Tullow Centre – Our Fabulous New Innovation Hub
When we first started planning the Innovation Hub, the Tullow Centre, the criteria was as follows:
- Point of difference – a girls’ school with facilities to offer woodwork and metalwork
- Innovation, Creativity and Construction are to be at the forefront of the design
- A building that prepared students for the challenges of tomorrow’s workplace with a centre focussed on flexibility, collaboration, skillful communication, and problem-solving skills
This week after starting the build only 13 months ago, the latest building on the Kildare landscape is now operational and just incredible. Even through the complexities of Covid, the building has been delivered on time and on budget!
This incredible building designed by Walter Brooke Architects and built by Sarah Constructions is truly a space that inspires creativity, construction and innovation and allows our students to learn in an innovative, interactive learning environment reflective of society’s modern, divergent, flexible, and dynamic thinking.
Since 1966 when the Brigidine Sisters arrived in Adelaide and laid the first foundations for Kildare, the focus has always been on the academic and wellbeing needs of our students. History has shown us that the first Brigidine Sisters were regarded as risk-takers, resilient and demonstrated that by being creative, innovative, and brave, (and continue to be) anything is possible. In 1807, six women in response to an invitation from Daniel Delany and established the Brigidine Sisters in Tullow, Ireland. Hence, the new building is named the ‘Tullow Centre’ because we are celebrating and acknowledging the incredible work of all who have been and are part of the Brigidine story.
The Tullow Centre includes the following:
- Construction area used for metal/wood/plastics/cement/resin and acrylics such as jewellery and woodwork
- Digital Technology room
- STEM room with options for 3D printing, laser cutting and soldering
- Science Laboratory
The upper level includes:
- A media suite with a green screen and soundproofing ideal for podcasting and film editing
- An auditorium arena
- Three general learning areas that can be utilised together or separately and open onto an expansive terrace area
- Break out spaces and flexible learning areas for students, administration areas for staff and amenities
Other features:
- The build itself encapsulates innovation. The facade features a canopy constructed of glass solar panels linked to a digital readout screen within the foyer.
- State-of-the-art technology in the classrooms
- Lift, with a large glass panel that allows our students to see the mechanisms of a working lift
We are super excited for our students as we know that this building will present many tremendous opportunities for our College community, and now it is time to start!
Thank you for your support
Tina Neate
Principal
Seussical JrTM Musical Underway!
We are extremely excited about the upcoming production of Seussical Jr! Audition day was amazing; we were completely blown away by the incredible talent of our students.
Auditions began with a group audition. The students learnt a short section of the music and choreography for the finale song and performed it for the panel with such enthusiasm and excitement, the room was glowing! The solo auditions continued throughout the day, and they were wonderful; these talented students really made the panel’s job hard as there were so many choices for the roles in this beautiful show.
The cast was announced on Wednesday 16 June and the room exploded with cheering and excitement. When auditioning for something like this, unfortunately, it isn’t possible for every student to be cast in the roles that they really want but the panel was so impressed and humbled by all the students’ support and encouragement of each other and the energy they brought to the process.
Behind the scenes there has been a lot happening. Students and staff have been raising their hands, keen to help out and, with the phrase ‘many hands make light work’ in mind, we are so happy to accept any and all help! We will be organising a meeting very soon with everyone that would like to help out to start a plan for backstage, costumes, props, sets and all things Seussical!
Rehearsals have begun and it’s going so well!
Rebecca Mason
Seussical Jr TM Musical Director
Student Mentors
This year Kildare College rolled out a new wellbeing initiative to strengthen peer relations and support in the wider community, aligning with Kildare’s core values of Hope, Compassion and Justice. Nineteen students from Years 8-12 were selected to be Kildare’s first ever Student Mentors for 2022. These students participated in a half-day training, run by Mia Davies College Social Worker, to increase their knowledge of the important leadership qualities and interpersonal skills that are aligned with this role.
Being a Kildare Student Mentor is like a “big sister” role and may require responsibilities such as welcoming a new student to the College, leading group activities at lunch time, creating wellbeing related programs to help fellow peers, and lastly, individual meetings with a mentee to provide them guidance and support.
One of the incredible programs the Student Mentors have introduced so far include the Organisation Program, which aims to assist with academic achievement with a relatable approach. Each Thursday lunch time in the Resource Centre, the Student Mentors prepare and deliver different topics such as; time management, breaking down tasks, best ways to study for exams, and how to prioritise and beat procrastination, to name a few. The program will run for 7 weeks and is open to all students of all year levels. So far, it is been very successful and the fellow students who have attended the sessions have walked away with a whole new set of valuable skills they can apply to their learning.
Mia Davies
College Social Worker