Clonard College, Geelong
"Justice: Walk humbly, Love kindly, Live justly"
Clonard College has embraced the theme of Justice: Walk humbly, Love kindly, Live justly in 2026, inviting our community to deepen its understanding of right relationship, dignity and the call to act for the common good. Grounded in the Kildare Ministries’ vision of making the needs of the vulnerable paramount, the theme challenges us to move from awareness to meaningful action, echoing the Gospel invitation to bring hope through justice.
A significant milestone was the launch of the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at a student led assembly during Reconciliation Week. This work invited the community to acknowledge the injustices experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to actively promote respectful relationships, truth-telling and equity. Our RAP reflects a commitment to walking in solidarity with First Nations peoples and building understanding, respect and meaningful partnership as part of our call to live justly. Throughout Reconciliation Week opportunities for student voice, cultural learning and shared experiences including Indigenous games, creative activities and reflective conversations, invited students and staff to deepen their appreciation of First Nations cultures and perspectives. A cultural audit was also launched as part of the week.
Our developing connection with Wellsprings for Women as our Kildare Ministries Community Works partner for 2026 has provided a powerful and tangible expression of justice in action. Dalal Smiley CEO of Wellsprings was the guest speaker at our International Women’s Day breakfast. Through a Living Justly excursion, student leaders visited the organisation, learning firsthand about its work supporting women to live with dignity. Students and families responded generously to a Mother’s Day initiative, donating more than 700 items which were transformed into 140 hampers and shared directly with women in the program as a sign of solidarity, compassion and recognition. This experience marked the beginning of a meaningful partnership, with ongoing commitment to fundraising and sustained engagement across the year. The women then visited Clonard and worked with Years 7, 8 and 11 sharing their stories and breaking open the injustices faced by themselves and their families every day. We are committed to raising $10,000 for Wellsprings and so far, have raised $3,217.75.
Student leadership has been central in bringing the theme of justice to life. Inspired by the call to “action raise” as well as fundraise, students have contributed to initiatives that supported those in need through practical service and advocacy. The development of 1000 Hours for Justice and Make a Difference Monday initiatives are embedding a culture of justice across the College by challenging each member of the community to give one hour to justice. Actions have included preparing meals, attending the Monday smoking ceremony at Wathaurong, sustainability initiatives such as the recent planting of 200 native species around the College, refugee holiday programs, or visiting the elderly. This approach reinforces that justice is not a single event but a sustained and shared responsibility. Each time an hour is given a token is received to go towards a collective artwork.
Finally, to mark our 70th anniversary, we are engaging with a local mural artist to create a mural depicting justice in action through our long term relationships with Timor Leste and Santa Teresa in the Northen Territory, our connection to the earth and how this continues the Brigidine story.