Welcome to Our New Staff Members 

We are delighted to welcome three new staff members to the St Clare’s community: 

Laura Boere, who joins the Mathematics faculty.  Laura is no stranger to St Clare’s, having worked with us for many years previously.  She returns to fill a maternity leave position, and we are thrilled to have her back. 

Jessica Gleeson and Shain Emerson, who join our dedicated Learning Support Team.  We look forward to the contributions they will bring to our inclusive learning environment.                                                      

Honouring the Anzac Spirit 

A heartfelt thank you to the forty-plus students and staff who represented St Clare’s at various ANZAC Day ceremonies during the holidays. 

Following this, our Year 11 Modern History students, under the guidance of Mrs Marian Parvin, led the school in a moving ceremony that reflected on the enduring legacy of the ANZAC spirit - courage, mateship, and sacrifice. 

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Dulcie Balderstone the following day. Dulcie was a long-time friend and supporter of St Clare’s, visiting us on many occasions over the years.  She passed away at the age of 99.

Mother’s Day Acknowledgement 

Last Sunday, we celebrated Mother’s Day.  We take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all the mums, stepmums, grandmothers, and carers in our community.  Your love, support, and dedication mean the world to our young people. 

A Prayer for Mother’s Day

Loving God,
We thank you for the gift of mothers and all women of faith.
Like Mary, may they continue to say yes to Your call,
guiding others with wisdom, compassion, and courage.
Bless those who nurture, protect, and teach.
Console those who grieve, long, or remember.
And may we honour them with lives of kindness and grace.
Amen. 

Parent-Teacher Conversations 

Last Thursday, students and parents from Years 8 – 11 had the opportunity to engage in Parent-Teacher conversations.  I thank all parents and carers who were able to attend to further build on our partnership as we work together to bring out the best in all our young people.

Uniform changes 

Over the past three weeks we have engaged staff, students and parents in consultation regarding some items of the school uniform.   

St Clare’s is currently considering an addition to the girls’ school uniform and would like your feedback. This has been a request from the SRC for a number of years, and the development of a prototype was on display during the day.  

In addition to the skirt and also Navy pants, a skort is being considered. 

This would not be compulsory, simply an option should you wish to purchase it. 

Please be aware that the photo included is a sample from Workwise.  The skort would be made with the same green tartan print as the current skirt. 

If you would like to provide feedback, please click on the link below and complete the survey.

Thank you for your support in this matter. 

Furthermore, the rule regarding earrings has been adjusted from “two earrings in the lobe” to “two earrings in the ear”.  In addition to this we will be undertaking a trial regarding the sports uniform. 

PDHPE Uniform for Term 2 2025 

At the commencement of Week 4 this term the students in Years 7 - 10 will be permitted to wear their sports uniform all day on Tuesday and Thursday in response to staff and student feedback and challenges surrounding student changing their uniform at school.  This will be a trial for a four-week period and will be reviewed prior to the commencement of Term 3. 

If the student wears their sports uniform to school, then they are to wear enclosed leather shoes.  If these shoes are not joggers, then they are to bring their joggers in their bag.  Leather shoes must be worn in the Science, TAS and VET lessons due to Work Health & Safety regulations. 

If your child does not remember to wear or bring the correct footwear they will be placed on a medium zone detention, and you will be notified of this via Compass. 

If students have a PE Practical lesson on Monday, Wednesday or Friday they are still required to bring either their sports uniform or casual sports clothes and shoes and get changed at the start of their PE lesson.  They can remain in their sports uniform if PE occurs in Period 5 or 6. 

All students were informed of these changes on Wednesday during assembly.

Election of Pope Leo XIV 

Last week also saw the election of Pope Leo XIV. In the words of Bishop Michael: 

“This is always a moment of great significance and hope for Catholics and people of good will around the world.  We give thanks to God for guiding the Church through this time of transition, and we place our trust in the Holy Spirit, who has once again surprised us through the conclave’s decision. 

While we will come to know more about Pope Leo XIV in the days and weeks ahead, we already look forward with confidence to his leadership and the ways in which he will be witness to the Gospel in today’s world. 

I ask our Diocese to pray for Pope Leo XIV.  We pray that he may be given wisdom, courage, and grace as he undertakes the immense responsibility of leading the universal Church.  May this new chapter be a time of continued renewal for the Church and inspire each of us to follow Christ with fresh faith, hope, and purpose.”

 

Christine Harmer
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.

Forster-Tuncurry Catholic Parish 

Current Mass times are Saturday, 9:30 am & 5 pm, Sunday 8 am and 10 am. 

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

Taree Catholic Parish 

Saturday

5:30 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
4:45 pm Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wingham:  Mass 

Note:  Sunday, 25 May –
9:30 am Our Lady of the Rosary, Taree:  Mass – Confirmation for Children by Bishop Michael Kennedy 

Further updates can be viewed on the Taree Parish Website:

Dear Parents and Carers 

On 23 May, students in Year 7 - will participate in the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).  This test evaluates students' reasoning abilities in three key areas essential for success in school: 

1. Verbal Battery: Assesses students' ability to reason with words and concepts, crucial for reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, and verbal learning tasks.
2. Quantitative Battery: Measures students' ability to reason with quantitative symbols and concepts, which are vital for problem-solving in mathematics and other disciplines.
3. Nonverbal Battery: Evaluates students' ability to reason with geometric shapes and figures, requiring them to implement strategies for solving novel problems. 

These batteries provide a comprehensive view of each student's learned reasoning abilities, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement.  CogAT aims to support differentiated practice in education by helping teachers adapt instruction to meet the unique needs and abilities of each student. 

It's important to note that CogAT scores are not integrated into report grades or other conventional measures of school achievement.  The focus is on tailoring instruction and fostering a supportive, inclusive learning environment based on each child's ability. 

If you have any concerns or questions about your child's academic progress or specific educational needs, please schedule a meeting with your child's teacher.  They will discuss your child's strengths and areas for growth based on various assessments. Additionally, you can contact our Gifted Education Mentor (GEM) Terri Cornish-Allen (terri.cornish-allen@mn.catholic.edu.au) or Leader of High Potential and Gifted Education, Maree Karaka (maree.karaka@mn.catholic.edu.au), for further assistance. 

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring the best educational outcomes for our students. 

Regards 

Terri Cornish-Allen
Gifted Education Mentor Project Officer

At the start of Term 2, students of History and Drama had the privilege of attending an extraordinary production of The Trojan War at The Glasshouse in Port Macquarie.  This captivating performance was brought to life by the talented New Zealand company, A Slightly Isolated Dog. 

For our historians, the production offered a profound exploration of Ancient Greek mythology, drawing inspiration from Homer's epic, The Iliad.  The intricate storytelling and vivid portrayal of legendary characters such as Achilles, Hector, and Helen of Troy provided a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of these myths. 

For our Drama students, the performance was a masterclass in theatrical inventiveness and humour. The company skilfully blended ancient themes with modern elements, creating a unique and engaging experience.  The use of audience participation added an interactive dimension, making the spectators feel like part of the story.  The incorporation of pop songs and witty dialogue brought a contemporary twist to the ancient tale, making it accessible and enjoyable for all ages. 

The production's dynamic approach not only entertained but also enlightened the students of St Clare's.  It showcased the power of theatre to bridge the gap between the past and the present, demonstrating how timeless stories can be reimagined in innovative ways.  The combination of historical depth and theatrical creativity left a lasting impression on everyone who attended. 

Marion Johnson
Drama Teacher

In Week 2 of this term, Drama students had the exciting opportunity to participate in Dramafest, an annual event in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese.  This event provides students with the chance to engage in a variety of Drama workshops led by experienced theatre practitioners, fostering both their skills and passion for the performing arts. 

One of the highlights was the Physical Theatre workshop run by Nel Kentish, the Creative Director of the professional arts organisation Tantrum Youth Arts.  Nel guided students through innovative ways to create theatre using movement-based techniques.  This workshop encouraged students to think outside the box and use their bodies as expressive tools to convey stories and emotions. 

Another engaging session was the Puppetry workshop conducted by Paul Grabovac.  This workshop delved into the fascinating world of puppetry and its dynamic role in theatre.  Students learned the fundamentals of puppet manipulation, character development, and storytelling techniques.  Paul's extensive experience in television, commercial, radio, theatre, and film brought a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the students. 

The Comedy workshop presented by Emily McKendry (ex-St Clare’s student) was a crowd favourite.  Emily, an actor who has toured NSW, QLD, and the ACT with Dark Stories Theatre and co-founded Odyssey Theatre in 2023, explored various types of comedy with the students.  Her workshop was filled with laughter and creativity, as students discovered the nuances of comedic timing and performance. 

Lastly, the Viewpoints workshop led by Charlotte De Witt offered a deep dive into movement-based theatre. Charlotte, an actor, director, and producer with a diverse background in education, design, and photography, helped students explore creative ways of devising their own theatre.  Her workshop emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in the theatrical process. 

Overall, Dio Dramafest was an enriching experience for the Drama students.  The variety of workshops provided them with valuable insights and practical skills, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of different theatrical forms.  The day was filled with creativity, learning, and fun, leaving the students inspired and eager to apply their newfound knowledge in their future performances. 

Marion Johnson
Drama Teacher

We are thrilled to announce that Year 10 student Georgia Hartley's remarkable artwork was shortlisted for the prestigious Young Archie 2025 competition!  This recognition is a testament to Georgia's exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. 

The Young Archie competition, held annually by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, showcases the artistic prowess of young Australians.  This year, the competition received over 3,200 entries, with only 70 selected as finalists.  Georgia's piece stood out among the submissions, capturing the attention of this year’s guest judge, Jumaadi, who loved its creativity and emotional depth. 

Georgia's artwork, titled ‘Little Sister’, is a stunning graphite on paper drawing of her younger sister.  This poignant piece reflects her unique perspective and artistic vision, conveying complex emotions with remarkable skill.  Her ability to capture the essence of her subject has earned her a place among the most promising young artists in the country.  The finalists' works will be exhibited at the Art Gallery of New South Wales from 10 May to 17 August 2025, alongside the renowned Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes. 

This achievement is not only a personal milestone for Georgia but also an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere.  Her success in the Young Archie competition highlights the importance of nurturing young talent and providing platforms for them to shine.  Georgia’s artwork will be on display in the Administration Foyer for the coming weeks, and it is well worth viewing the work in person. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Georgia Harley for this incredible accomplishment.  We look forward to seeing more of her outstanding work in the future and wish her continued success in her artistic journey. 

Don’t hesitate to visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales these coming school holidays to view the 70 finalist artworks by Australia’s up and coming young artists. 

Rebecca Huett
Creative Arts Leader of Learning

Mathematics Workshop and Homework Support takes place on Fridays at lunchtime in Room 13  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

Community Kitchen – 9 April 2025 

As a volunteer at the Community Kitchen and a past teacher at St Clare’s High School, I was very impressed by the enthusiastic, non-judgemental attitude of the Year 10 students that volunteered at the kitchen this month.  Not only did they prepare and serve a nutritious meal as well as clean up the work area efficiently but their friendly interaction with the diners put smiles on their faces knowing someone genuinely cared about their plight.  With the Easter Season approaching Addison Hogan, Miller Morrissey, Isabella Colliar, Pyper Cross and their teacher Mr Miller were certainly the face of Jesus in the community.  As Mary MacKillop said “Do not be afraid.  Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you all your life.  God will reward you as only He can”.  Congratulations to the staff and students at St Clare’s you are certainly making a difference to the lives of the marginalised in our community. 

C

Kyle Miller, Isabella Colliar, Addison Hogan, Miller Morrissey & Pyper Cross

Carol Healey
Community Kitchen Volunteer

Community Kitchen – 14 May 2025 

The first words from Pope Leo X1V were “Peace be with all of you”.  There are many ways of expressing peace, concern for others or looking out for the needy in our community.  It is not enough to identify a need but it’s the response to that need that is important.  The Year 10 students Lucas Doel, Gus Wilkes, Ewen Barry, Maria Fresen and Mrs Laurie certainly displayed compassion and empathy for the people attending the Community Kitchen.  They gave 100% to the task of preparing and serving a nutritious meal, conversing with the clients and ensuring that the people were at ease.  The maturity of the students together with their willingness to be involved is a credit to their families and St Clare’s. 

Ewen Barry, Lucas Doel, Gus Wilkes, Maria Fresen & Mr Laurie

Carol Healey
Community Kitchen Volunteer 

Diocesan Cross Country Report 2025 

The weather at this year’s event was fantastic with the dam at full capacity.  Students represented St Clare’s at the Diocesan Cross Country Championship with excitement throughout the day at Lake Glenbawn on Thursday, 8 May.  Students displayed remarkable effort and a commitment to compete and do their best in their event.  

From this event, students who finished in the top six qualified for the NSWCCC Cross Country Championship to be held in Sydney on Wednesday 11 June.  These students have already been informed and given the details to register. 

Thank you to the parents who made the trip to Lake Glenbawn.  Also, thank you to the staff, Mrs Oehme and Mr McKee, who assisted on the day as officials on checkpoints. 

Results for the St Clare’s team: 

Mia Wheeler, Zarlie McDermott, Tara Isbel, Kannika Broadbent, Phryne Rowe, Carter Cox, Joey Hill & Michael Galati

Luke Rowe
Leader of Learning - Sport

U16 Girls Basketball 

Congratulations to Our U’16 Girls Basketball Team – Undefeated Champions! 

I would like to congratulate the Under-16 Girls Basketball Team for their outstanding performance in the Basketball NSW Schools Tournament – Open Division. 

Left to Right – Makayla Quillan, Colbie McCabe, Alondra Martinez-Leeson, Sienna Cooper, Charlotte Cooper, Adele Whitehouse-Miotto, Ellara Collins, Ava Gillard & Callie Gillard 

The team went undefeated throughout the tournament, showcasing exceptional talent, teamwork, and determination.  Their hard work and sportsmanship have earned them not only the championship title but also qualification for the State Championship in Penrith. 

This achievement is a testament to the players' dedication.  We are incredibly proud of you all and wish you the very best as you represent us on the State stage. 

Big thank you to Denise Ryan for her support on the day. 

Keep shining and keep striving – you’ve already made us proud! 

Mr Laurent Gonfond
U16 Basketball Coordinator

Open Boys Basketball 

On Thursday 8 May the St Clare’s Boys Open Basketball team headed off to the Federation Centre in Maitland for the 2025 BNSW Schools competition.  The team consisting of Year 10 students Cade Van Ewyk-Campbell, Henry Doyle, Dallas Agnew, Sam Stephens, Tom Davy, Harry Martin, Jagger Wallis, Cooper Yates and Year 9 student Leo Beckton. 

Back Row - Tom Davy, Sam Stephens & Jagger Wallis
Front Row - Leo Beckton, Henry Doyle, Harry Martin, Cooper Yates , Dallas Agnew & Cade Van Ewyk-Campbell 

Our team was well placed in the Division 3 competition playing against St Joseph’s Catholic College, Aberdeen, Singleton High School and Hunter Valley Grammar School. 

Our first game was against St Joseph’s.  While the boys put in a valiant effort against St Joseph’s we unfortunately lost our first game 27 to 54.  After regrouping in the break, the boys took to the court against Singleton.  Singleton was a worthy opponent that kept the boys on their toes, but the flow of the game and the skill of our boys led us to a 42 to 34 win over Singleton.  Going into the third game our boys brought in the enthusiasm of their last win to take on Hunter Valley Grammar School.  Our boys and Hunter Valley were in a tight contest right from the first tip off.  The game flowed well for both teams at times going net for net.  In the end our boys won with a 20 to 18 win. 

With our wins against Singleton and Hunter Valley putting us second in Pool A, we headed into the semi-finals against Pool B winners St Joseph’s Lochinvar.  The semi-final game provided some tough challenges for our boys, while they fought hard and showed why they belonged in the semi-final, the boys were eventually defeated.

I want to thank the students, for their efforts and skills on the day.  I would also like to put out a big thank you to Mrs Blundell for coming along with us and lending a hand with scoring and time keeping. 

Mr Hobbes
Basketball Coordinator

Diocesan Football 7-10 Boys Knockout 

On Tuesday 13 May the Year 7-10 boys football team travelled to Speers Point for the Diocesan Knockout.  The boys represented St Clare’s with pride, unfortunately going down to some strong opposition.  All students should be proud of their spirited performances on the day. 

 

Back Row:  Joey Hill, Jacob Hogan, Oscar Davy, Henry O’Connell, Alex Podolinsky, Ashton Dennis, Caden Hicks, Nash Syron & Ethan Kemp
Front Row:  Ashley Allan, Mac Randall, Cameron Ford, Marlon Davies, Logan Webster & Taj Johnson
(Absent from photo – Xavier Hammond) 

Junior Girls Dio Football Knockout Tournament  

The St Clare's team travelled to Spears Point for the Diocesan Knockout tournament that was played in driving rain. 

The team never gave up despite the tough conditions and quality opposition.  The girls were a credit to the school and the sportsmanship on display was excellent. 

Lanae Rutledge and Chloe Hile were the standout performers on the day. 

Well done girls. 

Back Row:  Lanae Rutledge, Arabella Gray, Tara Isbel, Adda Pickford, Adele Whitehouse-Miotto & Georgia Hardy
Front Row:  Destiny Mastop, Mikayla Humphries, Olivia Murphy, Sophie Pickford, Chloe Hile, Jarrah Black 

James Collins
Dio Football Knockout Coordinator

Diocesan Sport Website Guide

Careers Corner 

Welcome back to Term 2 – we are well and truly into the swing of things! 

On Tuesday of Week 4 (20 May), the Year 11 Sports Coaching students will complete a First Aid course.  For the Sports Coaching students, this is a compulsory part of the Certificate III in Sports Coaching.  Thanks to Warren Keegan from Coastal First Aid for delivering the course.  He does an excellent job and has some very interesting videos and examples of injuries and conditions. 

Last week the Year 12 VET Construction and Hospitality students completed their 70 hours of compulsory Work Placement.  From all reports, the students went very well.  Thanks to Mid Coast Connect and the many employers for allowing this to happen.  This is an excellent opportunity for the students to learn more of the world of work and often results in job opportunities for each of the students. 

Last Wednesday 7 May, Donna from Learning Live delivered a White Card course for several students at St Clare’s.  This is a compulsory requirement for anyone wanting to work or do Work Experience in the Construction Industry.  There were 15 students in attendance, and we would like to thank Donna and Learning Live for this.  Donna was very impressed with the students and sang their praises at the end of the day. 

On Tuesday 20 May we will be visited by Jonathon Billingham who is the Dean of Residents at “New College”.  This is to present information about New College at UNSW, and other university residential colleges which have an open admissions policy but share a similar Christian ethos and where the consumption of alcohol is not permitted within the student colleges. 

New College is a residential college on UNSW campus.  They are part of Living At University which represents several residential colleges based at universities across NSW. University colleges are very different to other large-scale accommodation options.  Their primary purpose is not to merely provide a convenient place to live, but to foster an immersive community, built on academic excellence, social connection and pastoral care.  There is also a link for the Living At University Brochure:

This is open to all students who will be living away from home post school, including Trainees and Apprentices and of course University students.  Jonathon grew up in Taree and we would like to thank him for his time and information. 

Year 12 students who are interested in a university pathway post school are reminded to check each university’s website for early application and scholarship information.  Please refer to the Southern Cross University flyer below with a QR Code to find out more.

Newcastle University has provided the following updates with regard to its’ Early Offer Program. 

We are pleased to share some important updates regarding the Early Entry Program (EEP) at the University of Newcastle.  These updates include key dates for applications and offers, as well as information on programs, preferencing, guaranteed and prioritised student accommodation.  As always, refer to the website for updates.  

Key Dates for Early Entry Program Applications and Offer Round 1 

• Last day to change preferences: 59pm 4 September 2025
• Offers released Thursday: 11 September 2025

 Key Dates for Early Entry Program Applications and Offer Round 2 

• Last day to change preferences: 59pm 25 September 2025
• Offers released Thursday: 2 October 2025 

NOTE:  Students can only receive one early offer through our Early Entry Program.  

Excluded Programs:

Students can apply for any undergraduate program through the Early Entry Program, except for the following: 

• Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Diagnostic Radiography)
• Bachelor of Midwifery
• Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts
• Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts/Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
• Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy
• Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
• Joint Medical Program 

These programs can be applied for through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC).  Excluded programs will be reviewed annually and may change subject to demand. 

Note:  These  programs are excluded from both the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) and Early Entry Program. 

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are not considered as part of the Early Entry Program.  We encourage students to also apply through UAC, where applications consider ATAR, Year 12 subject performance, and any eligible adjustment factors. 

Preferencing Update:  

When preferencing students are encouraged to select THREE programs for their application. With a slight change to the way we provide offers, we encourage students to use the following format for their preferences 

1. Students preferred degree 
2. A degree in a similar study area 
3. Lower-ranked degree or Diploma that provides a pathway to your preferred degree 

Note:  Students can change their preferences as many times as they like before applications close for their offer round. 

Alternative Offers 

Students may receive an early offer for a program that was not one of their preferences — such as Open Foundation, a Diploma, or a lower-ranked degree in a related study area.  This indicates that their Early Entry selection rank did not meet the threshold required for the degrees listed in their Early Entry application.  We recommend that students accept their early offer and apply through UAC for their preferred degrees.  

Accommodation Updates 

Guaranteed Student Accommodation Offer: 

Eligible students who receive a first round Early Entry Program offer to study can apply for guaranteed accommodation at Callaghan or Ourimbah on-campus accommodation by following these steps: 

1. Accept their first round Early Entry Program offer to study in 2026 by the dates provided*.
2. Complete their 2026 accommodation application via the Student Living portal by the dates provided*. 

If a student changes their degree program, they may still be eligible for guaranteed accommodation** if they meet the early entry requirements and apply/accept within the timelines. 

*Dates to be confirmed.  Please check the relevant webpages frequently for the most up-to-date advice. 

 
**Guaranteed accommodation applies to the first 500 complete applications received.  Subsequent complete applications will be added to the prioritised student accommodation waitlist.  

Prioritised Student Accommodation Offer:  

For eligible applicants receiving a second round Early Entry Program offer to study in 2026, Student Living will prioritise their accommodation application once a completed application is received and they have emailed Student Living at studentliving@newcastle.edu.au to confirm eligibility.  

Please Note:  

The guarantee/prioritisation is for an offer to live on campus.  While we will try to offer an applicant their top room preference, this is not always possible, and they may receive a second, third, or fourth preference offer. 

If a student defers their studies, they will need to re-apply for accommodation as per the standard process and enter the non-guaranteed/prioritised pool of applicants.  The guarantee/prioritisation only applies to those commencing studies and on-campus living in Semester 1, 2026. 

UAC has opened.  All students should have received a PIN from UAC – please check your junk mail if you have not received this yet.  Please email me if you do not receive a PIN even if you do not want to go to university post school. 

UAC (Universities Admission Centre) opened on Wednesday 2 April and all of the students should have received information about this process.  This included information on SRS, EAS and Equity Scholarships. 

All the students will have received a PIN to access this which is necessary if they want to go to university post school.  This is one of the pathways to do this. 

Another is Direct Entry and of course there are Early Entry options as well. 

If you have not received your PIN, there are steps to take to get this.  Please come and see me if you would any help with this. 

There was some very important information about UAC, including SRS, EAS and Equity Scholarships.  There will be information on some of the University Early Entry pathways and scholarship options in the coming weeks and these will all be dealt with in more detail during our Friday Period 1 Career sessions. 

This information will be in our Careers Team OneNote. 

Schools Recommendation Scheme 

Applications opened on 2 April 2025. 

The Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) is one way institutions make early offers of undergraduate admission to Year 12 students.  They do this by using criteria other than (or in addition to) the ATAR. 

Who can apply? 

To apply for SRS you must be a Year 12 applicant who is attempting one of the following: 

• an Australian Year 12 qualification in 2025
• an International Baccalaureate in Australia in 2025.

You must also be:

• a UAC applicant for undergraduate admission in 2026
• an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident of Australia or the holder of an Australian permanent resident humanitarian visa. 

Interstate and IB applicants: Wait until 1 August to complete your UAC undergraduate and SRS applications. We need access to your Year 12 student ID details and we will have them by August. 

How you are assessed 

Participating institutions may use one or more of the following criteria listed when considering your application: 

• your Year 11 studies (IB and interstate students will need to upload a PDF of their Year 11 school report)
• your school’s rating of your aptitudes
• your Educational Access Scheme (EAS) application (if applicable). 

Institutions will then make offers based: 

• solely on SRS criteria
• on both SRS criteria and ATAR/selection rank
• on SRS criteria and ATAR and equity criteria. 

Each institution has its own policy for determining SRS eligibility and making offers.  For example, you may also have to submit an EAS application institution-defined dates or attend a school in a particular region. 

SRS is not available for all courses.  The institution-specific SRS criteria detail any exceptions. 

Application Dates 

2 April 2025
SRS:  Applications open for 2025
SRS applications open at 9 am for 2025 Year 12 students.  You must complete an application for undergraduate admission before you can apply for SRS. 

5 September 2025
SRS: Applications close for 2025
Apply for the Schools Recommendation Scheme by 11:59 pm.  You must first complete a UAC application for undergraduate admission. 

6 November 2025
SRS: Course preference deadline for first SRS offers
Include your SRS course preferences in your UAC application by 11:59 pm.  First SRS offers will be released in November Round 1 on 13 November. 

13 November 2025
SRS: First offers released
SRS unconditional and conditional offers released. Check your email or log in to your UAC undergraduate application. 

How the Educational Access Scheme works 

EAS applications opened 2 April 2025.
You can apply for EAS from your completed undergraduate application. 

The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) helps UAC applicants who have encountered significant educational challenges.  It gives them the opportunity to have their circumstances taken into account when institutions select applicants for courses. 

If you are eligible for consideration under the Educational Access Scheme and your ATAR (or equivalent) is below the required selection rank for a course, an institution can increase your selection rank for that course, making you more competitive for a place. 

Each institution has its own policy on when and how it increases selection ranks for eligible applicants. 

Being eligible for EAS consideration doesn’t guarantee you an offer to a course; you still need to meet any published lowest selection rank for that course and compete with all other applicants for a place.  If you successfully compete against other applicants, you will receive an offer as part of the standard undergraduate offer rounds. 

Application dates

2 April 2025
EAS:  Applications open for 2025 to 2026 admissions
EAS application and supporting documents must be received at least two weeks before the undergraduate offer round in which you wish to be considered. 

18 November 2025
EAS:  Closing date for EAS applications for December Round 2
Apply and provide documents for EAS by midnight to have your application considered in December Round 2. 

18 December 2025
EAS: Eligibility letters released for December Round 2
EAS eligibility letters begin to be progressively released to applicants with finalised assessment for December Round 2. 

25 December 2025
EAS:  Closing date for EAS applications for January Round 1
Apply and provide documents for EAS by midnight to have your application considered in January Round 1. 

Equity Scholarships

Equity Scholarships are awarded to tertiary students who demonstrate the greatest level of financial need.  Most applicants who are awarded a scholarship are receiving Centrelink income support payments such as ABSTUDY, Austudy, Youth Allowance, JobSeeker Payment, Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment (Single) or the Carer Payment. 

There are two types of Equity Scholarships: 

• Institution Equity Scholarships: funded by individual institutions and their value, eligibility criteria and duration differ between institutions
• Indigenous Student Success Program scholarships: funded by the Australian Government.

Most institutions also offer merit scholarships: apply directly to the institution for these.

Who can apply?

To apply for an Equity Scholarship, you must be enrolled at a UAC participating institution, or applying for admission to a UAC participating institution in one of the following ways:

• through UAC (for undergraduate or postgraduate study: only a very limited number of Equity Scholarships are open to international applicants)
• directly to an institution
• through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) or the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). 

Most applicants who receive a scholarship are receiving Centrelink income support payments and/or can demonstrate that they meet additional types of eligibility criteria specified by the institution.

Details of requirements for individual scholarships can be found on the institution websites. 

Being eligible doesn't guarantee a scholarship 

Meeting scholarship eligibility criteria doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be awarded a scholarship.  There are more applicants than available scholarships.  As part of a competitive application process, you are ranked against the eligibility criteria, and institutions award scholarships to applicants who best meet the eligibility criteria. 

If you are unsuccessful, it doesn’t mean that you’re not in need; rather, it means that there are other applicants who’ve been assessed as being in greater need. 

Application and offer dates 

2 April 2025
Equity Scholarships: Applications open for 2025 to 2026
Applications opened at 9 am. 

4 April 2025
Equity Scholarships: April Round 1 application deadline
Apply and upload PDF documents by 11.59pm for consideration in April Round 1. 

18 April 2025
Equity Scholarships: April Round 1 outcomes released
Equity Scholarship April Round 1 outcomes released at 9am. 

25 April 2025
Equity Scholarships: May Round 1 application deadline
Apply and upload PDF documents by 11:59 pm for consideration in May Round 1. 

Undergraduate fact sheet Key dates for 2025 to 2026
Times indicated are based on Sydney time. 

Application dates Tuesday 30 September 2025 Early bird processing charge deadline (pay for and submit your application by this date to avoid the higher processing charge.)  Friday 6 February 2026 Applications close for Semester 1, 2026. 

Some courses have early closing dates set by the institutions. 

Check the course descriptions on UAC’s website at uac.edu.au/search. 

Processing charges Early bird Standard Wednesday 2 April to 11:59 pm Tuesday 30 September 2025 $82. 

Wednesday 1 October 2025 to 11:59 pm Friday 6 February 2026 $215

All fees and charges are in Australian dollars (except as required by law) and subject to change after 30 June 2025.

Year 12 results and ATAR dates

All dates determined by external organisations are subject to change.

2025 NSW HSC students 2025 ACT Year 12 students: 

Thursday 18 December 2025 HSC results released by NESA from 6 am

ATARs released on UAC website from 9 am

Mid-December 2025 Statement (including ATAR) issued by ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies.

Thursday 18 December 2025 ATARs released on UAC website from 9 am 

Undergraduate Institutions decide when they will make offers to their courses. There may be a significant amount of time between when you apply for a course and when the institution makes offers to that course. Most offers to 2026 semester 1 courses will be made in December and January. 

Each university has its own pathway and it is important to look at the website for each university to know what should be done with regard to this. 

CAA News 

The latest information from the CAA is as follows: 

Information Sessions for Students & Parents, Open Days, Expos for Students 

Australian Academy of Beauty Dermal Laser Open Nights Discover your future in beauty. Discover your future in beauty at AABT’s Open Nights. With 4 Sydney locations to choose from – Bella Vista, North Strathfield, Rockdale, and Sydney City – it is the perfect time to explore courses and tour campuses. Now enroling for mid-Semester (July 2025). Open Nights are next week. Register now at:

BEYOND | Mining & Renewable Energy - Industry Spotlight Unlock your future in Australia’s booming Mining and Renewable Energy sector with BEYOND’s Industry Spotlight 12-16 May. You'll have the chance to stream live webinars, participate in Q&As, visit sites virtually, and map the apprenticeships, degrees, and skills powering tomorrow’s net-zero workforce. Free for NSW students. For more information, visit

1300apprentice will be Exhibiting at the Greater Western Sydney Careers Market 1300apprentice will be exhibiting at the Greater Western Sydney Careers Market on 21-22 May. This is a fantastic opportunity for Career Advisers, parents, and students to speak with 1300apprentice one-on-one about apprenticeships, traineeships, and post-school options. For more information, visit

Master Builders at the Greater Western Sydney Careers Market This is the perfect opportunity for students, parents and teachers to speak with Master Builders about pathway programs and apprenticeships in the Building and Construction Industry. Date: Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 May from 9.00am to 2.00pm. Venue: Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre. This is a free event. For more information, visit

Claire Pech & Amanda Krulis | Year 12 and Beyond with ADHD Student Webinar On the back of the Parent Webinar run in Term 1, this practical and interactive webinar in Term 2, is tailored for students in Year 12 with ADHD. This talk is being run by Claire Pech (a Careers Adviser who works with students and adults with ADHD) and Amanda Krulis (an Organisational Psychologist who runs her own ADHD Coaching Practice). Dates: Wednesday 21 May and Thursday 29 May from 7.00pm-8.30pm AEST. To book:

Southern Cross Future Leaders Workshop | Coffs Harbour - 29 May & Northern Rivers - 3 June. Join SCU for a full-day workshop facilitated by a record-breaking pilot and leadership development speaker, helping emerging leaders establish goals and methods to navigate through adversity. To register:

Arrive & Thrive Webinar | Career Conversations At Home | 12 June Arrive & Thrive is running a public webinar on 12 June at 6.30 pm (AEST) to support parents around Australia in having more positive career conversations at home. The webinar will share insights for parents to better support their young people in career decisions. Participants will receive a Career Conversation Kit. To register:

NIDA Open Day 2025 | 14 June Interested in where a creative career could take you? NIDA Open Day is the perfect opportunity to learn about all NIDA’s course offerings, meet alumni and current students, observe classroom activities, check out students’ creative work in costume, make-up, design and more, as well as ask questions, get tips for your application, chat with expert teaching staff and watch live student productions. For more information, visit

Behind the Scenes Tours of Woolworths Refrigeration - 26 June | Granville & Newcastle To mark World Refrigeration Day come and visit an operating natural refrigerants plant room and experience a day in the life of a refrigeration technician. The event caters to young people who are considering an air conditioning and refrigeration apprenticeship. To attend, register by 30 May

Western Sydney University Open Day - Sunday 6 July Western Sydney University's Open Day at Parramatta South campus, where students, friends and family can explore the vibrant university environment and see what Western Sydney University has to offer. Explore course options, meet academics and find out about alternative pathway options. Register now:

Quantum Future Talent | Open Day and Careers Fair - 15 July Join Sydney Quantum Academy at Sydney Masonic Centre to explore how Quantum is unlocking new career paths. Learn about study options, careers, university admissions, scholarships and more. Get insights from students, leading universities and meet employers. To register:

Education Open Day at University of Canberra Sydney Hills Explore the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education program with hands-on workshops, campus tours, and insights from staff, students and industry partners – plus fun activities and delicious treats up for grabs. When: Saturday 9 August 2025 10am–2pm. Location: Castle Hill, NSW. To Register:

Rural Doctors Network | Rural Health Pathways Showcase Students interested in a career in allied health, medicine or nursing are invited to RDN’s interactive event to gain career insights, explore education pathways and connect with health professionals making a difference. Monday 8 September, 9.30am-2.00pm and 4.00pm-7.30pm at the ICC, Darling Harbour. To Register:

The Lemon Car The Lemon Car is a unique road safety program in NSW. The presentation is done outdoors with students receiving checklists as they work as a team to find problems with The Lemon Car. 1-hour presentations for 50-60 students, $10.00-$12.50 per person. For more information call Mark 0444 528 409 or email mark@thelemoncar.com.au.

International Student Leaders Course | New Dates Future Leaders Academy is excited to announce new dates and destinations for 2025 and 2026. The courses are aimed at students in Year 11 and 12 who are in a leadership position or aspiring to be. Individual students will apply and join 40 other students from across Australia and New Zealand, for a week-long program in the Pacific Island of their choice. For more information, visit

Save the dates: ACU Open Days Experience ACU firsthand on Saturday 27 July Blacktown Open Day 10am-2pm | Sunday 17 August Strathfield Open Day 10am-2pm | Saturday 7 September North Sydney Open Day 10am-2pm | Saturday 14 September Canberra Open Day 11am-2pm. For full details:

National Fashion College (NFC) Is Back - Bigger and Better Than Ever NFC Melbourne is officially open. Both NFC campuses have welcomed their May intake and kicked off the Term with classes, internships, and weekly networking with fashion icons. From creative to corporate, their students are launching real careers. Book NFC for a school visit or expo to inspire your future fashion leaders. hello@nationalfashioncollege.com. 

Courses & Workshops for Students 

Paul Wade Life | Employability Skills Ownership & Learning Former Socceroo Captain Paul Wade can help reinforce the priority employees are focused on today. 45-60 minutes of stories and activities at a venue and time that suits. For more information, visit

or contact Valerie on 0408 219 482 or val@paulwade.com.au.

Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities

AFL SportsReady | Get the Latest on Traineeships and Student Pathways AFL SportsReady has been helping young Australians kick-start their careers for over 30 years. They connect young people with traineeship opportunities across sport, the arts, business, education and more — all while they complete a nationally recognised qualification. Register for updates to gain access to our latest programs, resources and jobs at

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternate Pathways

APREF Scholarship Applications Now Open - For Students Interested in Studying Property The Australian Property Research and Education Fund (APREF) offers scholarships to support students studying API Accredited property courses. Prospective students can apply for an education scholarship ($30,000) without having been accepted yet into a course. Regional/Rural Scholarship, Tasmanian Scholarship and Advancing Women in Property. For more information visit:

Campion College | Early Offer for Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts Campion College is now accepting Early Offer applications for its three-year Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts and one-year Diploma of Liberal Arts. Successful applicants will receive a conditional offer before HSC exams begin and be automatically considered for Future Leaders Scholarship. Applications close 30 September 2025. For more information visit

University of Canberra Early Offers Open This Month UC’s Early Offer Scheme opens for Year 12 students in ACT and NSW on Monday 19 May. For more information visit

Western | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Entry Program | June Assessment Western’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Program is an alternative University Entry Program for Indigenous people. Applicants can gain entry to any undergraduate degree (excepting the Dr of Medicine), by completing the entry assessment. To register for June:

Save the Date | ‘This is Music@Western’ Day - 18 July 2025 Save the date for Western's School of Humanities and Communication Arts ‘This is Music@Western’ Day, Kingswood campus for year 12 students studying music in their HSC. The event focuses on non-ATAR pathways for 2026 intake for Music. This activity will provide opportunities for all students with creative talent without being measured by ATAR alone. For more information, email futurestudents@westernsydney.edu.au.

Babel International College Babel International College offers courses in Interpreting, Translating, ELICOS, PTE Preparation and Civil Construction Design. Experienced teachers and a supportive environment help both international and local students build practical skills. For more information visit

email info@bic.wa.edu.au or call 08 6243 1203. 

Jobs & Work Experience for Students 

WEP Volunteer Internships in Europe These programs allow young Australians to gain valuable professional experience in a supportive overseas environment, while exploring life and culture in another country. Students join a school community in France or Italy to volunteer as an English language assistants. In exchange, they are provided with accommodation and meals. For more information visit

Don Whitford Consulting | Entrepreneurs Study In Switzerland, France, UK, Spain, Singapore, Abu Dhabi Sessions Luxury Business Swiss and French Hotel and Culinary Schools Sessions. Direct or Gap Year plus, 8wk to 4 yr courses. Ski and surf 

on a Swiss mountain in Crans-Montana. Swiss internships paid approx $3900 per month by law. For more information visit

or Text Don 0422 766 730. 

Resources for Students 

2026 TAFE NSW TVET Guide TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses offer students a head start on a career to build real world skills and valuable experience while still at school. Download a copy of the guide to find out more

BECOME | Inspiring Every Individual to Explore, Design and Navigate a Career They’ll Love What happens when students approach career decisions without ideas and skills to genuinely  explore occupations and assess their fit for themselves? BECOME gets students engaged and active in broad career exploration, navigating and designing their future for themselves. For more information visit

Choosing Your Uni | Free Tool to Help Students Explore Uni & Study Options with Confidence Choosingyouruni.com is a free AI-powered platform that supports Careers Advisers and students to explore fields of study, compare universities, and understand pathways. Already used in NSW schools. Try it in a class session or for independent student use. For more information visit

or email marine@choosingyouruni.com. 

Other Information 

Newcastle Business School has been Reaccredited with EQUIS Newcastle Business School has been re-accredited with EQUIS, a globally recognised mark of excellence in business education. This ensures students studying business, commerce, or tourism gain high-quality learning, industry connections, and global career opportunities. A great choice for career-ready pathways in a competitive job market. For more information, visit

ICMS Joins Australian Computer Society (ACS) as Partner The ACS is Australia’s largest professional community for technology professionals, with over 49,500 members across business, government, and education sectors. This provides students with access to ACS Skillsoft, a digital library with over 35,000 learning resources, more than 400 networking and professional development events each year and Tailored career advice from ACS. For more information visit

There is a Careers platform – BEYOND which offers a great deal of information (for free).  The latest from them is as follows: 

National Careers Week is here - and our Industry Spotlight on Mining & Renewable Energy just went live on the BEYOND platform. 

What’s on offer (all free): 

• Live and on-demand webinars led by leaders, employers and those offering educational pathways
• Virtual career booths and immersive site tours
• Clear pathways into university, TAFE and paid apprenticeships
• Real-world advice on the skills the sector is hiring for next 

Students simply log in or create a free account at beyond.edu.au to explore everything. 

Please see below Career Planning Toolkit on Mining & Renewable Energy containing reflection exercises, pathway maps and skill-building activities for Years 9-12 students.

Work Experience for 2025 

Work Experience (W/E) in 2025 at St Clare’s will be available as targeted work experience. Mrs Nicole Lovern will be looking after this in 2025. 

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 2025/2026.
• 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 wishing to be involved in a work experience program in 2025 will need to collect and fill in an application form (See Mrs Lovern).
• Each application will require an interview with Mrs Lovern and a discussion of the reason for wanting to be part of the program which must be 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. 

If anyone would like any information to do with Careers, please arrange a time to come and see me.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser

Term 2 2025

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, 4 July 2025 and resume on Monday, 21 July2025. 

Complaints Resolution for Parents and Carers

Keep School Funding Fair

Keep School Funding Fair

Resources: 

Watch the video to find out how schools are funded. 

Sign up to the Keep School Funding Fair campaign or learn more here. 

Read more detail about how Catholic schools are funded. 

Webinars 

Upcoming information sessions and webinars for parents and carers. 

Parents and carers are the most important educators in their child’s life.  To assist you in this important role, a list of upcoming webinars provided by reputable providers, free of charge, has been compiled and is available on the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Catholic Schools webpage. 

A snapshot of Term 2 webinars featured on the webpage is included below. 

Online safety-focused sessions: 

• Understanding and using parental controls to help protect your child online, hosted by the eSafety Commissioner
• eSafety 101, hosted by the eSafety Commissioner
• Exploring the online experiences of boys and young men, hosted by the eSafety Commissioner
• Sexual extortion: What parents and carers need to know, hosted by the eSafety Commissioner
• The Social Media Guide: What Every Parent Needs to Know in 2025, hosted by The Cyber Safety Project 

Mental health-focused sessions: 

• Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents, hosted by Learning Links
• Teen Mental Health Matters, hosted by The BlackDog Institute 

Senior schooling years and post-school pathways sessions: 

• Supporting your child through the HSC, hosted by CCSP NSW/ACT and Beyond
• A parent’s roadmap to careers and pathways, hosted by CCSP NSW/ACT and Beyond
• Navigating post-school pathways, hosted by MyFuture 

Parenting sessions: 

• What kids need now, before the teenage years, hosted by CCSP NSW/ACT and Michelle Mitchell 

More information about these webinars, including registration links, can be found on the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Catholic Schools webpage

Please note that the webpage will be updated regularly with news of additional webinars, and you can visit the site at any time. 

MidCoast Council News Wrap Friday 9 May 2025

MidCoast Council News Wrap Friday 9 May 2025 1.00 MB

MidCoast Council News Wrap Friday 16 May 2025.pdf

MidCoast Council News Wrap Friday 16 May 2025 _pdf 971.09 KB

Lawn Bowls 

Bowls is a sport where all students can participate. 

Sport motivates Students and Bowls has many advantages. 

• No extreme Registration Fees
• Local Bowling Club’s governance ... with mentors having ‘Working with Children’ accreditation 
• Outdoors with age appropriate activities 
• Fun … that it is! … A non-contact sport where ‘everyone can play.’ 

Please visit your local bowling club to see what types of bowls programs are available. 

Warren Boyd
Administrator
Let’s Play Bowls
Primary and Secondary
‘School Bowls’