At Wesley at Clunes, we are incredibly fortunate to be part of a learning environment where place and purpose are deeply intertwined. The Clunes experience offers students far more than a backdrop to their term away from home; it is a living classroom that continually challenges them to grow, develop independence and build new skills.
Growth is often found in the everyday moments. Living away from family and familiar routines requires students to develop resilience, responsibility and confidence in themselves. Whether it is managing their own schedules, supporting peers in a residential setting or stepping outside their comfort zones in class or cocurricular programs, students quickly discover new capacities within themselves.
‘Before Clunes, hard things scared me off,’ said Catie from Group 104. ‘Now I understand that the uncomfortable stuff is actually where growth happens. I’ve learnt that feelings pass and that I can find ways to cope instead of giving up. I’m getting better at finding the balance between backing myself and asking for help when I need it.’
Significant to the Clunes experience is connection to the land. Time spent on Country offers students the opportunity to experience the landscape in meaningful ways - through challenge, reflection and a growing sense of stewardship. Being in this environment fosters perspective, courage and respect, while helping students better understand their place within the world.
‘At Clunes I’ve learnt more about Indigenous culture, and that’s made me feel more connected to Country,’ said Marcus from Group 105. ‘Going to some really important places for the traditional owners, like Mount Beckworth and La Gerche, has made me feel closer to Country than I ever have before.
