Drawing New Maps of Hope
Last October Pope Leo wrote an Apostoli Letter ‘Drawing new Maps of Hope’ on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Conciliar Declaration Gravissimum educationis. This original document spoke of education as central to mission in the way education builds relationships and culture with schools being places of bridge building. In this document the centrality of the person is paramount as education aims to help students discover the meaning of life, their inalienable dignity and their responsibility towards others and the natural world.
In Drawing New Maps of Hope, Pope Leo calls us to ponder ‘educational constellations’ because of the networks and partnerships that are now critical to the endeavor of Catholic education. He speaks of participatory educational communities where all share responsibility for the mission. He adds three new priorities: giving young people spaces for depth including silence, discernment and dialogue, considering the digital human by placing the person before the algorithm and finally education for peace, a peace that begins with the words we use and the call to be reconciled with each other.
In reflecting on the document it was affirming to note how at Clonard we are responding to the call of this letter even in the events of this coming week with Year 12 Retreat, our students partnering with Wellsprings for Women, the announcement of new intercultural experiences and the upcoming Kildare Ministries First Nations immersion in Geelong. We trust that in the constellation of all that we do at Clonard we too ‘shine as lights in the world’ (Phil 2:15).
Intercultural Immersion Experiences: France, Japan, Indonesia 2027-2028
In our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan under the pillar Bravely Ambitious we have a commitment to ‘expand and renew learning design, pathways and experiences within and beyond the classroom.’
Last week we received approval from the Kildare Education Ministries Board to offer intercultural immersions for France and Japan in 2027 and then Indonesia and Japan in 2028. These will complement our current annual experiences in Santa Teresa and Timor Leste.
We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer these to our students. The Languages team at Clonard led the application for France and Indonesia whilst the Japan offering has been arranged through the organisation that arranges our host students. Planning for the French trip will commence later this term.
These experiences are aligned to the Kildare Ministries’ values and are designed to enhance the curriculum across several areas including Humanities, Arts, RE and Languages.
Year 12 Retreat
We wish our Year 12 students every blessing as they take part in their annual retreat this week.
Retreat is especially important for young people as it provides a much-needed opportunity to step away from daily routines and reflect on their spirituality, personal growth and wellbeing. In an environment free from outside pressures, students can renew their sense of purpose, build deeper connections with peers, reflect on the place that faith might play in their life and return to their studies with a sense of renewal and refreshment.
We thank the staff who will accompany our students for their care and commitment as they hold the space for the students during this special time.
Changes to Child Safety
Beginning with Term 2, PROTECT, the system used by schools to report child safety concerns, has implemented several important changes to enhance child safety protocols. These include updated procedures for reporting concerns, additional training sessions for staff and clearer guidelines to ensure the wellbeing of all students. The adjustments are designed to foster a safer and more supportive environment, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to student protection.
At Clonard we have had key staff undertake training in these changes and all staff were made aware of the implications at last week’s staff meeting. We have updated our PROTECT posters that are displayed around the school to ensure students know how they can go to if they have a concern.
Big Picture Learning
Clonard has partnered with Big Picture Learning since 2024 as an exploring school to learn how this type of learning might provide a pathway for students looking for a different way to learn. Following on from the success of the Extended Investigation subject in 2026 we are ready to offer Big Picture Learning from 2027 as an alternative pathway for students in Years 9 and 10.
Big Picture learning design empowers students in Years 9 and 10 to explore their interests through individualised learning plans and real-world experiences. By centering education around each learner’s passions and strengths, this approach helps students develop critical thinking, creativity and confidence, preparing them for future academic and life success.
This week we have 38 students who are joining with staff for a ‘come and try’ day to experience what this type of learning might feel like. A family webinar will be held on 27 May at 6.00pm to provide families with further information before students complete their subject and pathway selections for 2027. Further information can be found here.
First Nations Immersion
Next week the annual Kildare Ministries First Nations Immersion which gathers staff and students from across Australia will commence their immersion with a visit to Clonard before making their way to Anglesea.
We look forward to welcoming our visitors and celebrating reconciliation in action led by our wonderful Tjatjarrang students.
I conclude with words from Pope Leo as inspiration for the fortnight ahead:
I appeal to Pastors, consecrated men and women, laypeople, those responsible for institutions, teachers and students: be servants of the world of education, choreographers of hope, tireless seekers of wisdom, credible creators of expressions of beauty. Fewer labels, more stories; fewer sterile contrasts, more harmony in the Spirit. Then our constellation will not only shine, but it will also guide us: towards the truth that sets us free (cf. Jn 8:32), towards the fraternity that consolidates justice (cf. Mt 23:8), towards the hope that does not disappoint (cf. Rom 5:5).
Apostolic Letter ‘Drawing New Maps of Hope’
Blessings
Luci
