Dear Parents & Friends of St Clare’s

I hope all in your family are well and enjoying all the good things that our area has to offer, especially in light of what is happening in Victoria.

This week we commenced the interview process for enrolment into Year 7 for the 2022 school year.  If you have friends or family members who are yet to register their interest in enrolling, could you encourage them to call and request an enrolment package so we can complete the enrolment process in a timely manner.

On Monday Mayor David West attended our weekly assembly and presented leadership plaques, on behalf of the Manning/Great Lakes community, to our School Captains, Hannah Van Arendonk and Patrick Guthridge.  Mayor West spoke of the council’s commitment to growing good leaders and his belief that leadership was a learned skill, often in response to a crisis situation.  Mayor West thanked the student leaders for their willingness to accept the challenges of leadership and wished them and the community well for the future.

 Mayor David West, Hannah Van Arendonk, Patrick Guthridge & Peter Nicholls

Education and learning come in many shapes and sizes.  Lessons learnt on the sporting field or gained while on excursion compliment and encourage commitment to formal learning in the classroom or in ‘on the job’ training.  Over the past few weeks, students and staff at St Clare’s have undertaken a number of excursions across our region and participated successfully in a wide range of sporting and Eisteddfod events.  This week’s visit to Newcastle University, organised by Careers Adviser/VET Coordinator Karen McCann, is an excellent example of the school extending students’ understanding of tertiary education and the opportunities a committed HSC student can create by working hard in their final year of secondary education.  The university program that our students followed is published in the Careers section of the newsletter.

I thank the students for the respectful way in which they have represented the school community and staff for their dedication to ensure that your sons and daughters receive excellent opportunities to develop their skills and talents.

I am delighted to welcome Lisa Mumford and Rachael Bartley to the St Clare’s English department.  Rachael, an experienced English teacher who has worked with us in previous years, has recently entered a job share position with Lisa in the English department for 2021.  Lisa is a past student of St Clare’s.  Both teachers bring a rich level of experience in English and Drama which will serve our young people well in their learning.

St Clare’s High School Taree is firmly committed to engaging with our parents and carers to develop strong and effective partnerships with our families that support the development of each young person to reach their potential.

Schools in our diocese have traditionally invited parents and carers to P & F Association meetings that have provided an opportunity for families to support the school, discuss important issues and encourage community building.

In December of 2020, Bishop Bill ratified a new model of parent and carer engagement, the Parent Engagement Group (or PEG) offering communities an alternative to the usual P & F Association.

The purpose of this letter is to give notice of a St Clare’s High School Community Meeting for the purpose of discussing a pathway forward for establishing of a parent and carer engagement group – whether this is a continuation of the P & F Association model under the new 2020 Constitution or the establishment of a Parent Engagement Group (PEG).

Cath Garrett-Jones, our Family Engagement Officer at the Catholic Schools Office will be presenting information on the new Constitution for P & F Associations as well as the new PEG model at this meeting and will be available to answer any questions.

WHAT IS THE PARENT ENGAGEMENT GROUP (PEG) MODEL ALL ABOUT?

A new model of Parent Engagement has been developed for schools in conjunction with the Federation of Parents and Friends Associations.

This model eliminates the need for parents and carers to hold Executive positions as is the case with a P & F Association and allows members of the parent and carer community to attend meetings, add items to an agenda and importantly, focus on authentic engagement in their child’s learning. Opportunities for parents and carers to find out more about learning intentions children are focusing on in class as well as practical ways they can engage in and support their child’s learning will be provided.

The new model of engagement called PEG – Parent Engagement Group.

A typical PEG meeting could include:

• Formal Welcome
• Acknowledgement of Country
• Prayer
• Apologies/Principal’s report/Any Project group reports (e.g. report)
• Educative component - The Educative Component is intended to be an opportunity for parents and carers to engage more deeply in their child's learning. A presentation about an aspect of the curriculum such as Writing or a particular Math concept. It could also include expert advice on student wellbeing and development or Cyber Safety for children and their families. This supports parents and carers to partner with the school regarding their child as well they can support their child’s learning at home. Guest speakers and expert commentary could be part of this initiative.
• Questions with notice submitted prior to the meeting to the Principal.
• Details of the next meeting

If the community choose to adopt a PEG model, is envisaged that PEG sessions would happen at least every term and does not rely upon parents or carers to take on Executive roles. If any funds are raised by the PEG, they are to be utilised and managed in accordance with the P & F Association Constitution and only used for the purpose of education.

Further informing about the P & F Association Constitution and the PEG model can be found at:

I look forward to meeting with you on Tuesday, 22 June at 6:30 pm.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the St Clare’s Athletics Carnival has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 22 June.

I wish you and your family a happy last few weeks of Term 2.

God bless

Peter Nicholls
Principal

As you are aware we have moved to an annual billing cycle.

School fee statements will be sent out at the end of May.  We ask that parents that have not yet returned their Payment Frequency Form please complete and return to the Bursar as soon as possible (copy available on Compass).

We remind you that fee payments should have commenced by now and if paying by instalment we ask that accounts are finalised by 30 November 2021.  If paying in full please finalise prior to 30 June 2021.

Payments can be made via BPay, direct debit or credit card.

For families experiencing financial hardship, or wishing to discuss other payment arrangements please contact the Office.

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 12noon.  Attendance is through registration only, phone 6554 6401 or email forster-tuncurry.parish@mn.catholic.org.au before 3pm Friday to register.

Send us your email to receive the 8am Sunday Mass live stream link.

The Holy Name Church is open from 9am- 3pm Mon- Fri 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, 12 June
The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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

Sunday, 13 June
11^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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.

The Pope Video in June

This month the Pope talks to us about Marriage.

Careers Corner

There are two weeks of school left in this term and there are many things happening in the Careers sector.

White Card Course

We have the opportunity to take advantage of the Government’s subsidised White Card Course.  We are offering this via a company called Men at Work in the second week of Term 3.  I am hoping to be able to run two courses as we have 24 students who have expressed an interest.  We need a minimum of 12 students and a maximum of 20 students to run this course.  It will be free to the students.

If anyone else is interested, could they please email me by Friday, 18 June.  It would be wonderful to be able to cater for all the students who are interested.

The White Card is necessary to be able to do Work Experience in any aspect of the Construction Industry and is a compulsory component of the Certificate II in Construction Pathways course which is offered in Year 11 and Year 12 at St Clare’s.

Newcastle University Open Day

On Tuesday this week, myself and Mr Todd Curtis accompanied 24 Year 12 students to Newcastle University for their Open Day.  Due to COVID restrictions there were only schools in our area present and the students were limited in their choice of session.  Despite this, the day gave the students a very good idea of university life in general; showed various accommodation options; study options and included a campus tour.  The students were excellent and wonderful ambassadors for St Clare’s.  My thanks to Mr Curtis for accompanying us and despite one of the buses having issues on the way back, all the students took the delay in their stride.

I am confident that this insight will assist the students in their post school choices.

“It was interesting to learn about the different courses and different groups around campus.  It was also very interesting to learn about the campus and I enjoyed the tour”.

“It was truly a great experience, from the campus tours to the lecturing rooms”.

Please see the information below.

University of Newcastle Info (Spotlight Program)

For the last several years, the University of Newcastle has offered a HSC subject based Admissions pathway – the Subject Spotlight Scheme.

We have recently completed a detailed review of data related to admissions, success and retention of students who have joined University of Newcastle through this pathway over the last three years.

Based on the analysis, we are introducing some revisions for 2022 admissions to ensure incoming students are offered an admission pathway which provides the greatest opportunity for success.  To be eligible for admission through the Subject Spotlight Scheme, applicants will now need to achieve:

• a Band 4* in English or English Advanced

AND

• appropriate marks in any one other approved HSC subject linked to the degree that they are applying for.

The inclusion of English as a common requirement has been made to ensure that we are selecting applicants who are suitably prepared to succeed in undergraduate studies, and also to promote the importance of literacy across all tertiary disciplines.

* Applicants for Combined Laws programs must achieve a Band 6 in English or English Advanced to be eligible.

You can view the full list of degrees and associated HSC subjects here .  Please note that no combined programs, with the exception of Combined Laws, will be included in the pathway for 2022 admissions.  This opportunity is open to all Australian High School students completing Year 12 in Australia in 2021.  It is also open to Australian students who completed Year 12 in Australia in 2020, provided they have not undertaken any further study since completing their Year 12 studies.

As with previous years, there is no additional application process for this pathway.  Applicants simply apply through UAC listing their intended University of Newcastle degree as their number one preference.  Offers will be released on December 20, 2021 (December Round 2).

Students who do not achieve admission to their desired Bachelor degree through Subject Spotlight, or another admission pathway will still have the opportunity to pursue tertiary study through one of our enabling programs (Open Foundation or YAPUG).

Southern Cross University has its Star Early Entry Program open and this is accessible through their website.  Students do not need to apply through UAC for this.

There are many courses and workshops available for students.

Courses & Workshops for Students

The University of Sydney: July Auditions for Sydney Conservatorium | Students who would like to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2022 will need to register to attend an audition or interview. Registrations for the July auditions are now open and close on 27 June.

Inspiration Education: Inspiration Education's HSC Trial Preparation Lectures @ UTS! Inspiration Education are running a series of two-hour subject-specific lectures for Year 12 students in the upcoming July holidays (28th June - 5th July). Presented by expert HSC Teacher/Markers and prices start at $60 per lecture, including notes. Places are limited so registration is essential. RSVP 

or call 1300 677 336.

SAE Creative Media Institute SAE Create for a Day Workshops SAE Creative Media Institute SAE Sydney is opening its doors this July for the SAE Create for a day workshops, a one-day program to expand your skills and get you working on inspiring creative projects in the fields of Animation, Audio, Design, Film, Games, Music Production or Song writing. 3 July 2021 | 10AM - 3PM; $25 per person (incl. GST). Buy ticket now:

Visit TAFE NSW at the Major Career Expos: TAFE NSW staff will be attending major career expos across the state in June and ready to talk to your students about their career pathways and opportunities. TAFE NSW will be attending the HSC & Careers Expo in Sydney: 3-6 June 2021, the Central Coast Career Pathways Expo: 22 June 2021 and the Western Sydney Careers Expo: 24-27 June. Make sure you drop by and say hi!

Powerhouse and TAFE NSW offer free digital and creative skills workshops for Western Sydney students: Workshops are available to Western Sydney high school students (28 Jun to 2 Jul) will focus on working with Visual Abstract Storyteller & Designer, Anna Fraser. In this 5-day Creative Studio workshop, students in years 7-10 will learn from Anna’s wealth of experience in Visual FX Design & 2D Animation. This workshop if free, but bookings are essential.

Aspire UC - University of Canberra: Aspire UC are now taking expressions of interest for schools with Low SES, Indigenous, or Regional/Rural/Remote students to participate in our UC 4 Yourself on campus experiences! Students from years 7-12 learn about careers and higher education options and pathways and meet current UC students from similar backgrounds. Email aspireuc@canberra.edu.au  to express your interest!

Charles Sturt University Online Study Expo: Charles Sturt University Online Study Expo – come along to Charles Sturt's online study expo to see where online study can take you! Experts will provide information on the application process, building a strong network with our online support systems and give you a look at their user-friendly student portal and online library. The expo will be held on Sun 20 and Tues 22 June. study.csu.edu.au/online-study-expo

Charles Sturt University: Registrations are opening soon for Charles Sturt University Open Days! From course information sessions to tours of our campuses, Open Day will showcase what Charles Sturt University is all about. Sign up to be the first to know when registrations are open.

Macarthur Tourism, Travel and Events College: BARISTA COURSE: One-day course in Macarthur 26th of June Accredited training RTO# 41365. Held at Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living in Mount Annan. $199 includes 2 units of competency and lunch. More info and to book

or email admin@mttec.com.au  

ADERG 2021 FIND A COURSE IN CREATIVE ARTS FOR 2022 NOW The ADERG 2021 book will be published at the beginning of July. As usual it has a brand-new Graduate Showcase, an updated Find-a-Course section and an updated Directory. Can't wait? Visit ADERG Online now. Place an advance order for the ADERG Book at the ADERG Shop. Updated Find-a-Course subject pages; Download ALL Graduate Showcase pages as PDFs (2021 and 2020 editions); Download the updated ADERG Directory.

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

Camp America: Camp America Online Information Session Camp America is going ahead in 2022 and we want you to be prepared with top tips for your application. Join Us online to hear all about the program and get the latest updates.

Contact us with any questions - info@campamerica.com.au

The University of Sydney: Wednesday Webinars, 4pm AEST | Upcoming webinars include: Become a Dalyell Scholar, Languages at Sydney, Economics at Sydney, Your Future in Business, Pathways to medicine and health. For dates and to register visit:

NIDA: On the 12th of June, NIDA will be holding its Open Day, and everyone is invited. Come experience an action-packed day where you can take part in free acting workshops! The Open Day is suitable for all ages. There are heaps to discover at NIDA than just acting and performance, come discover costume creation, live theatre, writing, directing and many more! Register to attend nida.edu.au/open-day

Internationally Educated: Study in the US' virtual information session Saturday 19 June 9.30am - Join Internationally Educated to learn more about the incredible US university opportunities. The presentation is tailored to students in years 9-12 and will draw from our expertise having worked in US university admissions.  Registration required

Jobs & Work Experience for Students

Letz Live Gap Years in the UK: Australia is on the green list for travel to the UK which means 2022 Gap Years are available without quarantine. We have great placement opportunities with established UK Boarding Schools and applications for January 2022 are now open. To apply visit

Letz Live Open for Adventure: New Zealand: Letz Live have released a new video showcasing the excitement of a Gap Year in New Zealand. While making friends for life, Gap Year participants will learn new skills, gain independence and become a global citizen. Watch it here

WPC Group: Free Employability Skills Online Bootcamp, 15,16 &17 June connected to employment opportunities.

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Sydney Actors School: trains for international careers in Film, Television and Stage Productions. Apply now to start acting while gaining the technical ability to generate your own work and opportunities whilst studying in Australia. Graduate with a Showreel, Voice Reel, Industry Showcase, Short Films and Play Productions.

Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Sydney College of the Arts: The Creative Arts Special Admissions Scheme (CASAS) offers talented Year 12 students a chance to receive an early offer to study music or visual arts based on their audition or portfolio and their academic performance in year 11 and 12 so far, prior to getting an ATAR.

Apply to the Con:

Apply to the SCA:

SEDA College NSW: SEDA College NSW have 5 full and 2-part scholarships for Year 11, 2022. The Currow Awards support: Students of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent;  and/or Students from any background where one or both parents have not completed Year 12; and/or Students who are economically 0295184888  info@sedacollege.nsw.edu.au disadvantaged.

SEDA College NSW SEDA College NSW has 3 MERIT scholarships available for students entering Year 11, 2022. Recipients of a SEDA College Merit Scholarship will be exceptional young people who have the potential to make a significant positive contribution to the College and act as an ambassador to the wider community. 02 9518 4888

info@sedacollege.nsw.edu.au

Bond University: Students have shown incredible resilience in adapting to the ongoing challenges presented by the events of recent years. Year 12 students can be assessed now for an early guaranteed offer for 2022 conditional on the completion of Year 12. Applications will be assessed based on Semester 1 Year 12 results and meeting any subject prerequisite requirements for their program. Learn more: bit.ly/2QONtnF  

The Women's College within The University of Sydney: Applications are now open for 2022! Feel at home on campus at The Women's College. Programs for residential and affiliate (day) students include Leadership, Academic & Tutorial Assistance, Mentoring and Internships. No need to wait for your university offer. Early Offers made in August. APPLY NOW

More info: registrar@thewomenscollege.com.au

AFL SportsReady A new Digital Resource for Career Advisors Download our new resource which includes everything you need to know about traineeships, including myths and facts, benefits, industries you can do a traineeship in, trainee videos, interviews and more. Access the guide at

WPC Group Free 3-day Employability skills bootcamp: WPC Group are offering a unique three-day online workshop, designed to improve employability skills including Resume Writing to Mock interviews. Running June 22, 23, 25 via Zoom this program is linked to real job opportunities and is completely FREE! Completion incentives also available. T&Cs apply. Contact Bill: bparker@wpcgroup.org.au  or 1300 760 099 - more dates are available.  

Year 10 Mentoring Process

The Year 10 Mentoring process is now under way and the students are working in small groups with the KLA Coordinators and Year 10 Clare teachers to look at their study options for Stage 6.  Year 10 now has access to their own Careers OneNote which will have information about various post school pathways as well as their booklet which they are in the process of completing.

Work Experience

Work Experience is definitely available, and a great way to have a look at various post school pathways.  Please come and see me if you would like to do this.

PRIME

St Clare’s has been selected to participate in a Government sponsored Careers pilot program named PRIME.

What is PRIME?

PRIME is a linked ecosystem of support for post-school pathways that is self-guided and is comprised of the following components:

• Potential capabilities- an assessment of your suitability for different vocations based on job clusters and pathways that interest you.

• Realistic motivations – an intrinsic attitudinal assessment that predicts your ability to find and complete an apprenticeship or traineeship, or your commitment to complete a university course.

• Informed by recent labour market data plus the vacancies currently available. 

• Matched and supported by the local Gateway service of VERTO - where an apprenticeship pathway is chosen. 

• Engaging the advisers and influencers who know you best. 

We are looking at implementing this in Years 9 and 10 next term.  I am looking forward to what this program might offer the students.

Please feel free to contact me regarding anything to do with Careers.  I can be contacted at school by phone (6552 3300) or by email (karen.mccann@mn.catholic.edu.au).

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

“Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words”-  Robert Frost
“Poetry is the rhythmical creation of beauty in words” – Edgar Allen Poe

Recently, Year 10 English students practised and crafted their writing skills in class.  Students explored a variety of different text types, forms and features developing an array of writing skills.  Many students experimented with poetic structure and form and used a stimulus as a ‘starting point’ for their writing.  Please enjoy these poems from students

Camping

The way the trees swayed with the wind,
How the open-air grinned,
The smell of campfire smoke-stained gear,
The darkness like a blanket in the atmosphere.
Having to use the bathroom in the dark,
My sisters and I, on an adventure we’d embark.

Chuckling and snickers, secrets, and fears,
Murmurs in the tent unite us through the years.
Stories being shared,
A night in the city couldn't be compared.
Waking up to the fire and breakfast being made,
These memories of family can never fade.

Karma-Anne Van Der Merwe

One Heart

Our entire lives,
We spend living, breathing, crying, dying.
One person’s life, death, rebirth.
Their trauma, their laughter, their memories,
Of living here on this earth. 

Whilst another lives and grows, blooming like a singular flower in a lonely garden,
Their lonely heart is empty, whilst their mind blows along,
They’re hoping, wishing, dreaming to belong.
Here, they journey, under the sun.
Until the day, not only themselves,
But society will realise we are all one. 

In their mind, they take a look around,
Only to see nothing but a blank void.
They then turn back, to hear a sound,
A collective beating of many drums,
Their mind blank,
Trying to place the familiar thrums,
Of seven billion hearts, each beating as one. 

We are not separate entities.
Divided by flags, nations, and colour,
But a collective union of billions,
Attempting to create a portrayal of one another.
Soon, they realise that they are not alone,
As there are thousands of others out there,
who love them; who need them; who are human; who are just like them. 

They are not destined to be alone, upset and disconnected,
They are like birds, destined to be free content, happy, and full of all the carefree joys,
That life on earth has to offer,
Whether or not the amount of money saved in their coffers,
The tones of skin or the religion they follow,
They begin to realise; all deserve to see tomorrow. 

Rachel Gay

Food Festival

Markets bustled with excited bodies,
Shuffling around each other like pieces in a puzzle looking for a place to fit.
A wave of spice and cooked meat filled the air,
People danced around the stalls,
Almost in sync with each other,
Fresh cooked kebabs twirled as graceful as ballerinas on a stage,
Kids darted from stall to stall stuffing their faces full of sweets,
The air bubbled with flavours of candy, meat, and coffee.
People yelled and laughed the noise filling the air,
Excitement showed on everyone’s faces.

I walked around weaving in between stalls,
Gazing at the food in each one,
Delicious delights being bought by others.
A stall caught my attention, sweet treats being served,
A Dutch pancake stand I spotted in the far,
Tiny hot delight covered in a cloud like icing sugar, drizzled with chocolate,
People consumed by their taste,
Sweet, sparkling, smiles on each face.
I stroll over to the stall and obtain one for my own,
The batter poured into the steaming pan,
Flipped over with a skewer, the other side golden brown,
I waited, soon I will obtain them,
People picked them up and put them in a paper bowl.
Drizzled with chocolate sauce, sprinkled with icing sugar.
I savoured each bit, grinning wider with each bite,
Glee flowed through me this was true happiness.

As the sun fell behind the buildings and the sky when dark,
The market went quiet,
People walked home, stalls packed up,
Air still filled with excitement from the day radiating on everyone,
People now slowly walked around some just strolling through the empty space,
The stars being the only light source sparkling like the smiles of the day,
I sat on the grass looking up at the sky,
It was magnificent like the day I just had.

Ella Parvin

Winter

Melancholy hit me like a ton of bricks.
Death comes to the final leaves that fall from twisted branches,
I feel as if a part of me goes with them.
The days are getting shorter,
The nights longer.

The garden covered in a blanket of frost,
Nothing but white, blue and brown.
Smoke fills the ice-cold air,
A distinct smell that will never leave.
Not a single plant or flower in sight
Or life of any kind;
No distant laughter or singing birds-
I’ve never heard silence quite this loud.

Inside, I sink into the crisp chair,
Before me a blazing fire.
It’s just me
And my thoughts.
Longing for Summer to come back
Instead of the cold and the boredom,
A day at the beach filled with fun and laughter
Is that too much to ask for?

I envisage a time,
Dancing in the pouring summer rain
So carefree.
Unfazed that time will never stop

But that’s not real.
And as time fades;
Unbeknownst to us
Our memories fade with it.

Chelsea Atkins

We are Free

Ow, ahh, ow.
The prick of a needle is never pleasant.
People cry, this time not in sadness but relief.
Pfizer is being made by the dozen.
Shipped by the dozen.
Injected by the dozen.
42,000,000 people have been given a second chance; a chance to survive.

New Delhi is starting over
India is starting over.
Restrictions are lifting.
Hope is rising again.
People are trusting again.
They are letting their guard down again.
The band aid is being ripped off.
We can go back to Australia soon.
It is safe.

Masks are lowered below the nose, smiles are creeping in.
Society is blooming again.
Society will never be the same but at least it is not broken.
Friendships are being made; new people are met.
The matrimony of continents is breathtaking.

The sun is out.
We are out.
We are not confined.
We will not forever be confined.
We are free.
We are forever free and that what it will forever be.

Georgia Capes

Jamaya Pearse
English Teacher

Congratulations to the Year 7 students on completing their hand crafted timber trophies.  You have produced beautiful designs and I hope that the recipients enjoy their award.  Well done!

Mr Hutchison
Technology Teacher

Year 8 Technology have been cooking up a storm!  Students have been studying food properties, preparation and nutritional information while learning cooking skills to enable them to produce some delicious dishes.

Year 10 students have been studying a unit called Like a Kaleidoscope which focusses on the use of surface decoration techniques, such as hand embroidery, machine embroidery, applique, tie dyeing, marbling and patchwork.  These are used to decorate fabric which is then made into a cushion for a specific room in their home.  The students did a fantastic job!

Theresa Avery
Textiles & Design Teacher

Last Wednesday, Year 11 Drama participated in Dramafest at All Saints’ College Maitland.  They had the opportunity to work with tutors and actors in the industry while collaborating with their fellow Drama students from around the diocese.  One of their highlights was the stage combat workshop which offered them skills to create the illusion of physical combat while performing.  Thanks to Anna Kerrigan and the Aspire team for all your efforts in making the day a success!

 Medinah Wells & Cooper Twemlow
Georgia Rourke & Ryan Stewart
Cassidy Donovan & Lucas Drury

Take a look at what Year 11 Drama have been doing this year as they make final preparations for their performance evening at the start of next term.  Ticket Information to come next week!

Callam Howard
Creative Arts Teacher

With the cold weather upon us, Year 12 are very happy that their senior jerseys arrived just in time!  We encourage all students to ensure they have their school jackets and jumpers as we enter the chilly winter months.

Over the past few weeks, students from St Clare’s have been participating in the Instrumental, Vocal and Rock/Modern/Folk Bands Sections.  The students were outstanding and represented the school as well as themselves individually receiving great acclaim and adjudication.

On Thursday, 27 May Cassidy Donovan and Matthew Spencer competed against a strong cohort of musicians from MVAC and TCC in the Duets Open Age Section.  These two students represented St Clare’s remarkably performing a beautiful and heart-warming arrangement of Fix Me Up.  They placed 2^nd in this section with a score of 92/100.

 Cassidy Donovan & Matthew Spencer

On Friday, 28 May, some of our Year 11 and 12 students competed in the Senior Section for the Rock/Modern/Folk Bands.  The standard across this section was extremely high.  The students performed two contrasting pieces beginning with an arrangement of Just The Two Of Us and then followed by an energetic performance of Can’t Stop.  Their performance in both pieces was captivating and well received by the audience.  They were awarded 3^rdplace in this section with a mark of 90/100.  They are to be commended on how well they all worked together as an ensemble.  A big ‘shout-out’ also to Mr Matthew Hanlon for accompanying the students on the bass guitar.

Back Row:  Mr Matthew Hanlon, Luca Dodd-McWilliams, Nicholas Avery, Matthew Spencer & Mrs Amanda Brooks
Front Row:  Seren Everingham & Cassidy Donovan

At an individual level, students from St Clare’s competed in various different sections of the Eisteddfod achieving some remarkable results:

• Cornell Estibeiro in Year 7 competed in several Instrumental Sections for both Piano and Violin. He was awarded three 1^st places and one 2^nd  This is an outstanding result for Cornell.

Cornell Estibeiro on violin

• Seren Everingham in Year 11 placed 1^stand 2^ndin both of her Piano Sections and received two 1^st places, one 3^rd and a highly commended for her Instrumental Sections. Seren continued her excellent success and went on to place 2^nd in the Instrumental Championships and was also announced the 16 years and under Aggregate.  Seren received the Denva Bird Memorial Award for the Most Promising Instrumentalist in which she also received a $250 cheque.

 Seren Everingham with Adjudicator Major David Thompson

• Cassidy Donovan in Year 11 competed in several Vocal Solo and Instrumental Sections. Overall Cassidy was extremely successful receiving four 1^st places and two 2^nd places in her Vocal Sections.  She also placed 3^rd in the Vocal Championships and was the winner of the Best High School Female Vocalist.  Cassidy continued her success in the Instrumental Sections receiving two 1^st places and one 3^rd  She was also the winner of the Senior Encouragement Award and the Bass N Blues Encouragement Award.  Cassidy was invited to perform at the Taree and District Eisteddfod Grand Concert.  She performed Burn from the musical Hamilton and was quoted by Deidre Sutherland the Vocal Section Coordinator as being “a world class performer with a golden aura all about her”.

• WenYuan LimSchneider in Year 12 was also invited to perform the piano at the Grand Concert. He performed Tokkata by Khachaturian on the piano.  WenYuan was the winner of the most prestigious Roma Liggins Perpetual Scholarship Trophy, in which he also received a $1500 cheque.  He was awarded this trophy at the Taree and District Eisteddfod Grand Concert evening on Saturday, 5 June.  This is a remarkable achievement for WenYuan and reflects the fine young musician he is.

WenYuan LimSchneider recipient of the Roma Liggins Perpetual Scholarship Trophy

The Taree and District Eisteddfod is always a wonderful event and invaluable opportunity for participants to listen to and perform music for each other.  It was such an enjoyable Eisteddfod that celebrated the essence and blessing of music and particularly the opportunity to perform at and attend a live music event in our community.

Congratulations to all the competitors from St Clare’s for their exceptional effort and achievements.

Viva la Musica,
Mrs Brooks
Music Teacher

Last Friday was World Environment Day and the St Clare’s community encouraged us to be active in restoring our earth.  Thanks to St Clare’s Environmental Group for collecting donations and continuing to raise awareness on the day!

 Back Row:  Rickardd Weiley, Mrs Lyndall Laurie, Marlee Cowan, Vaughn Strybis, Patrick Guthridge & Adisty Merriman
Front Row:  Annabel Osborn, Finlay O'Connell, Ruby Daley & Olivia Nguyen

Georgia Pratten, Olivia Stewart, Saffron Grass & Mia Collis

12 ladies enjoyed a painting evening, step by step tutoring with art teacher Lyndall Laurie.

Monsteria leaves were our muse!  Creativity and contemporary styles were on show.

 Back Row:  Leann Sullivan, Roxanne Dunn, Denise Ryan, Lyndall Laurie, Anne Larbalestier, Lyn Tilbrook & Anne Havard
Middle Row:  Bernadette Boere, Julie Rowsell & Rhonda Stitt
Front Row:  Laura Boere

Roxanne Dunn

Ms Smyth and Halle were special guests, Halle drew the lucky art chair prize, which went to Mrs Roxanne Dunn.

Funds raised from the night and donations were $1,070.00.  Another wonderful display of our supportive community.

Lyndall Laurie
Visual Arts Teacher

Ten-Pin Bowling is a great sport for the students each week.  They enjoy the games and have a fun time with their mates in their teams.  Students in action having fun at Sport.

Mrs Tilbrook

Year 7/8 All Schools Touch

Congratulations to our Year 7/8 All Schools girls and boys Touch Football teams, who travelled up to Port Macquarie for the regional championships on Wednesday, 2 June.  Both the girls and boy’s teams played with terrific spirit and sportsmanship, playing some entertaining and skilful Touch Football across the entire day.

The St Clare’s girls team played amazingly throughout the day and came away with a strong opening round 3-1 win against St Columba Anglican School.  St Clare’s came up against a well drilled MacKillop in their second round fixture, some costly handling errors in attack made it difficult for the girls to gain any momentum throughout the game, however the girls were able to back this up with some outstanding scrambling defensive efforts to finish the game with a 1-1 draw.  St Clare’s came up against the highly fancied and eventual overall winners St Joseph’s Regional College in their 3^rd round match.  Trailing 3-0 mid way through the game, the girls fought their way back into the contest with strong attacking raids and defensive efforts to eventually go down 3-2 in a see-sawing, high quality encounter.  St Clare’s 4^th and final pool match was against Macintyre High School, where the girls continued their strong form from across the day running away with a 3-0 victory.  St Clare’s came up against a quality Taree High team in their semi-final match.  St Clare’s stunned their opponents with two early tries, Taree High clawed their way back into the match with a try of their own with some skilful set moves.  In the end, St Clare’s held their nerve to come away with a 3-2 victory.  In the final, St Clare’s came up against their earlier opponents from the pool stage, St Joseph’s Regional College.  A tired St Clare’s outfit were no match for the fast finishing SJRC, who ran away comprehensive 5-0 winners.  The St Clare’s girls should be proud of their amazing efforts throughout the day, well done girls!

Back Row:  Marissa Masterantonio, Ashlee Brabant, Eve Montague, Jessie Cochrane, Charlotte Hawkins, Marley Brown, Sara Harris & Marley Marriott
Front Row:  Ruby Polson

The St Clare’s boys team started their campaign with a comprehensive run-away 5-0 victory over Hastings Secondary College, where they executed some well-rehearsed attacking moves to set up some skilful team tries.  St Clare’s continued their strong opening round form in their second round fixture against Bishop Druitt which saw them gain an early 3-0 lead, however complacency and ball handling errors crept into their game which saw Bishop Druitt claw their way back to 3-3.  The St Clare’s boys held their composure under pressure to put on two late tries to come away eventual 5-3 winners. St Clare’s 3^rd round match was against a quality Macksville outfit in what was a see-sawing ad-lib encounter played with flair and great sportsmanship with both teams unable to be split at fulltime, with a 2-2 draw the end result. St Clare’s final round fixture was against eventual overall winners Mackillop.  St Clare’s were rattled with 3 early tries to MacKillop, however the boys fought hard and tightened up their defence to work their way back into the match with a try of their own.  A late try to MacKillop sealed the game with St Clare’s going down 4-1.  The boys were unlucky not to make semi-finals missing out on try differential.

Lastly, a big thank you to Mrs Parvin as well as Haylee Brabant and Emily Wood who contributed as referees for their time and dedication in training, coaching and supporting our team, without their outstanding and tireless efforts events such as this would not be possible.

Matthew Collier

 Back Row:  Samuel Schilt, Ben Wright, Haylan Simpson, Troy Wright, Kobi Critchley, Hayden Nelson, James Rodgers, Rory Clarke & Egan Cross
Front Row:  Caid Van Wyk

Opens Country Cup Rugby League

Congratulations to our 13’s and 18’s boy’s rugby league teams, who competed in the opening round of the Country Cup on Thursday, 3 June at the Taree Recreation Grounds.  Both teams played with terrific skill, toughness and sportsmanship throughout the day with some bruising and highly entertaining rugby league played.

The St Clare’s 13’s side came up against two well drilled and physical teams in their opening fixtures against Taree High and Great Lakes respectively.  The boys showed great determination and at times some well-structured attacking team plays which saw them cross the line for a try in each game.  Taree High and Great Lakes ran away comprehensive winners in both fixtures, however the St Clare’s boys never shied away from putting their body on the line and displayed a never give up attitude.  St Clare’s improved throughout each fixture in both attack and defence which was evident in their 3^rd and final fixture against Wingham High.  St Clare’s went down a try early, however they didn’t let this rattle them, coming up with two well-structured team tries of their own.  In a much-improved defensive effort, St Clare’s held on for a gutsy and well deserved 18-10 victory.

The St Clare’s 18’s team were triumphant in winning their opening round fixture against a strong Taree High outfit.  St Clare’s dominated in defence and field position throughout the entire game, displaying great athleticism, skill and flair in attack.  In what was a bruising and high quality encounter, St Clare’s came away eventual winners 22-12.  St Clare’s now progress to the Country Cup Regional finals to be played in Port Macquarie on 17 June.  Well done boys and good luck!

Lastly, a big thank you to Mrs Parvin as well as Lachlan Monks, James Wright and Will Hogan who contributed as referees and water runners for their time and dedication in training, coaching and supporting our team, without their outstanding and tireless efforts events such as this would not be possible.

Matthew Collier

Pope Francis gives us inspiration with his words and as a school community we can sometimes, in our busy lives, forget that others are less fortunate than us.  He said “A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just” and that we need to “Find new ways to spread the word of God to every corner of the world.”  Once again St Clare’s is answering the needs of the local community with their involvement with the community kitchen.  The students prepared and served very nutritious meals for the homeless and marginalised in our community.  The friendly, smiling faces and caring conversations of the students and staff added a ray of sunshine to the peoples’ lives as they collected their meals.  The popular question among the clients now is “When are the students coming back?”  Well done St Clare’s staff and students, it was a pleasure to work with you.

Back Row:  Mrs Nicole Lovern, Indiana Christensen, Hannah Pocock-Scott & Mrs Bernadette Boere
Front Row:  Adelaide Pullen

Carol Healey
Community Kitchen Volunteer

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 10Bring your lunch!

We hope to see you there!

Mr Mark Fletcher
Mathematics Coordinator

Term 2 2021

Term 3 2021

PCYC School Holidays Program

Rugby League Clinic