National Reconciliation Week provided our College community with a powerful opportunity to come together in reflection, learning, and hope as we acknowledged the importance of truth-telling, justice, and unity. The 2026 theme, “All In,” challenged us to consider how we can each play a role in building a more respectful, connected, and compassionate future. Through prayer, storytelling, music, dance, and student voice, our assembly reminded us that reconciliation is not simply a concept we speak about, but something we actively live every day.
The assembly began with a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country led by Ms Nash, our First Nations Support Officer. Students reflected on the deep spiritual connection First Nations peoples have to Country and the importance of recognising the histories, cultures, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
A particularly meaningful moment of the assembly was the reflection shared by Adelaide, Sophie and Ella on connection to land and place. Their words invited the community to reflect on the relationship we have with Country – not simply as land, but as identity and belonging.
Felicia shared her personal reflections and insights from the Kildare Ministries First Nations Immersion Camp. She highlighted the significance of walking alongside First Nations communities with empathy, respect, and openness. Through these experiences, students were challenged to think deeply about what reconciliation looks like in action.
A powerful reflection during the assembly was Alyssa’s speech on living reconciliation. Her words encouraged the community to look beyond symbolic gestures and instead consider how reconciliation can be lived through everyday actions grounded in justice, and understanding. Her message deeply resonated with those present, specifically when she reminded us that while the past cannot be erased, our actions today help shape the future for generations to come.
Our community was also privileged to hear from guest speaker Vicky Welgraven, whose words encouraged us all to continue striving for understanding, justice, and meaningful change. Her leadership and advocacy served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of First Nations peoples and the importance of ensuring that all voices are heard.
To conclude the assembly, Lauren and Brooklyn, alongside Music staff, performed ‘Beds Are Burning’ by Midnight Oil. The powerful performance served as this year’s theme song for National Reconciliation Week.
Then our Nunga students, Special Guests and staff enjoyed some afternoon tea together in our Cafe.
As a community grounded in the Kildare Ministries value of Justice – making the needs of the vulnerable paramount, we were reminded that reconciliation begins with truth-telling, compassion, and a willingness to walk together.
With an excited buzz in the air, our Year 10 students gathered on Monday 18 May to head for the hills for their Connections and Adventure Camp at Mylor. Over the ensuing three days there was plenty of both!
Once on site and with lunch out of the way, the students split into their activity groups and the action began. Blessed with largely clear sunny days, the group tackled all manner of activities: bridge building, raft making, low ropes, team building games, archery, a giant swing, the flying fox and the challenge course, complete with a water slide into a muddy pit!
In each activity there was a common theme: success in the endeavour could only come from teamwork, cooperation, problem solving and some grit.
A highlight of night one was a magnificent bonfire which burned high into the dark night sky, keeping all of us around it warm, as well as attentive for stray embers!
I would like to thank the Year 10 students and accompanying staff for their engagement and cheerful willingness to participate, communicate and connect across the three days.
At Kildare College, we believe leadership is not defined by titles, but by the courage to recognise a challenge and take meaningful action. Our Advocacy Captains embodied this belief through their student-led initiative, “Respect Starts with Us.”
These nine students identified an important issue within our community. Through conversations and observations, they recognised that stereotyping and racial assumptions were influencing how some students viewed and treated one another. Rather than ignoring this, they chose to lead through action.
During Term 1, they designed and delivered a 90-minute workshop for Year 7 students focused on stereotyping, racial discrimination, and their impact on individuals and the wider community. By working with our youngest students, they understood that culture is shaped early and that building empathy and awareness can influence our community long term.
Through discussion and interactive activities, students were challenged to reflect on how their words and actions shape others’ experiences.
This initiative was driven entirely by student insight. The Advocacy Captains identified a need, took ownership, and created a response that empowers others. Their leadership demonstrates a genuine commitment to justice and shows how young people can positively shape community culture for the benefit of all students now and into the future.
To conclude the workshop, students designed their own fish which, when brought together, symbolise the strength and beauty of a community that moves with purpose, compassion, and connection. Just as a school of fish ensures no individual is left isolated or vulnerable, our community strives to ensure that every person feels seen, valued, and included.
