Principal's Report
Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members
We are already four weeks into Term 3 and so many things have happened: Year 10 are currently engaging in the subject selection process for Year 11 2024, Year 12 are completing their Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations and over the next few weeks students will be submitting Major Projects for their HSC. Year 9 students attended the Canberra/Snowy Trip last week and all have come back full of energy, students have also been participating in numerous sporting and academic representative competitions. While all these things are happening, teachers and students continue the focus of learning.
Senior Leadership
On Wednesday this past week all students had the opportunity to hear from our 2024 senior leadership candidates. The students interested in becoming senior leaders are required to go through a rigorous selection process which I have outlined below. This process is an opportunity for student learning and student reflection that will help them in their future endeavours.
- Students must submit a written application that includes answering several questions in detail. The application must be supported by a member of staff. These applications are then reviewed by the school executive and Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement before being presented to staff for review. At this point, students may be withdrawn from the process.
- Students whose applications have been accepted then must do a 2–3-minute speech in front of the whole school community and a staffing panel of three staff members who write a report that is provided to the Principal and the final selection panel. The speeches must focus on why they want to be a senior leader at St Clare’s.
- The list of candidates then go through a preferential vote by Year 10 and 11 students and school staff.
- The leaders are selected, and these students are offered the role of a senior leadership (the number of leaders selected is 12 but may be increased or decreased after consultation with the school executive.)
- The top eight from the selected candidates are then offered the opportunity to apply for the School Captain’s role.
- Nominations for Captains then participate in a panel interview that includes two current Captains, Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement, a school executive member, and one other selected staff member.
The candidates this year are wide and varied in terms of their personalities and academic ability. I was proud of how they presented themselves and spoke to the school community. So many shared their journey as students at St Clare’s; why they wanted to be senior leaders, and how they want to make a difference and give back to the school community. Hearing from our prospective school leaders gave all students at St Clare’s the opportunity to learn about how to become the best version of yourself.
St Clare
On Friday, 18 August, as a school community, we will come together to celebrate St Clare’s Feast Day. As our school’s Patron Saint, it is an opportunity to honour her life, teachings, contributions to the Christian faith and her dedication to a life of simplicity and devotion. It is also an opportunity for us, a community, to come together to connect and share, listen and give to others less fortunate. St Clare’s Feast Day is formally celebrated on 11 August, but due to Year 12 Trial Exams we unable to celebrate on this date.
St Clare of Assisi, born Chiara Offreduccio, was an Italian Saint born on July 16, 1194, in Assisi, Italy. She was the eldest daughter of Favorino Scifi, a wealthy nobleman, and his wife Ortolana. From an early age, Clare was known for her piety, kindness, and strong devotion to God.
Early in her life she encountered the preaching of Saint Francis of Assisi, who was renowned for his commitment to poverty and the Gospel. Clare was deeply moved by his teachings and the example he set, and at the age of 18, she decided to leave behind her life of comfort to follow in his footsteps.
Clare's decision to live a life of poverty and prayer was groundbreaking for the time. Along with several other women who joined her, including her younger sister Agnes, Clare founded the Order of Poor Ladies, which later became known as the Poor Clare’s. The order emphasised a life of radical poverty, seclusion, and devotion to prayer. Clare and her sisters lived in extreme simplicity, relying on alms for sustenance and spending their days in prayer and contemplation.
Over the years, Clare's reputation for holiness and wisdom grew, and she became a spiritual guide to many. She corresponded with Popes, Cardinals, and other religious figures, offering them guidance and counsel. Despite her seclusion, Clare also played an active role in the life of the Church, advocating for the principles of poverty and humility.
St Clare's influence extended beyond her lifetime. She was known for her deep Eucharistic devotion and unwavering faith. She passed away on August 11, 1253, and was canonized as a Saint just two years later, in 1255, by Pope Alexander IV.
St Clare's legacy continues through the Order of Poor Clare’s, a contemplative order of nuns who follow her example of poverty and prayer. She is also remembered for her courage in challenging societal norms of her time and for her unwavering commitment to the teachings of Christ.
This day is one of the most important days on our school calendar, as we celebrate our Patron Saint St Clare. It also provides an opportunity for staff and students to come together, to foster a sense of belonging and community. When students actively participate it contributes to their holistic development, they contribute to creating a positive and inclusive school environment, which strengthens the school community and prepares them for active and engaged citizens in the future. I encourage all students with parent support to not see our day of celebration as an excuse to take the day of, come join us for a day of learning, celebration and fun.
‘Together with Christ we serve our community’.
Inspired by GOSPEL VALUES and the practical examples of St Mary of The Cross MacKillop and St Clare of Assisi our Mission is to…
CONNECT LEARN ASPIRE RESPECT ENGAGE
Kind Regards
Phillip Gibney
Principal