On Thursday 26 February 2026, our Kildare College community gathered as one for our Opening College Mass, holding two beautiful realities together.
Celebration and Wonder.
This was not only the beginning of a new academic year. It was a sacred pause to honour a story that has been unfolding for 60 years.
Our theme – Past. Present. Future. – invited reflection and gratitude.
Past:Â We stand on the shoulders of courageous women who believed fiercely in the education of young women. On 13 March 1966, Kildare College opened with 32 students in one building, our Hall, guided by Sr Moira Broderick csb. That bold beginning continues to shape who we are. The presence of Rose and Julie from that founding class, and Sr Sue Chambers, who served Kildare with strength and vision, reminded us that our history is living. Generations stood side by side.
Present: Kildare is a vibrant learning environment where relationships and connections are central. Fr John and Fr Philip led us in prayer, grounding our celebration in faith and in our Year of Justice. We were reminded that our Core Values are not simply words. They are lived each day in and beyond classrooms, on stages and in quiet acts of kindness. Our Year 7 students received their House badges, formally welcomed into the Kildare story. Our Year 12 students received their Senior badges, stepping into their final year with pride and responsibility. Staff and students were blessed, reminding them of the important role they play in Kildare’s story.Â
Future:Â Kildare is always becoming. As we prepare to farewell our Hall and look towards the Lightbridge Centre, we honour what has held us and build what will carry generations to come.
We were delighted to welcome the following special guests to our Opening College Mass:
- Sr Sue Chambers – Brigidine Sister and Past Deputy Principal
- Kathy McEvoy – Co-Chair of the Trustees of Kildare Ministries and Past Principal
- John Neate – Chair of the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools and Past Principal
- Maria D’Aloia – Current Chair of the Stewardship Council
- Jo Coonan – Past Chair of the Stewardship Council
- Margaret Rouggos – Past Principal
- Joy Bedford – Past Deputy Principal
- Leanne Carr – CESA Acting Director, Catholic Identity & Mission Â
- Jamie Blowes – CESA Regional Manager
- Ashley Keane – Principal of St Pius Catholic Primary School, a school founded by the Brigidine Sisters.
- Rose Asimakopoulos and Julie Monis-Ivett OAM, Old Scholars, part of the founding class of 1966
We were also very grateful and delighted to welcome Fr John, Parish Priest of St Pius X (tenth) Church and Fr Philip to concelebrate our Opening College Mass.
60 years of Strength and Gentleness.
And the story continues…
Last week there was a genuine sense of pride and joy in the College as families joined our College community to celebrate the achievements and growth of our 2025 Middle Years students.
The assembly opened with a powerful and polished performance from our Dance Scholarship students, setting the tone for a celebration that honoured both talent and hard work. Their energy and artistry reminded us that learning and excellence take many forms at Kildare. We were also treated to the beautiful harmonies of our student musicians. The melodies, arranged by the students themselves, filled the space with warmth and richness.
Acknowledging these milestones matter, not only because of the awards themselves, but because of the individual story of each student who has persisted and worked as hard as they can to achieve outstanding results.
While awards recognise achievement, they do not define a young person’s worth or belonging. Every student has a valued place at Kildare. Each one contributes to the heart and spirit of our community in ways both visible and unseen. Growth looks different for everyone.
We were also delighted to welcome back Jasmine Tsiros, College Dux of 2025, who generously shared her story with our 2025 Middle Years students. Her words were sincere and encouraging, reminding our young people that the support and love of family and friends is what sustains us. Her reflections invited students to think about their future, seek help from our teachers, get enough sleep, enjoy the experience of Kildare and most importantly to have fun.
We wish all our students the best for the learning this year as 2026 provides the opportunity for new beginnings, optimism and joy.
Our inaugural Term 1 Year 12 Family Breakfast was a joyful and spirited way to begin the 2026 school year. As students and families arrived, there was a beautiful sense of energy in the room. Laughter, hugs, photographs and that quiet awareness that this year feels different.
Advocacy Captain and College Prefect Alyssa, together with her mum Kirstin, offered a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country. This was followed by a gentle and meaningful prayer led by College Captains, Solomia and Lilla, alongside their mothers. It was a powerful reflection of what Kildare is about. Partnership. Presence. Walking together.
Mrs Neate, our Principal, spoke with warmth and humour, sharing her own perspective as a Year 12 mum and reminding everyone that this final year is a shared journey. Her message was simple and clear. Focus on your own path. Set your goals. Do your best. And know that you are supported every step of the way.
A special highlight of the morning was the presentation of the long-awaited Year 12 jackets. House Leaders proudly handed each student their jacket as Year 7 photos flashed across the screen, sparking both nostalgia and pride as the reality of their final year set in. The moment captured the journey from young Year 7 students to confident young women ready to lead their final year.
Following the breakfast, students returned to the College for a day centred on connection and wellbeing. Yoga and mindfulness sessions created space for calm and focus, while Tribal Drumming brought energy and joy. The day concluded with the entire cohort drumming together in rhythm. Individual beats. One united sound. A fitting symbol of the year ahead at Kildare.
