Principal's Report

Dear Families, 

This week our gospel comes from Matthew and Jesus challenging us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This concept is one that does indeed challenge us, as when we are harmed or injured in some way we can find it difficult to forgive and overcome any pain we may have suffered.  This call to forgiveness is one that many of us need to reflect on in our daily lives, as to forgive not only brings healing to those who have inflicted suffering, it is also a way for those who have been injured to let go of harm and seek some peace.  At Killester our theme for the year is justice, and whilst we recognise the need for forgiveness the greater challenge is in ensuring that past harm is not only recognised but that we ensure it cannot be enacted again.  To us this is true justice and is what we are called to do as we give witness to the teachings of Jesus and our Kildare Education values of hope, wonder, compassion, hospitality, courage and indeed justice.

This week we hosted welcome evenings for each year level. I would like to thank all families who attended with their daughters and engaged in the important dialogue that takes place between the College and families.  I would also like to thank the Student Development Leaders and Homeroom Teachers of the College who gave of their precious time outside of normal work hours to continue developing these fruitful relationships.

At the welcome evenings I spoke to families of our upcoming school review. Known as the SIF (School Improvement Framework), the review allows us the opportunity to spend time reflecting on our work and find both cause for celebration as well as opportunities for growth.  In the coming weeks, parents will be asked to volunteer for a short amount of time to be involved in focus group discussions as part of the review.  I encourage all families who are able to give of their time to do so, we can only create a true picture of our work when we hear the voices of all members of our community.  Staff have been working very hard on the review and I look forward to sharing with you the findings of the report some time in Term Two.

I pass on my best wishes to the community of Our Lady of La Vang Parish in Keysborough for the opening of their new church this coming Saturday.  As the first purpose built Vietnamese Catholic Church in Victoria I am sure many in our community will be looking forward to celebrating mass and other liturgies in the fine new facilities. Our prayers are with all in the community for a blessed celebration on Saturday.

Ms Sally Buick

Principal