Dear Parents/Carers, Students and Staff 

I hope that all our parents, students and staff enjoy their upcoming four-day Easter break and can spend time with loved ones and to join with other Christians to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.  On Holy Thursday we, as a school community, celebrated our Easter season with a very moving dramatisation of the Stations of the Cross.  The Stations of the Cross was a prayerful reflection of Jesus’ last days with his disciples, his death on a cross and ultimately his resurrection from the dead.  Special thanks go to Mr Koenig, Fr Kevin Corrigan and to the large number of students and staff who played significant roles in the organisation and running of this liturgy, including our very talented musicians and Drama students.

Year 11 and 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews 

The Stage 6 Parent/Teacher/Student conferences held on Wednesday evening were a great success with many families taking up the opportunity to receive feedback and support on their child’s education.  Thank you to all the families who attended the evening.  As you would be aware the success of students in school is often greatest when school, students and families all work together.  Stage 6 is a challenging aspect of schooling so the opportunity to meet with parents and students and to reflect on progress and set new goals for the coming terms is vital in ensuring continued success. 

St Clare’s Athletics Carnival 

The St Clare’s Athletics carnival for 2024 will occur on Tuesday, 9 April (Week 11).  The carnival will be held at Taree Recreation Ground Athletics Track.  Please note that this is a compulsory event for all students and attendance and engagement with the variety of activities and events is expected from all students.  The carnival is a fantastic opportunity to build school spirit, to have fun competing against fellow students and to challenge one another to perform at their best.  We look forward to a great day and thank Mr Rowe and our organising staff for all the preparation work that will go into making the carnival a great success. 

St Clare’s Newsletter 

From the beginning of Term 2 we will be trialling a different sequence of newsletters each term.  Instead of the fortnightly editions that we currently produce we will be moving to editions that will come out in Weeks 3, 6 and 9 of each term.  This will enable us to capture key school events and achievements that occur at the beginning of each term, during the middle stages and then again during the final weeks of the term.  Parents and carers will continue to receive an email notification and link for easy access to the newsletter each time it is published. 

I wish all our students, their families, and our teachers a very relaxing, enjoyable and Holy Easter and a great fortnight ahead.

Tony McCudden
Principal

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

Easter Mass Times

Friday, 29 March - Good Friday
10 am Stations of the Cross Our Lady of the Rosary, Taree
10 am Ecumenical Stations of the Cross, Old Bar
1 pm Commemoration of the Passion of the Lord, Taree

Saturday, 30 March
7 pm Easter Vigil Mass, Taree

Sunday, 31 March - Easter Sunday
8 am Wingham Mass
10 am Taree Mass
4:30 pm Syro-Malabar, Indian Community Mass at Taree

Further updates can be viewed on the Taree Parish Website:

Holy Week concluded with our Stations of the Cross liturgy performed by our Year 12 Drama students with the support of Mrs Lisa Mumford as well as our musicians with the support of Mrs Amanda Brooks. 

This was an important commemoration and reenactment of the last moments of Jesus' on earth. 

Additionally, we finalised our Project Compassion Lenten Appeal with the Easter raffle organised by Mrs Tanille Gardner. There were a great many very fortunate students who will be taking home extra Easter eggs for this weekend. 

We have been able to raise approximately $2,000 for The Project Compassion Fundraising Appeal and our school Mary MacKillop Fund. 

Have a wonderful Easter Holy day. 

Jason Koenig
Ministry Coordinator

The Da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students. 

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was one of the world’s greatest thinkers and scholars.  Da Vinci demonstrated an ability to perceive the interconnected nature of knowledge and he embraced learning with a lifelong passion and determination to uncover the unknown.  The Decathlon competition places a particular emphasis on higher order thinking skills, problem solving and creativity. 

The Decathlon is designed to celebrate the academic gifts of Australian youth by providing a stimulating and challenging competition run in the spirit of an Olympic Decathlon. 

Students compete in teams of eight across ten disciplines:  Engineering, Mathematics, Code Breaking, Art and Poetry, Science, English, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography, and Legacy. 

St Clare’s High School was well represented in the Newcastle-Maitland Diocesan teams to contest the Hunter Region Da Vinci Decathlon. 

The following talented students had an early start at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College this week to compete: 

Year 7:  Tristan Ma and Oscar Yeates
Year 9:  Oliver Collins
Year 10:  Bonnie McMaster 

This year's competition was a great success, with many outstanding performances from the students.  The competition was tough, and all the participants demonstrated their excellent academic skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. 

Diocesan results were as follows: 

Art and Poetry – underscoring their creativity and ability to express themselves through various mediums:
Year 10:  1^st Maitland Newcastle CSO Team 

Cartography- interpret extremely challenging problems using mapping:
Year 7:  2^nd Maitland Newcastle CSO Team 

Code Breaking – highlighting their analytical thinking and problem-solving skills:
Year 7:  2^nd Maitland Newcastle CSO Team
Year 9:  1^st Maitland Newcastle CSO Team

Code Breaking - reflecting proficiency in logical reasoning and cryptography:
Year 10:  1^st Maitland Newcastle CSO Team 

Engineering - limited supplies are given to build a working model of an engineering design that must adhere to specific criteria:
Year 7:  3^rd Maitland Newcastle CSO Team

English – spelling, word origins, definitions, textual analysis, and writing tasks:
Year 7:  3^rd Maitland Newcastle CSO Team        

Ideation – tasked with a social issue to solve:
Year 7:  2^nd Maitland Newcastle CSO Team 

Legacy - general knowledge:
Year 7:  1^st Maitland Newcastle CSO Team 

Mathematics – problem-solving, number patterns and logic puzzles:
Year 7:  1^st Maitland Newcastle CSO Team 

Science – showcasing continued engagement with scientific concepts:
Year 9:  3^rd Maitland Newcastle CSO Team
Year 10:  3^rd Maitland Newcastle CSO Team         

More importantly than the incredible results, the students were stretched in so many ways.  They learnt and applied critical thinking skills, tested their creativity, and grew so much within themselves and within their team.  To get through such a day, they had to put the needs of the team before their own. 

Leonardo Da Vinci said, “Learning never exhausts the mind”; though the students were physically exhausted at the end of the day, this wonderful opportunity sparked passion, ignited ideas, and set their minds aflame with possibility. 

Special thanks to the parents and Alysha Jones for transporting students to this event. 

Finally, the outstanding overall team performance for the 2024 Hunter Region Da Vinci Decathlon was: 

Year 7:  Maitland-Newcastle CSO Team (Hunter Region Champions)

Year 7 Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Team - Hunter Region Champions
Front Row Second from left Tristan Ma & Oscar Yeates 

Good luck to Tristan Ma and Oscar Yeates, of Year 7, who will have the opportunity to compete in the NSW State Championships Da Vinci Decathlon to be held at Knox Grammar School on 14 May. 

Congratulations to our very talented students on their teamwork and dedication- we are very proud of you.

Year 7 Maitland- Newcastle Diocesan team with Tristan Ma and Oscar Yeates
Year 9 Maitland- Newcastle Diocesan team with Oliver Collins
Year 10 Maitland- Newcastle Diocesan team with Bonnie McMaster

Julie Rowsell
Gifted Education Mentor

15 Year 9 and 11 Drama students attended the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese Theatresports competition at St Pius X High School, Adamstown on Thursday, 7 March. 

In the lead up to the competition, Drama students learned and practised the rules of each improvisational game and performed their improvisations in front of their peers. 

10 Schools in the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese, ranging from Stage 4 to Stage 6 students, participated in the Theatresports interschool competition. 

Teams of four to five participated in three rounds of Theatresports involving improvisations such as Commercials, Props, Typewriter and Shared Story.  St Clare’s students who attended the competition performed in front of an audience of approximately 200 students.  This experience gave our students the opportunity to observe the range of talents and approaches to improvisation as well as build their confidence performing in front of a sizeable audience.  All students were exemplary in their behaviour and representation of St Clare’s High School. 

Congratulations to St Joseph's, Lochinvar and St Pius X, Adamstown who were joint winners of this year’s Theatresports competition.

Mrs Marion Johnson
Drama Teacher

Attention all vocalists...Voiceworx has opened their Manning Choir to students in Year 7 and 8!

Voiceworx is a diocesan vocal program with a focus on vocal ensemble music, particularly choral repertoire of all styles including traditional, popular and contemporary music that is interesting and challenging. 

The choir will perform at the Civic Theatre Newcastle on Tuesday 5 November. 

Practice is held at St Clare's on the following dates, 4-6 pm: 

Term 2

Monday 20 May
Wednesday 26June

Term 3

Monday 19 August
Wednesday 11September

Term 4

Monday 28 October 

If you enjoy singing and would like to be involved register your interest here:

Should you have any further questions, please contact Jessica Lopez (ASPIRE Musical Director) via email (jessica.lopez@mn.catholic.edu.au) or phone: 0425 311 734.

Last Friday students enjoyed a cultural art workshop creating individual artworks.  20 students experienced painting on canvas guided by Biripi artist Josh Wood.  Josh explained various symbols that told the story of each student and their family, providing a means of cultural expression and connection to identity.  Thanks Josh!

Robin Davies
Aboriginal Education Worker

Mathematics Workshop and Homework Support takes place on Tuesdays at lunchtime in Room 115.  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

Congratulations to The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman for 2024 Domonique Wyse (ex-student 2019).

Sheena O'Doherty
Science Teacher

Open Girls Diocesan Football Gala Day

On Thursday, 21 March, our Open Girls Football team travelled to Lake Macquarie Regional Football Complex in Speers Point to represent St Clare's in the Diocesan Football Gala Day.  The bus left Taree at 7 am sharp for the long trip down the highway to Speers Point.  The day started with a really tough opening game against All Saints Catholic College who were the eventual winners on the day.  The All Saints team were a quality opposition who kept the ball very well and were clinical in front of goal.  The St Clare's girls were lifted in the next game by a goal from Claire Downie who was rewarded for her hard work over the opening two games with a brave challenge on the goalkeeper.  The St Clare's girls conducted themselves excellently in a very physical and tough game against St Mary's.  The girls were unlucky to lose 2-1 in the dying minutes of a very exciting game. 

The last game of the day saw our girls come up against St Bede's in what was the highlight of the day for St Clare's.  An outstanding performance led from Gemma Eady-Muxlow who showed great positioning in defence and composure on the ball throughout the match.  Elise Zammit, Charlotte Anderson, Amelia Johnson and Nyoka Syron were also outstanding in defence, limiting any chances for the opposition.  The team grew in confidence with some outstanding play from Sara Harris, Hope Taaffe and Miley Cox.  Maya Ljumanovic put in a player of the match performance with her outstanding work ethic and leadership on the pitch which was rewarded by two goals for the St Clare's striker.  The highlight of the match was an outstanding solo goal from Ruby Hillyard.  Ruby made a driving run from her own half through the St Bede's defence before unleashing a powerful shot from just inside the penalty area.  

The Open Girls team represented St Clare's with pride and were a credit to our school community on the day.  I would like to thank all the players for their effort and commitment on the day. 

Back Row:  Amelia Johnson, Miley Cox, Nyoka Syron, Charlotte Anderson, Claire Downie & Elise Zammit
Front Row:  Maya Ljumanovic, Sara Harris, Gemma Eady-Muxlow, Hope Taaffe & Ruby Hillyard

James Collins
Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement

Diocesan Sport Website Guide

Careers Corner 

Happy Easter to everyone. 

I think we are all looking forward to the small break and then it will only be nine school days until the end of Term 1. 

Year 12 are about to be bombarded with information about UAC and the process involved in applying for university via this platform.  I would encourage all students to save their UAC PIN (as soon as it is emailed to them) in a safe place even if they are not considering a university pathway post school. 

On Wednesday (3 April) all Year 12 students should receive an email from UAC (The Universities Admissions Centre) with a PIN and login information on how to access and register with UAC.  This is the main pathway into university from school.  If any student does not receive this email, then it is important that they email or contact me so that I can help with access.  Obviously if a student is NOT interested in a university pathway, they do not need to register.  It costs $78 to register before 30 September and $215 to register after this date.  There is quite a bit of time to decide on preferences etc. 

I will be going through this with the students next week. 

UAC PIN and Applying 

Students must use their Year 12 student number (NESA Number) and UAC PIN to apply so that they can be identified as a Year 12 student.  If students don’t use their student number when applying, they will not appear on the school’s data spreadsheet available on “School Hub”. 

Each student can put down five preferences.  It is worth noting that not all university courses will be available at this stage and more will become available as the year progresses. 

If the students DO NOT get an email, they need to contact UAC in one of the following ways. 

UAC Contact Numbers 

Livechat and email through our website also continue to be available.

From a landline:  1300 275 822
From a mobile:  (02) 9752 0200 

UAC Dates 

Undergraduate applications open (including Educational Access Scheme, Schools Recommendation Scheme and Equity Scholarships) - Wednesday 3 April 2024

Applications close for semester 1, 2025 - Friday 7 February 2025

Most offers to Year 12 students are made in December and January, after the release of the ATAR.

Schools Recommendation Scheme Application dates

Applications open - Wednesday 3 April 2024

Applications close - Monday 16 September 2024 First SRS offers - Friday 8 November 2024

Year 12 results and ATAR

All dates determined by external organisations are subject to change.

2024 NSW HSC students - Wednesday 18 December 2024

NSW HSC results released by NESA from 6 am

ATARs released by UAC on UAC’s website from 9 am Wednesday 18 December 2024 

UAC Applicant Processing Charges 

UAC fees and charges are not refundable, except as required by law. 

Applications must be completed, paid for and submitted by 11:59 pm on the relevant closing date.  If you don't pay the processing charge, your application can't be processed and you won't be made an offer.  It may take up to three working days for your payment to clear with your financial institution and to be reflected in your application. 

Charges and fees paid cannot be transferred from one admissions period to another.  You must keep a record of the date and time of your payment.  All fees and charges are in Australian dollars and include 10% GST. 

All fees are subject to change after 30 June 2024. 

Applications

Undergraduate (domestic and international applicants)

The students should be able to access this information in their Careers Team OneNote.  They should please let me know if they are unable to do this. 

On Tuesday, 26 May 45 students in Years 11 and 12 accompanied by Mrs Nicole Lovern and myself, travelled to Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie for their Open Day.  It was an excellent day for the students and gave them an insight into university life and what is involved in various university subjects and pathways.  The students were excellent ambassadors for the school and were a pleasure to be with. 

I am hoping to continue with our Careers Sessions on a Friday during Clare for the Year 12 students and every second Monday for the Year 11 students. 

CAA 

The latest information from the CAA is as follows: 

Courses & Workshops for Students

Interview Skills Workshop Years 9-11 Covering Learning Area C, Govt Australian Blueprint For Career Development High School to Hireable supports educators to prepare students to bridge the gap from Education to Employment. SEEK Career and Interview expert, Kirsty Anne Ferguson, designed this course to give students the best shot at job interviews. Bite sized videos; practical tools, tasks and templates. This interactive course can work as a workshop, class lessons or individually.

Free Introduction to Beauty Laser and Dermal Therapies | 6-Week Course Students can explore their interests in Beauty with a free 6-week introductory Beauty course about Beauty Therapy, Laser, and Dermal Therapies. Study 1 night a week starting in July. Apply online at:

Macarthur Tourism, Travel & Events College (RTO #41365) - Barista Courses Enrol in a barista course held at Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living: 1 Mount Annan Drive, Mount Annan NSW. Fully accredited and nationally recognised courses. Upcoming dates are 6 April and 1 June. For more information and to enrol go to:

Le Cordon Bleu Sydney - Culinary Adventure Camp Le Cordon Bleu Sydney is calling all budding chefs. Offering students the chance to join in a Culinary Adventure Camp this April with its inaugural Culinary Adventure Camp. Over two, fun-filled days, high school students are invited to show off their kitchen skills and craft delectable dishes, guided by expert teaching chefs.

MedEntry UCAT Workshop by Dr Ray, Gastroenterologist with Monash Health UCAT Workshop which Covers all 5 UCAT subtests. Formal Instruction and Group Learning. Medical Entrance Interview Advice. The program has been carefully crafted to cover the key strategies to UCAT success in a fun, engaging and interactive environment. Careers Teachers are welcome to attend at no cost. Details at

Western Sydney University’s Unlocking Careers in Sport and Health Join WSU at Unlocking Careers in Sport and Health, an engaging on campus day for Indigenous high school students in Years 9-12. At this event, students will discover the wide variety of study and careers available for mob in the Sport and Health industries. Find out more and to register:

VET Courses-William Angliss Institute (WAI) WAI offers a range of VET courses in the food, tourism and hospitality industry, including Commercial Cookery (Certificate III/Certificate IV/Dual Qualification), Patisserie (Certificate III/Certificate IV/Dual Qualification). For aspiring students, WAI provides the opportunity to enrol in the July/September 2024 intake. For more information and to apply, visit:

Sydney Design School Interior Decoration Workshop, 17 & 18 April Sydney Design School is hosting a two-day Interior Decoration Workshop 17 and 18 April at their design studios. Experiment with colour and materials to reimagine a living space. Ground Floor, 65 Berry St, North Sydney. Cost: $385 including GST. Book online

JMC Competitions JMC Academy has four (4) competitions currently open for high school students to enter – with great prizes. Canvas Art | Mocktails| Monologue | Songwriting. Submit here:

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

Australian Academy of Beauty Dermal and Laser - Open Nights Inviting prospective students to attend College Open Nights. Here, they'll unravel the opportunities awaiting in the 2024/2025 curriculum. Tour the college and hear all about courses in Beauty, Spa Management, Laser, and Dermal Therapies. Guide students as they embark on a journey towards promising careers. Register here:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Future Student Information Evenings Register for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Future Students Information Evenings to be held on 10 and 11 April at Western’s campuses. Students can learn about what programs and pathways are on offer, scholarships and how Western can help with studies.

Experience Macquarie Days Run during the April school holidays, Macquarie University’s new ‘Experience Macquarie Days’ give Years 11-12 students the opportunity to attend informative sessions, interactive workshops and tours of the facilities and learning spaces. From Tuesday, 16 – Friday 19 April, students can choose areas of study that interest them. Spaces are limited, so register here:

The University of Sydney | Year 10 Subject Selection Evening (Online) Learn everything needed to know about HSC subject selection, university applications and admissions at ‘Your path to Sydney – Year 10 Subject Selection Evening’. The University of Sydney have designed this online session to help Year 10 students navigate the journey to university with confidence. Have questions answered by expert staff and a UAC representative with a presentation and Q&A.

Sydney Design School Information Session 18 April 1pm Curious about a creative career in interior design? Sydney Design School is hosting an Information Session on Thursday 18 April at 1pm. Join them at their new campus Ground Floor, 65 Berry St, North Sydney. Register to attend in person or online via Zoom at

The next intake for ASQA accredited career courses is July 2024 or January 2025. RTO91446.

CQUniversity | Regional Medical Pathway Information Session - Thursday 11 April 4.30pm (AEST) Explore CQU’s Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) at the upcoming online information session and discover how it provides a direct entry pathway into The University of Queensland's Doctor of Medicine program. Gain insights on application processes, regional adjustment points, and listen to experts from CQUniversity, QLD Health Services, and UQ. For inquiries, email:  futurestudents@cqu.edu.au.

University of Newcastle | Central Coast Parents and Carers Information Session Have a child currently completing Year 12? Join the University of Newcastle's Parents and Carers Information Session on 1 May 2024 at the University of Newcastle's Central Coast Clinical School. For more information and to register visit:

University of Newcastle | Newcastle Parents and Carers Information Session Have a child who is currently completing Year 12? Join the University of Newcastle's Parents and Carers Information Session on 2 May 2024 at the Callaghan Campus. For more information and to register visit:

University of Newcastle | Joint Medical Program Information Session The Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (The JMP®) is a five-year degree jointly delivered by the University of Newcastle and University of New England, supported by Hunter New England Local Health District and Central Coast Local Health District. On 8 May 2024 hear about the JMP. Register here:

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

2024 Professional Cadetship Applications Open Applications are open for the Business Cadetships Program and close on 22 May. Cadets combine university study with paid work at either UBS or Barrenjoey. Applications for Technology Cadetships open on 29 April. Applications are made online at

WSU’s Student Veteran’s Program Western welcomes serving, exiting and reservist ADF personnel. As part of Western’s commitment to equity and diversity, a range of services are offered to support their experience and success as a student. WSU wants students to get the most out of their studies as they work towards future career success. Find out more:

University of Newcastle Early Entry Applications Open 8 April Applications for University of Newcastle's Early Entry Program are now open for Semester 1, 2025. The free Early Entry Program means eligible students can receive an offer to study at the University of Newcastle before commencing HSC exams. For eligibility requirements and to apply visit:

Jobs & Work Experience for Students

National Fashion College | Work Experience Applications Now Open Work Experience Program for 2024 is now open. Students can expect a week full of fun fashion based tasks on campus in Sydney. If any students have a passion for fashion, send them for work experience.

AABT Beauty Therapy, Salon Management, Laser and Dermal Therapies | Work Experience Discover AABT's year-round work experience weeks at North Strathfield, Rockdale, or Bella Vista campuses. Tailored for students in Years 10-12, these immersive programs offer a unique blend of learning and fun in a college environment. Experience hands-on skills training firsthand, providing valuable insight into potential career paths. Register here:

Contact amy@aabt.com.au.

Work Experience 

If you are interested in doing Work Experience, please come and see me to collect the paperwork.  It is a great way opportunity to find out what the world of work is about and also to showcase your talents to a prospective employer. 

If anyone would like to contact me with regard to anything to do with careers, you can email me on karen.mccann@mn.catholic.edu.au or ring the school on 6552 3300 and ask for me. 

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

Term 1

Term 2

Lansdowne Community Hall Annual Art Exhibition

The Lansdowne Community Hall Annual Art Exhibition will be held in the Lansdowne Hall from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, May 18 and from 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday, May 19, 2024. 

Sections are as follows: 

Junior: 7 years under - Any subject in any medium (size limit A3). First prize $30.
Junior: 8 to 12 years - Any subject in any medium (size limit A3). First prize $40.
Youth: 13 to 18 years - Any subject in any medium (size limit 100 x 100 cm. First prize $75. 

Entries close at 5 pm Friday, May 3, 2024. 

For entry forms and conditions for the art exhibition and all further information please contact Rhonda Hardes on 0418 920 984 or email rhardes@bigpond.net.au or Louise Green on 0439 594 754.