From the Principal - Clonard College Geelong

Jubilee of Education – Celebrating our Teachers

This week marked the Jubilee of Education and International Teachers Day. These events not only remind us of the gift of learning and teaching as sacred acts of liberation but also the extraordinary role our teachers and support staff play in the lives of young people. At Clonard students are at the centre of what we do because we believe we are all made in the image and likeness of God. At Clonard, we are privileged to walk alongside young people in their journey of learning and growth—and it is our teachers’ passion, care and unwavering commitment that make this journey so rich and transformative.

Our teachers are more than educators. They are mentors, guides, advocates and champions of possibility. Whether in the classroom, the yard, or behind the scenes, their influence shapes futures and nurtures hope. They truly go “one pace beyond” stepping forward with courage and compassion, even when the path is complex.

As part of our celebration today every staff member received a personal individualised acknowledgement about the contribution they make to the College through their work.

Today, we celebrate our teachers—not just for what they teach, but for how they lead and inspire.

We thank Paul Skippen for this reflection on the Jubilee of Education:

As we mark this Jubilee of Education, we stand in gratitude for those who came before us – the Brigidine sisters whose courage and compassion built the foundations of this Clonard College community. Their vision of education as a pathway to empowerment continues to shape the way we teach, lead and learn. The challenge before us now is to carry that vision forward: to make our classrooms places where the light of curiosity burns bright, where the voices of all are honoured and where learning leads not just to achievement, but to wisdom and justice. In this spirit, the Jubilee becomes not a single moment in time

God of Jubilee, you call us to renewal, to rest, to right relationship. Bless this Jubilee of Education at Clonard College. May our hearts be open to your spirit of compassion and courage. Grant us wisdom to teach with integrity, patience to nurture each learner, and courage to challenge injustice wherever it hides. May the flame of Saint Brigid burn brightly within us: a fire or learning, love, and liberation. Amen

Clonard College Honoured with National Leadership Award

We are thrilled to announce that Clonard College has received the prestigious 2025 National ACEL Leadership Award from the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL). This award recognises our school’s pioneering role in the New Metrics for Success research–practice partnership, which is shaping the future of education across Australia.

ACEL CEO Barb Watterson praised the initiative, stating: “The New Metrics work powerfully reflects our vision and the national interest—demonstrating that system transformation is possible when innovative school leaders work together with purpose.” She further acknowledged Clonard’s impact: “Your school’s contribution has provided a road map toward more equitable and future-focused schooling.”

This recognition affirms our commitment to learner agency, validated assessment and scalable systems of recognition—hallmarks of our leadership in educational innovation.

Exams

Exams are well underway. It has been great to see so many students accessing the supports of their teachers as they undertake revision and preparation for exams. Please note that the College will be open on Monday 3 November for the scheduled VCE exams only. The College will be closed on Tuesday 4 November.

Important Update: Social Media Age Restrictions for Under 16s

From 10 December 2025, new regulations mean that many social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube—will no longer allow Australians under the age of 16 to create or maintain accounts. This change, led by the eSafety Commissioner, aims to protect young people from online risks such as excessive screen time, exposure to harmful content and cyberbullying.

The restriction is not a ban, but a delay, giving families time to build digital, social and emotional skills together. Under 16s will still be able to view publicly available content and use messaging or gaming apps that are not age-restricted.

Parents are encouraged to explore the resources and tools provided by the eSafety Commissioner to support their children through this transition. These include FAQs, webinars and conversation guides.

Social media age restrictions and your family| eSafety Commissioner

Remembrance Liturgy

In the Catholic faith tradition each November, we celebrate All Saints Day and All Souls Day and remember loved ones who have passed and whose presence continues to influence our lives. We invite Alumni, past staff, present families and staff, and members of the wider community to a Liturgy of Remembrance. This gathering will be a gentle space for reflection, remembrance and connection. Whether your loss is recent or from years past, we welcome you and your loved ones to come together in solidarity and support.

Date: Monday 17 November 2025

Time: 6:00pm

Location: St. Brigid’s Chapel, Clonard College

RSVP: Monday 10 November 2025

Those attending are welcome to bring a framed photo of their loved one to place in the sacred space during the liturgy.

We hope that you can join us for this meaningful occasion.

Family reminders

Please ensure you discuss our updated Mobile Phone policy with your young person to ensure they are aware of the consequences breaches of these expectations.

Please check the length of your daughter’s dresses. We have noticed there are an increasing number of very short dress hems with some dresses sitting just below the length of the blazer. Dress length should sit above the knee not the top of the thigh. This aligns with our expectations around ‘Respect – wearing the uniform with pride’. We thank you for your support.

Long weekend reset

A reminder that there will be a pupil free day on Monday before the public holiday on Tuesday. Monday is used to support the acquittal of time in lieu accrued by staff across the year.

We hope that both students and families enjoy this mini reset and break before we head into the final weeks of Term 4.

Blessings

Luci