Celebrating Success 

I would like to begin by celebrating the many successes that St Clare students have experienced over the past three weeks. 

Congratulations to the Year 10 Science students who competed in the 2025 Rotary STEM Competition.  They had a day of problem solving, building bridges, making rockets and putting theory into practice.  The team came home with a first prize of $500 to put towards a STEM purchase of their choice! 

 Addison Hogan, Sienna Waterhouse, Oliver Collins & Pyper Cross

Congratulations also to Max Isbel, Michael Bonanno, Beau Vaughan, and Oliver Collins who recently competed in the DaVinci Decathlon.  These students were able to work with students from across the Diocese to work collaboratively across Mathematics, English, Science, Code Breaking, Engineering, Ideation, Creative Producers, Art, Poetry, Cartography and Legacy. 

Year 11 student Sara Harris is also to be congratulated for her representation in the North Coast Bulldogs Rugby League representative team.  This team won on the weekend and are the 2025 Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup Premiers!  From this Sara has been selected to attend the NSWRL Regional Emerging Women’s Academy.  Well done Sara! 

Next a shoutout to the Year 12 Mixed Netball team who competed in the Fast 5 competition.  The team walked away as champions on the day.

Parent-Teacher Night 

Our recent Parent/Teacher Night for Year 7 and Year 12 was a wonderful opportunity for families and teachers to come together in partnership.  The evening fostered meaningful conversations about student progress, aspirations, and the shared commitment to academic and personal growth.  For our Year 7 families, it was a chance to build strong foundations as students embark on their high school journey, while Year 12 discussions focused on supporting students through their final year and preparing them for life beyond school.  The atmosphere was one of collaboration and encouragement, reinforcing the importance of communication, mutual understanding, and working towards common goals.  We are grateful for the engagement and support of our school community as we continue to nurture an environment where every student can thrive. 

Next term, we will be holding Parent/Teacher Night for students in Years 8 to 11, providing an opportunity for families to connect with teachers and discuss academic progress.  Students are encouraged to attend alongside their parents to engage in meaningful conversations about their learning journey.  Further details will be released via Compass. 

On this day, Year 12 students will attend their normal lessons, ensuring continuity in their studies as they approach their final year.  Meanwhile, Year 7 students will complete an online module at home, designed to enhance their understanding of cyber safety.  This course presents key lessons on password security, phishing, and online kindness through an engaging, gamified experience.  With four interactive units, the course equips students with essential digital skills and takes approximately one to two hours to complete.  We encourage Year 7 families to support students as they navigate this valuable online resource, helping them build safe and responsible habits in the digital world. 

Values and Expectations 

This week I would also like to share with parents my message to students from assembly this week, reminding all students about our expectations and the values that we represent at St Clare’s. 

Today, I want to speak about something that defines who we are—not just as individuals but as a community.  Our school is built on values:  respect, integrity, compassion, and responsibility.  These aren’t just words on a wall or phrases in a handbook; they are the foundation of the way we treat each other, the way we learn, and the way we grow together. 

Now, I want Year 12 to stand up for a moment — as they represent 10% of you.  The reason I’m asking this is because it is important to have a visual.  Now in every school, there’s about 10% of people who forget the impact they have on others.  Sometimes, through their words or actions, they disrupt learning, speak harshly to their peers, or operate in a way that makes others feel excluded.  This isn’t about blaming or shaming — it’s about recognising that every single one of us holds the power to influence our school environment. 

To the 90% of students who consistently live out our values, I want to say thank you.  You are the heart of our school — you set the tone for how we interact, how we learn, and how we support one another.  Your positive attitude, kindness, and commitment make our school a place where everyone can thrive. 

Saint Mary MacKillop of the Cross, a woman of courage and wisdom, once said, "Never see a need without doing something about it."  That means if we see someone struggling, we help them.  If we hear someone being spoken to in a harsh way, we intervene with kindness.  If we witness someone disrupting learning, we remind them in an appropriate way that their choices affect others. 

How we speak to each other matters.  Words can build people up, and they can tear people down.  Choose wisely.  The way we behave towards each other — keeping hands off, respecting personal space, and avoiding the ‘pack mentality’ where negative behaviours spread — shapes the experience of every student in this room. 

Now think about the 10% and if your actions make you part of the 10%.  Think about what kind of impact you want to have.  Will you be someone who lifts others up or someone who makes it harder for them to learn and grow?  Or will you choose to change, to shift your actions, to strengthen this community instead of making it weaker.  And to the 90% already doing the right thing — keep going.  Be the role models who set the standard and make our school a place that reflects the best of us. 

Let’s work together to make every day one where we live our values — not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard.  Because every single person in this room has the ability to make this school better.  It starts with you and it starts right now.

Easter 

And finally as we approach the joyous celebration of Easter, we reflect on the significance of this sacred season in our faith.  Easter is a time of renewal — a reminder of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and His resurrection, offering us hope and new life. 

This year, as part of our Lenten journey, we have been actively supporting Project Compassion, an initiative that brings life-changing assistance to vulnerable communities worldwide.  Through your generosity and the efforts of our staff and students, we have embodied Jesus’ call to serve — ensuring that dignity, opportunity, and love reach those most in need. 

As Easter draws near, let us rejoice in the gift of hope and may this Easter season be a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal for all families in our school community. 

Wishing you all a blessed and joyful Easter.

Christine Harmer
Principal