Sacrament of Confirmation 

On Sunday, two of our students Kartia Matonhodze, Year 10 and Amellia Webster, Year 7 received the Sacrament of Confirmation, marking a significant step in their faith journey.  This special occasion is the result of thoughtful preparation and guidance provided by Ms Gardner and Mrs Boere who have supported the students throughout the process.  We congratulate both girls on this significant commitment to their faith.

Kartia Matonhodze & Amellia Webster

Mr Smyth – Winner of the Dahlgren Teacher of Excellence Award 

At the end of last term, we were thrilled to celebrate Physics and Mathematics teacher Mr Paul Smyth.  This international award recognises outstanding teachers in STEM and is usually only awarded to teachers in the United States.  It honours those who inspire excellence, lead with integrity, respect every student’s potential and encourage innovation.  My Smyth was nominated by a former student who graduated in 2004 writing, “we haven’t spoken in 20 years, but I wouldn’t be where I am today without his support”.  Congratulations Mr Smyth. 

Welcoming Our Japanese Exchange Students – A Joyful Return After Seven Years! 

After an seven-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we were thrilled to welcome our Japanese exchange students back to our school community.  Their visit has been a heartwarming success, filled with cultural exchange, learning, and friendship.

During their stay, the students immersed themselves in classroom activities, participated in art classes, and presented a cultural performance.  A highlight of their visit was an overnight camp at Bonny Hills, where they played games, bonded with peers over a campfire and witnessed a breathtaking sunrise on the beach.  Their itinerary also included a visit to a local dairy farm and the Billabong Zoo, offering a true taste of regional life.  It’s been a joy to host them, and we look forward to continuing this meaningful exchange in the years to come.  Congratulations to Richard Petrucci, Theresa Avery and Lyndall Laurie for their organisation and involvement in this wonderful opportunity.

Celebrating Student Achievements 

Sporting Excellence - U14 TAP Selection

We are incredibly proud to announce that Lara Godfrey, Year 7 has been selected for the Under-14 Talent Athlete Program (TAP), run by Basketball NSW.  This prestigious program identifies the state’s most promising junior athletes and provides them with elite training and academic support.

Only 50 female athletes across NSW were chosen - 25 from the Country Region and 25 from the Metropolitan Region.  The program includes a live-in camp staffed by expert coaches, where athletes are immersed in high-level development both on and off the court.  Congratulations Lara!

Sporting Excellence - Lower North Coast Branch Surf Life Saving Awards 

St Clare’s students have again featured in the Surf Life Saving (SLS) Lower North Coast Branch Awards of Excellence.  The 2025 awards were presented at the Forster Surf Club before an assembly of over 150 including Federal, State and Local Leaders, Surf Life Saving NSW leaders and fellow ‘clubbies’ from Crowdy Head, Taree Old Bar, Black Head, Forster, Cape Hawke and Pacific Palms.  St Clare’s students are active in all six clubs. 

The branch ‘Youth Volunteer of the Year’ was awarded to Aria Tritico (Year 11) while the ‘Youth Athlete of the Year’ was shared by Cape Hawke Nipper member, Levi Dodds (Year 7) and Forster Youth member, Dylan Kinkade (St Clare’s ex-student).

Dylan Kinkade and Levi Dodds were presented with their awards by MidCoast Mayor Claire Pontin
 Aria Tritico (green shirt) was presented her award by SLS NSW President Peter Agnew and SLS NSW Director Anna Booth

Academic Excellence - HPSP Graduation 

On Wednesday, 23 July, we proudly celebrated the graduation of four of our students Oliver Collins, Year 10, Jaylah Koenig, Year 9, Bonnie McMaster, Year 11 and Flynn Small, Year 11 from the University of Newcastle’s High Performing Student Program (HPSP).  This remarkable initiative allows Year 9–11 students to undertake first-year university units while still in school. 

Our students received certificates for their achievements in Business, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences.  The ceremony was not only a recognition of academic excellence but also a celebration of the motivation, dedication, and perseverance each student demonstrated.

 Oliver Collins, Jaylah Koenig, Bonnie McMaster & Flynn Small

Creative Arts Excellence - Taree/Djarii Connect to Country Artwork Competition

Congratulations Kya Henwood, Year 10, who was awarded third place in the local Taree/Djarii Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Artwork competition for young Aboriginal artists aged 5-21 years.  Kya’s artwork shared a meaningful and personal reflection of Biripi Country and culture and will now proudly feature on the Connect to Country training merchandise, promotions and letterheads.  Kya said “My artwork shows Biripi Country, from the rivers joining to the ocean.  The footprints are showing a lot of my travel and learning of the Country.” 

Yindyamarra Buwanha Aboriginal Dance Group

Congratulations also to Gus Fernance, Year 7, for successfully being selected in the Yindyamarra Buwanha Aboriginal Dance Group for Term 3, 2025.

The Taree Local AECG is excited to announce the launch of the Yindyamarra Buwanha Program - an eight-week localised cultural dance initiative commencing Week 2, Term 3 2025.  This is an exciting opportunity for young Biripi leaders to share their knowledge, develop their cultural leadership skills, and help strengthen community connections through traditional dance and cultural practice.

HSC Drama Night – A Celebration of Talent and Creativity 

Our recent HSC Drama Night was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent, creativity, and humour of our senior drama students.  The evening was filled with captivating performances that ranged from thought-provoking monologues to laugh-out-loud comedic scenes, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained and deeply impressed.  A heartfelt thank you goes to their dedicated teacher, Marion Johnson, whose unwavering passion and commitment to the Creative Arts continues to inspire and elevate our students.  It was a night to remember and a true celebration of the performing arts at our school.

ASPIRE – “The Rise of the Bozz” 

Congratulations to Shayla Potts and Anayah Wetere-Smith who were cast members of the Diocesan ASPIRE production “The Rise of the Bozz” in Newcastle last week.

Year 9 Camp – Canberra and the Snow 

Our Year 9 this week were able to spend the week together on unforgettable adventure to Canberra and the snowfields, where learning and laughter went hand in hand.  The trip offered a rich blend of educational experiences alongside the sheer joy snow skiing.  For many students, it was their first time seeing snow.  The camp was a fantastic opportunity for students to bond, grow in independence, and create lasting memories.  Special thanks to Mr Carney and Mr Curtis for overseeing the camp and all of the staff who attended:  Mrs Polson, Mr Hanlon, Mrs Laurie, Mrs Van Kampen, Mr McKee, Ms Merillo & Mr Koenig. 

Funding Model for Schools 

Recently there has been much public discussion around the Australian Government's model of funding schools.  Catholic Schools NSW have put together some data to explain how government funding for non-government schools - such as Catholic and Independent schools - supports your right to choose the best educational environment for your child while also reducing costs for Australian taxpayers. 

Using the most recent data, the report outlines how funding these schools, through a mixed education model, reduces pressure on public education resources, with savings of up to $6.88 billion annually.  The report highlights how school choice benefits families and the broader community alike. 

To read more, find the report here: Money invested, Money Saved - July 2025 - Adobe cloud storage.

Upcoming Staff Development Days – August

This term, we have two important staff development days scheduled to support both professional growth and staff wellbeing.  On Monday, 25 August, staff will participate in our annual Staff Spirituality Day, a valuable opportunity for reflection, connection, and renewal. 

In response to the recent floods and their impact on our community, we have also been granted an additional Staff Development Day on Tuesday, 26 August, dedicated to Trauma-Informed Practice.  This professional learning will equip staff with strategies to better support students who have experienced trauma, aligning closely with our commitment to student wellbeing and our School Improvement Plan. 

These two days have been thoughtfully planned together to minimise disruption to learning while maximising the impact of staff development. 

Reinforcing Our Uniform Expectations

As we continue to foster a sense of pride and belonging within our school community, we kindly remind students and families of the importance of adhering to our uniform policy.  Wearing the correct school uniform not only reflects respect for our shared values but also promotes equality and school spirit.  We appreciate the ongoing support from parents and carers in ensuring students arrive each day dressed appropriately and ready to learn.  Let’s continue to work together to maintain the high standards that define our school. 

Messages of Hope for the Manning 

After the Manning region was hit by unprecedented flooding in May, the Catholic Schools community came together and shared ‘Messages of Hope’ – an initiative designed to remind everyone of the strength found in unity and to support the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the affected communities. 

The response was overwhelming, with over 200 heartfelt messages from schools across the Diocese.  Each message, whether a simple drawing, a prayer, or a written note, conveyed compassion, solidarity, and a shared commitment to rebuilding, healing, and hope. 

These messages have now been turned into a ‘Messages of Hope’ book, which can be seen here: 

Message of Hope Flipbook | Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle

Christine Harmer
Principal