Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Staff

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome back all our students and parents to St Clare’s for 2024.  I especially welcome to the school all our new students and their parents.  This is our first newsletter for the year, with editions coming out fortnightly throughout the year.  It is hoped that these communications are informative and give our school community a good snapshot of the key events and achievements made throughout the year.

From a personal perspective I would like to thank the wonderful staff and students of St Clare’s for making me feel so welcome in my new role as Principal.  I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and building connections across our school community and look forward to opportunities to meet our parent community throughout the year. 

Tony McCudden, Principal 

While the start to the year has been very busy it has also been very productive.  Already in the first two weeks we have had students involved in our 2023 Dux Assembly, our school Swimming Carnival, Year 12 Careers Day, Ash Wednesday Liturgies, Diocesan Rugby League Trials, and our Senior Creative Arts excursion to Sydney.  My thanks go to all staff and students involved in these activities for the enthusiasm and commitment shown ensuring the success of all these activities. 

Lent 

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, our 40 days of preparation for Easter.  We celebrated Ash Wednesday this week (Wednesday, 14 February) with stage group liturgies.  Lent is a penitential time in which we carefully consider how we are living as Christ’s presence in this world.  It is a season of renewal where we make a commitment to reform our life:  to become a better witness to God’s love for humanity. 

Year 7 2025 Open Afternoon 

St Clare’s are hosting our Year 7, 2025 Open Afternoon on Wednesday, 6 March 2024 for all prospective students and their parents.  Registration will be from 3:45 pm and school tours will commence at 4 pm. 

Enrolment forms will be available to collect at the Open Afternoon.  We ask that you please return your enrolment form to the school by Friday, 12 April 2024. 

If you are unable to attend the Open Afternoon, please collect an enrolment form from the school office after 6 March and ensure it is returned by 12 April with all supporting documentation. 

School Swimming Carnival 

The school Swimming Carnival was held on Tuesday of this week.  We were greeted with wonderful weather and equally wonderful participation by our students.  The carnival was a great community day with many standout performances.  Special congratulations go to Patterson House (Red) on being awarded the Spirit Trophy on the day and to Gordon House (Green) on being the Champion House from the carnival.  A special thank you to all the staff who supported the multitude of events, the student house leaders and Mr Rowe for all his organisation and coordination of the carnival. 

New Staff Members 

We welcome several new staff members, Georgina Bell – Learning Support Teacher, Thomas Broadfield – HSIE, James Buckland – TAS, Linda Davies – TAS, Marianne Gleeson - Learning Support Assistant, Ethan Higgins – TAS, Marion Johnson – English/Drama, Lisa Knott – Support Staff, Erin Lawler – Science, Cameron McKee - Administration Coordinator/Religious Education, Lisa Millard - Support Staff and Martel Oehme – Maths. 

God bless and best wishes for a very successful 2024.  

Tony McCudden
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:

We held our DUX Ceremony on Tuesday, 6 February.  It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate the academic achievements of Year 12 and Year 10.  We were also delighted to celebrate the award of a NSWCCC Sporting Blue to Saffron Grass. 

The St Clare’s Dux for 2023 is Mariah Radburn, with an ATAR of 90.90 an outstanding achievement! 

 

Diocesan First in Course Award:

The highest mark in course in 2023 HSC Subjects across MN CSO schools.

• Adelaide Gedge – First in Japanese Beginners
• Mariah Radburn – First in Ancient History

Diocesan ATAR 90+ Award:

Diocesan Award for students who achieved an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, or ATAR, in excess of 90.

• Mariah Radburn 90.90
• Shifa Saeed 90.55 

Diocesan Academic Excellence Award: 

Is presented to students who, in their 2023 Year 10 studies, achieved 6 or more Grade A results as listed on their Record of School Achievement. 

• George Andrawes
• Jonathan Botros
• Rory Byrne
• Gemma Eady-Muxlow
• Thalia Harmston-Howard
• Rufus Rowe
• Rachel Su
• Elise Zammit

NSWCCC Blue Award for Football:

• Saffron Grass

On Monday, 4 December 2023 the annual NSWCCC Blue Awards presentation took place at Mount Saint Joseph College in Milperra, Sydney.  This gathering celebrated the top athletes in each sport, across all NSW Catholic Secondary schools.  It highlighted students who have not just excelled in the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges pathway, but who have advanced into NSW All Schools and potentially the School Sport Australian level.  These exceptional students have demonstrated remarkable skill and exceptional talent in their chosen sports, all while embodying the ethos of being kind-hearted Catholic school students in 2023. 

A NSWCCC Blue Award is given to a student who has been outstanding in that sport. 

There were only four students in the Maitland/Newcastle Diocese awarded a NSWCCC Blue award and one of those recipients was Saffron Grass after a successful year in football that was reflected through her selection into the NSWCCC Open Girls Football Team.  Her selection came after an outstanding performance at the NSWCCC Championships, where Saffron assisted her team, Maitland/Newcastle, to secure the win.  She then went on to represent at the NSW All Schools Football Championships, which saw the NSWCCC side place 4^th.  Her dedication and commitment to the sport was highlighted when she was further selected into the NSW All Schools team for 2023 where she played at the School Sport Australia Football Championships in the ACT, leading the team to 1^st place.  Saffron was then selected as a member of the Australian Schoolgirls Football Team.  This team will tour the United States of America from 15 March to 31 March in 2024 and participate in the Dallas Cup. 

Saffron’s clear dedication to her chosen sport makes her a worthy recipient of a 2023 NSWCCC Blue Award for the sport of Football. 

Congratulations, Saffron, a great achievement. 

Congratulations to all the Award recipients for their hard work and dedication. 

Mrs Avery
Assistant Principal – Learning and Teaching

Congratulations to Stage 4 students, Jaylah Koenig (Year 8) and Tristan Ma (Year 7) who have been accepted into the Virtual Academy for 2024.

On Friday, 16 February both students travelled to the Catholic Schools Office in Newcastle to attend Virtual Connect where they had the opportunity to gain the skills necessary to navigate their learning through digital platforms and meet their educators for 2024. 

Jaylah and Tristan also had the opportunity to connect with likeminded peers from across the Diocese. 

We wish them success as they engage in this wonderful learning opportunity. 

Julie Rowsell
Gifted Education Mentor

Welcome Back to 2024 I hope you all have a fun and successful year.  This year the library has been reorganised to continue to make it a warm and welcoming place for all students.  The changes have allowed for more free and open reading and relaxation areas while continuing to support student educational needs with its dedicated classroom space. 

The following information is important for students to remember. 

Opening Times 

The Library will be open at the following times during the school day: 

• Tuesday – before school, recess and lunch
• Wednesday – before school and lunch
• Thursday – before school and recess
• Friday – lunch 

Library Closures 

The Library is CLOSED on Mondays, Wednesdays at recess, Thursdays at lunch and Fridays before school and recess. 

Students also need to remember that the Library may need to be closed at other times.  Upcoming Library closures will be posted in advance when they are known.  During times when the Library is closed students will still be able to access it for the purposes of returning books, laptops, access to Learning Support Staff, IT Staff and Mrs McCann. 

Library Loan Laptops 

St Clare’s High School is a BYOD School and as such students are required to have their own device which is to be fully charged and brought to school each day.  The school acknowledges that sometimes these devices will not be available for a variety of reasons, and the Library therefore has several laptops that it can loan to students when something happens to their device. 

Library Loan Laptops will only be able to be borrowed on the following terms: 

1. Once only without notification from home, after this a student will be required to provide a reason and length of time, they require the loan laptop.
2. If in for repair, notification from home detailing the length of the time a loan laptop will be required. 

All requests for laptops need to be made through Mr Hobbes via a note from home, parent email or phone call. 

Students will not be able to borrow laptops indefinitely. 

If students fail to follow the steps above, they will not be able to borrow a laptop. 

Laptops need to be borrowed by 9 am each day and need to return these before they leave school grounds at 3:20 pm.  Laptops must be borrowed and returned through Mrs Minihan.  Laptops will not be given to students during lesson times unless a student that requires a laptop has arrived late to school and they must pick it up before going to class. 

Students who present to borrow a laptop without notification from home will have a Compass Notification made against their name.  Any student who fails to return a loaned laptop will receive a Low Zone.  Continued failure to follow the norms for borrowing laptops will result in increased Zone Detentions or exclusion from borrowing devices.   

Borrowing Books 

Students may borrow books from the Library.  Students may borrow up to four books at a time and must return those books after three weeks. 

New books are ordered regularly throughout the year and students are welcome to make suggestions about the books they would like to see in the library. 

Food & Drinks 

No food or drinks are to be brought into the library at any time.  Students may bring in water.  Zones and other consequences will be issued to students who bring in or consume food in the Library, this includes senior students during Study Periods. 

Backpacks & Other Bags 

All backpacks and other bags that students use to carry books will need to be left on the bag racks outside the Library.  This also includes senior students on study periods.  The only bags to be brought into the Library are laptop sleeves/carry bag.  If a student does not have a laptop sleeve/carry bag they must just bring in their laptop. 

Behaviour 

The Library is a welcoming and safe place for all St Clare’s students.  The school’s Behaviour Policy and established norms apply to all students when they are in the Library.

Mobile Phones

The school’s Mobile Phone Policy applies at all times when students are using the Library. 

Thank you

Mr Hobbes
Librarian

MSP Photography will be facilitating this year’s school photo day on Wednesday, 6 March.  Below is all the information you will need.  MSP Photography can be contacted on 6583 1968 or via www.msp.com.au

Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program. 

A URL and a QR code is provided below for all Year 7 and Year 10 parents which will provide access to an online Parent Information, privacy statement and consent form. 

To consent to the vaccination of their child, parents/guardians are advised to: 

• enter the URL into your browser, select the School Vaccination Program tile and follow instructions.
• read all the information provided
• complete the online consent form and give consent for which vaccine/s they would like their child to receive
• ensure that their child eats breakfast on the day of the school vaccination clinic. 

To improve vaccination completion, students whose parents/guardians have provide consent while in Year 7 or Year 10 and who miss vaccine doses at any clinic, will be opportunistically offered these vaccines at each clinic visit throughout 2024 (Year 7 or 10) & 2025 (Year 8 or 11). 

Parents/guardians who wish to withdraw their consent for any reason may do so by amending their student’s online consent.  The Procedure for Withdrawal of Consent is available on the NSW Health website at

A Record of Vaccination will be provided to parents by SMS once a student has been vaccinated.  Parents/guardians should not assume that their child has been vaccinated if they do not receive this SMS notification. 

NOTE:  If you experience difficulty with accessing the online consent package, please speak with the Mrs Davidson, Year 7 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement or Mr Hanlon, Year 10 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement at school. 

Providing consent for your child to receive a vaccination at school - Immunisation programs (nsw.gov.au):

2024 Consent Process

Warm conditions greeted the students on Tuesday, 13 February making for a high participation rate as students sought to ‘cool off’ and earn a point for their house.  Congratulations to GORDON on claiming the overall title!  A combination of highly competitive swims from nominated swimmers and significant participation rates from others was clearly the recipe for success and the help of a Gordon stalwart Mr Ian Evans. 

As always, the carnival extended beyond a regular sporting event with a range of participation activities that added to the fun atmosphere of the day including house chants.  Year 11 Sports Captains were exemplary in their leadership of students in their house to encourage each member to participate in swimming, singing, dancing and overall participation to ensure that students and staff were able to enjoy the day.  This leadership in creating a house culture is what continues to make our carnival unique.

A huge thank you must also be extended to the Taree Torpedoes for assisting with their resources and time.  Thanks also to the YMCA for providing a wonderful facility.  We certainly must thank the hard-working staff of St Clare’s for ensuring that the day runs smoothly whether that be through starting, timekeeping, marshalling, catering, supervising and everything in between. 

We were able to welcome parents/carers and families to the event.  A significant sense of community on the day is created by the support of parents/carers and families.  It is great to be able to welcome new families each year and, for those who continue to support the event, we extend a big thank you. 

House Standings and Age Champions 

House Standings 

Gordon – 1555 points
Kendall - 1530 points
Lawson - 1271 points
Paterson – 1036 points

Age Champions 

12 Years
BOYS – Samuel Mitchell
GIRLS – not contested

13 Years
BOYS – Carter Cox
GIRLS – Adele Whitehouse-Miotto

14 Years
BOYS – Blake Stewart
GIRLS – Yasmin Cassidy

15 Years
BOYS – Dallas Agnew
GIRLS – Sophie Scislo

16 Years
BOYS – Kai De Bono
GIRLS – Miley Cox

17+ Years
BOYS – Samuel Jackman
GIRLS – Gemma Eady-Muxlow

Students who have finished in the top two places at the school event have gained an invitation to the Diocesan Championships to be held on Wednesday, 6 March at The Forum University of Newcastle pool.  This list has been placed on the Sport Notice Board and students have been notified via email. 

Luke Rowe
School Sport & Representative Sport Coordinator

To make a difference in people’s lives you don’t have to be wealthy or famous you just have to care.  The Lenten season gives us an opportunity to reflect on how we treat others in our community.  A group of Year 10 students Miley Cox, Marley Marriott, Ruby Polson and Tessa Rourke plus Mr Hanlon certainly showed their caring concern for those struggling in the wider community preparing and serving 90 meals at the Community Kitchen.  The day was hot but the student’s happy faces and their preparedness to interact with the clients plus the Valentines Day chocolates bought smiles to the faces of those attending.  I am constantly amazed by the positive attitudes of the students and it restores my faith that the students of St Clare’s know the true meaning of putting others before themselves.

Careers Corner 

Welcome to 2024 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. 

I have included a couple of photos of some posters which are up in the Library titled – “Are You Interested In Or Are You Good At”. 

There are many different school subjects and for each one a huge range of possible career pathways ranging from Certificate I level through to Degree and Master’s level.  This is worth having a look at as it may give students an idea of one or more possible post school pathways. 

We are going to continue with several local industry presentations this year.  These are organised by Erin Lute from RIEP (Regional Industry Education Partnerships) and are a great way to give post school career information to the students and make them aware of the many opportunities in the local area.  Stay tuned for more information. 

The first of these was delivered by Corrie O’Brien from TUC who gave the students a great deal of information about the post school pathways offered at TUC (Taree Universities Campus).  Thank you, Corrie, for coming to talk to the students. 

Careers Day 

On the same day as the School Swimming Carnival, Tuesday, 13February, Year 12 students had their first and only full Careers Day at school.  The purpose of this Careers Day was 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
• Resumés
• Study timetables
• Student Careers Profile 

There were several guest speakers including various industry personnel. 

Thank you to Gabbie from Ray White Real Estate (a past St Clare’s student), Monique from NSW Fire and Rescue and Laura from Dairy NSW. 

Mariah Radburn (last year’s Dux of St Clare’s) spoke to the students about her pathway and where she is headed now.

White Card 

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 2023 Year 12 students have been successful in gaining full-time apprenticeships, places at university and other full-time work. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 for their successful navigation of a very challenging two years. There were some excellent results across a range of subjects. 

Work Experience 2024 

Work Experience (W/E) in 2024 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 2024
• 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 Year 12 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 2024 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 Dates 

Wednesday, 6 March - School Photo Day - individual photos for Year 12 students are appended to NESA registration for validation of HSC Examination identity.  It is ESSENTIAL that all Year 12 students attend school on this day.

Careers Association of Australia (CAA) 

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

Information Sessions for Students & Parents 

UTAS Maria Island | Marine Biology Experience Embark on a 5-day journey on Maria Island, Tasmanian East Coast, studying biodiversity threats and marine system productivity. Topics include climate change, invasive species, pollution, debris, and associated social & economic impacts. The unit is designed to engage, challenge, and inspire through a hands-on marine science program.

Overseas Medical Placements Webinar - Projects Abroad Projects Abroad has a webinar on 2024 overseas medical experience trips on 27 February at 6.30pm. These are a close up experience for Year 10-12 students whose goal is a career in healthcare. 24/7 support in Nepal, Kenya, Peru and more. Program info:

Webinar registration:

Pathways to a Career in Real Estate - Webinar by the Real Estate Institute of the ACT Web Wednesday 28 February, 4.30pm. Find out about the varied opportunities in the real estate sector in the ACT, the training requirements and how to choose an employer. Contact reception@reiact.com.au to register or phone Maria on 0499881168

Study in the US Virtual Presentation Hosted by Internationally Educated Come learn about studying in the US and the US university application process, directly from a former Assistant Director of Admissions. Q&A session will follow. Suggested for students in Years 9-12. Wednesday 6 March, 6pm, registration required:

ADCO 'Girls Who Build' - Careers Information Session for Years 10-12 | 21 March 2024, 5pm-7pm Build A Career in Construction. Come and hear from a community of empowered women who are paving the way for future generations of female construction professionals. Connect with some Women of ADCO, mentors, and support networks dedicated to promoting gender diversity and inclusion in the industry. Register here:

2024 NSW Mining Careers Dinners The 2024 NSW Mining Careers Dinners will take place in Singleton 1 May, Orange 22 May, Wollongong 5 June and Newcastle 12 June. Careers Advisers, students in Years 10-12 and parents, are invited to enjoy a free 2 course meal with local employers. Dinners commence at 6pm and conclude at 8.30pm. Registrations open on 4 March. For more information, please visit:

BiG Day In Newcastle - 2 May 2024 Join the University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus for BiG Day In Newcastle 2024. Hear from organisations such as Mudbath, Microsoft, Westpac, Wisetech Global, Galah Cyber and more about where a STEM career can lead. $10 per student, no charge for teachers

BiG Day In Port Macquarie - 8 May 2024 Join on 8 May at CSU for the 2024 BiG Day In. Hear from organisations including Woolworths, Birdon Marine, Essential Energy and more. Learn where a STEM career can lead. No charge to attend and lunch provided for all attendees

BiG Day In Parramatta - 15 May at WSU Parramatta CBD Campus Bring Year 9-12 students to the 2024 BiG Day In Parramatta at WSU. Hear from organisations like Wisetech, Microsoft, Westpac, Woolworths, Canstar, Google and more about where a STEM career can lead. $10 per student, no charge for teachers 9am-2.30pm

FAQ's of a Workplace-Based Cabinet Making Apprenticeship Have questions regarding how a Cabinet Making Apprenticeship works with ACFA's Workplace-Based Model? Then watch the recently released FAQ video, where the team unpacks what makes ACFA stand out and their commitment to one-on-one, hands-on training provided by Industry Specialised Trainers. To watch, visit

(RTO 90432).

What Can I Study? Webinars The What Can I Study? live 2024 Webinar series will cover program-specific information as well as general topics about Western, applications, early offers and student life. These webinars are perfect for current and non-current school leavers looking to further their studies in tertiary education. Find out more:

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 and security of your home at any time.

Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities 

Priority Skills List has Been Updated The Australian Apprenticeships Priority List has been updated. This will provide additional financial support to apprentices, trainees (up to $5,000 over the apprenticeship) in order to boost apprentice numbers and support completions in priority occupations. Visit

to find out more.

Fast Track A Career with a Traineeship Due to the robust job market and the financial challenges associated with living costs, numerous high school graduates are opting for employment instead of pursuing a university education. Rather than accepting any available job, engage them in a traineeship, where individuals can both earn and learn. Apply at

1300apprentice Apprentice and Trainee Intake 2024 2024 Apprentice and Trainee intake is underway. Great choice of career roles for those wanting to learn while earning a good wage. Great pathways into rewarding careers. Apply today in 3 steps. 1. Have your resume ready 2. Choose an occupation 3. Submit online. Go to

and search for specific roles or explore the website for more information. 

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways 

UTS Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc) Co-op Scholarship Applications for 2025 Open Around 35 full scholarship places are available for the UTS Bachelor of Accounting in 2025. This includes a tax-free scholarship of more than $55,000 each, two internships with different industry partners, and a graduate role after completion of your 3 year degree. For more information, please visit:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Information Evening These Information Evenings at Western are an opportunity to learn about what programs are on offer, the many different pathways to study, support services available, scholarships on offer and life on campus. For upcoming dates and to register visit here:

Investing in the Future of Australia’s Plumbing Industry through the Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants The Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants are back for 2024. Rheem is encouraging Australian apprentice plumbers and gas fitters to apply. 20 recipients will receive $2,000 to assist with their TAFE/RTO fees and textbooks, and $1,000 to help build their essential trade toolbox. Applications are open and close on Sunday 28 April 2024, 11:59pm. To apply visit:

Other News 

What Matters?  Writing Competition The Whitlam Institute's national What Matters?  Writing Competition, now in its 20^th anniversary year, is open to school students in Years 5 to 12.  Entries can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry or prose of up to 600 words.  Learn more about the competition, entry criteria and prizes here:

Each week there will be news about apprenticeships, traineeships, and jobs as they come to hand and of course other important Careers information.  This information will be available in each Year Groups Career Team OneNote and in many cases emailed to students when relevant. 

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 2024

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 Friday, 12 April 2024 and resume on Monday, 29 April 2024.

Complaints Resolution for Parents and Carers

ASPIRE