed their support through the creation of a Pride flag using their handprints to demonstrate solidarity.  In our year of Compassion it was a visual reminder of Moving to Action and will be used as a backdrop for all of our liturgies.. 

And finally thanks to the Year 12 students below who reflected on the Year 12 Retreat with their testimonials.

Lucinda Tran

The retreat was a time of relaxation. Personally from the retreat, I got to know and talk to more people and this is what also made it meaningful. At the retreat, I talked to people who I normally would not talk to and played games whilst also making new memories. Additionally, the retreat allows for reflection and a break from school before things get hectic and busy again.  Next year’s Year Twelves should come onto retreat being open to talking to new people but also reflecting on how they can be better for themselves and those around them.

Simone Dunker

For Year 12’s, when going onto retreat I would try your best to stay optimistic and positive about the experience. When you put the effort into the activities you realise how much it actually benefits you in the end. You make great memories with your friends and personally you probably will come back more relaxed and ready to continue on tackling the school year. What made the retreat meaningful to me is how I communicated with my small group, how I still remained to have fun times with my friends and still be able to have a decent amount of sleep. If I had to recommend anything I would say just remain having a positive attitude and you will see the benefit of the retreat at the end.

Jessie Coleman

Year 12 retreat was the best school camp I have ever been on. I learnt a lot about different people, and I learnt a lot about self love as well. The mini sessions where we got to talk to different people were very touching, and there was overall a lot of emotional moments we shared together. 

Have a wonderful Easter and time with your families. It has been a hectic term and I hope we all get a chance to recharge and come back with renewed energy.

Dear God,

Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for the victory and power in your Name. Thank you that you hold the keys over death, that by your might, Jesus was raised from the grave, paving the way for us to have new life with you. Thank you that you had plan, that you made a way. We confess our need for you…fresh…new…again. We ask that you renew our hearts, minds, and lives, for the days ahead. We pray for your refreshing over us.  Amen

Peter O’Neill

Assistant Principal Faith and Mission