St Clare's Catholic High School
Hassall Grove
October 20, 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
On Wednesday during our assembly over 60 students across years 7-10 were awarded Principal Awards. I was delighted to see so many students received this award for their positive contribution to our learning community. I would like to thank the Leaders of Learning for extending the challenge to each year group to strive for this highly regarded award. Some students have received three principals award's. Given this great accomplishment I have decided to present medallions to students who reach this milestone. It is great to witness students who are living out the 4P's, displaying a passion for learning, persistence, being a peacemaker and who take pride on their schooling.
Parent Focus Group Meeting
A reminder that our next parent forum will be taking place on Monday 6 November in the SDC. The purpose of our work together will be to discuss how we can enable;
- A parental perspective to assist the Principal in decision making;
- An opportunity for parents to provide feedback in relation to the strategic directions of the School for 2018;
- An opportunity for parents to come together, engage and build relationships.
We will commence at 7pm and conclude by 8.30pm. If you are able to attend please rsvp via emailing clarehassallgrove@parra.catholic.edu.au (indicating your name and the name of your son/s or daughter/s year level). Thank you in advance for your support in strengthening our work together.
St Clare's Catholic High School featured on SBS World News - watch here
Congratulations to all the students win year 10 who contributed to interviewed which was aired on SBS last week. We were invited to participate in a response to a Gender Diversity survey. Thank you to Mrs Nielsen and all the staff who made this happen at such short notice. The students were great ambassadors for our school.
Expression of Interest - Parent Numeracy Workshops
We are planning to run some practical workshops for parents focussing on Numeracy. We would like to provide parents with the necessary skills and knowledge to support their son/s and daughters in progressing their numeracy skills. If you would be interested in attending a workshop on Wednesday 29 November please email clarehassallgrove.catholic.edu.au to express your interest. The session will commence at 6.30pm and conclude at 8.00pm.
Assistant Principal's Report - Mr Hulme
Term 4
Welcome back to term 4. Currently over 70,000 students are completing their HSC exams. We wish all past students great success in their exams and all their future endeavours as they complete 13 years of schooling.
Student equipment: Could I ask all parents and carers to check that the students are bringing the expected equipment to classes everyday. Currently a large number of students are only bringing a device and one notebook. Our expectation is that students have a workbooks for every subject that is organised for that subject. Writing equipment such as pens, highlighters, glue and pencils may need some extra re stocking in pencil cases. We ask that parents attend to this as soon as possible.
Devices
Devices: With the end of year fast approaching and gift considerations, could I raise the topic of student devices. Recently the school has decided to move away from iPads due to the disruption and interuptions to the learning. Whilst iPads are a fantastic resource, the Apps that the students have on such devices is problematic.
A 13" or 14" laptop allows for students to develop typing skills on a standard keyboard, and current requirements for online exams such as NAPLAN meet these. Unfortunately the visible real estate of an iPad does not meet these online exam specifications. When it comes time to update any student iPad, could we ask that parents consider the large number of laptops that are available at numerous retailers. Any question regarding devices can be directed to Mr Nicholas Curry the Schools IT Officer during school hours.
Cybersafety
Cybersafe Corner: The following is support for parents from the eSafety Commissioner: iParent - where parents can learn about the digital environment and keep updated on their children’s technology use.
Here you can find guidance for using safety settings on your family’s web-connected devices, tips for choosing movies and games and strategies for keeping young people safe online.
https://esafety.gov.au/education-resources/iparent
Do you as a parent have concerns as to what your child is watching on YouTube. Consider the following link to find out how to turn on Controlling YouTube Content:
Uniform
Student Footwear
Students who do not have the correct shoes will not be permitted into areas of the school that require extra safety eg workshops, kitchens and science labs.
When purchasing new shoes please make sure that the new shoes meet the school uniform requirements. The following images could assist in your purchase
Hair
Girls hair must be tied back and off the face at all times.
Boys must not have hair tied back/up in developing current styles as buns or samurai's.
Hair should be of a natural colour, and no shaved areas. The minimum blade for boys would be a number 2. Eyebrow shave/lines are not part of our uniform expectations.
Please check with Learning Advisors or Leaders of Year if clarification is required. The final decision regarding uniform rests with the Principal.
Leader of Wellbeing & Learning - Mrs Nielsen
Welcome back to a new school term. This term will mark the last few weeks the Year 10 students will be at St Clare’s. There is an information letter which will be sent home outlining important dates for Year 10 and their families in the next few days. Thank you to Ms Baker and the Year 10 students who have been working so passionately in organising the end of year activities.
As we are in the warmer months of the year, all students should be wearing their full summer uniform as outlined in the student planner. There have been some students who have been requested to tidy their hairstyle as it does not meet school uniform and grooming expectations. Boys should not have an undercut style. Girls should have their hair one natural colour and tied up at all times.
Lastly, I would like to leave you with some reading about the importance of breakfast. There are times when mornings are so busy and breakfast seems like a luxury. However, starting a school day with no breakfast can reduce concentration and energy levels.
Leader of Diversity & Learning - Ms Ruff
In the last week of Term 3 students in Years 7 and 9 completed the NAPLAN Online School Readiness Tests. Participation in these tests provided the school, staff and students a chance to:
o Engage with the NAPLAN online testing platform
o Gain insight into the new test and administrative procedures
o Provide feedback on areas in which the School requires additional support
o See if the School has the capability to run NAPLAN Online
Although the results of the school and individual tests will not be released, the opportunity to participate in this online version of NAPLAN testing gave students and staff insight into how future NAPLAN testing may be experienced. The structure of the testing was as follows:
REC - Miss Cassar
AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC YOUTH FESTIVAL UPDATE!
Our next event is ‘LIFTED Live’ in the Forecourt at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta. We encourage everyone in our school community to come along and join in the celebration of our faith, diversity and creativity with Bishop Vincent and young people of our Diocese. There will be bands, artists, stalls, food and amusements to showcase the young heart of the Church. I am very much looking forward to celebrating with our students and teachers!
Sacramental Programme 2017 / 2018
Enrolment forms for Reconciliation 2017 and 1st Holy Communion 2018 are now available for your collection. These same forms need to be handed in at the Information Session. A photocopy of your child’s BAPTISM Certificate should accompany this form. Forms are at the table near the entrance doors. Information Session for parents regarding 1st Holy Communion will be held on Sunday 29th October @ 10:30am in the Parish Hall.
Information Session for parents regarding 1st Holy Communion will be held on Sunday 29th October @ 10:30am in the Parish Hall.
Lesson Dates: 5, 12, 19, & 26 November @ 10:30am–11:30am
Counsellor - Ms Luthra
The end of the year can be a busy and stressful time for young people. Sometimes as parents and carers, it can be difficult to know how to respond in a difficult situation when it presents, for instance a panic attack or a breakdown. Mental Health First Aid is an excellent initiative that a number of our staff have been trained in. Junaya family development services are running a FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid course specifically for parents and carers of young people. Details below:
Who: Targetted at parents and carers (over 18 years of age) to support adolescents (12+ years) who may be developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis.
When: During school terms
Duration: 3 hours x 4 weeks
Location: Blacktown LGA, to be decided.
Contact: Junaya Family Development Services
Phone: 9621 3922
Email: info@junaya.org.au
Website: www.junaya.org OR link to MHFA Course
Leader of Learning HSIE - Mr Ahern
I hope all students have had a restful break and have returned ready to continue their learning for the last term of 2017. We have many exciting learning opportunities available to students including welcoming Vin and Nancy from the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia. They will be coming out on the 26th of this month to speak to our Year 9’s about their personal experiences in the Vietnam War. The students are encouraged to make the most of this rare opportunity. Gold coin donations will be collected from the students and donated to the VVAA so they can continue to educate students across Australia.
I would also like to wish our Year 10 students luck as they complete their last assessment for 2017 in the form of on exam.
Leader of Learning CAPA - Mr Smolen
During the school break Ms Baker led an enthusiastic group of Year 10 Elective Art students through a Mixed media workshop. The students achieved amazing results as they explored a range of artmaking techniques and materials. The students are applying their learnt skills to the creation of a large canvas artwork based around a theme involving a social issue. Thank you to Ms Baker for taking the extra time to share her creative expertise with our students. I would also like to give credit to our students for attending the workshop with their mature and professional approach to their learning.
As mentioned in the last newsletter the student work will be on display along with music and dance performances at our Annual Showcase. I am happy to announce the set date for Showcase is Wednesday 15th November, from 6pm- 9pm, I encourage everyone to attend this special evening in support of our talented students. Tickets sales will be announced in the next newsletter and will be available for purchase through the School Office and Student Foyer.
Our Elective Photography and Visual Art students will be attending ‘Sculptures by the Sea’ on Friday 27th October. They will have an opportunity to view, discuss and photograph a wide range of art art works from various artists. Students will need to return their permission note by Monday 23rd October to attend. They will also need to be wearing the correct sports uniform.
The CAPTIVATE Hub students are continuing to show commitment by representing the school in a variety of creative areas every Thursday at Nagle. This is a great opportunity for students wanting to develop their skills in the area of Music, Dance or Drama. They get to work with industry professionals and gain confidence by performing with students from other schools.
The BEAT initiative run by Shaun will resume shortly when he returns from touring. I encourage students involved to remain committed and to listen for announcements regarding further developments.
Thank you to all students for supporting the Creative and Performing Arts.
Sport / PDSSSC Coordinator - Mr Geribo
PDSSSC Junior Boys Basketball – NSWCCC Championships
St Clare’s has had a very successful year of representative basketball in 2017. Our Junior Boys team were victorious in winning the PDSSSC Competition in season 1, and were finalists in the PDSSSC Basketball Gala Day in term 3.
Due to their achievements and success, our Junior Boys Basketball team was invited to participate in the annual NSWCCC Championships, which was held on the 16th & 17th of October at Penrith Basketball Stadium. This competition included the top 30 basketball teams (Junior and Intermediate) in Catholic Schools throughout New South Wales.
Each match was hard fought as St Clare’s kept up with the skill and level of each opponent. The boys worked tirelessly in all five of their games and made it to the semi-final game for their division. Unfortunately, our boys were unable to win this match, losing by just 3 points!
To participate in the NSWCCC Championships was an achievement in itself. I congratulate the boys on their efforts and achievements on this day and throughout the year.
Thanks to Mr Geribo, Denise Alviz and Bior Bullen (PDSSSC helpers), and the number of parents who came to support our team throughout the Championships.
Mr A Calvo
Junior Boys Team: Mrkus Angla, Mac Athieu, Dheo Delgado, Justine Gutierrez, James Nacua, Brandon O’Malley, James Oconer, Ares Siega, Christian Tumalad, Jordan Villanueva
SDC (Library) - Mrs Wood
Our new eLibrary interface was launched with the staff on Tuesday. All staff and students now have 24/7 access to a huge number of resources including databases, magazines, encyclopaedias and e-books. Patrons are now able to quickly borrow e-books any time of day using two formats, Wheelers and Overdrive. We are sure that Overdrive will prove to be popular as it offers audiobooks as well. Teachers also have access to a huge number of e-Resources to assist with lesson preparation and Professional Learning.
Students access our eLibrary using the following quick steps;
Go to ‘classm8.parra.catholic.edu.au’
Select ‘eLIBRARY’
‘Log on’ using your school username and password - this will take you to ‘Student Portal’
Select ‘Library’ and you are there.
Students can search the Library Catalogue using the Search function at the top of the homepage. This means that when a task is set, students can see all the resources we have available at school, anywhere - anytime, then come to the Library to borrow them.
On our Homepage we have links to the Student Learning Portal, Premier’s Reading Challenge and Job Jump which are sites that students will hopefully be accessing on a regular basis. This gives them quick access to these services. We will be adding more quick links to this page to create a one stop research spot for our school. Watch this space for more exciting improvements to eLibrary.
Leader of Year 8 - Ms Calleja
Congratulations to Papaseea Tamaseu (8.1) who travelled to Fiji over the holiday break to play Rugby League for the St Mary’s under 13’s Division 1 team and was successful against the Fijian representative team.
Also, congratulations to Ebony Butcher (8.1), Kaitlin Sheslow (8.4) and Daniel Lawther (8.4) who all participated in the 2017 National Clubs Gymnastics Carnival in the Acrobatic portion, representing Sydney Gymnastics Centre, from the 16th - 20th of September in Bendigo, Victoria. These students displayed a mix of static holds and dynamic elements, while also performing flips and other individuals included in the 2 - 3 minute long routines. Ebony, Kaitlin and Daniel all individually placed with their routines, while Sydney Gymnastics Centre managed to take home the overall award for Club of the Year.
Leader of Year 10 - Ms Baker
Year 10 have had a busy start to their last term at St Clare’s. It is a bittersweet time, full of momentous occasions and preparing for new adventures in 2018.
I would like to congratulations and thank Vitoryna Vaifale, Marvin Urbano, JC Ogoy, Jason Cabrera, Christine Dela Cruz and Renz Tomacruz. These students over the past week have represented the school at both a Mission Mass day and the Bishop’s release of the 2018 Social Justice Statement. These six students have represented the school with pride and should be congratulated on all the hard work they have put into participating and organising these days. In addition, these opportunities were only made possible by the dedication and mentorship of Mr Ahern.