Year 7 & 8 Connection Sessions

Year 7 & 8 Community Connection periods Wednesday 7 May: Living Justice Living Peace

Saltbush is one of our Kildare Ministry Community Works that we are focusing on this year at Clonard, to raise awareness of what Saltbush do and raise funds to help them continue their work.

Saltbush Balnarring Beach – Saltbush Balnarring Beach.

Saltbush is a place that honours the Presentation Sisters legacy, providing a sanctuary on 19 acres where care for people experiencing disadvantages intertwines harmoniously with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship amid a changing climate. Maree Feutrill from Saltbush facilitated an awareness and response session with year 7 and 8 students early this term.

Our year 7 students will tell you more about their session:

“Maree and Sue came to Clonard to talk about Saltbush. Saltbush is a place for people who are refugees or that have disabilities, mental health issues or family problems. There are heaps of natural and fun things to do to unwind”. – Skye

“I learnt that Saltbush is an organization that helps struggling families by giving them a holiday away from everything while also providing activities for guests while staying there. It is run by volunteers and donations.”   – Ava

“I liked painting parts of nature.  It was wonderful to do an activity that they do with the people in Saltbush. Saltbush is a terrific organisation that takes care of people in need.” – Lyah

“When Maree was talking about all of the types of families/people that stay at Saltbush it was nice, it made me feel happy that they help others with accommodation who need it or need a holiday. I enjoyed the painting activity, it made me feel calm.” – Tara

“This organization relies deeply on volunteers to support guest who need a long break due to their circumstances.”  – Addalyn

 “I think that it is a beautiful thing to be helping people that need that help, so I really enjoyed learning about Saltbush.” – Zara

“We learnt that it’s a place for people going through hard times who need a place to relax and get away from reality to enjoy some time with family.” – Abigail

“Saltbush taught us that there is help anywhere you go, that you will always be welcomed no matter who you are. Saltbush also encourages people to try to let loose, go out, and enjoy our beautiful world. They have a variety of people they support to help them from trauma or fear. “

 – Yara  

Maree from Saltbush had this to say about her time with us at Clonard: “The students were so lovely and engaging. I’m still blown away by some of the thoughtful questions asked by the Year 7 students!

Sue and I just felt so warmly welcomed by everyone and sensed a beautiful atmosphere at the school.

Nice to see so many teachers smiling and enjoying their work too.”

Thank you to Bridget Taylor our Living Justice Leader for leading our partnership with Saltbush on these days and to all the year 7 and 8 teachers who were involved.

Liz Sullivan
School Improvement Leader: New Narrative and New Metrics