St Clare's Catholic High School
Hassall Grove
3 September, 2018
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 - Ms Merryweather
Dear families, staff and students,
One of my favourite Bible passages to ponder and refer to is Micah 6:8 “act justly, love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God”. I find this passage comforting in its simple guidance yet challenging in the complexity of what it asks of us. The passage specifically asks us to act justly and this must be one of the goals of every community. To try and achieve this goal at St Clare’s we have processes to provide fairness for all and we work to provide a multitude of experiences so that all our students have a variety of opportunities to grow and learn.
“Love tenderly” tells us to use kindness, compassion and respect every moment of every day. In some ways this is the most difficult part of the passage as constant kindness and respect means that we must stop and think before we speak and act. At times of high emotion this is a challenge not just for our young people but also for adults. However, if we learn to listen with compassion and offer forgiveness we will find that most issues are not insurmountable. Over the past few weeks at St Clare’s we have had incidences when some of our student community have not necessarily approached staff or each other with respect or compassion. When this occurs please be aware that consequences are put into place to provide our young people with an opportunity to learn from and reflect on their actions. I would ask that as a community we all maintain respect no matter the extent of our frustration or annoyance remembering that as a community we can solve all issues by working together with mutual respect.
The last part of the passage is to “walk humbly with your God”. This asks us to maintain and grow our faith, asking us to take a moment to see and feel the incredible world within which we live. This is God’s creation and we are but a small part. This part of the passage tells us that no one person is more important than another and so, it asks us to find the face of God in all those around us. It is offering us the great joy that is to be found if we look outward and offer our hands to those on the margins, those who are different rather than focus inwards on ourselves. For me this term I am humbled every day by the privilege to share the journey of the young people at this school, the trust you place in us as a school to care for your children and the wonderful opportunity I have to work with such an amazing staff.
Finally, I would like to wish all our fathers a very happy Father’s Day. It is our fathers who wrap us in love and safety as we know that they will support us for all our lives. Thank you to the fathers and families that attended our Father’s Day sausage sizzle last Thursday evening it was lovely to be able to meet you all. I’ll leave you with this prayer for fathers:
Dear God,
Thank you for all the fathers and father-figures in this world and for the many ways you use them to lovingly guide others to Your heart. I ask that you bless them and give them great joy and peace. May they see You and know You in new ways. Show them how much you love them and care about them. Guide their steps, use their hands, and make them a blessing to others as you continue to fulfil your special purpose for their lives.
Amen.
https://www.dayspring.com/articles/a-prayer-for-dads
God bless
Assistant Principal, Teaching & Learning - Mr Hulme
STAGE 5 2019 INFORMATION EVENING
St Clare’s is holding an information evening for Year 8 families on Wednesday 12th September 2018 at 6.00pm. This will be a compulsory event for all students and they will need to wear full winter uniform.
The venue for this compulsory evening will be in P1 (The Dance Studio). We thank parents for your understanding as we present in this venue due to the significant building works onsite.
The Stage 5 Elective Selection Process will be explained and parents will receive a copy of the Stage 5 Electives Information Guide. Stage 5 courses, expectations and the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) will be introduced. All families are asked to sign in upon arrival.
NAPLAN READINESS TESTS FOR YEAR 7 AND 9
The National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual national assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. All schools transitioning to NAPLAN online next year will be participating in the NAPLAN Online Schools Readiness test (SRT) between 20 August to 7 September 2018.
St Clare’s Year 7 & 9 students completed the online exams last week. We thank all parents who made sure students brought fully charged devices to school.
Minimum Standards Testing
Over the last week we have been allocating the students required to sit a Minimum Standards Exam time to complete the task. Most students have now completed this opportunity. Unfortunately some students have not accepted the invitation to complete the exam.
It is the expectation of the school that every student brings a fully charged device to school everyday. All students who did not have access were asked to complete a loan agreement form at the beginning of the year, and reminded at the start of the term. There is no excuse for not having a device at school.
All students who have not completed the exam during the allocated time, must complete this after school on the set days.
Practice exams have been provided to the students as well as revision material through our online provider Education Perfect. Could I ask all parents to assist and support the Yr 10 students in their preparation for these important exams.
Assistant Principal, Wellbeing & Learning - Ms Deschamps
Schools have a critical role in supporting students to make healthy lifestyle choices and to understand consequences on lifelong health and wellbeing. The link between health and wellbeing and positive academic performance is well researched:
healthy students are more alert, engaged and better able to concentrate and learn poorly nourished children are often tired, apathetic and unable to concentrate
physical activity is associated with improved learning and concentration, better mood and behaviour as well as healthy weight
smoking, drinking and other drug substances severely impact a student’s cognitive functions (concentration, memory, attention), capacity to behave appropriately, and frequently leads to the student engaging in further risky behaviour
developing strong, supportive relationships in schools provides a safer and more inclusive environment for students to engage in their studies and learn.
Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for developing attitudes, skills and knowledge for living a healthy life. During this time students notice, assess and make judgements about what is normal and desirable. Their choices depend on a host of variables such as, what is easily accessible, what is cost effective, what their peers choose, what is common practice at home and their experiences. People make choices from what they know. A student’s health and wellbeing is dynamic and changeable.
Our school informs choices and deepens understanding of what constitutes good health choices.
St Clare’s presents learning opportunities that build upon family/cultural experiences and allow for critical analysis of media, advertising and peer conformity.
Students need to make safe decisions when travelling to and from school. Students who walk home or to school are encouraged to go directly home or to school, avoiding the plaza. St Clare’s does not permit students to go to the plaza for the following reasons:
Students at the plaza are not supervised and various incidents have occurred over time with members of the public and other students
The safety of students cannot be assured by the school as the plaza is out of bounds
Members of the public drive cars erratically at times in the carpark of the plaza
Students are in school uniform representing the school and any poor behaviour detracts from the reputation of our great school
Students are expected to be respectful of members of the public when travelling to and from school. Moving to one side should always be practiced to display good manners. Students must also use respectful language at all times.
Students must cross the road at crossings or at lights.
Students wearing their uniform incorrectly in public will receive an after school detention.
Passion for learning displayed by aiming to achieve your best in learning will enable every student to achieve merit awards to ascend to a higher status level. We want every student to aim to achieve!
Pride is shown by aiming to be involved in community service. Community service hours will assist students to achieve a higher status. We want every student to aim to be involved!
Peacemaker - reporting information to teachers where someone might get hurt or someone is feeling upset.
Persistence - ensuring you get feedback from your peers and teachers to achieve your best. Welcome mistakes as a chance to learn.
Learning is for life. We are all learners with the ability to learn, staff, students and parents. Making mistakes is how we learn. Adopting a mindset where mistakes are welcome leads to deeper learning.
How can you reframe the way you think about your learning?
How can you accept challenges and be determined to succeed?
How can you use feedback to improve your learning? Do you listen to feedback?
Leader of Wellbeing and Learning - Ms Nielsen
Important Dates for Year 10 students
Year 10 Presentation & Graduation - Tues, 4th December 6pm
Year 10 Formal - Fri, 7th December 6:00-11:00 pm
Attendance Matters!
This week there have been many attendance planning meetings scheduled with parents and carers. This meeting is an opportunity for both parents and the school to discuss concerns around low attendance and plan for improved attendance in the coming weeks.
An initiative we have been working on at St Clare’s this term is awarding those students with perfect attendance over a two week period with two merits. All students are encouraged to make the most of this by attending every day. We understand there may be times when a student needs to take some time off school, however, these days should be kept at a minimum as any time away from school is learning time lost.
Time for Toast
In a recent survey of students, 72% of students out of 105 responses said they attended Time for Toast. Of these responses 76% of students said it made their day better. The most popular reasons for making their day better was more energy at school, less rush in the morning and happier during the day. This program is only possible due to the extraordinary effort of students and staff who arrive early just to serve others and spend some time together. Thank you to all those who join us for breakfast!
Business Manager - Mr Wakeling
School Fees instalment 3 due 29th August.
Please note that the third instalment of School Fees and any outstanding balance is due for payment by 29th August unless a payment arrangement is in place or a family financial assessment is being undertaken. Note that the Finance office is open between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm.
Please contact the schools finance officers on 9830-2400 and select option (2).
Acting Leader of Learning HSIE - Mr Ahern
Year 10 Jewish Museum Excursion
“On Tuesday 14th August 2018, the Year 10 History Elective class attended an excursion at the Jewish Museum, in Sydney. The event involved interesting and instructive information, that educated students about the past happenings and the history of World War II. It also included many primary artefacts and resources that were relevant to the time period that the victims of the holocaust were involved in. There was also a Holocaust survivor that had told us about her story and experience as a victim of the event, and a survivor post the happenings. We were very lucky to have the opportunity to indulge in the knowledge of someone who had gone through a significant part of history, first hand. As a student who has many interests in history, everyone should at least once, take the time and opportunity to visit, the Sydney Jewish Museum.” Shimran Kumar
“On Tuesday 14th of August, Mr Ahern's Year 10 History Elective class went on an excursion to the Jewish Museum in Sydney. The topic we are currently studying this unit is 'War and Peace.' The excursion gave myself and my peers an insight on what life was like for the Jewish people, and the many hardships thousands of Jews had experienced throughout World War II. The excursion was emotional, aware of the pain, suffering and trauma the Jewish population had encountered, and remain to experience to this day, from the unfortunate events of the war; yet inspirational, knowing the strength, resilience and bravery of the Jews. Our class had the opportunity to speak with Anna, a Holocaust survivor, to hear and share her story of the war. Anna's account of the Holocaust was truly uplifting, and she along with the entire staff at the Jewish Museum, have empowered mine and all of the student's knowledge on the significance of the war, in history.” Claire Summers
Year 8 Penrith Lakes Excursion
On the 20th and 21st August, to further Year 8 students’ understanding of our waterways, they had the opportunity to visit Penrith Lakes.
“In Year 8 Geography, we have been learning about the topic “Water In The World”. We have been studying different types of water and have looked at diagrams of the water cycle. During this topic, we were lucky enough to be able to go on an excursion to Penrith Lakes Regional Park. We had an opportunity to apply our knowledge of water and science to activities such as testing the pH levels of the water and examining the history of Penrith Lakes Regional Park. We thank Penrith Lakes for allowing us to visit and our teachers for organising this excursion.” Benjamin Vidad
Acting Leader of Learning PDHPE - Ms Turnbull
Thanks to Mrs Evans for taking our talented Frisbee team.
PDSSSC Ultimate Frisbee 2018 Report
Frisbee can be fun and at competition level even more so!
St Clare’s fielded a team and coach new to the game this season and our students did remarkably well in making it to the finals playoffs on Thursday 16th August.
The following students are to be congratulated for their efforts:-
Kurt Edwards, Mercy Gama, Lorenzo Igna, Don Legaspi, John Ongkingco, Mark Opulencia, Michael Opulencia, Melgene Sugpatan, Laura Summers, Chantelle T’Malii, Rona Vaioaga-Levi.
These students showcased the best qualities and talents of our St Clare’s community. Throughout the season they demonstrated a capacity to learn and build on new skills, the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations, showed true teamwork and sportsmanship, as well as dedication, consideration, kindness and good manners.
Unfortunately, we were knocked out of a shot at the Grand Final when we played the seasons undefeated St Agnes team in a hotly contested game.
I would like to say it has truly been a pleasure to coach this group of students this season.
From Mrs Evans
B Street Smart
Year 10 attended the inspirational event on road safety developed by the Westmead Trauma Service. Students witness an accident reenactment, talks from victims of road crashes and from a mother of a road victim. All students represented the school with pride. Thanks also to the teachers who attended doing a great job.
Congratulations Mr Eisenhuth
Mr Eisenhuth was selected as the Under 15 Girls Touch coach for the Combined Catholic Colleges. In this role he showed his dedication by giving up his time to coach these students. His team beat the strong combined independent school but were beaten in the Final by the public school team. His girls were recognised and three students were selected for the state team.
Year 10 Coaching Year 7
Currently Year 10 pass students are coaching Year 7 in a variety of sports including Touch, Soccer, Basketball and Oztag. The Year 10 students have planned a lesson including warm -ups, drills, game like activities and warm downs. Students have focused on positive constructive feedback. Both Year 7 and 10 have enjoyed this activity.
PDSSSC Athletics Carnival
On 31st August, students competed in the PDSSSC carnival. Thanks to Mrs Naylor and Mr Mizzi for taking these students to the carnival. All students who represented the school are to be congratulated and were good ambassadors for our school.
Some of the results are as follows:
Benjamin Vidad - 4th in 13 boys 1500m
Blake Steward - 5th in the 16 boys 1500m
Beatres Bruce Luka - 4th in the 13 girls 200m and 4th in the 13 girls Long Jump.
Cameron Smith - 4th in the 12 boys 200m
Talia Latu - 4th in the 12 girls 200m
Stella Sua - 2nd in the 12 girls Discus and 2nd in the 12 girls Shot Put.
James Oconer - 3rd in the 13 boys High Jump.
Keshika Chauhan - 1st in 14 girls Discus
Monalise Faaiu - 4th in the 13 girls Shot Put
Jessie Wilson - 2nd in the 16 boys High Jump and 2nd in the 16 boys Long Jump
Jeremiah AilaoTui - 2nd in the 13 boys Discus
Leader of Learning CAPA - Mr Smolen
I would like to start by congratulating our CAPTIVATE members for their spectacular performances at the Quay Centre Olympic park. This committed group have worked extremely hard to help make The 10th CAPTIVATE Anniversary a tremendous success. I commend them and appreciate their energy and talents. Our Vocal group of students included Arak Anyau, Divisha Chand, Lisa Faatoese, Nathan Falkner, Theresa Gaono, Tomika Harley, Madison Holmes, Angelique Laxamana, Andrea Lopez, Nisrine Madbouh, Phoenix Moeono- Paahi, Dakota Moeono-Paahi, Monique Morcos, Jack Murphy, Miracle Sang-Yum, Sosefina Setefano, Felicity Vaifale. We were well represented in Dance by Kristina Angeles, Chloe Batac, Sharnae Hartog, Emily Jobling, Tanique King, Ashlee Lowe, Alyssa Milojevic, Hunter Mitchell, Kobi Mitchell, Angelina Monge Alfaro, Yasmin Russell, Tianna Karailias. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mrs Naylor and Mrs Ngui for the guidance and expertise they provide for our students.
We are offering audiences a chance to step back in time to the 80’s through our upcoming Musical ‘Back to the 80’s’. You will be sure to recognise the hit songs that are the soundtrack to one of the most popular and celebrated decades. Support our students, get dressed up and come along to enjoy a great night out. Performances will be on the 5th September, 6th September and 7th September starting at 6.30pm. Notes with prices and details have been sent home with our students.
You can continue to celebrate our students’ success by following the ‘Bring it on’ team on Saturday, 8th September at the Hillsong Convention Centre, Baulkham Hills. Tickets are available online at the ‘Bring it on’ web site or at the door. Thank you to Mrs Naylor for leading this initiative.
Thank you to all students, parents and caregivers for your ongoing support of the Creative and Performing Arts.
Student Leaders - Jed Garcia & Denise Alviz
On Thursday, 9th August the student Leaders participated in a leadership program by Parliament Alive. This program was a great opportunity for students to learn how the country is run and how to put some of these democratic practices into practice at Clare.
“During this incursion with Andrew , we learnt how to be a part of the Parliament for an hour. We worked with our groups to propose different initiatives for our government and its people , during the plays. It was a fun and cooperative incursion because we were able to get closer as a group and as an SRC family. We learnt what it was like to have good leadership skills and how it is being used efficiently and Andrew definitely taught us in a unique way.”
Denise Alviz
On the 9th August, 2018, we, the St Clare’s Student Representative Council were given an amazing opportunity, to be involved with a Parliament Alive program. In this program, we looked at all the necessary skills and components needed to be a leader; more specifically an effective and efficient one. As a group, we took a closer look at how Australia’s parliamentary system functioned; by completing entertaining and engaging activities, under the guidance of Andrew, an educator from Parliament Alive. The incursion was truly an outstanding experience, where we were able to develop our capabilities as leaders, and expand our skillset.
I would personally like to thank Andrew, as well as Mr Ahern, Ms Nielsen, and any other staff involved in making this experience possible
Jed Garcia