Launch of the Clonard College Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
For some time the Trustees of Kildare Ministries have expressed a strategic intention to broaden relationships with First Nations people through seeking authentic encounter. The development of our College RAP has been the culmination of working with our students, families and local First Nations community. It has involved listening and understanding the hopes and dreams of First Nations families and considering how we can act together as a College community to build reconciliation in a meaningful way. This is our core value of ‘justice’ in action. The RAP was launched at a student led assembly to mark National Reconciliation Week. The theme for 2026 ‘All in’, captures our intention with this work, in that everyone has a part to play in working for justice in small everyday acts. We acknowledge and thank the staff who led this work accompanied by Aunty Sue.
You are invited!!
In the next fortnight, all families will receive an invitation to attend our 70th Anniversary Celebration Dinner on Friday 28 August. The dinner will be held at Truffleduck and will be a chance for alumni, past and present staff, current families and members of the Brigidine and Kildare Ministries community to come together to honour our history, celebrate our achievements and look ahead to the future.
Give 70 for 70 Giving Campaign
We have passed the $3000 mark thanks to the generous donations of our community. This project will see the construction of a sacred space in the grounds between the new Oak Centre and Clonard House along with an honour roll of all the Brigidine Sisters who have served at Clonard. The project will commence in the next school holidays and we hope to open the space as part of our Brigidine Day celebrations at the end of Term 3.
Sports Uniform Review
Thanks to the 190 families who responded to our survey. Our student reference group reviewed the data with our uniform supplier last week.
The most significant area for improvement is warmth, with 30% of respondents selecting ‘Warmer options for winter’ as their top desired improvement. Fit and comfort are also notable concerns: only 44% strongly agreed that the uniform suits a wide range of body shapes, and 15% of respondents prioritized ‘Better fit and sizing options’ as an improvement. The reintroduction of a rugby jumper was also strongly endorsed. A strong suggestion was to investigate a warmer multipurpose jacket.
The students sampled two tracksuit pant options in a straight leg. Both have received positive feedback from students. Discussion around the jumpers suggested that two designs, both the current and a reintroduced rugby jumper could support more diverse options for fit and warmth. Our uniform supplier is currently reviewing the shorts options. Again we are proposing two styles. They are also going to provide us with a jacket option to review.
Once we have a full set of samples we will make these available for families to preview and provide feedback.
Compass Goes Live Monday 22 June
Staff are well underway with their training to use the new Compass software platform from the commencement of Semester 2 on Monday 22 June. Parents will shortly receive advice on how to download the app and an accompanying manual outlining the key features. Many parents may already be familiar with Compass from connection with other schools. In the first instance parents may wish to use the app to check their daughter’s daily schedule, record parent notified absences and keep track of our News feed. The app will be the place where consent for excursions will be given. In the short term parents will still access SIMON for Semester 1 reporting and all other matters related to learning however attendance, excursions, medical matters and behavioural matters will all be moved to Compass from Monday 22 June. A short online information session will be held next Wednesday 10 June from 6.00pm.
Thriving Schools Index (TSI)
Thanks to all families who have already taken the time to share their feedback through the TSI survey. This week all staff and students had the opportunity to contribute. This survey is conducted across all KEM schools and supports us to monitor and shape our ongoing school improvement efforts.
Annual Report School Community
The 2025 Annual Report to the School Community is now available on the College website. It is a celebration of the year’s endeavours and forms part of our regulatory reporting processes. A copy is also available for perusal in the front office and Library.
As we head towards the end of Semester1 and the upcoming exam period we encourage families to check in with their young person about meeting assessment deadlines, revision and study routine before exams and take the opportunity to reflect on achievements and academic growth and possible opportunities for improvement. The exam period provides an opportunity for students to become familiar with exam based assessments so that by Year 12 exams this process is second nature. We encourage students to use what they have learned about resilience, study techniques and using feedback as they prepare for the end of semester. Recently the students reflected on what inspires them to learn. The end of semester is a great time to tap into this inspirational energy to bring our best selves to the tasks ahead.
Blessings
Luci
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