ĢƵ / Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:55:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 /wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cropped-CCG_Logo_Vertical_Colour-32x32.png ĢƵ / 32 32 Timor-Leste Immersion /timor-leste-immersion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=timor-leste-immersion Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:52:37 +0000 /?p=933421 Our Year 11 students who participated in this year’s Timor-Leste Immersion have returned home safely, enriched with unforgettable memories and meaningful experiences! This Immersion builds on ĢƵ’s long-standing partnership with…

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Our Year 11 students who participated in this year’s Timor-Leste Immersion have returned home safely, enriched with unforgettable memories and meaningful experiences!

This Immersion builds on ĢƵ’s long-standing partnership with communities in Dili, Baucau and Viqueque through the Geelong Viqueque Friendship Schools (GVFS) network. Students engage deeply with local schools, community organisations and faith communities, gaining valuable insight into the history, culture and contemporary realities of Timor-Leste.

To begin the trip, the group visited the Resistance Museum, where they learned about Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence and the significant role of the Church of Saint Anthony of Motael. They were introduced to the church’s history as the site of a funeral and subsequent march to Santa Cruz Cemetery, events that preceded the 1991 Santa Cruz Massacre.

They then attended Mass at the Church of Saint Anthony of Motael. The service was so well attended that they joined many parishioners in sitting outside the church.

After their time in Dili, the group made their way to Viqueque. On the first morning with an early wake-up call from the local roosters, the students made their way to Uamori School, where they worked hard teaching English to the primary school students. They did an outstanding job, and we all agree there may be a few future teachers among them! We were excited to share our 70th Year Anniversary badges and pens with the community!

On the final day of the trip, the group left Baucau in the morning and visited the Good Crocodile, a clinic where women from surrounding villages can access essential maternal care. The clinic provides essential care for the communities, running a mobile unit that visits neighbouring villages, giving vaccinations and postnatal check-ups.

Our students fundraising efforts meant we could provide a donation to help the clinic’s important work. Chloe had the honour of presenting multivitamins and paw paw cream, kindly donated by Lara Pharmacy, at the request of the clinic.

The return journey to Dili offered stunning views, with picturesque coastal landscapes, mountains, and rice paddies lining the way. The day concluded with a refreshing swim and a final dinner together in Timor-Leste, marking a special end to their time away before an early night ahead of their flight home.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this trip such a success!

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]]> Where are they now: FranMisfud(Monk)– Class of1989 /where-are-they-now-fran-misfud-monk-class-of-1989/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=where-are-they-now-fran-misfud-monk-class-of-1989 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 03:07:33 +0000 /?p=933338 Where are they now: FranMisfud(Monk)– Class of1989 I started at ĢƵ in 1984, along with my two older, and then later, my younger sister. We lived in Winchelsea and caught…

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Where are they now: FranMisfud(Monk)– Class of1989

I started at ĢƵ in 1984, along with my two older, and then later, my younger sister. We lived in Winchelsea and caught two buses every day until moving to Geelong in 1986. Not long after, my mum, Anne Monk, joined the ĢƵ staff and ended up teaching my Year 10 sex education class. I still remember pleading my case to Principal Mr Shannon because I was mortified — and losing. I survived by sitting at the back of the room… embarrassing then, hilarious now!

I absolutely loved my time at school. My passion for books led me to spend years as a library monitor. While I wasn’t particularly sporty, I was a proud member of Xavier House and, in Year 12, I became Sports Vice Captain—mostly, I think, because I was “bossy” and had a knack for including everyone (because I certainly was not, and still am not, sporty!). I never stuck to just one group of friends; instead, I floated between all the different groups, learning early on how to connect with people and make others feel included. That ability was my superpower then and continues to be now.

Music gave me confidence, I played clarinet, was in choir, and took part in musicals.  These creative subjects helped me push through my nerves and find my voice. Funny story, I recently bumped into Mr Cox at the school, and he told me that I was his very first Clarinet student back in 1984!

I was always the quiet one, I would turn bright red if anyone spoke to me, or when I had to perform music solos in front of the school. I am nothing like this now, but back in those early years, I would fight through my shyness.  I look back now and know I had to experience the awkwardness.  It is just part of it all.  But just know it goes away as you grow and start to work it all out.

After finishing Year 12 in 1989, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I tried secretarial studies, worked in Sydney restaurants, travelled through Europe, and eventually worked in London at places like theBBC,  theNational Gallery and a pub inNottighillGate. I then worked many jobs in Melbourne, in admin, for big companies like Holden, Bupa, engineering firms, recruitment firms, publicity in musicals and theatres, and FIFO. My career path was never a straight line, but in every job, I drew on the “soft skills” I developed at ĢƵ: resilience, kindness, organisation, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Eventually, I moved back to Geelong with my husband and our daughter, Stella, who has been incredibly excited to join the school that holds so much family tradition for us. She started Year 7 this year and is proudly part of our ĢƵ story as well.

I now run a business @frankly.raw with my husband, making a two-ingredient Australian peanut butter. It took so many turns to get here.  And this wasdefinitely somethingthat I never thought would be my life, especially as I was going through school.  But we are here, and I love it.  It’s busy, chaotic, and wonderful. And I credit so much of who I am — the resilience, the kindness, the love of people, the inclusiveness, the confidence to try and fail and try again — to my years at ĢƵ and the teachers who pushed and supported me. I still remember my English teacher Kerri McLeod, failing a piece she said was my best work yet, because I wrote 2,000 words instead of the required 1,000. It stung at the time, but the lesson of listening, adapting, and refining has carried me through life (even if Istillwrite too much!).

To current students:Your journey is unique—embrace it. Be kind, stay curious, and work hard. Learn from every experience, even the awkward ones, and seek support from teachers. You don’t have to be sporty to be a sports captain, you justhave tobe kind.  Pay attention in Historyand Geography; you’ll appreciate it later (when I travelled, I wished I had listened more!). Keep an open mind and try new things; unexpected opportunities will follow.

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]]> 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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]]> Ensemble Music Evening /ensemble-music-evening/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ensemble-music-evening Wed, 17 Jun 2026 02:34:38 +0000 /?p=933302 On Tuesday 9 June, ĢƵ held its Semester 1 Ensemble Music Evening in Tullow Hall, celebrating the achievements of our Year 7 music students and school ensembles.The eveningshowcasedperformances by…

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On Tuesday 9 June, ĢƵ held its Semester 1 Ensemble Music Evening in Tullow Hall, celebrating the achievements of our Year 7 music students and school ensembles.

The eveningshowcasedperformances by the Year 7 Strings Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Flute Ensemble, providing students with the opportunity to share the skills they have developed during their first semester of instrumental music tuition. Students performed with confidence and enthusiasm,demonstratingtheir growing musical skills and commitment to rehearsal.

The concert also featured performances by the ĢƵ Choir, Concert Band, Junior Rock Band and Senior Rock Band. A highlight of the evening was the finale, where all Year 7 ensemble students came together to perform Tequila, creating a joyful and memorable conclusion to the concert.

Families and friends filled Tullow Hall and provided wonderful support throughout the evening. We received excellent feedback from parents, who praised the high standard of performances and the confidence shown by our young musicians.

Thank you to our music tutors, staff,studentsand families for helping make the evening such a successful celebration of music at ĢƵ.

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]]> 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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]]> Arts Week 2026 /arts-week-2026/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=arts-week-2026 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:26:57 +0000 /?p=933134 Arts Week 2026 – Celebrating 70 Years of Creativity Arts Week 2026 provided a wonderful opportunity for the ĢƵ community to celebrate 70 years of creativity, courage and imagination. Throughout…

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Arts Week 2026 – Celebrating 70 Years of Creativity

Arts Week 2026 provided a wonderful opportunity for the ĢƵ community to celebrate 70 years of creativity, courage and imagination. Throughout the week, students were encouraged to spread their wings, embrace new experiences and share their creative talents with others.

The Kildare Theatre became the heart of the celebrations, showcasing an exciting program of performances from our Dance, Drama and Music students. Each lunchtime, the theatre was filled with enthusiastic audiences eager to support performers who have dedicated countless hours to developing their skills and confidence. Their commitment and passion were evident in every performance.

Creativity also took flight through our Year 7 Ceramics Exhibition. Students proudly displayed their hand-crafted ceramic birds, created using slab-building techniques developed throughout the semester. Individually designed and beautifully painted, these artworks demonstrated both technical skill and imagination, and will no doubt become treasured pieces displayed in homes for years to come.

A highlight of the week was welcoming a guest speakerJanis de Booyfrom the gaming industry. As a successful marketing executive, she shared her career journey and offered valuable insights into the opportunities available for women in creative industries. Students across all year levels were inspired by her story and encouraged to consider the many pathways that creativity can open.

The spirit of collaboration was captured in our community art installation, inspired by the question:“What good are wings without the courage to fly?”Students contributed their own decorated feathers, each representing their unique voice and creativity. Together, these individual contributions formed a striking set of wings that symbolised the strength, diversity and aspirations of our community. Just as ĢƵ has nurtured creativity for 70 years, these wings remind us that confidence and courage allow ideas to take flight.

Students also had the opportunity to participate in a dance workshop led by a ĢƵ alumni, Mikaylee Smee, from graduating class of 2024. The workshop provided an engaging opportunity to develop performance skills, build confidence and celebrate movement through dance.

The success of Arts Week would not have been possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of the Arts Faculty. I would like to sincerely thank Sally Gray, Marcia Howard, Natalie Ferrarese, Georgia Demetrius, Danyl Lunardelli,Mel Fearby,KasiaVosloo, Dean Williams and Chris Scanlanfor their support and commitment. I would also like to acknowledge our Arts Leaders, whose efforts behind the scenes helped bring the week to life.

We thank all the Arts Leaders who took time to help the week run and aspecial congratulations must go toour Year 12 Leaders,Rymaux Gapit and Sophie Morrishfortheir outstanding leadership, vision and dedication. Their hard work transformed ideas into action and played a significant role in the success of the week.

While Arts Week may be over, the celebrations continue. We now look ahead to Term 3 and our much-anticipated House Arts celebrations as part of the St Brigid’s festivities. Students are encouraged to keep their creative wings spread and look out for opportunities to become involved, earn House points, and participate in events including Dance and theWearable Art Fashion Show.

Here’s to another 70 years of creativity, courage and the confidence to fly.

Jo Wiltshire

Learning Leader for the Arts

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]]> ĢƵ’s Reconciliation Action Plan /clonard-colleges-reconciliation-action-plan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=clonard-colleges-reconciliation-action-plan Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:56:25 +0000 /?p=933106 On 26 May 2026, which marks the date of National Sorry Day, our students held a very special assembly for Reconciliation Week. During this assembly, the students shared and reflected…

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On 26 May 2026, which marks the date of National Sorry Day, our students held a very special assembly for Reconciliation Week. During this assembly, the students shared and reflected on key concepts such as the significance of Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country, Reconciliation, Fire carriers and the 2026 theme: ALL IN.

Notably, ĢƵ was proud to announce the launch of ĢƵ’s Reconciliation Action Plan – our RAP. A RAP is more than just a document, it’s a plan that helps our College take practical steps towards reconciliation, building respect, understanding and strong relationships between First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. At ĢƵ, our vision is shaped by who we are. As a Kildare Ministries school, we are called towards Living Justice and Living Peace and to work towards respectful relationships and an equitable future for all. Our RAP challenges us to seek and accept the truth and to listen to the voices of the past, and present who continue to call for change.

Our RAP wasn’t written by just one person. It was developed through consultation and collaboration across our community. This included listening to and working with First Nations families, students and staff, whose voices and perspectives are central to this plan. Importantly, our RAP was refined and approved by Reconciliation Australia’s Narragunnawali program. This ensures that our plan is not only meaningful for our school, but also aligned with national standards for reconciliation in education. Therefore, our RAP is not just words on a page; it is a shared commitment, built through listening, learning and working together.

Thank you to all the students and staff who made this assembly a success. And thank you to all who were involved in the development of ĢƵ’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

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]]> Jessica Ritchie – Teacher Placement /jessica-ritchie-teacher-placement/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jessica-ritchie-teacher-placement Mon, 01 Jun 2026 02:35:29 +0000 /?p=933098 Jessica Ritchie – Teacher Placement ĢƵ recently had the pleasure of welcoming back two past collegians on their teacher placement. ĢƵ is proud to continue supporting our past students as…

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Jessica Ritchie – Teacher Placement

ĢƵ recently had the pleasure of welcoming back two past collegians on their teacher placement. ĢƵ is proud to continue supporting our past students as they take the next step in their journey. Jessica Ritchie, on placement as a Pre-Service Teacher, has shared a reflection on her ĢƵ journey:

Past Collegian Reflection | Jessica Ritchie

I graduated from ĢƵ in 2020, studying VCE Psychology and Legal Studies, setting myself up for future study.
In 2021 I began my four-year double degree at LaTrobe University, studying a Bachelor of Criminology and a Bachelor of Psychological Science. After graduating in 2024, I took some time to reflect and figure out what it was that I wanted for my future. I had a strong interest in understanding how the brain and behaviour are linked and ultimately decided that this passion is transferable into the classroom as an effective and supportive teacher.
I have always had a passion for helping and guiding the next generation. At ĢƵ I was in various leadership roles over the years, with Social Justice Leader in Year 11 and 12 being one of my fondest. In this role I had the privilege of attending St Thomas Aquinas Primary School’s Breakfast Club and supporting those students by providing them breakfast and ultimately the energy to focus in school. Along with that initiative was the Northern Bay Tutoring Program, where I had the honour of being a part of the team of students and teachers that provided homework support to those students.
These two, out of a range of projects and initiatives during my time at ĢƵ, cemented my future plan of giving back and guiding forward our future leaders – leading me into my current degree ‘Master of Teaching (Secondary)/Graduate Certificate in Religious Education’ at the Australian Catholic University, with specialisation/teaching methods in Humanities (Legal Studies) and Psychology.
I am currently undertaking my first placement of my Master’s at ĢƵ for a three-week block. In a full circle moment of where this passion began, I am part of Year 7 Green through my placement, which also happened to be my very own Year 7 Homeroom when I was at ĢƵ as a student.
It is special to be back at ĢƵ, being on the other side of the classroom and seeing theory develop into practice.

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]]> Performing Arts Update – Wednesday 20 May 2026 /performing-arts-update-wednesday-20-may-2026/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=performing-arts-update-wednesday-20-may-2026 Wed, 20 May 2026 04:39:14 +0000 /?p=932937 It has been another vibrant and creative fortnight across Performing Arts at ĢƵ, with students preparing for performances, rehearsing collaboratively and continuing to build confidence in Music, Drama and…

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It has been another vibrant and creative fortnight across Performing Arts at ĢƵ, with students preparing for performances, rehearsing collaboratively and continuing to build confidence in Music, Drama and Dance.

A highlight this week was our wonderful Solo Performance Eveningheld on Tuesday 19 May in the Kildare Theatre. Families and friends enjoyed an evening of outstanding performances from our instrumental and vocal students, showcasing the work they have been developing with their music tutors throughout the semester. Students performed with courage, musicality and professionalism across a wide range of repertoire, and we congratulate all performers on their preparation and commitment.

Next week is Arts Week, with a range of lunchtime performances taking place in the Kildare Theatre. Throughout the week, students from Concert Band, String Ensemble, Rock Bands, ĢƵ Singers, VCE Music, Dance and Drama classes will share performances with the school community. A special highlight will be the Wednesday lunchtime Showcase Performance, featuring Showcase musicians and VCE Dance students presenting their work to the school community. Arts Week is always a wonderful opportunity to celebrate student creativity, collaboration and the vibrant culture of Performing Arts at ĢƵ.

On Thursday 21 May, selected students from the ĢƵ Singers will attend the Combined Choir Dayat Sacred Heart College. Students will rehearse from 3.30pm before taking part in the evening performance at 6.30pm alongside singers from other Geelong schools. This special event gives students the opportunity to collaborate with a large combined choir and experience the excitement of community performance and shared music-making.

Students are also continuing preparations for the upcoming ĢƵ Musical Ensemble Eveningon Tuesday 9 June in Tullow Hall. Year 7 Music students and ensembles have been rehearsing enthusiastically with their tutors and are looking forward to sharing their work with families and the wider school community.

Thank you to our dedicated staff, instrumental tutors, students and families for the ongoing support of Performing Arts at ĢƵ. We look forward to another exciting few weeks ahead.

Ms Marcia Howard
Music Leader – Performing Arts

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