Dear Parents & Friends of St Clare’s

Welcome to St Clare’s Week 6 Newsletter, I hope you and your family are fit, well and in good spirits.

This week marks the 200^th Anniversary of Catholic Education in Australia:  from humble beginnings, the Catholic School system has become a major provider of Preschool, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Education to thousands of Australians each day.  As a product of Catholic Education, I am acutely aware of the sacrifices many parents make to ensure that their children attend a Catholic School.

We do know the impact that the countless nuns, priests, brothers and lay teachers have had in ensuring that all those who attend a Catholic school receive a faith filled quality education that allows all students to develop their skills, talents and faith throughout their lives.

NAPLAN testing of Years 7 and 9 was completed last week.  The exams are a major undertaking and their successful administration is heavily dependent on the reliability of our national online infrastructure, which, for the most part, allowed our young people to complete tasks with a minimum of fuss.  My thanks to St Clare’s NAPLAN Coordinators Assistant Principal Theresa Avery and IT Coordinator Phill Carney and their team (Melissa Northam, Jeremy Hobbes, Ian Evans, Stacy Posadas, Niko Campbell-Ellis and Bernadette Boere) for their excellent organisation and collaboration across a busy two-week period.

I have had a limited response to my request for feedback from parents regarding the recent Years 7 to 11 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews.  If you would like to share some thoughts, please do so via the admin email address:  admin@tareesc.catholic.edu.au.

St Clare’s was one of five hubs used to conduct the Diocesan Synod.  Each of the hubs were connected electronically to allow people from across the Diocese (delegates from Krambach, Forster and Taree Parishes gathered in the Josephite Centre) to speak and share ideas in preparation for the National Gathering in November.

My thanks to Ministry Coordinator Denise Ryan who served as Site Coordinator, Ben Gibbs, St Clare’s IT technician who kept watch on the technology and Mal Cadd who worked in a caretaker capacity on the day.  Forster Parish members Ian and Anne Evans who completed a wide range of duties and staff members Bernadette Boere, Laure Boere, David Hutchison, Lyndall Laurie, Deacon Vince Ryan and Leann Sullivan who represented their Parish and the St Clare’s community.

Thanks also to members of the Diocesan Office who organised food and logistical support across our region.

Facilitator Mark Spencer will lead a third staff meeting on 2 June as staff continue the process of drafting the St Clare’s Vision and Mission Statement.  I am hoping that we will be able to present the draft to the community for comment in the newsletter in coming weeks.

Recent events in Victoria and South Australia have shown us how quickly COVID-19 can disrupt plans and impact negatively on our day-to-day lives.  St Clare’s staff continue to follow safe hygiene processes and do all to ensure that students and staff remain fit and well.

Our planning for the Year 9 and 10 Canberra/Snowy Excursion and the Year 12 Graduation ceremonies continue with the understanding that, due to the pandemic, all plans and activities are subject to change with little notice.

Readers can find the latest COVID-19 guidelines from Catholic Schools NSW following the Principal’s Report.

God bless

Peter Nicholls
Principal

The latest from Catholic Schools NSW

It is important that schools continue to follow the COVID-19 Guidelines. CSNSW wishes to highlight the following:

• Staff and students should not attend work or school if unwell, even with mild symptoms of COVID-19. Any person with any COVID-19 symptoms should be sent home and should not return until they have received a negative test result and are symptom-free.  In circumstances where children have other medical reasons for recurrent symptoms a letter from their GP is sufficient to negate the requirement for a negative test.
• Anyone who is unwell with COVID-19 symptoms are strongly encouraged to get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received. Location of testing clinics are available via the NSW COVID-19 Testing Clinics  
• All staff must monitor the NSW government website for locations where there may have been exposure to COVID-19 and adhere to the advice as appropriate.
• Schools must be vigilant in implementing:
• Personal hygiene, physical distancing, cleaning and record keeping practices at these events.
• Where possible to use outdoor areas, weather permitting or large open spaces to enable adequate physical distancing.
• All visitors to a school site must be well and symptom free, comply with sign-in arrangements, and the 1.5m physical distancing requirements.
• Staff and visitors to schools and offices should maintain 1.5m distance from other people where practicable. Avoid congestion of groups of visitors in specific areas where possible.
• All visitors to a school site must comply with sign-in arrangements. This includes the requirement to sign the school sign-in sheet where they acknowledge that they will comply with the COVID-19 requirements for visitors, contractors and service providers each time they visit.  Schools are encouraged to use QR Codes. 
• Schools should review their preparedness to enact their arrangements for providing learning and working from home in case this is required at short notice. 
• Key information
• The NSW Government websitecontinuously updates the identified COVID-19 case locations in NSW. Make sure you regularly visit the website and encourage your staff to do the same. Please follow the instructions if you have visited one of the locations. 
• Schools should report any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 to your Diocesan office (Systemic schools) or Catholic Schools NSW (RI and PJP schools) and contact the local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 to provide details so that the Public Health Unit can follow up as necessary.

For further information, please contact Catholic Schools NSW via the dedicated COVID-19 Hotline, 1800 427 679.

Mass Times

Forster-Tuncurry Catholic Parish

Mass times at the Holy Name Church - Saturday 5.00 pm & Sunday 8.00 am, 10.00 am and 12 noon. 

Attendance is through registration only - phone 6554 6401 or email forster-tuncurry.parish@mn.catholic.org.au before 3pm Friday.  Please provide name, phone or email and preferred Mass time.  To watch the 8 am Sunday Mass live stream please send us your email address to receive the link.  The Holy Name Church is open from 9 am - 3 pm Monday - Friday for private prayer.  You are strongly encouraged to use the QR code linked to the Service NSW app to check in and out of the church.

Further updates can be viewed on the Forster-Tuncurry Parish Website: 

Taree Catholic Parish

Our Lady of the Rosary Church Taree current Mass times are:

Saturday - 6 pm
Sunday – 9:30 am

Saturday, 29 May

6:00 pm Taree Mass
6:00 pm Harrington SCAE

Sunday, 30 May
The Most Holy Trinity

7:30 am Old Bar SCAE
7:30 am Wingham Mass
9:30 am Taree Mass

COVID-19 Mass Attendance Regulations:

Please kindly scan the QR code before entering and show the confirmation details to our volunteers at the door.  People who are unable to sign in using QR codes may do it manually.  Our volunteers are willing to assist.

Please do not attend the Mass if you are unwell, displaying COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with a COVID-19 affected person.

Youth Mass

Next Youth Mass – 6 June

The next Youth Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Taree will be 6 June at 9:30 am mass.  We hope to see lots of familiar faces there to celebrate mass.

I was a bit late at getting some pictures in for the last newsletter so here they are.  The Youth Choir group provided the music at this year’s Easter Sunday Mass.  It was a joyful celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Wen on piano, Makayla, Edna and Amalin on vocals, Lauryn and Zoe on strings, Nick on the bongos, Mr Hutchinson, Mrs McCann, Mrs McKendry and Mrs Brown accompanying.  Our readers were Ailey and Emily.  And five altar servers on the day to assist Father George.

The Couples for Christ group ran an Easter Egg Raffle which raised money for the Altar Servers and youth.  One of the prizes won by Cornell Estibeiro from Year 7 (who was not present on the day) was donated on his behalf to a family who had been affected by the recent floods.  The Lee family of Oxley Island were happy to receive this nice surprise on Easter Sunday (and got to meet my new puppy Milo too.

Here are some photos of the day.

Hope you can join us for the next Youth Mass.

Laura Boere

Maitland Newcastle Diocesan Synod

On Saturday, 22 May, more than 300 commissioned Synod members, participants and interested persons gathered across the Diocese to have their say on matters concerning the future of our Diocese.  Due to COVID, it was decided to divide the Synod participants into hubs across the Diocese.  St Clare’s was the site chosen for our region.  Participants communicated through Zoom technology.

The issues included - women in leadership, homelessness, care for the environment, communication, cultural diversity, protection for the marginalised including refugees, interfaith dialogue and youth engagement.

The day was very fruitful with ‘statements of intent’ approved for detailed development, and to approve at our next Synod gathering in November this year.

The word ’Synod’ means journeying together and where members of a Diocese meet and review issues and make decisions.  Our Synod’s theme is: “Building the Kingdom of God Together – Our Journey’.  Our Synod has several purposes, but mainly to assist Bishop Bill in his role as leader of our Diocese, a chance for spiritual renewal across the Diocese and to discern what the Holy Spirit wills for us as People of God.

On a personal note, I found the day to be really worthwhile, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit among our group of 40 participants attending St Clare’s.  There was a sense of desire to discern those issues that matter as a people journeying together prayerfully and with a willingness to develop our Christian understanding of what it means to love God and our neighbour.

Deacon Vince

Prayer Point – Trinity Sunday

Response to the Psalm: “Happy the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.”
The Lord has chosen me… not the other way round.  And that makes me happy.
But could the Lord choose me?  What, ‘Little ol’ me?’
Yes.  And stop making excuses… ‘cool your jets’.
And listen:  I.  Have.  Chosen.  You.

Enjoy this Sunday, Trinity Sunday.  It’s pretty inexplicable but is about the seamless relationship between Father, Son and Spirit.  Or Creator, Saviour and Spirit.

Have a great week.

Denise Ryan
Ministry Coordinator

Seeking Stillness

Please find below the address for a Reflection Site called “Seeking Stillness”.

Its focus is the Readings for Sundays.

There is a link on the page that allows you to subscribe to the site.

Catholic Education Celebrating 200 Years

National Reconciliation Week

In 2021 Dancenastics was back!  As part of the PDHPE course Year 10 develop a short dance using the elements of composition.  There were some creative outfits to go with some even more creative dance moves.

Callam Howard
Drama Teacher

Careers Corner

The end of Term 2 is fast approaching and there is a great deal of information available on the many different post school pathways.  The Year 12 students are looking at their post school options and are being urged to complete resumes and cover letters as well as applying for as many different courses as possible.

Over the coming weeks I will be attending information days on industry pathways and tertiary education pathways.  I am looking forward to passing on this information to the students.

I would like to encourage students and parents to check the Careers section of the St Clare’s School Website each week for updated information on Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Scholarships and University Open days.  The Job Jump section has a wealth of information about all things Careers as well.  Please make it a regular weekly occurrence to check the information here.

There is a Careers OneNote for students in Years 10, 11 and 12.  Have a look at this as there may be information about something you would like to do and have not considered.

I will be bombarding students with emails.  So PLEASE check your emails carefully so that you don’t miss out on an opportunity if and when it becomes available.

On Tuesday, 8 June, Mr Curtis and myself will be accompanying 28 students to Newcastle University for the Newcastle University Open Day for the schools in our area.  This will be a great opportunity for the students to find out more regarding course options, scholarships, accommodation and the various entry pathways.

Many universities are now open for early entry and several of these universities have their early entry separate from UAC.  University of New England, Southern Cross and Charles Sturt have various pathways and are worth considering (if not your first choice) as a back-up if you don’t get your first choice.  There is a PowerPoint with information about this in the Year 12 Careers OneNote with a summary of Early Entry 2022 for Year 12 2021 students.

University scholarships will begin to open up over the coming months and some have already so if you want to choose that pathway, it is very important to keep checking university websites.

APPLY, APPLY APPLY!

Many scholarships go “untaken”.  You have to be in it to win it and have nothing to lose by applying.

There are also quite a few TAFE scholarships available in different areas.  I can’t stress enough the importance of looking on the appropriate websites.

Those who have registered for the UCAT can access practice papers either on the UCAT website or other websites such as NIE.  Be aware that most of these other websites charge money for the papers and workshops.  If anyone needs assistance with this, please come and see me.

I would also like to encourage those Year 12 students who are applying for University to register on UAC ($70 before 30 September and $200 after this date).  Once you have done this you can apply for SRS (Schools Recommendation Scheme).  As students of St Clare’s, you automatically get the EAS consideration for being a student at a disadvantaged school and don’t have to apply for this.  There are also various other forms of disadvantage, so if you think you qualify for any of these come and see me and we will go through the application process.

Year 10 students are beginning their subject selection process and have been given access to their Year 10 Careers OneNote through their Year 10 Team.  It is very important that each student look at their strengths, passions and what they like when considering subject choices and to this end, work through the booklet (they have been given a hard copy) during some of their Period 3 sessions each week.  It is also in the Content Library of the OneNote.  Students can copy this into their own section of the OneNote and fill it in or keep using the hard copy.  There is also a UAC guide in the Content Library which shows various university courses and their requirements as well as a link to a “subject compass” to help in making choices for Year 11.  Information about TAFE and other pathways will also be provided.  If any student is unable to access this OneNote, please come and see me.

The mentoring sessions will begin this week and, of course, there will be an information evening for the students and parents regarding 2022 and beyond.  The date and time will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

If any Year 10 student would like to do a “TVET” course throughout 2022 and 2023, they will need to come and see me to get an expression of interest form once I have received these from TAFE.  This should happen within the next couple of weeks.  Next year TAFE are offering several online TVET subjects and I will be providing more information regarding this in the coming weeks.  I will put a booklet in the Team OneNote which outlines the courses available for next year.  Students attend TAFE one day a week and school four days a week.  This usually occurs on a Friday, however over the past couple of years Electrotechnology has run on a Wednesday.

There is a cost associated with these courses.  Most of the courses cost up to $3500, depending on the course.  The Catholic Schools Office will subsidise these courses, however parents are expected to contribute $300 per unit per year.

Most of the courses are 2 units per year which means parent contribution is $600 per year.

Things to remember when thinking about TVET/VET

1. 
   Some EVET courses are 4 units x 1 year. This means there is a bigger workload over the year and a parent contribution of $1,200 for the year.
2. Some courses have the option of an HSC Exam, others don’t. This is written on the information sheets available for each course.
3. If a student wishes to gain an ATAR, then only 2 units can be Category B Board Developed. Only one subject can be done in this area (EVET/VET).
4. If a student does not wish to gain an ATAR, then more than one Category B (Board Developed) or Board Endorsed subject can be done.
5. Work missed at school has to be caught up.
6. Compulsory Work Placement means a week out of school (35 hours per year) each year for each 2 units. If the first year is missed, then the 70 hours have to be made up in the second year.  If the course is 4 units x 1 Year, then 70 hours of Work Placement is necessary.
7. If a student does an EVET course and a VET course that means 70 hours per year Work Placement.

A reminder to those students who might be interested in Work Experience to come and see me and collect the necessary paperwork.

I am happy to meet with anyone who has questions regarding Careers and/or TVET.  The students can write their names in one of the “white spaces” on the timetable on my office door and I can be contacted by phone (6552 3300) or email karen.mccann@mn.catholic.edu.au.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

Engineers Australia Newcastle Division will be holding an online “Girls Talk” event on Tuesday, 1 June at 4:30pm.  The session is aimed to inspire girls interested in STEM to pursue a career in Engineering.

Note:  As registrations to attend this event are done electronically, it’s important to access the link to online registration:

as well as the QR code

Bill Turner Football

Congratulations to the Bill Turner Boys’ team who played an excellent brand of Football during the two rounds.  Winning against Chatham High School 6-0, but unfortunately having a very well fought loss 2-0 against Forster High School.

Back Row - Drew Cini, Riley Dawson, Cooper Garland, William Gregory, Mitch Woodward, Mason Polidano, Spencer Farland & William Gibson
Front Row – Max Lawson, Luca Boyling, Riley Paine, Coen Shoesmith & Cornell Estibeiro

U15 Futsal

U15 boys who competed last month at the Hastings/Manning Titles.

Back Row – Jai Payne, Darcy Eady-Muxlow, Kai McNeil, Harry Miller & Matthew Spiteri
Front Row:  Saffron Grass, Connor Clarke & Mitch Woodward

U14 Boys Futsal

U14 boys who competed last month for the Hastings/Manning Titles.

 Mitch Woodward, Spencer Farland, William Gregory, Mason Polidano, Riley Dawson, Jack Yi, Logan Simpson, Tannor Purdon & Drew Cini

Diocesan Awards – Tennis & Cross Country

Tennis Junior Champion and Cross Country girls and boys received their SSSA DIO Cross Country certificates from Mr Nicholls.  The Cross Country students are selected to run in the NSWCCC Selection.

 Ruby Sparks, Miley Cox, Amy Rowell, Emily Rowell, Patrick Guthridge, Gemma Eady-Muxlow, Annabel Osborn and Mr Nicholls

Sport Selection

Congratulations to the following students for achieving selection to the next level in their chosen sport:

• Lachlan Harry - CCC hockey team, Open Men and Under 16’s boys
• Harrison Tancred and Hannah Carmichael - New South Wales All Schools Swimming 2021
• James Wright and Declan Pettet - Northern Country Ruby League Team
• Caitlin Rodgers - NSWCCC Girls’ Rugby 7's Team 2021
• Mariah Radburn - NSWCCC Basketball Team
• Sienna Limpic and Sara Harris - Diocesan Touch Team
• Sienna Limpic - NSWCCC Rugby 7’s Team
• Saffron Grass - Football NSWCCC

Laurent Gonfond
Representative Sports Coordinator

Mathematics Workshop provides the opportunity for every student to obtain assistance and support in improving their understanding of Mathematics.  In the lead up to topic tests, assignments and general homework, a number of Mathematics Teachers are available each week.  There is no need to stay the whole of lunch, come and go as you see fit.  We mark a roll for parents and you may eat your lunch during your time in Room 10.

WHEN IS IT ON?  Wednesday lunchtime
WHERE?   Room 10
Bring your lunch!

We hope to see you there!

Mr Mark Fletcher
Mathematics Coordinator

Term 2 2021

Term 3 2021