This week was filled with many emotions as we came together to celebrate and honour the young women before us, the Class of 2023.
We reflected not only the past year, our Year of Courage, where we thanked our graduates for all that they have given and shared with us over the past 5 years.
Each student has a unique story, each having faced their own set of challenges with hope and courage. 5 years ago, this cohort came from 33 different primary schools and today stands united as the 2023 Graduating Class.
Together, they have inspired us with their commitment to their beliefs, their fight for justice and their determination to make a difference. The Class of 2023 will be known for being:
- Tenacious
- Passionate
- Determined
- And fiercely independent
To our beautiful families and staff, we sincerely thank you for walking this journey with us at Kildare.
To our incredible students, as your time here at Kildare College concludes, please know that you will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts.
- Always remember to listen to your heart; it may be on your left, but it’s always right.
- Use your voice, as it has the power to change the world.
- And be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.
Always dream big, work hard and never stop believing in yourself. You have the power to achieve anything. Congratulations to you all.
Our Graduation Mass marked the first formal celebration of our Class of 2023.
On the evening of Tuesday 24 October, our Year 12 graduates, their families and our staff gathered to celebrate a journey that began over a decade ago.
We also welcomed to our Graduation Mass, Kathy McEvoy – Co-Chair of the Trustees of Kildare Ministries, Marguerite Buckley – Board Member of Kildare Education Ministries and Fr Josh, Assistant Priest of St Pius X Church who lead our community through the Eucharistic celebration.
This special occasion was a time to reflect on achievements, connections and moments that have shaped our graduates into the remarkable individuals they are today. Our community celebrated Mass and blessed our Year 12 graduates.
May they use the Kildare Ministries Core Values of Courage, Wonder, Compassion, Hospitality, Justice and Hope to guide them everyday, radiating strength and gentleness, continuing to learn and gain wisdom and understanding wherever the journey of life leads them.
Presentation of Awards
At the conclusion of the Graduation Mass, we celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2023.
We are so proud of all of our Year 12 graduates.Â
In particular, we would like to congratulate the following students for being awarded Subject Dux and receiving College Medals. Well done to all, on your amazing achievements.
Pink was the colour theme of the Year 12 students’ Presentation Day! The Class of 2023 gave Kildare a pink ‘makeover’ with streamers, balloons, posters and played some of their favourite songs, during lunch time.
As is tradition, students also decorated their white shirts, featuring notes and wishes from the community, which was displayed on the College fence. They were wonderful and a great testament to the students who created them – a true display of character and creativity!
The graduating class also enjoyed pizza together at Kildare before leaving the College in preparation for their final day.
Joined by families, our Year 12 Breakfast was a beautiful way to begin our graduates’ last day at Kildare.
The morning began with an Acknowledgement of Country presented by our 2023 College Captains Jessica and Zahra, followed by a prayer read by their mothers, Kaylene and Roslyn. Families, staff and students then enjoyed an array of delicious food and beverages.
Our Year 12 House Captains and House Leaders shared their memories with the community, reflecting on special occasions such as Sports Days, Swimming Carnivals, Retreats, Camps and everyday adventures at the College that made their time at Kildare unique. We were delighted our families and Year 12 students could join us for our 2023 Year 12 Breakfast.Â
Our Farewell Assembly is a particularly special and emotional occasion; being our Year 12 students’ final assembly at Kildare and the last time our entire College community gathers for 2023.
We farewelled our Class of 2023 Thursday morning after the Year 12 Breakfast, celebrating their contributions, their achievements, and wishing them well for their journeys beyond Kildare.
Our Year 12 students entered the gym for the last time, arm in arm in pairs, with their kindy photos and Year 12 photo on display. Our entire College community had the opportunity to congratulate the Class of 2023 on their achievements of Subject Duxes and College Medals.Â
College Captains, Jessica and Zahra, addressed the College for the final time, with an inspiring speech, leading into a humorous Teachers’ Reflection by Mr Patrick Johnson, Ms Kathy Hennig, Ms Angelica Paussa, Ms Zefi Pezos and Mr Nicholas Kellett-Southby. It was a fabulous moment for the College community to remember for years to come.
A Reflection Video was also presented which included photos and highlighted memories of our Year 12 students’ journey at Kildare from their time in Year 8, until now. We are so proud of all of our graduates for 2023 and look forward to the celebrating the Graduation Dinner in November.
