Dear Parents & Friends of St Clare’s

Welcome to Term 4.  I hope you and your loved ones are fit, safe and well.  The recent lockdown has been an added complication in a challenging 20 months for all in the St Clare’s community.

I am pleased to report that students and staff have commenced the term in good spirits and that the return to face-to-face teaching has been well received by all in our care.

Year 12 2021

A significant element in the successful return to school is the goodwill that we share with each other as we recover from the disruption the pandemic has caused in our lives.  For some in our community, the lack of predictability has undermined their self-confidence and caused them to have a pessimistic view of the world.  While this mindset is not wildly held in our school community, which has shown a high level of energy and resilience since March 2020, we have changed the Term 4 timetable to allow a broader focus on positive relationships and personal wellbeing among students and school staff.  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday will commence with a 25-minute pastoral care session which will focus on individual wellbeing and care for those with whom the students share their day.  Years 7 to 9 will trial the use of a professionally produced wellbeing journal and will engage in activities to encourage personal growth and a healthy mindset.  St Clare’s staff will lead the students in a number of discussions and activities that will reinforce a sense of personal worth and broaden their understanding of how to monitor their personal wellbeing.

The Year 10 program will include students completing the NESA mandated All My Own Work package and Minimum Standards Testing in preparation for the HSC.  The group will also focus on mindfulness and stress management during pastoral lessons.

Many scientific studies have made the strong connection regarding the importance of exercise and its positive influence on mental health.  As the current COVID health guidelines do not allow Thursday’s traditional sport program to take place, Years 7 to 10 will have a Year Level specific sporting session designed to encourage participation, teamwork, physical movement and fun throughout the school week.  Through discussion, journaling and initiatives that promote teamwork and fun, we will assist the young people in our care to be thoughtful and supportive friends, who take responsibility for their personal wellbeing and learning.

A little further into the newsletter you will find information regarding the annual Tell Them From Me Survey.  I hope you are able to find time to complete the survey and help us provide the best possible learning environment for all members of our community.

This week we have interviewed for positions in English, Maths and Science.  We had a strong field of candidates and look forward to announcing the new members of our academic staff in coming weeks.

Interviews for our School Captains were also held this week.  It was a pleasure to be part of the panel and hear the passion and aspirations that our senior students have for their peers and St Clare’s High School.  The Principal’s Panel included Student Representative Council Coordinator Jeremy Hobbes, Staff Member Eloise Thomas, Principal Peter Nicholls and our current School Captains Hannah Van Arendonk and Patrick Guthridge.  Announcements regarding the successful applicants will be made on Monday.

We can expect a number of changes to the pandemic health guidelines over coming weeks.  At present we continue to operate under NSW Government educational rules that require staff and students to wear masks inside and outside the school grounds.  Staff are encouraging the use of hand sanitiser and reinforcing that coughing and sneezing should be done into one’s elbow.  If your son or daughter is unwell, please keep them home until they are fully recovered.

Staff at St Clare’s are focusing on the health and safety of all members of the school community.

I hope all in our community are experiencing a glimmer of hope as we move into the next phase of the pandemic experience.

Thank you to all - students, parents and staff for the continued care and support you have shown each other over the past 20 months.

God bless

 

Peter Nicholls
Principal

HAVE YOUR SAY - Tell Them From Me (TTFM®.) Survey – Opens 20 October

We are asking you to participate in a survey conducted by Tell Them From Me© (TTFM).  The survey data provided us with valuable feedback on what our students, staff and parents think about school life, including faith, learning, wellbeing, engagement and safeguarding.

The information gathered from this survey helps our school community to be better informed about what we are doing well, where we need to focus more attention and how we can sharpen our planning to ensure we achieve improved outcomes for our students.

Commencing 20 October 2021, parents, students, and staff will be given the opportunity to participate in this survey.  The survey takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete.

Participation in the survey is voluntary. If you would prefer your child to opt out of the survey, please read and complete letter below and return to the school bursar.

We use the feedback you provide us to action strategies for improvement.

We want all (children/young people) in our schools to thrive and we know that working together, listening and sharing ideas helps all students.

If you have questions about this survey, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email:  admin@tareesc.catholic.edu.au

Theresa Avery
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Mass Times

Forster-Tuncurry Catholic Parish

Due to government restrictions on the number of attendees we can have in the church, we ask you to please register your attendance for our weekend Masses.  You can register for Mass through our website (cut off time is 3 pm Friday).

REGISTER FOR MASS

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

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.

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

Taree Catholic Parish

Due to community transmission of COVID-19 within our area and restrictions that continue to impact our Parish, it has been decided not to reopen our churches this week for the celebration of Masses and other liturgies.

At this stage, there will be no Mass or SCAE services in our Mass Centres until 25 October 2021.

In remembrance of All Saints Day, a Holy Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Rosary Church Taree on Sunday, 31 October at 9:30 am.

Further updates can be viewed on the Taree Parish Website: 

Prayer Point – 29^th Sunday in Ordinary Time:  17 October

A reading from the letter to the Hebrews

“…..For it is not as if we had a high priest who was incapable of feeling our weaknesses with us; but we have one who has been tempted in every way that we are, though he is without sin. Let us be confident, then, in approaching the throne of grace, that we shall have mercy from him and find grace when we are in need of help….”

Hebrews 4:14-16

Jesus was 100% human.
Like us in every way.
Except he didn’t sin like we do.
Was he capable of failing to love others as we do?  Yes, but he didn’t.
He was also really good at letting God be God, just like we aren’t.
So, when we need help we know we’re asking ‘someone’ who knows how we feel.
And we’ll find compassion not condemnation.  Grace not grimace.
We are loved 100%.

Have a great week,
Denise Ryan
Ministry Coordinator

Pope Video for October

Please find below the link for the Pope Video for October:  “Missionary Disciples”

Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation

Throughout Term 3, Year 9 English students learned about the Elizabethan Era, William Shakespeare’s context, his play Romeo and Juliet and why his work is still important today.  The learning module will also involve studying various film appropriations of the play and how the ideas and meaning, although modified to suit modern audiences, remain relevant in our time.

To end the term, students took the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and understanding of the play by creating their own masks for a 21^st Century COVID safe Capulet Ball.  With this contemporary twist in mind, students adopted the persona of a character from the play and put their artistic skills to the test.  Amidst the feathers, stickers, beads, glitter, and mess emerged wonderful creations from some very creative and critical minds.

Ms Davy
Leader of Learning English Studies

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

Welcome back to Term 4 - the final term for the year.  We have all done well to traverse the many obstacles which have popped up along the way so far.  What is that old saying?  “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.

I would like to start off this edition of Careers Corner by wishing the Year 12 students the very best of luck with their upcoming HSC exams which begin in a couple of weeks.  I would also like to encourage the students to think about their post school pathways if they have not already done so.  I am happy to help with anything that I can with regard to this.  Students and/or parents can contact me by phone (6552 3300) or by email (karen.mccann@mn.catholic.edu.au) to arrange a suitable time to meet.

Over the past weeks I have received quite a few emails from employers looking for students to fill positions.  Mid Coast Connect and VERTO send me information about apprenticeships and traineeships in our area.  I have emailed all the information to the students in Years 10, 11 and 12. So please CHECK YOUR EMAILS.

I also put the information in the relevant Year Group Careers OneNote which all the students should have access to, and the information is placed in the Careers section of the school website.  There is a newsletter (CL) which is in the Year 10, 11 and 12 Careers OneNote.  This is in the Content Library, in the Apprenticeships and Traineeships section - titled Careers Links.  This has 50 plus pages of apprenticeships, traineeships and vacancies in the Hunter region.

With regard to some of the emailed positions, students need to come and see me for further information.

Students are still able to register for UAC if they wish to consider a university pathway next year, however the cost is now $200 to do this.  Most Early Entry pathways are closed, however there are several universities which allow applications direct to the university with no application fee.

Below is a wealth of information for parents and students regarding numerous post school pathways, courtesy of the Careers Association of Australia.  There are links to many different short courses and Traineeship opportunities as well as university and TAFE information.

Course Changes & New Courses

Australian Pacific College (APC) At Australian Pacific College we've expanded our range of design courses! We're now offering Design Fundamentals, Graphic Design, Interior Design and Fashion. More info:

Study a Bachelor of Youth Work at ACU Blacktown This three year full-time degree is now available to study at our Blacktown campus. Through this course, students will develop skills to improve young people’s social and personal development. Undergraduate students will complete 500 hours of professional placement across two practical experiences. Learn more about youth work at ACU:

Southern Cross University Southern Cross launches new Speech Pathology facilities at Coffs Harbour Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour campus has unveiled its new $500,000 Speech Pathology facilities, including a new Health Clinic due to open to the public next year.

Training Services NSW  Summer skills is back! The NSW Government will offer fee-free short courses for school leavers aged 16 to 24. From mid-October, students will be able to enrol on a wide range of courses to kick off their careers and find summer jobs in different NSW destinations. More information is coming soon. Suggest your students to register their interest today at

TAFE NSW Volvo Apprenticeship Program The Program provides school leavers with an exciting and challenging opportunity to receive formal qualifications through extensive product training while in full-time employment. Utilising the national network of Volvo Retail Centres, Volvo offers a comprehensive three-year Apprenticeship Program.

Academy of Interactive Entertainment Study Games & Film, Apply Today at Academy of Interactive Entertainment Study practical courses in 3D Art, Game Programming, Game Design and Virtual Production in a studio-simulated environment under industry experts. AIE’s graduates are industry-ready and immediately employable. Secure your place now

UNSW Girls in Engineering Club Summer Intensive Program Competition For high school girls in Years 10 – 12 looking for a global engineering experience, enter the GIE Club Summer Intensive Program Competition to win a place in the program worth $500! UNSW has 10 places to award to the best competition entries. Winners will undertake an international humanitarian engineering program. More info:

myfuture Industry Insights webinar Myfuture insights into Career Education in Primary School. If you haven’t seen the webinar yet, it is worth looking at at this

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

William Angliss Institute Sydney If your students are interested in learning more about the Hospitality Industry - you can now request a Virtual information session delivered by our course adviser at William Angliss Institute! Prospective learners can explore everything they need to know about programs on offer in the areas of Foods, Hospitality, Travel & Tourism and Events. For more information email kristin.nguyen@angliss.edu.au

Resourcing Inclusive Communities School to Work Online Workshop - Parents will equip themselves with the skills, knowledge and confidence to find meaningful, paid work for their secondary student with disability.  We welcome parents/family members of students with disability in years 7-12 . Students, educators, disability sector staff and employers are welcome too.  For more info, dates/times and to register visit

Engineers Australia Engineering your Future webinars Mon 5-6pm - coming up! 11/10 Dolby's OPaL lab tour; 18/10 Cochlear's life changing work; 25/10 design & build our first Heart Hospital. Who? Yrs 7-12, Teachers, Parents. Register:

TAFE NSW TAFE NSW and UTS Engineering Pathway Webinar – Thursday, 21 October at 4.30pm. Join us to explore future careers in engineering with a TAFE NSW and UTS innovative pathway program on Thursday, 21 October at 4.30pm. Registrations are mandatory and close Wednesday, 20 October.

Academy of Information Technology (AIT) Academy of Information Technology (AIT) will be holding a Virtual Open Day on Saturday 27 November 2021, 10am - 4pm. Students will have the chance to hear from AIT course advisors, educators & recent graduates. This is the ideal opportunity to explore study options and career paths in Film, Animation, Games & Mobile App Development. Register via

Western Sydney University Sporting careers are an attractive option for Indigenous students, but some may not know where to start or what jobs are on offer. On Thursday 2 December, join Western's current students, staff and industry professionals and explore all the different paths to a career in sport. Register now:

Crimson Education Uber Internship Program Information Session: Do you want to intern at Uber? Crimson’s Uber Internship Program is a 1 month intensive work experience for gifted high school students. Register for this free info session to learn more about the program.Thursday 21st October 6:00PM AEDT. Register here:

Jobs & Work Experience for Students

Letz Live Limited vacancies for January 2022 Gap Year programmes. Boarding School Assistant roles: all boys boarding schools seeking male candidates in the UK and New Zealand. Boarding School Kitchen Staff/Housekeeping roles: all girls boarding school seeking female candidates in the UK.

Resources for Students

Beyond With the HSC fast approaching - Beyond has you covered. Learn to tackle your procrastination, nail your scholarship applications, manage stress and prepare for the HSC with subject specific materials. All FREE. See the October schedule at

CareerHQ Our 'How To Find A Job' course is now live. We've created a 10 module course with an attached workbook which can be done in a class setting or individually. The course gives students more confidence when finding a job by giving them all the tools they need; finding opportunities, resume writing, interview prep, calming nerves and getting feedback.

ACU Year 12 Revision Webinars  Our year 12 revision webinars were recorded and have been uploaded to the BEYOND website. To access these revision webinars, students need to sign up for free to access these resources using this link:

Recordings are found in the ‘Year 12 Support Materials’ section and located under each relevant HSC subject tile.

Southern Cross University "Don’t stress and enjoy the moment: top tips for finishing Year 12 and starting uni

Study Medicine Latest deadline info for high school students applying for med is

Medicine Offer Quiz assists students understand their chance to be accepted

Subscribe for detailed info/dates on all Aust medicine degree applications

Job Jumpstart New Resources on youth employment website – Job Jumpstart New resources on Job Jumpstart include:

• Job search in a digital world page– Information and tips to help you with your online job search, including preparing for video and phone interviews
• Job search 101: What should you do before you start
• Preparing for Video and Phone interviews
• Impress employers with your online profile

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Australian Pacific College (APC) Explore diploma-to-degree pathways into university at Australian Pacific College! Study a diploma and get direct entry into 1 of 14 higher education providers. Learn more at apc.edu.au or contact Pam at (02) 90542447.                                          

Patrick's College Australia (St Patrick's Business College)Careers Adviser Referrals - Scholarship & Early Entry Program Patrick's College Australia (St Patrick's Business College) We still have a few Scholarships left for the February 2022 cohort of the BSB50120 Diploma of Business. To begin the process, it is as simple as writing a short paragraph of recommendation for the student interested in Patrick’s College and sending it to my email (jacobm@pca.edu.au ). Thank you.

CQUniversity STEPS is a FREE enabling course that is designed to help you get the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to gain entry and meet the requirements for most CQUniversity undergraduate course. You can study STEPS fully online and it’s available for Term 1, 2, and 3 intakes. Find out more about STEPS by visiting

CQUniversity The Principal’s Recommendation Scheme is an ideal entry pathway to CQUniversity for all Year 12 students, whether you’re studying ATAR or not. This means you no longer need to wait for your Year 12 results to receive an early offer for your course*. Applications are now open, find out more at

*Please note that some undergraduate courses are excluded from this scheme.

ACU Pathways Finder There are alternative pathways into a course if a student doesn’t receive the ATAR they were hoping for, including our Foundation Studies program, certificates and diplomas. Use the pathways finder tool to narrow down admission pathways for a study area or course of interest and explore your options.

ACU Foundation Studies pathway Don’t stress if a student didn’t get their desired ATAR. The Foundation Studies program is another pathway here to help you. This fee-free program will prepare students for study at ACU by immersing them in university life while introducing them to a range of foundation units.Learn more:

Western Sydney University Western’s HSC True Reward early offer program provides students an early offer based on their HSC results instead of a scaled ATAR. Students can apply by 11.59pm 28 November for the next True Reward based on Year 11 results with offers released on 9 December. Find out more:

Western Sydney University The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students an alternative entry into university. Assessment rounds will be held Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 December 2021 for 2022 commencement.

UNSW GIE FEAS Program: A new alternate pathway program for girls to UNSW Engineering! Launching in 2022 for high school girls in Year 11 and 12, the GIE FEAS Program is a new pathway program to UNSW Engineering that recognises students’ engagement with the UNSW Girls in Engineering Club and passion for engineering. For more information visit:

UNSW Indigenous Pre-programs and IAS applications are OPEN! The UNSW Science and Engineering Indigenous Preparatory Program is a free online program to support Indigenous students to transition to university and to apply for alternative entry into an UNSW Science or Engineering undergraduate degree. For more information about this, and the Indigenous Admission Scheme:

Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities

Thoroughbred Industry Careers Applications are open for the 2022 Explorer Cadetship, a 12-month education and training pathway in the Australian Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing Industry. Students will earn a wage for 9mths of the year and tuition fees are covered by Thoroughbred Industry Careers. If you have students who are passionate about horses, this program is the ultimate pathway.

Transport for NSW Transport for NSW are now advertising for trainees for the 2022 intake. Traineeships are in the areas of:

• Road Designer – Parramatta

• Road Designer – Newcastle

• Road Designer – Grafton

• Road Designer – Parkes

• Road Designer – Wagga

• Road Designer – Wollongong

• Traffic Engineering Officer - Parramatta

• Electrical Designer - Parramatta

TAFE NSW Start SBAT conversations now! School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) are more than just part time jobs. They are a great way for students to set themselves up for the career they want, while still completing their HSC. Now is the time to explore SBAT options-

Other News

Avondale University Avondale University offers bachelor degrees in Arts, Business, Teaching, Nursing and Ministry and a Certificate IV or Diploma in Outdoor Leadership. If you don't know much about Avondale University, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Bond University Applications via QTAC for the Bond Medical Program 2022 intake open on 13 January and close on 27 January. Due to our three-semester-per-year structure, students can complete the program in only 4 years, 8 months and experience personalised learning and state-of-the-art equipment. Visit

for information sessions, prerequisites, entry requirements and selection criteria.

Work Placement/Work Experience  

During Week 3 of this term (Term 4) the Construction and Hospitality students in Year 11 were supposed to complete their compulsory Work Placement in various businesses throughout the Manning.  This is the first half of their compulsory 70 Work Placement hours.  Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions we are unable to do this and will have to try again in 2022.  NESA have stated that the students will only have to complete 35 hours of Work Placement as a result of this.  It is a pity as this has led to job opportunities for many students in the past.  Fingers crossed for 2022.

I have also been informed by the CSO that students are unable to participate in Work Experience until further notice.  Hopefully this will change soon, and I will keep everyone updated with regard to this. 

We were hoping to run the RSA/RCG courses here at school for the Year 12 students next week before their HSC exams.  Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions we are unable to do this.  I have sent the students a link to RSA and RCG courses being run in Port Macquarie on 30 and 31 October.  This is the closest I have been able to find at this point.

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

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

Term 4 2021

Term 1 2022

Create and Connect Camp 

Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF) on the Coffs Coast 

The Nextwave Youth Short Film Competition is open to anyone in Australia between the ages of 10-25.

We have just extended the submissions deadline to 12 November 2021.  There is over $30,000 in prizes to be won, including prizes for Best School.

Please find all copy and images here:

School Zones

A reminder to all our parents that school zones remain in place for the safety of our children and families.  School zones operate on all gazetted school days, which are all days the school is open, even pupil free days.  School zones for our school will end on Friday, 17 December and resume on Friday, 28 January 2022.

Complaints Resolution for Parents and Carers