Opening and Blessing Oak Centre at Clonard College

On Friday 5 September, the Clonard College community gathered to celebrate the Opening and Blessing of the Oak Centre, a significant milestone in the College’s history and the completion of Stage 1 of its Master Plan.

The celebration began with Year 9 student Grace, welcoming all gathered to the land of the Wathaurong people in language. This was followed by a Smoking Ceremony led by Aunty Naomi Surtees, enveloping the community in the spirit of healing, cleansing and connection to Country. 

In a ritual rich with symbolism, Louise Cleary csb, Brigidine Congregational Leader, blessed the crosses and then the Buildng itself accompanied by the official party. Rosemary Copeland, Co-Chair of the Trustees of Kildare Ministries unveiled the plaque, marking this new beginning with prayer and reverence. 

College Principal, Luci Quinn, in her reflection, spoke of the deep symbolism behind the name The Oak Centre. In Celtic spirituality and the Brigidine tradition, the oak represents strength, endurance, renewal and growth—qualities that the College seeks to foster in its students. She reminded the community that the Oak Centre stands as a bridge between past and future, carrying forward the Brigidine legacy while embracing the needs of contemporary education. 

The Oak Centre houses new Science and Technology learning areas, purpose-built to encourage curiosity, collaboration and innovation. For more than 65 years, Clonard has empowered young women to explore, question and create, with alumnae now trailblazing in medicine, research, engineering, and environmental science. The new facilities will ensure that future generations continue to flourish in these fields. 

The day was a celebration not only of bricks and mortar, but of the vision and commitment of a community dedicated to educating young people for a future of courage, compassion and hope. The Oak Centre now stands as a living symbol of continuity, inspiration and opportunity—rooted in tradition, yet reaching boldly toward the future.