Dear Families
It is good to be back!
I am most grateful for the opportunity to have taken some extended leave including enrichment leave where I was able to attend Harvard university, a Big Picture Learning conference and some time of retreat and reflection in Ireland. There is too much to share in one newsletter blog however one of the highlights was my visit to Clonard. Clonard is situated an hour north of Kildare. It was the place where St Finian set us his monastic community. What I had not realised was how large and influential this was. St Finian’s had over 3000 students, both men and women, at one stage. It is said he was responsible for educating Ireland’s 12 apostles, 12 saints who were significant in spreading the Christian message across Ireland and into Europe including St Columba who went on to form the community of Iona. St Brigid was a close companion of St Finian and for the jubilee year the parish of Clonard commissioned a painting that shows St Brigid with a gold ring that she gave to St Finian to help him secure the release of a young man being held captive. This painting capture St Brigid, with St Finian’s Church in the fields at Clonard. It was unique to see these threads of our story in one place. This experience inspired me to bring the story of Clonard back to our students and staff. Clonard was a place of learning, influence and inspiration, something we can be proud of and continue to aspire to each day.
During my time at Harvard, we had a session on communication. We learned that most people spend about 8 seconds reading correspondence. Most people skim for the key points. In light of this I will try to make some adjustments to my fortnightly blogs being mindful of these learnings.
We are celebrating a number of key events in the coming fortnight:
2 Sept – 2026 Prospective College Captain speeches – Full School Assembly – academic uniform required for all students
3 Sept – Father’s Day Breakfast
5 Sept – Opening and Blessing of The Oak Centre/Hosting the Kildare Education Ministries Board meeting – academic uniform required for all students
11 Sept – Brigidine Day Liturgy/R U OK Day/House Fashion and House Dance competition
On Friday we welcomed home our students and staff from Santa Teresa. We received very positive feedback from the community and we are hopeful that due to this year’s success, immersions might be able to continue after key leadership changes within the community. We need to acknowledge past collegian Kellie Mayne who has played a key part in advocating for our continued connection to the community.
Today we mark the start of Spring. It is a time in our Church when we turn our thoughts to our connection with creation. As part of our strategic plan ‘One Pace Beyond’ under the pillar ‘Intentionally Connected’ we have a commitment to: offer opportunities that promote interconnectedness of humanity and nature. Our RE teachers have been including various activities across their curriculum to develop this idea. In Term 4, in connection with the Year of Jubilee theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ we will be offering a pilgrimage walk for interested students and staff from Point Lonsdale Lighthouse to Holy Trinity Church in Queenscliff which is a designated place of pilgrimage in the Melbourne Archdiocese. This carefully crafted walk will provide opportunities for reflection and connection to the natural world, a chance to slow down, to connect with others and with self. This will be invitational to students who feel called to be involved. We will launch this at our assembly tomorrow. I encourage you to discuss with your daughter.
God of all creation,
Your spirit dances throughout the earth.
You give drink to the trees, shade for the birds, bread for the hungry, you bring life and make all things holy.
Flood us with your grace, so we may sow seeds of love, justice and beauty, and reflect your kingdom here on earth.
We ask this through Christ your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Blessings
Luci
