Our Year 10 Student Leaders led us beautifully in prayer, and shared, with clarity and confidence, the aspirations they hold on behalf of the students they represent. One of our Year 10 Advocacy Captains spoke thoughtfully about her vision for the role and how this new initiative will strengthen student voice and connection across our community.
The Director of Staff, Mr Caprioli, then brought the history and symbolism of the Lamp of Learning to life. He traced its ancient meaning as a symbol of wisdom, curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge, and connected this enduring symbol to the contemporary story of Kildare College in 2026, a community where learning continues to illuminate the path forward.
As Mrs Neate blessed the Lamp of Learning badges there was a quiet sense of reverence for the occasion, acknowledging the significance of the badge. House Leaders presented each student with their badge, marking a milestone in the students’ journey through the College. Students then proudly pinned their badges on their blazer as a symbol of their entry into the Senior Years.
The 2026 Year 10 Lamp of Learning Badge Presentation was particularly special as it was the first time we have been able to invite families to share in this tradition with us. We are grateful to those who were able to attend and witness this meaningful moment. It was a beautiful morning, a purposeful and inspiring way to begin the week, as our Year 10 students continue their journey of both academic and personal growth at Kildare College.
Showcasing their growth, we reflect on how they began their journey as Year 7 students in the Middle Years and look forward to all they will achieve as they enter the Senior Years.
The first week of autumn delivered perfect Year 7 Camp weather; clear skies, sunshine and just enough coastal breeze to remind us we were by the sea. Victor Harbor was the ideal setting for our Year 7 Cultivating Connections Camp, where our Year 7 students and outstanding Year 11 Peer Support Leaders came together for three memorable days of growth, challenge and connection.
Over the course of the camp, students rotated through a dynamic program of activities including Flying Kiwi, Survivor Challenge, Amazing Race, Water Obstacle and the Beyond Limits Relay. There were beach games, team-based challenges and problem-solving tasks that required communication, resilience and teamwork. Each activity encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, support one another and discover new strengths within themselves.
Beyond the high-energy challenges, camp provided valuable opportunities for shared meals, trivia games, reflection sessions and relaxed conversations. These quieter moments were just as important, allowing friendships to deepen and new connections to form naturally. It was wonderful to see students cheering one another on, celebrating small wins and building confidence with each rotation.
Our sincere thanks go to our Year 11 Peer Support Leaders. Their leadership, warmth and genuine care made a significant difference to the experience of our Year 7 students. They modelled inclusion, positivity and encouragement at every turn.
Experiences like this lay the foundation for belonging and connection within our College community. We are incredibly proud of our Year 7 cohort and grateful to everyone who helped make our Year 7 Cultivating Connections Camps such a success.
Our Year 10 and Year 11 Student Leaders attended the Youth Leadership Academy Australia Conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Surrounded by student leaders from across the state, they engaged in powerful sessions focused on courage, influence and personal growth. Throughout the day, they were reminded that leadership is not about a badge or title – it’s about the impact you have on others.
Some of their key takeaways included:
- Courage means doing the right thing, even when it’s uncomfortable
- Progress is more important than perfection
- Leadership starts with self-awareness
- Connection creates influence
- Failure is feedback
- Leadership is service
What stood out most was the way our students leaned into the experience. They asked thoughtful questions, connected with other schools, and reflected on their leadership journey, returning with fresh perspective and renewed motivation to lead with purpose.
Experiences like this shape confident, values-driven leaders, and we look forward to seeing the impact of their learning across our College throughout the year.
As part of our celebration of International Women’s Day, our College community immersed itself in a reflective activity centred on the theme “Before Me. Beside Me. Because of Me.”
This activity invited students to pause and consider the powerful network of women who shape their lives and the impact they themselves will have on others. Each student reflected on three simple but meaningful prompts:
- Before Me – a woman who came before her and helped shape who she is today.
- Beside Me – a woman who currently walks alongside her, offering friendship, support or inspiration.
- Because of Me – the woman she hopes to positively influence through her actions, courage and leadership.
The Resource Centre also hosted lunchtime activities that celebrated the achievements of women while creating opportunities for students to reflect and connect. Affirmation stations on whiteboards invited students to write empowering messages centred around “I Am, She Is, We Are.” These affirmations served as reminders of the strength, confidence and support that women can offer one another.
To further celebrate the occasion, our Year 12 Student Leaders had the privilege of attending a special International Women’s Day event. They were treated to delicious mocktails on arrival and heard from two inspiring South Australian voices, Erin Phillips and Ali Clarke.
Erin Phillips spoke about perseverance, resilience and the courage required to pursue a dream even when the pathway is not always clear. Drawing on her journey through elite sport and leadership, she reminded students that success is rarely linear and that setbacks often become the moments that shape character and determination.
Ali Clarke brought warmth, humour and authenticity to the conversation, sharing reflections from her career in media and broadcasting. Her message centred on the importance of being true to yourself, supporting others, and recognising that every individual has a voice worth sharing.
International Women’s Day reminds us that progress is not made alone. It is shaped by those who come before us, strengthened by those who walk beside us, and carried forward by the impact we leave on those who follow.
Through reflection, conversation and inspiration, our students were encouraged to recognise that each of them has the capacity to lead, empower and create opportunities for others – not only today, but for generations to come.
Our Living Justice Living Peace baked and sold cupcakes, with all proceeds supporting our community works. The group also created posters celebrating prominent historical figures from around the world and provided students with purple ribbons, symbolising the struggle for dignity and justice.
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