Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members

I would like to extend best wishes to all for a happy and healthy new year.  It’s a pleasure to see all the students, teachers, and ancillary staff back at school after a long and well-deserved break.

As we enter a new year and term, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has taken the time to wish me well as I take on the role of Principal of St Clare’s for the 2023 year.  I don’t see this year as a year where I am just filling the shoes of Mr Nicholls.  As I have spoken to the staff and students, I intend on being me, a visible Principal, with a clear focus on building quality relationships.  A connected school where students, parents, carers, and the wider community work collectively to provide a high-quality learning environment where there are opportunities for all our students to achieve ‘Be successful’.

St Clare’s has and always will provide its students with a faith based, healthy and competitive learning environment to help the student grow in every sphere, be it academics, creative arts, industrial arts, sport, or any other extracurricular area.

In the first weeks of school, I have challenged our students to be the best they can be ‘to be successful’.  I asked them to think about this question.  How are you going to achieve personal excellence, be successful this year?  This will require them to take ownership for their learning, set themselves clear goals on what they want to achieve and then work hard to achieve these goals.

Last Sunday’s gospel reading Matthew 5:13-16: included this statement “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds’.

We want our students use their gifts given to them by God and to ‘let their light shine’ for all to see, so as a community we can celebrate their successes with them.

Welcome to our community for 2023

A big welcome goes our new Year 7 students who have started the year very well, finding their way in a new environment and what high school is all about compared to primary school.  I’ve had the opportunity to say hello as a collective group, but also meet a number of them individually.  It was great to see their smiling faces at the end of the first week.  I would also like to welcome all the other students that have joined us in Years 8-11.  You are all most welcome and I am looking forward to getting to know all of you as the year progresses.

We also welcome several new staff members, Michael Morson - Mathematics Leader of Learning; Tanille Gardner – Religious Education Leader of Learning; Sally MacKay – teacher of TAS; Ben De Somma – Teacher of English; Leilanie Andrews – Aboriginal Education Worker & Learning Support Assistant, Larissa Collins – School Counsellor; and Lisa Millard – Bursar.

We welcome back, after taking leave in 2022, Mr Bruce Bielby – HSIE Teacher; Mr David Hutchison – Teacher of Religious Education and TAS.

Positional changes for 2023

Assistant Principal, Wellbeing – Marian Parvin
Religious Education Leader of Learning – Tanielle Gardner
Mathematics Leader of Learning – Michael Morson
Wellbeing Mentor – Bronwen Davidson (Years 8, 10 & 12) and Nicole Lovern (Years 7, 9 & 11).  Both will continue in their role of Leaders of Wellbeing in their respective cohorts of Year 12 and Year 11
Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing – Jamaya Pearce
Year 9 Assistant Leader or Wellbeing – Matthew Hanlon
Year 10 Assistant Leader of Wellbeing – Jeremy Hobbs

Finally,

‘Together with Christ we serve our community’
Inspired by GOSPEL VALUES and the practical examples of St Mary of The Cross MacKillop and St Clare of Assisi our Mission is to…
CONNECT LEARN ASPIRE RESPECT ENGAGE

Kind regards

Phillip Gibney
Principal

It would be appreciated if parents/guardians would phone the office, email or send in a written note if their child needs to leave early for appointments etc.  Notes should be handed in at the front office in the morning so a leave note can be issued to students.  If parents/guardians need to notify their child of a change of afternoon arrangements, it is necessary to phone the school prior to 2:20 pm (End of Lunch – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday) or prior to 2:05 pm (End of Lunch – Thursday Sport) as it is often difficult to locate students if their last lesson is a PE Prac or there has been a room change.  Students cannot be collected from the school during school hours by anyone other than a parent or guardian without phone or written permission.

Lateness to school is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained to the school the same way as other forms of absence.  Arriving Late for school requires a handwritten note from a parent/carer, email or a phone call from a parent/carer or the absence is recorded as an unexplained partial absence. 

Students are reminded that if they are unwell whilst at school they are to advise their teacher who will then send them to the Front Office.  If necessary, the office staff will contact a parent while the student waits in the Clinic.  Students are not to contact parents on their mobile phones as this leaves teachers and office staff unaware of the situation and is also in breach of the school policy – use of mobile phones.

Mass Times

Forster-Tuncurry Catholic Parish

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

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

Taree Catholic Parish

Saturday
4:00 pm Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wingham:  Reconciliation & Rosary
4:45 pm Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wingham:  Mass
6:15 pm Our Lady of the Rosary, Taree:  Mass

Sunday
9:30 am Our Lady of the Rosary, Taree:  Mass
7:30 am every 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of the month Our Lady of Fatima, Old Bar:  Mass
7:30 am every 2^nd Sunday of the month St Therese, Lansdowne:  Mass
7:30 am every 4^th and 5^th Sunday of the month Star of the Sea, Harrington:  Mass

Further updates can be viewed on the Taree Parish Website:

It was wonderful to be able to be part of the 2022 Dux Assembly here at St Clare’s on Tuesday, 7 February. 

We were able to recognise the achievements of many of last year’s Year 12 students, in many different areas.

As well as the Dux of 2022 (Taj Simpson), we were able to recognise those students who gained first in subject in the Diocese and those students who achieved ATARs over 90.  This was the result of much hard work and in the words of Taj, in his speech, the result of combined efforts from students and teachers, with all students helping and supporting each other.

Many of the students have started full-time work, many are off to University or TAFE, and whatever their path, we wish them all the best and will miss them.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

2022 HSC student, Charles Pitt is very excited to announce he is the successful recipient of a University Co-Op Scholarship.

Charles excitedly informed me of his success.  In Charles’ words: “…I received an offer for a Co-op Scholarship ($20,000 pa) at UNSW for Renewable Energy Engineering, it's a four-year course with a 5^th year honours option, so if I did that I would receive $100,000 over the five years.  (It's the largest UNSW scholarship and only one person got the Renewable Energy Scholarship, and it was me!).”

“I was really happy to get it purely because it’s the one field of engineering I would have gone into.”

Renewable energy is certainly a topical course of study and Charles is entering this course of study at a very opportunistic period of time.

Charles’ scholarship is being sponsored by Iberdrola Australia.  A global energy company based in Spain, Iberdrola is a world leader in renewable energy with a particular emphasis on electrical energy from Wind Turbines.  Charles will work for the company during his university years and be employed by the company upon graduating from UNSW.

New South Wales is a big state and there would have been many applications for such a scholarship, so for Charles to be successful, he has really excelled.  It is encouraging to see a “nobody from nowhere” get the recognition which is so deserved.  A young man from Lansdowne, from a regional Catholic High School, to gain such a valuable start to his post-school years again demonstrates that if you can, you will, if you want to.

Charles studied Engineering Studies, Physics, Advanced English, and Extension 2 Mathematics for the HSC and he achieved an ATAR of 93.3.

We wish Charles well in his future and look forward to the day our houselights illuminate with energy delivered from one of Charles’ engineering projects.

Mark O’Neill
TAS Teacher

Welcome back for another fun year and already Year 12 put their skills to the test organising the food for the DUX assembly.

Yesterday and today our lesson was on deep frying and the students prepared salt & pepper calamari and fish & chips and salad.

Laurent Gonfond
Hospitality Teacher

There is much research around the detrimental impact high energy drinks have on the health of young people.  Please be aware that high energy caffeine drinks are banned at St Clare’s High School.  They are also not permitted at any extracurricular event offsite including excursions, sporting events, camps and sport.

Any student caught with a high energy caffeine drink will have it confiscated and their parent will have to collect it from the school.

Marian Parvin
Assistant Principal

In 2023 the following vaccines will be offered:

If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 this year, you can now provide online consent for their routine school vaccinations.

In Year 7, students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV).  In Year 10, students are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.

Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.

How to provide consent:

1. To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school
2. Follow the steps to log in to your existing Service NSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence.  If you don’t have a Service NSW account, refer to Service NSW to create one.
3. Update or confirm your personal details in Service NSW as required.
4. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:

        a) Enter your child’s personal details
        b) Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
        c) Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement
        d) Provide consent

If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form directly from your child’s school.

The benefits of providing consent online:

• easily update your child’s details
• receive SMS and/or email notifications when vaccinations are given
• faster upload of vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit

If you require information in your language, please visit:

Online Consent 2023

Online Consent 2023 97.82 KB

Any students interested in any of the following sporting teams MUST see Mr Rowe in person for further details and how to register. 

Diocesan Rugby League Individual Trials/Selections

U15 boys trial to be held on Thursday, 16 February - online registrations close 9 am Friday, 10 February
U18 boys - online registrations close 9 am Friday, 17 February
U16 girls - online registrations close 9 am Friday, 17 February
U18 girls - online registrations close 9 am Friday, 17 February

Diocesan Touch Football Individual Trials/Selections

U15 & Opens selections to be held on Thursday, 2 March - online registrations close Wednesday, 22 February

NSWCCC Softball Trials/Selections

U18 girls & boy’s selections to be held on Tuesday, 14 February - online registrations close Friday, 10 February

Luke Rowe
Sports Coordinator

Careers Corner

Welcome to 2023 and our first edition of Careers Corner for the year.

Hopefully everyone is well and ready to cope with the challenges which await us this year.

On the same day as the School Swimming Carnival, Friday, 24 February 2023, Year 12 students will be having their first and only full Careers Day at school.  The purpose of this Careers Day is to enable students to embrace the complexities of Year 12 and to develop a timeline which will help to avoid excessive stress levels when thinking about the year ahead and their post school possibilities.  The program addressed issues such as:

• Goal setting
• Personal Strengths and skills
• Apprenticeship and Traineeship pathways
• Industry pathways
• What is an ATAR?
• What is UAC?
• What is EAS?
• Checking NESA information and details
• Scholarships
• Subject adjustment factors
• Flexible/Alternative Entries
• Early entrance
• School references
• Résumés
• Study time-tables
• Student Careers Profile

There will be several guest speakers including various industry personnel.  The venue will be the Josephite Learning Centre (Room 106).

Within the next few weeks, there will be an opportunity for Year 10, 11 and 12 students who do not have their White Card, to complete this.  Stay tuned for more details.  Anyone who is considering either working or doing Work Experience in the Construction industry must have a valid White Card in order to enter a building site.  They must complete a course in a “face to face” environment for the card to be valid in NSW.

It has been very exciting to hear that several of our 2022 Year 12 students have been successful in gaining fulltime apprenticeships, places at university and other fulltime work.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022 for their successful navigation of a very challenging two years.  There were some excellent results across a range of subjects.

Work Experience 2023

Work Experience (W/E) in 2023 at St Clare’s will be available as targeted work experience.

W/E will be for the following students:

• Transition to work students identified by Learning Support
• Students in Year 10 interested in leaving school to find employment at the end of 2023
• Students in Year 11 and 12 who need W/E as part of applications for courses, scholarships and employment.

W/E can be done in the following forms:

• 1 day a week – transition to work programs for Work Studies students
• 1 day/week for 5 weeks OR 1 week organised in conjunction with the school calendar for students looking to leave school
• During holidays for Year 11 and Year12 students, and for Year 10 students - ONLY if two supporting St Clare’s teachers are available as monitors

Work Placement (W/P) for VET students will continue as normal in designated weeks.

Process for W/E

• Students in Year 10 wishing to be involved in a work experience program in 2023 will need to collect and fill in an application form (See Mrs McCann).
• Each application will require an interview with the Careers’ Adviser and a written reason for wanting to be part of the program supported by parents.
• All students will need to complete a “Work Ready” booklet which is in the W/E pack
• All students will need to complete “Go2Workplacement”.
• Year 11 and 12 students need to contact the Careers Adviser if they wish to participate in work experience.
• An annual insurance fee applies to all students involved in W/E or W/P programs.

Important Date – School Photos

Wednesday, 15 February 2023 School Photo Day - individual photos for Year12 students are appended to NESA registration for validation of HSC Examination identity.  It is ESSENTIAL that students attend school on this day.

Careers Association of Australia (CAA)

The latest information from the Careers Association of Australia (CAA) is as follows:

Courses Changes & New Courses

ACU Online has been specifically designed for online learning and provides you with personalised support whenever you need it. Check out our new, flexible undergraduate courses in education, and criminology and criminal justice. Find out more

The University of Sydney | New Undergraduate Nutrition units from 2023 The Bachelor of Science and Master of Nutrition and Dietetics will be offering two new subjects as part of the undergraduate program from 2023. The 'Mythbusting food and health' subject (bit.ly/FMHU2001_USYD) commences in Semester 1 and students studying any degree are permitted to enrol. The 'Evidence-based practice in nutrition' subject (bit.ly/NTDT3002) commences in semester 2.  

Courses & Workshops for Students

HEX | University recognised digital short courses (powered by Atlassian) HEX Ed is a suite of digital courses for senior school students (and leavers) that supports students to develop the mindsets, skillsets and toolsets needed to succeed in a competitive, innovation-led world. Industry-relevant and recognised for academic credit by universities across Australia. Email: hello@startwithhex.com

TAFE NSW | Fee-free* TAFE is a joint initiative of the Australian and NSW Governments providing tuition-free training places for people wanting to train, retrain or upskill. Fee-free* TAFE is available for people who enrol after 1 Dec 2022 and commence their course between 1 Jan 2023 and 31 Dec 2023.

* Eligibility criteria apply for selected certificates and diplomas.

TAFE NSW | You don't need an ATAR to study a degree with TAFE NSW Study A Bachelor degree, post graduate or higher education qualification with TAFE NSW, and graduate with strong theoretical knowledge, practical experience and industry connections that will give your students a head start in their career. Applications are closing soon, find out more:

MedEntry | UCAT Prep By Dr Ray, Gastroenterologist at Monash Health. 3 Day Workshop which covers all 5 UCAT subtests, interviews, entry process etc. Formal Instruction & Group Learning. 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.

UNSW GIE FEAS Program | The alternate pathway program for girls to UNSW Engineering starts in Feb!  Limited places remain in the 2023 UNSW GIE FEAS Program for high school girls in Year 11 and 12 interested in engineering. Find out more

5 day Zero Cost Hospitality Course Statement of Attainment in Hospitality is awarded. This includes RSA. February 13 Parramatta; February 20 CBD; February 27 South West Sydney. Units SITHFAB002, SITHFAB005, SITXFSA001. Spots are limited. Funded places are pending assessment of eligibility. Must be an Australian citizen/resident, aged 17 or older, and not enrolled in school. To find out more go to

TAFE NSW | You don't need an ATAR to study a degree with TAFE NSW Study a Bachelor degree, post graduate or higher education qualification with TAFE NSW, and graduate with strong theoretical knowledge, practical experience and industry connections that will give your students a head start in their career. Applications are closing soon, find out more:

TAFE NSW Students dreaming of a future in fashion? Powerhouse Parramatta are offering FREE workshops led by critically acclaimed Fashion Designer Jordon Gogos. Recommended for high school aged students Yr 7 – yr12, workshops held every Saturday in February - places are strictly limited, bookings essential:

Advance OHS Have you booked your White Card course for 2023? General Induction for Construction Course (White Card) is mandatory for all students undergoing construction related work which may be part of work experience or VET courses. Book your courses now for 2023. Contact (02)9635 4444 or office@advanceohs.com.au

Charles Sturt University Explore Day 2023 is the perfect opportunity for Year 10, 11 and 12 students to get a taste of uni life. Students will meet lecturers and students, check out the campus and take an accommodation tour. They'll also get hands-on in an area of study. Careers Advisers are also welcome. To see dates and register:

Explore ACU Schools are invited to express their interest in our Explore ACU events, designed to give students an exciting first taste of specific course disciplines. Students experience hands-on workshops in our state-of-the-art facilities with the opportunity to speak with ACU students studying in their area of interest. Register now at

The University of Sydney | HSC Society and Culture PIP Consultations Hosted by the Department of Gender and Cultural Studies, the PIP consultation sessions aim to support Year 12 HSC Society and Culture Students with their projects. Students can use their 15-minute virtual one-to-one consultation time for an expert interview, a topic area discussion, or project design consultation. Applications close at 5pm on the 15th of February 2023.

Engineers Australia | Autumn School of Engineering 2023 A 5-day intensive program for Years 11 & 12 from Mon 17-Fri 21 April 2023. Visit 10 sites including 5 University campuses; Meet more than 100 Engineers and Engineering Students; visualise the amazing opportunities that lie ahead for you in Engineering – the practical application of Maths & Science! A small number of positions are left – EOI click here:

William Angliss Institute intake for 2023 starts on February 10. It’s a great window of opportunity for the students to be accepted into most of Angliss's courses and build a successful career! The admission process is simple, and all the courses that do not require an ATAR for entry are listed on the official website:

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

NSW Mining Careers Dinners 2023 Dates & Locations A free event for students in Years 10-12, their parents/carers & careers advisers. 6pm - 8:30pm. NSW Mining Careers Dinners connect students with employers and education providers in the minerals and resources sector across NSW. Register your interest at

TAFE NSW | Information sessions Students can join TAFE NSW online or at their nearest participating campus, to discover how TAFE NSW can help them get the skills they need for the job they want. Registrations are mandatory

ACU | Guided Visits Come to see what ACU has to offer across ACU’s NSW and ACT campuses, from nursing laboratories to physiotherapy simulation rooms, moot courts and so much more. There are limited spots so register now to join an exclusive guided visit hosted by one of ACU’s experienced student ambassadors. Register at

Western Sydney University Discover Western Webinars are back in 2023 commencing in February. Learn about the range of study options Western offers with a focus on a specific area of study across the series. Each webinar will include virtual access into the facilities on campus. Register now:¿

The Hotel School Australia is holding an Information Evening on Wednesday 15 February from 5:15pm – 7pm. Find out more about The Hotel’s School courses and flexible degree options, meet academic staff and current students and have all your questions answered. Limited spots available, parents and friends are welcome. Register here:

For more information contact anne.mccrory@scu.edu.au

Resources for Students

BARCATS | Free Training in Hospitality Barcats is a hospitality community platform with a dedicated Under 18 site. We realise that providing free training and other handy tips related to hospitality jobs will often overcome nerves in students finding their first job and help develop life-long skills. Head to our site:

for free online training as well as zero cost training options throughout the year.

Job & Work Experience for Students

Long Track Pantry Jugiong, NSW Gap Year Programme! Have a country adventure, be part of our young energetic team, save money and learn hospitality skills. We offer 6-12-month gap year placements. Furnished Accommodation available for $75 per week with flexible workdays and hours. Apply today!

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

JMC | Game Design Work Experience Program JMC Academy are accepting applications for their 4 day (29th May - 2nd June) work experience program for Year 10 and 11 students. Students must have a genuine interest in working in game design and provide supporting evidence of their interest. Applications close Fri 31st March. Students can apply through

Projects Abroad | Overseas Medical Experience Programs Projects Abroad has 2023 dates for overseas medical programs. They are for year 10-12 students whose ambition is a career in healthcare. Students can join as individuals or with friends and have 24/7 support from Projects Abroad's local team. The most popular program is Nepal -

For more info

STUDY AND WORK | Student Friendly Jobs Talent Pool by STUDY AND WORK is an easy-to-use app, home to amazing casual jobs and great rates. Join at

Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities

MRAEL wants to work with you to find an apprenticeship or traineeship to be the first step on your career pathway! Tell MRAEL what you love and let them see what they can find! Email Hope.Hoyle@intowork.com.au or text 0408 798 895

HTN wants to work with you to find an apprenticeship or traineeship to be the first step towards a career in hospitality! Hospitality is not just food and drink, there are so many choices from concierge in a hotel to administration in an office. Have a chat to HTN today to see what is available! Email Hope.Hoyle@intowork.com.au or text 0408 798 895.

1300apprentice | 2023 Intake An apprenticeship is paid learning. Work and learn simultaneously without the debt and with job security. Research apprenticeships & traineeships online

Find info for job seekers, women in trades, aboriginal employment, skills shortage list and FAQs. Take a look at all the options on offer and start your career journey today with 1300apprentice.

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Charles Sturt University Applications open for the Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program 1 February 2023. With the Charles Sturt Advantage, Year 12 students can get a guaranteed spot in their course before they sit their final exams. For more information:

Western Sydney University Western offers $25 million in scholarships every year. Prospective students can find out what scholarships are available to them, what they need to demonstrate in their application, and how they can put forward the best application. Check here for more information and important dates:

The University of Sydney | New scholarships for domestic students studying Veterinary Medicine The Frazer Allan Scholarship (bit.ly/FAS_USYD) is a $7,500 scholarship to support students who are experiencing financial hardship. The Sydney School of Veterinary Sciences Postgraduate Diversity Scholarship (bit.ly/SSVSPDS_USYD) is a CSP rate scholarship to provide financial support to students entering this degree. Applications are now open and close 27th February 2023.

Other News

ACU | AskACU Need help enrolling? Have a question about admissions, timetabling or fees? Contact the AskACU centre via phone or online, or visit us on campus, to receive comprehensive information and advice on all things ACU. Visit

Please check the Careers section of the St Clare’s School website as there will be news about apprenticeships, traineeships, jobs as they come to hand and of course other important Careers information.  This information will also be available in each Year Groups Career Team OneNote.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss anything related to careers or Vocational Education.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

Term 1 2023

School Zones

A reminder to all our parents that school zones remain in place for the safety of our children and families.  School zones operate on all gazetted school days, which are all days the school is open, even pupil free days.  School zones for our school will end on Thursday, 6 April 2023 and resume on Monday, 24 April 2023.

Complaints Resolution for Parents and Carers

Australian Parents Council

Australian Parents Council eNewsletter:

• Healthy Lunch Box Week
• Safer Internet Day
• Youth Advisory Groups
• Schools Upgrade Fund
• Clean Up Australia Day

Visit the link below to view the newsletter:

PCYC Safer Drivers Course

The Safer Drivers Course now have gift vouchers available:

• Gift vouchers cost $140 and can be purchased online through the PCYC website at

• Click on the Safer Drivers Course section
• Select Purchase Gift Card from tool bar, then follow the prompts
• The cards have a valid date for three years

Hunter Academy of Sport Softball Talent Development Program

The Hunter Academy of Sport Softball Talent Development Program operates as a development pathway for young Hunter Region softballers aspiring towards state selection.  It offers advanced skill development and is conducted in collaboration with both the Newcastle & District Softball Association and Softball NSW.  The program follows the FTEM Model of pathway development, from Foundation, Talent, Elite and Mastery of the sport.  Participants are also provided with information in sports education in areas such as, sport psychology, nutrition, injury management, strength and conditioning and motivation.

Athlete Benefits

The following benefits will apply to those selected in the softball program:

• Training Sessions to Further Develop Skills
• High Performance Fitness Training & Strength & Conditioning Program
• Access to a Network of Specialised Coaches
• Educational Sessions in Topics Such as Physiotherapy and Sports Psychology
• Participation in Inter-Academy Competitions run in conjunction with Softball NSW

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for a position within the softball program, athletes must be:

Athletes must be born in 2007, 2008 & 2009 to be eligible.

• A resident within the Hunter region
• Attending School within the Hunter region
• A Financial Member of Softball NSW
• Athletes who have been or are selection into Softball NSW U16 and/or U18 State Squads are eligible to participate within parts of the HAS Academy Program subject to the approval of Softball NSW.

To nominate please click this link