Dear Parents & Friends of St Clare’s

During this COVID pandemic, for many of us our anxiety levels have increased dramatically and perhaps even had the feeling of despair or a fearfulness of what’s next.  Some have lost their precious lives, some have lost those whom they love, some have suffered through the debilitating effects of this illness, some have lost their jobs, their income, and most have encountered much disruption to the normal flow of their daily lives.

These past two years and the continuation of the pandemic we are all grappling to adjust to life and some of us are probably finding it easier than others.  If your head is spinning trying to make sense of it all – you are not alone.  The Lenten season coming up may be the perfect opportunity to take time to pause and reflect and reconnect.

Jesus during his time talked about “life to the full…”.  That sense that life, death, and new life are inextricably linked, and that life will find a way!

Life has and always will throw things at us, but we can all find a way to live our lives to the fullest and move forward especially from this pandemic.  As restrictions are slowly lifted, we have the opportunity to re-engage, grow and aspire to become the person we want to be.

We can reconnect as human beings in loving relationships built around respect.

We can embrace the opportunities for personal growth through positive self-talk, self-education and spiritual connections.

We can show loving concern for each and every person, especially the ones that are still struggling.

We can remember and celebrate the uniqueness of the loved ones we may have lost.

We can engage in respectful and honest conversations with others that help with our personal growth and wellbeing.

We can also possibly use these questions below to reflect on, where we have come from and where we want to go.

1. What can I take from this pandemic that will help me grow as a person?

2. What have I learnt about myself as a person? 

3. What do I want to change to help me be a better person? 

4. What opportunities are there to make a positive difference in my life and in the lives of others? 

5. What have I got to be thankful for?

As a school community we are committed to allowing our students to engage in as many opportunities for personal growth as we navigate through this pandemic.  Some examples include:

• Year 12 participated in the annual Senior Retreat at Bonny Hills, with very positive feedback from all students and teachers. 

• Year 7 will soon attend their first secondary school camp at Toukley. 

• Students across year groups will have the opportunity to participate in representative school sport, including swimming, touch football and netball to name a few. 

• Years 7-11 will continue to participate in the daily CLARE wellbeing program. 

• Year 12 have just started a stress relief course conducted as part of their daily CLARE wellbeing sessions.

These are just a few examples of our commitment to the growth and development of the students under our care alongside our commitment to each child’s development academically.

Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing and/or learning.

Finally, I would like to finish with the following quote from St Mary MacKillop and a short description of her as a person.

“Never see a need without doing something about it.” – Mary MacKillop, 1811

The strength of Mary MacKillop was her genuine openness to others, hospitality to strangers, generosity to the needy, justice to those unfairly treated, perseverance in the face of adversity and kindness and support to the suffering.  

Regards

Mr Phil Gibney
Acting Principal

COVID Guidelines Update - Summary

From Monday, 28 February:

1. Masks no longer mandatory in high schools: masks no longer mandatory for staff or students in high schools.

• NOTE: Staff, students, parents, and guests may still choose to wear a mask.

2. Visitors on school sites: visitors to school sites can attend regardless of vaccination status.

• Note, anyone working on a school site, including volunteers, contractors, and students on placement, are still required by the Public Health Order to meet vaccination requirements.

3. An end to cohorting: schools can reduce or remove cohorting.

Changes to surveillance testing

Regular surveillance testing will continue until Friday, 25 February.

From Monday, 28 February, schools will align with community settings of ‘symptomatic testings’ and will be provided:

• 8 tests per student and staff member in schools

Students and staff can use this allocation of RATs at their discretion, such as if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Beyond that, symptomatic students and staff should continue to access PCR tests and store-purchased RATs.

A new batch of RATs are due to arrive at St Clare’s and information regarding their dissemination will be posted on Compass.

For reference, the following media releases are also available:

1. Dominic Perrottet Sarah Mitchell Media release – School life returns to normal 23/02
2. COVID-19 Delta and Omicron variant in education settings new report 21/02
3. Free Family and Staff RAT Packs 20/02
4. NSW Government update to COVID-19 settings 17/02

Ministry & Parish News

Mass Times

Forster-Tuncurry Catholic Parish

Our current Mass times are Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 8 am and 10 am.

To join our 8am Sunday Mass live stream, please send us your email address to receive the link.

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

Taree Catholic Parish

Saturday, 26 February

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

Sunday, 27 February
8^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

7:00 am - Old Bar Rosary
7:30 am – Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church Old Bar
6:50 am - Wingham Rosary
7:30 am - SCAE at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Wingham
9:30 am - Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church Taree
11:00 am - Taree Baptism

Please do not attend Mass/SCAE if you are unwell, displaying COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with a COVID-19 affected person.

Further updates can be viewed on the Taree Parish Website: 

Youth Mass

 A Youth Mass is held at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Taree on the 1^st Sunday of each month at 9:30 am.

The next Youth Mass will be on Sunday, 6 March.

All are welcome.  If you would like to sing, play an instrument, read or serve as an alter server, please see either Mrs Laura Boere or Mrs Bernadette Boere.

Bernadette Boere

On Wednesday, 9 February, all of Year 12 ventured up to Bonny Hills for the Senior Retreat.  The main purpose of this trip was to bring the year group together and to break down any barriers as they navigate their HSC year together.  We had beautiful weather for the three days as students enjoyed surfing, swimming, sport or relaxation in their down time.  The food and facilities at the retreat were second to none and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Bonny Hills staff.

The activities organised provided students the opportunity to voice their goals, fears and also to realise that they are not in this year alone.  Year 12 put on a spectacular liturgy on the final day and created memories that will hopefully last a lifetime.  We were also lucky enough to hear from Fr Kevin Corrigan and a number of our amazing St Clare’s staff on key themes such as trust, family, relationships and more.  On behalf of Year 12, I would like to thank Mr Callam Howard, Mrs Roxanne Dunn, Mrs Jamaya Pearse, Mr Richard Petrucci, Mrs Niko Campbell-Ellis, Mrs Lyndall Laurie and Mr Jason Koenig for their contributions to the camp.  The biggest thanks, however, need to go to Mrs Denise Ryan and Deacon Vince Ryan for organising all of the activities for students.  The retreat could not run without them.  I am truly grateful for the time we were able to spend with this fantastic group of young people.

Todd Curtis
Year 12 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement

 
Last Monday and Tuesday, 14 and 15 February the senior leadership team participated in a two day Senior Leaders Online Diocesan Retreat with other leaders, executives and leader figures from the Diocese.

 Back Row – Danica Potts, Leanne Curtis, Medinah Wells & Alexandra Cross
Front Row – Nicholas Avery, Haley Patel, Lucy Green, Lachlan Monks & Charles Pitt
Cassidy Donovan (absent from photo)

They discussed what it is to be a leader in today’s climate, and how they can better create a positive environment inside our schools to foster leadership in others.  It was a good opportunity for our school leaders to connect with others and attempt to create projects and initiatives across the State and Diocese.

The inspiration and motivation created over the two days will create a better opportunity for future projects completed by the leadership team and the whole SRC.

Callam Howard
Drama Teacher

During the holidays, the Year 12 Biology students had the task of making a model to demonstrate polypeptide synthesis.  Polypeptide synthesis is a very important process that happens in our cells replicating DNA to RNA so that proteins can be produced.

The process involves many different steps that needed to be clearly shown in an interactive, 3D and creative manner.

The effort and attention to detail that the Year 12 put into their work was outstanding.  Along with this, some students were extremely creative such as Cooper Twemlow who did a 3D presentation that turned around.  Brad Brincat made a game where you followed his directions step by step to work through the process.  Sienna Limpic made a model cell and showed the processes occurring on the ball shaped cell.

Cooper Twemlow, Bradley Brincat & Sienna Limpic 

Roxanne Dunn
Science Teacher

Year 8-2 Geography are learning about water in the world.  Our learning intention on the day was to see how much fresh water there is in the world compared to salty water.  The students filled the water tanks with various levels to represent the amount of water in the world and we saw that very little was fresh water. 

Later, during this term 8-2 and Mrs Tilbrook will be using the water tank again to investigate polluted water in our catchment.

 Kaleb Ryan, Lucca Boyling and Kody Zahra showing the percentage of glaciers and icecaps that make up fresh water in the world with a deep blue colour

Lyn Tilbrook
Geography Teacher

As part of normal school practice and in line with government requirements, St Clare’s collects information about many of our students which contributes to a government database; the Nationally Consistent Collection on Data on Students with a Disability (NCCD).  Although this database uses the word ‘disability’ in its title, information is collected about students who may require some ongoing support in school, including students with issues not usually thought of as a disability, such as asthma or a learning difficulty.  The purpose of the NCCD is to gather an Australia wide picture of the number, degree and types of difficulties and disabilities faced by school students.

The NCCD is used by the Catholic Schools Office to support their funding decisions based upon student needs, and it is used by the NSW and federal governments to help inform their funding and policy decisions.  Access to the database is restricted, students are not identified by name or school, and student information is protected.

Participation in the NCCD in no way disadvantages on the educational provision for any child.  At St Clare’s, we make many adjustments to meet the learning needs of our students, for a wide range of reasons.  When those adjustments are made due to a disability, we are required to include details in the NCCD.

If you have any questions about the NCCD, including if you think your child should be included, please contact Learning Support on 65523300 or by email to bernadette.boere@mn.catholic.edu.au, niko.campbell-ellis@mn.catholic.edu.au, or sandra.basile@mn.catholic.edu.au.

Niko Campbell-Ellis
Learning Support Teacher - Years 9, 11 & 12
Gifted Education Mentor

The school community enjoyed a competitors only Swimming Carnival on Friday, 18 February.  We really appreciate the understanding everyone has shown regarding the requirements for “COVID risk mitigation”.

However, the competitors only carnival brought some highly impressive swimming.  Particular thanks are extended to:  the Staff of the Manning Aquatic and Leisure Centre; all the parents and carers for their attendance, support and understanding; and Mrs Roxanne Dunn, Mr Ed McCann and some of the Year 11 VET Sports Coaching students for assisting to run the event with great efficiency and professionalism.

A detailed report with students’ results will be provided in the next newsletter.

Luke Rowe
Sports Coordinator

Diocesan Rugby League Trial

 Zayne Shutes and Rory Clarke

Luke Rowe
Sports Coordinator

NSWCCC Tennis

Congratulations to Ruby Sparks on being selected to attend the NSWCCC Tennis Selections.  Ruby will attend the tournament at the Parramatta City Tennis Courts in Sydney held on Monday, 28 February 2022.  Well done.

Ruby Sparks

Mr Rowe
Sports Coordinator

U18 NSW Women’s State Basketball Team

Congratulations to Year 11 Student Mariah Radburn who has been selected for the U18s NSW Women’s State Basketball Team.  She will fly down and compete in the twelve-day national competition at Ballarat in April, during the Easter holidays.  Prior to the event, she will be attending training weekends and singlet presentations.  She has also been fortunate enough to receive a sponsorship from iGym, who will be supporting her throughout the competition.  Mariah said she is looking forward to what’s ahead and is eager to get back into high level competitions considering COVID has stalled a number of events over the last two years.  We wish her the best of luck!

Mariah Radburn 

Callam Howard
Drama 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

We are certainly back into the full swing of things here at School.

If you are interested in a Career in medicine or dentistry post school, you will more than likely need to sit the UCAT ANZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand).  You should visit the UCAT website for information:

Important UCAT ANZ 2022 Dates

Candidates taking the UCAT ANZ in 2022 for entry to universities in Australia and New Zealand in 2023 should note these key dates (deadline times are in AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time):

Test fees

All fees are charged in Australian dollars.

The additional late fee of $85 applies to all bookings made during the late booking window.  The late fee is non-refundable.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask me.

Careers Day

On Friday, 18 February, Year 12 had their first and only full Careers Day at school.  They were asked to check their NESA information, listen to our guest speakers, look at starting a resume and think about how they can help themselves through the challenges of the coming year.

We were very lucky to have three guest speakers from three very different industry backgrounds, who informed the students about some of the many different post-school pathways available in our local area.

Sophia from the HR department of the MidCoast Council spoke about the many different careers on offer at MCC, from apprenticeships and traineeships through to university graduate opportunities.

Erin spoke about the career opportunities available through Community Services – again from apprenticeships and traineeships through to university graduate positions.

Sophia (HR at MCC), Denise (R&R Property Management) and Erin (RIEP) 

Finally, Denise (R & R Property Managing Director), spoke to the students about the many career pathways in Real Estate.

They all stressed how important it is to have a good resume and cover letter.  They all agreed that showing your skills through volunteer work or Work Experience is invaluable and encouraged the students to consider doing this.

It is extremely important that all students have up-to-date resumes and a specific cover letter for at least two different choices of career.  This can be done via Job Jump, My Future, My Future Finder (UNE) and “Word”.  We will continue to develop these in the coming weeks in our Careers sessions on Fridays during Period 1 and I am encouraging the students to save these in their Careers OneNote.

A special thank you also to Mrs Rowsell who spoke about Trade pathways.  The information she shared was excellent and the students were very impressed with this.

Finlay O’Connell (Year 12, 2021) came to talk to the students about her post school pathway through Minerva University and had many words of wisdom for the current Year 12 cohort.  Thanks so much Finlay for giving up your time to be with us.

I will be asking the students over the coming weeks if they have “made their bed” in the mornings.  Please ask them what this means!

A huge thanks to Mrs Avery and Mr Curtis for their assistance on the day.  It was lovely to have you there.

I have also included some information regarding coping and dealing with stress over the coming year.  The students will also be taking part in a course specifically aimed at this.  Mr Curtis will be giving more details this week.

University Pathways/Early Entry Information

Over the coming weeks we will be spending quite a bit of time during our Careers sessions with Year 12 looking at the various university pathways and the information needed to follow this pathway, as well as Early Entry information.

Speaking of which, Charles Sturt University has already opened their Early Entry pathway.  Please see below:

Charles Sturt Advantage Early Offer Program 2022

After making almost 4000 offers in 2021, Charles Sturt Advantage is back and looking a little different in 2022!

Key updates include:

• Students need to upload their own Year 11 results and we will arrange for verification. 
• Applications are open already, with applications open all the way through to August. In order for students to receive an offer in early May for Round 1, they will need to apply by 31 March.

What stays the same:

• Students will be required to complete Year 12 to gain a place in our exclusive early offer program.
• The assessment questions – focusing on resilience, empathy and motivation to create a world worth living in.
• Most courses are still on offer, and much like last year we expect popular courses to be filled in Round 1. After Advantage, those courses can be applied for via standard UAC/VTAC process.
• There will be online Charles Sturt Advantage information sessions for students and parents, with the first being held on the evening of Tuesday, 1 March.  Book your spot now.   

Finally, thanks to all the students for your input and great behaviour on the day.

It was a little disappointing that a significant number of students left after the NESA information session.  They missed out on important careers information.  I have students asking for information about post-school pathways all the time and this is always a great opportunity to find out more about Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Universities and other post-school pathways.  We also touched on coping strategies and the importance of working together as the year progresses.

It is very important that all the students gain as much information as possible about the many post-school pathways on offer so that they have options at the end of their schooling.

Please remember to check the Careers section of the school website and the Careers OneNote for information about university days, apprenticeship and traineeship information and the latest information from Job Jump.

We are also very fortunate to be having more guest speakers from other industries.  I look forward to hearing from James Turnham, Head Lifeguard Port Macquarie Region – Australian Lifeguard Service; Valley Industries; Dillon Rural; Local Land Services and Mavin Trucks.  Thanks to Erin Lute (RIEP) for sourcing this.  We are hoping to arrange a time for them to come in and/or Zoom the students.

The Year 10, 11 and 12 students have access to their own Careers OneNote, and I am encouraging them to keep PINs, passwords, resumes etc. here.  This will help me to help the students.

The latest information and news from the Careers Association of Australia (CAA).

Courses & Workshops for Students

Engineers Australia Discover Engineering 14 March registration open for groups of Year 7-10.   Full day incl design & build a plane; a floating house; a water filtration system.  Facilitators zoom into your classroom, Engineers on school grounds if possible.  Vouchers for tech equipment provided: register:

Engineers Australia 2022 Schools Engagement Calendar available for download.  Incl:Regular full day programs based on design thinking & project based learning for Years 7-10; Engineering your Future 2022 for Years 10-12; new Winter school for Year 11 & Engineering Summer School for Year 12. Download:

SAE Creative Media Institute SAE is excited to engage with Careers Advisers to discuss opportunities available for school based learning and pathways to creative arts education for students post school. Contact your local SAE Schools Engagement Officer today

Western Sydney University Registrations for Western’s Undergraduate Certificate online courses are open to the community. With the short courses in Health, Information Technology, and Environmental Sustainability potential to lead to a Diploma and even an undergraduate degree the choice is yours. Find out more at:

iCanMed Book a Free Medical Entry Webinar/Workshop for Your School: iCanMed is running free, school-specific webinars in Term 1 to help Year 11-12 students interested in medicine/dentistry. These 2-hr webinars focus on UCAT, but also cover interviews and selection processes for med/dent schools. To book a free webinar for your school (minimum 20 interested students), please email ray.cho@icanmed.com.au

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

Engineers Australia For Year 10-12 students - Engineering your Future 2022 will be a series of small group, live video chats with Uni Students, Grads & Professional Engineers. Sessions will guided by your questions; topic areas eg: which Uni; which discipline; future tech etc based on your interests & ideas. Register & tell us!

- Parents, Teachers & Advisors encouraged!

Macquarie University Year 12 Information Session (Online) 3 May 2022 - A series of short talks given by Macquarie university representatives and current students. We’ll cover everything students will need to know to prepare them for university study including important dates and early entry. Register to receive updates on upcoming events here:

Macquarie University Year 10 Subject Selection session (Online) 4 May 2022 - A series of short talks on the importance of informed subject selection, how choice of subjects can help at university, and how admission to Macquarie works. Register to receive updates on upcoming events here:

Macquarie University Open Day 13 August 2022 - Students can learn how Macquarie's industry connections, passion for collaboration, and appetite for unconventional thinking will help them achieve remarkable things. Register to receive updates on upcoming events here:

NSW Police Force – Recruitment Information Session - How to join the NSW Police Force Information & Practice PCT Sessions - NSW Police Recruitment

TAFE NSW Launch your Career in Cyber Security Event. Tuesday 15 March 2022, 10am-11am. Give your students insight into a dynamic industry where they can develop skills to identify potential security threats, monitor cyber-attacks risks and defend the virtual world against breaches. Register your students for this online event which will take a deeper dive into the world of cyber security.

UAC Year 12 Conference Registration is now open to attend this important information session for students and parents. Listen to 20 institutions speak on many topics such as early entry, scholarships, accommodation and what's on offer to students for the 2023 academic year. When: Tuesday 26 April 2022 at 6 PM Register your attendance at

Sydney Design School Curious about a creative career in interior design? Australia's award winning school is hosting an Info Session Thursday 17 March at 5.30pm. Join them at Sydney Design School 2/40 Oxley St, St Leonards. Register to attend on campus or online via Zoom at

The next intake for their accredited career courses is July 2022.

Ella Baché College of Skin & Beauty Therapy For the month of February, Ella Baché College of Skin and Beauty Therapy will be holding weekly Virtual Opens Days on Thursdays at 1:30pm. Secure your place through the below link.

To learn more, please contact Course & Careers Advisor Camilla Galagher on 02 8423 5615 or

William Angliss Institute If you missed the 2022 February intake, you will still have a chance to enrol for the next available intake in March 28. The admission process is simple, and all the courses that do not require an ATAR for entry are listed on the official website:

Jobs & Work Experience for Students

Careers at Council is the go-to site for information about jobs in local government -

Search councils by location -

and look for information about Entry Level Opportunities -

Work experience will need to be arranged directly with your local council.

Academy of Interactive Entertainment Experience a Career in Games & Film, Work Experience at Academy of Interactive Entertainment Learn about digital industries and experience working in games and film development. Activities include 3D Animation, Programming and QA Testing in a hands-on studio environment.  Applications for 2022 are open! Places limited.

Resources for Students

Study Medicine provides information for all 56 medicine degree paths. The monthly listing gives offers, interviews and deadline info (join the mailing list) and quiz assesses a student’s chance to be accepted into medicine

Subscribe to Study Medicine for all detailed degree pathway information

https://www.studymedicine.com.au/

TAFE Pathways Brochures – Find a large range of occupational pathway brochures on this link. If you have not already seen them they are very useful to provide to students and parents.

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Just launched, the Tech for Good Hub, is a physical and digital incubator for founders working on solutions addressing sustainable development goals. With support from the City of Sydney, the Tech for Good Hub provides a resource-rich learning and collaborative knowledge-sharing environment for founders who are working on ventures that are creating ambitious solutions for sustainable development. They are offering 30 Scholarships (no fee and no equity) for early-stage ventures, based in the City of Sydney LGA, to participate in a nine-month program. Learn more here

Ultimo College TAFE NSW Tertiary Preparation Course : Alternative Pathway to University please click here for more information.

Other News

Torrens University Australia Thinking of going to uni this year? It’s not too late to apply; you can still score a spot at Torrens University Australia. For most courses, all you need is your Year 12 Certificate. Torrens University also offers alternative pathways to entry into courses. Apply now:

Western Sydney University Western's Women of the West Awards is an annual initiative to honour women in Western Sydney and formally recognise their contribution to the development of the region. Nominations for this year’s three categories (Business, Community and Young Woman) are open until Sunday 27 March.

Western Sydney University Westmead Innovation Quarter is officially opening in March. A world-class health, medical and education research centre in Westmead will deliver health, social and economic benefits for Western Sydney.

There is a copy of my timetable up on my office door with blank spots when I can talk to students, so please, everyone, check it out and come and see me at some stage.

White Card

On Wednesday, 9 March, there will be a White Card Course being run at St Clare’s.  “Men At Work” will deliver the course to the students.  These courses have to be delivered face-to-face in NSW for the card to be valid and all students who wish to work or do Work Experience in the Construction industry must have a valid White Card.  It is also compulsory for al Construction students to have completed this.  The cost will be $125, and we have to have 12 students for the course to run.  I have emailed all students in Years 10, 11 and 12 asking for an expression of interest.

Health Careers Forum

We are once again able to go to the Health Careers Forum at the Manning Rural Health Centre which is being held on Tuesday, 8 March.  There will be information about many different Health Careers, and it is wonderful that it is held in Taree.  At the moment I have a couple of spots left as we are only allowed to take 25 students – it is open to Year 11 and Year 12 students.  We will be attending the morning session and will leave St Clare’s at 9 am, returning at 11:30 am.

Year 11 Sports Coaching

It was my very great pleasure to accompany our Year 11 Sports Coaching class to Gloucester on Thursday, 10 February, where they assisted at the Manning Regional Primary School Swimming Carnival.  St Joseph’s Taree provided the transport – thanks to Lisa Bourke for organising this.

The students were amazing, and everyone has sung their praises!  Thank you for being such wonderful ambassadors for St Clare’s.  It was a pleasure to be with you on the day.  Many of the students have also helped at the school swimming carnival.  Most of the students have now completed 12 hours of their 70 compulsory Work Placement hours which is excellent.

Work Experience

I would like to remind everyone about Work Experience.  It is available again!  Please come and see me if you would like to do this.  I now have the current insurance documents, so we are good to go.

Year 11 and Year 12 students may complete this during school time or school holidays; however, Years 9 and 10 students have to complete this during school time.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

Term 1 2022

Term 2 2022