Dear Parents & Friends of St Clare’s

I hope you and your loved ones are safe, fit and well.

St Clare’s continues to operate under Level 3 COVID-19 guidelines.  Staff and students are expected to wear masks while inside and use COVID safe hygiene practices.  Community gatherings and visits to the school by parents and service providers continues to be limited and can only be conducted under strict conditions.  The downgrading of our Level 3 status will be made by Health Authorities and is dependent on the level and spread of the virus in our local government area.

As you can imagine, there are specific health guidelines the school has to undertake in preparation for HSC Exams which run from Tuesday, 9 November to Wednesday, 1 December (final day for St Clare’s High School students).  A full list of instructions about the exams, expectations around COVID prevention and provisions the school has made, if an outbreak is reported at the school, will be published to students, parents and staff next week.  My thanks to Assistant Principal, Learning & Teaching Theresa Avery and HSC Exam Supervisor Wayne Thomson for their excellent preparation over the past few weeks.

Lucy Green, Charlie Pitt, Medinah Wells & Lachlan Monks

Last week we announced the St Clare’s Student Leadership group for the 2022 school year.  The School Captains, Charlie Pitt and Medinah Wells, will lead a strong and committed group of leaders who have a major part to play in the ongoing development of St Clare’s school culture.  All of our leaders has been appointed to a specific role and will coordinate their activities with the Student Representative Council:

• School Captains – Charles Pitt and Medinah Wells
• Vice Captains – Lachlan Monks and Lucy Green
• Leader of Year 7 – Haley Patel
• Leader of Year 8 – Alexandra Cross
• Leader of Year 9 – Nicholas Avery
• Leader of Year 10 – Danica Potts
• Leader of Year 11 – Seren Everingham
• Leader of the Environmental Group – Cassidy Donovan
• Leader of the Vinnies Group – Leanne Curtis

Each of these students has shown commitment and passion for St Clare’s and all who serve our community.  They will be wonderful ambassadors for St Clare’s over the coming months.

We are delighted to announce we are fast approaching our capacity of student enrolments in Year 7 for 2022.  If you have any friends or siblings who are yet to lodge an application for enrolment, please encourage them to do so quickly to ensure they avoid disappointment.

A little further into the newsletter you will find a series of reports around the diversity of learning opportunities our dedicated staff offer the young people in our care.  I am very proud of the way the St Clare’s community has continued to offer your sons and daughters an excellent Catholic Education under very testing conditions.  Students, parents and staff have shown an admirable level of persistence and resilience in the face of the pandemic which will continue to influence our lives for some time to come.  Thank you to all for your prayers and support as we work together to ensure the wellbeing and learning of the young people in our care.

God bless

Peter Nicholls
Principal

NSW Health have advised that remaining routine vaccinations for Term 4 within the school program will be cancelled commencing immediately.

This decision has been made due to concerns of potential exposure and uncertainty around snap closures due to a positive case within a school.

Parents are advised for their child to attend their GP for completion of their vaccinations for this year.

Sorry for the inconvenience with this late change of plan in this ever changing COVID space, but it is out of our control at this stage.

Hunter New England Local Health District

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

Saturday, 30 October 2021

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

Sunday, 31 October 2021

31^st Sunday in Ordinary Time
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

COVID-19 MASS ATTENDANCE RULES AND REGULATIONS:

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. Anyone under the age of 12 years are exempted.

Further updates can be viewed on the Taree Parish Website: 

Prayer Point – 31^st Sunday in Ordinary Time:  31 October

Jesus replied, 'This is the first:

Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.

The second is this:

You must love your neighbour as yourself.
There is no commandment greater than these.'

Deuteronomy 6:2-6

Sounds easy, doesn’t it?
When I read it in the light of what I do, I get stuck at “Listen…”

Have a great fortnight,

Denise Ryan
Ministry Coordinator

The St Clare’s community is inspired by Gospel Values and the practical examples of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and St Clare of Assisi.  Our mission focuses on growth and wellbeing.  This is of particular importance given the recent trying times.  As such, students within our school will be participating in a wellbeing program in 2022, which will be rolled out during CLARE classes every morning.  This program is based on Positive Education, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Health.

Each student, from 7 to 10, will be issued with a Wellbeing Journal and encouraged to write their thoughts, feelings and experiences based on specific activities within the journal.  Each year group has a slightly different focus.  Year 7 focuses on ensuring students’ understandings of wellbeing and resilience.  Year 8 focuses on adopting growth mindsets and learning how to do good to feel good and feel good to do good.  Year 9 focuses on learning how to tap into optimism, hope, determination, choice and resilience.  Year 10 focuses on creating maintaining and valuing respectful relationships.

With your help we hope this will provide valuable support to every student in the St Clare’s community.

Marian Parvin
Year 7 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement

Throughout Term 3, Year 8 English students undertook the study of a drama playscript, learning about characters, dramatic conventions and what is involved in the staging a theatrical production.  As part of their study in this module, students took on the role of director, make-up artist, costume designer, set designer and promotions manager, creating a portfolio of work demonstrating their vision for a theatrical production of the dramatic text they studied.  The results were remarkable and sure would give some professionals in the industry a run for their money.  Year 8 English teachers are so proud of the commitment shown by students during the learning from home period, where most of this incredible work was completed.  Well done Year 8, you sure are a talented bunch.

Kerrie Davy
Leader of Learning English Studies

Technology class 8-3 recently produced their clock projects.  They used metal and plastic to house the clock motor and other components.  They used a range of tools and machines in its manufacture.  The school laser machine etched their chosen image.  Congratulations to all students on your effort and skill.

Mr Hutchison
TAS Teacher

Last week we farewelled our Year 12 of 2021.  This group has shown so much love and support for each other during these challenging times and relished the chance to share a week together before beginning their final exams.

Their journey is best captured in the words of their incredible Year Coordinator, Mr Tim Masters who said:

“Today the whole St Clare’s community celebrating you.  This is the most wonderful group of young people to have been involved with.  You have all grown into the amazing young adults we see today, and I am privileged and humbled to have spent this time with each of you.

Our stories, lives, and words are woven into each other.  It is the culmination of six years doing life shoulder to shoulder.  This is our togetherness.  I am so thankful to have been a part of this journey with you Year 12”.

Mr Tim Masters & Year 12 Students

We will miss you Year 12 and thank you for everything you have contributed to St Clare’s. All the best in your upcoming exams!

 Hannah Van Arendonk & Ms Stacy Posadas

Callam Howard
Creative Arts Teacher

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

This week sees the end of Week 4 Term 4.  Looking at the greenery surrounding us here on the Mid North Coast shows us what a wonderful area and country we live in.

Good luck to everyone who is about to begin their HSC exams in the coming weeks.  The Year 12 students ran their end of school assembly and activities last week.  They did an excellent job with this and showed what a wonderful group of young people they are.

I would like to remind anyone that is applying for EAS via UAC that the due date for all of this information is:

• Midnight Friday, 17 December 2021 to ensure you receive your eligibility letter in time to change your preferences for Round 2.

The SRS offers will come out at the following times:

1. First offers released on Friday, 12 November
2. Second offers released on Thursday, 25 November
3. Third offers released on Thursday, 9 December

I have already worked with quite a few students in regard to this and I am happy to help with anything else that I can.  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.  This can be via Zoom if necessary.

Over the coming weeks I am hoping to run the My Future Finder activity with the Year 10 students.  This is an excellent program which gets the students to consider their options post school and looks at their personality types.  I will be liaising with UNE over the next couple of weeks with regard to this.  They provide us with this program.

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 and Mid Coast Council have advertised several positions for 2022.  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 Year Group Careers OneNote which all the students should have access to.

With regard to some of these positions, the student needs to come and see me for further information.  That information is in the email if relevant.

Below is a wealth of information for parents and students regarding numerous post school pathways, courtesy of the Careers Association of Australia.

Course Changes & New Courses

Bond University Bond University's new innovative degrees in Digital, Entrepreneurial, Health and Legal Transformation prepare students for careers of the future; combining discipline studies, transdisciplinary subjects and work integrated learning. Working collaboratively to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, students graduate in just two years with a professional portfolio -

Courses & Workshops for Students

Young Change Agents Free design-thinking based education workshops are available to schools to help your students develop the crucial mindset, skillset and toolset required for their future! Book your workshop now:

Australian Careers Business College NSW Govt Funded Job Trainer Courses Australian Careers Business College ACBC is now taking applications for enrolment into seven different part-qualifications. These courses are fully subsidised by the NSW Government as part of its ‘Skilling for Recovery’ initiative.

MedEntry UCAT Prep Free UCAT Bootcamp For parents, aspiring Medical students and Careers Advisers. Dr Ray, Gastroenterologist at Monash Health, offers UCAT mini test, discusses 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!

Western Sydney University The College RTO is offering fee-free 3-4 day courses from November to January aimed to upskill the community. Valuable for students leaving in year 10 and year 12, as well as parents/caregivers. Participants who upskill will receive a Statement of Attainment.

Focal Holdings Pty Ltd t/a Australian College of Community Care and The Illawarra Business College Focal Holdings Pty Ltd, RTO ID 90191, is now enrolling students in NSW Government-subsidised, accredited short courses.  Executive Assistant Skills, Commercial Cookery, Individual Support, Disability and Team Leader courses are starting soon as part of the Government’s Summer Skills Program. Limited places. Ring Dani on 0423 428 467 for further information or view

for details.

Jschool Journalism College Newswriting Basics is a micro journalism course offered to senior secondary students this summer by Jschool Journalism College. Details at

Another option is the full introductory journalism unit from the Diploma of Journalism, and/or the shorthand (speed writing) unit:

For further information phone or text 0493099463.

Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia Young Australians get insights of jobs in agriculture with #AgVenture Careers ExpoYou are invited to join in to learn about the many and varied jobs in agriculture with National Farmers Federation AgVenture Careers Expo. Beginning Monday 25 October for Years 10, 11 and 12 students. Go here to register:

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

Sydney Design School Applications open to study interior design in 2022. Live Online Info Session

AIT (Academy of Information Technology) Watch creative demonstrations in Animation, 3D Design, VFX Film, Game and Mobile App Development on the AIT (Academy of Information Technology) YouTube channel:

Join AIT for further new and exclusive live creative demonstrations at AIT Open Day on Saturday 27 November, 10am to 4pm. Register:

TAFE NSW   Launch your Career in Early Childhood Education & Care – Live Webinar Event, 4 Nov at 10am

Study at ACU Pathways to ACU Webinar If you didn’t receive the ATAR you were hoping for, join us online on Thursday 9 December 2021 from 12 – 1pm to hear more about your entry pathway options, including diplomas and our Foundation Studies program. Register now:

Launch your Career in Early Childhood Education & Care – Live Webinar Event, 4 Nov at 10am Join the Department of Education and TAFE NSW to explore the Early Childhood Education industry. Students will get a first-hand look at roles within this rewarding career path where graduates can develop the minds of infants/toddlers, provide preschool education, or help children with disabilities achieve their full potential.

Western Sydney University Year 12 students, parents and teachers are invited to attend the Discover Western webinar on 7 December at 4pm and hear from Western staff and current university students why 47,500 students have chosen to study at Western. Register now:

Academy of Interactive Entertainment Are you passionate about making FILM your career?Discover courses in Filmmaking and Virtual Production at AIE's Film Career Day on Saturday 30 October 2021. AIE Sydney and Canberra will be opening their doors to future filmmakers eager to find out how to get started in 2022. Registrations are essential and can be found at -

Jobs & Work Experience for Students

Cotton Australia Students wanting to start a career in agriculture or have a unique experience (while being paid) before starting tertiary education can try cotton. Cotton Jobs Australia has been launched to connect prospective employees with cotton growers looking to attract Year 12 leavers to help maintain and pick the 2021/22 crop through a simple online form. Apply today:

Letz Live New Gap Year Programme! Letz Live have launched a Camp Assistant programme in the UK. Any school leaver who may have missed out on a Gap Year for 2022 will be pleased to know this 6-8 month programme starts March/April 2022. Working at an outdoor activity camp these are paid roles with accommodation and meals included.

Resources for Students

CareerHQ Pty Ltd Introducing CareerHQ's How To Find A Job Program. A ten module course aimed at helping students feel more confident when looking for their first job and giving them tools they can use throughout their career including resume writing, finding opportunities and interview preparation.

Local Government NSW Local Government offers a surprisingly large number of career opportunities in every community across Australia. Students interested in planning, engineering, environmental management or a career outdoors in parks and gardens maintenance, road construction, water and wastewater treatment or a career in community services, should check out Careers at Council -

40 free new career pathway brochures to help guide your students TAFE NSW has recently published documents to help guide your students who are looking for career options, new skills, and VET to support current and future employment trends. Developed in consultation with key industry partners, these brochures are perfect for students to find their pathway at TAFE NSW

Western Sydney University Senior high school students can visit the Year 12 Information Hub to find all the information they need to get started on their journey to university, including: course information, upcoming events, how uni works, and more all in one convenient place:

Beyond Y11 students - Start your HSC with FREE amazing resources from senior markers and expert teachers.  Access premium study notes, quizzes and videos. Register for Beyond now to receive hundreds of premium resources:

MyCareerMatch Go to resource for year 9 - 12 students to discover careers they're best suited to. MyCareerMatch is a low cost, easy to use personality career resource mapping what they are good at with careers requiring those qualities. Includes workbook, teacher guide, home study and resume advice, and as part of CSIRO digital careers, a report matching students to technology careers.

Charles Sturt University Resources For Year 12 Students This year has been filled with uncertainty for Year 12 students, we’d like to assure them they’re making the right decision when they preference Charles Sturt as number one on their UAC or VTAC application. We've collated some information and guidance to help explore their options:

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Study Work Grow Are your students applying for Early Entry? [Free Guide] In 2021, there's been a huge increase in the number of University Early Entry Programs available to Year 12 students across Australia. We've found all of the details and put them into an $18 guide that you and your students can access for FREE for a limited time here:

99aupairs Au Pair - Cultural Experience opportunity Melbourne & Sydney Step out of your comfort zone. Experience a different lifestyle. Live in a different location. Get quality accommodation, generous pocket money, and gain experience for your future career. Get ready to travel and live in Melbourne or in Sydney for FREE! Enquire now and send your CV to support@99aupairs.com  or call +61 468 918 536 today!"

PATRICK'S COLLEGE AUSTRALIA (St Patrick's Business College) •Enrolling now for students in Years 10, 11 or 12 who would consider becoming Legal Secretaries, Personal Assistants (PAs), Executive Assistants (EAs) or Administrative Staff for Sydney’s top law firms and companies – Please Do Let Me Know! We are looking forward to teaching the 99th business admin cohort (2022) to go through the College.  Scholarships are still available.

Study a Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/Bachelor of Laws at ACU To apply for a Ramsay scholarship valued at up to $150,000, you can now submit an existing piece of written work with an arts and humanities focus for your written submission. Applications close on 31 January 2022. Learn more:

ACU accommodation scholarships 2022 Thinking of living at an ACU residence in Sydney, Ballarat or Canberra? We offer a variety of different accommodation options to suit your needs, making it simple to live close to uni. We also have generous accommodation scholarships available for 2022 to support your move. Find out more:

Fees shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your dreams at ACU, ACU has worked hard to make fees simple and transparent, with a range of financial assistance options. You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award every year. Learn about scholarship types, payment methods and how to apply at our scholarships hub. Visit the scholarships hub:

Western Sydney University The next round of applications for scholarships open on 18 October. The Western Scholarships page offers information on the scholarships available and a helpful four-step guide to help students put forward their best application. Find out more:

Southern Cross University Take your training to the next level. Graduating with a Certificate or Diploma? Find out how you can earn direct entry to a Bachelors degree, and save time and money. Your work or voluntary experience may also substitute a tertiary qualification for entry and credit. Find out more here:

Southern Cross University Southern Cross University have updated our scholarships search and application function so it is easier than ever to apply. With one simple application and many scholarships, you can start being considered for scholarships before you even accept an offer to study. Check it out here:

Charles Sturt University Scholarships Scholarships are now open. Your students could be eligible for the Tertiary Access Payment; it's a $5000 payment to school-leavers from outer regional or remote areas who relocate to undertake full-time, higher-level tertiary education. Browse all scholarships here:

Australian Pacific College (APC) Get into University no matter your ATAR! Australian Pacific College now offers 15 university pathway partners including University of Wollongong, Torrens University, Le Cordon Bleu, University of Southern Queensland, Griffth University and Bond University. Learn more at

or contact Pam at (02) 90542447.            

Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) FPA Scholarship Program now OPEN, Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA).The Financial Planning Association of Australia strongly supports the education and upskilling of all financial planners and aspiring financial planners.

Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities

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-

Local Government NSW Councils across NSW are now recruiting apprentices and trainees in a range of vocations - business services, horticulture, civil construction, IT etc. Look out for school-based and post-school traineeships and apprenticeships on Careers at Council -

TABMA TABMA GTO welcome students and career advisers to enquire about our current apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities within the timber and building materials industries. TABMA operate across NSW & ACT and offer carpentry, cabinetry, frame and truss, timber sales and warehousing plus more! please visit

or contact recruitment@tabma.com.au for further information.

Other News

William Angliss Institute Sydney October will be an exciting month for Angliss Sydney as over the next few weeks, students begin to return to campus for practical classes. As the campus is fully open, course advisors are available for course chat appointments to answer all inquiries on Foods, Hospitality and Event Management programs. Appointments can be booked instantly at:

Engineers Australia - Learn about who makes up the Engineering Team within our society. Interested in learning more about the different pathways to Engineering? Engineering projects are created and delivered by the engineering team, a team consisting of Professional Engineers, Engineering Technologists and Engineering Associates and each has their own important role to play. Visit Engineering Team to learn more about the differences between these roles.

I would like to remind anyone that unfortunately Work Experience is unable to go ahead at this stage.  As soon as we are able to resume Work Experience I will let everyone know.

If anyone would like to come and talk to me about anything 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

Lifeline Counselling

APC News October 2021 - your latest update from the Australian Parents Council

Welcome to the latest edition of APC News.

Catch up with all our latest views and news via the link below: