This week we celebrate the Class of 2024, who were our first Year 7 cohort at the College.
The End of Year 12 Events – Year 12 Breakfast, Graduation Mass, Legacy Day, House Gatherings, and Farewell Assembly are opportunities for our Year 12 students to celebrate how far they have come, as a cohort and as individuals, and create memories with each other to treasure.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
To begin celebrating the Kildare College Class of 2024, graduates, families and staff gathered at John DiFede Reception Centre for a Farewell Breakfast and to mark the last Friday of school. A highlight of the morning was hearing the speeches of the Year 12 House Captains, who reflected on their time at Kildare and acknowledged the support of their families, teachers and Houser Leaders. Each House Leader speech focused on one of the Kildare Ministries Core Values and unpacked how they will serve the graduates once their days as Kildare students are over. It was a beautiful morning.
The Brigidine Centre gym was transformed into a sacred space for our Graduation Mass and Medal Presentation. The Year 12 students wore their College blazer for the final time as they showed genuine anticipation and excitement for all award winners throughout the evening. A wonderful occasion to celebrate the graduating students and their achievements with family, friends and College staff.
The inaugural Kildare College Legacy Day saw the Year 12 students reflect on the impact they have had on Kildare College. The students reflected on their whole schooling journey by wearing a hairstyle, an item from their primary school clothing, or even printing their reception photo and wearing it pinned on their Year 12 Jacket. The graduates gathered for a shared pizza lunch before hanging their decorated shirts along the College fence, a long-standing Kildare College tradition.
To round out the week and these special events, the whole College gathered to recognise the achievements of the Year 12 cohort. A final vote of thanks was offered to the Student Leadership Team who have graciously served the College with distinction throughout 2024. Their final task was to pass over the honour of being a leader and initiate the 2025 Student Leadership Team.
At the assembly’s conclusion, there were many hugs and tears from students and families as they exited the Brigidine Centre for the final time and gathered for their concluding cohort photo. The outpouring of emotion from students and proud families perfectly captured the close-knit bonds of the Class of 2024.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024.
Courage is the Core Value you embraced in Year 11. We’ve had the privilege of witnessing your growth and resilience, and we celebrate the courageous individuals you have become. Courage often appears in quiet, everyday choices – the strength to show up, be authentic, and support one another. Inspired by St Brigid, who embodied moral courage, remember that true bravery lies in our daily actions. As you step into your next chapter, let courage be your ally. Choose growth over comfort and believe in your worth. Embrace challenges and uplift others with your voice, for your courage can inspire change. You deserve all the beautiful things coming your way!
As we gather to celebrate your achievements, we want to reflect on a powerful theme: hope – a fitting sentiment for your final year. Hope fuels our dreams and guides us through uncertainty, exemplified by Sister Chanel Gough, the first Australian leader of the Brigidine Sisters. Her legacy of strength and leadership inspires us today as we embrace nearly 750 students at Kildare College. Throughout your time here, you’ve shown perseverance in the face of challenges, including the COVID era, while building supportive friendships and communities. Your ability to hold onto hope has shaped you into the remarkable individuals you are today. As you move forward, carry these values with you. Remember that you are worthy and capable of creating the life you dream of. Embrace your imperfections, be grateful, and look forward to what’s next. Congratulations Class of 2024! Your journey has just begun, and with hope, you will achieve great things.
It’s an honour to celebrate the remarkable Class of 2024, especially the young women of Delany House. Reflecting on your journey, the Core Value of Hospitality stands out – not just as welcoming others, but making others feel valued. Since joining Kildare in 2019, you have built a community defined by generosity and warmth. Your leadership has been exceptional, with notable contributions from Arts Captain Georgia, Sports Captain Charli, and Year 12 Captain Olivia. You have set a high standard for future students, embodying kindness and unity. As you approach graduation, cherish the friendships and memories you’ve created. We are proud of all you have achieved!
It is a privilege to celebrate this milestone with you all, marking not an ending but a beginning filled with possibilities. We want to emphasise the essential value of compassion as you transition to the next chapter of your lives. Compassion goes beyond feelings; it involves recognising others’ struggles and responding with kindness. At Kildare College, you have created transformative experiences through small acts of care, promoting empathy and connection. Reflect on moments when compassion shaped your experiences, inspired by St Brigid’s legacy of service. We thank our dedicated House Leaders and teachers for their support. As you move forward, remember: ‘To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.’ – Dr Seuss
Justice represents fairness, equality, and respect for every individual, regardless of their circumstances. Inspired by House Patron Nano Nagle, who championed the rights of the disenfranchised, you have demonstrated justice through actions like the winter sleepout and food drives. Your support for initiatives like Happy Boxes and fundraising for Catherine House shows how you have changed lives. As you leave Kildare, remember to carry this commitment to justice into your future, advocating for fairness and inclusion wherever you go. Congratulations, Class of 2024!
