Dear Parents & Friends of St Clare’s

I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe.

Term 3 has thrown up a series of challenges and disruptions to students, parents and staff.  Many family and school plans were scuttled and anticipated events postponed or cancelled due to the intervention of the pandemic.  I would like to thank all members of the school community; parents, students and staff for the way we have supported each other in very unpredictable and trying times.

 Georgia Rourke, Year 11 & Tessa Rourke, Year 7

I am very proud of the smooth transition the community made to online learning.  Students, staff and parents showed great flexibility and a wonderful collaborative spirit to work together to ensure online classes took place each day.  It was also gratifying to have students report positively about their wellbeing during the lockdown period, with students reporting that they felt safe and able to learn.

The return to face-to-face teaching was completed with similar speed and success.  It has been wonderful to welcome students to the campus and to share in the great energy and sense of fun that students and staff bring to the learning and teaching process.

I had some teachers ask their students what were the best things about the return to face-to-face teaching.  Here is what they had to say…

Charlie, Year 11
Being able to be able to do school work in different places and move from classroom to classroom.  I was starting to struggle with sitting at the same chair all day and looking at a screen for a long time.  Also being able to see mates again.

Harry, Year 10
Being able to see mates again.

Jai, Year 10
Being able to do practical lessons again and do more ‘hands-on’ activities.

Blake, Year 10
Face-to-face learning is easier because of everything we can use to learn in different ways.  It’s more difficult to sit in front of a laptop all day.

Fraser, Year 11
Pretty much just the social aspect.  Being able to have more face-to-face interactions with friends. I don’t really like wearing a mask around all day though.

Alex, Year 11
It’s really nice to have more firm structure again.

Megan, Year 9

• Catching up with my friends
• Being able to get more direction from teachers face to face rather than on a screen
• Having access to equipment and do practical lessons (photography, drama)

Year 9 Clare Group 1

• seeing friends
• getting back on track with your learning
• being able to properly communicate with the teachers
• getting out of the house 
• the canteen
• maths workshop
• being able to properly understand what the teachers ask of you 
• been easier to get help with work 

Year 9PC4

• seeing teachers
• seeing students
• canteen

Our students are glad to be “back” and happy to have the opportunity to work and learn with their friends and teachers.

The HSC Industrial Technology Timber major works have been on display in the library hub for the past few days.  The works are complex and beautiful.  They could not have been completed to such an excellent standard without the outstanding knowledge and leadership of the group’s teacher Mr David Hutchison who invested countless hours outside the timetable to help those in his care complete their projects on time.  My congratulations to the students and David who have worked hard and shown great resilience under adverse conditions.  They should be very proud of what they have achieved.

Congratulations are extended to our Year 12 Drama class who submitted their final performances for HSC grading on Monday, the HSC Music and Art classes who completed their final works recently.  Usually the students, parents and wider community would have had the opportunity to view and acclaim the Music, Art and Drama works at St Clare’s regular performance and display evenings.  Unfortunately, the performers, artists and their families were deprived of this opportunity by the COVID-19 Pandemic and subsequent lockdown guidelines.  I share the students’ disappointment that they were unable to showcase their excellent skills and thank their teachers Mr Callam Howard, Mr Wayne McDougall and Mrs Lyndall Laurie for their many extra hours they shared with students helping them to hone their technical and performance skills.

A little further into the newsletter, we have shown some photos of the beautiful artwork produced by our Year 12 students. 

We are continuing to conduct enrolment interviews for Year 7 in 2022.  Our numbers for the year are very strong.  If you know of a family member or friend who has yet to lodge their enrolment forms, please encourage them to do so before the start of Term 4.

At present, St Clare’s is the only secondary school in the Maitland-Newcastle system of schools with students participating in face-to-face learning and teaching.  The rest are operating under Stage 4 lockdown regulations.

The school reopens for Term 4 on Tuesday, 5 October.  At present we expect to welcome students to face-to-face teaching under the same Level 3 guidelines that have informed our practice over the course of the last week of Term 3.  Families will be notified by Compass if the health guidelines that cover our LGA impact on our Term 4 plan.

Again, my thanks for your support of the St Clare’s staff as we work together to supply an excellent Catholic Education to the young people in our care.

God bless

Peter Nicholls
Principal

Mass Times

Forster-Tuncurry Catholic Parish

Mass registrations are now online through our website:

Register Here

Our current Mass times are Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 8 am, 10 am and 12 noon.  Attendance is through online registration only before 3 pm Friday.

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

The Holy Name Church is open from 9 am - 3 pm Monday to 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

Saturday, 18 September 2021

6:00 pm - Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church Taree
5:00 pm - SCAE at Star of the Sea Harrington

Sunday, 19 September 2021

7:30 am-Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church Old Bar
7:30 am SCAE at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Wingham
9:30 am Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church Taree

Important Notice:

1. 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 the QR codes may do it manually.
2. 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.
3. The congregation is not permitted to sing.
4. Maintain physical distancing. Please wait for the volunteer/usher to take you to your seat.
5. Please bring your own face Mask.

Further updates can be viewed on the Taree Parish Website: 

Prayer Point:  25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 19 September

“Wherever you find jealousy and ambition,
you find disharmony,
and wicked things of every kind being done;”

Contrast that with this:

“…whereas the wisdom that comes down from above is essentially something pure;
it also makes for peace, and is kindly and considerate;
it is full of compassion and shows itself by doing good;
nor is there any trace of partiality or hypocrisy in it ….”

James 3:16 - 4:3

This is the world in which we live.  You can see jealousy, ambition and disharmony on one side.  But just as readily you can see ‘something pure’ on the other.

Have a great few weeks.

Denise Ryan
Ministry Coordinator

COVID-19 and Pope Francis I

I have listed below two website addresses.  Both sites show Pope Francis in prayer.

In the first clip he prays for all families who are suffering in the pandemic:

In the second he prays for an end to COVID-19:

I hope you can download them and spend some time with Pope Francis in prayer.

Mrs Denise Ryan
Ministry Coordinator

An excellent online opportunity arose for Year 9 Photography during lockdown.  They were able to meet for a Q&A session with one of Australia’s most in demand photographers Jarrad Seng.  Jarrad has worked with many musicians over the years including Ed Sheeran, Passenger and Angus and Julia Stone.  He has been involved in international tours, tourism campaigns, art installations, short films and charity projects at home and abroad.

With Jarrad's work being viewed by tens of millions and showcased in exhibitions around the world he had a wealth of experience to offer our students who had already viewed his work in their studies of photography.

Students enquired how he started with photography, where he draws inspiration from and what his most rewarding photo was.  Jarrad passionately told a mix of comic and informative stories about these moments in his career which had students thoroughly engaged and inspired.  It was certainly the highlight of their online learning experience over the last month.

Callam Howard
Photography Teacher

Year 12 Drama were lucky enough to perform their HSC monologues on Monday.  Even under very strict COVID performance rules including rehearsing in masks and having no audience, students still performed with enthusiasm on the day.

After rehearsing their pieces at home for the last month students were still able to create dynamic and engaging theatre.  Some of the pieces included a clown that had lost his purpose, a king who was dedicated to being remembered and an upper class gentleman who just wanted to ride his Penny-farthing.

This group really pushed the elements of drama, using unique approaches to narrative building such as mixing sound effects with dialogue or enhancing their pieces with moments of theatrical magic.  I am very proud of what they produced under the circumstances and the support they showed for each other on the day.

Callam Howard
Drama Teacher

Congratulations to the Year 12 Industrial Technology Timber HSC students on the completion of their Major Design Projects.  A very high standard of beautiful furniture was produced despite all the challenges and difficulties of the COVID period.  I am so very proud of the students at this time.  They displayed determination, dedication and commitment in their striving to finish the Projects on the due date.  They are currently on display in the school library for students and staff to see.  I encourage students to call into the library to view the wonderful work that the students have made.  Well done!

Ex-student Sarah Chalmers has written an article about the St Clare’s Year 12 students Major Design Projects in the Manning River Times newspaper dated 8 September 2021.

David Hutchison
Technology Teacher

The Visual Art Major Works are in!  Students have worked tirelessly finishing their art during the lockdown and have produced some superb pieces.  There were a variety of expressive forms this year such as printmaking, sculpture, painting and drawing.

Students were inspired by their local surroundings, past powerful artists, impacts of global events and their wonderful imaginations!

Thank you to Mrs Lyndall Laurie for your brilliant guidance and for making their last art lesson so memorable!

Callam Howard
Creative Arts Teacher

Despite the spectre of COVID-19 hanging over our heads, a few hardy characters rolled up for these two prestigious competitions.  Once again, the results that returned were very impressive, and all students who entered deserve recognition for their efforts and achievements.

History Competition

Year 7
Lucca Boyling – Credit

Year 8
Cameron Lohse – Participation

Year 9
Anna Ye - Credit
Quinlan Collins – Distinction

Year 10
Indiana Christensen - Merit
Eli Ruff - High Distinction

Geography Competition

Year 11
Seren Everingham – Credit

Year 12
WenYuan LimSchneider - High Distinction

Bruce Bielby
HSIE/LOTE 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

Careers Corner

The end of the term is upon us and several deadlines are approaching for the Year 12 students who are considering a university pathway next year.

The cut-off for UAC applications at $70 is 30 September.  After this date the cost of registering will rise to $200 so if you are thinking about a university pathway post school and you are in Year 12 please make sure that you have registered before 30 September.

The SRS (Schools Recommendation Scheme) closes this Sunday (19 September) and all applications are in the process of being reviewed and submitted by the school.

EAS applications are due by mid-November but hopefully have been or are very close to being finalised by the students.  Please come and see me if you require an educational impact statement from the school in support of one of these applications.

Please check out scholarships at the various universities and at TAFE (there are regional scholarships available for TAFE).  Search the scholarships section of each website.  You have to be in it to win it, and have got nothing to lose by applying.

If you are interested in an Apprenticeship or Traineeship pathway, please make sure that you look at the Careers Links information that is in the Year 10, 11 and 12 OneNote.  All the latest vacancies with Mid Coast Connect and VERTO are there as well.  If any student in Years 10, 11 or 12 is NOT ABLE to access their Careers OneNote could you please let me know.

I would like to highly recommend the Australian Apprenticeship App.  It has excellent information and practice aptitude tests to see where you would best fit in industry.

If you are considering a TAFE pathway, get on to the TAFE NSW website and have a look at the many courses they offer from short courses through various Certificates and Diplomas and “Bachelor Degrees”.  You don’t need an ATAR for this pathway.

There are quite a few job opportunities coming up in the next few months and for next year.  I have already, and will continue to, email this information to the relevant year groups.  I have recently emailed students about an Accounting Traineeship in Wingham and have been disappointed to have received no expressions of interest.

It is very important that all the students check their emails please.

Year 11 students will soon begin the process of discontinuing or adjusting their subjects for the HSC course of study.  Please don’t forget that you need to see Mrs Avery in order to collect your form, and to discuss your options.

This week should have seen the Construction and Hospitality students in Year 11 completing their compulsory Work Placement in various businesses throughout the Manning.  Due to COVID restrictions this has had to be postponed until Week 3 of Term 4 and we will keep our fingers crossed that the students will be able to complete this.  This is the first half of their compulsory 70 Work Placement hours.  In the past this has led to employment for many of the students, either part-time or fulltime and is a wonderful opportunity to show their skills and get an idea of the world of work.

The Year 10 students have now made their subject selections for 2022 and the process of working out the lines and classes is well under way.

I would like to remind everyone that unfortunately, due to current COVID restrictions, we are unable to send students on Work Experience.  Hopefully when we return in Term 4 this will again be on the agenda and students will be able to come and see me and obtain the relevant paperwork.

The latest information from the CAA is below:

Course Changes & New Courses

CQUniversity CQUni Term 1 2022 applications are now open! If you're interested in studying either the Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography or the Bachelor of Echocardiography and Cardiac Physiology/Graduate Diploma of Echocardiography at the Sydney Campus, your UAC applications close on Monday, 15 November 2021. Find out more on how to apply by visiting

Bedford College We are now delivering new Early Childhood and Business courses. Face to Face as well as flexible online study options available. Get qualified and get ahead with Bedford College. Download our couse guide and enrol today

Sydney Actors School Sydney Actors School has partnered with TDP and, in consultation with Peter Cousens and Darren Mapes, has created Australia's newest Diploma of Musical Theatre for the entrepreneurial creative artist! If you are a musical theatre performer, singer songwriter or contemporary vocalist who wishes to become an entrepreneurial creative artist – this is the course for you!! Applications are open

Sydney Film School FEBRUARY 2022 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN! Hollywood based Variety Magazine has awarded Sydney Film School its top film schools for 2020 accolade. Sydney Film School was founded to teach the essential filmmaking tools necessary for a successful career in the global industry. APPLY NOW to find your vision.

Institute of Health and Nursing Australia No ATAR no worries! We bring to you an opportunity to study Healthcare Certificates and Diplomas completely online with guaranteed placements. This means you may have a job in your hand even before you complete your course. Call +61 2 8228 6400 to enquire about the course or write to enquiry@ihna.edu.au. Do not miss a satisfying career in nursing, health, and community services.

Courses & Workshops for Students

MedEntry UCAT Prep Free UCAT Bootcamp. For parents, aspiring Medical students and Careers Advisers. Dr Ray, Gastroenterologist at Monash Health, offers UCAT mini test, medical interviews, admission process, life as a medical student, and career as a doctor. Watch this two hr Bootcamp from the comfort, convenience & security of your home at any time!

Jschool Journalism College Senior students have the chance to study a full journalism unit online over summer through Jschool Journalism College. Info at

Another option is the five-week micro course Newswriting Basics

Phone or SMS 0493099463

TAFE NSW Visual Merchandising Do you have students who have creative flair? TAFE NSW Ultimo offers a Diploma of Visual Merchandising (Course Code SIR50217). Students are taught in specialised facilities including a retail shop with 26 windows for students to dress and mannequins to style. CTA: Enquire Now Link:

TAFE NSW HELP YOUR STUDENTS REACH FOR THE SKY WITH A CAREER IN AVIATION TAFE NSW is training pilots of the future in Sydney and Lismore. Students can start a Diploma of Aviation (COURSE CODE AVI50219) (Commercial Pilot Licence) in 2022 and be ready for the industry take-off!  Find out more

Paul Wade Life Skills Paul Wade combines Employability Skills with Life Ready. Independence & Mental Health & Wellbeing plays a major part in Employability Skills. Paul Will show examples of how your students can navigate all three areas

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

Campion College Campion College Virtual Open Day | 10am-5pm, Tuesday 28 September | Interested in history, literature, philosophy, theology or classical languages? Curious about bachelor or diploma studies in the liberal arts? Download course guides, access on-demand presentations, listen to a live lecture and find out more during Virtual Open Day. Visit

Engineers Australia Engineering your Future webinar series for students Years 7-12, parents, teachers & advisors. Every Monday at 5pm. Coming up: Sustainable housing-The Desert Rose & Quantum Engineering.  Register:

Enquiries: stemnsw@engineersaustralia.org.au

ACU Virtual One-on-One Consultations Students are able to book 30-minute virtual consultations with one of our friendly staff members every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in September between 10am – 5.30pm. It’s an opportunity for them to ask questions about their courses of interest, pathway options, entry requirements and any other queries they may have about studying at ACU. Register now:

Western Sydney University Western is offering free online HSC Study Sessions, run by experienced teachers, in some of the most popular HSC subjects from 20-24 September. This is a great opportunity for students to revise their learning to tackle their exams with confidence. For more information and to register, visit:

Charles Sturt University Parent Information Session We are holding a free Parent Info Session on 21 September to help them in their child’s transition from high school to uni. The free event will take place online for parents to find out about our paths into uni, our student services, accommodation options and scholarships. Book here:

Southern Cross University Secure Your Spot at Southern Cross University Webinar We are committed to assisting our Year 12 students with their transition from High School to Southern Cross University. Please join us for an informative webinar discussion about the options available to you to secure your spot at Southern Cross University in 2022.

Southern Cross University Our guide to uni for parents and caregivers has compiled the most important information about applying to university, information on pathway programs, scholarships and more. Get your free copy today

University of Tasmania Paramedicine & Nursing Webinars available to students UTAS are looking forward to running webinar sessions on the Paramedicine & Nursing Accelerated Degrees. Speak with current students and academics, and find out what it’s like to study at the Rozelle campus based in Sydney. Book your places at the following links:

Paramedicine:

Nursing:

Jobs & Work Experience for Students

Transport for NSW The Road/Electrical Designer and Traffic Engineering Officer in Training Programs are offered by Transport for NSW in conjunction with Western Sydney University, The College. Starting salary will be approximately $54,000.00 and it will go up to $63,000.00 by the end of their four-year program.  RDITCoordinator@transport.nsw.gov.au for more details.

Resources for Students

UNSW Girls in Engineering Club for high school girls interested in STEM It’s the fun, inspiring community for high school girls wanting to explore the diverse fields of engineering. Membership is FREE and students receive a monthly newsletter packed with engaging content and activities, invitations to events and workshops, and the opportunity to be mentored by current UNSW engineering students. Join:

Crimson Education NSW Students: HSC to GPA Calculator Visit our free HSC to GPA calculator to find out how your HSC stacks up against the US GPA. Using the calculator is super simple! All you need to do is fill in your predicted HSC marks, and then the calculator will convert your marks into a 4.0 scale GPA format. Calculate your GPA now!

BEYOND We’ve just released even more FREE HSC preparation materials on Beyond. For year 11, we have practice papers in English Standard, Maths Standard 2 & Maths Advanced. For year 12 students, we offer a large number of on-demand videos & practice papers in all major subjects. View our webinars at

ACAP Your ATAR shouldn’t define your opportunities for career success, and at ACAP it doesn’t. Watch one of the recent Discover ACAP information sessions on-demand to find out more about courses you could study in the fields of Psychology, Criminology, Social Work or Counselling. Simply go to

and select a recording under ‘Previous Events’.

Outdoors NSW & ACT Careers options in the Outdoors? Have you considered the Outdoors as a career choice?  Maybe it’s time!

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Financial Planning Association SCHOLARSHIPS: Applications open 1 Sept for Women in Finance and Economics, worth up to $50,000 each. Find out more at

Email scholarships@fpa.com.au  for more information.

Torrens University – Early Entry Program, closing 30 September Apply now to secure your place at Torrens University through our Early Entry Program. A conditional offer is open to all Year 12 students in NSW, QLD and SA and applying is easy. Give yourself some peace of mind as you go into your exam period. No cost to apply, no obligations and can be deferred. Closes 30 September. Find out more:

The Women's College within The University of Sydney Multiple scholarships for academic merit, leadership, co-curricular talent and financial need. Other scholarships include regional/rural students, indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students, government school students, students with an education disadvantage/low SES schools/areas applying for The University of Sydney E12 scholarships. Closing date 5 Oct. More info:

UNSW Women in Engineering Scholarships Program applications are OPEN! The UNSW Women in Engineering Scholarships Program is accepting applications until 30/09/2021. With multiple Faculty scholarships on offer valued at $10k per annum for the min. duration of the program, as well as donor scholarships available, female-identifying Year 12 students with an interest in engineering are encouraged to apply!

Macquarie University Macquarie Leaders and Achievers has reopened. Given the current situation in NSW, we have reopened this scheme for Year 12 students. Applications are now open and will close on Sunday 19 September. Visit

ACU Guarantee Guarantee your place at ACU before your Year 12 exams. The ACU Guarantee program offers eligible Year 12 students a place at ACU based on your Year 11 results. Applications close Friday 24 September 2021. Apply now:

Western Sydney University Schools can book a “Virtual Visit” to Western featuring tailored presentations for years 10, 11 & 12 and short Q & A sessions. Students hear from current Western students and staff about scholarships, early entry, alternative pathways to uni, campus life, the range of inspiring courses offered and more. Register now:

Southern Cross University Given the current situation in NSW, Southern Cross University has extended its Early Offer Program (STAR) to remain open for applications until September 30, 2021. Schools’ recommendations are now due by October 13, 2021 To Apply: scu.edu.au/star

Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities

Hay Inc Rural Education Program Hay Inc invite school leavers to apply for the 2022 intake of their hands-on skills training program in sheep and beef cattle handling and general farming skills conducted in the Hay area. The short course and practical experience provide a springboard to a career in agriculture. Details and application form are available on their website

Apprenticeships and Traineeships via Mid Coast Connect

Any students who are interested in an Apprenticeship or Traineeship can contact any of the local Traineeship Providers and the details for Mid Coast Connect are below.

If anyone would like to come and talk to me about anything Careers, they can email me or put their name down on the sheets attached to my office door.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

Term 4 2021

Term 1 2022

All you need to know about Vaccinating children 12 and up

For anyone interested in knowing more about COVID vaccination, please click on the link below:

ASPIRE Auditions

Audition information can be found at

and also on our Facebook page

Job Connect

Job Connect is free, customised support for young people provided by Mid Coast Connect's Local Youth Pathways Coordinator, Andrew.

Resumes, cover letters and job applications assistance applying for identification, documents, tax file number, bank account and MyGov account interview preparation work readiness, work wear and PPE ongoing mentoring and coaching.

Job Connect is for:

15 - 19 years’ old
looking for a job
not at school
not in training
working less than 8 hours per week (or casually) Young people Connecting work ready young people with local job opportunities

Andrew wants to help you figure out what you WANT to do next and support you to get there!

If you're keen to enter this program, please refer to contact Andrew directly or complete a referral today:

If you'd like to use online means, we have a video on YouTube:

or Facebook:

MidCoast Library

Taree Community Kitchen Volunteer Support

CatholicCare’s Taree Community Kitchen, located at 250 Victoria Street Taree, is looking to expand our Food Support Service to provide a Saturday Brunch, to help feed vulnerable members in our community.  We are hoping to ask if your school community or school families would be interested in volunteering to assist this program.

Please contact Michelle Robinson via contact details below if you are interested or have any questions.

MICHELLE ROBINSON
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR CATHOLICCARE SOCIAL SERVICES HUNTER-MANNING
M - 0447 184 917
841 Hunter St | Newcastle West NSW 2302
Email  mrobinson@catholiccare.org.au
Visit us online www.catholiccare.org.au

P & F Association Parent News