School Visit 

Yesterday, St Clare’s had the honour of welcoming 20 representatives from the Catholic Schools Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle for a school visit.  This gathering provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the many achievements our school community has celebrated throughout the year. 

During the visit, we highlighted our progress and innovation across three key pillars:  Ministry, Learning and Teaching, and Wellbeing where our guests were given a comprehensive view of the vibrant life at St Clare’s. 

The visit was also a reflective moment.  Using our School Improvement Plan as a guiding framework, we engaged in meaningful discussions that allowed us to identify both our areas of strength and the opportunities for continued growth.  This collaborative dialogue reaffirmed our commitment to ongoing improvement and excellence in Catholic education. 

We are grateful to the Catholic Schools for their time, insights, and encouragement.  Their visit not only celebrated what we have achieved but also inspired us to continue striving for even greater impact in the lives of our students and the broader community.

I’d also like to acknowledge three of our budding baristas—Michelle Babu, Oliver Collins, and Kirsty-Lee Merrick—who, with very limited training, agreed to come in before school and assist with service.  Thanks to their hard work and enthusiasm, we were able to produce a high volume of coffees in a very short period of time.

Uniform, Expectations, and Finishing the Term Strong

As we near the end of the term, it’s a good time to reflect on the importance of our school uniform and the standards we uphold at St Clare’s.  While a uniform may seem like a small detail, it represents something much greater—unity, pride, and respect. 

Unfortunately, we’ve noticed a growing number of students not wearing the uniform correctly.  While it may seem like a minor issue, these individual choices have a broader impact.  They send the wrong message to our community and undermine the efforts of the majority who do the right thing every day. 

We’ve made some adjustments—allowing sport uniform on Tuesdays and Thursdays for Years 7–10, and updating the earring policy—but these changes are being taken advantage of.  As a result, I have spoken with all students and would welcome your support in following our expectations: 

• Jewellery: Only small earrings (2 per lobe), a simple necklace, a watch, and one ring are permitted. Oversized sleepers are not acceptable.
• Undershirts: No long-sleeve shirts under uniforms.  If cold, please wear the correct school jumper.
• Jumpers: Only the school jumper or senior jacket is allowed.  Hoodies are not permitted.
• Shoes: Black leather shoes for formal uniform; Running or Cross training shoes for sport.  Canvas shoes (e.g., Vans, Converse) are not allowed.
• Hair: Must be tied back.
• Skirts: Must not be rolled.  If too short, hems are to be adjusted by the beginning of next term.
• Sport Uniform: Must be worn in full on designated days only. Mixing of formal and sport items is not permitted.  Non-school branded pants, sports tights, or Lorna Jane pants are not permitted.
• Seniors: Tuesday sport uniform is not permitted
• Sports Coaching Students: Must wear black plain shorts with the correct shirt and shoes. 

We understand that sometimes there are unavoidable circumstances.  If you’ve been affected by the floods or have a genuine issue, please contact your child’s Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement (LOWE).  We are here to support you.

Phones and Devices 

A reminder that our phone policy remains: “Not on, not seen.” Phones should not be used during the school day, nor should they be charged at school. Chargers are not tested and tagged, and therefore not permitted.

Celebrating Excellence:  Karen McCann – VET Teacher of the Year Finalist 

We are delighted to share that Karen McCann, a highly respected and long-serving member of staff at St Clare’s High School Taree, has been recognised as one of the top three finalists in the NSW VET Training Awards – VET Teacher of the Year 2025, selected from hundreds of nominees across the state. 

Karen has played a pivotal role at St Clare’s for nearly a decade as Leader of Learning – VET, overseeing the delivery of nationally recognised qualifications in Hospitality, Construction, and Sports Coaching.  In addition to this, she serves as the Careers Adviser, manages School-Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships, and contributes significantly to the spiritual life of the school in her role as School Ministry Coordinator. 

Karen’s leadership, commitment to student success, and dedication to both education and ministry have had a lasting impact on the St Clare’s community.  Her forward-thinking approach has helped ensure vocational pathways remain accessible and sustainable in a regional setting. 

On behalf of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools, we at St Clare's proudly congratulate Karen McCann on this outstanding achievement and recognition as a finalist in the NSW VET Teacher of the Year Awards.

Let’s Finish Strong 

As we approach the end of the term, let’s commit to finishing strong.  It’s easy to let the little things slide, but those small choices can slowly chip away at the values we’ve worked so hard to build as a school. 

We’ve all been through a lot this term, especially with the floods and the challenges they brought to our community.  Now is the time to come together, support one another, and correct the small things that are causing negativity.  Let’s end this term with pride, unity, and a renewed sense of respect for ourselves and each other. 

Staff Development Days

The last day of school for students this term will be Thursday 3 July. Staff will spend Friday working on the New Curriculum with an additional focus on Literacy.  Students will return on Tuesday 22 July as staff will be involved in Verbal Intervention Training on Monday, 21 July. 

 

Christine Harmer
Principal