What a journey Term 3 has been. It is hard to believe we are already at the end, after months filled with moments that truly reflected our Year of Hospitality | Welcoming all.
Time and time and again, we have witnessed the beauty of women mentoring women, and the strength that comes when we celebrate one another as role models. This spirit has been woven through so many experiences – from the inspiration of our Futures Fair and Creative Industries Week, to the joy and laughter of the Middle Years Social. We shared precious moments at the Year 12 Family Breakfast, joined together at the Parents and Friends Sausage Sizzle, and celebrated imagination during Book Week. The love shown at the Father’s Day Activities Afternoon, the significance of our Celebration of the Hall, and the energy of Brigidine Day, each added their own special chapter to this term’s story.
Our College community captured the true meaning of Hospitality at various occasions, showcasing unity and support through various activities on RUOK? Day, our Living Justice | Living Peace Cook Up with Rostrevor College and our support of the Vinnies Winter Warmers Drive.
Among the many highlights of the term was the joy of announcing our 2026 Student Leaders. It was inspiring to see these young women step forward, ready to embrace the call to lead. Congratulations to our College Captains, Lilla and Solomia, and our Prefects, Hridini, Katelyn, Alyssa, Lucy, and Hannah. Their leadership will continue the story of courage, hospitality, and service that defines our College.
As we step into the holidays, we are filled with gratitude for the way our students, staff, and families bring hospitality, generosity, and love to every part of College life. May this time of rest be one of renewal and peace.
From powerful performances to compassionate leadership and cultural advocacy, Kildare students have made a mark at this year’s Tea Tree Gully Council’s Youth Achievement Awards. With standout nominations across multiple categories, these young changemakers are not only excelling in the arts and academics, they are enhancing what is already an inclusive, vibrant community.
Creative Community Award – First Place
Morgan is recognised for her outstanding leadership, artistic excellence, and unwavering commitment to the Performing Arts. As Chanel House Arts Captain, she inspires others through her passion for Drama and Music. A key cast member in College Musicals since 2023, Morgan brings energy, professionalism, and collaboration to every production. Beyond Kildare, she performs nationally with the Australian Girls Choir. Her inclusive leadership and dedication to younger students reflect the College’s Core Value of Hospitality.
Creative Community Award – Runners Up
Mia is celebrated for her academic excellence, artistic talent, and community involvement. A high-achieving Year 11 student, with a particular passion for Dance. Her contributions to the College’s broader life include performing in XOXO, and competing in national calisthenics events. Mia’s ability to balance rigorous academic and performance commitments, including the Adelaide Fringe Festival, demonstrates her resilience and strategic thinking. Sponsored by the Australian Calisthenics Theatre Company, she inspires others to pursue their goals with confidence. Mia demonstrates the College’s Core Value of Courage.
Katelyn is recognised for her quiet strength, empathy, and inclusive leadership. Since joining Kildare in Year 9, she has become a trusted Peer Support Leader, Mentor, and Chanel House Student Leader. Known for her thoughtful gestures and genuine care, she supports new students, leads tours, and contributes meaningfully to Orientation Days for new students. Her role in XOXO showcased her artistic flair, while her everyday actions—checking in on peers and advocating for wellbeing, highlight her commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment through our Core Value of Hospitality.
Together We Can Award – Runner Up
The Nunga Group is honoured for their cultural leadership, generosity, and commitment to reconciliation. Meeting fortnightly, they provide a safe space for Indigenous students to connect, reflect, and celebrate culture. Their leadership is evident in initiatives such as delivering an Acknowledgement of Country video, and leading events like the Close the Gap display, Sorry Day awareness, and a moving Reconciliation Week assembly. Through art, storytelling, and ceremony, they promote cultural awareness, inclusion and demonstrate our Core Values of Compassion and Justice.
English at Kildare has enjoyed an exciting few weeks. Students have been treated to enriching performances by Poetry in Action, as well as Bell Shakespeare. For Year 7 students, they learn about how poetry can be used to save the world through a surprisingly complicated, yet engaging, plot around time travel; whereas the Year 10 students learned more about war poetry in preparation for their study of war as a literary genre.
In addition to the performances, our students took part in the Write a Book in a Day challenge, a national event that combines creativity with compassion. From 9.00am until 3.20pm, teams worked intensively to plan, write, illustrate, and submit a complete storybook that will be donated to children in hospitals across Australia. The challenge began with the reveal of the day’s parameters: students were required to include specific characters, a problem, and given a setting, as well as weave in a list of random words. The book also needed to reflect Australian content and reach a minimum of 3,500 words, while still being suitable and engaging for young readers.
The teams quickly divided roles, with writers focusing on plot and dialogue, editors ensuring consistency and flow, and illustrators bringing the story to life visually. Alongside the written text, students also produced a front cover and back cover, making sure the book looked complete and professional. Despite the strict timeframe, the atmosphere remained focused and enthusiastic as everyone contributed their ideas and skills.
By the afternoon deadline, they had a finished story that met the word count and all the requirements, ready to be submitted. The sense of achievement was clear, with students proud to see how much could be accomplished in just one school day. Beyond the creativity and teamwork, the project also raised funds for childhood cancer research, giving students the chance to know their efforts would brighten the lives of young people in hospitals across the country.
