Dear Parents, Students and Staff 

Advent 

During Advent, one of the persistent messages of the Sacred Scriptures is one of HOPE.  Hope is a firm sense that God’s plan for peace and justice amongst people will be fulfilled; despite all the setbacks and frustrations that we humans put in the way.  Living in hope is the mark of a true Christian. 

In the season of advent as we await the birth of Christ, we are reminded that Jesus came to live among us, and this is the hope that we would be saved given to us by God. 

Year 10 Awards Ceremony 

On Monday 9 December parents, family members, staff, and Year 10 students gathered to acknowledge the academic achievements of Year 10 throughout 2024.  My congratulations go to all the award recipients for your dedication, commitment and perseverance shown over the past 12 months.  A final celebration for Year 10 occurred on Tuesday evening with their Social event at Club Taree.  It was a great night of celebration and a fitting way to conclude Stage 5 of learning before they embark on their final two years of HSC courses.

 

Year 12 HSC Results 

Our Year 12 students will receive their Higher School Certificate and ATAR results on Wednesday 18 December.  We hold high hopes for our students and pray for their success on receiving these results. 

New Principal at St Clare’s 

We are thrilled to welcome Christine Harmer as the new principal of St Clare's!  Hailing from the Port Macquarie area and new to the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese, Christine brings a wealth of experience and passion for education.  Her appointment marks a historic moment for our school as she becomes our first-ever female lay principal since the Josephite Sisters led St Clare's.  We are excited to have Christine join our community in 2025 and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and their futures. 

Return Dates for 2025 

A reminder that all students entering Year 7 for 2025, along with our Year 11 and Year 12 students will begin their school year on Tuesday 4 February, whilst students in Years 8, 9 and 10 all begin back at school on Wednesday 5 February 2025.  Staff will be involved in planning activities on Friday 31 January and Monday 3 February 2025. 

An additional newsletter will be provided at the end of next week to capture the awards ceremonies for Years 7, 8 and 9 and also capture some of our standout results from this year’s HSC.

Tony McCudden
Principal