Community Archives - ĢƵ /category/community/ Wed, 17 Jun 2026 02:25:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 /wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cropped-CCG_Logo_Vertical_Colour-32x32.png Community Archives - ĢƵ /category/community/ 32 32 From the Principal /from-the-principal-45/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=from-the-principal-45 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 02:20:06 +0000 /?p=933289 /wp-content/uploads/2026/06/20260211_025014000_iOS_1_9.mp4 Austin’s Butterfly Across the semester in differentforumsI have been sharing the story of Austin’s butterfly to help create an understanding about striving for excellence. Most recently I shared the…

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Austin’s Butterfly

Across the semester in differentforumsI have been sharing the story of Austin’s butterfly to help create an understanding about striving for excellence. Most recently I shared the story in our ĢƵ Community meeting heldvirtually eachDay 9 during Wellbeing.

Austin was afirst gradestudent who was asked to create a scientific drawing of a Tiger Swallowtail butterfly as a learning task. The story shows the 6 iterations that Austin completed as he listened to peer and teacher feedback andcontinuedto strive for the best version of the butterfly that he could create. It speaks to persistence, agency, acting onfeedbackand belief that something greater is possible. The final image was incredibly close to the photographicversionand one could be forgiven for thinking that it was not created by a5 or 6 year old. It is a powerful story about striving for excellence and one that has allowed us to find a simple shared language as we come to the end ofsemester.

Before the GAT exam I was able to remind the students to strive for the ‘yellow butterfly’,andin passingstudentsin the yard I am asking ‘what has been a yellow butterfly moment for you this week?’ It is easy to google Austin’sbutterfly,and you will find the story and images of his 6 attempts.Perhaps thismight be something you adopt in your conversations with your daughters as wefinish exam week, completeend of semesterassessmentsand look to the start of our next semester on Monday.

Compass Goes Live Monday22June

Aftersix months of preparation anda powerof work by our staffteamwe are ready to go live with Compass on Monday morning.This launch is part of our One Pace Beyond School Improvement Plan aspiration to be ‘Thriving Change Agents’ with the commitment of ‘Optimizing the creative, productive and ethical use of digital technology.’ Our first phase will include attendance, medical, timetable, calendar, excursions (known asEvents in Compass) and chronicle entries.

Parents have been sent a resource manual and instructions for how to access the Parent portal via the web or the Compass app.

Students will engage in a Compass orientation via a whole school online meeting on Monday during Period 1.

As with anysignificanttechnological change, werecognisethere may be some slight glitches on Mondayinspiteofthe preparation we have inplaceand we ask families to be patient with us as we make this transition. Staff have engaged in multiple learning sessions and today weensuredallourcasual replacement teachers became familiar with the new system. We look forward to the ease of integration that this program will provide the community as we bring on future modules across Semester 2.

70thAnniversary Garden Donations and Celebratory Dinner

We have reached the $4000 mark with our givingcampaignfor our new sacred space between ĢƵ House and the Oak Centre. Every donation will help us to fulfill thisdream. It isanticipatedthatworkwill start in the upcoming school holidays. We hope the project will becompletein time forBrigidineDay celebrations late in Term 3.

All donations to the project are fully tax deductible, which may be helpful for potential donors as we come to the end of the financial year. Donations can be made

We are currently working with theBrigidineSisters to ensure we have capturedthe names ofall the sisters who served at ĢƵ over the past 70 years. We hold the sisters in our prayers as they celebrate their own 140thanniversary on9July, Bishop Daniel Delaney’s day.

Tickets are on sale for the anniversary dinner to be held on Friday 28 August at Truffleduck. It has been 10 years since we have gathered as a community of current and past staff, families and alumni. The evening promises to be a wonderful celebration and time to remember with gratitude. We especially encourage our alumni to reach out to your old classmates and form a table. Tickets can be purchased individually or discounted with tables of 10. The booking link can be found here.

World Refugee Week – a call to Live Justly

The theme for this year is ‘A Million Stories’.Currently in our Library foyer we have a world map that shows where all our families come from. We have students and families that comefromover 42 different countries. ĢƵ has had a history of welcoming refugee families. Our experience is that they have made usricherfor what they have brought to us.

PaulSkippen our Ministry Leader reflects on world Refugee Week in his article ‘Who gets placed under our cloak:Strengthand kindliness in a displaced world.’This is included in this fortnight’s newsletter.

This reflection invites us to 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.

As the last newsletter for Term 2 we wish every family a safe and happy holiday break and look forward to the students return for Term 3 on13July.

Blessings

Luci

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]]> From the Principal /from-the-principal-44/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=from-the-principal-44 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 02:46:09 +0000 /?p=933178 Launch of the ĢƵ Reconciliation Action Plan(RAP) For sometimethe Trustees of Kildare Ministries have expressed a strategic intention to broaden relationships with First Nations people through seeking authenticencounter. The…

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Launch of the ĢƵ Reconciliation Action Plan(RAP)

For sometimethe Trustees of Kildare Ministries have expressed a strategic intention to broaden relationships with First Nations people through seeking authenticencounter. The development of our College RAP has been the culmination of working with our students,familiesand local First Nations community. It has involved listening and understanding the hopes and dreams of First Nations families and considering how we can act together as aCollegecommunity to build reconciliation in a meaningful way. This is our core value of ‘justice’ in action. The RAP was launched at a student led assembly to mark National Reconciliation Week. The theme for2026 ‘All in’,capturesourintention with this work, in that everyone has a part to play in working for justice insmalleveryday acts.We acknowledge and thank the staff who led this work accompanied by Aunty Sue.

You areinvited!!

In the next fortnight, all families will receive an invitation to attend our 70th AnniversaryCelebration Dinner onFriday28August. The dinner will be held atTruffleduckand will be a chance for alumni, past and present staff, current families and members of theBrigidineandKildare Ministries community to come together tohonourour history, celebrate our achievements and look ahead to the future.

Give 70 for 70 Giving Campaign

We have passed the $3000 mark thanks to the generous donations of our community. This project will see the construction of a sacred space in the grounds between the new Oak Centre and ĢƵ House along with an honour roll of all the Brigidine Sisters who have served at ĢƵ. The project will commence in the next school holidays and we hope to open the space as part of our Brigidine Day celebrations at the end of Term 3.

Sports Uniform Review

Thanks to the 190 families who responded to our survey. Our student reference group reviewed the data with our uniform supplier last week.

The most significant area for improvement is warmth, with 30% of respondents selecting ‘Warmer options for winter’ as their top desired improvement. Fit and comfort are also notable concerns: only 44% strongly agreed that the uniform suits a wide range of body shapes, and 15% of respondents prioritized ‘Better fit and sizing options’ as an improvement.The reintroduction of a rugby jumper was also strongly endorsed. A strong suggestion was to investigate a warmer multipurpose jacket.

The students sampled two tracksuit pant options in a straight leg. Both have received positive feedback from students. Discussion around the jumpers suggested that two designs, both the current and a reintroduced rugby jumper could supportmore diverse options for fit and warmth. Our uniform supplier is currently reviewing the shorts options.Againwe are proposingtwostyles. They are also going to provide us with a jacketoptionto review.

Once we have a full set ofsampleswe will make these available for families to preview and provide feedback.

Compass Goes LiveMonday22June

Staff are well underway with their training to use the newCompasssoftware platformfrom the commencement of Semester 2 onMonday 22June. Parents will shortly receive advice on how to download the app and an accompanying manual outlining the key features. Many parents may already be familiar with Compass from connection with other schools. In the first instance parents may wish to use the app to check their daughter’s daily schedule, record parent notified absences and keep track of our News feed. The app will be the place where consent for excursionswillbe given. In theshort termparents will still access SIMON for Semester 1 reporting and all other mattersrelated to learning however attendance, excursions, medicalmattersand behavioural matters will all be moved to CompassfromMonday22June.A short onlineinformationsession will be held next Wednesday10 Junefrom 6.00pm.

Thriving Schools Index (TSI)

Thanks to all families who have already taken the time to share their feedback through the TSI survey. This week all staff and students had the opportunity to contribute. This survey is conducted across all KEM schools and supports us tomonitorand shape our ongoing school improvement efforts.

Annual Report School Community

The 2025 Annual Report to the School Community is now available on the College website. It is a celebration of the year’s endeavours and forms partof our regulatory reporting processes. A copy is also availableforperusal in the front office and Library.

As we head towards the end of Semester1 and the upcoming exam period we encourage families to check in with their young person about meeting assessment deadlines, revision and study routine before exams and take the opportunity to reflect on achievements and academic growth and possible opportunities for improvement. The exam periodprovides an opportunity for studentsto become familiar withexam basedassessments so that by Year 12 exams this process is second nature. We encourage students to use what they have learned about resilience, studytechniquesand using feedback as they prepare for the end of semester. Recently the students reflected on what inspires them to learn. The end of semester isa great timeto tap into this inspirational energy to bring our best selves to the tasks ahead.

Blessings
Luci

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]]> From the Principal /from-the-principal-42/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=from-the-principal-42 Tue, 05 May 2026 04:47:02 +0000 /?p=932645 Drawing New Maps of Hope Last October Pope Leo wrote an Apostoli Letter ‘Drawing new Maps of Hope’ on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Conciliar Declaration Gravissimum…

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Drawing New Maps of Hope

Last October Pope Leo wrote an Apostoli Letter ‘Drawing new Maps of Hope’ on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Conciliar Declaration Gravissimum educationis. This original document spoke of education as central to mission in the way education builds relationships and culture with schools being places of bridge building. In this document the centrality of the person is paramount as education aims to help students discover the meaning of life, their inalienable dignity and their responsibility towards others and the natural world.

In Drawing New Maps of Hope, Pope Leo calls us to ponder ‘educational constellations’ because of the networks and partnerships that are now critical to the endeavor of Catholic education. He speaks of participatory educational communities where all share responsibility for the mission. He adds three new priorities: giving young people spaces for depth including silence, discernment and dialogue, considering the digital human by placing the person before the algorithm and finally education for peace, a peace that begins with the words we use and the call to be reconciled with each other.

In reflecting on the document it was affirming to note how at ĢƵ we are responding to the call of this letter even in the events of this coming week with Year 12 Retreat, our students partnering with Wellsprings for Women, the announcement of new intercultural experiences and the upcoming Kildare Ministries First Nations immersion in Geelong. We trust that in the constellation of all that we do at ĢƵ we too ‘shine as lights in the world’ (Phil 2:15).

Intercultural Immersion Experiences: France, Japan, Indonesia 2027-2028

In our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan under the pillar Bravely Ambitious we have a commitment to ‘expand and renew learning design, pathways and experiences within and beyond the classroom.’

Last week we received approval from the Kildare Education Ministries Board to offer intercultural immersions for France and Japan in 2027 and then Indonesia and Japan in 2028. These will complement our current annual experiences in Santa Teresa and Timor Leste.

We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer these to our students. The Languages team at ĢƵ led the application for France and Indonesia whilst the Japan offering has been arranged through the organisation that arranges our host students. Planning for the French trip will commence later this term.

These experiences are aligned to the Kildare Ministries’ values and are designed to enhance the curriculum across several areas including Humanities, Arts, RE and Languages.

Year 12 Retreat

We wish our Year 12 students every blessing as they take part in their annual retreat this week.

Retreat is especially important for young people as it provides a much-needed opportunity to step away from daily routines and reflect on their spirituality, personal growth and wellbeing. In an environment free from outside pressures, students can renew their sense of purpose, build deeper connections with peers, reflect on the place that faith might play in their life and return to their studies with a sense of renewal and refreshment.

We thank the staff who will accompany our students for their care and commitment as they hold the space for the students during this special time.

Changes to Child Safety

Beginning with Term 2, PROTECT, the system used by schools to report child safety concerns, has implemented several important changes to enhance child safety protocols. These include updated procedures for reporting concerns, additional training sessions for staff and clearer guidelines to ensure the wellbeing of all students. The adjustments are designed to foster a safer and more supportive environment, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to student protection.

At ĢƵ we have had key staff undertake training in these changes and all staff were made aware of the implications at last week’s staff meeting. We have updated our PROTECT posters that are displayed around the school to ensure students know how they can go to if they have a concern.

Big Picture Learning

ĢƵ has partnered with Big Picture Learning since 2024 as an exploring school to learn how this type of learning might provide a pathway for students looking for a different way to learn. Following on from the success of the Extended Investigation subject in 2026 we are ready to offer Big Picture Learning from 2027 as an alternative pathway for students in Years 9 and 10.

Big Picture learning design empowers students in Years 9 and 10 to explore their interests through individualised learning plans and real-world experiences. By centering education around each learner’s passions and strengths, this approach helps students develop critical thinking, creativity and confidence, preparing them for future academic and life success.

This week we have 38 students who are joining with staff for a ‘come and try’ day to experience what this type of learning might feel like. A family webinar will be held on 27 May at 6.00pm to provide families with further information before students complete their subject and pathway selections for 2027. Further information can be found here.

First Nations Immersion

Next week the annual Kildare Ministries First Nations Immersion which gathers staff and students from across Australia will commence their immersion with a visit to ĢƵ before making their way to Anglesea.

We look forward to welcoming our visitors and celebrating reconciliation in action led by our wonderful Tjatjarrang students.

I conclude with words from Pope Leo as inspiration for the fortnight ahead:

I appeal to Pastors, consecrated men and women, laypeople, those responsible for institutions, teachers and students: be servants of the world of education, choreographers of hope, tireless seekers of wisdom, credible creators of expressions of beauty. Fewer labels, more stories; fewer sterile contrasts, more harmony in the Spirit. Then our constellation will not only shine, but it will also guide us: towards the truth that sets us free (cf.Jn8:32), towards the fraternity that consolidates justice (cf.Mt23:8), towards the hope that does not disappoint (cf.Rom5:5).

Blessings

Luci

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]]> Mother’s Day Breakfast /mothers-day-breakfast-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mothers-day-breakfast-3 Tue, 05 May 2026 01:52:51 +0000 /?p=932571 Mother’s Day Breakfast 2026 Tuesday, 5 May 2026, in the crisp morning sunshine, we welcomed our community’s mums, mother figures and their daughters to come together and share in a…

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Mother's Day Breakfast 2026

Tuesday, 5 May 2026, in the crisp morning sunshine, we welcomed our community’s mums, mother figures and their daughters to come together and share in a breakfast for Mother’s Day. Treated to delicious pastries, tea, coffee and a live performance by the ĢƵ choir and music students. The ĢƵ choir and music students shared their rendition of I Am Australian and Try Everything performed with enthusiasm, warmth and confidence.

Together, we celebrated the strength, love, patience, and endless care our mothers give every single day. The early mornings, the late nights, the quiet sacrifices, and the unwavering support – so much of what they do often goes unseen, but never unappreciated.

Our College Captains spoke today on what ‘Mother’ means to them. This is what they shared:

Lana:Mum is a role model. A mother is one of the first people to teach us what love feels like, not through big gestures, but through everyday life. Whether it’s packing your lunch early in the morning, helping you finish an assignment that’s due at 11:59pm that night, caring for you when you’re sick, or staying up late worrying about you when you are out. A mother is a person in your life who sees the potential, success and belief in you even when you don’t see it. Her belief in you is what makes us braver, stronger, and more courageous every day.

Ruby:Some people will tell you, “You look like your mum.” When I hear someone say I look like her, or that I speak like her, or that I do something the way she does, I think, how lucky am I to be told I’m like her? What a privilege it is to have such an incredible woman in my life. I’ve been asked a lot recently, “What do you want to do in the future? What do you want to be?” And it’s made me realise that if I could be anything in this world, I hope to be like mum, my ultimate inspiration, my voice of wisdom, and the person I know will always be my biggest supporter.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at breakfast and for all the amazing staff and students who made the morning possible.

If you attended the event, please find your photos below:

If your photo is missing, please contact alicia.quarrell@clonard.vic.edu.au

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]]> From the Principal /from-the-principal-39/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=from-the-principal-39 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:50:19 +0000 /?p=932086 /wp-content/uploads/2026/03/03-11_website.mp4 Leading with Strength(and Kindliness) Yesterday I found myself listening to the gospel for thethirdSundayof Lentfeeling somewhat uncomfortable. The gospelrecountswhen Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well.In many reflections…

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Leading with Strength(and Kindliness)

Yesterday I found myself listening to the gospel for thethirdSundayof Lentfeeling somewhat uncomfortable. The gospelrecountswhen Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well.In many reflections on this passage the woman is presented asdiminished,marginalised,shamed, in need of healing and restoration to the community.Last year I had the opportunity toexplorethis passage in depth through my studyof Theology at ACU in a course titled Women’s Leadership for Mission. I came to meet and know the Samaritan woman through a new lens, as a woman with a deep inner strengthand sense of self.When Jesus asked her ‘Give me a drink’ hecreated a space for dialogue andthe opportunityfor herto lead. He empowered her to make the choice, a free response.

In the dialogue that followed Jesus’initial request,she shows her leadershipqualitiesin therobust, dynamic exchangewhere she drew on the knowledge and wisdom of her tradition and culturein a quest for understanding.Hercoming to insight and faith wasnotjusta personal revelation but something that led the whole town to come to belief. The Samaritan woman wasauthentic, curious, a person of influence andleadership.As I came to know thiswoman,I realisedagainhow oftensociety fails to unearth or identify the hidden strengthsofwomenthroughprejudice, stereotyping, discrimination and at worst misogyny.

Today Ipaused to read our wall of inspiration and gratitude, created by our students to celebrate International Women’s Day. I lost count of how may timesI read‘my mum’, ‘my nan’ as the women who inspire our students. It wasn’t their job titles, or achievements but rather the manner in which they led with heart, courage, compassion and care thatputs them at the forefront of our students’ thinking when asked‘who is a woman who inspires you?’

At ĢƵour aspiration is to educate our students to learn with wonder, live with compassion and lead with courage. This is not about being small, apologetic orstanding in the shadows. This is about livingout the gospelmessageof Jesus in John 10:10 ‘I have come so that all may have life and have it in abundance’.This invitation is for all. In theSamaritanwomanwe haveamodel of female discipleship and leadershipthatreminds us of what is possiblewhen werespond andlead with strength(and kindliness).

Exciting changes coming to our Digital Platform

Following an 18 month reviewand consultation process the College will be moving to the COMPASS platform to replace SIMON from22June 2026. This platform will enable us to provide a more integrated experience for families, students and staff by simplifying engagement with the College through one space. Consent for excursions,medical information,fee payment, College updates and access to your daughter’s learning journey will all be available in the one place including access to theCompassapp.This new space will also enable us to connect more seamlessly with our alumni. This Australian based platform is used across many large systems and we are confident it will enhance our engagement with families. As we get closer to 22Junewhen we go live we will be providing families with support in how to access and optimise the Compass experience. Stay tuned for more information next term.

Annual Action Plan Updates– Literacy and Numeracy Interventions and Circle Pedagogy

Last week a number of our staff trained to deliver the Corrective Reading and Corrective Maths programs.This will enable us to provide structured, evidence based interventions to our Junior students helping to accelerate their learning progress enabling them to better access the mainstream curriculum. We had over 40 parents attending an information session about this work and they expressed great interest in what the program had to offer.

To support the sense of belonging and connection betweenstudents inthe College we have been working with circle pedagogy. Kristy Elliott,our partner in learning about restorative practices,speaks of circle pedagogy as a space for building connection, belonging and voice.Circles have their origin in many of the indigenous pedagogies from around the world. When in circle a space is created for respectful engagement with others. Not just the space to share, but to listen and wait respectfully for one’s turn to speak. Circles create a space to build knowledge and relationships. Currently our focus on circles has been through the Wellbeing time with classesusing various prompt’s to explore an idea or feeling. Some subject teachers have begun adopting this practice and staff have engaged in circle architecture during a recent staff meeting where we explored the question – ’how do your students know you believe they are inspired to learn?’ For many staff this was the highlight of that staff meeting being able to listen to others perspective and insights.

Community Happenings

The weather was kind to us at our swimming carnivalwith great house spirit and some incredible performances. We were so impressed by the participation of our Year 7students and the leadership of our Year 12students in engaging their houses on the day. We await the final results to be announced in an upcoming assembly.

After two fun filled days at Lake Dewar, our Year 7students and staff arrived home safely albeit a little weary after a very successful camp. This year I attended for the full two days and witnessed the manner in which the students embraced new opportunities and challenged themselves to try new things and make new connections.Their behaviour showed our positive behaviour expectations in action – respect, engagement and resilience. A huge shout out to the staff and in particular David Tripodi and Anthony Laffy for their leadership.

Thanks to our wonderful SRC leaders who ensured we marked International Women’s (Week) with fun, celebration and challenge about the importance of ‘Balancing the Scales’. Soccer, dance, inspiring messages and our annual breakfast with Dr Dalal Smiley all contributed to an uplifting week. Dr Dalal Smiley is the CEO of Wellsprings for Women, a KildareMinistriescommunity work that support women, especially newly arrived women witheducation,settlement services and domestic violence supports.Dalallater met with our social justice leaders and key staff to discuss possibilities for connection across the year as part of our exploration of the theme ofJustice: Walk humble. Love kindly. Live justly.

And finally in this community wrap up, a huge shout out to our Yr 12 VCE VM class for hosting the annual Bowls and Beats event and fundraiser for Wellsprings for Women.We were blessed with a glorious autumn evening to enjoyan evening of friendly competition, delicious dinner andraffles/silent auction.Thanks to all our families and extended community including staff who cam along to support the student. We awere so proud of their efforts.

Have your say

It has been positive to see the Victorian government launch a review toseekcommunity feedback as part of theGeelong, Bellarine Peninsula and Bannockburn Bus Network Review.We welcome this initiative and encourage as many families and community members as possible to be involved.We will also submit feedback as a College.

This review is looking at the future of local bus services across Geelong and surrounding areas. Buses play an important role inconnecting students to schooland the review aims to ensure the bus network keeps pace with growing communities and changing travel needs.

Open Days

A reminder that our Open Days start onFriday 13March. We are super excited to meet new families and share what our College has to offer.

Parent Workshop – AIwith Matt Estermann

A parent/career workshop for families next Monday nightin Kildare Theatre – see details.

Blessings

Luci

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]]> Community Cook Up /community-cook-up-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=community-cook-up-3 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:00:43 +0000 /?p=932001 ĢƵ Cook Up On Thursday 12 February, 28 students from Years 8 to 12 generously volunteered their time to prepare and cook meals for families within our local community. Led…

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ĢƵ Cook Up

On Thursday 12 February, 28 students from Years 8 to 12 generously volunteered their time to prepare and cook meals for families within our local community. Led by our Year 12 Living Justly Leaders, Sienna and Kiera, students worked collaboratively to create more than 60 meals, including zucchini slice, sausage rolls, chicken and broccoli pasta bake, lasagna, shepherd’s pie, and even banana choc chip cake.

This afternoon was a wonderful example of Justice in Action; students living out our values through service, teamwork and compassion.

We extend our sincere thanks to staff members Ms MacKenzie, Indi and Mr Millie for their guidance and support throughout the session.

If you, or someone you know, would benefit from these meals, please contact ĢƵ Reception.

Bridget Taylor – Social Justice Leader

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]]> Chris Scanlan Graduates Teaching Excellence Program. /chris-scanlan-graduates-teaching-excellence-program/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chris-scanlan-graduates-teaching-excellence-program Mon, 09 Feb 2026 02:00:58 +0000 /?p=931732 Chris Scanlan Graduates from Teaching Excellence Program.Our school values the learning and development of our staff, and the positive impact this has on student outcomes and school improvement. We are…

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Chris Scanlan Graduates from Teaching Excellence Program.
Our school values the learning and development of our staff, and the positive impact this has on student outcomes and school improvement.

We are proud to share that Chris recently graduated from the Teaching Excellence Program at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. This program enables skilled teachers to advance their capabilities and excellence in teaching.

Through the program, Chris grew his knowledge of teaching practices by engaging with contemporary educational research and inquiring into two areas of his practice. As part of his two inquiries, Chris investigated the embedding FirstNations perspectives into curriculum, and also student engagement and enrolment in VCE Art and Design subjects.

We look forward to Chris sharing his skills and knowledge from the program to continue to support student learning and wellbeing outcomes and at our school.

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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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]]> Paige Rae – Class of 2016 /paige-rae-class-of-2016/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=paige-rae-class-of-2016 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:31:56 +0000 /?p=931491 I attended ĢƵ from 2010 to 2016. One of my favourite subjects at ĢƵ was Art with Miss Gillard. It provided a creative outlet that was a refreshing break…

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I attended ĢƵ from 2010 to 2016. One of my favourite subjects at ĢƵ was Art with Miss Gillard. It provided a creative outlet that was a refreshing break from subjects like English and Maths. I also really enjoyed classes with Mr. McCallum—his sense of humour and ability to make lessons fun, especially during the pressures of VCE, made a lasting impression. Lastly, Ms. Evans had a huge influence on me, particularly in helping me grow as a leader. Thanks to her guidance, I had the honour of becoming College Captain, which was a defining moment of my time at ĢƵ. This role allowed me to transition from being a student to taking on more adult responsibilities, leading a team, and seeing projects come to life.

After finishing at ĢƵ, I launched my own womenswear label, which was successful but ultimately didn’t align with my long-term goals. I then transitioned to a role as a diamond consultant at Diamond Exchange on Collins Street, where I developed strong communication and problem-solving skills. This experience led to a promotion as Assistant Manager.

During my time at Diamond Exchange, I dealt with some significant health issues, which eventually led me to a dietitian. That experience sparked my interest in nutrition, and I realised it was the career I wanted to pursue. At 21, I started a Bachelor of Health Sciences, majoring in nutrition and exercise science. After completing my undergraduate degree, I moved to Melbourne to pursue a Master of Dietetics while working at Nutrition Plus alongside Melanie McGrice.

I graduated last year and have recently finished my graduate year as a clinical, community, and food service dietitian at Colac Area Health. I absolutely love the work I’m doing now.

My biggest piece of advice is not to put too much pressure on figuring out your career path right away. Opportunities will arise, and it’s okay to explore different paths. I never imagined in school that I would end up as a dietitian, but taking time off after high school helped me discover what I truly wanted to do.

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]]> Glee Club Performance /glee-club-excursion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=glee-club-excursion Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:57:36 +0000 /?p=931454 ĢƵ’s Glee Club Spreads Christmas Cheer at Ocean Mist Aged Care Recently, our talented Glee Club singers brought festive joy to the residents of Ocean Mist Aged Care in Torquay…

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ĢƵ’s Glee Club Spreads Christmas Cheer at Ocean Mist Aged Care

Recently, our talented Glee Club singers brought festive joy to the residents of Ocean Mist Aged Care in Torquay with a heartwarming performance of Christmas carols and classic songs. The visit was a wonderful opportunity for students to share their musical gifts and connect with the local community, creating smiles and special memories for everyone involved.

The singers were accompanied by Ms Howard, Ms Bove, and Vesna Cooper, who supported the group throughout the afternoon. Residents were delighted by the beautiful harmonies and familiar tunes, joining in with the carols and expressing their appreciation for the students’ efforts. It was truly a celebration of music, community, and the spirit of giving.

After the performance, the group enjoyed a well-deserved treat—fish and chips by the picturesque Torquay beach—making the day even more memorable. A huge thank you to our Glee Club for their enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. Your voices brought joy and festive cheer to many!

Marcia Howard
Music Program Leader

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