The Justice of Easter 

This year as we move towards Holy Week and the Easter triduum, remembering the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, it might be interesting to enter into the events of this time with a curiosity about what we can learn about justice. In so many ways it would be easy to sit with the injustice of the events of Holy Week, Jesus being crucified for his efforts to bring the good news to the world. It is hard to justify. However if we consider these events as part of the longer story, we find a story of promise captured in Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” This is the justice of right relationship and restoration that we have been exploring this year. 

I recently read an article about the importance of Easter Saturday. Not often does this day get much attention. The silence of the tomb on Easter Saturday reminds us that God’s justice is unfolding. We are not waiting for an empty promise but rather the fulfilment of God’s promise and playing a part in this with active waiting in our work for justice. The words of Isaiah 30:18 remind us “For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.”  This calls us to be hope filled as we work for justice.  

I have been inspired by the leadership of our Living Justice leaders who are looking at finding ways for our students to give an hour for justice across 2026, so that we are not only fundraising but action raising. It might be supporting residents in aged care, tree planting for land care, attending cook ups making meals for those in need, attending a smoking ceremony at Wathaurong or collecting goods for a Mother’s Day gift for the women at Wellsprings for Women. In each of these small actions we learn more about systems that create injustice, our hearts are opened and we become more attuned to what connects us rather than what divides us in our common humanity. This is justice in action bringing hope that the good news is possible. 

Families are invited to join the College for our Holy Week liturgy at 1.40pm Thursday 2 April in Tullow Hall. Please note we expect students to attend this liturgy as a key part of our expressing who we are as a Catholic school community. 

Growing Academically 

In the past week I have been asking students as I walk through the yard and classrooms: how have you been growing academically this term? After they give me an initial curious look, I have been fascinated to listen to their replies. Some have answered with confidence and clarity about how they are stepping out of their comfort zone and really embracing the support of the teacher. Others have been more thoughtful and after a tentative reply of affirmation have shared that the energy around the College and in the classrooms and positive ‘vibe’ has been giving them success with their learning. One student told me definitely ‘yes’ they were growing academically and it was because of their agency and application. This really excited me to hear and see the work we have been championing with New Metrics paying off for our students.  

Perhaps this is a good question to ask your daughters in a quiet moment before the end of term or over the holiday break. 

Reunion  

This Saturday 28 March we will host our annual reunion for the classes of the 6s, however this year we extend the invitation to any past alumni to gather as we celebrate 70 years of friendships and memories of times spent at Clonard. Tickets are still available. 

Family and Community Engagement 

Thank you to the families who attended our Growth Day and Study Day workshops last week. These workshops complimented the videos shared with families giving a more comprehensive explanation of the purpose behind this element of our learning design at Years 7-10. The first Growth/Study Day for 2026 took place today. 

We are also grateful for the families who attended our AI workshop last Monday evening. A more comprehensive report is included with this fortnight’s newsletter.  

Finally, a reminder about our House Picnic on Wednesday evening. Come along in house colours, bring a picnic tea and enjoy meeting other families. Our student leaders look forward to hosting this event. 

Open Days and Enrolments 

A huge thank you to all those who attended our Open Days and to the students and staff who supported the tours. We hosted over 1000 people across the six sessions and received some wonderful feedback about our grounds, facilities and most importantly our students.  

Enrolments are now open, closing on Friday 8 May. Thank you to families who have already submitted applications.  

House Spirit  

Preparations are well underway for the Athletics Carnival which will be held on Tuesday 21 April, the second day of Term 2. With Lelia taking the win at Swimming Sports will we see a new era of champions after a long running dominance by Finian? Congratulations to our House Leaders who are generating house spirit and high levels of participation by students.  

Principal Leave 

I will be taking leave from Friday 27 March returning Tuesday 7 April. Hugh Saunders will have leadership responsibility in my absence. 

Finally, I wish all families a happy and holy Easter and a safe and restful break from school routines when the holidays arrive. 

Blessings,
Luci