Dear Parents & Friends of St Clare’s

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

The funeral of Bishop Bill Wright was held on Wednesday at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newcastle.  Bishop Bill had a lifetime commitment to Catholic Education and took an active interest in the formation of student leaders at our Catholic Schools.

He hosted a yearly camp for student leaders from the system’s secondary schools and met annually with student leaders from each of our High Schools.  He was always interested to hear the views of young people and took many of them ‘on board’ as he developed the church’s response to those in need in the Diocese.  Bishop Bill will be remembered for his legacy of listening to the young and investing deeply in their learning, growth and spiritual development.  St Clare’s was represented at the funeral by Deacon Vince Ryan and I thank Vince for his time and for wearing the St Clare’s blazer as a symbol of the St Clare’s community’s presence at the ceremonies of thanksgiving for Bishop Bill’s life and service.

 Bishop Bill & 2019 School Leaders                                    Deacon Vince Ryan

The HSC exams have continued with a minimum of fuss, as our students continue to show wonderful resilience and forbearance under ever-changing conditions.  I could not be prouder of the way students and staff have supported each other over the year and look forward to the community gathering to celebrate the group’s contribution to St Clare’s on Friday, 3 December at 5 pm in the Josephite Centre.

The COVID virus continues to impact on our education system and our school:  staff continue to encourage students to wear their masks and follow the hygiene protocols.  A number of our families in a variety of year levels have received Health Department letters regarding their sons or daughters being exposed to the virus.  The letters are not always easy to understand.  If you wish to discuss the information in the Health Department letter, please feel free to call the school and we will assist you and your family in every way we can.

The St Clare’s Vinnies Group is running a toy drive and you can find information about this worthy cause a little further into the newsletter.

The symbol of the tree and birth of Jesus offer us significant hope in a time of great stress and disruption.  The presents collected will be distributed to those in need in our local community, sending a strong message of love and care to those who may feel marginalised and alone.

Recently we opened a new seating area for students that offers shade during the warmer months of the year.  The newly covered area situated along the side of the music room was made possible by funds from the Parents & Friends Association.

The COVID pandemic has dramatically reduced the number of parent meetings and community gatherings that we would have had over the course of the past two years.  Visitors to the school will be struck by the growth and development of the plantings made during the construction phase of the Josephite Centre.  We have included some photos of the grounds which are developing well and proving to be a great environment for our young people to learn and play.

The arts play an often underestimated part in the development of individuals and communities.  The use of imagination is at the heart of all creativity, invention and positive change in the way we live.  You can see examples of this learning in the reports around photography and Digi Ed a little further into this newsletter.  Both items highlight the fun that is had and self-discipline that is learned when people plan and collaborate to bring a project to fruition.

I have been notified that MidCoast Council has commissioned an upgrade of Cowper Street, Taree.  The project is set to start this week and is expected to be completed in late March 2022.  The work includes drainage, pavement restoration, concrete works and turfing.  The road works will be staged with one lane of traffic closed at various times.  These arrangements may impact on drop off and pick up points and we ask that you observe all safety rules and directions while the works are in progress.

A number of families have had to interrupt their usual work routines to have their son or daughter COVID tested at short notice.  We know that this is inconvenient and thank you for your patience and support as we continue to navigate all that the pandemic throws our way…

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, 27 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, 28 November 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

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:

Prayer Point:  1^st Sunday of Advent – 28 November

A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Thessalonians        1 Thess 3:12 - 4:2

“May the Lord be generous in increasing your love and make you love one another and the whole human race as much as we love you.  And may he so confirm your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless in the sight of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all his saints.

...the life that God wants, as you learnt from us, and as you are already living it.”

The word of the Lord.

Here Paul is not talking about some event in the future (“when our Lord…comes with all his saints”), he’s talking about now:  “...make you love one another...”  now.

And it is a life that we are already living that will make us blameless — confirm our hearts in holiness.

So, let’s not wait for some future time when we will love others and be blameless.

Let us love one another now.

Have a good week

Denise Ryan
Ministry Coordinator

Vinnies Toy Drive

Please support our 2021 Vinnies Toy Drive.

Donations can be dropped into the school office from now until the last week of school.

Please DO NOT wrap presents.  Toys for girls and boys of all ages required.

Alternatively, cash donations can be used to purchase toys or gift cards.

Many thanks
Deacon Vince Ryan, Mrs Laura Boere and the Vinnies Group

Last week, Year 7 completed their Digi Ed program that saw them work together to create a short film using claymation.  The program sees students using their creativity to create characters while also experimenting with narrative structures and visual storytelling.  There were so many imaginative and entertaining stop motion pieces and the whole year group should be proud of their excellent productions.

Callam Howard
Creative Arts Teacher

Inspired by Tim Tadder’s collection of photographic work entitled “Water Wigs”, Year 9 and 10 photography set out to try and replicate his results and got soaked in the process.  Students had to drop a water balloon over their classmate’s head while using their knowledge of flash photography to freeze the motion of the water.  Using a strobe on the subject and two strobes at the back with coloured gels, the students produced some incredible work that took a lot of patience and timing to perfect.  Take a look at some of our successful attempts!

Callam Howard
Photography 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 8 Term 4.

Our Year 12 students are well into their exams and have been surviving.  By the time this is published there will only be four more days of exams!  We wish them the very best as they complete their exams.  Don’t forget Year 12, to eat well, get some sleep and exercise and have a regular study timetable.

The Year 12 Graduation Ceremony is being held on Friday, 3 December at St Clare’s in the Josephite Centre followed by dinner at the Winning Post Function Centre.  COVID restrictions apply.

Please don’t forget the following:

Mrs Kelly in the Book Room and Mr Hobbes in the Library would like to remind everyone to return their textbooks.  As all Year 12 students complete their final exam they should be returning all books/folders to Mrs Kelly so that the “signing out” process can be finalised.  This is also important because these items are required for the current Year 11 students who have commenced HSC courses.

(Please Note:  books/resources which cannot be found will need to be paid for prior to a student ‘signing out’ of school)

(N.B. teachers who have loaned resources are also waiting for returns)

I continue to receive many 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, any interested students need to come and see me for further information as per the email.  Over the past week I have been made aware of several part time job vacancies over the holiday period.  The jobs are there if you want them.

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

Information

Launch of Careers NSW The NSW Department of Education, in partnership with the NSW Department of Customer Service and Service NSW, are pleased to announce the official launch of the Careers NSW pilot program. The Careers NSW pilot program offers NSW residents three key services to set them on a pathway to employment success including:

• a self-service website for all aspects of careers advice;
• connection with an Industry Expert already working in the industry they’re looking to enter;
• tailored guidance with a professional Career Advisor for residents in four priority regions.

Insights from the pilot programs will inform the provision of a full service model for all NSW residents, including careers advice to school students with an expected launch mid-2022.

For further information please see the attached Information pack or visit the website:

Courses & Workshops for Students

My Trade Start Short Courses My Trade Start is a registered training organisation (RTO#40733) currently running accredited short courses for students & school leavers. Students can also take advantage of My Trade Start™ network of recruitment organisations to assist them with employment opportunities. To find out more, contact info@mytradestart.com.au or visit

Quick Skills: Learn How to Maintain Your Car - free, fast, online, and self-paced. Apprenticeships R Us sponsored a non-accredited program of short courses called Quick Skills. Free online training providing useful life skills & career industry tasters. 1st course: Basic Automotive Maintenance - Learn about the automotive industry, car fluids, changing a tyre, wiper blades & globes, car washing. If you or someone you know would be interested, head to

today!

FREE 5-day Digital & Creative Skills Workshops, from Powerhouse Museum & TAFE NSW For Western Sydney students Yrs 7-10.

• 10-14 Jan 22: Want to learn the secrets of Hollywood-style visual storytelling? Learn visual effects design & 2D animation.

• 17-21 Jan 22: Step into the world of surreal cyber wastelands & 3D art & learn from Western Sydney-based 3D artist, Serwah Attafuah

TAFE NSW and UTS Engineering Pathway at TAFE NSW Ultimo in Semester 1, 2022 TAFE NSW and the University of Technology have partnered to bring your students an innovative pathway towards a great engineering qualification. By successfully completing the Dip of Engineering Technical (MEM50212) course and an integrated UTS Foundation Maths subject (35010) students will receive 24 credit points (equiv 6 months) for a range of UTS Engineering programs.

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

The Women's College within The University of Sydney Info Day on 21 January 2022, 10am - 3pm. Consider accommodation options when choosing university. Learn how Women's can support students at uni and beyond into a career. Hear from the Vice Principal at 1pm. Student led College tours. More info:  

registrar@thewomenscollege.com.au

Jobs & Work Experience for Students

Macquarie University's free service to kick-start students™ careers Macquarie University equips their students to be job-ready by supporting them through the MQ Student Employment (MQSE) service. Whether a student is searching for work on or off-campus, MQSE provides Macquarie students with access to job opportunities and coaching sessions to get them confident in the recruitment process.

Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities

Traineeships Vacancies Through All Industry Apprenticeships All Industry Apprenticeships are currently hiring Business admin, sales, and a range of other traineeships available across Greater Sydney. Apprenticeships & traineeships are a great way to balance work and study. Get paid while you study for your qualification. Start your career today by contacting us at

Study Work Grow Looking for Apprenticeships & Traineeships? Study Work Grow have just launched their brand new online database with heaps of current opportunities for school leavers. Just like their super popular Scholarships and Work Experience Databases, it's currently free for teachers and students to access. See the latest opportunities here:

Other News

The University of Melbourne In response to the delayed release date for NSW and ACT ATARs, The University of Melbourne has committed to make offers to eligible domestic school-leaver applicants in the VTAC February offer round 1 domestic to the same level ATAR that we offer in the January offer round domestic. Full statement and details can be found here:

We are currently unable to do Work Experience.  I am looking forward to this resuming in 2022.

It has been excellent to see many of our students gain full time apprenticeships and traineeships over the past few weeks, and we wish them well in their post school endeavours.

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