Issue 3 Term 1 2022

As we finish the term we come to the significant events of Holy week. These events, culminating with the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, are at the centre of our Christian faith.

Before his capture, on the Thursday night, Jesus had a last meal with his Disciples. During the course of the evening he washed their feet. The washing of feet before a meal was a common practice in first century Palestine. People wore sandals in desert conditions and so feet would get dirty. When they sat to eat, they usually sat on the floor and shared a meal from a common bowl. Feet, therefore, needed to be washed as they were in very close proximity to hands and food. Nevertheless, feet were more than just washed. As walking was the principal mode of transport and sandals were not the most comfortable, it was common to have sore and aching feet.

It was, therefore, a common practice to have, strategically placed along major roads, places where people could get their feet attended to. They were washed, massaged and ultimately restored so that people would be in a better position to continue their journeys. What would have been unusual for the disciples on this night was that Jesus was the one attending to their feet. Traditionally, this service was performed by servants or slaves. Jesus was in fact teaching them a lesson, that just as his purpose was to serve others, then once he was gone, their purpose also, was to serve others.

There may have been, however, more to it than just this.

At this meal, Jesus instigated for us the Eucharist. The meal of everlasting life. He taught us that when we gather we should remember him and learn from his teachings and actions. When we receive the Eucharist, we are in fact saying that we believe in the eternal life of Jesus and wish it also for ourselves. He is the bread from heaven and will nourish us eternally. In receiving the Eucharist we are saying to Jesus that we want him to be a part of our lives and we want to be a part of his, thus, we want to share in his everlasting life.

The life of a Christian is a journey. Along the way, we are faced with challenges, we get tired and worn out and, at times, we are tempted to give up. But, just as people in first century Palestine got their sore and aching feet restored so that their journeys could continue, so the Eucharist is a place of restoration for us. It is a place that Jesus provided for us to restore our soul so that we can continue our Christian journey. It is in the Eucharist that we get strength to continue.

May the hope that comes with Easter be forever a part of your journeys.

Enrico Caprioli
APRIM

As we approach the end of the school term and take time to reflect on the last eleven weeks, there is so much for us to be grateful for in the Middle Years, both for what has been and for what is to come. Term 1 has been a very busy term, filled with many activities and events for our Middle Years students, all of which have been underpinned by the wonderful, heart-warming sense of hope, joy, comradery, celebration and love that has permeated across all aspects of our Middle Years family this year.

Our Year 9 students kept cool and enjoyed a day of fun in the sun at Waterworld in Week 8. Students came together to race one another down the waterslides, hold hands as they leapt into the deep end of the pool and squeezed their way through the toddlers wading pool. Last week, it was our Year 7 students' turn to escape to nature and they enjoyed a sandcastle competition and hot chip lunch at Point Malcolm. The festivities for our Year 8 students continued this week, as the students excitedly boarded the buses to enjoy a private movie screening at the Regal Theatre.

We are absolutely thrilled that our students both embraced and enthusiastically engaged with each event with a genuine sense of energy and excitement! It was lots of fun to take some time away from our everyday routines to enjoy some time together, nurture relationships and have some fun. Staff also enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with their students in a relaxed setting and joined in with the fun activities on these wonderful days! Undoubtedly, it has been a busy term filled with many activities and events in the Middle Years, and we are so thankful for the abundance of smiles & laughter shared, connections consolidated, new friendships formed, and await in eager anticipation the many more Middle Years Fun Days to come this year!

As we approach the season of Easter, wishing you and your families a safe and Happy Easter! May we be granted time, rest and peace to count our blessings and enjoy time with our loved ones and may this Easter season bring hope for new beginnings and blessings of love, peace and joy for us all.

Go gently and stay well.

Angelica Paussa
Middle Years Coordinator

Homework Club has had a long tradition at Kildare College with many students taking advantage of attending the Resource Centre on any weekday afternoon to get a head start on homework set for the evening. 

The Homework Club has always had a supervising teacher involved to assist students with any queries that they may have, but as Term 1 draws to an end, a major change has been implemented. Starting in Week 10 and continuing throughout the year, we are thrilled to introduce Peer Mentors to the Homework Club. 

Peer Mentors are current Years 11 and 12 students who have volunteered their time to assist Middle Years students in Homework Club. The Peer Mentors have strengths in different learning areas and whilst they volunteered for the program based on specific areas of skill and interest, such as Maths, they are already proving to be invaluable in a number of areas including general study skills, drafting and editing assistance and formatting in all subject areas.

As one Year 7 student told us one afternoon "I got a 7/7 on my test. I need to tell my Mentor because she helped me on Tuesday to study for it".

The Peer Mentors will continue to assist Middle Years students on various afternoons in Homework Club throughout the year.

Rebecca Sarvas
Future Innovations Coach

To support and enrich learning for our Year 7 STEM "Our Place in Space" unit, students engaged in a session inside the StarLab planetarium. This inflatable Science theatre immersion uses brand new technology to project digital images of almost anything in space. Students zoom past the moon to explore the stars, planets, comets, nebulae and other galaxies.

A final session was also opened up to inquisitive Year 8-12 students. 

During their space exploration experience students looked more in depth at the difference between starry night sky between winter and summer. They learnt how the First nations people learnt when emu eggs were ready to be harvested and how the first European travellers used the stars to help them navigate south to Australia. We also looked how the Earth's tilt and movement around the Sun gives us our seasons. 

Nicole Martin
Curriculum Coordinator Science and STEM

When students are experiencing balance across each aspect of their life they are more likely to experience feelings of happiness and accomplishment.

Sometimes, balancing school work, family, friends, sports, dance and other outside of school activities and jobs can be challenging, leaving us feeling out of balance.

Signs of feeling out of balance can include:

• Waking up feeling tired
• Finding it challenging to get to sleep and stay asleep
• Feeling unwell 
• Not enjoying school or other activities such as sport
• Increasing feelings of anxiety
• Feeling unmotivated

Finding balance can look different for each individual, and can depend on how comfortable students feel in each aspect of their life.  Incorporating a nutritious diet, regular sleep cycles and exercise habits can help students to reclaim healthy balance withing their lives.

• A diet that includes protein, fat, complex carbohydrates and fibre can:enhance cognitive skills, such as concentration and motivation, and improve academic performance.
• Students require 8-10 hours of sleep each night to allow their bodies and brains to refuel, rest and repair in preparation for the following day.
• When students have enough sleep they are likely to show positive mental health and mood, while being more engaged with their learning and daily interactions.
• Regular exercise can also support students with their mental health and can help to decrease levels of stress, anxiety and panic disorders and depression.
• Students are encouraged to engage in  a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity 4 days a week.
• It is also important that students take a break from their commitments to connect with their family and friends. Interactions with other people can also support students to organise their thoughts, develop emotional intelligence and reflect on their life.
• Taking social breaks away from study and devices can also help to increase energy, productivity and the ability to focus, as well as helping students to feel more refreshed.

Tips to keep a balanced study life:

• Keep your time organised and planned. This could include keeping a diary or a weekly planner, or a to-do list. Schedule in time for breaks to socialise and spend time with family.
• Prioritise tasks and complete the urgent ones first.
• Don’t rely on others to set priorities for you. If you can identify what is important or due next you can develop responsibility and self-motivation for success.
• Allow yourself time to have purposeful breaks. If you are not able to stay focused on what you are doing, it is time to put it away and look at it again at a later time.
• Connect and check in regularly with a positive support network.

Recognising when you need a break is important in regulating our feelings and maintaining productivity and feelings of accomplishment.

Emma Ward
Senior Years Coordinators 

The Capital city of ........

If you have a daughter in Year 8 at Kildare College, by now I am sure you would have travelled through Europe and discovered at least 28 names of cities in this amazing continent. The reason for this is due to our Tournament of Minds - Geography Quiz!

 The Grand Final took place with 8C coming in 1st place with 31 points, 8E 2nd place with 17 points and 8F 3rd place with 11 points. 

This has been a wonderful opportunity to work as a team, learn about other parts of our world and of course have a lot of fun!

Thank you to our HASS teachers, judges and other subject teachers who have travelled with us over the course of this term!

And a special mention to all our Year 8 students who are now the experts when it comes to cities in Europe!

Kathy Hennig
Year 8 HASS Teacher and Transition Coordinator

Design and Technology Week included celebrating World Home Economics Day while also getting students involved in a range of activities each day in subject areas such as Food Technology, Fabric Technology, Metalwork and Child Studies.

The area of Design and Technology allows students to express creativity, be hands    on learners and explore the design process, which leads to an outcome based approach to learning.

Students enjoyed exploring and participating in Design and Technology Week, with many younger students getting a taste of subjects they can pursue throughout their educational journey at Kildare 

Old scholar Aimee Pope, visited as a guest Baker Apprentice to show students cupcake piping and decorating techniques; this was greatly enjoyed by all.

Kara Steward
Curriculm Coordinator 

In a year of great transformation and growth, Kildare College welcoming the largest cohort of students to the College in its history, and launched a new organisational structure centred on future innovation, appointing three staff members to the positions of Future Innovation Coach. 

With over 670 students now attending the Holden Hill College, offering innovative and dynamic curriculum choices with a wealth of educational opportunities and experiences for the students, remains a chief priority.

Principal, Tina Neate, says: “It was critically important to update our organisational structure and appoint the Future Innovation Coaches in 2022. Their role is centred on developing school improvement in teaching and learning and focusing on incorporating contemporary and future-focused skills.”

The Future Innovation Coach roles have been implemented with the intention of creating a College culture, whereby students are nurtured and positioned to be drivers of their own success. The Coaches will play an essential role in innovation in education, the performance culture of the College, using data to inform teaching practices and improve student outcomes. From this, students will be able to take responsibility for their learning and wellbeing, be positive risk-takers and achieve personal excellence.

Future Innovation Coach, Rebecca Sarvas, says: “We’re not only looking at what skills the students require for the jobs of the future, but also what life skills they need to support their future choices.”

Tina also says: “We’re excited by the impact that these positions will have on the future growth and strategy of the College, and look forward to sharing goals and developments when they are available”.

Furthermore, Tina suggested: “It wouldn’t be unreasonable to see further development of the Digital Technologies and Media curriculums, even Languages, Robotics, and Space Technology for example, while also exploring humanitarian and self-development opportunities”.

Catering for a myriad of individual skills and talents continues to be a key focus area at Kildare College in 2022, with the introduction of a Specialist Dance Program for students entering Year 7. A revised Gifted Education program will also ensure students are accelerated, extended and enriched through their learning. Students in Year 9 also have the chance this year to explore the Arch D Radio and Podcasting course, a medium that will enhance skills and creative opportunities.

World Robotics Day was celebrated at the beginning of April . Students were involved in a Kahoot Quiz during morning PC, as well as a Lego Robot challenge at lunchtime, which was won by two very persistent Year 7 students!

This is the first time Kildare has offered Robotics as a subject for Years 10 and 11 students. These students, along with other students interested in Robotics and Engineering attended an excursion to the Flinders Tonsley campus. This visit allowed students to learn about what courses the University has to offer in these areas and what Robotics and Engineering  students are currently working on.

Students engaged in a workshop with Zumo Robots as well as talking with the engineers who are creating a fully automated boat. Along with this, students toured the state-of-the-art facilities the campus has on offer for their Robotics students. 

Kara Steward
Visual Arts, Design and Technologht Curriculum Coordinator

Hurrah! 

The Year 8 Medieval Fair was, once again, a huge success! Our students rose to the occasion and dressed in brilliant costumes to enjoy a variety of activities and celebrations.

This year they enthusiastically engaged in calligraphy, jousting, juggling, dancing, bocce, quiots, and some plague catching.

After a busy morning of activities, we feasted upon a delicious lunch, before the HASS teachers put on a captivating drama production for the students. 

It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, and the students give every activity a go. 

I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the day so memorable! 

Emma Hughes
Curriculum Coordinator Humanities

 All members of the Learning Enrichment team bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise and professionalism which enhances inclusion for all students as well as supports teachers with classroom pedagogies, curriculum planning and adjustments for individual students.  

This newly formulated team comprises of three Key Teachers in Learning Enrichment:

Patrick Johnson
Learning Enrichment Key Teacher - Gifted and Talented
Marie Greco
Learning Enrichment key Teacher – Literacy Intervention
Sophie Mullen
Learning Enrichment Key Teacher – English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD).

The team also comprises three Education Support Officers Tricia Crowley, Elizabeth Heddershaw and Lyndall Hanson.

In the year of Compassion, the team supports our core value “walking with and having empathy for all”  by creating a learning environment where everybody is valued regardless of the way they learn; whether they need higher order curriculum for maximisation and engagement in learning or adjustments to help achieve successful outcomes. The core of our work is student centred as we develop and/or review Personalised Plans for Learning in collaboration with parents/guardians and students, to promote authenticity of student and family voice in education. Below is an overview of what has been happening this term in learning enrichment:

This term in Gifted and Talented, we have focused on collecting data to better identify our gifted and highly abled students. Using this data, the Learning Enrichment Team will be able to conference with students, caregivers, and teachers to tailor our enrichment programs to the students. The return of Writer's Week, for instance, has meant that students with an interest and skill in creative writing will have the opportunity to meet with other, like-minded peers from South Australia. We will continue to conference with gifted students and families in Term 2 to further adjust our gifted initiatives to those who benefit from them most.

The Chai & Chat group has commenced for 2022 and welcomed many new students to celebrate our rich and diverse College community. Chai & Chat is held every second Tuesday (odd weeks) at lunch and is a great opportunity to get to know other students whilst learning about other cultures.All students are welcome to attend; please contact Miss Mullen for more information.

There are also some fantastic support programs offered through the Australian Refugee Association, such as Homework Club for students with refugee backgrounds. The Homework Club is delivered in a community setting (this term was online) to increase literacy and numeracy skills. If this is something your daughter would benefit from, please contact Ms Mullen at smullen@kildare.catholic.edu.au 

In Literacy Intervention we have begun Literacy Support Sessions at lunch time on a Wednesday. All students are welcome, and its aim is to support students on any assessments or homework tasks which they are currently working on. It could be supporting with brainstorming and helping students to begin a task, applying feedback for assessments, and having support to check if students are on the right track. 

The Learning Enrichment team look forward to continuing support all of our students to achieve their potential.

Cherrell Murray
Director of Learning Enrichment

Recess and lunch can sometimes be a daunting time for some students who might be unsure of who to sit with or where to go. This year we are introducing our Safe Community Space which is a designated friendly, safe and relaxed space for any student to come and eat lunch together

Located in The Square, our space welcomes all. It is a place where everyone can feel connected and form positive and supportive relationships. 

Evidence shows that students are more likely to succeed when they feel connected to their peers at school, and it is is an important protective factor for many students. It can help to increase regular school attendance, reduce risk-taking and antisocial behaviour, as well as the possibility of emotional issues.

To increase awareness of this new initiative, one of our Year 9 mentors has been leading a variety of different activities which has been a great success so far.

Mia Davies
Social Worker

For Year 10 student Paige, attending Kildare College was never in the picture for her future, nor did she know that it was even an option!

Paige believes that 'Kildare College chose me'.  A proud Indigenous person from the Arabana mob, and raised by her mother, Paige was awarded an Indigenous Scholarship and commenced her education at the College in 2019. Paige fell in love with the College after participating in a College Tour, and was immediately able to picture herself walking through the gates of the College. She believes that higher level intervention and spirituality led her on the path to where she is today.

At the College, Paige enjoys Music, using it as a medium to express herself in different ways, and finding happiness in the shared experiences it offers through listening, performing and practicing. Her involvement in extra-curricular activities such as the music nights and vocal ensemble are some of the happiest things she enjoys at the College.

Paige is also involved in the Living Justice | Living Peace and Nunga Groups, and enjoys sharing these learning opportunities and developing strong relationships with her like-minded peers.

With a happy disposition and forever a smile on her face, Paige hopes to complete further study and work in the medical field as a General Sugeon when she finishes her College education. In her spare time, she is working on launching her own small business.

Paige has appreciated the support and guidance of her teachers, education support officers, and counsellors, who are only too willing to assist her when she has needed them. As a student, Paige has learnt that 'you are always accepted at Kildare College', and has enjoyed the experience of the welcoming and hospitable environment, humbled that she has found her place, on 'Her Journey' at the College.

The Years 11 Art class and Year 12 Art and Design class viewed the 2022 SACE Art Show currently on exhibiton at the Light Square Gallery.

This was a fantastic learning opportunity for the students to view Works of Art and Design from previous Year 12 students across the state.The students commented on how inspired they were for their own folios.

After we viewed the SACE Art Show we visited the Art Gallery of South Australia to view the permanent collections and the Adelaide Biennial. 

Amy Fairweather
Art and Design Teacher

Kildare is renowned for being a student-centred College, where the students are consulted in decision making that directly relates to them, including which subjects they might like to study in the future.

In line with the objective to remain forward thinking and future focused, the College has sent a survey to students with a list of trending curriculum subjects that the College is considering offering in the future.

“The introduction of the Tullow Centre as a hub for innovation has been a pivotal moment in the history of the College, as it has allowed us to stop and really consider where we are heading as a College, and what we need to offer our students in order to remain innovative and offer contemporary curriculum choices for our students,” says Tina Neate, Principal.

Ray Kropinski, Director of Teaching and Learning who is leading this process, says: “The way we teach our students has changed, whereby we’re not teaching just knowledge anymore, but the skills required for our students to thrive in the ever-changing world. Subjects that were previously important are becoming less so, in relation to the jobs of the future and what our young women will experience when they enter the workforce”. Furthermore, he adds: “By reviewing our current Senior Years subjects, we can refine the curriculum further to meet our students’ needs and purposes, allowing them to truly become a learner of the future”.

Subjects being considered include: Robotics; Jewellery Construction; Renewable Energy; Coding; Data Modelling; Health and Wellbeing; Politics, Power and People, and further exploration into establishing links and pathways with Australian Universities and leading South Australian Industries.

The Tullow Centre, a $6.4m building where a number of these subjects will be studied, is due to open in Semester 2, 2022.