Staff Development Day – Monday 13 October 

A reminder that Day 1 of Term 4 will be a Staff Development Day focused on the implementation and refinement of the new curriculum.  All KLA teams will be working collaboratively to program and plan for upcoming syllabus changes or enhance current units.  In addition, we will continue our important work around inclusion, with a focus on NCCD as part two of our professional learning.  This day will be a valuable opportunity to strengthen our teaching practice and ensure we are well-prepared to support every learner. 

Parent Survey 

I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the families who took the time to complete our recent survey.  Your feedback is invaluable and will play a key role in shaping our planning for 2026 and beyond.  The results are shared below.  The survey link was emailed to all families last week and will remain open for another week if you wish to contribute.

Building works 

Over the holiday break, we’ll see significant works underway across the school, including repairs to the staff work area, front office, staff carpark, and oval, addressing damage caused by recent flooding. A special thanks goes to our dedicated staff who have spent the past few weeks completely packing up their workspaces to allow for new carpet and painting - a massive task that unearthed many treasures from years gone by! Your efforts are deeply appreciated. 

Pilgrims of Hope 

We extend our warmest wishes to Denise Ryan, Vince Ryan, and Tanille Gardner as they embark on a special pilgrimage over the next three weeks, walking in the footsteps of St Paul through the sacred landscapes of Italy and Greece.  This journey is not only a physical adventure but a deeply spiritual one - an opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and grow in faith.  May this experience enrich their hearts, strengthen their spirits, and bring renewed inspiration to their lives and work within our school community. 

Farewell to Mr Ian Evans 

Ian has a been a valued member of the St Clare's Community for the past 22 years. Over this time, he has been a Senior Leader of Wellbeing and Careers Adviser and over the past five years a longstanding member of the Casual team.  His dedication and commitment to the community has been unwavering and he will be missed by both staff and students.  

HSC Nominations - SHAPE 

Congratulations to Levi Dickie, Samuel Jackman and Kobi Critchley who have received a HSC Shape Nomination for their major works in Industrial Technology under the guidance of James Buckland and Brad Hart. 

Levi Dickie - Industrial Technology (Timber) 

Teacher:  James Buckland 

Levi Dickie designed and built a resin-poured table and chairs.  Levi purchased a burled slab of timber and made templates to resin pour his top and the tops of the chairs.  Levi also incorporated steam bending into his project for the legs of his table and designed and created supports to ensure stability.  Levi faced several problems during his project, which he successfully overcame through commitment and motivation to succeed with his Major Design project. 

Samuel Jackman – Industrial Technology (Metal) 

Teacher:  Brad Hart 

Samuel Jackman Designed and constructed a Mailbox.  Samuel designed this for his home for easily accessibility to mailbox, making it mechanised to open.  He also incorporated a solar panelled light for visibility at night and solar panel to avoid battery/power consumption.  Samuel incorporated traditional scroll work to add a vintage theme to the project. 

Kobi Critchley – Industrial Technology (Metal) 

Teacher:  Brad Hart 

Kobi Critchley designed and built a rear bar for his vehicle using the CNC plasma cutter to shape and cut brackets for his project.  Kobi used Circular Hollow Section (CHS) for the main frame and reinforced it with sheet metal.  He finished it with black powder coating.  Kobi also designed and built a tyre swing for the rear bar as an extra feature of the project.

Kobi Critchley, Levi Dickie & Samuel Jackman

Farewell Year 12 – Wishing You All the Best in Your HSC Exams! 

As Term 3 draws to a close, we take a moment to celebrate and farewell our incredible Year 12 students as they prepare to embark on their HSC exams.  This marks the end of a remarkable 13-year journey of schooling, filled with growth, friendships, challenges, and unforgettable memories. 

The final weeks have been a true reflection of the vibrant spirit and unity of our school community.  From the dress-up day featuring Minions, famous groups, and the ever-popular “anything but a bag” challenge, to the amusing Favourite Teacher Day, our seniors have left a lasting impression with their energy, humour, and school pride. 

A highlight of their final celebrations was the fantastic trip to Stoney Aqua Park, where laughter and sunshine made for a perfect day of fun and relaxation.  Their farewell concluded today with a Mass celebrated by Fr Kevin Corrigan and Fr Christogonus Okoro bringing students, staff, and families together in prayer, reflection and gratitude.  Special thanks to our honoured guests who attended the celebration including the Assistant Director John Tobin, and members of the Secular Franciscan of the Manning Joy Cusack, Janet Hawes and David Hawes.

We acknowledge the incredible dedication of our St Clare’s teachers and the unwavering support of parents and carers, who have guided and nurtured these young adults to this milestone.  Your efforts have helped shape them into the confident, capable individuals they are today, ready to begin a new chapter beyond school. 

To our Year 12s: as you head into the holidays, I encourage you to study hard and stay focused.  The effort you put in now will be rewarded in your exams and beyond. You’ve already made us proud - now it’s time to show the world what you’re capable of.

Wishing Everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday! 

As we wrap up a busy term, we wish all our students, families, and staff a safe, restful, and joyful holiday break.  May this time be filled with relaxation, connection, and a chance to recharge.  Thank you for your continued support and contribution to our school community - we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for Term 4! 

Christine Harmer
Principal