The Trustees of Kildare Ministries have been courageous in their leadership for justice not just for people but for the whole of creation. Last week leaders from the ten Kildare Ministries Colleges around Australia gathered at Saltbush in Balnarring for a three day retreat led by Pat Long to explore the notion of ecological conversion. It was both fulfilling and challenging and provided several experiences that we can bring back to the College for students. This work aligns to our own strategic commitments:
- Creating experience to inspire lives of purpose and mission through faith, justice and peace
- Offering opportunities that promote the interconnectedness of humanity with nature
We thank our Sustainability Student Leaders working with Craig Canning who recently facilitated a week of activities to raise awareness around sustainability. Each RE class has been working towards ensuring there is some form of connection with nature in their fortnightly cycles. We are also currently planning opportunities for students and staff to take part in a pilgrimage walk for later in the year to celebrate the Jubilee Year. This will be another intentional way of creating this sense of connection.
Do you know a Big Picture Learner?
A special thank you to those families and students who recently joined us for our introduction of Big Picture Learning to Clonard College. There was a positive buzz in the room with lots of curiosity and interest. Expressions of interest are now open for students who will be in Year 9 or 10 in 2026 to apply for a place in a Big Picture advisory class – Big Picture Expression of Interest | Clonard College. There will be 17 students in each advisory with one advisory at each of these year levels. A ‘come and try’ day will be held early in Term 3. Details to follow.
We know that there will be students in other schools or perhaps not in school who would thrive in this environment. We encourage you to share this information with friends and family who may not be currently at Clonard and may have a daughter who might be suited to this style of learning.
Expressions of Interest will close on Friday 1 August with interviews to commence the following week. We look forward to embarking on this new venture putting our learners at the centre of all we do here at Clonard.
Should you require further information please explore our website Big Picture Learning – Clonard College Geelong, or contact Jo Ryan Assistant Principal.
Today I had the pleasure of handing out our first Study Passports to some of our Year 9 students. To receive a study passport, student must demonstrate that they are operating at a high level of personal agency as demonstrated through the New Metrics competency framework. Students with a study passport can choose where they study including the Brigidine or Oak Centre. This is the next step in building independent study habits as they move towards the senior years.
Tomorrow 198 of our senior students will sit the General Achievement Test (GAT). To facilitate this tomorrow is a pupil free day. All students not sitting the exam are not required at school. Teaching staff use this day as a Professional Practice Day to support them with planning, marking, reporting and curriculum development.
Week 10 will be our midyear exam week for Year 10 and 11. Below are some tips from the help of Co Pilot AI to help support your daughters through this time:
- Create a Study Schedule: Help create a study schedule that breaks down their study time into manageable chunks. This can help them stay organized and reduce last-minute cramming.
- Provide a Quiet Study Environment: If possible create a quiet, comfortable place to study, free from distractions. This can help them focus better and retain information more effectively.
- Encourage Regular Breaks: Encourage regular breaks during study sessions. Short breaks can help them stay refreshed and prevent burnout.
- Promote Healthy Eating: Encourage nutritious meals and snacks. A balanced diet can improve concentration and energy levels.
- Ensure Adequate Sleep: Make sure your daughter gets enough sleep each night. Lack of sleep can negatively impact their ability to concentrate and perform well on exams.
- Stay Positive and Supportive: Offer words of encouragement and support. Let them know that you believe in their abilities and are proud of their efforts.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help manage stress and anxiety.
- Limit Screen Time: Encourage limits to social media, to avoid distractions and maintain focus on their studies.
We wish all our students well as they test their knowledge and efforts from the first semester of the year.
This is my final blog before commencing my leave on Friday. I am very grateful to the Kildare Education Ministries Board for supporting me to take this leave. I look forward to the learning, renewal and time of rest. Jo Ryan will be Acting Principal in my absence, and I wish the Leadership Team every blessing as they continue to lead the College over the next nine weeks.
Blessings
Luci
