Clontarf Academy

Last week we were able to get our Year 7 cohort out for a Clontarf Induction Camp at Middle Creek Campground. A focus of the induction camp is for the boys to build relationships with each other and Clontarf staff over two days of team building exercises and games. 

We spent time looking at the St Patrick’s Clontarf Academy values of Respect, Resilience and Encouragement. The boys were fantastic, buying into the discussions as well as the activities such as the ‘bucket hike’ where the boys worked in teams to carry buckets of water on a hike, working together to ensure minimal water was spilled. It was great seeing the boys supporting each other and forming strong relationships with each other.

As you read this, we will be returning from Anglesea with our Year 8 and 9 boys. Camps are a major part of the Clontarf program and are used as incentives for our boys to reach attendance and behaviour targets. Our camps intertwine a host of experiences for our boys where they get the chance to see new places and experience new things. Along with opportunities to develop their leadership and gain life skills, our camps are a great chance for our boys to strengthen bonds with each other. 

We were lucky enough to host the Western Bulldogs last Wednesday with Arthur Jones and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan spending time with the boys in the Academy room before a casual kick on the oval. Our boys had some great questions lined up for the players and enjoyed learning about their journeys to the big time as well as some advice for the boys while they are still in school. The common thread was the importance of family and surrounding yourself with good people who can support your dreams, not hinder them. Thanks to Roger for setting up the visit.

We also had a visit from one of our Academy’s major partners in Freudenburg, whose CEO visited the Academy from Germany. Marc Tedcastle, Joseph Wesley and Brendan Lee showed their leadership through an in-depth tour of the Clontarf room. After recess with the boys, Lachy Thurling and Riley-Connor McCaw took our guests on an extensive tour of the College. The boys did an amazing job, impressing everyone in attendance. Little opportunities like this are a great way for our boys to develop their interpersonal skills and each time they stand up and show leadership like this they become better equipped for life after school.