St Clare's Catholic High School
Hassall Grove
November 30, 2017
Praise God by Your Life
To provide excellence in education:
- through quality teaching and learning
- by providing a safe and creative learning environment
- by challenging students to strive for academic excellence
- by being a place where faith and values are enriched and shared within the Catholic tradition.
Principal's Message - Mr Morris
Parent/Teacher meetings have been scheduled for this day. Staff will also be undertaking professional learning.
APPOINTMENT OF A SECOND ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
After discussion with CEDP and at a local level, it has been decided that St Clare's will be supported further by being allocated an additional Assistant Principal. Mrs Michelle Deschamps has been offered and accepted this role, which will commence from the beginning of 2018. Mrs Deschamps is currently Assistant Principal at McCarthy Catholic College, Emu Plains, a position she has held for the past three years.
PROJECT BASED LEARNING - YEAR 7, 2018
I am excited to announce to families that we are launching Project Based Learning in 2018, our inquiry based approach to learning will be rolled out in year 7 in 2018 in Human Society and It's Environment (HSIE), Science and Religious Education.
The reason why we are embarking on this approach is to ensure we equip students to be developing the 21st century skills, knowledge and understandings to be competitive in our globalised world. Our instructional focus will be centred around solving complex problems, creating deeper learning experiences for students in an authentic context. We are also aiming to improve each students learner confidence.
As with all new directions, we have embarked on teacher professional leanring to prepare our teachers for this inquiry approach. At this point in time 15 teachers have been engaged in robust and purposeful learning reflecting on how we can reimagine the learning opportunities for our students. All courses will be meeting the NESA requirements, as formal programming, assessments and tracking will continue to be the hallmark of our learning enterprise at St Clare's.
TERM 4 PARENT FOCUS GROUP MEETING
Our parent focus group meeting has been re-scheduled to Thursday 14 December. Our meeting will commence at 6.30 and will conclude at 7.30pm. The focus of the meeting will be to outline our directions for 2018. Please rsvp by 11 December by emailing Mrs Julie Alessi via jalessi@parra.catholic.edu.au - we look forward to meeting with you.
Families are invited to make an appointment with your son/daughters teachers to seek feedback re your wards Semester 2 Reports.
Please go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au
Access code: 2z43u
Bookings will open at 9am on Wednesday 6th December and will close at 3pm on Thursday 14th December. Please remember to print a copy of your bookings.
Interviews will be 5 mins in duration and will be held in the San Damiano Centre. Should you not be able attend the interviews between 11.15am-3.00pm please contact the school via email/phone and the relevant teacher/s will make direct contact with you via phone or email.
Assistant Principal's Report - Mr Hulme
Each year, the Church celebrates November as the month of the Holy Souls as a reminder to us to pray for the faithful who have gone before us. Please remember all the members of our the St Clare's Catholic community who have gone before us during this month of November.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Over the last week the teachers have been busy correcting Year 7 – 10 examinations and are currently in the process of collating marks and writing reports. If your child was absent for any examination or assessment, could you please check that your child has submitted the correct form of documentation/medical certificate to the teacher in charge of the exam or the Leader of Learning.
School Rules
Could I remind parents and students to check the Student Diary in regard to our published rules and regulations. Over the last few weeks we have had a need to remind students regarding hair and uniform expectations, and our procedures in regard to Maintaining a Safe School Environment. It would be timely to remind student to check pages 8 to 20 in the Student Diary.
School shoes
To meet WHS requirements students are reminded that the correct shoe on a normal school day is a black leather traditional lace up shoe with a solid heel. It should be polishable and contain no straps or buckles.
Earphones / Headphones
Over the last few weeks, there has been a growing trend of using earphones. These items are not part of our uniform policy and should not be worn under the uniform. School staff will direct students in the classroom when and if they are allowed to use earphones for educational reasons. For safety considerations students should not be using them whilst travelling to and from school.
Student Travel
OPAL Card registrations for 2018 need to be acted upon in these last remaining weeks of the school year. There have been some changes, and all parents need to double check their child’s eligibility for a Student Opal card. Students who are not eligible can apply for a discounted card, and rates will be provided upon application. Over the last week, students who have not had their cards have been directed to pay the correct fare. Please make sure your child has a registered and valid OPAL Card.
Cybersafety
St Clare’s has been extremely fortunate to receive a government grant to allow all students to be involved in an Online Cybersafety Program. The requirement of the grant stipulated that we must use a provider that is approved by the Office of the eCommissioner.
On Thursday 23rd November, Project RockIt presented to all students in Year 7 to 9. To get an insight into Project RockIt visit the following link Project RockIt
Leader of Diversity & Learning - Ms Ruff
Reading Interventions delivered throughout 2017 have resulted in many students experiencing success in developing reading strategies that enable them to access their learning. The students who have taken part in the R3 Reading Intervention have attended daily and in small groups. They have received targeted teaching that has enabled them to develop reading fluency and comprehension. This in turn has resulted in an increase in students interest in reading for pleasure as well as an increase in engagement of learning in the classroom. As students have become consistently engaged in evaluating their own learning they themselves have noticed the improvement in their reading and the flow on effect it has had across all subject areas. As their learner confidence has increased they have become more engaged in their learning resulting in happier, motivated students in the classroom.
Leader of Wellbeing & Learning - Ms Nielsen
Looking Up Into the Big Blue
On Wednesday, 22nd November students from Year 7 to 10 had a day focused on wellbeing, resilience and strength within oneself. The Leaders of Year in collaboration with Lauren Luthra our Shool Counsellor have organised a range of activities including:
Representatives from the Black Dog Institute to speak to the students
Activities in Learning Groups
Student performances
A cake stall
This day will be a fantastic opportunity for all students to reflect on their own personal strength to make it through tough times.
REC - Miss Cassar
Social Justice
Our wonderful Social Justice Committee hosted a Christmas party celebrating their mission work with other members who are part of the Parramatta Young Christian Services. It was a night where all students and teachers involved Social Justice teams from Loyola Senior College, St Andrew’s College, St Clare’s Catholic High School came together to inspired and encourage each other in the work of Social Justice. Fr. Piotr Kruk OP from St Joseph’s Parish in Kingswood also came along to support and encourage the students in continuing their great work.
I would personally like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Mr Dale Ahern and the Social Justice committee for all their hard work throughout the year. We are very fortunate to have such a strong Social Justice committee who did an incredible job in leading our school in many different initiatives so that St Clare’s community can be part of making a difference in the lives of others.
On Friday 10th November 2017, members from PYCS (Parramatta Young Christian Students) attended a Christmas party at St Clare’s Catholic High School. The party was hosted by our school in the San Damiano Centre and ran from 6:30 - 9:00pm. The SDC was nicely decorated with the Christmas colours which helped spread the Christmas spirit straight away. Members of our Social Justice team as well as some students from Loyola Senior High School all joined in on the festivities.
The night started with a greeting, prayer and a small presentation on the purpose of our gathering. Then we all participated in bonding activities which involved working with a partner to achieve a common goal. After we got to know one another, we gathered around to watch a movie. The movie we watched was the ‘Grinch who stole Christmas’, yet again reminding us about the importance of Christmas. Shortly after, the movie was put on hold as our dinner arrived. We all sat around the Christmas themed tables and enjoyed our dinner with a candy cane for dessert. Once dinner was finished, we resumed the movie, and indulged in some popcorn. It was a fun, festive and entertaining night which was enjoyed by all.
This event was a great experience which allowed us to socialise with others from social justice and open our eyes to realise how lucky and privileged we are at a time like Christmas. The opening prayer set the scene as we all praised and thanked God for all of his blessings. Overall, the main purpose of the night was to help us realise the importance of spreading the Christmas spirit throughout the community, especially to those of us who are less fortunate. This theme linked closely into the Vinnie's Christmas Appeal at school, where we bring in food and presents to support those who may not have enough money to provide for their families this Christmas. This night definitely opened our eyes to the importance of donating at Christmas time and spreading the Christmas spirit to the less fortunate in our community.
Clare Wilkes and Chloe Appleby (Year 9)
Counsellor - Ms Luthra
St Clare’s Anxiety Management Group
Following the success of our groups run during 2017, we have decided to run ProACTive again in 2018. As it was this year, the anxiety management group will be conducted as part of a research study through The Department of Psychological Medicine at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, in partnership with Catholic Education, Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP).
The student group will run at school for one hour per week for ten weeks, and will be facilitated by Lauren Luthra, St Clare’s School Counsellor, and an additional psychologist from CEDP. The group will consist of a series of mindfulness and acceptance based activities to teach children various skills to learn how to deal with anxiety.
For students to participate in the group, parents will initially be required to complete some screening questionnaires and also attend a short interview with one of the researchers to answer questions about their child’s anxiety. Once the group commences, parents will also be required to participate in interactive webinars addressing content and questions about the group.
If you feel you and your child would benefit from learning how to manage your child’s anxiety and are interested in participating in this study please direct your expressions of interest to Lauren Luthra on 9830 2400. There is no fee associated with your participation.
Leader of Learning PDHPE - Mrs Watton
UPCOMING EXCURSION
On 4th, 5th and 6th of December Year 7 have Swim School at Emerton Leisure Centre. Letters went home on the 8th November. Please ensure the notes are signed and returned as soon as possible.There are spare notes in the office for your child should they need another. Students will be bused to and from the venue each day.
Aquatics is a component of the PDHPE curriculum and water safety is a life skill that is important for all Australians to have. During the three day excursion, students will be assessed on their swimming ability and put into ability based groupings accordingly. Students will have qualified Learn to Swim instructors with them teaching them how to swim using the correct technique. Students will also be put in to Swim and Survive groupings where they will undertake practical and theory components of a Swim and Survive level. All students will be awarded a certificate at the end of the three days. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call the office to speak with Mrs Watton or your child's PDHPE teacher.
Leader of Learning CAPA - Mr Smolen
I would like to extend a big thank you to our students, staff, parents and caregivers for their support in making our annual Showcase an eventful night. The student performances were very entertaining and of an exceptional standard. Our students offered a fitting tribute to farewell one of our long serving teachers, Mrs Benjamin, who will be leaving our community at the end of the year to pursue other experiences in education.
The art exhibition was also very impressive and showed a diverse range of our student’s creativity through print, sculpture, photography, paint and mixed media. The amount of work and quality of the work that filled the SDC was amazing. The success of the night is a credit to the dedication and hard work of both our students and staff.
We are looking at hosting the CAPTIVATE hubs here at St Clare’s next year, particularly targeting Year 7 and 8 students. I will be taking the names of committed students over the next few weeks and early next year who show an expression of interest in joining the hubs. The CAPTIVATE hubs offer students’ an opportunity to expand their skills in learning a musical instrument and singing. The students involved will work with professionals and students from other schools to gain the confidence to perform in front of larger crowds.
Thank you again for your ongoing support of the Creative and Performing Arts.
Leader of Learning TAS - Mr Chhabra
Year 8 and 9 Food Technology students prepared and presented modified signature dishes last week. They have been working over a term to learn about healthy eating, and how to incorporate all food groups and nutrients in their meals. Year 9 Food Technology students analysed nutrients of a chosen person and advised them how to include all necessary nutrients in their daily diet.