Dear Parents & Friends of St Clare’s

I hope you and your loved ones are safe, well and enjoying all that our lovely environment has to offer.

At our full school assembly last Wednesday, I spoke to the students about the significance of National Sorry Day which occurred on Thursday, 26 May.  To help our young people to understand the significance of the day, I asked students to imagine what it would be like to be forcibly taken from their family and placed in an institution, far from home with no real prospect of seeing their loved ones for many years, or perhaps never seeing them again.

Many adults will remember Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s 2007 apology, on behalf of all Australians, to our First Nations people for the hurt and injustice of the stolen generations.  Most of our students would have no memory of this apology, so I talked to them about their life experience and the importance of making things right with people when we have done the wrong thing or hurt someone we love.  In the making of an apology, we seek forgiveness for our mistakes and attempt to reinstate a healthy, trusting and respectful relationship that allows all to lead a good life.  Reconciliation Week is built around the concept of recognising the pain and mistakes of the past and dedicating our energies to ensuring that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander citizens and their culture is treated with dignity and respect.  The Uluru Statement from the Heart and Prime Minister Rudd’s apology are attempts by leaders in our community to put the relationship between traditional owners and the wider community on a positive and dignified footing.  I have included links below for those who may be interested in seeing them and contemplating their importance to our school and wider community:

Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to conduct school tours with families who were interested in looking at St Clare’s facilities and discussing what the school has to offer their children.  The response to the tours has been very positive, so much so that we have decided to make them available each Tuesday afternoon until further notice.  If you know of a friend or family who may like a tour of the school, please contact the St Clare’s Office for a booking.  A reminder that the enrolment process for Year 7 2023 is well underway and that if you are intending to apply for enrolment at St Clare’s, the paperwork can be collected from the St Clare’s Office or from the offices of our Catholic Primary schools.

I am very proud to announce that St Clare’s staff member, Mr Brad Hart, is the recipient of the Diocesan Emmaus Award for outstanding service in the first five years of teaching.  The award recognises Brad’s excellent teaching and commitment to learning and leading in our school and diocesan community.  My thanks to the Diocesan Office for making the award available and to Brad for his positive and collaborative approach to learning and teaching.

No doubt your sons and daughters have been preparing for and talking about their mid-year exams.

My thanks to staff and students for their collaboration during a busy period of the term.

This week our office staff are receiving training in TechnologyOne, the Diocesan’s new financial operating system.  The training will take place over three days with further training over the final weeks of the term.  The software package is comprehensive and will influence the way finances are progressed at the school.

God Bless

Peter Nicholls
Principal

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, 4 June
4:10 pm – Rosary at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Wingham
4:45 pm - Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Wingham
5:00 pm – SCAE at Harrington
6:15 pm - Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church Taree

Sunday, 5 June
Pentecost Sunday
7:00 am - Old Bar Rosary
7:30 am – Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church Old Bar
9:30 am - Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church Taree

Parishes of Taree & Wingham Weekend Masses

Every Saturday at 4:45 pm - Wingham Mass
Every Saturday at 6:15 pm - Taree Mass
Every Sunday at 9:30 am - Taree Mass
1^st and 3^rd Sunday at 7:30 am - Old Bar Mass
2^nd Sunday at 7:30 am - Lansdowne Mass
4^th and 5^th Sunday at 7:30 am - Harrington Mass

Further updates can be viewed on the Taree Parish Website: 

On Wednesday, 1 June St Clare’s had a group of 41 students and parents from Years 11 and 12 come together to see the performance of Jane Eyre at the Manning Entertainment Centre.  For many of our students, this was their first time attending a professional performance and for others, the familiarity of attending a live show was a welcomed treasure.

The performance was a close interpretation of Charlotte Bronte’s classic 1847 novel, ‘Jane Eyre’, and it offered a powerful interpretation of the text which detailed Jane’s early life as an orphan, and her move into adulthood.  It is a life which is characterised by loss, jealousy, love, determination and hope.  It helps us understand the universality of the human experience as our students were able to recognise the timeless qualities which allowed this story to endure and to be so poignant 170 years after it was penned.  For many of our students, ARIA award winner Sarah McLeod was the highlight – as her musicality offered a haunting soundtrack to Jane’s inner conflicts. The performance was staged with only four actors who took on each of the roles – and the range of the actors to transform with minimal costume change captured the imagination and possibility of our students.

Our Stage 6 English students in class have been considering the nature of narratives and have been focusing on the role of context in contributing to a text’s construction and reception.  While our Stage 6 Drama students will use the experience to discuss the value of production elements in enhancing a performance.

In our students’ own words:

“In a small town, we were so lucky to have the opportunity to watch theatre of such high quality acting performances and production values. The set even lit on fire!” – Ky Porst
“It was an exquisite emotional ride”. – Ashton Molley
“The special effects were frightening, but in a good way, especially the naked flames”. – Brady Lambert
“It was spectacular – the set and the noise were fantastic, and the acting was amazing”. – Mariah Radburn
“I thought it was amazing, the singing was really good”. – Chelsea Atkins
“This was my first time going to a theatre, it was a lot different to watching a movie. It was such a creative experience!” – Shifa Saeed
“The stage production and all the effects were great, especially the flames. It was such a cool show”. – Matt Spiteri
“It was captivating and an intriguing story to experience” – Kiara Conway

Tim Masters
English Teacher

On Tuesday, 30 May all our Year 10 PDHPE students presented their Dances as part of their Assessment this term.  The students have been exploring various movement compositions and creating the dance in their PE lessons over the past six weeks.  The day was very entertaining and the students appeared to enjoy getting dressed up and displaying their moves.

Karina Hogan
Leader of Learning PDHPE

Year 12 Business Studies enjoyed a wonderful day out visiting local businesses to see them in operation and to hear wisdom from the owners about running their businesses.  We learnt a lot from Craig Evans at McDonalds about marketing from his expertise in this area.

Year 12 Business Studies Class with Craig Evans at McDonalds

Allan at Steber International gave us an in-depth tour of the workplace and reinforced that it is important to love what you do in life.

Year 12 Business Studies Class and Allan at Steber International
At Steber International:  Lachlan Monks thanked Allan for our tour and talk

Howard Croker at Croaker Oars told us the history of his famous company and showed us around the sheds where the Olympic oars are constructed.

 Year 12 Business Students with Howard Croker and one of the many dogs

To end our interesting day, we saw a very different business with Neville at Greenpatch Organic Seeds.  We saw a very simple, but labour-intensive way to clean cucumber seeds to package for sale.  We all enjoyed a day out learning more about businesses in the local area.

Greenpatch - Back Row Left to Right:  Neville; Byron De La Cruz, Bede Sharrock; Josh Voetterl; Seren Everingham; Lachlan Monks; Alex Cross
Front Row:  Tully Crossingham & Haylee Brabant.

Mrs Tilbrook
Business Studies Teacher

Visual Arts News…Student Success!

Congratulations to Sofia Gonzalez of Year 7 for her success in being one of 60 finalists in the 2022 University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize, Let’s Hang It!

There were 591 art entries this year, from 46 schools, and these works demonstrated the application of a very high standard of technical skill as well as creative expression.  The selection committee commented that there was a wonderful diversity of art media and subject matter represented which made the selection process very difficult, given the high standard.

The opening of the 2022 University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize (UNESAP) Let’s Hang It! exhibition will be held at 6pm on Friday 29 July 2022 at the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) in Armidale and the exhibition will be on display until Sunday 14 August 2022.

The judge this year for the first and second place prizes is local artist James O’Hanlon and the Director of NERAM, Rachael Parsons, will also present a Director's Choice Award.  A People’s Choice Award will be voted for over the duration of the exhibition via the online exhibition page and the winner announced at the conclusion.  There is also an award for The Most Outstanding School, recognising the commitment to quality in artmaking.

If you are a keen artist, keep an eye on future School Newsletters for details of art prizes that you can enter.

Congratulations Sofia!

Rebecca Huett
Creative Arts Leader of Learning

BACS Shirt Design NAIDOC 2022 Competition

The Biripi Aboriginal Children Services are running a design competition for their 2022 NAIDOC shirt.

Open to all students ages 12 to 18 years, the closing date being Monday, 20 June.

If you are interested in entering a design, please see Mrs Huett in the staffroom at recess or lunch for a template.

1^st Prize is a signed Rabbitoh’s Jersey
2^nd Prize is Adidas Merchandise

Happy designing!

Rebecca Huett
Creative Arts Leader of Learning

NSWCCC State Football Team – Saffron Grass

Last Wednesday and Thursday, thirty of the diocesan’s most talented football players headed to Glenwood, in Sydney, to compete with the best players from other Dioceses at the NSWCCC State Football Selections.  For the first time, both the boys and girls took out the final to be recognised as the NSWCCC Champion team.

It is a credit to all the students who not only displayed incredible talent and skill but also great sports’ spirit.  Seven boys and five girls were recognised with a place in the NSWCCC team, to play against NSWCHS and NSWCIS at the NSW All School Championships in June.

Congratulations to Saffron Grass, Year 11 who has secured a place in the NSWCCC team.

NSW CCC Hockey Trials

Ryan Box (Year 9), Emma O’Byrne (Year 9), Mason Doel (Year 10) and Alex Hartup (Year 10) attended the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) Hockey Trials in Bathurst on Monday, 30 May.  All four students represented St Clare’s with pride and are to be congratulated on their efforts.  A special mention to Alex Hartup who was selected in the Possible and Probable’s.

Ryan Box, Emma O’Byrne, Mason Doel & Alex Hartup

Karina Hogan
PDHPE 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 now over halfway through Term 2, and everyone is going full steam ahead!

Year 12, If you have registered for the UCAT, please remember that there are free study materials and practice exams which can be accessed via the following website:

Several universities have their Early Entry schemes open and if you are thinking about a university pathway post school, this can be a great option.

The students should log into JobJump – click on the menu in the top right-hand corner.  Under “UNI” click on “All you need”.  Then click on “Early Entry”. You then click on any of the university early entry pathways and you will be able to see the information you need to access these.  I emailed the JobJump link to the students a few weeks ago.

Year 12 - please remember to keep up your productive study patterns, eat well, get some exercise and look after yourselves.

Year 11 – now is the time to really knuckle down and become strong senior students.  It is imperative that you apply yourself well, develop strong study patterns and approach your studies with a firm commitment to doing as well as you can.

Year 10 - you are coming up to “subject selection” time for 2023.  The mentoring process will begin soon, and we are going to take some of our Clare lessons to get a USI number and register for JobJump which has some very helpful information re subject selection for senior school.  You should all have access to our Careers Team OneNote and information will be placed here in the near future.  Mrs Avery will be letting you know when this process will start.  The various KLA Coordinators will provide information regarding the various study pathways for senior school.

Year 12 are reminded to keep checking the Careers Team OneNote and JobJump for up-to-date information about possible career pathways post school.  There are many virtual and actual open days, apprenticeship information days and traineeship information.

I would also like to keep encouraging the students to have a draft ‘Cover Letter’ and resume which can be tailored for job applications both part-time and fulltime.

Work Placement

Work Placement has been well under way, and the Year 12 Hospitality students have just completed their 35 hours of Work Placement at Sea World.  This was an amazing experience and allowed the students to see and experience many of the different aspects of the Hospitality industry.

 Astyn Strybis Star Performer at Sea World

Year 11 Construction and Hospitality students will be completing their Work Placement in the last week of Term 3 after their exams.  They will be registering with Mid Coast Connect, who handle this for us, in the coming weeks if they have not done so already.  Year 11 Sports Coaching complete their Work Placement during school sport time on Thursdays when they coach the younger students.  They also gain hours officiating at various Primary School carnivals in our area.

Work Experience

Please remember that if you are interested in doing Work Experience you will need to come and get the forms from me in my office.  The Diocese has set guidelines for Work Experience.  Year 9 and Year 10 students have to complete this during school time, however Year 11 and Year 12 students can do Work Experience during holiday time or on the weekend.

Careers Adviser’s Association Latest Information

The latest information from CAA (Careers Adviser’s Association) is as follows:

Course Changes & New Courses

Sydney Design School Curious about a creative career in interior design? Try the Designer for a day workshop for school leavers. Get creative experimenting with colour, materials, and 3D rendering tools. Sydney Design School, 2/40 Oxley St, St Leonards. Thursday 7 July 9.30am - 4pm. Limited spaces available $35 pp. Book here:

ACU Online has been specifically designed for online learning and provides you with personalised support whenever you need it. ACU are currently offering a range of postgraduate courses in the fields of nursing, business, health and IT. Plus the undergraduate Bachelor of Commerce course is fully online. Find out more:

Courses & Workshops for Students

ACTA College is a registered training centre and, is a Smart and Skilled provider. ACTA College is currently enrolling new student into the following Fee Free* qualifications: Certificate IV in Building and Construction, Certificate III in Carpentry, Certificate III in Telecommunications Technology. Contact ACTA College on 1300 730 830 or email: Mayssa@actacollege.edu.au.

Advance OHS Students attending work experience on a construction site or completing a construction VET course is required to complete the Construction Induction Course also known as ‘White Card’. Book the Construction White Card course by simply visiting

Discover ACU Students can join ACU for the free Discover ACU events to get a taste of university life before enrolling in uni. Students can choose an interactive workshop from their degree of choice, meet staff and current students, explore their local campus, and get helpful tips on preparing for university. Registrations open soon:

Young Change Agents Enter the Climate Action Design Challenge! This free online design thinking challenge, open to students aged 10-21, empowers youth to create innovative solutions to climate change. Students will identify problems, reframe them as opportunities, develop solutions, and create prototypes. Winning ideas will receive prizes to support the development of their idea

iCanMed Free May UCAT Webinars for Year 10-11 Students: Achieving medical/dental entry requires top scores in UCAT, ATAR & interviews - but preparing for all 3 assessments in Yr 12 is almost impossible due to the workload. This webinar will explain what Yr 10-11 students can do now to best set themselves up for Yr 12 (+ live step-by-step UCAT teaching). Register:

Engineers Australia WINTER ENGINEERING SCHOOL 2022 4-8 July 2022 - Registrations are open! Year 11 & 12 students from across NSW & ACT to attend this 5-day Engineering immersion. Visit 5 Universities & 5 iconic organisations & projects, plus meet over 150 Engineers & University students!  Register

The Lemon Car Mark from The Lemon Car presents his school’s Road Ready Driver Education Course. His presentations are enlightening, informative, entertaining and, most importantly, educational. Email mailto:mark@thelemoncar.com.au or Call 0444528409 for future bookings.

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

LifeJourney Free Careers Webinars for Secondary Students - Join to hear directly from leading experts working to defend Australia from cyber threats and the career pathways available in the exciting field of cyber security.

Camp America (Australia) Applications for 2023 are open! Start your adventure to work in the USA next year by applying now. Get a placement with a Summer Camp before the end of the year. Spend 9-12 weeks working at a summer camp and rest easy knowing you're going with the experts that provide medical coverage and 24/7 support whilst in the USA. You'll thank yourself for the bonus summer later!

MedEntry UCAT Free UCAT Bootcamp For parents, aspiring medical students and Careers Advisers. Dr Ray, Gastroenterologist at Monash Health offers UCAT mini test, discusses medical interviews, admission process, life as a medical student, and career as a doctor. Watch this two-hour Bootcamp from the comfort, convenience & security of your home at any time!

ACS Foundation (BiG Day In) BiG Day In @ UTS - Join ACS on 21 or 22 June 2022 in the Great Hall at UTS for the 2022 BiG Day In IT Careers Conference.  Hear from presenters from TCS, Wisetech Global, Woolworths, Avanade Australia, Microsoft, Adobe, Westpac, Animal Logic & loads more to come, all talking about where a career in technology can take you. Tickets $10 & no charge for teachers

BiG Day In Newcastle (ACS Foundation) BiG Day In IT Careers Conference for students Yrs 9-12 @ University of Newcastle on 10 August 2022 – Speakers incl. Defence Force Recruiting, nib, WiseTech Global, Mudbath & more talking about their careers & the future of technology.  Loads of cool exhibitors including ACS, nib, Wisetech Global, Defence Force Recruiting & loads more. Tickets $10 for students

BiG Day In Port Macquarie (ACS Foundation) BiG Day In IT Careers Conference for students Yrs 9-12 @ CSU Port Macquarie on 8 June 2022 – Speakers incl. Defence Force Recruiting, Essential Energy, Wisetech Global, TCS, Woolworths & more talking about their careers & the future of technology. No charge to attend & morning tea & lunch provided for all attendees

Sydney Actors School and Sydney Film School You're invited to attend our Open Houses at Waterloo Studios, Sydney. Tour Sydney Actors School state-of-the-art Film & TV studio and learn why Sydney Actors School and Sydney Film School offer the most practical, hands-on accredited programs in Australia. To register, please click on the following link:

Resources for Students

JMC Academy Course brochure requests -as expo season ramps up, if you would like JMC to send you course brochures (digital and/or hard copies) please fill out this form

Study Medicine The latest Information May marks the beginning of the 2023 medicine application cycle” has been added to Study Medicine:

This includes a fully detailed list of May 2022 university deadlines, interviews, notable events and medicine offers for all Australian medicine degrees and degrees leading to medicine (entry in 2023).

UCAT NIE UCAT and Interview Preparation Resources and Services - NIE.EDU.AU NIE is Australia’s oldest and most reputable training organisation in our industry. NIE was founded in 1999, with one goal in mind: to provide excellent assistance to medical applicants, students, parents, and teachers. For resources and training services visit:

TAFE NSW Pathway Brochures Developed in consultation with industry partners, your students can explore their pathways with the TAFE NSW pathway brochures. They identify future key market trends, annual growth, a range of courses to suit and more.

Study Work Grow Want To Create a Beautiful PDF Resume In-Class Or At Home? Study Work Grow has a fabulous 'Super Simple Resume Builder' you can use completely for free here:

Western Sydney University School of Law invites high schools in western Sydney to register for the prestigious mooting competition, ‘Kirby Cup’. Schools can register as many teams of four year 10 and 11 students. Numbers are limited. Find out more and register here

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Institute of Health & Nursing Australia Are you interested in a Nursing career? No ATAR, No Worries! IHNA presents the NEW Diploma of Nursing that gives you an opportunity to become an Enrolled Nurse and help your community. IHNA also has University partnerships that can help you progress and become a Registered Nurse as well. Please contact sreshti.nair@hci.edu.au or call 0282286405.

ACU Guarantee Guarantee your place at ACU before your Year 12 exams. ACU Guarantee offers eligible Year 12 students a place at ACU based on their Year 11 results. For a summary of the early entry program and how to apply:

Campion College is now accepting Early Offer applications for its three-year Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts and one-year Diploma of Liberal Arts. Successful applicants will receive a conditional offer before HSC exams begin and be automatically considered for first semester scholarship. Find out more at

Applications close 7th October.

The University of Sydney Gadigal Early Conditional Offer Round Open the Gadigal Program is the Indigenous student pathway that supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to study at the University of Sydney. The Gadigal Early Conditional Offer Round is now open for students to apply via UAC by 7th August to be considered.

Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities

TABMA Apprentices and Trainees have a Supply Chain Trainee position in Cardiff, Newcastle. We are looking for a trainee who would enjoy working with building materials, great career progression long term with the host employer. For further information please email katie.c@tabma.com.au.  

TABMA Apprentices and Trainees have a warehouse and customer service Trainee position in Rosehill, Western Sydney. We are looking for a trainee who would enjoy working with building materials and trade customers, great host employer, very rewarding role. For further information please email katie.c@tabma.com.au.

ACTA College ACTA College is a Smart and Skilled provider offering funded apprenticeships in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and in Painting and Decorating. ACTA College has employers all around Sydney ready to sign up a new trainee. Contact ACTA College on: 1300 730 830 or email us: Mayssa@actacollege.edu.au.

Australian Cabinet & Furniture Association Flexibility and Personalised Apprenticeships ACFA is a registered training organisation that brings a unique experience to how young people are trained in an existing industry. The workplace-based training model brings flexibility and a personalised touch with a dedicated trainer. To find out more about where to start –

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like any assistance regarding anything to do with Careers.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

Term 2 2022

Term 3 2022