On Thursday 6 August, our community gathered to recognise the achievements of students at the Middle Years and Senior Years Academic Awards Assemblies. With more than 400 family members and guests joining us, the day was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not only academic success, but also the effort, growth and personal development of our students.
A highlight of both assemblies was hearing from Julie Monis-Ivett OAM, an Old Scholar from Kildare’s foundation Class of 1966. Julie shared the defining moments that shaped her life and led to her receiving an Order of Australia Medal in 2018 for her contribution to international health.
Julie spoke about her work with Zonta, an organisation which began with a small group of like-minded people in the Adelaide Hills, the Birthing Kit Foundation Australia and Support DR Congo, including the life-saving impact of simple birthing kits in vulnerable communities. She encouraged students to value learning, persevere through challenges and embrace opportunities to serve others—reflecting Kildare’s Core Values of Compassion, Courage and Justice. We are deeply grateful to Julie for sharing her wisdom and for continuing to inspire the next generation of Kildare graduates.
These assemblies celebrate academic excellence, determination and commitment of our students. Our Core Values Awards introduced this year, acknowledged students who live out Wonder, Hope, Hospitality, Courage, Compassion and Justice in their everyday interactions at Kildare.
Thank you to the many families who came and celebrated these remarkable achievements.
Middle Years Academic Awards Assembly
Senior Years Academic Awards Assembly
Creative Industries Week at Kildare College once again celebrated the imagination, skills and creativity of our students. Throughout the week, students explored a range of creative disciplines through hands-on workshops, developing new skills and discovering different ways to express their ideas.
The week began with Timber, where students designed and constructed their own naughts and crosses boards, combining craftsmanship with creativity. Tuesday saw Photography students explored pop art-inspired collage, taking inspiration from Andy Warhol’s iconic style to create vibrant and expressive artworks. On Wednesday, Art students designed and created their own naughts and crosses pieces, bringing individuality and artistic flair to the classic game.
Thursday’s Jewellery workshop was a highlight, with students creating colourful jewellery pieces alongside special guest Renee Dimiani, a Kildare College old scholar. Renee shared her creative journey and encouraged students as they experimented with jewellery design techniques. The week concluded with Design students creating miniature houses, combining imagination, problem-solving and attention to detail.
Throughout the week, PC groups participated in Chalk the Walk, transforming the pathway into a colourful celebration of student creativity and expression. Students also enjoyed the third visit from our Artist in Residence, Lucinda Penn, gaining inspiration and insight into the creative process.
The Resource Centre hosted the annual Mini Art Show, showcasing the impressive talents of students across the College. Congratulations to the Artwork Competition winners:
Senior Years: Emily (Year 12)
Middle Years: Mia (Year 7)
People’s Choice: Armeet (Year 7)
Creative Industries Week highlights the importance of creativity, innovation and self-expression, celebrating the many ways our students bring ideas to life.
The College would like to extend a warm thank you to our community for their support of our Winter Appeal this year. The Winter Appeal invites us to reflect on the deeper causes of poverty in Australia. As a community inspired by Brigid and Jesus, we are called to act with justice and compassion, working towards a more equitable society where all can thrive.
The appeal began with a celebration of Christmas in July at the end of Term 2. The halls came alive with tacky Christmas sweaters, reindeer ears and tinsel. Students brought in donations of warm clothes and toiletries to support the appeal. In Term 3 the focus has been on collecting non-perishable food and we are once again blown away with the generosity of our community. Over 2000 individual items have been donated. A special thank you to Woolworths Gilles Plains, Galipo, Kelloggs, Simplot, Anchor, Real Dairy, Goodman Fielder, Sandhurst and Pacific West for their support.
In Week 2, courageous volunteers attended our annual Winter Sleepout in solidarity with people experiencing homelessness. Students explored how societal structures and unconscious bias can contribute to inequality and disadvantage by participating in a privilege walk and engaging in learning activities. Students played the Cost of Living Monopoly game, experiencing the challenges of paying rent, purchasing groceries and managing unexpected expenses while living on a JobSeeker income. Vinnies volunteers Alex, Huguette and Malcolm visited the sleepout participants and explained the incredible work they do in the community. It is through their hard work that Kildare’s donations go to people who need it the most. Overall, the night encouraged students to reflect on the changes needed to create a more just society.
