Term 4 Week 8 | 2025 – Kildare College Blog

This week, Kildare College proudly unveiled the artwork created through our 2025 inaugural Artist in Residence Program, an important milestone for Creative Industries and a celebration of collaboration, culture, and student voice.

Our community gathered in the Tullow Centre to welcome distinguished guests, staff, students, and our Artist in Residence, Caitlyn Davies-Plummer. The event opened with an Acknowledgement of Country and student-led prayer, grounding the unveiling in gratitude and respect for the land we learn on and the stories that shape us.

Throughout her residency, Caitlyn worked closely with students to explore First Nations symbolism, storytelling, and the deep cultural histories of her Barkindji heritage. These workshops encouraged meaningful conversations, curiosity, and a profound respect for culture. Together, students and Caitlyn developed an artwork that reflects key moments in Kildare’s story, from the College’s foundation to the transition to Kildare Ministries stewardship, woven together with our values, house symbols, and local flora.

The unveiling was a moving moment. As the artwork was revealed, it became clear that this piece is more than a creative achievement; it is a legacy. It honours the voices of our First Nations students, celebrates our shared identity, and symbolises the unity, compassion, and creativity of our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Caitlyn, our Creative Industries team, supporting staff, and most importantly, our students, whose passion shaped this extraordinary work. This artwork now lives proudly in the Tullow Centre, a lasting reminder of what is possible when creativity, culture, and community come together.

Our 2025 Musical – Alice in Wonderland JR. exploded onto the stage in a riot of colour and energy. Audiences were treated to a bright, colourful and energetic performance as Alice went on a journey of self discovery. She grew and shrunk, whilst trying to find her true identity. Guided on this journey by three occasionally helpful Cheshire Cats, Alice chased after an always late White Rabbit and encountered a variety of Wonderland personalities including an argumentative Doorknob, a swimming Dodo, the easily confused Tweedle Dum & Tweedle Dee, the sassy Flowers, the wise Caterpillar, the unpredictable Mad Hatter & March Hare, the fearful Cards and finally the over the top Queen of Hearts and the timid King.

All members of the cast and crew worked hard over the preceding months to paint sets, sort out costumes and rehearsing the show. The efforts were rewarded by the enthusiastic responses by the audiences. The energy and enthusiasm was clearly demonstrated whether the were in the Caucus Race or celebrating The Unbirthday Song or playing a high stakes game of Simon Says. Their passion for performance was on display, and we look forward to seeing them reignite that same energy next year.

^{Music and Lyrics by Danny Elfman, Sammy Fain & Bob Hilliard, Oliver Wallace & Cy Coben, Michael Abbott & Sarah Weeks, and Mack David, Al Hoffman & Jerry Livingston}
^{Music Adapted and Arranged and Additional Music and Lyrics by Bryan Louiselle}
^{Additional Arrangements & Orchestrations by Patrick Sulken
Book and Additional Lyrics by David Simpatico
Based on the 1951 Disney film Alice in Wonderland and the novels The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).All authorized performance materials are also supplied by
Music Theatre International (Australasia).
www.mtishows.com.au}

The College celebrated an exciting and energising PE Week filled with movement, teamwork and fun. Throughout the week, students took part in a wide range of activities designed to get everyone active and engaged. Students enjoyed Badminton and Beats, combining skill development with rhythm-based fitness, while lunchtime offered a variety of target games, including cornhole, bocce and archery, which drew enthusiastic participation from all year levels.
A PE-themed scavenger hunt encouraged students to explore the school grounds, complete movement challenges and stay active in a creative and collaborative way.

The week culminated in an action-packed Friday, highlighted by the popular Sweet Pedal Smoothie Bikes, where students pedalled to power their own healthy smoothies. Flavours included Berry Bang, Tropical Crush and Mango Magic, with proceeds proudly supporting the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project. Adding to the excitement was the Inter-House Volleyball Grand Final, a thrilling match that saw Brigid House take the win in front of a cheering crowd.

Middle Years students were also involved in a range of energetic PE activities, helping make the week inclusive, dynamic and memorable. PE Week successfully promoted health, wellbeing and school spirit through participation, teamwork and movement.

Throughout 2025, Kildare College has seen many students achieve outstanding results in a range of sports including: