ĢƵ Archives - ĢƵ /category/catholic-identity/ Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:51:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 /wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cropped-CCG_Logo_Vertical_Colour-32x32.png ĢƵ Archives - ĢƵ /category/catholic-identity/ 32 32 World Refugee Week – The Lamp of Learning /world-refugee-week-the-lamp-of-learning/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=world-refugee-week-the-lamp-of-learning Wed, 17 Jun 2026 02:59:52 +0000 /?p=933330 World Refugee Week – Who Gets a Place Under Our Cloak? Strength and Kindliness in a Displaced World Reflection This World Refugee Week invites us to pause and consider the…

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World Refugee Week – Who Gets a Place Under Our Cloak? Strength and Kindliness in a Displaced World

Reflection

This World Refugee Week invites us to pause and consider the stories behind the headlines. Around the world, millions of people have been displaced by conflict, persecution, climate disasters and instability. Yet before they are refugees, asylum seekers, or migrants, they are people – parents, children, students, teachers, neighbours – each carrying hopes, gifts and dreams for the future.

At ĢƵ, our motto, Strength and Kindliness, calls us to respond with both courage and compassion. Strength asks us not to turn away from complex global realities. Kindliness invites us to see the dignity of every person and to create communities where all are welcomed, valued and safe.

Brigid’s legacy offers a powerful example for our time. Her famous cloak became a symbol of hospitality, shelter, and inclusion. Brigid made room for those on the margins and shared what she had with those in need. Today, her spirit challenges us to ask: Who might be seeking welcome in our local community?

How can we extend the circle of belonging a little wider?

As a Kildare Ministries school, we are called to stand with those whose voices are often unheard and to foster justice, hope and compassion in our daily interactions. World Refugee Week reminds us that belonging is not simply about a place; it is about people choosing to welcome one another.

May we continue to be a community where strength is expressed through kindness, and where every person can find a place to belong.

For Reflection & Conversation
  • If Saint Brigid walked through our community today, who are the people she would notice first, welcome first and advocate for first – and what does that reveal about our own priorities?
  • When we hear stories of refugees and displaced people, do we see a global issue happening somewhere else or do we recognise our shared humanity and interconnectedness? What prevents us from moving from awareness to action?
  • Our College motto calls us to live with “Strength and Kindliness.” In a world where fear, division and misinformation can shape attitudes towards those seeking refuge, what does it look like to practise both strength and kindliness in ways that challenge injustice rather than simply avoid discomfort?
We Pray

Brigid of Kildare, widen our hearts and stretch our vision.

Give us the strength to challenge exclusion and the kindliness to create belonging.

May we be a community that chooses welcome over fear, hope over indifference and action over silence. Help us build a world where every person can find safety, dignity and a place to call home. Amen.

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]]> From the Principal /from-the-principal-38/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=from-the-principal-38 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 02:23:51 +0000 /?p=932027 /wp-content/uploads/2026/02/02-25-Website.mp4 Principal’s Blog The Lenten Journey Last week wecommencedthe40 dayLenten journey with our Ash Wednesday liturgy, led by our Year 12 students. This journey is a time for us to…

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Principal's Blog

The Lenten Journey

Last week wecommencedthe40 dayLenten journey with our Ash Wednesday liturgy, led by our Year 12 students. This journey is a time for us to renew our hearts and turn back towards God. In his Lenten letter, Pope Leo encourages us to make room for ‘listening’,just as God is a listener to God’s people.as the foundation of genuine relationship with God and with one another. Listening to God’s word teaches us attentiveness,opennessand respect for the truth of our shared reality.

We are also encouraged to embrace a meaningful form of fasting by refraining from harsh,hurtfulor careless words. By choosing kindness, restraint and respect in our speech,Pope Leo sayswe create space for hope, peace and understanding to grow. Together as a school community, may this Lent help us listen more deeply and speak in ways that build compassion and love.This is essential if we are to be people who ‘Walk humbly, love kindly and live justly’.The full copy of the Pope’s letter can be found here

Justice in Action– International Women’s Day BreakfastInvitation

Wellsprings for Women is aKildare Ministriescommunityworkdedicated to supporting and empowering women, particularly those who are vulnerable and facing social disadvantage. Their work focuses on providing education,advocacyand practicalassistanceto enable women to build resilience, develop skills and access opportunities for a brighter future. Through programs such as English language classes, vocational training and support groups, Wellsprings actively promotes justice for women by fostering inclusion,dignityand equality in the wider community.

We are pleased to remind everyone thatDrDalal Smiley, CEO of Wellsprings for Women, will be our guest speaker atourInternational Women’s Day BreakfastonFriday 6 March. Further information including how to purchase tickets can be found in this week’s newsletter.

One Pace Beyond Strategic Plan – 2026 Annual Action Plan Implementation

Implementation of our 2026 annual actions are well underway. These actions are informed by multiple measures of data reviewed and evaluated bythe extended leadership group of the Collegeto ensure we are data informed and evidence based. Our work this yearseekstoconsolidateand extend the directions of our past few years.

Some of the key student focus areasfor 2026 include:

  • The introduction of New Metrics for Success at Year 10, including the credentialling of all Year 10 students with the Australian Learner Competency Credentialwarrantedby the University of Melbourne
  • Targeted Literacy and Numeracy interventions for students in Years 7 and 8
  • The use of ‘circle pedagogy’ to build connection, belonging and positive problem solving
  • Engaging our students in developing their understanding of safe,ethicaland effective use of AI
  • Understanding executive functioning and trauma informed practices to support students to be ready to learn
  • Exploring the Kildare Ministries value of ‘justice’

Across the year our progress in these and other key actions will be shared through thenewsletterso we encourage families to keep abreast of our progress.

New Metrics for Success

Earlier this weeka number ofstaff spenttwoafternoons with the New Metrics Partnership.This will be our sixth year in the research partnership. This commitment speaks to our commitment to a holistic education and the belief thatsuccess for our students is more than what can be capture in a number,letteror rank. Whilstknowledge andskills arecriticalwe believe, as does theNew Metricspartnership,that there are key transferable learning competencies that are critical to thrive in learning, in relationships andour broader society.

Alongside strong academic results, our aspirations for ourstudentsare captured in our Graduateattributes.These are listed on our websiteVision Statement – ĢƵThese attributes characterise graduates who Learn with Wonder, Live with Compassion and Lead with Courage.TheNew Metrics competencieswerereferencedin the development of theseattributes.

It was heartening to see last yearin a survey of Year 10 students thatstudentssee they are growing in the development of these attributes through various aspects of school life.Most students reported ‘Noticeable growth’ in all three graduate attribute areas, with ‘Significant growth’ being the next most common response.The mostfrequentlycited contributors to personal growth across all areas were ‘Subject learning’, ‘Sport’, ‘Wellbeing time’, and ‘Leadership opportunities’, indicating these experiences are central to students’ development. ‘Music’, ‘Extra curriculum programs’ and ‘Social justice activities’ also playedsubstantialroles, suggesting a broad range of school activities support growthin these attributes.

AI Parent Workshop

On16March MattEstermannwho ispartnering with the College on our AI learning journey will spend the day working with students and staff on the next steps in our AIroadmap.

Parents are invited to attend a workshop with Matt as a follow up to last year’s seminar.

Matt Esterman: AI Enhanced Education Family Session: AI in the World Update, ĢƵ’s Approach to AI
Monday March 16th
6.00 – 7.00 pm
Kildare Theatre, ĢƵ

Open Daysand Enrolments 2027

A reminder to share with family or friends who may be considering ĢƵ for their daughter’s secondary education that bookings are filling for Open Days. Enrolments are open for2027and we thank those families who have alreadysubmittedan application. Weremindcurrent families with siblings to please complete your enrolment application as soon as possible.

Community Celebrations

We look forward toour annual swimming carnival tomorrow. House leaders have been working hard with their houses to promote team spirit and participation.Parents,please note that attendance by all studentsis expected tomorrow. These events are important in building a sense of school spirit.Note the school’s mobile phone policy applies whilst at the pool and phones are not to beused.

The excitement for Year 7camp isbuildingwith thecohortspendingtwodays together next week. I look forward to being with them for this time. A shout outto our staff and Year 7 Leaders David and Anthony for their preparation and organising of this important milestone for the students.

A reminder about our upcoming reunion. Whilst the classes of the years ending in 6s are our focus, this year given our 70thanniversary celebration we are inviting any alumni to join us for this gathering.

Blessings

Luci

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]]> Beginning of School Year Mass /beginning-of-school-year-mass/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beginning-of-school-year-mass Tue, 17 Feb 2026 03:41:35 +0000 /?p=931891 Celebrating 70 Years Celebrating all that is good with joy and gratitude is central to the Brigidine tradition. Our celebration of the Opening of the Year and 70th Anniversary Mass…

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Celebrating 70 Years

Celebrating all that is good with joy and gratitude is central to the Brigidine tradition.

Our celebration of the Opening of the Year and 70th Anniversary Mass truly captured this spirit. With the ĢƵ song being proudly sung the Year 12 Student Leaders led our opening procession followed by 28 past College Captains from as far back as 1974. Each past Captain carried a lantern tosymbolise the lamp of learning being passed through the years. We also welcomed our new Year 7s.

During the liturgy, our Principal Luci Quinn reflected on the Kildare Ministries value of justice and our theme for the year ‘Walk humbly. Love kindly. Act justly.’ She also expressed our gratitude to those who laid the foundations of our College over the past 70 years and created the legacy we now steward.

Following the investiture of our 2026 student leaders from Years 8-12, a College lantern and crozier commissioned for the 70th anniversary, created by artist Cinnamon Stevens, were blessed. These symbols speak to our heritage and the call to bring faith, hope, light and love to the way we live our lives.

We lifted to roof of the Arena with our final song ‘Lanterns’ before singing happy birthday and cutting our anniversary cake.

We thank all those who attended and joined with us in making this a joyfilled and memorable celebration. It was the most wonderful way to start our 70th year.

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]]> Community Liturgy Celebration of Gratitude /community-liturgy-celebration-of-gratitude-and-open-afternoon/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=community-liturgy-celebration-of-gratitude-and-open-afternoon Mon, 16 Feb 2026 01:19:07 +0000 /?p=931940 70 Year Celebration Community Liturgy On Sunday 1 February, ĢƵ Community members helped launch the beginning of our 70 Year anniversary celebrations by coming together for our Community Liturgy Celebration…

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70 Year Celebration Community Liturgy

On Sunday 1 February, ĢƵ Community members helped launch the beginning of our 70 Year anniversary celebrations by coming together for our Community Liturgy Celebration of Gratitude. We warmly thank all who attended and joined us in giving thanks for 70 years of learning, faith and community.

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]]> R.E Professional Learning Community Day /r-e-professional-learning-community-day/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=r-e-professional-learning-community-day Fri, 13 Feb 2026 01:26:03 +0000 /?p=932021 R.E Professional Learning Day The Religious Education Professional Learning Day on February 17 provided focused professional learning for our R.E teachers, strengthening both pedagogical practice and faith leadership. The day…

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R.E Professional Learning Day

The Religious Education Professional Learning Day on February 17 provided focused professional learning for our R.E teachers, strengthening both pedagogical practice and faith leadership. The day commenced in our Chapel with an experience of guided prayer led by our Liturgy, Prayer and Retreat Leader Paul Skippen. This was followed by a session aimed at deepening teachers’ understanding of how to effectively lead prayer through intentional use of space, eco‑spirituality, and shared reflection. This supported teachers to develop greater confidence in facilitating meaningful prayer experiences within classrooms.

We then then engaged with the story and legacy of St Brigid, led by R.E Learning Leader Liz Sullivan, exploring her relevance to contemporary issues of justice, hospitality, leadership, and care for creation. Drawing on articles on St Brigid’s life and impact, shared discussion and reflection, staff made explicit connections between St Brigid’s story and the lived experiences of students and considered practical ways to embed her legacy within units.

The latter part of our collaboration focused on departmental priorities, including justice as an ongoing focus, and the ethical integration of AI to support student learning. We revisited our commitment to eco‑spirituality and considered best practice around this, as well as exploring the new Spirituality of Responsibility units for year 9 and 10 students connected to our community works Saltbush and Wellsprings for Women. These units are a part of our New Metrics work in partnership with University of Melbourne and offer students the opportunity to further develop their agency and active citizenship. They also enliven our Living Justice Living Peace charter, positioning students as young people who listen, walk in solidarity, seek change and work to heal creation.

Staff were appreciative of the opportunity to learn and collaborate together, ultimately with the purpose of providing our students with meaningful faith filled experiences in their Religious Education learning program.

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]]> From the Principal /from-the-principal-37/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=from-the-principal-37 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 03:28:27 +0000 /?p=931803 /wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20260211_025014000_iOS_1_4.mp4 Celebrating 70 years! 70 years ago,40studentscommencedtheir education at ĢƵ under the pioneering community of Mother Francis Teresa Evans, Mother Leila Grant, Sister Jacinta Rice, Mother CamillusHynesandMotherCecila Buckley. TheseBrigidinesanswered…

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Celebrating 70 years!

70 years ago,40studentscommencedtheir education at ĢƵ under the pioneering community of Mother Francis Teresa Evans, Mother Leila Grant, Sister Jacinta Rice, Mother CamillusHynesandMotherCecila Buckley. TheseBrigidinesanswered the call of FrTressiderto come and educate the young women of Geelong.This year onFriday30January,960 young women walked through our gates tocommencetheir academic year. When the sisters arrived inGeelongthey brought with them a charism that had its origins in Ireland, where around 470 AD St Brigid founded her monastery in Kildare as a place of hospitality,scholarshipand inclusion. A place that was modelled on the justice of the gospel, the justice lived and preached by Jesus.It is this same spirit that continues to inspire and animate ourcommunityas we look forward to celebrating this significant milestone in our story.

We received this message from Sr Jacinta Rice this week:

As the only Sister and teacher left from 1956, I am so glad to hear that you are celebrating 70 years. I was at ĢƵ a few years ago when ĢƵ farewelled theBrigidines, after our last Sister left.
I was very moved to meet first students that day and reflect on the differences between 1956 with 40 students and then withapprox950 and what amazing and outstanding educational progress over the years!
Congratulations on 70 years to staff and students and May St Brigid of the harps and peace bring you music and wisdom to live your present songs of life!
Love and prayers,
Jacinta Rice CSB
Horsham

This week will mark the beginning of our school year with our Opening Mass. We have 28 past College Captains returning to form part of our opening procession connecting our past to today. We also look forward to welcomingBrigidineSisters, members of the Kildare Ministries community, alumni, past staff,familiesand members of our local community. All are welcome to join us for this celebrationto be held at The Arena on Fridaycommencingat 11.00am.

Thankyouto all those who attended our first event for our anniversary year on St Brigid’s feast dayon Sunday1February. After a community liturgy of gratitude at HolySpirit Churchwe returned to the College for afternoon tea, memorabilia displays and College tours. It was wonderful to see many of the Foundation students of 1956 return along with generations of women from extended families. Our reunion event takes place onSaturday 28March with an anniversary dinner onFriday 28August.

Start to academic year

Congratulations to all students on the way they havecommencedthe school year. Many staff have spoken about thehigh levelof focus and engagement of students. A special mentionto our Year 7 students and staff who have completed their orientation week andcommencedfull timetabled classes. We have been impressed by the confidence and commitment the Year 7 students have shown to building new friendships, learningroutinesand embracing the learning opportunities. It has been exciting to welcome a seventh Year 7 class in2026and we look forward to the Year 7 Welcome Night on Thursday where parents can build a greater sense of connection and belonging with the College and gain further insights and information about the Year 7 program.

Welcome tonew staff

  • Justin Farley – Teaching–on leave Term 1
  • Marie Neurath – Teaching
  • Isaac McCabe – Teaching
  • Bronte Vipond – Teaching
  • Aaron Priest – Teaching
  • Jaymen Barker – Teaching
  • Lisa Wall – LSO
  • Caprice Baillie – LSO
  • Alicia Quarrell – Media and Communications
  • Lacey Nolan – PE Trainee – apology
  • Esther Haberfield – LSO Trainee

Open Daysand Enrolments 2027

It is hard to believe that we are already filling spaces for our Open Day sessions. Enrolments are open for2027and we thank those families who have alreadysubmittedan application. Please visit our website to book your place. We look forward to thehaving you ‘Come and See’ what ourCollegecan offer your daughter.

High Achievers Assembly

Thanks to the families who returned with their daughters to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026. We were blessed to hear from our Dux Emily Walker in a prerecorded message from the UKandour VCEVM High Achiever Alana Mitchell whodeliveredan inspiring message about the VM pathway not being a lesseroptionrather adifferentoptionfor different learners.In this assembly our VCE Leader Lisa Bolitho challenged our current VCE students to consider how they too can strive for excellence through commitment, a consistent work ethic and partnership with their teachers.

Reminders for families

Please ensure youhavecompletedyour daughter’smedical profileinPAM /SIMON.Families mustvalidateyour PAMaccountand updatemedical conditions,includingall requiredmedical management plans.This must be completed before any student ispermittedto attend anyoff-siteexcursion.

Bus Issues

We are aware that there have been challenges for our bus travellers as the new school year begins.We will be sendingcomms to our bus travelling families in relation tothismatter. Please look for this in your inboxes.

Justice: Walk humbly. Love kindly. Live justly.

OurCollegetheme for the year is inspired by the words of Micah6:8.Itisinspired by thenotion of interconnectedness as a foundation for the call to right relationship.Right relationship is fundamental to the gospel understanding of justice because of the belief in inherent human dignity and that human beings do not flourish as individuals but in and through relationships with others. For us as a Kildare Ministry school we are especially called to consider the poor and vulnerable.

In developing this theme our Mission and Identity team andYear12 student leadership team explored reflections on justice provided by the Kildare Ministries Mission and Ministry team. What stood out for them was the notion of justice being a daily choice, justice as being how we show up, justice as being something for every person to contribute to, justice as beingsmall thingsnot just big global conversations. This is how we build right relationship.

Living justly is a way of being, not a single action.It’sa mindset,it’sa heart set.This is our call in 2026 as we continue to steward the legacy of theBrigidineSisters and their ministry at ĢƵ.

Blessings

Luci

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]]> From the Principal /from-the-principal-36/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=from-the-principal-36 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 02:37:04 +0000 /?p=931499 As this is the final newsletter for the year it is time to acknowledge our staff who are finishing with us at the end of 2025. Our 2025 ‘Reflections’ College…

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As this is the final newsletter for the year it is time to acknowledge our staff who are finishing with us at the end of 2025. Our 2025 ‘Reflections’ College magazine will have a more complete reflection on the staff and their time with the College. We know they will be missed and wish them every blessing for the next stages of life’s journey.

We acknowledge the service of the following staff who are retiring this year and thank them for the dedication and commitment to Catholic education:

Linda Kiernan (40 years at ĢƵ), Verona Scarlett (21 years).

The following staff are either relocating or leaving to pursue new pathways with their careers. We thank them for their time at ĢƵ and wish them every success in their next appointment:

Shelby Hackett, Di Braiden and Bronte Stead.

We also send our best wishes with students and families who are leaving us at the end of this year. We thank you for your partnership during your time at ĢƵ.

Here are a selection of photos from our Mass and Celebration Day held on Monday 8 December.

ĢƵ extends heartfelt congratulations to its VCE graduates, and recognises VCE Dux recipient, Emily Walker and VCE VM High Achiever, Alana Mitchell. Congratulations to Amy Ingles for a perfect study score of 50 for Food Studies along with 90+ ATAR scores achieved by Emily Walker, Amy Ingles, Claire Giguiento, Yu-ru Tan, Cassidy Charlton, Sienna McInnes and Allie Smith.

In this year themed hospitality, it has been wonderful to see students, staff, alumni and community embracing the College events and supporting our student achievements. We look forward to celebrating more events with our community as we acknowledge 70 years in 2026. See the Community News section of this newsletter for more information and registration, or check out our website.

Throughout December we acknowledge Advent, the beginning of the new liturgical year. During Advent, Christians prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, reflecting on themes of expectation, waiting, and renewal. This season encourages individuals to look forward with hope, embracing the promise of new beginnings and the light that dispels darkness. It is a time to cultivate patience, faith, and a sense of community. Amidst the preparations for our end of year festivities let us try to find space in our hearts for God’s greatest gift of love. The most incredible mystery is that even though we speak of preparing for God’s coming in the form of a baby we forget God is already with us, within, around, beside us always.

Blessings

Luci

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]]> ACYF 2025 /acyf-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=acyf-2025 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:33:00 +0000 /?p=931418 The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Bishops more than ten years ago. Run over three days, the Festival…

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The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Bishops more than ten years ago.

Run over three days, the Festival provides young people from all across Australia with the opportunity to come together to connect, deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to live their faith in the world and experience the breadth of the Church in Australia.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne is excited to be hosting ACYF from 30 November – 2 December 2025 and has welcomed thousands of young people to Melbourne.

ĢƵ’s Living Justly and Liturgy and Identity Leaders at years 9 and 10 have been attending ACYF and are enjoying the high energy and connection that the festival offers. Music has been a highlight as well as interactive workshops with challenging ideas presented around being a Catholic and what this means in today’s world.

Here are some comments from our students.

“Going to ACYF was really cool. Being around so many young people who were excited about their faith made the whole event feel alive. The music was great, the talks made me think, and the quiet prayer moments helped me slow down. What I liked most was how everyone was just being real. Hearing other people’s stories made me feel less alone in my own struggles. I left feeling lighter, more hopeful, and a bit closer to God.”

“Something I felt that was a highlight for me was learning that people like us come from pretty much everywhere and that made me feel nice to know I was welcome, the pilgrimage walk on Sunday, although it was raining terribly halfway through and my legs were hurting, I had so much fun and everybody there was really nice, I feel like I am now part of a loving and welcoming community now. If I had the choice to go to ACYF again, I would.”

“Attending ACYF was one of the best decisions I have made this year, I can’t explain how grateful I am to have been a part of this experience which has taught me to take risks, open up to my religion and become more social with those around me. ACYF didn’t just bring me closer to God but to my personal ideals, fellow pilgrims and the importance of connection. At ACYF we as young people danced and sung together wholeheartedly to express both our genuine care for each other and our religion, accepting peace and light into our lives.”

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]]> From the Principal /from-the-principal-35/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=from-the-principal-35 Fri, 28 Nov 2025 05:25:51 +0000 /?p=931295 Arriving back from CPR training this afternoon ourGeneralOffice space had been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. For some,1December marks the beginning of their favourite time of the year, for others…

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Arriving back from CPR training this afternoon ourGeneralOffice space had been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. For some,1December marks the beginning of their favourite time of the year, for others it strikes fear that the end of the year is looming and the ‘to do’ list feels like it is only getting longer. For those of the Christian tradition this Sunday marks the beginning of Advent.

In our busy world Advent calls us to a counter cultural response. It offers an invitation to slow down and embrace the waiting, to embrace holy stillness. Just like we tidy our houses to make space for family andfriends who may be visiting during the holiday season, we are also challenged to consider what needs to be tidied up in our hearts to make space for the gift of the divine presence to enter our lives.

This newsletter’s edition of ‘Illumine’ speaks about the hope that can enter our hearts during the time of Advent when we stop and notice the good around us. In the Brigidine tradition the sisters would say to celebrate all that is good with joy and gratitude. Click the image below to read ‘Illumine’.

There was lots of ‘good’ to notice in the pastfortnight.

Firstly,as we gathered for our Celebration of Achievement on Tuesday evening,we celebrated achievement, perseverance and the spirit that defines our College community. Awards nights are more than a recognition of excellence; they are a testament to the values that shape us and the vision that propels us forward.  This year, our College theme ‘Hospitality: Open Encounter Transform’ has invited us to live with openness and generosity. Hospitality is more than a welcome; it is an attitude of heart. It is the willingness to encounter others deeply, to listen, to learn and to be changed by those encounters. Transformation happens when we open ourselves to new perspectives and allow those experiences to shape who we are becoming. This was reflected in the achievements of our students, openness to learning, openness to relationships with others, openness to possibilities and opportunities to grow and contribute. Our students thrive because of the bonds between students, families, staff and the wider community. These connections are not accidental; they are cultivated with care and purpose. We especially thank members of our Stewardship Council and our special guests who sponsored awards this year, for their ongoing commitment to our College. Here are some photos from the night.

It was a delight to welcome backMariaDeronjic,to our awards night. Maria isa proud ĢƵ graduate from the Class of 2018. During her time at ĢƵ, Maria developed a deep passion for science, particularly Chemistry and Biology, which set the foundation for her future career.Maria is currently studying aMaster of Philosophy at Deakin University, Burwood. Her research focuses on breast cancer, investigating how manipulating metabolism could slow disease progression. She is about tocommencea new role in February as a Clinical Trial Study Coordinator intern with the VCCC Alliance at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Her long-term goal is to complete a PhD and continue contributing to groundbreaking research. Maria’s passion and commitment to providing hope to women who suffer from breast cancer was an inspiration to all.

As we closed out the 2025 academic year,yesterday I attended the year level gratitude liturgies in St Brigid’s chapel.These were an opportunity for studentsto gather with their Wellbeing teachers, reflect and offer thanks for all that has been. I was touched by their sincerity and authenticity when speaking to each of their wellbeing teacher and year level leaders. These liturgies rounded out a busyweek with a focus on Years 9to11 engaging in formal exams in VCE exam style settings. This process provides assessment feedback for students and staff and the opportunity to gain experience in understandingVCEexamarrangementspreparing our students for future success.

As our students begin early commencement classes nextweek,we recognise that this will coincide with some of the social media platforms beginning to implement theclosureof accounts for under 16’s.We continue to encourage families to access the information that has been provided with furtherarticles in this newsletter. We will be speaking with ourjunioryear levels during wellbeing time next week to support them with this change. Click the link to read more.

The final celebration to reflect on was our gathering with our Year 12 graduates and their families last Friday evening. It was a wonderful opportunity to chat with families, reminisce, affirm the growth and efforts of the Class of 2025 and share future plans. There was a true spirit of celebration in the air. Thanks to the staff who organised all the finer details to ensure the evening was a success. Here are some photos from the night.

I would like to extend an invitation to families to attend our end of year mass to be held on Monday8December at 9.10am in Tullow Hall. At this mass we will also farewell staff who are leaving us this year including Mrs Linda Kiernan who retires after 40 years at ĢƵ. This is an incredible contribution to the life of the College. Linda shares thatit’stime to retire before she starts to teach the grandchildren of past students!

There will be one more newsletter before the end of the year with final farewells and acknowledgements.

Stories, gratitude, memories, pride, celebration, achievement,endingsand beginnings…. all remind us of John 10:10 ‘I have come that you may have life and have it in abundance.’

ThisAdvent may you find abundance in your heart space, in your time with family, in the still moments when you feel the breeze, hear the magpie songorhave thewarmth of thesummersun touch your cheek. May your abundance beinnoticing thetraces of the divine.

Blessings

Luci

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]]> From the Principal /from-the-principal-34/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=from-the-principal-34 Fri, 14 Nov 2025 03:43:13 +0000 /?p=931018 Connecting through Remembering  Yesterday I attended the funeral of a colleague’s mum. I was struck by the emotion I felt for someone I didn’t even know. As I drove back to school I was reflecting…

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Connecting through Remembering 

Yesterday I attended the funeral of a colleague’s mum. I was struck by the emotion I felt for someone I didn’t even know. As I drove back to school I was reflecting on this feeling. There is something about listening to the story of someone’s life, being told with love. In celebrating a loved one’s life we honour the inherent dignity and value of their humanity. November is a time when we pause and remember the lives of those gone before us. We remember how thy touched us and shaped us. In our living we continue to bring a small part of them to our everyday. In remembering, we keep human dignity at the heart of the matter. In remembering, we become connected with what unites us rather than what divides us. This was palpable on Tuesday at 11am when our whole College community paused in silence during our Remembrance Day liturgy. In that moment we were one. At a time when we are confronted on a daily basis by the impacts of an increasingly polarising world, our work at ĢƵ is to help our young people find meaning and connection in their common humanity rather than in what divides us. Remembering takes us out of our individual bubble and sends our thoughts and gaze to the other.  

In this spirit next Monday evening we will hold our first community Remembrance Liturgy to pray for those in our own families and College community who have gone before us. As Paul Skippen our Ministry leader wrote in this week’s reflection, ‘Remembrance isn’t about sorrow alone – it’s about gratitude, legacy, and connection.’ In a year when we are highlighting Hospitality, I hope that people in our community of all faiths feel free to gather with us on Monday. All are welcome. 

ĢƵ’s Illumine reflection can be found here.

 

Celebrating Learning – Competencies on display 

As we come to our final week’s of learning in our academic year, students are finalising assessments, preparing for exams are celebrating their best work. On Tuesday our Year 7 students showcased their Growth Projects. This was the culmination of their work across the 2025 Growth Days where they pursued a project of passion with a particular focus on learning, practising and demonstrating the elements of the New Metrics competencies. I was so impressed by the different investigations and projects our students shared. I heard about gaining boat licences and reading books for every letter of the alphabet and through sponsorship of this endeavour donating funds to the Geelong Library. I read a first published novel and a family cookbook of ‘Nonna’s recipes’ that would be shared across an extended family. I learned about the requirements to enter the Airforce and become a fighter pilot and I discovered that crocheted octopus are used in the NICUs to support newborn babies required tubes to be fitted to their nose or mouth. What was as impressive weas the capacity of our students to articulate how they had grown as learners using the language of the competencies. Thanks to the work of our Year 7 team who intentionally design this into their curriculum and instruction. Students spoke about how they felt they had experienced mastery, how they had become more reflective learning from mistakes, how they had developed persistence when processes became a little mundane or they were not getting a desired outcome. Further they shared how this is translated into their academic learning at school. This is at the heart of our work with New Metrics. That we equip young people with the competencies to learn and thrive in the world and that these are equal in value to the content knowledge and skills developed through the academic curriculum.  

As a sidenote, during the last Growth Day as students were preparing for their showcase or as Year 9 students undertook their last Study Day before end of semester, staff were evaluating and assessing the competencies for the Semester 2 New Metrics fan reports. This involves using the Ruby software developed by the University of Melbourne to make judgements on up to 25 assessment items for each competency for each student. In Years 7-9 we assess and report on 3 competencies each semester. One of the key tenets about this new generation of assessment is the premise that teachers know their students and have seen these competencies in observable behaviours. You cannot assess competencies in an exam. 

We look forward to our Year 8 expo next week.  

 

Combined Council Dinner – Thanking our Stewardship Council  

We are fortunate in Geelong to work collaboratively as a Catholic secondary College’s network. An example of this is our tradition to gather annual with the combined advisory councils form each College. At this event we celebrate and share the achievements from the year and offer our gratitude to those members of our community who have served in on our councils. 

I wish to acknowledge our 2025 Stewardship Council members and thank them for their support, commitment and advice. Their insights, questions and discernment helps to shape our College’s improvement agenda. The opening of our Oak Centre, the introduction of a broader range of languages at Year 7 from 2026, our exploration of Big Picture Learning, the development of a College marketing strategy and the introduction of our 7th stream of Year 7s in 2026 have all been influenced by the work of this group.  

As we look towards 2026 we are open to receiving expressions of interest from members of our community who may have a background in Finance, Business or Risk and may be interested in contributing by serving on our Stewardship Council in an advisory capacity. Please contact me via email principal@clonard.vic.edu.au. Interested people would be required to attend an information session with Kildare Education Ministries and complete an application that is submitted to the nominations subcommittee of our KEM Board.  

 

Alumni Updates – Celebrating 70 

Finally, we celebrate the launch of a new Alumni Newsletter platform which hit inboxes on Remembrance Day. We have been thrilled with the response. Please forward this on to those who may be interested so we can renew and build our alumni data base and connect with as many past collegians as possible as we approach our 70th year. If you would like to join the mailing list, you can email: alumni@clonard.vic.edu.au

Blessings 

Luci 

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