Can you remember thinking about what you were going to be when you grew up?
I guess I was fortunate in that I always knew I was going to be a teacher. It started at a very young age when I would set up my teddy bears and a blackboard on the back verandah. Interestingly my own daughters have had quite different journeys in their quest, these were definitely not as linear and clear as my own.
In May the rhythm of school life invites us to raise our eyes to the horizon of the future and what might be possibilities for our students. Last week at retreat, we took a pause to enable our Year 12 students to reflect on where they have come from, who they are becoming and how this will shape them into the future. The appreciation shown by the cohort reflected the power of taking this time to be. I had the privilege of spending most of the retreat with the students and I commend them on the way they engaged in the program.
Next week we offer our Subject Expo and Senior Years Information Session. This complements the experiences of the students who attended the Careers Expo in Melbourne this week. Both are important steps in considering subject selection and future pathways. Our subject expo is a wonderful opportunity to meet with staff and learn about aspects of the different courses. It is also a time to gain further information about the right pathways, either VCE or VCE Vocational Major. Clonard offers wonderful opportunities in both pathways as we aim to cater for all learners.
To complement our existing offerings we are excited to be introducing Big Picture Learning at Clonard College in 2026 with an advisory group at Year 9 and 10. This innovative educational model focuses on personalized learning plans, real-world experiences, and strong mentorship connections. Our Strategic Plan 2025-2028 calls us to be ‘Bravely Ambitious’ and expand learning design, pathways, and experiences. We invite families and students from Years 8 and 9 to attend an information session with Viv White, Founder and CEO of Big Picture Learning Australia, on June 2 at 6:30pm in the Nagle Room to learn more about this exciting new program. Families from Years 8 and 9 will receive further information about this opportunity.
In thinking about pathways planning, I asked Co Pilot the Microsoft generative AI tool to compile a list of talking points families might wish to consider as starting points for conversations with their daughters. After reviewing them I felt the following might be useful.
- Interests and Strengths: Encourage students to think about the subjects they enjoy and excel in. Discuss how these interests might align with potential career paths.
- Career Aspirations: Talk about the student’s long-term career goals and how different subjects can help them achieve these goals. Highlight the importance of keeping options open by choosing a diverse range of subjects. Also don’t forget Ms Baulch our Careers Practitioner is a wonderful resource!
- Subject Requirements: Explain the prerequisites for certain university courses or vocational training programs. Ensure students understand the importance of meeting these requirements for their desired pathways. Again check in with Ms Baulch.
- Skill Development: Emphasize the importance of developing a broad skill set. Discuss how different subjects can help build critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills. Our work with New Metrics and the competencies supports this and will be a valuable resource as students share their strengths with future employers.
- Balance and Well-being: Encourage students to choose a balanced mix of subjects that challenge them but also allow them to manage their workload and maintain their well-being.
- Support and Resources: Reassure students that they have access to support and resources, such as teachers, and career advisors, to help them make informed decisions. Don’t forget to access Uni Open Days as they begin later this year.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Remind students that their interests and goals may change over time. Encourage them to remain flexible and adaptable in their subject choices and career pathways.
- Personal Values and Passions: Encourage students to consider their personal values and passions when selecting subjects. Discuss how aligning their studies with their values can lead to a more fulfilling life and future career.
We look forward to partnering with families over the coming months as our students make subject selections and career choices and move towards the next stages of their educational journeys.
Today we express our deepest gratitude to all our Education Support Staff as we mark International ESO day on May 16. At Clonard we have over 50 support staff. Often their work takes place in the background to ensure our College runs smoothly. We know the work they do makes a huge difference to students, staff and families and we thank them for their professionalism and dedication in their various roles.
Finally, today we acknowledge and pray for our new Pope, Leo XIV. We reflect on the following words that were shared in his first speech as our new Pope, giving us both hope and a sense of how we might share in the mission with him.
‘Let us move forward, without fear, together, hand in hand with God and with one another other! We are followers of Christ. Christ goes before us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge that can lead us to God and his love. Help us, one and all, to build bridges through dialogue and encounter, joining together as one people, always at peace.’
Blessings
Luci
