Arriving back from CPR training this afternoon our General Office space had been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. For some, 1 December marks the beginning of their favourite time of the year, for others it strikes fear that the end of the year is looming and the ‘to do’ list feels like it is only getting longer. For those of the Christian tradition this Sunday marks the beginning of Advent.
In our busy world Advent calls us to a counter cultural response. It offers an invitation to slow down and embrace the waiting, to embrace holy stillness. Just like we tidy our houses to make space for family and friends who may be visiting during the holiday season, we are also challenged to consider what needs to be tidied up in our hearts to make space for the gift of the divine presence to enter our lives.
This newsletter’s edition of ‘Illumine’ speaks about the hope that can enter our hearts during the time of Advent when we stop and notice the good around us. In the Brigidine tradition the sisters would say to celebrate all that is good with joy and gratitude. Click the image below to read ‘Illumine’.
There was lots of ‘good’ to notice in the past fortnight.
Firstly, as we gathered for our Celebration of Achievement on Tuesday evening, we celebrated achievement, perseverance and the spirit that defines our College community. Awards nights are more than a recognition of excellence; they are a testament to the values that shape us and the vision that propels us forward. This year, our College theme ‘Hospitality: Open Encounter Transform’ has invited us to live with openness and generosity. Hospitality is more than a welcome; it is an attitude of heart. It is the willingness to encounter others deeply, to listen, to learn and to be changed by those encounters. Transformation happens when we open ourselves to new perspectives and allow those experiences to shape who we are becoming. This was reflected in the achievements of our students, openness to learning, openness to relationships with others, openness to possibilities and opportunities to grow and contribute. Our students thrive because of the bonds between students, families, staff and the wider community. These connections are not accidental; they are cultivated with care and purpose. We especially thank members of our Stewardship Council and our special guests who sponsored awards this year, for their ongoing commitment to our College. Here are some photos from the night.
It was a delight to welcome back Maria Deronjic, to our awards night. Maria is a proud Clonard College graduate from the Class of 2018. During her time at Clonard, Maria developed a deep passion for science, particularly Chemistry and Biology, which set the foundation for her future career. Maria is currently studying a Master of Philosophy at Deakin University, Burwood. Her research focuses on breast cancer, investigating how manipulating metabolism could slow disease progression. She is about to commence a new role in February as a Clinical Trial Study Coordinator intern with the VCCC Alliance at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Her long-term goal is to complete a PhD and continue contributing to groundbreaking research. Maria’s passion and commitment to providing hope to women who suffer from breast cancer was an inspiration to all.
As we closed out the 2025 academic year, yesterday I attended the year level gratitude liturgies in St Brigid’s chapel. These were an opportunity for students to gather with their Wellbeing teachers, reflect and offer thanks for all that has been. I was touched by their sincerity and authenticity when speaking to each of their wellbeing teacher and year level leaders. These liturgies rounded out a busy week with a focus on Years 9 to 11 engaging in formal exams in VCE exam style settings. This process provides assessment feedback for students and staff and the opportunity to gain experience in understanding VCE exam arrangements preparing our students for future success.
As our students begin early commencement classes next week, we recognise that this will coincide with some of the social media platforms beginning to implement the closure of accounts for under 16’s. We continue to encourage families to access the information that has been provided with further articles in this newsletter. We will be speaking with our junior year levels during wellbeing time next week to support them with this change. Click the link to read more.
The final celebration to reflect on was our gathering with our Year 12 graduates and their families last Friday evening. It was a wonderful opportunity to chat with families, reminisce, affirm the growth and efforts of the Class of 2025 and share future plans. There was a true spirit of celebration in the air. Thanks to the staff who organised all the finer details to ensure the evening was a success. Here are some photos from the night.
I would like to extend an invitation to families to attend our end of year mass to be held on Monday 8 December at 9.10am in Tullow Hall. At this mass we will also farewell staff who are leaving us this year including Mrs Linda Kiernan who retires after 40 years at Clonard. This is an incredible contribution to the life of the College. Linda shares that it’s time to retire before she starts to teach the grandchildren of past students!
There will be one more newsletter before the end of the year with final farewells and acknowledgements.
Stories, gratitude, memories, pride, celebration, achievement, endings and beginnings…. all remind us of John 10:10 ‘I have come that you may have life and have it in abundance.’
This Advent may you find abundance in your heart space, in your time with family, in the still moments when you feel the breeze, hear the magpie song or have the warmth of the summer sun touch your cheek. May your abundance be in noticing the traces of the divine.
Blessings
Luci
