Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Staff 

The past two weeks have been very productive and successful for our school community with a variety of significant activities occurring inside and outside of the classroom.  Of special note is the very successful Year 7 Camp in Week 4, and the engagement of some of our Year 11 students in the MidCoast Council Youth Hackathon which focussed on providing solutions to three major sustainability challenges facing our local council. 

Year 7 Camp

 

I had the pleasure of attending two of the three days of the Year 7 camp last week at Toukley and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our Year 7 cohort and to see them engage with the variety of challenges presented to them.  They each participated in seven different group activities from High Ropes, Canoeing, Archery, Laser Tag, Crate Climb, Giant Swing, BMX Bike Riding, Flying Fox, and Surfing.  The students met new challenges, learnt new skills, and began a process of meeting new friends and building new connections.  A big thank you to Mrs Davidson for all her organisation and coordination of the camp experience and to the team of teachers who supported our Year 7 students on this camp.  I’m sure it will remain a highlight of their year in 2024.

2024 School Fees 

2024 School Fees are in the process of being sent to families first week in March.  The CSO are still finalising all statements so please be patient and if there is an error, please contact the Bursar. 

A reminder to all our families that School Fees incurred in the current school year, 2024, are payable in full by 30 November 2024. 

Families that are experiencing financial difficulty are encouraged to contact me to discuss available options.  Please be assured that all fee related communication is highly confidential. 

Open Afternoon 

A reminder that our Open Afternoon for Year 7 2025 enrolments will be held next Wednesday, 6 March 2024, for all prospective students and their parents.  The afternoon will begin with registrations at 3:45 pm, and tours of the school to commence at 4 pm.  It is anticipated that all tours will conclude by 6 pm. 

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

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

God bless and best wishes for the fortnight ahead.

Tony McCudden
Principal

Lent

We are now in the liturgical time of Lent.  This is a forty day period between Ash Wednesday till Easter originating from the forty days Jesus went into the desert.  Students have been learning about Lent in Religious lessons.  This is a time of preparation where we simplify and declutter our daily routine.  We include daily prayer and reflection, forgiveness of one another, fasting from food or limiting technology and social media and engaging in charitable works such as Project Compassion.

Last week we were fortunate to be represented by our Year 10 students Hayley Ainley, Evie Solomon, Bonnie McMaster and Kloe Scott in Newcastle when our Bishop Michael launched Lent and also Project Compassion for this year.  Thank you to Mrs Bernardette Boere for accompanying the students.

We celebrated Ash Wednesday with year group liturgies.  Thank you to our supporting senior leaders; Sienna Agnew, Hannah Dignam, Olivia Simshauser and Elise Miles and Deacon Vince Ryan who led the liturgy.

Additionally, we were fortunate to be inspired by the lived experience of Olivia Simshauser who spoke at our school assembly about her firsthand experience working and supporting disadvantaged people from Malawi.  This is one of the countries Project Compassion is supporting this year.

Olivia’s speech is included below and we are very grateful for this inspiring example.

‘As most of you are aware, this year as a school community we are taking part in project compassion to aid those less fortunate than us. This year one of the countries project compassion is supporting is Malawi, a country I have been lucky enough to visit and spend a month traveling in. I spent 6 years of my life living and exploring Africa and the country that left the most impact on me was Malawi. Although it is one of the poorest countries in the world the people of Malawi never failed to have a smile on their face and have such a strong sense of community and love for all those surrounding them. Malawi is currently facing many challenges such as extreme poverty, a hunger crisis, limited education and lack of healthcare. During my time in Malawi, I witnessed firsthand the resilience and strength of those living there but I also saw the urgent need of assistance that project compassion can supply. By donating to project compassion, it would allow for us to make a significant impact in those who need it most and supply them with food, clean water, access to healthcare and education. These essential items that most of us take for granted everyday would make a significant impact on the community and bring a sense of hope and security to those living in Malawi. project compassions goal is to implement sustainable development projects that focus on education, healthcare and entrepreneurship and by supporting these initiatives we can empower the people of Malawi to become self-sufficient ad break free from the cycle of poverty they are stuck in . This year one of project compassion’s main goals is to help supply an education to those in need and train people like Memory to be carpenters who can build for their community.  during my time in Malawi, I had the privilege of traveling to various villages and visiting the schools that had been established through charity organizations. These schools provided education to children who would have otherwise never obtained one throughout their life, and I got to witness the joy and determination these children had to learn regardless of their living circumstances.my time in Malawi taught me a lot about compassion for all people and the need to help those around us, by donating to project compassion we can all make a difference in the lives of those who need it most and create a brighter future for Malawi . In religion classes over the next few weeks, you will learn more about memory and how our donations will help the people of Malawi. If you see donations near the canteen I encourage you to give just a little because if everyone gives just a little it adds up to change a life.’ 

Jason Koenig
Ministry Coordinator 

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:

 

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

On 14 February our Year 10 and 12 Elective Music students made their way to the Glasshouse Port Macquarie to attend the Bravissimo Concert. 

Bravissimo is an annual concert that began in 2012 and quickly became established as the premiere HSC musical event for our wide region.  Bravissimo showcases and celebrates the excellence achieved in schools by our regions outstanding music students.  It showcases performers from State, Catholic and Independent schools and includes Encore nominees, indicating they are in the top two percent of the state of NSW. 

Our St Clare’s students thoroughly enjoyed the concert.  It was an exceptional event where our students were able to be witness to the incredible performance standard in this region across a range of instruments.  All of the selected HSC musicians who performed on the day offered our St Clare’s students a diversity of styles and genres.  The performances were drawn from a range of composers from Franz Lizst to Stevie Wonder, Katie Noonan and Radiohead. 

 

The performers on the day were able to offer our elective music students’ insights and advice from their own HSC experiences which will hopefully inspire and motivate our St Clare’s elective music students as they journey through their own HSC and elective music courses. 

It was a privilege to accompany such a wonderful group of students to a successful, enjoyable and rewarding excursion. 

Viva La Musica 

Mrs Amanda Brooks
Music Teacher

Visual Arts Perspective

On Wednesday, 14 February, Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts and Drama students ventured to Sydney to embark on three days of cultural immersion. 

Visual Arts students absorbed themselves in the world of art in the S.H. Ervin Gallery curated by Terence Maloon.  This survey exhibition examined the work of Ann Thomson, one of Australia’s leading artists who is known for her colourful, expressionistic paintings.  Following this, students engaged with the largest exhibition of Tacita Dean’s work in the southern hemisphere at the Museum of Contemporary Art.  Finally, the Art after Hours, night tour of the summer city sculptures and outdoor installations.  Light rain did not discourage our group from viewing the enormous eight metre spider Maman by Louise Bourgeois outside the Art Gallery of NSW, Almost once match sticks by Brett Whiteley, Flowers that Bloom in the Cosmos by Yayoi Kusama, Francis Upritchard Here comes Everybody and Lindy Lee’s Secret World of a Starlight Ember glowing on the MCA forecourt at Circular Quay. 

Year 12 viewed the 2023 Band 6 HSC students works in ArtExpress, taking notes and gaining inspiration for their own Body of Work journey which has commenced since returning from the excursion. 

We visited the once studio and home, now gallery, of renowned Contemporary Australian artist Brett Whitely.  Students could sit on Whiteley’s lounge listen to his music collection, browse his art books and be in the presence of a huge body of his original art works.  Visual Art diaries entries were made and our many mandatory group photos were taken! 

The trip finished off with a last visit to the new Sydney Modern section of the AGNSW giving Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts students an insight to international artist, Kandinsky, with a hands-on experience involving a pigment paint workshop incorporating the alchemy and abstraction of the modernist artist, Desmond Lazaro, with our enthusiastic artists creating Suprematist inspired artworks.

A very big thank you to Year 11 and Year 12, our steps were many!  We loved navigating Sydney with you.  Thank you for helping your class members and sharing kindness and patience with one another.  We enjoyed talking about the live theatre experience, favourite artists, and themes along the way. 

A huge thank you is also extended to the teacher team who made this trip possible, Ms Marion Johnson, Mrs Rebecca Huett, Ms Niko Campbell-Ellis and Mr Jeremy Hobbes. 

Mrs Lyndall Laurie
Creative Arts Teacher

Drama Perspective

Year 11 and 12 Drama students had the amazing opportunity to spend three days in Sydney as part of the annual Senior Creative Arts excursion, immersing themselves in workshops and theatre.  On the first day students watched both programs of OnSTAGE which showcases outstanding HSC group performances and individual projects.  Performances varied in style from realism to absurdism and vaudeville, and examined themes such as the nature of time, the Mona Lisa and the role of women in literature.  Both programs demonstrated the varied and innovative approaches to making theatre and its potential to explore ideas in engaging and powerful ways.  Students also viewed a performance of Alone it Stands, by John Breen at The Ensemble Theatre.  This was a great production showcasing the talents of six actors transforming into 62 different characters. 

Later in the week students participated in three Drama workshops.  The group performance workshop at the Sydney Theatre Company provided students with an opportunity to explore improvisational methods as a means of developing a piece of theatre.  The monologue workshop at Belvoir Theatre provided students with some tools to bring characters to life to create believable and authentic performances.  Finally, the Australian Drama workshop at the Australian Theatre for Young People gave students insights into staging scenes and the use of space to enhance the dramatic meaning by exploring short scenes in the play The Removalist.  On the final day students also walked along the harbour foreshore and through the Botanical Gardens experiencing the great landmarks of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.  It was a pleasure accompanying Drama students and observing them embracing the opportunity of the Creative Arts excursion.  

Mrs Marion Johnson
Drama Teacher

It has been a busy start to the year for TAS, Food Technology and Hospitality students. 

Year 10 and 11 Hospitality students have been looking through the requirements for their units, practicing their precision cutting skills and using this to create a plate to show and yummy bruschetta.  This comprised of several different cutting styles including Julienne, Brunoise, Jardiniere, Macedoine, Diced Onion, Chiffonade, Tomato Concasse and Crushed Garlic. 

Year 10 Hospitality

Year 11 Hospitality

Year 9 and 10 Food Technology students have jumped into the year with lots of amazing recipes including chicken poke bowls, healthy beef nachos, healthy apple crumble and beef kofta with Greek salad. 

Year 9 Healthy Apple Crumble

Year 9 Oven Popcorn Chicken

Year 9 Food Technology

Year 10 Acai Bowls & Pizza

Year 10 Poke Bowls

Year 9 has been learning about food nutrition and the effects on the human body.  While Year 10 is focusing on food trends, wastage, and sustainability. 

Year 7 and 8 TAS students are currently working on the Food Agriculture curriculum with a focus on growing their own food.  Over the next few weeks, they will be growing and caring for their own vegetables and herbs and then using these in their cooking assessment tasks.

Year 7 Bruschetta 

Each of these classes enjoyed preparing and cooking bruschetta.  With classes branching off and cooking such things as crepes with banana and berry coulis and corn fritters.  We look forward to developing skills and knowledge throughout the rest of the semester. 

Danya Gillard
TAS Assistant

Throughout the year St Clare’s Students volunteer at the CatholicCare Community Kitchen serving meals to people in need.  Recently the kitchen celebrated 100,000 meals served! 

Thank you to Mrs Denise Ryan and ex teacher Mrs Carol Healey who work tirelessly to organise St Clare’s teachers and students to volunteer and for always seeing a need and doing something about it.

Tanille Gardner
Leader of Learning – Religious Education

Mathematics Workshop and Homework Support takes place on Tuesdays at lunchtime in Room 10.  Students have the opportunity to have support for homework or be in a space with a mathematics teacher present to complete more challenging work or preparing for tasks.  This is available to all year groups. 

Michael Morson
Leader of Learning, Mathematics

The 2024 Lower North Coast Surf Life Saving Branch (LNCSLSB) Junior Life Savers of the Year winners were announced in a ceremony at Crowdy Head Surf Club on Saturday, 17 February.  The presentation was made by Taree Newcastle Permanent Branch Manager, Jen Golding, and Paige Sharp, Newcastle Permanent Member Service Officer.  Newcastle Permanent has, for the past 17 years, been the major sponsor of surf clubs on the central to far north coast of NSW.  The female and male winners were St Clare’s current students - Calista Elmer and Blake Stewart, both from Crowdy Head Surf Life Saving Club. 

Calista Elmer and Blake Stewart 

In leading the presentation, the LNCSLSB Director of Youth and Member Services, Lorraine Morgan, said, “Along with other SLSNSW branch winners, Calista and Blake will progress to the SLSNSW development camp at The Collaroy Centre on Sydney’s Northern Beaches from Wednesday, 24 April to Friday, 26 April 2024.  They will be involved in physical challenges, presentations and discussions, activities and scenarios that require leadership, teamwork and communication.  Best of all, the development camp is an opportunity for Calista and Blake to meet other like-minded young surf lifesavers from across NSW and be part of a fun experience.  At the conclusion of the program, and an interview process, the SLSNSW State JLOTY winners will be announced.” 

Annie Evans
Surf Life Saving New South Wales
Lower North Coast Branch - Media

Careers Corner

Welcome to Chapter 2 of the St Clare’s High School Careers Corner.

Last Friday saw the second of our industry presentations during our Year 12 Careers Sessions.  Candice and Loretta from MidCoast Council came to talk to the students about career pathways with MCC.  These range from Apprenticeships and Traineeships through to Degree positions with a huge range of different positions.  There is apparently a shortage of engineers, and the students were encouraged to think about this pathway post school.

Important Dates

6 March 2024 - School Photo Day - individual photos for Year 12 students are appended to NESA registration for validation of HSC Examination identity.  It is ESSENTIAL that students attend school on this day.

Work Experience 

A reminder regarding Work Experience for 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 9 and 10 interested in leaving school to find employment at the end of 2024/2025.
• 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: 

• One day a week – transition to work programs for Work Studies students.
• One day a week for five weeks OR one 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 wishing to be involved in a work experience program in 2024 will need to collect and fill in an application form (please 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”.
• An annual insurance fee applies to all students involved in W/E or W/P programs. 

UCAT ANZ 2024 

For those students considering a career in Medicine or Dentistry in 2025 please see below the dates and costs for the UCAT. 

Key Dates 

Candidates taking the UCAT ANZ in 2024 for entry to universities in Australia and New Zealand in 2025 should note these key dates.  We do not make exceptions to these deadlines. 

Deadline times are 11:59 pm AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time 

 Test Fees

 The test fee is payable at the time of booking by major debit/credit card:

 All fees are charged in Australian dollars. 

Your bank may charge an additional international transaction as Pearson VUE is a United States merchant.  If you have queries about this please contact your bank for information. 

Late Fees 

Bookings close on 17 May 2024 at 11:59 pm AEST.  The late fee of $85 applies to all bookings made during the late booking period (12:00 am AEST on 18 May - 11:59 pm AEST on 31 May). 

Late bookings close at 11:59 pm AEST on 31 May 2024.  The final late fee of $185 applies to all bookings made during the final late booking period (12:00 am AEST on 1 June - 11:59 pm AEST on 5 June). 

*The late fees are non-refundable. 

Refer to the information here about Booking your Test. 

Online Medicine Information Night – 20 March 

There is also a Medical Information Evening at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie. 

Charles Sturt University is running an online Medicine Information Night at 6:00 pm on Wednesday 20 March 2024. 

We will start with an overview of the course, our facilities, entry requirements, and how to apply. 

Those who attend will get information on clinical placements, career opportunities, support services, scholarships and more. 

We will also cover information about the University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ) and hear about the experiences of rural and regional doctors. 

Charles Sturt University offers the Joint Program in Medicine in partnership with Western Sydney University. The two-year program runs on our Orange campus in regional New South Wales and is followed by three years of regional placements. 

Those who wish to attend can book here.

Careers Association of Australia

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

Australian Federal Police PSO Online Information Session | Wednesday 13 March Interested in a career as a Protective Service Officer (PSO)? Have questions answered in this online information session where PSOs will speak about their lived experiences on the job and learn about the process to join. Register now for this free virtual information session:

Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia: SFIRP Program and New Resources Find new resources and information about PIEFA NSW SFIRP Program here:

Primezone Academy Careers in Agriculture course information here: 

and new videos here:

Please contact Ben Holmes SFIRP Project Manager ben.holmes@piefa.edu.au for more information. 

Free UTS Startups Entrepreneurship Workshops are Open for Term 1 for Years 9-10 Students UTS Startups are offering free 30-60min workshops for Years 9-10 students that inspire interest in entrepreneurship. Students will actively engage with young entrepreneurs who share relatable backgrounds, shedding light on their journeys, methods, identity, and how students can kickstart their own paths. For more information:

Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Enrolments Open for 2024 Save the Date - CIT are running the annual Studio24 on Thursday 12 September at Reid. This is a creative industries open house where students can find out what it’s like to be a CIT student for a day. Choose up to 3 one-hour workshops: Photography, Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Fashion, Interior Design, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Music and Sound Production, Screen and Media.

TAFE NSW | Bradfield Senior College Open Days For HSC students interested in preparation for the creative industries - filmmaking, a career in design or visual arts, production or performance, Bradfield’s project-based learning in Year 11 can build specialisations and industry connections. Find out more at Open Days; 12 March, 9 April and 7 May. Register here:

Explore Day 2024 | Charles Sturt University Charles Sturt are excited to welcome students to campus for Explore Day. Explore Day is for Year 10, 11 and 12 students to get a taste for university life through interactive workshops and fun activities. Book a spot here:

Albury-Wodonga: Tuesday 5 March 2024 | Bathurst: Tuesday 12 March 2024 | Wagga Wagga: Tuesday 19 March 2024 |Port Macquarie: Tuesday 26 March 2024. 

Medicine Information Night | Charles Sturt University Any students interested in a career in rural or regional medicine? Come to Charles Sturt's online Medicine Information Night and discover everything there is to know about CSU’s five-year undergraduate entry degree – the Doctor of Medicine – from the team and current students. Join on Wednesday 20 March 2024, 6.00-7.30pm. Book here:

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:

or call Naomi 0477716561 for more information. 

Overseas Medical Placements for Years 10-12 Students | Applications Open Places are open on the Projects Abroad overseas medical experience programs. Dates start from mid-June and through July, with December and January dates also open. In the first instance please email an expression of interest and any questions to

For students in Years 10-12, more information at:

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Start 2024 with a Google Career Scholarship 2024 is the year to get job-ready skills with Google and Grandshake. Designed and delivered by senior Google experts, the Google Career Certificate scholarship offers job-ready professional training in areas including IT Support, UX Design, Data Analytics, Project Management and Digital Marketing. Students can get started for free at

Studying at The College The College is a pathway provider into Western Sydney University. Current and non-current school leavers can apply for admission to the many courses offered at The College. Apply Now to start Term 1 at The College in March 2024. Find out more:

Resources for Students 

Digital Career Tasters for Everyone at Grandshake Grandshake is where digital dreams meet the opportunities of tomorrow. With a series of online micro-crash courses crafted exclusively for todays youth. Students can dive into the digital universe and prepare for an exhilarating career in the world of technology. The best part? These programs require no background, just enthusiasm. Go to

to get started. 

CQUniversity | Navigating Possibilities with Choosing a Career Information Hub CQU's Choosing a Career information hub offers resources to support informed decision-making in students’ study journeys and beyond. With access to career planning tools, job descriptions, the study options that will get them there, and more, students can confidently navigate career options and get the help they need to plan for their future. Visit

I am happy to meet with anyone who would like to talk about post school pathways and can be contacted by phone on 6552 3300 or by email karen.mccann@mn.catholic.edu.au

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

Term 1 2024

ASPIRE

ASPIRE Junior Theatre Makers 2024

ASPIRE Junior Theatre Makers 2024 1.19 MB

ASPIRE Voiceworx 2024

ASPIRE Voiceworx 2024 1.40 MB

ASPIRE 2024 Song Competition

ASPIRE 2024 Song Competition 84.97 KB

Tinonee Eagles Football Club Registration

Tinonee Eagles Football Club Registration 189.92 KB

Firefighters On Call Recruitment

Firefighters On Call Recruitment 5.26 MB

Challenge Foster Care

Challenge Foster Care 562.67 KB