Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends of St Clare’s

I hope you and your family are safe, well and enjoying our warmer spring weather.

Over the past fortnight our HSC students have completed their trial exams and have begun the final few weeks of secondary education.  A number of students have sat their oral language exams, while others have submitted major projects and portfolios.

NESA examiners have marked and assessed Industrial Technology (Timber) Major Works and Drama performances with Art and Music to follow shortly.  My thanks to staff and students for the positive way in which they have faced these challenges and we wish all families well as they prepare for the HSC exams.

A pleasing number of students and parents attended the recent HSC performance evening which highlighted the skills of our students in Drama, Music and Art.  Those who attended could not help but marvel at the ingenuity, creativity and commitment students showed as they worked with their teachers to provide a wonderful evening of entertainment.  My thanks to CAPA leader Rebecca Huett and her team of committed teachers:  Callam Howard, Amanda Brooks and Lyndall Laurie who have worked extraordinary hours to support the young people in their care.  My thanks also to TAS teacher Mr Phil Chalmers and teacher Brad Hart for their excellent work in assisting the senior Timber and Metal groups to produce an excellent body of work.  They too have covered many extra hours to ensure their students had every assistance to complete their project.

I was very heartened by the excellent number of parents and students who attended last week’s Year 9 2023 Information Evening.  The gathering had access to a large number of teachers from across faculties which allowed parents, students and teachers to discuss subject options and education pathways that will be available to students in future year levels.

We often remark that our students are the best advertisement to our school.  We had another excellent reminder of that situation yesterday with our Rugby 7s team being elected by tournament organisers as the team that best exemplified the “spirit of rugby”.  The award takes into account the demeanour, team work and commitment of the group and is a wonderful endorsement of the students and staff (Phil Chalmers, Jason Koenig and Brad Hart) who worked so well together to create an excellent team environment.  Well done to all.

You would have received a message regarding options for the St Clare’s Bring Your Own Device Policy.  A reminder that the portal for purchasing devices is open for all members of the school community.

Thursday, 8 September was RUOK Day.  We know that issues around Mental Health have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and feelings of isolation and loneliness.  My thanks to Year 10 Leader of Wellbeing Nicole Lovern and her team of Year 10 students who worked diligently across the day to encourage a healthy outlook on life and to ensure members of the community look after each other.

Also on Thursday the Principals of Catholic Schools across the Manning, along with Aboriginal and Torres Strait support workers and members of the CSO Aboriginal Education Unit met to discuss the progress of Aboriginal Education in our region of schools.  We received some cultural education from Auntie Fay and further developed our collaborative approach to establishing sensitive and welcoming learning environments for all.

In the last week of term, the school community will gather to celebrate the HSC cohort of 2022:

• Wednesday, 21 September - the much anticipated annual boys’ vs girls’ netball game will be contested.
• Thursday, 22 September will feature the final Year 12 Assembly for the cohort followed by an afternoon at Black Head Beach.
• Friday, 23 September the school will gather for a mass and celebrate the contribution and legacy that this group of young people have made to St Clare’s High School. The mass will be followed by a morning tea for Year 12 students, their parents and St Clare’s staff.

In closing, I would like to thank all members of the community for your support as we continue to navigate together the difficulties that COVID-19 pandemic continues to create in our area.

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, 10 September

4:00 pm – Reconciliation & 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, 11 September
24^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

7:00 am - Old Bar Rosary
7:30 am – SCAE at Our Lady of Fatima Church Old Bar
9:30 am - Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church Taree – Taree Youth Mass

Further updates can be viewed on the Taree Parish Website: 

During August, Visual Art students from Years 9 through to 12 visited the Manning Regional Art Gallery to see the exhibition of finalists from the Archibald Prize for 2021.

The Archibald Prize is for portrait painting and is one of Australia’s most coveted art awards.  The annual prize was established by Jules François Archibald (1856-1919) from a bequest in his will and was first awarded in 1921.  The portrait is preferentially of someone of note ‘in art, letters, science or politics, painted by any artist resident in Australasia’ and, in this sense, has come to hold a unique place in popular culture.

The highlight of the exhibition was the 2021 winner Portrait of Guy Warren at 100 by Peter Wegner.  The portrait is of 100-year-old artist Guy Warren, who himself was an Archibald winner, coinciding with the 100-year anniversary of the Archibald prize itself.  However, a favourite with many St Clare’s Visual Arts students was Anne Cape’s The odd little bird (a portrait of Sam, Cam and Penguin Bloom).  Many of the students knew the story behind the art of Sam’s recovery and her adopted magpie named Penguin.

Angela Heiss
Visual Arts Teacher

School Basketball Program

Year 8 PDHPE have been participating in a school basketball program this term. This program has been successfully run by Graham and Miranda Bourke from Taree Tornadoes and Saxby’s Stadium over 5 weeks.

Students have been introduced to the game and gained a number of new skills. Year 8 have been very enthusiastic, and we are extremely grateful for Graham and Miranda's expertise.

Karina Hogan
Leader of Learning PDHPE

Diocesan Athletics Carnival

On Wednesday, 17 August the St Clare’s Athletics team of 25 students headed down to Glendale Athletics Track to compete in the annual Diocesan Athletics Championship.  There were some great individual results on the day.  Well done to the following students that competed on the day:

Jake Byma, Matthew Clements, Lachlan Cutajar, Kai De Bono, Ashton Dennis, Gemma Eady-Muxlow, Bailey Furze, Alice Godfrey, Addison Hogan, Dylan Kinkade, Ava Lohse, Alondra Martinez-Leeson, Jocelin, Martinez-Leeson, Mason Polidano, Grace Randall, Lily Richardson, Rufus Rowe, Amy Rowell, Sophie Scislo, Samuel Stephens, Cade Van Ewyk-Campbell, Brock Wells, Zach White, Declan White and Cooper Yates.

 

Thank you to Miss Isabella Devetak, Mr Phillip Carney and Mrs Karen McCann for assisting with the running of the event and all the parents who travelled and supported the students throughout the day.  Your continued support is appreciated.

Luke Rowe
Sports Coordinator

CCC Athletics selections

Following the Diocesan Athletics Carnival, the team to represent the Diocese at the NSWCCC Athletics Championship was selected.  St Clare’s students who have been selected to compete at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships to be held on Monday, 12 September are: Bailey Furze, Cade Van Ewyk-Campbell, Gemma Eady-Muxlow.

Bailey Furze has been selected in the 12 years’ boys 100m.
Cade Van Ewyk-Campbell has been selected in the 13 years’ boys Discus and Javelin.
Gemma Eady-Muxlow has been selected in the 15 years’ girls 1500m and 800m.

Congratulations to these three athletes. 

Luke Rowe
Sports Coordinator

Diocesan Basketball Carnival

The Year 7/8 boys and girls Basketball teams headed to the Broadmeadow Basketball Stadium in Newcastle on Tuesday, 23 August.

The boys team played first against St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm and performed well after the early morning bus ride.  A team performance helped them to a 15 to 12 victory.  After a one game break the boys were in action in their second pool game against St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead which was a tight contest once again, however, the team suffered a 19 to 16 defeat.  After another one game break, the boys headed into the final pool game aiming for a win, however, Catherine McAuley College, Medowie were too strong taking the victory 38 to 18.  The boys team performed with enthusiasm and were positive in all games with the way they represented St Clare’s.  The experience gained will no doubt help in the years to come.  Well done to the following boys that played on the day:  Dallas Agnew, Marlon Davies, Byron Donegan, William Hallett, Caden Hicks, Hendrix McDonagh, Uziah Towney, Jagger Wallis, Lane Wisemantel-Davis.

The girls team played after the first boys game against St Paul’s Catholic College, Booragul and were enthusiastic to perform after the boys first victory.  A tremendous team performance gave the girls their well-deserved 49 to 15 victory.  After a break, the girls headed into their final pool game with confidence against St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar and encountered a physical team.  After the time out the girls started to play to our strength and managed a hard fought 27 to 22 victory.  The girls finished on top of their pool and entered the crossover game against Catherine McAuley College, Medowie with confidence.  A team effort brought a 28 to 11 victory.  The semi-final game against a well drilled St Pius X High School, Adamstown team was a close encounter.  An injury to Imogene with scores close just before half time meant the team was reduced to six girls against a full St Pius X team.  The team from Adamstown ran away with the victory 38 to 19.  The St Clare’s team of seven girls with two students who had never played before performed exceptionally well in all the games they played and should be proud of their efforts and the way they represented St Clare’s.  Well done to the following girls that played on the day:  Charlotte Cooper, Callie Gillard, Alice Godfrey, Hayley Harris, Jessica Hogan, Imogene Lawton, Alondra Martinez-Leeson.

Thank you to Mrs Danya Gillard and all the parents who travelled and supported the students throughout the day.  Your support is appreciated.

Luke Rowe
Sports Coordinator

Careers Corner

There are only two weeks to go before the end of a very interesting term.  I hope that everyone is keeping safe and well.

Over the past three weeks we have had Holly Hambilton from Mid Coast Connect come and speak to the Year 12 students who are interested in an apprenticeship or traineeship post school.  She has gone through the process of registering interest and what is needed to enable this pathway to happen.  She spoke to all of Year 12 about the importance of having a good resume and cover letter and encouraged the students to do this no matter what pathway they take post school.  Holly is a past St Clare’s student, and it was lovely to have her in to talk to the students.  Thanks Holly!

Holly Hambilton from Mid Coast Connect (former St Clare’s student) talking to the students about the importance of resumes and cover letters

Year 12 have finished their Final Assessment tasks for the year!  Well done everyone for the way in which you have approached this.

I would like to remind everyone to please check their emails.  I am receiving a great deal of information about job vacancies, apprenticeships and traineeships.  I have recently sent emails to Years 10, 11 and 12 with many different vacancies.  If you would like some help with any of these applications, please email me.  There are several positions across a wide range of careers.  The information is also available in your respective Career Team OneNote spaces in the Content Library under Apprenticeships and Traineeships.

If you are interested in an Apprenticeship or Traineeship pathway, make sure that you look at the Careers Links, VERTO and Mid Coast Connect information that is in the OneNote.

I would like to highly recommend the Australian Apprenticeship App.  It has excellent information and practice aptitude tests to see where you would best fit in industry.

There are several deadlines approaching for the Year 12 students who are considering a university pathway next year.

The cut-off for UAC applications at $73 is 30 September.  After this date the cost of registering will rise to $220 so if you are thinking about a university pathway post school and you are in Year 12, please make sure that you have registered before 30 September.  Do not forget to apply for SRS (Schools Recommendation Scheme) as soon as you have registered and check to see if you are eligible for EAS (Educational Advantage Scheme).

Early entry deadlines for many universities are also fast approaching.  UNE, Southern Cross, Wollongong and the Sunshine Coast University all offer these programs so please have a look at these.  Even if it is not your first choice, it can give you some options if you do not get into the course you want.

It has been very pleasing to have had interviews with many of the Year 12 students.  Please do not hesitate to contact me to arrange a meeting so that we can go through your options.

Several universities are now offering One-on-One mentoring sessions (virtually) with students.  The Year 12 students would be able to speak to a university student one-on-one and ask any questions they might have about any aspect of university life.  Please check on each University website.  There are also many Open Days – this is excellent as you can see what University life is like.

Please check out scholarships at the various universities and TAFE.  There are several on offer including a regional TAFE scholarship.  The Teach Rural and CSO Teaching Scholarship are up for grabs so if you are considering a teaching pathway post school please apply.  You have to be in it to win it and have got nothing to lose by applying.

If you are considering a TAFE pathway, get on to the TAFE NSW website and have a look at the many courses they offer from short courses through various Certificates and Diplomas and Bachelor Degrees.  You don’t need an ATAR for this pathway.

I am including a link to apply for a scholarship/grant run by the GLEF (Great Lakes Education Fund) which provides funds for anyone who wishes to study post school – TAFE, University or other provider.  If you live in the Great Lakes area you may be eligible.  Go to:

Applications close on 30 September.

Year 11 students are currently completing their final Preliminary Tasks.  After this time some of them may be able to discontinue a subject.  It is very important that if they are considering this, that they talk to their teachers, myself and Mrs Avery.

During the last week of term, the Construction and Hospitality students in Year 11 will be attending their compulsory Work Placement in various businesses throughout the Manning.  This is the first part of their compulsory 70 Work Placement hours.  A huge thank you goes out to the many local businesses who take our students for this very valuable experience.

The Year 10 students have now made their subject selections for 2023 and the process of working out the lines and classes is well under way.  Thanks to Mrs Avery and Ms Posadas for their work on this.

Careers Association of Australia 

Courses & Workshops for Students

Consider a Gap Year with the Department of Home Affairs in 2023: The Department of Home Affairs are offering a 12-month gap year to year 12 students graduating in 2022. The gap year will begin in February 2023 and positions will be based in Parramatta, NSW.

Contact entryprogramsandpathways@homeaffairs.gov.au for more information. 

La Trobe University Bundoora Health Information Management: Offered as an undergraduate or a master's course. 

opportunities across Australia. Contact: merilyn.riley@latrobe.edu.au or j.lee4@latrobe.edu.au for information about on-line and face-to-face options.

UNSW GIE Club is running a FREE biomedical engineering workshop in the school holidays! High school girls in Years 7 – 12 are invited to join the UNSW Biomedical Engineering Students’ Society (BESS) in-person workshop to design a navigation device for vision-impaired people in the afternoon of Monday 26 September. Places are limited to 30 and filling up. More info:

The Careers Guy 2021 Keynote speaker at the CAA Annual Conference, Adam Newman, has limited availability in term 4 for in school seminars. These sessions are in high demand and deliver practical and relatable career advice to senior students all around NSW via a modern multimedia delivery. Numerous 5-star Google reviews from both students and Careers Advisers and references available from other CA's. Please email Adam adam@thecareersguy.com 

The University of Queensland Young Changemakers Program: Year 11 students are invited to apply for the UQ Young Changemakers Program, a 4-day on-campus experience which provides an inspiring opportunity for students to discover, learn and engage with UQ’s academic community and like-minded students. 27 - 30 November 2022, UQ St Lucia campus, Brisbane,

ACTA College is an RTO located in Liverpool NSW offering funded courses through Smart & Skilled in Construction and Trade related courses. ACTA College is currently taking enrolments for 2 Fee Free* Apprenticeship courses the CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry and AUR30620 Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology. Contact ACTA College on 1300 730 830.

National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) If you are passionate about a career in performing arts, NIDA offers courses in acting, costume, design, make-up, musical theatre, props, scenic construction, stage management and technical theatre. NIDA’s practical-based training and industry connections ensures graduates enjoy successful careers in theatre, dance, opera, events, tv and more. Apply before September 30.

ACU Year 12 Revision Webinars Join ACU for a series of free online webinars run by experienced Year 12 exam markers and assessors. They’ll guide you through how to respond to possible exam questions and offer plenty of tips and strategies along the way. Register now:

HSC Masterclasses - September Holidays: Sit for a day with an expert teacher to ACE your final HSC exams. Masterclasses are held for all major subjects at both UTS & Macquarie University in the upcoming September holidays. Read more at

or call 1300 677 336.

Internationally Educated is offering an online ACT practice test for students in years 9-11 on Saturday 17 September at 9am. Registration is essential and further details can be found at

The practice exam includes a personal score report and score review session with a test prep expert.

Course Changes & New Courses

Australian National Institute of Management and Commerce Applications are now open for entry to Bachelor of Laws at our School of Law. A small, inner city law school, located at South Eveleigh, in easy walking distance from Redfern Railway Station. The school offers a law program accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board (NSW). For all inquiries contact aslaw@imc.edu.au.

Information Session for Students & Parents

BiG Day in Newcastle - 26 October 2022 @ UON BiG Day In IT Careers Conference for students Yrs. 9-12 @ University of Newcastle on 26 October 2022 – Speakers incl. Defence Force Recruiting, nib, Mudbath, WiseTech Global, TCS, Westpac & more talking about their careers & the future of technology.  Loads of cool exhibitors inc. ACS, NIB, Mudbath, Wisetech Global, Defence & loads more. Tickets $10 for students

Australian Academy of Beauty Dermal and Laser RTO 90094 Weekly Information Evenings are held at 3 Sydney locations on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. Please register below to come for a tour and to hear all about your career opportunities studying Beauty Therapy Dermal and Laser. Contact amy@aabt.com.au or ph 0493450900

Sydney Design School Love interiors? Australia's award-winning interior design school is hosting an Info Session on Wednesday 7 September at 6pm. Find out more about their accredited interior design qualifications delivered on campus and online. Join them at Sydney Design School 2/40 Oxley St, St Leonards, Sydney 2065. Register to attend here

ACU Online Open Day 2022 If you need more information about choosing ACU, want to chat to staff about the courses ACU offer, then Open Day is for you.  Join us online on Saturday 10 September 10am – 2pm. Register now:

Sydney Actors School and Sydney Film School You're invited to attend the Open Houses at Waterloo Studios, Sydney. Tour the 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:

Western Sydney University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Future Students can register now for Western’s Information Evening on 20 September, where they can learn about scholarships, services, and pathways. For more information and to register

Western Sydney University On 13 September, students can discover Western’s early offer and pathways programs, and explore how to apply for university and get an offer without ATAR, at the Discover Western Webinar. Learn more and register

Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School – Open Day 8 October at the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School Open Day, in Leura, NSW. Discover how the world-class training can lead you to a successful career in hotel management. Experience campus tours and workshops, hear from speakers, enjoy lunch and chat with a Course and Careers Adviser. Register:

Western Sydney University HSC Study Session: Western will offer free online HSC study sessions delivered by qualified teachers, covering 14 subjects such as Chemistry, English, Maths and more, from 26 to 30 September. Find out more and register here:

Job & Work Experience for Students

STUDY AND WORK Participate in an Australian Traineeship Program to start your career as a Dental Assistant and get qualified with a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting. Get paid above trainee award wages and enjoy other incentives, while you learn on the job. Please apply at:

Long Track Pantry 2023 Gap Year Applications Open - Have an adventure and learn hospitality skills in your gap year! We offer 6- and 12-month gap year placements. Accommodation available with flexible workdays and hours. Apply today!

or email careers@longtrackpanty.com.au for more information.

AFL Sports Ready Traineeship opportunities in the Arts! Arts Ready and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia have two exciting traineeships available for First Nation peoples wanting to pursue a career in the Arts. For more information visit:

STUDY AND WORK have plenty of great casual jobs for students that can get them by without taking a toll on their studies! Other than the obvious money incentive, getting a job is a fantastic way to socialise, make new friends, and brush up on their soft skills. Please visit

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

ACU Veteran Entry Program An alternate entry pathway into your dream course, the ACU Veteran Entry Program is available to current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force, as ACU as their partners, spouses, and children. Applications are now open and assessed on a rolling basis. Apply now:

ACU Guarantee closing date 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. Applications close 23 September 2022. Apply now:

Western Sydney University the College is the official pathway provider into Western. Current and non-current school leavers can apply now and until 17 October to start their University Foundation Studies or Diploma programs in Term 3 and guarantee a place at Western. Find out more

UOW College Pathways to the University of Wollongong: If university is the end goal for the person you are supporting, taking a different pathway to get there doesn't mean they will lose time and be left behind. UOW College offers Diplomas that provide guaranteed entry into the 2nd year of many UOW degrees. Explore pathways at

or email us at uowca-future@uow.edu.au

Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities

Careers at Council Local Government is a great place for students and school leavers to start their career. A huge range of traineeships, apprenticeships and cadetships are available in councils across NSW. Visit Careers at Council

for more information and our Jobs Board

for vacancies available now.

Master Builders Association of NSW are the heart of the building industry. Master Builders are here to help young people become a quality apprentice or trainee. Our 3-week entry level Pre-Apprenticeship training program provides an introduction into both the industry and a carpentry trade prior to commencing an apprenticeship. For further information go to our website

Master Builders Association of NSW are taking applications now for apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities in the Northern Beaches and Northern Sydney area. Master Builders have opportunities within multiple trades for all ages and entry levels. Suitable for those who have the commitment and drive to commence and complete an apprenticeship in the building and construction industry. For more information, please email careers@mbansw.asn.au.

Apprenticeship Engagement Forum (AEF) The Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service (AATIS) and AEF have produced 3 great videos featuring young women in non-traditional trades. Carpentry - Candace - Link:

Signs & Graphics - Chrissy - Link:

Painting & Decorating - Megan - Link:

Please come and see me if you would like to do Work Experience.  We have had many students doing this over the past eight months and it is an excellent way to introduce yourself to a prospective employer.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

Term 3 2022

Term 4 2022