What were the days from your College experiences that were the most memorable?
Oak Centre Opening
Often it is the days of celebration that etch themselves into our collective memory. Last Friday’s Opening and Blessing of the Oak Centre was one such day. Under the most perfect spring blue sky we gathered with representatives of our Trustees, Board, broader Geelong community along with our builders Rendine and architects Life Architecture and Urban Design. The students in attendance were wonderful ambassadors representing our student body. In our Oak Centre our Science and Technology learning areas have found a home worthy of our commitment to excellence in these subjects. For 69 years, Clonard has empowered young women to question, explore and innovate. Our alumni include trailblazers in medicine, research, engineering, environmental science and technology—women who, inspired by their education at Clonard, have gone on to shape the world through their careers in science, engineering and technology. The Oak Centre is more than a building; it is an environment purpose-built to foster curiosity and critical thinking. The state-of-the-art laboratories and learning spaces will enable our students to engage deeply with scientific and mathematical inquiry, technological design processes, collaborate boldly and develop the skills essential for their future success. We prayed that the Oak Centre may stand as a lasting symbol of what we can achieve together, an enduring source of inspiration, opportunity and hope for all who enter. A place where we come to know the gifts that can enrich our lives revealed to us through our creator God. A place to nurture the next generation of leaders, thinkers and activists who will use what they have learned in this space to transform the world.
Brigidine Day
The celebrations continued yesterday with Brigidine Day coinciding with RU OK? Day. Our liturgy focused on Brigid the Peacemaker. We reflected on peace for a world experiencing greater instances of conflict and violence, inner peace for ourselves seeking positive mental health for all and finally peace with our environment. September 1 marks the beginning of the Season of Creation where Christian churches around the world pray for justice for our earth.
The liturgy was followed by house dance and wearable art competitions. The wearable art was a new initiative this year by our Visual Arts department. Both provided opportunities for students who have passion and expertise in fashion design and creation or choreography and dance to lead and showcase their talents. The artist’s statement for the wearable art demonstrated a deep understanding of our core values and the interpretation of our faith tradition into the design and message of the art pieces. In true Clonard style these activities were inclusive and ensured house spirit was fostered across the year levels. We were most grateful for the support of community experts Melissa Laffy and Grace who helped with the judging.
Our Year 12 VCE VM students then hosted a lunchtime of fun and food to bring the message of RU OK? Into prominent focus. With pops of yellow being seen across the College it was certainly a day of joy celebrating all that is good.
We thank all staff and students who supported these activities. You can read more about this here.
Australian Education Council of Leader Leadership Award – New Metrics
As one of the partner schools with the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics for Success we have been named with them in receiving the ACEL Leadership Award for 2025 which will be recognised at the 40th Annual National Awards in Sydney at the ACEL upcoming conference in September.
The Leadership Award acknowledges individual educators and teams who have demonstrated outstanding leadership through specific projects or initiatives. This award celebrates leadership excellence in driving innovation, conducting impactful research, or influencing educational policy. Recipients of this award are acknowledged for their role in achieving measurable improvements for students and/or colleagues.
I will attend the conference on behalf of the College to be a part of the awards ceremony. This is a wonderful testament to the dedication of the staff here at Clonard led by Jo Ryan who has worked consistently over the past 5 years to understand and implement these new measures of success.
As the work matures in the research partnership to ensure the rigour of the warranting process for the Australian Learner Competency Credential we have been involved in a moderation process with three other partner schools from across Australia who examined and critiqued our evaluation of our current system and processes in relation to the 7 criteria in the warranting framework. By the end of the year our Year 12 VCE VM students will again receive the credential alongside their VCE VM certificate.
Year 12 students counting the days
With only four days until the beginning of practice exams for Year 12 students it is time to start thinking about how our Year 12 students will spend their final weeks and days here at Clonard. Every day counts! Whether it is for finalising learning, for revising, for acting on feedback from staff, for discussing pathways, for creating healthy study habits or putting your best foot forward in practice and then actual exams. Year 12 families will receive clear communication as to the expectation, operational arrangements and information about the end of Year 12 events. Our Year 12 teaching staff are well placed to support our students with academic, wellbeing and pathway support. Please ensure your daughter optimises these supports especially revision and feedback processes. We hold our Year 12 students in our prayers as they start the final lap towards the end of their secondary school years.
Blessings
Luci
