ĢƵ / Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:21:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 /wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cropped-CCG_Logo_Vertical_Colour-32x32.png ĢƵ / 32 32 A Journey of Challenge, Courage and Growth /a-journey-of-challenge-courage-and-growth/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-journey-of-challenge-courage-and-growth Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:19:39 +0000 /?p=933880 Late last term, two of our Year 11 students, Megan and Georgia, took part in the Geelong Kokoda Youth Program, an experience that challenged them to step outside their comfort…

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Late last term, two of our Year 11 students, Megan and Georgia, took part in the Geelong Kokoda Youth Program, an experience that challenged them to step outside their comfort zones and develop valuable leadership and life skills. After months of training and preparation, they travelled to Papua New Guinea to complete the iconic Kokoda Track, learning about the sacrifices made during World War II while discovering their own strength and resilience. Now back at school, they share some of the highlights, challenges and lessons from their remarkable journey.

After a competitive selection process earlier this year, the students joined a group of 23 participants on a 10-day expedition along the famous Kokoda Track. While they anticipated a demanding journey, the reality of the steep terrain and challenging conditions quickly became apparent.

“When we first started walking, it seemed fairly flat, and then all of a sudden it just went straight up. We didn’t really know what we were in for,” one student reflected.

Despite the physical challenges, including long days of climbing, descending and navigating difficult terrain, every participant completed the trek. The group learned the importance of teamwork, encouragement, and looking after one another.

“We made sure nobody was left behind. If someone needed a break, we all stopped. We learned a lot about teamwork.”

One of the most significant aspects of the journey was meeting the local people and communities of Papua New Guinea. Both students spoke about being inspired by the positivity and gratitude of the children they met.

“The kids over there don’t have a lot, but they were some of the happiest people we’ve ever met. It really made us appreciate what we have.”

The students also experienced an extended break from technology, spending more than a week without their phones. What initially felt unusual soon became one of the most valuable parts of the trek. “It was actually really good not having our phones. We spent more time talking to people and being present in the moment.”

Beyond the physical achievement, both students recognised how much they had grown in confidence and resilience.

“We’ve all changed. Looking back to when we did the interview earlier this year, I think we’d be much more confident now. The trek taught us that we can keep going even when things are hard.”

The Kokoda Trek is more than a walk-through history. It is an opportunity to develop leadership, resilience, gratitude, teamwork and self-belief. Our students represented the College with pride and returned with experiences and lessons that will stay with them for life.

Congratulations to Megan and Georgia on this outstanding achievement, and we would encourage future students to consider applying for this unique opportunity should it become available in the future.

Michael McCallum, Year 11 Wellbeing Community Leader

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]]> From the Principal /from-the-principal-51/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=from-the-principal-51 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 22:26:37 +0000 /?p=933849 There are particular moments in the life of a school that invite us to pause and take stock, and our recent Year 12 Graduation at St Mary’s last week was…

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There are particular moments in the life of a school that invite us to pause and take stock, and our recent Year 12 Graduation at St Mary’s last week was certainly one of those.

It was a wonderful celebration of our graduating students and all that they have contributed to ĢƵ. Watching them mark the end of their secondary schooling, surrounded by their families, friends and staff, was a reminder of just how much growth takes place across these years. We are enormously proud of the young people they have become and of the courage, generosity, determination and spirit they have brought to our community.

My sincere thanks to the many staff who worked behind the scenes to make Graduation such a beautiful and memorable occasion. Events such as these require an enormous amount of organisation, care and attention to detail, and I am very grateful to everyone who contributed. Particular thanks to Angela Battaglia, Ali Van Uijtert and Paul Skippen for their organisation. Thank you to Marcia Howard, Darren Sobbiech and Billy Binedell for their technology. Applause for the staff band: Daniel Millie, Andrea Power, Chris Scanlan, Eoghan Brownen and singers, Rachael Congues, Karen Kershaw, Gab Rogers and Jen Collins. Thanks to Livinia Ryan and Jac Kolar for their brilliance on the violins. I have included my Graduation address in this edition for those who were unable to be with us on the evening, or who may like to revisit some of the reflections shared with our graduating class.

The beautiful spring weather we have been enjoying has also brought a lovely energy to these final weeks of the year and provided the perfect backdrop for another wonderful community event, the Geelong Show. Congratulations to our students who achieved terrific success at the Show, particularly in cake decoration and photography. Jasmyn D won first prize for her beautiful Dolly Varden Decorated Cake. ĢƵ “scooped the pool” for the Year 9 and 10 Decorated Cupcakes with and Annie H 1st, Violet B 2nd and Amber C 3rd. Millie H came second with her Decorated Cupcakes in the Year 7 and 8 section. Meredyth W is also to be congratulated on her Art award – placing first and second.  

It is always a pleasure to see the creativity, skill and commitment of our students recognised beyond the College. Whether behind a camera or creating something intricate by hand, these achievements speak to the many different ways our young people discover and develop their gifts.

There is much to celebrate moving forward – two Music Nights (27 October and 27 November) so I look forward to seeing you there! Thank you, as always, to our families for the many ways you support our students and contribute to the life of ĢƵ.

Jo Ryan
Acting Principal

Graduation Mass address: Jo Ryan

Over the course of the next weeks, many will tell you that your life is about to begin…but that’s not true – this is just the next step for you all – the next chapter in a life that has already seen around 6,570 days. Living is not new to you…life without school, though, is. What will that way of living be for you? How do you navigate a world where some of the guardrails you have known for 18 years are removed? Simply: you make good decisions.

The path of life is one that is characterised by crossroads – moments where you will need to make decisions without knowing, at the time, what the possible unintended consequences will be of the turn you choose to make. At each of these crossroads you are creating the life that one day, you will look back upon and see where your decisions have led you. Will they lead you to the greatness of which you are capable? Will they lead you to contentment and even joy? Will they tell you you have lived a good life?

That is entirely up to you.

In relationships, engage in only those founded on mutual respect and regard. Anyone who loves you will want the best for you. They will not seek to diminish you, belittle you or ask you to compromise who you are. They will want to see you flourish. They will accept your foibles and encourage your gifts. They will gently shape you in beautiful ways, giving your life brightness, hope and warmth. They will be a place of soft-landing and soothing grace. They will be people with whom your spirit settles in peace, your way of being in the world is accepted and even cherished. They will laugh at your jokes…even when they are not very funny. They will see your effort and applaud it; they will grow with you and be happy that you are growing too. A good life is one where others’ lives are improved by the fact that you are in the world and yours because of their existence.

In experiences, take those that offer challenge, promote development and potentially lead to new perspectives. The mind and spirit, like the body, require rigour and exercise to be at their best. Do not live small in this great world. Do not be afraid to test your mettle against others – their example can show you what you can do too. Keep your mind open to the new, because we learn so much about ourselves from moments of great challenge – how we manage our fears…how we problem solve, how we exert our independence, how we protect others. Life should be full of thoughtfully mitigated risk that draws you ever forward.

This world, this troubled Earth, needs young people of courage and conviction; open minds and hearts; who are thoughtful, considerate, discerning. This world needs you to be engaged in its processes, critical thinkers who will not be duped or manipulated by the techno feudalistic structures that seek to control, to mislead, to divide and reduce humanity to less than we are. In each of your decisions, you have the potential to impact others for better or for worse; to make this world a better place for you and for others – to be a good citizen.

But for now…in this moment…all you need do is just do the next right thing. And then, the next right thing after that. If, at every crossroad you remember to do that, your life will be wonderfully good…

And that is what we want for every one of you.

Thank you.

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]]> Announcement: Principal, ĢƵ /announcement-principal-clonard-college/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=announcement-principal-clonard-college Wed, 07 Oct 2026 02:50:03 +0000 /?p=933824 6 October 2026 Dear ĢƵ Community, Following eight years of dedicated leadership and service to ĢƵ by Ms Luci Quinn, the Kildare Education Ministries Board has completed the…

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6 October 2026

Dear ĢƵ Community,

Following eight years of dedicated leadership and service to ĢƵ by Ms Luci Quinn, the Kildare Education Ministries Board has completed the process to appoint the College’s next Principal.

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Chantelle Gaucias Principal of ĢƵ,commencing at the beginning of the 2027 school year.

Chantelle is currently Deputy Principal Learning and Staff at Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College, Altona North. Prior to this, she was Director of Staffing and Executive Deputy Principal at Catholic Regional College Sydenham. Earlier in her career at St Francis Xavier College (formerly CRC Melton), she held a number of leadership positions, including Year Level Coordinator, School Improvement Coordinator and Domain Leader for Mathematics and Health. Chantelle has also undertaken Acting Principal responsibilities at both Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College and Catholic Regional College Sydenham.

Throughout the selection process, we were impressed by the breadth of Chantelle’s experience and the strong reputation she has established in the schools in which she has worked. She is highly regarded by those who have worked with her and brings considerable experience in teaching and learning, staff development and school improvement.

Chantelle also demonstrated an authentic commitment to Catholic education. She spoke compellingly about the way her faith shapes her leadership, relationships and decision making. She is a calm and compassionate leader who values relationships while maintaining a clear focus on improving outcomes for students.

Chantelle’s own words provide an insight into the values she brings to her leadership:

“I believe a vibrant school is one where every student is known, valued and challenged to achieve their potential. … I am particularly committed to the principle of every student, every pathway, ensuring that academic, vocational and alternative pathways are valued and supported.”

We believe Chantelle is well placed to build on ĢƵ’s considerable strengths and lead the College into its next stage. Her commitment to young people, her experience in Catholic girls’ education and her approach to learning and relationships align closely with the mission and values of ĢƵ and Kildare Ministries.

We look forward to welcoming Chantelle to the ĢƵ community. There will be opportunities for students, staff and families to meet her and learn more about her in the months ahead.

Yours faithfully,

Marg Blythman
Chair
Kildare Education Ministries Board

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]]> Welcome to Term 4 /welcome-to-term-4/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=welcome-to-term-4 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 23:50:15 +0000 /?p=933802 Welcome Back to Term 4 As we begin Term 4, I warmly welcome all students, families and staff back for what is always a busy, exciting and rewarding term. The…

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Welcome Back to Term 4

As we begin Term 4, I warmly welcome all students, families and staff back for what is always a busy, exciting and rewarding term. The final term brings with it a unique energy. The days are longer, the weather is warmer and the pace inevitably begins to accelerate as we work towards the many milestones, celebrations and achievements that mark the end of the school year.

I would like to acknowledge and thank our Year 12 students for the commitment they showed during the practice examinations conducted over the school holidays. These examinations are not designed to be a final judgement of performance. Rather, they provide an opportunity to practise the conditions, routines, time management and strategies required for success in the real examination environment. The most valuable question following a practice exam is not “What score did I receive?” but “What have I learned about how I can improve my approach?” We encourage students to use the feedback gained through this experience to guide their final weeks of preparation.

Indeed, the weeks ahead are particularly significant for this group of students. The Year 12 students are entering a period that is often characterised by a mixture of excitement, anticipation and, understandably, a few nerves. The upcoming Graduation Mass (Thursday 15 October at St. Mary’s Basilica) provides an important occasion for our community to gather in thanksgiving, recognising the journey our students have undertaken and the many people who have supported them along the way. I encourage all Year 12 parents and carers to attend and celebrate this special occasion with us.

Beyond the celebrations lies the final stretch of preparation for the VCE examinations. These weeks are an opportunity for students to focus their energies, refine their understanding and approach their studies with purpose and determination. As the saying goes, nothing comes of nothing, and it is true that hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard. This is a student’s time to commit themselves to do what it takes to ensure that they meet the exams as prepared as they can be. We would remind you that Year 12 classes continue to run in the lead up to each exam so students can avail themselves of their teachers’ support at school. This is a wonderful opportunity for expert assistance and one we encourage students to take.

For students in Years 7 to 11, the message is perhaps less dramatic but no less important: steady as she goes. Consistent effort, strong attendance, engagement in learning and a commitment to finishing the year well will ensure a successful conclusion to 2026 and provide a strong foundation for the opportunities that lie ahead.

I would also like to recognise the outstanding work of our Arts Department. Recent Solo Performance Evenings and the VCE Art Exhibition showcased the extraordinary creativity, talent and dedication of our students. The quality of work on display was truly impressive, reflecting not only the skill and commitment of the young artists and performers themselves, but also the expertise, encouragement and care provided by our Arts teachers. Thank you to all who contributed to these wonderful celebrations of learning and creativity.

Finally, as I commence the term in the role of Acting Principal, I would like to acknowledge and thank Liz Sullivan, who has stepped into the position of Acting Assistant Principal. Liz’s leadership, experience and deep commitment to our learning community will be greatly appreciated during this time.

I wish all members of our community a successful and fulfilling start to the term.

Jo Ryan

Acting Principal

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]]> Give 70 for 70 Garden Opening /give-70-for-70-garden-opening/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=give-70-for-70-garden-opening Sun, 20 Sep 2026 23:51:07 +0000 /?p=933771 Friday 18 September, we were proud to officially open our beautiful new sacred space at ĢƵ, created to honour our Brigidine heritage, celebrate our Kildare Ministries identity and provide a…

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Friday 18 September, we were proud to officially open our beautiful new sacred space at ĢƵ, created to honour our Brigidine heritage, celebrate our Kildare Ministries identity and provide a place for our community to pause, reflect and connect.
At the heart of this garden is a handcrafted stone well, connecting us to St Brigid’s Well in Kildare. Each unique stone has been carefully placed to form the whole; a reminder that every person in our College community is an integral part of who we are.
Surrounding the well are the principles that shape our College graduate attributes: Learn with Wonder, Live with Compassion and Lead with Courage. Boarding the space are six seats representing the Kildare Ministries values of hope, wonder, courage, justice, compassion and hospitality.
Two apple trees honour the story of St Brigid and her generous response to those in need: “What is mine is theirs.” As the seasons change, the trees will provide a living reminder of this story and the spirit of generosity it represents.
With trees, stone, grasses and flowering plants, the garden also invites us into a deeper connection with creation. A place for silence, prayer, conversation, learning and simply being.
We are grateful for the generosity of those who donated to this project. We hope they are proud of the legacy piece we have created for the College. We are grateful for the creativity and experience of Mark Gabell and his team, who were able to bring the vision to reality. And we are grateful to Helen Wood and Chris Kershaw for their collaboration with Mark to bring this space to life.
It is our dream that this space will inspire, connect, renew and bring peace to all those who pass through, pause and pray here now and in the years to come.

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]]> A Message of Gratitude /a-message-of-gratitude/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-message-of-gratitude Fri, 18 Sep 2026 05:06:01 +0000 /?p=933740 A Message of Gratitude I have always treasured the way we celebrate at ĢƵ, and as I prepare to leave after eight wonderful years, today was certainly one of those…

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A Message of Gratitude

I have always treasured the way we celebrate at ĢƵ, and as I prepare to leave after eight wonderful years, today was certainly one of those days.

I was drawn to ĢƵ by two things I care deeply about: the Brigidine tradition and the education of young women. What I found here was a community that opened its arms and welcomed me with generosity, kindness and friendship.

I can honestly say these have been the most fulfilling years of my 37 years in education. Through times of growth and challenge, including the years of Covid, I have been continually inspired by the students, staff, families and alumni of ĢƵ.

Our students have brought me immense joy. Their generosity of spirit, curiosity, courage and care for others continue to amaze me. Watching young people grow into confident women ready to make a difference in the world has been one of the greatest privileges of this role

I am deeply grateful to our staff who have said “yes” to the work, shared the vision and worked tirelessly to bring it to life. I have been blessed by an extraordinary leadership team, and I particularly thank Jo Ryan, Dean Williams, Hugh Saunders, Helen Wood and Angela Battaglia for the way we have led together in service of this community.

I also thank Kildare Education Ministries Board and the Trustees of Kildare Ministries for their unwavering support and for the opportunity to continue bringing the Brigidine charism and Kildare Ministries story to life. Today we opened a sacred outdoor space in celebration of our 70th anniversary as a physical symbol that tells our story, tradition and future as a Kildare Ministries school.

As I leave, I do so with great confidence in the future of ĢƵ. We are a community with a deep sense of mission, achieving strong outcomes for students, outstanding staff, growing enrolments, future-focused learning and a commitment to the wellbeing and growth of every student.

If there are three things I hope students remember, they are these: be gentle with yourself as you grow into the person you are being called to be, always strive for excellence by doing the ordinary things extraordinarily well, and choose hope. Hope costs nothing, yet it is one of the greatest gifts we can offer each other.

I leave ĢƵ stronger, kinder and wiser because of all that I have learned throughout my time in this place. Thank you for welcoming me, supporting me and allowing me the privilege of serving as your Principal.

It has been an honour to be part of the ĢƵ story. I will always cherish my time here. I wish Jo Ryan every blessing as she takes on the role of Acting Principal in Term 4 and I know you will welcome and support the new Principal when they are announced and make their start in 2027.

With every blessing,

Luci Quinn
Principal

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]]> From the Principal /from-the-principal-50/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=from-the-principal-50 Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:37:44 +0000 /?p=933705 /wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_6511.mov Can you recall a time where you have found yourself going through old photos or boxes of belongings from another time?Maybe youwere by yourself or with a friend oramember…

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Can you recall a time where you have found yourself going through old photos or boxes of belongings from another time?Maybe youwere by yourself or with a friend oramember of your family. With eachnew itemor picture there is a new emotion connected to a memory. We often spend so much time moving forward, hastening to the next thing that weoftenonly look back at times when we are facing a significant crossroad in life, the loss of a loved one, moving house or in my case finishing in a role.

Last Friday afternoon I began the task of packing up my office cupboards. With each folder anddocument,I thought of the work, thepeopleand the impact thatithad on the life of the College. I found the notes to staff from the first briefing about Covid 19, speeches given, piles ofbutcherspaper with consultation and feedback notesfromdifferent initiatives.

And just like when you start sorting through old treasures and sometimes you are then prompted to go searching for things that areconnected,I set out on a quest to find the annual action plans for the past eight years. These plans set out the direction and providedthe map for the work of the College as it journeys towards the vision setout in the strategic plan. I managed to find all eight plans!! From the very first plan in 2019 which wasvery basicand operational to our 2026 plan which gives expression to our One Pace Beyond aspirations to be: Bravely Ambitious, Thriving Change Agents and Intentionally Connected. When they were all laid out insequence,they told a fascinating story of the growth and change process that we have been on together.

During our last Extended Leadership Team meeting this week I asked the team to look back and see how they felt and what they noticed.They couldidentifythe seeds of what we are doing nowfromas early as 2020. They also noted that in many ways it takes several years to start to see real change. We also celebrated that we have not let go of the things we know are evidence based and right for the future of this community. One leader said we were doing things before our systems were ready for us.

My hope was that our leaders could feel a sense of accomplishment,prideand alsorenewed commitment to stay for the course ahead. In the recent positive Thriving Schools Index and NAPLAN results we have external measures that sit alongside all the data and evidence we collectfromwithin the College to say we are on track whilst always being open to making small adjustments and tweaks for greater outcomes for our students and staff. It has been a privilege to lead this work and the people who havebeen responsible forthe implementation.

70thAnniversary Dinner Thanks

Ina similar waythe celebration of our 70thanniversary dinner was a night of pure joy, connection and sharing of story.People came, drawn by somethingthat connectsthemto this place, collectively weavingstories together like aBrigidinecross, eachonecreatingan interconnected whole.Thestoriesfrom oureveningremind us that the impact of a school extends far beyond its gates.Lives ofcourage, compassion, hope,hospitalityand justice are the living expression of the mission first entrusted to theBrigidineSisters70yearsago andremain the strongest evidence that ĢƵ’s spirit continues to flourish today.Thank you to all those who supported the evening.

Kildare Ministries Trustee Statements

In my last blog I also spoke about the Kildare Ministries Conference. During theConferencethe Trustees released a statement onHuman Dignity and Artificial Intelligence. InJulythe Trustees gave us a statement onFirst Nations Peoples: Living Justice.

TheHuman Dignity and Artificial IntelligenceStatement acknowledges both the opportunities and ethical challenges presented by AI and calls us to ensure that human dignity and the common good remain at the heart of how we use these technologies.

Importantly, the Statement callsusto consider what this means in practice – through ongoing formation and AI literacy, review of policies and practices, attention to those most vulnerable and continued discernment about how emerging technologies can support rather than diminish our mission.

Grounded in our Living Justice Living Peace Charter, theFirst Nations Peoples: Living JusticeStatement reaffirms our commitment to walking in solidarity with First Nations peoples and calls us to continue building communities where every person is respected, every culture is honoured and every voice is heard. It affirms the inherent dignity of First Nations peoples, embraces the invitation of theUluru Statement from theHeartand encourages each of our ministries to deepen relationships through listening, partnership, truth-tellingand action.

This Statementwasdeveloped through a process of listening and dialogue.Itis intended not simply as an expression of our shared commitment, but as an invitation for each ministry to reflect on what this means within its own context.

Last week I met with theTjatjurrungstudent group to work through the statement and listen to their impressions and reflections. I was humbled by their pride inrecognisingtheir connection to being a part of the oldest living culture in the world yet also sharing the vulnerability andhurtthat comesfrombeing connected to generational experiences of trauma.They were positive about our efforts at ĢƵ and encouraged us to continue to ensure that First Nations culture is honoured and voices are heard. I am proud of the leadership of these young women and their generosity of spirit in sharing their culture with us as a community.

Being Intentionally Connected

In community news I would like to thank all those who joined us last Friday for our Father’s Day celebration including the various members of car clubs from around Geelong.The weather was kind tousand it was wonderful to see people from right across the College enjoy the hospitality.

This week we host our 2028 Year 7students for their ‘Welcome Conversations’ which is an opportunity to come into the College for an informal meet and greet withCollegestaff leaders.

Our VCE VM Year 12 class hosts RU Ok day tomorrow which has been a feature of the ĢƵ calendar and brings important conversations into focus.

Final preparations are underway for ourBrigidineDay market to be held on the last day of term where our Year 9studentswill be providing a festival style event with food and activities to fundraise for the Kildare Ministries Community Work Wellsprings for Women.

We are also in the final stages of the construction of our sacred space between the Oak Centre and ĢƵ House. Our goalsisto open the garden coinciding withBrigidineDay on the final day of term. With a well forming the centrepiece of the garden it is fitting we tie this into the traditions of Celtic spirituality that inspired St Brigid. We have been so impressed by the care and meticulous placement of every stone creating this well.

These lastfewdays of term are a busy time especially for our senior students who are starting to head towards finishing classes, competing final assessments and preparing for and sitting practice exams. Whilst we hold all our students in our prayers we especially think of our Year 12students and the staff who work with them. May they give of their best, know they are loved andvalued and capable of whatever their personal best may be.

Blessings

Luci

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]]> Child Safeguarding Week /child-safeguarding-week/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=child-safeguarding-week Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:57:07 +0000 /?p=933696 As part of National Child Safeguarding Week (6 -12 September) teachers at ĢƵ will be initiating conversations titled ‘One Talk at a Time’. This action further supports the Catholic Church’s…

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As part of National Child Safeguarding Week (6 -12 September) teachers at ĢƵ will be initiating conversations titled ‘One Talk at a Time’. This action further supports the Catholic Church’s Safeguarding Sunday, which is marked on September 13. Safeguarding Sunday reminds us that safeguarding is an essential part of mission.

‘One Talk at a Time’ is Australia’s first national awareness-raising campaign aimed at preventing child abuse. It encourages adults with children and young people in their lives to learn about the issue and have ongoing, proactive, preventative conversations with children, young people and other adults. 

At ĢƵ, child safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility however, we have multiple staff who support child safeguarding, including a Child Safeguarding Leader, the 6 WELCOMs, our Learning Diversity Leader and a Child Safeguarding Officer. We encourage students to talk any trusted adult at school.

Around 1 in 4 Australian adults have experienced child sexual abuse.

It can happen within families, by other people the child or young person knows or does not know, in organisations and online.Child abuse can have profound, long-term impacts across all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical and mental health, education, employment and relationships.

All children have the right to be safe from abuse. We all have a role to play in creating safe environments for children and young people and preventing abuse.Conversations have the power to prevent child abuse.

You might not be an expert in the topic, but no one knows the people in your life better than you do. You are the right person to have conversations with children, young people and other adults around you.

Teachers will bewatching the video:‘One talk at atime -At the Park’

Teachers will then initiate dialogue around the video before directing students to develop their own‘TrustedAdultList’of key people in their livesthat theycantrustfor advice, who will listen to them and provide help if they are feeling unsafe.

Other resources are available for youtocontinue meaningful conversations:

Regards
Anthony Laffy

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]]> Supporting Respectful Online Communication /supporting-respectful-online-communication/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=supporting-respectful-online-communication Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:54:54 +0000 /?p=933691 As part of our ongoing wellbeing work with Year 11, staff have recently spoken with students about maintaining respectful and thoughtful communication in their online group chats. These chats are…

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As part of our ongoing wellbeing work with Year 11, staff have recently spoken with students about maintaining respectful and thoughtful communication in their online group chats. These chats are an important part of how young people stay connected — organising activities, sharing ideas, supporting one another, and enjoying social interaction. Our aim is not to limit these spaces, but to help students use them safely and positively.

From time to time, staff may check in on student communication when concerns are raised or when we need to ensure that online interactions reflect the respectful culture we promote at school. This is not about monitoring every conversation; rather, it is a normal part of our wellbeing responsibility to ensure students feel safe and supported.

In recent weeks, we have noticed occasional moments where the tone in some chats has drifted into comments that could be misinterpreted or hurtful if viewed out of context. In the spirit of RUOK? Day, we felt it timely to remind students of the importance of kindness, empathy, and responsible digital behaviour.

Students have been made aware about the broader risk of “normalising” highly critical or unfair comments online — something increasingly discussed in public conversations about digital culture. Remarks about someone’s appearance, a misunderstood comment, or their views on an issue can escalate quickly in fast moving group chats. We have encouraged students to pause and consider the impact of their words, and to avoid contributing to behaviour that could unintentionally harm others.

To support this, we shared several key principles with Year 11:

  • Think before posting – considering whether a comment is something they would say face to face.
  • Keep humour kind – ensuring jokes don’t unintentionally target or embarrass someone.
  • Be mindful when venting – recognising when frustration may spill into comments that could be hurtful.
  • Remember that posts and screenshots travel – understanding that online messages can be saved or shared beyond their intended audience.
  • Look out for one another – checking in if a peer seems upset, overwhelmed, or affected by online interactions.
  • Set a positive tone – modelling respectful communication that encourages others to do the same.

We reminded students that our wellbeing team is not here to police them, but to help them look after themselves and each other. We have encouraged all Year 11 students to maintain the high standards they demonstrate in person when communicating online.

As Robin Williams once said, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” We hope this message continues to resonate strongly with our students.

If parents have any concerns about their child’s online experiences or wellbeing, please feel welcome to contact the Year 11 Wellbeing team. Working together, we can support our young people to be safe, responsible, and compassionate digital citizens.

Regards

Michael McCallum, Year 11 WelCom Leader

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]]> From the Principal /from-the-principal-49/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=from-the-principal-49 Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:55:14 +0000 /?p=933621 Today I drove to Echuca in preparation for attending the biannual Kildare Ministries conference. It was a form of home coming, after living in Echuca for 27 years before coming…

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Today I drove to Echuca in preparation for attending the biannual Kildare Ministries conference. It was a form of home coming, after living in Echuca for 27 years before coming to ĢƵ and returning for my last Kildare Ministries gathering before finishing my time at ĢƵ at the end of the term.

Echuca has a special significance for theBrigidineSisters as this was the first place they arrived in Victoria 140 years ago. Celebrations were held in Echuca earlier this year to commemorate this milestone.

The sisters reflected on:

In 1886, in response to Bishop Martin Crane’s request,four Sisters left Tullow, Ireland and crossedthe seas “with unwavering faith, open hearts and courage.”

Sisters Borgia Hayden, Benedict Moore, ThomasHealyand Vincent Brennan arrived in Echuca on 27 February 1886.

Thusbegan both the school that became St Joseph’s College and theBrigidineStory that has unfolded in Victoria, Australia.

We commemorate:

  • the generous spirit of the four women who responded to the call in 1886, to leave behind the familiar to travel into the unknown….
  • the gift of the Tullow sisters who encouraged and farewelled them,
  • the hospitality of the people who companioned their journey
  • and the people who welcomed them to Echuca.

On Friday evening we will celebrate our 70thanniversary milestone with over 150 people gathering tomark this special occasion. I was moved recently by the reflection of Sr ChanelSugdencsbin the latest edition of theBrigidine’snewsletter ‘Weavings’ where she wrote about the spirituality of storytelling and how this is the time for the sisters to be telling and retelling the stories. She writes: ‘recalling the stories uncovers feelings of relationship with people with whom we have shared times and places; we realise we are not alone. Hearing a story nudges us to connect; we are moved by beauty to celebrate; we are moved by suffering to console.’ Throughout the whole of 2026 we have committed to finding ways to continue to tell the story of theBrigidines, of ĢƵ, of Kildare Ministries, even though it is arelatively newstory it isultimately groundedin a2000 year oldgospel story.

Throughout the next three days we will continue to not just share but shape the next part of the story of Kildare Ministries with some of the sister accompanying us as we listen, dialogue, reflect and discern, allowing the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to guide us in our way forward. The conference opens with those who imagined Kildare Ministries into life and will continue responding to the question of how we continue to steward the mission entrusted to us, responsive to the signs of the times.

In the last fortnight we received the 2026 Thriving Schools Index survey results. Parents, students and staff completed the survey back in Term 2. As we celebrate 70 years, it is heartening to see that our community continues to affirm the values and spirit that have shaped our College. The 2026 Thriving Schools Index report highlights strong levels of pride, belonging and connection across our community. Parents report a strong belief in the values of the College and high levels of pride in being part of the ĢƵ community, while students demonstrate growing pride in the school and belief in its values. Staff responses were particularly affirming, with outstanding results for pride in the College community, belief in the College’s values and a sense of belonging. Our Catholic identity also remains a significant strength, with parents, students and staff recognising opportunities for spiritual development, justice-focused action and the daily living of the Kildare Ministries values of compassion, courage, hope, hospitality, justice and wonder. These results affirm that, 70 years on, ĢƵ remains a vibrant, values-centred learning community where faith, belonging and purpose continue to flourish.

Greatest areas of growth:

  • Student engagement with justice increased by 11 points.This was the largest improvement among the student indicators and is particularly significant for ĢƵ’s Catholic identity and commitment toLiving Justice, Living Peace.Staff recognition that students are empowered to explore and act on issues of justicealso rose, reinforcing the student data andindicatingthat justice is becoming more visible across College life.
  • The student rating for “I am proud to be part of theSchoolcommunity” roseby 6 points and theirbelief in the values of the College also increased by4 points,contributing to an overall improvement in Connection and Belonging.
  • Catholic identity strengthened among students.Alongside the growth in justice engagement, students’ recognition that Religious Education helps them consider life’s big questions increased by6 points.
  • Parentperceptionsof safety, connection and belonging grew strongly.Parents’ rating of a safe and supportive learning environment increased by12 points,their sense of belonging rose by11 pointsand theirperceptionof strong social connections between students increased by10 points.

We are grateful to all those who took the time to share theirperceptions. We look forward to continuing to share other data from this survey in various forums over thecoming months.This data will be used by theLeadershipTeam as they shape the future implementation of our current school improvement plan ‘One Pace Beyond.’

A final reminder to all our father figures of our breakfast next Friday morning. Details included in this newsletter.

Blessings

Luci

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