Dear Parents/Carers & Community Members

This week I had the pleasure to attend the launch of the Catholic School Diocese of Maitland/Newcastle new Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Framework and policy.  Given the stressful times that our community has been through over the past few years with COVID, floods and fires, many people including our students are struggling with a variety of issues related to their wellbeing.

We as a school are continually reviewing our policies and practices regarding wellbeing, from the creation of a positive education Framework (CLARE) a few years back to the implementation of CLARE lessons into the timetable and in 2022 the implementation of the Learning Curve Wellbeing program in Year 7 to 10 and the extension of the program into Year 11 and 12 in 2023.

Teachers have also been undertaking training to enhance their skills in dealing with the increasing number of students with concerns regarding their wellbeing, especially anxiety and other mental health issues.  Our leaders of Wellbeing and Engagement (Year Coordinators) have participated in Accidental Counsellor and Mental Health First Aid Training.

The CSO Wellbeing Framework launched yesterday at St Joseph’s Primary, Wingham builds on what we are already doing in regard to wellbeing in schools.  It specifically focuses on the importance of Student Voice.  See Diagram Below:

Student Wellbeing

Refers to a positive sense of self and belonging and the skills to make positive and healthy choices to support learning and achievement, provided in a safe and accepting environment for all students. Student wellbeing encompasses the multi-dimensional and interconnected domains of cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. (2022 – CSO Maitland Newcastle ‘Wellbeing Together’ Framework.)

Regards

Mr Phil Gibney
Acting Principal

Mass Times

Forster-Tuncurry Catholic Parish

Saturday - 5 pm
Sunday - 8 am & 10 am

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

Taree Catholic Parish

Saturday, 12 March
6:00 pm - Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church Taree
6:00 pm - SCAE at Star of the Sea Harrington

Sunday, 13 March
2^nd Sunday in Lent
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

Further updates can be viewed on the Taree Parish Website:

Youth Mass

First Sunday of the Month is Youth Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Taree and last Sunday was that day!  It was also the first Sunday of Lent so a wonderful time to have the Youth sing, play instruments and read for the congregation.

Thank you again to the Youth that participated and the adults that supported them in providing such wonderful music - Mrs Karen McCann, Mrs Carmel Brown and Mrs Jenny McKendry - each of these wonderful women are either current staff at St Clare's or past staff of St Clare's and we appreciate their time and support for the Youth Masses.

If anyone is interested in being a part of the Youth Masses in any way, please see either Mrs B Boere or Mrs L Boere.  All are welcome.

Bernadette Boere

Today our school community took part in our Ash Wednesday liturgy.  This marks the start of the Lenten season, a time for us to come together and be generous and kind towards each other.  We take time to pray, reflect, and refocus on our faith.

Thank you to Mr Koenig, Deacon Vince, Fr Kevin Corrigan and our senior students for leading our Liturgy.

Additionally, during the Lenten Period, we are almsgiving to charity.  We will be offering students the opportunity to donate to Caritas Australia on Mondays during recess with their Eftpos card and on Wednesdays with cash donation during their Year Group Meetings.

The proceeds of these donations will contribute to the Caritas’ support of the Ukrainian refugee crisis. 

Caritas Ukraine volunteers respond to the conflict:

UKRAINIAN REFUGEE CHILDREN - Showgallery:

Jason Koenig
Acting Ministry Coordinator

MAC - Lake Macquarie’s Museum of Art and Culture, yapang celebrated the grand opening on Sunday, 27February featuring outstanding HSC Visual Arts students in the ‘First Class 21’ exhibition.

St Clare’s Class of 2021 - Rickardd Weiley and Isabella Hayes were selected from our region.

Employing a variety of expressive forms this year’s cohort has examined concepts encompassing identity, subjectivity, family memory, isolation, ecological responsibilities, fear and nostalgia.  Intimate artworks explore complex connection between home, identity, personal relationships and culture.  Many of the works highlight a vulnerability and sensitivity that offers an insight into the inter-related role of the artist, the artwork, the audience, and the world.  Several the artworks also pose questions to the viewer and prompt further introspection.

It was exciting to watch on with the student’s families who all travelled to attend the opening.  An outstanding achievement and a pleasure to spend time with the talented Rickardd and Isabella.

First Class runs from Monday, 28 February through to Sunday, 8 May 2022.

We are hoping to take our Stage 5 & 6 Creative Arts students to the exhibition in coming weeks.

Rickardd Weiley
remedy for memory
Sculpture
ARTIST STATEMENT

Youth is both fleeting and fragile; it’s a moment in time that is bound to fracture and depart before you get the chance to realise its significance.  However, art has the power to capture, protect, and preserve moments of time so that the memory may never completely fade.  This concept became the soul of my artwork, in which I aspired to capture my youth through one piece.  I wanted to take significant and formative memories and have each displayed, transforming each memory into a physical representation.  That may be by encapsulating the flowers that bloom each year in my yard in jars I found in the back of my family pantry.  Or lines of poems I composed on the hardwood floors of my childhood room.  Or polaroids capturing my final summer being a teenager, the adventures I had with friends who have come and left.  Or the shells I had collected that same summer each day I found escape on the beach.  Or the origami patterns I learnt from my host family in Japan.  By capturing these moments, I have found the remedy for my memory so that I may continue to create more.

Isabella Hayes
From Eden
Painting
ARTIST STATEMENT

Ever-growing avoidance of the outside world has caused myself to detach from reality.  For me, my body of work represents a quiet place of perfect harmony I can escape to, away from the sometimes-overwhelming pressure and anxiety the world provides.  From Eden is an allusion to The Garden of Eden in the Bible, which symbolises a paradise offered to humanity. It was this title, as well as my appropriation of scenes from Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli animations, that structured the base of my concept.  My artistic intent in using gouache in small dots was to convey the intrinsic beauty of this utopia in every detail.

Lyndall Laurie
Visual Arts Teacher

9-3 Geography are studying biomes around the world and soil is a factor that impacts on the biome.  Students collected soil from the gardens around the school in jars from various locations.  They added some water and detergent to the soil and shook the mixture up well.  The soil separated into layers as it settled over a few days.  Students measured the layers and drew the results of the separation.

Mrs Tilbrook's 9-3 Geography students and their soil jars:

In the foreground, Tanisha Reddy and Tiana Macinnis with their soil jar.

Jack Ward and Noah Yates showing a good separation of the water from the soil in their sample.

In the foreground, James Rodgers and Haylan Simpson with their jar showing bubbles from the detergent on top of their soil sample.  In the background Taylor Johnston and Shae-Lee Lacey discussing their soil sample.

Tanissa Dyball, Jessica Foley and Charlotte Mackie proud of their soil experiment.

Alina Burns’ soil jar showed a lot of the sediment settled on the bottom of her jar.

Lyn Tilbrook
Geography Teacher

In the Library over the last couple of weeks Stuart Curtis and Josh Capes of Year 9 and Mitchell Wisemantel of Year 12 have been constructing new Lego models for the library.  The boys have worked together at various times over their recess and lunchtimes to build a NASA Space Shuttle, the Hubble Space Telescope and the Apollo 11 Moon Lander craft.  These new models will join the other Lego models already on display in the Library.

Mr Hobbes
Teacher/Librarian

On Friday, 18 March our team of head shavers, cutters and colourers will assemble for The World’s Greatest Shave.  Miss Grooteman, Mr Curtis and Mr Hobbes will all be participating, along with several other students.  To support our team, you can donate online:

The money we raise will directly support those facing blood cancer today, as well as providing precious relief to over 50 more who will receive the same devastating diagnosis tomorrow.  It will provide families with the special care and support that they need to make it through the darkest days.  We will also help brilliant research scientists continue their search for better ways to diagnose and treat blood cancer more effectively, and ultimately find a cure.

Thank you to Mr Hobbes for all his organisation for this great cause.

Callam Howard
Drama Teacher

This year, the sun decided to grace us with its presence and the rain stayed away for the Competitors only School Swimming Carnival.  Congratulations to those students who attended for their efforts, showing terrific participation and enthusiasm levels.  Those students who attended were: Bailey Furze, Tyran Howarth, Ava Lohse, Nyah Simmons, Calista Elmer, Cohen Shoesmith, Denver Purdon, Riley Kinkade, Lucas Doel, Dallas Agnew, Ashton Dennis, Samuel Stephens, Thomas Davy, Kirsty-Lee Merrick, Piper Bamford, Sophie Scislo, Mia Wells, Charlotte Cooper, William Gibson, Kai De Bono, Lucca Boyling, Finlay Elmer, Violet Miller, Chilali Baggins-Cupitt, Miley Cox, Dylan Kinkade, Grace Randall, Poppy Yates, Elise Duckett, Gemma Eady-Muxlow and Amy Rowell.

A huge thank you to all staff involved who did an excellent job, without your commitment and support the carnival could not have gone ahead.

Luke Rowe
Sports Coordinator

This year, the weather was kind to us and cleared for most of the day with minimal rain.  Well done to all the following students who qualified for the team.  Students and their events are listed below:

Boys Team 

Girls Team

Congratulations to the following students who were able to make the trip to Lambton Swim Centre to attend the Diocesan Swimming Carnival on the day:

Cohen Shoesmith, Lucas Doel, Ashton Dennis, Piper Bamford, Sophie Scislo, Charlotte Cooper, William Gibson, Harrison Tancred, Miley Cox, Dylan Kinkade, Grace Randall, Gemma Eady-Muxlow and Amy Rowell.

Results will be available for the next Newsletter. 

Luke Rowe
Sports Coordinator

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

I would like to start off this chapter of Careers Corner with a plea to students to check their emails.  I have been made aware of many different post-school opportunities (and some SBAT information), especially to do with apprenticeships and traineeships and have emailed this information to students.  There are many opportunities available, and it seems such a pity that many of these get ignored.  This is especially so when students often say to me that “I just want to get a job” or “School is not the place for me”.  Please check your emails!

Explore Charles Sturt University Day

On Tuesday, 8 March, a group of Year 11 and Year 12 students travelled by bus to Port Macquarie to attend the Explore Charles Sturt University day.

We departed at 7:30 am and arrived at Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie campus at 9:00 am.  Everyone attended various sessions throughout the day.  The students had to pre-register and there was a limit of 20 students per session to comply with COVID-Safe regulations.

The students were able to choose sessions from the following:  Criminal Justice, Policing and Law; Physiotherapy; Psychology; Environmental Science and Management; Paramedicine; Nursing; Occupational Therapy; Social Work; Computer Science and Information; Exercise and Sports Sciences; Campus Tour and “All Things Charles Sturt”.

From all reports, the students thought that the day was very informative and well worth the trip.  Many of the students feel that they have a bit more focus for their studies now which is excellent.

Some of the comments on the day were:

The explore day was good, I enjoyed learning about the campus and what it has to offer – Bede.

I really enjoyed both the education and nursing sessions that I did.  They gave me a great insight into what university life looks like – Lucy.

The trip was very informative and gave a good insight as to what university life is like.  I enjoyed it and thought the campus was very interesting, and made me excited for university and what the future holds – Paruldeep.

It was a pleasure to be with our students on the day and they were wonderful ambassadors for St Clare’s.  The CSU staff there were really impressed with the students coming through and commented on how polite and cheerful they all were.

Manning Regional Health Education – Health Careers

On the same day Tuesday, 8 March, a group of 25 Year 11 and Year 12 students travelled to the Manning Regional Health Education Centre to gain an insight into what is involved in several different Health Careers.

Normally we would take 30-40 students, however, COVID has again severely restricted our numbers.  The session was run in a similar way to last year and the students rotated around three different sessions.  Lab 1 involved a look at the Paediatric Community and the many different health personnel involved in this.  Lab 2 involved the Adult Critical Care community.

Lab 3 was an “education” session and information about the various pathways into health careers and gave the students a look at their many options post-school.  It involved an overview of the many different health careers, Wollotuka information and what will be involved for Future Students.

The staff were very impressed with our students, and I received many comments about how polite and enthusiastic they all were.  Congratulations to all of you and hopefully you will have more information to help with your post-school options.  Thanks very much to Mr Curtis for accompanying the students.

Taree Universities Campus

Thanks to Donna for giving her time to come and speak to the students.

White Card Course

On Wednesday, 9 March, a group of students at St Clare’s completed their White Card Course through Men at Work - thanks to Scott Bailey for his interesting delivery of this course.  I will be checking to see if there is any interest in running another White Card course next term as there were a few people on the waiting list this time around who missed out on this opportunity.  We have a limit of 20 students.

Scott Bailey and Alex Hartup                                         St Clare’s Students

The latest information from CAA is as follows:

Courses & Workshops for Students

UCAT NIE 13 March 2022 - FREE Webinar: UCAT, Interviews, Pathways Into Medicine / Dentistry - UCAT NIE presenting for students & parents about UCAT, interviews, and pathways into medicine / dentistry.  This is NOT a sales event.  The session is packed with invaluable information.

Ph: (02) 4367 0404  / enquiries@nie.edu.au   / 

Jschool Journalism College Introductory Subjects - From Jschool's Diploma of Journalism are available for online study by senior secondary students. Units include intro journalism (reporting & news writing) and Teeline shorthand (speed writing). Details at:

There is also a five-week micro unit on basic news writing:

SMS 0493099463 or info@jschool.com.au

MedEntry UCAT Workshop By Dr Ray, Gastroenterologist at Monash Health - The 3 Day UCAT Workshop which covers all 5 UCAT subtests, interviews, entry process etc. The program has been carefully crafted to cover the strategies for UCAT success, in a fun, engaging and interactive environment. Over 3,000 Five Star Reviews. Careers Teachers are welcome to attend at no cost

Explore ACU Program - Bring a school group along to the campuses for an Explore ACU event tailored to your group size and needs. Book to visit the campuses, tour the facilities and learn more about what we have to offer. Submit a request to arrange an event for your school group:

William Angliss’ Upcoming Intake For 2022 Is On March 28. Limited Spots Remaining - So, don’t miss out on the opportunity. APPLY NOW! The admission process is simple, and all the courses that do not require an ATAR for entry are listed on the official website:

The Hotel School Australia The 5-Star Event Is Back! Find out what it is like to work in this dynamic environment by immersing yourself in the behind-the-scenes operations of a luxury hotel. This event is for graduated high school students, year 13’s, looking at hotel management as a career that may not have made a decision on post-school options. 23 March 2022, 10:00am–12:00 pm Industry Connect 2022:

Life Business International ACCESS YOUR FREE 7 day Login To My Career Coach To View Resources - Mapped against government frameworks and guided by the POWER model, students will connect to their true self and create an inspiring life and career pathway plan that matches who they are and the type of life they would love to live. email olga@lifebusiness.com.au  or call 0411357 829

State Library of NSW Celebrate International Women’s Day And Discover The diverse Roles Of The Women Who Work At The State Library Of NSW - The panel includes women from across the organisation including Finance, Human Resources, the Web team and more. Book now for this interactive FREE virtual excursion and get all your questions ready!

Charles Sturt Explore Day Explore Days Are Running On Each Of The Campuses Throughout March - We are keen to show your students around and get them hands-on with their future career. Students will need to register individually; we still have places available but best to get in as soon as possible. More info:

TAFE NSW: Driver Learner Access Program - TAFE NSW is helping improve road safety in NSW with a program that supports the achievement of a Learner’s permit for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students 16 years and above of driving age. TAFE NSW is an approved provider of this program, to assist people achieve their dreams while keeping the roads safe for all

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

UCAT NIE 13 March 2022 - FREE Webinar: UCAT, Interviews, Pathways Into Medicine / Dentistry. UCAT NIE presenting for students & parents about UCAT, interviews, and pathways into medicine / dentistry.  This is NOT a sales event.  The session is packed with invaluable information.

Ph: (02) 4367 0404  / enquiries@nie.edu.au   / 

Internationally Educated Will Be Hosting A Virtual Information Session On 'Studying In The US - Thursday 17 March 6pm, registration required

Come learn more about the US application process and the higher education system in the US. Q&A to follow.

ACU In-School Visit Or Virtual School Presentations - We’re available in person or online to visit your school and present to your students about their study options, the course offerings, entry programs and pathways, or to take part in a careers market. We’re taking bookings for face-to-face or virtual school visits now:

Resourcing Inclusive Communities School To Work Project Is Back Face To Face! Join us for an interactive full day workshop that aims to equip students with disability, through the support of families, to seek meaningful, paid employment in the community. Date: Fri., 18 March @ 9:15 a.m., Location: Canterbury League Club, 26 Bridge Road, Belmore. For more information

Western Sydney University The Discover Western Webinar ‘Exploring Western, Early Offer Programs, Pathways & More -  on Tuesday 5 April, will support senior students to make informed decisions and navigate through Western courses, early offer and pathway programs, and all the benefits of studying with Western. Register

Western Mid-Year Info Day on Saturday 14 May - Provides students the opportunity to explore course options with academics, learn about pathways to university and get application assistance from Western Admissions team. Further information

TAFE NSW Event: Launch Your Career In Cyber Security, Tuesday 15 March 2022, 10am-11am - Give students insight into an exciting 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 live virtual event which will take a deeper dive into the world of cyber security

TAFE NSW Event: Launch your Career In Finance, Wednesday 30 March 2022, 10am-11am Are Your Students Looking For A Dynamic, Rewarding Career In The Finance Sector? This event will connect your students to industry to explore the diversity of roles, including accounting, bookkeeping, mortgage broking and banking. Register for this live virtual event.

Academy of Interactive Entertainment Career In Games & Film, Info Evening At Academy Of Interactive Entertainment Thursday 17th March Considering A Career In Games Or Film? Discover AIE’s courses in Game Art & Animation, Programming, Game Design, VFX, and Film & Virtual Production. Learn about entry requirements and career pathways. Rego required. RSVP at:

Jobs & Work Experience for Students

Productivity Bootcamp In Construction Free 8 Week Training Program - All practical, hands-on learning from the Tradesmen in the construction yard gaining basic skills in electrical, carpentry, formwork, concreting, steel fixing, bricklaying, paving, roof tiling, plumbing, landscaping, scaffolding and more! Support from the Coach to assist with all documents and preparation to gain successful employment upon completion

Resources for Students

Request ACU’s New Course Guide Want To Know What Courses ACU Offers? Complete a publication request to get the 2023 Undergraduate Course Guide delivered to you. Digital versions of the guide are also available for you and your students. Request a hard copy now:

Western Sydney University Resources - Senior high school students can find a wealth of resources and information, including free HSC study sessions, on the Western Year 12 Student Info Hub. Visit the Hub here:

Study Work Grow Like To Know Your Student's Best Skills In 2022? Try Study Work Grow's SKILLS REPORT. The simple online test gives Students a surprising review of their soft skills like Adaptability, Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork (and 6 others). It's available now with the new Ponder Program. Find out more by going to studyworkgrow.com.au/skill-report/ or emailing rob@studyworkgrow.com.au  today.

UCAT NIE Year 10-12:Head-Start Or Continue UCAT Preparation! 19 March 2022 - Intensive Training UCAT Workshop – LIVE ONLINE INTERACTIVE To register:

TEL (02) 4367 0404 / MOB: 0412 439 115  / MOB: 0404 197 178 /
enquiries@nie.edu.au

UCAT NIE Is Australia’s Oldest In The Industry - NIE was founded in 1999, with one goal in mind: to provide excellent assistance to medical applicants, medical students, medical specialists, and medical organisations, in partnership with career advisory and education networks. For resources and training services visit:

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Western Sydney University The Next Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program Assessment Round Is On 24 And 25 May 2022 - The Program is an alternative entry pathway to Western for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more info, visit:

Charles Sturt Advantage Early Offer Program Applications For The Charles Sturt Advantage Early Offer Program Are Now Open - With the Charles Sturt Advantage students can get a guaranteed spot in their course before sitting final exams. Last year we made almost 4,000 early offers – more info:

Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities

Rheem Australia Applications For Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants Open TODAY! Don’t miss out on your chance to receive a whopping $3,000 dollars to assist with your TAFE/RTO fees, textbooks, and tools. If you’re an apprentice who’s currently completing a plumbing course, you are eligible to apply, so visit:

for further details, including application forms.

TABMA – TABMA Apprentices and trainees are eager to connect with students on the Northern Beaches, Sydney who would be interested in a cabinetmaker apprenticeship opportunity in Cromer, 2099. Please contact katie.c@tabma.com.au for further information

TABMA - TABMA apprentices and trainees are eager to connect with students on the North Shore, Sydney who would be interested in a CNC/ Timber Machinist apprenticeship opportunity in Hornsby, 2077. Please contact katie.c@tabma.com.au for further information

TABMA - TABMA apprentices and trainees are eager to connect with students  who would be interested in woodwork related apprenticeship opportunities in Western and South Western Sydney.  Please contact katie.c@tabma.com.au for further information

TABMA- TABMA Apprentices and Trainees are available for introduction to the apprenticeships/ career talks through in-person and virtual presentations. Please contact Katie.c@tabma.com.au for further information.

Transport For NSW The Road/Electrical Designer And Traffic Engineering Officer In Training Programs Are Offered By Transport For NSW. These are available to people looking for a career in designing and developing roads, while at the same time studying towards a Civil/Electrical Engineering degree. Trainees will be working on challenging road and infrastructure projects in NSW

UAC

I am including a section on UAC for Year 12 as UAC opens on 1 April.  I will also email this information to the students in the coming days.

UAC is the Universities Administration Centre and any student wishing to attend university post-school should register with UAC which opens on the 1 April 2022.  This costs $70 if you register before 30 September and $200 if you register after 30 September.

UAC Pin and Applying

Year 12 students will receive their UAC PIN via email when applications open on 1 April.  It could go through to “junk” so check if you do not receive it.  Although we are expecting more courses than last year to be available from April for students to list on their application, some institutions will be waiting until later in the year. Students would then make changes to their preference list later in the year once their chosen courses become available.

Students must use their Year 12 student number (NESA Number) and UAC PIN to apply so that they can be identified as a Year 12 student.  If students don’t use their student number when applying they will not appear on the school’s data spreadsheet available on “School Hub”.

I will be talking to the students about this in the coming weeks before the end of Term.

Work Experience

Please do not forget that if you are interested in doing Work Experience you need to come and see me to collect the paperwork.  Year 11 and Year 12 can do this at any time provided it does not clash with exams etc.  Years 9 and 10 have to complete this during school terms.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

Term 1 2022

Term 2 2022