Dear Parents & Friends of St Clare’s

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

HSC exams commenced this week and it was wonderful to welcome our senior students onto the grounds to complete their secondary education.  While the annual exams always present particular challenges to students, the 2021 cohort has worked under extraordinary pressure and circumstances over the past two years, while preparing to sit their Higher School Certificate.

I am very proud of the way in which students have approached the many challenges that have been presented to them in their senior years.  They have shown resilience and perseverance and are a great credit to their families and our school.

I am pleased to report that the students made a great start to the exam period and reported that they felt that they had been well prepared by their teachers for the challenges ahead.

Over past month’s staff have been working on a review of the St Clare’s Vision & Mission Statement.  I am delighted to announce that the Bishop’s Office and Catholic Schools Office have endorsed the final draft which you will find at the link below:

The Vision & Mission Statement will inform the operation, style and form of all other policies and procedures that we follow at the school.  Parents, students and staff can expect to see regular reference to the document over coming years.

I thank Mark Spencer and St Clare’s Mission Coordinator Denise Ryan for their extensive input into the development of the document and St Clare’s staff who invested considerable thought and effort into construction of the statement.

St Clare’s continues to operate under Level 3 Guidelines.  This means that masks must be worn by students and staff while they are inside and that only adults who are twice vaccinated are able to enter the campus.  These guidelines have a considerable impact on the usual rites of passage and significant celebrations that the St Clare’s community enjoy towards the end of each school year.

Information regarding the Year 12 Graduation Ceremony (held at the school) and dinner to follow at the Racecourse has been sent to all Year 12 students and their families.  Attendance at these community gatherings is dependent on all adults being doubly vaccinated and presenting proof of vaccination at the point of entry to each venue.

The Year 10 Social will be held at Club Taree on Wednesday, 8 December.  It is a condition of entry to the Club that all guests (students and supervising teachers) are all doubly vaccinated.

While the pandemic continues to impact on the day-to-day lives of all in our community and there is considerable fatigue around the provisions under which we all have to live, our excellent staff are doing all in their power to ensure that the young people in our care are engaged in their learning.

The extra sporting sessions, special CLARE gatherings and guest presenters are designed to help the young people to maintain their wellbeing and mental health and to ensure that they emerge from the pandemic as people confident in their abilities and sensitive to the needs of others.

My thanks to Student Representative Council Coordinator Jeremy Hobbes and School Captains Charles Pitt, Medinah Wells, Lachlan Monks & Lucy Green for leading the St Clare’s Community Remembrance Day Reflection at 11 am, Thursday, 11 November.  Lest we forget.

You will be aware that COVID is present in our community.  If your son or daughter is even minimally “off colour” please keep them at home until they have recovered.

My thanks to parents, students and staff for your support of each other as we continue to work together to ensure the best outcomes for all the young people in our care.

God bless

Peter Nicholls
Principal

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, 13 November 2021

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

Sunday, 14 November 2021
33^rd 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 – Taree Youth Mass & Fr George’s Farewell

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 wear face Mask. Anyone under the age of 12 years are exempted.

Further updates can be viewed on the Taree Parish Website: 

The Pope Video

Those who suffer from depression or burnout.

Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart eNewsletter:

Upon graduating, our School Captain, Patrick Guthridge, wanted to send a final tribute to his peers by recording a song with all the musical talents of Year 12.  COVID guidelines challenged his vision to gather a whole ensemble in one space to perform the piece, but that did not stop him.

Patrick recorded each student individually and used all his talents in audio engineering to mix this cover of "I Hope You Dance" to inspire his year group to embrace life and all the opportunities that come their way after the conclusion of their school journey together.

Callam Howard
Creative Arts Teacher

Technology classes 7-2 and 7-3 recently produced their clock projects as part of the Mandatory Course.  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!

Year 7-2 and Year 7-3 Clock Projects

Mr Hutchison
TAS teacher

Acrylic techniques, mark making with paint brush variety and palette knives.  Year 8 Expressive ‘painterly’ Australian landscapes.

The next generation of printmakers!  Year 7 have excelled in new techniques and competing a 3 colour series of Linocut prints.

Wonderful artmaking in Stage 4, Year 7 & Year 8 artworks ready for virtual exhibitions on compass class pages and front office.

Lyndall Laurie
Visual Arts Teacher

Year 9 Drama have just completed their Melodrama unit and produced some excellent performances.  After being in lockdown, students were so excited to get back on the stage and start performing with each other.  Their character work was outstanding, and we saw tales of pirates, puppets and one very eager sheriff who was very keen to use dynamite to solve most problems.  Students used music to enhance their pieces, made their own props and enjoyed the opportunity to use costume and make up to bring their short productions to life.

Year 9 Drama

Callam Howard
Drama Teacher

On Friday we held a mufti day to raise awareness for Brain Cancer.  As a community we raised $732 for the Canteen Foundation's fight against brain cancer.  Students could also buy bandannas to show their support.  Thank you to the Senior Leadership Team and Mr Hobbes for all your organisation for this great cause.

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 6 Term 4.

Our Year 12 students have finally begun their HSC Exams and are on their way to finishing school.  We wish them the very best as they continue their exams.  Don’t forget Year 12, to eat well, get some sleep and exercise and have a regular study timetable.

Schools Recommendation Scheme

I have had many enquiries about SRS and have been told that some students have been notified and others not.  Some of the universities have contacted students and said that if the student puts their university at the top of their preference list on UAC, they will receive an offer.  Please be aware that some offers will be CONDITIONAL and depend on HSC results.  Once you have received an offer you can accept it and then change your preferences if that is what you wish to do.  If you don’t get an offer in the first round, you can still get an offer in later rounds and of course once your ATAR is released, you might receive an offer then.

The official 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

Educational Access Scheme

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.

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.

By the time this newsletter is published I will have had a team meeting with the Year 12 students to answer any questions they might have regarding university entry pathways.

My Future Finder Program

This week we completed the “My Future Finder” program with Year 10.  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.  Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about this.

Apprenticeships & Traineeships

Over the past few 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 MidCoast 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, interested students need to come and see me for further information.  That information is also 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

Engineers Australia Experience it! for girls Years 7-10 on Thurs 10 Feb 2022. Engineers Australia & our universities are planning a full day of great Engineering activity facilitated by University students. It is a hybrid event - student groups can attend in person at UTS Broadway, or online with facilitators zoomed into classrooms. Teachers register EOI here:

University of Newcastle The University of Newcastle is excited to introduce new diplomas for study in 2022 in addition to the Diploma in Engineering which commenced in 2021. The diplomas are a great option for students who don’t achieve the ATAR for direct entry into their dream degree. Students can apply or the diplomas via their UAC preferences. More information available on The University of Newcastle website.

CQUniversity Didn't get the ATAR you need or changed your mind about what course you want to study in 2022? We're here to help. Join our Online Chat Session to speak with our expert team and discover your options. Get guidance on how to change your preferences and learn more about CQUni's alternative pathways. Head over to our CQUniversity Facebook page on 17 December and send us a message real-time answers.

Courses & Workshops for Students

Living Planit Real Estate Academy Living Planit have some exciting Fee Free REAL ESTATE & EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE courses through Summer Skills initiative! The Real estate course will help gain a Certification of Registration, kickstarting your career into Sales Associate, Assistant Agent. Courses are via virtual classroom. Further Information & enrolments through

or contact Josh 0450465637

Bedford College Online fee-free 20-week course in Early Childhood Education for students aged 16-24. Courses begin in the month of November and is part of the Summer Skills program

For more information and enrolment, please contact Jane Ethan, Registrar, on 1300 174 174 or jethan@bedford.edu.au

Young Change Agents Young Change Agents is a national leader in youth entrepreneurial education. Their programs allow youth to exercise leadership, make decisions, and collaborate with others. Find out more about the range of programs on offer, including multiple delivery options such as virtual, F2F, or hybrid. To find out more, send an email to: hello@youngchangeagents.com  or go to:

Young Change Agents Join the Financial Wellbeing Youth Design Challenge! The challenge is an opportunity for young people to learn about financial concepts and design thinking by challenging them to find solutions to the question: “How might we introduce financial wellbeing at a younger age and make it friendly, relevant and engaging for young people?” For more information email:   hello@youngchangeagents.com  

TAFE NSW Launch your Career in Animation and Specific Effects Imagine creating characters and art for TV, film and video games for a living. Your students can tap into your inner creative with a career in this fast-paced industry that is continually expanding, making this career area more accessible and exciting than ever.

TAFE NSW Degrees Done Differently TAFE NSW’s offer a range of industry-aligned degrees taught by expert teachers that students can apply for without requiring an ATAR. From Fashion Design to Business and ICT – TAFE NSW offers students the skills they need for the job they want. Applications now open.

TAFE NSW Your students can get skills fit this summer Summer Skills is a fee-free short course program designed for school leavers from 16-24yrs, to support skill development over the summer months. Whether your students plan to attend TAFE NSW, uni, or have a gap year, TAFE NSW has a course that can give your students the skills for a brighter future. Learn more

TAFE NSW Ed-stravaganza Want to know more about unbeatable training and unbelievable value? Want to browse all the course options in the one spot? Head to TAFE NSW Ed-stravaganza.

TAFE NSW has thousands of course places to springboard your students. From fee-free Lockdown Learning to JobTrainer and SummerSkills- TAFE NSW has something for everyone.

MedEntry UCAT Prep MedEntry Medical Interview Strategy Day with Dr Ray. Learn the strategies needed to succeed in a day long session with Dr Ray Boyapati, Consultant Gastroenterologist with 20 years’ experience in medical interview training. This will be followed by full length mock interview with comprehensive feedback.

Paul Wade Life Skills Employability Skills combined with the Life Ready program delivered by Former Socceroos' Captain Paul Wade. At your venue and your time. Contact Val 0408 219 482.

Jschool Journalism College Three online units from Jschool's Diploma of Journalism are on offer to keen senior secondary students this summer - Introduction to Reporting; Shorthand (speed writing; and History, Literature & Language for Journalists:

Also on offer is a five-week micro unit on news writing:

Email info@jschool.com.au or SMS or call 0493099463.

iCanMed Free UCAT Webinars (Nov-Dec):The UCAT is a key criterion for medical/dental interview & course offers, but many top students fail to get a competitive score due to poor planning. This webinar will cover efficient UCAT study advice to help students catch up to candidates who started prep in April, plus a full summer holiday prep plan (+ mini mock test). Register:

Western Sydney University On Thursday 2 December, WSU current students, staff and industry professionals will take Indigenous Year 10-12 students through different paths to a career in sport in the Unlocking Careers in Sports virtual event. Visit the webpage to explore career options and to register:

William Angliss Institute Sydney Campus William Angliss Institute Sydney's famous Angliss Experience Day is back on the 19th of January 2022! The much-loved one day event, packed with hands-on workshops and information sessions, is the perfect opportunity for students to have a glimpse of what it is like to study Cookery, Patisserie and Hospitality at Angliss. For more information call 0291255111 or email trainingnsw@angliss.edu.au

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

Academy of Information Technology (AIT) At AIT's (Academy of Information Technology) virtual Open Day, listen live to Industry Pro's from Film, Animation, 3D Design and Game businesses on how to make a successful career in the creative industries. Get expert tips and insights and put your questions to some of the biggest names in the business on Sat 27 Nov, 10am to 4pm. Details and free register here:

NSW Minerals Council Save The Date! In 2022 NSW Minerals Council will hold its popular Careers Dinners in Singleton (May 10), Wollongong (May 17) Campbelltown (May 18), Bathurst (May 24), Dubbo (May 25), and Tamworth (May 31). These free events enable students, parents and teachers to connect with employers and education providers offering pathways into the NSW Mining Industry. Contact

SAE Creative Media Institute CREATIVE FUTURES | SYDNEY CAMPUS DECEMBER 2nd 2021 | 6.00PM - 7:30PM Are you in year 11 or 12 and want a career where your imagination is your only limitation? Come along to SAE Sydney's Creative Futures event, to explore your interest and passion for a career in Creative Media. Register now at

EducationUSA Study in California Information Webinar - November 19^th Join EducationUSA this International Education Week to hear from five Californian universities and colleges. Learn about applications, living expenses, academic requirements and more. November 19th, 4:00pm AEDT.

ACU's Blacktown Campus Information Day Join us on Saturday 4 December to get a feel for our newest campus. It’s an opportunity to learn about our courses, meet staff and current students, and hear helpful tips on preparing for uni. Register to attend and choose from a range of 45-minute information sessions about what we have to offer. Register now:

ACU Change of Preference Online Event Join us for change of preference advice on 21 January 2022. Chat online with our friendly staff about study options, courses available at our Blacktown, Canberra, North Sydney and Strathfield campuses and available pathways at ACU. Register now:

University of Technology Sydney Parents 1-1 consultations: Parents are welcome to join UTS for a consultation and get their uni questions answered. Find out about UTS admissions processes, course and career information and support services. Register here:

Academy of Interactive Entertainment Career in Games & Film, Open Day at Academy of Interactive Entertainment Saturday 20th November Considering a career in games or film? Discover AIE’s courses in 3D Animation, Programming, Game Design and Virtual Production. Learn about entry requirements and career pathways. 33 Mountain St, Ultimo, NSW, 2007. Rego required. RSVP

Sydney Design School Sydney Design School will be hosting an online Info Session on Wednesday 24 November 2021 at 7pm. Find out more about their world class accredited courses in interior styling and design. They are now enrolling for January 2022 but places are limited. No ATAR is required, VET Student Loans available. Register online to attend

Western Sydney University On 20 January, the Discover Western Webinar explains options for students who have received an early offer and what they can do with their ATAR results. The live information session explores unlimited possibilities at Western, including uni life and the admissions process. Register now:

Jobs & Work Experience for Students

National Indigenous Culinary Institute NICI offers training & employment pathways in Hospitality for Indigenous jobseekers. In 2022 NICI & TAFE will be partnering to run pre-employment programs across NSW for those interested in working as a Chef or in Kitchen Operations. Participants will be offered work placement to gain on the job experience that could lead to a traineeship or apprenticeship. Contact ainslie@nici.org.au  / 0409539790

Barcats - Hospitality Online Platform Barcats is an online hospitality community, connecting venues to young people who are looking for part-time work. Our aim is help students get job-ready through FREE online hospitality training and relevant content. Students simply create an online profile at

to get access to training and job opportunities.

Letz Live International Borders are OPEN! As you know, Gap Years never stopped. However, the government announcement lifting the travel ban means Aussies no longer need to apply for an exemption to travel and returning will be made much easier. Applications are OPEN for the following Gap Year programmes: Camp Assistant in The UK, New Zealand, Thailand & UK Boarding Assistant Gap Year and Working Holiday Organisation | Letz Live.

Resources for Students

ACU Pathways Finder Tool 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.

Engineers Australia Engineers Australia & Year 13 Engineers Australia has collaborated with Year13.com.au to provide resources for students to find out more about this vast profession. Located in the Academy - it is also known as Engineering your Future!  Featuring Engineers who will be familiar to many students! Register here:

Charles Sturt University ATAR advice for your students Our team is on hand to help with any questions you or your students may have around their preferences, courses or enrolment processes. Please reach out if your students would like any advice around their ATAR score and where it could potentially take them. Book a consult here:

MyCareerMatch Discover Me is perfect for Year 6 – 9’s. Discovering what they good at is a positive start to discussing people differences and why some are better at some jobs than others. It’s never too early to start a career conversation. Reports are motivational and inspiring for young people and are used in wellness programs. Contact Michelle to arrange a trial mish@mycareermatch.com.au

Beyond Senior students - FREE amazing resources from senior markers and expert teachers are available now on Beyond. If you are just starting your HSC year, or if you are finishing it, you will find valuable information to support your studies. Access premium study notes, quizzes and videos. Register for Beyond now

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Bedford College Bedford is a great choice for students seeking entry to Uni, but who may struggle to get the ATAR needed for their dream course. We have great relationships with many top universities, with established pathways into a variety of in-demand courses. With recognition of prior learning, many students can jump straight into the second year of their degrees!

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:

Charles Sturt University Our new communication scholarship The Charles Sturt Communication Scholarship will see successful applicants awarded $6,500 to get started in their communication career. Students must be enrolled for the Bachelor of Communication at Charles Sturt for 2022 in a full-time and on-campus capacity. More info here:

Southern Cross University Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarship opportunities to support regional, rural, and remote students, international students, students experiencing hardship, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and students who can demonstrate exceptional merit. Find a scholarship that aligns with your achievements.

Southern Cross University Transition to UniAn exciting, fee-free opportunity that guarantees you direct entry to uni Southern Cross Uni is offering Year 12 students and recent high school graduates an opportunity to guarantee a place at university in 2022. The online course starts in January and successful completion will guarantee you entry into all Southern Cross Uni undergraduate degrees* in March 2022. Home - Southern Cross University (scu.edu.au)

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 28 November for the next HSC True Reward offer round based on Year 11 results with offers released on 9 December. Visit:

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 on 8 and 9 December 2021 for 2022 commencement. Visit here:

JMC Academy JMC Academy early entry program is open. Students can secure their conditional entry for February 2022 before they sit for their exams and there is no ATAR requirements for JMC courses.  For more information go to

Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities

TABMA TABMA Apprentices and Trainees welcome any students to enquiry with us for 2022 apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities. If you like to learn about the rewarding careers within the timber and hardware industry please visit

or contact our team at recruitment@tabma.com.au  

TABMA TABMA Apprentices and Trainees in partnership with Host Employer, Dahlsens Building Centres are offering traineeships for school leavers across Hunter Region, Central Coast and Greater Sydney. Opportunities include Warehouse Ops, Retail, Manufacturing and Design. To enquire please contact  Recruitment@tabma.com.au

Study Work Grow NEW Apprenticeships & Traineeships Guide. It's that time of year when some school leavers are considering a career in trades or a traineeship. Study Work Grow is releasing the 3rd Edition of their popular guide, and you're welcome to contact us for a free copy. Just email Liz Duffy, Schools Coordinator at liz@studyworkgrow.com.au and we'll send you one.

AFL SportsReady Sport & Recreation Traineeship opportunities - recruiting now for 2022! AFL SportsReady is seeking recent school leaver candidates interested in undertaking a traineeship in the Sport & Recreation industry in 2022! We have opportunities in Greater Sydney and Regional NSW. View roles and APPLY NOW via our Jobs Board

AFL SportsReady First Nations Traineeship opportunities working onsite with the University of Sydney - commencing January 2022! AFL SportsReady is seeking Expressions of Interest from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates to undertake a full-time Traineeship at the University of Sydney in 2022. To find out more please email AFL SportsReady State Manager - anna.booth@aflsportsready.com.au

Automotive Training Board NSW While we may have had changing times recently, look how many opportunities are now available within the transport & logistics sectors - it is a significant area of growth and provides career pathways for your future.

Australian Careers Business College ACBC - Traineeships Available The world is changing fast and ACBC is ready to help shape the career of school leavers in 2022. ACBC’s partner employers are seeking to recruit traineeship candidates in Administration and Early Childhood Education positions. No ATAR required and receive a nationally recognised qualification. Please contact Chala Ongel on 98240000 or email  - chala.o@acbc.nsw.edu.au

Other News

ACAP ACAP has rebranded! The Australian College of Applied Psychology is now the Australian College of Applied Professions. See acap.edu.au/about for more information.

Australian Careers Business College ACBC OPEN DAY 7 DECEMBER ACBC’s open day is an opportunity for students and parents to come and explore ATAR-free VET options for 2022 and beyond. Careers Advisors will be on hand to provide insights into ACBC’s highly regarded programs. Information is available for fulltime, online and Traineeship options. Go to

for more info and to register or call 02 9824 0000.

Kenvale College Celebrating our 50th Anniversary with a gala dinner at the ATC Royal Randwick Racecourse. Enjoy a four course dinner, drinks and entertainment for $70. Get tickets Now

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