Welcome

As we come to the end of the year, we pause to reflect on and celebrate 2022. It is hard to believe how fast the year has gone. We commenced 2022 hoping that we would be able to run all events and activities as we did before COVID restrictions, but this was not to be. While we were very aware of the need to rebuild connection and community, we had to make adjustments to ensure the health and safety of students and staff remained paramount. While COVID still continues to have its challenges, with impacts on staff and student attendance, we have seen the return of student participation in a range of activities and programs both within and external to the College. 

It was great this year to welcome back the traditional ways we have always celebrated Founder’s Day, RUOK day, IWD and ANZAC Day and other year level and school activities. We also introduced changes to the Inter-house Swimming carnival, which saw the introduction of land activities and a karaoke competition, providing opportunities for increased involvement by all students. There was lots of laughter and fun on these days as we came together in year levels and the whole College. 

The College Production, Legally Blonde, was a great success with sold out shows and the senior play, Antigone was also well enjoyed by audiences. It was wonderful to see the talents, energy and enthusiasm of the large number of students involved during production rehearsals.

Our Mother’s Day event was very popular again this year and for the first time we held a dinner event for Father’s Day. We look forward to our community Christmas market at the end of the year.

This year Principal Advisory Groups were established at each year level. The student contributions at these meetings have been most valuable and informed new programs, use of facilities, student planner changes, furniture choices, changes to the PE uniform and some operational matters. 

This year’s College theme focuses on ‘Justice' which is one of four Mary Aikenhead Ministries foundational values. In acting with justice, we treat all people in accordance with their unique dignity. Inspired by Jesus Christ, each one of us is called to challenge oppression and injustice. Students have participated in a range of social justice activities, raising both awareness and funds. For a third consecutive year, students participated in the Write a Book in Day activity for Children’s cancer, and we have continued to support the Brother Beausang School in Embulbul, Kenya.

The Social Justice and Environment group took part in this year’s Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools (MACS) Rerum Novarum project, responding to the prompt “Cry of the earth, Cry of the poor.'' The students decided to focus on poverty and overconsumption by sewing twenty-five toiletry bags and twenty-five pencil cases from donated materials, which were then filled with donated stationery and toiletry items for children in need via Big Group Hug.  Through the lens of the See, Judge, Act method, the students were able to act in a way which followed the teachings in the Bible and respond with fairness and compassion.  The CLC entry consisting of an impact statement, essay and video was awarded 1st place and a prize of $3000 for the College at the Rerum Novarum Awards.

Facility refurbishment has continued, with an upgrade to the Fashion rooms, new lockers, furniture for breakout areas and new desks. The Masterplan has been finalised and we look forward to commencing building works and to sharing details of the new Design and Technology precinct with the community in the coming weeks. Over the holidays the Arts rooms will be refurbished and the podcast studio has now been completed, with training currently taking place. 

Alumnae activities this year have included cooking classes, art classes and professional networking events. A special afternoon High tea was organised to celebrate 120 years of CLC in Eltham. Our annual Remembrance mass was celebrated by Fr Terry Kean this month. Another very successful event was the Human Library. Other events include an Open House on campus and reunions for students who graduated 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years ago.