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