St Clare’s High School Davis Street, Taree 2430

Telephone (02) 6552 3300

Fax (02) 6552 3656

NEWSLETTER 9/2016 24 MARCH 2016

Dear Parents and Friends of St Clare’s

We had a wonderful number of visitors to our Open Afternoon on Monday. It was great to see

families from all of our Catholic feeder schools and local primary schools enjoying the

opportunity to view the facilities at St Clare’s.

It was very gratifying to receive feedback from the visitors, who remarked very favourably

about the calibre of the students from Years 7 to 11 who conducted the school tours and

answered their questions about the school, its curriculum, pastoral care, environment, teachers

and how people cooperate with each other at St Clare’s.

I am particularly grateful to our staff who organised the display and workshops so well received

by our visitors.

I want to thank our hospitality

students who, along with teachers

Laurent Gonfond and David

Constantine and support staff

Gabrielle McFarlane, worked

diligently to produce a lovely

afternoon tea for over 250 visitors.

Working under ‘real world

pressure’ to produce food and

service supplies a great learning

experience for our young people –

something that will serve them well

should they continue to pursue a

career in the Hospitality Industry.

The students who lead the tours did an outstanding job. It is not easy to take control of a group

of strangers, many of them adults; however, our young folk did a great job to guide, sometimes

very large groups, around the campus in a friendly, informative and timely manner. Thank you

to all of our visitors for your interest and to all members of the St Clare’s community for your

help and support.

Tonight is sleep-out night. As I write over 150 young people are gathering in the Junior Quad

preparing to sleep outside on the concrete as a mark of solidarity with the homeless and less

fortunate in our community. Sleeping rough is not easy – even for one night. We know that the

young people who “sleep out” will develop a much greater understanding of what it means to

be homeless; to be ‘without’. This growth in empathy and understanding can only help our

students become better educated and more useful citizens of our region; people who are

prepared to be the change they want to see in the world. Thanks also to the many teachers who

made themselves available to supervise your sons and daughters; feed them breakfast, keep

them safe… our staff continue to be great examples of the Christian message of hope and care

for others in a fractured world.

Sleep-out 2016

Last Saturday evening, Year 11 Student Coordinator, Karen McCann and I had the pleasure of

attending the Lions Youth of the Year Zone Finals held at Club Forster. We went to support St

Clare’s Year 11 student, Kylie Nielson. In

front of a crowd of 100 people, Kylie and

representatives from Port Macquarie’s

Regional School, St Columba’s Anglican

School, Port Macquarie and Taree High

School made two impromptu speeches and

gave a five minute prepared speech. Kylie

represented us very well, going down by a

‘small margin’ in the final. No doubt she has

learnt a great deal over the course of the

competition and as the chief judge noted, “If

the finalists are an indication of the

capabilities of our young people, we are

definitely in good hands.”

I wish you and your family a happy and holy Easter. Keep our Belgium brothers and sisters in

mind and in your prayers as they find their way through the crucifixion of violence and terror to

the hopeful place created by Christ’s resurrection.

Please consider if you could offer a bed to our African brothers and sisters touring a little later

in the year. Details are provided at the end of this section.

Finally, please see the announcement about surveying our school community at the end of this

newsletter.

God Bless

Principal

PRAYERS: Please pray for those who are currently experiencing health difficulties and

continue to pray for community members experiencing challenges, pain, sickness and grief in

their lives at this time.

P & F – NEXT MEETING, WEDNESDAY, 11 MAY 2016

6 PM SCHOOL LIBRARY

CHAPLAINCY/PASTORAL CARE: A reminder to all that the school has a Chaplain.

Please feel free to contact our Chaplain, Deacon Vince Ryan, through the school office if he

can be of assistance to you or any member of our whole school community.

Billet Information Session

From the 26th to the 29th of May St Clare’s will be hosting Ubuntu “The African

Children Choir Graduates”. During their stay the combined St Clare’s and St

Joseph’s choirs will be performing with them in concert.

We are looking for interested families that would be able to billet some of these

beautiful people. One of the main criteria is that you are able to house a minimum

of 2 billets. They are happy to share a bedroom so you will need one spare

bedroom

If you are interested in being a billet, please contact the office to register your

interest. There will be a meeting for interested families on the 31st of March at 6pm

at St Clare’s, otherwise please contact Mel Hunt at St Joseph’s Taree on 65577031.

Mass Times

Our Lady of the Rosary,

Taree 75 Albert St, Taree

Saturday Vigil: 6:00 pm

Sunday Mass: 9:30 am

Our Lady of Perpetual

Help, Wingham

8 Farquhar Street, Wingham

Sunday: 8:30am

St Bernadette’s, Krambach Bucketts Way, Krambach

Saturday: 6:30 pm

Sunday: 9 am

(Mass is celebrated on

alternate weekends – please

speak to Deacon Vince or

Mrs Denise Ryan at school

for information on which

weekend mass will be

celebrated)

Our Lady Star of the Sea,

Harrington Pilot St, Harrington

Saturday Vigil: 6:00 pm

(1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays in

each month)

Saturday Liturgy of the Word

and Communion: 6:00 pm

(2nd and 4th Saturdays of

each month)

St Therese's, Lansdowne Cundle Rd, Lansdowne

Saturday Vigil: 6:00 pm

(2nd and 4th Saturdays of

each month)

Our Lady of Fatima, Old

Bar 20 Hall St, Old Bar, Sunday

Mass: 7:30 am

St Patrick's, Cundletown River St, Cundletown

Sunday Mass: 6:00 pm

Forster-Tuncurry Catholic

Parish

Holy Name of Jesus Parish

Church, Forster 33 Lake Street, Forster

Sunday Mass: 9:00 am

St Mary, Star of the Sea

Church, Tuncurry 15 Peel Street, Tuncurry

Saturday Vigil: 6:00 pm

Sunday Mass: 7:00 am

FROM THE SENIOR SCHOOL:

Easter is almost upon us and sleep-out is tonight (Wednesday). It is wonderful to see our senior

students setting a great example and being involved in sleep-out to help raise money for Caritas

and other charities. There will no doubt be some very tired students and teachers on Thursday!

This week I have had the pleasure of attending a couple of very interesting

events with our students. As mentioned earlier in the newsletter, on Saturday

night, Mr Nicholls and I attended the Lions ‘Youth of the Year’ Zone Finals at

Club Forster. We were represented by Kylie Nielson.

On Tuesday I accompanied eighteen of our Year 11 students to a “What Next”

Roadshow organised by Dr David Gillespie (MP) at Taree High School. There

were several guest speakers who gave information about Financial Planning,

Budgeting and Credit Card traps; renting and expectations regarding this;

pathways other than university pathways and of course university pathways after school. The

information was very valuable and all the students received a “show bag” with useful websites

and contact information.

I was very impressed with our students who were respectful and attentive, despite a group of

students from another school just in front of us who laughed and talked through the whole

presentation. They attempted to engage our students in this behaviour, but the boys just smiled

and ignored them. Well done boys!

Lastly I would like to wish Jesse Wilkes all the best in the upcoming National

Swimming Titles in Adelaide. She has spent many hours training and has

done an outstanding job to qualify for this meet. Go Jesse!

Have a restful Easter everyone.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you

didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”

Mark Twain

Karen McCann, Year 11 Student Coordinator

CAREERS CORNER:

Mid-Course Examinations have finished for Year 12 students. Over the next few days,

results will become available. Students should be mindful that teachers mark these exams as if

students had finished the course and were HSC ready so that the level of presentation of work

can be appreciated.

Keeping this in mind, students should also use the forthcoming autumn school holidays to

invest time on their curriculum work such as syllabus dot points and major works, and

resumés, personal profiles, career choices for 2017 as well. This is NOT a holiday for Year

12 but an early stuvac.

Years 11 and 12 will be attending the Regional Careers Market at Chatham High School on

Friday, 29 July. This is Term 3, Week 2 – the last school day before 2016 Trial HSC

Examinations commence. Year 10 students will only attend this event if accompanied by a

parent/legal carer. There is a small cost for attendance by independent schools.

Motivating speaker, Duncan Passmore of Passmore’s College, will also address both Years

11 and 12 during Term 3. Duncan will, in particular, speak to Year 11 students on approaching

assessment tasks. More details of this as the date approaches

Year 10 families are, again, reminded that there will no longer be a mass exodus of Year 10

students on a week’s work experience. Due to preference being given to Year 11 and 12

students and a massive increase in work placement for university students, employers have

become inundated. If, however, a student intends leaving school at the end of Year 10 (because

of full-time employment, traineeship, apprenticeship), a student MAY be granted work

experience – each case will be judged on its own merit by Mrs McCann, Mr Evans and Mr

Gibney.

I wish you all a happy, holy and safe Easter break.

Ian Evans, Careers Adviser

YEAR 7 STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL: Year 7 students have been working

on building relationships across this term, and their voting for St Clare’s Student Representative

Council (SRC) was deferred until this week, to allow the grade to understand who would be the

best candidates to be their collective voice. Eleven applications were put forward for these

positions, which underpins the strong community spirit within the group. Our successful

applicants included: Yvette Piscopo, Isabella Hayes, Rickardd Weiley and Jaxson Longa.

These students will receive their badges at an upcoming assembly.

Congratulations also go to our other candidates, and their willingness to contribute to the school

community is acknowledged: Erin Horsington, Ruby Daley, Olivia Nguyen, Sam Miller,

Jack Montague, Morgan Gao and Aston Scott.

Yvette Piscope, Isabella Hayes, Rickardd Weiley and Jaxson Longa

mania News from the department of

Technology and Applied Studies Building a Bridge – Year 12 Engineering Studies

In the HSC Engineering Studies course one of the lobes that students must complete is Civil

Structures. The bridges of the world are important civil structures involving many disciplines

of engineering. The Year 12 class used plywood, twine and PVA glue to build the bridge

which they designed to fit “The Crusher”. The hydraulic press in the TAS department was used

to load the bridges and see what value in Kilopascals each bridge supported. Congratulations to

Harry Wallis whose bridge supported over 750 kPa. The class seemed keen to test the bridges

even though it ‘crushed’ their hours of work. Well done to every student in the class.

Mr McGrath, Engineering Studies Teacher

Nervous anticipation as we load Emily’s bridge

Hey Harry! You

don’t crush it with

you teeth!! You use

the “Crusher”

What went wrong Dennis? Sam’s bridge just on the point of collapse

Right - Sam Hearn

Left – Reece Sheather

"From the city to the country, we are empowering female leaders to take control of their lives, to invest in their future and to fulfill their potential." Layne Beachley AO

When the promotional material for a special event shows the venues as Brisbane, Sydney,

Melbourne, and Taree, you know the organisers are true to their words “from the city to the

country” and you know how privileged you are to be able to attend locally. It was my great

fortune to attend this event with my dearest friend, Mrs Rhonda Stitt, and 18 wonderful young

women from St Clare’s High School, thanks to Amanda Tate and her team, and thanks to the

generous financial support of our school.

The Aim for the Stars Foundation was created to empower and enable young women,

encouraging and supporting them with scholarships and mentoring programs as they pursue

their dreams. The speakers on the day included Marie Piccone and Melanie Thomas and there

was a video link to Julia Gillard.

During the forum, Layne Beachley, the Founder and Director of Aim for the Stars, spoke of the

mentoring programs her foundation makes available. Layne’s journey began struggling to be

accepted in the male-dominated surfing community at the aptly named Manly Beach. She

recalled that when she finally put her hand up for help the response was “What took you so

long?” Layne encouraged the audience to have the courage to put their hand up for help, to

avoid people she referred to as ‘dream vampires’ (those who will steal your focus) and to

surround yourself with your ‘honesty barometers’ (those who believe in you and keep you

focused). Layne urged her listeners to maintain clarity in their vision, to celebrate every

milestone along the way, and to lead by positive example. She persuaded the audience to keep

asking themselves the question “Do I want to do this?” and the answer should be “Hell hey!”

Since the event was a fundraiser, Layne most generously donated her very last World

Championship surfboard (complete with wax and Manly Beach sand) for auction. I am afraid I

was well and truly outbid; however, it was wonderful to see the money going to such a great

cause.

Dr Cathy Foley, Deputy Director and Science Director Manufacturing CSIRO, spoke not only

from her personal and professional experience but from evidence. Cathy’s research is in

creating nanometer-thick layers between superconducting alloys which has led to applications

in the field of geophysics enabling detection of nickel and silver mineral deposits. Cathy

produced evidence to show that women and men are still not experiencing equality in the

workplace. Cathy cited a research article in Nature magazine concluding that women in

leadership positions had to be 2.5 times better at their job than their male counterparts in order

to be appointed to that position. Her comments

and evidence drew astonishment from the mainly

female audience.

I would like to thank Mrs Rhonda Stitt, Mrs

Michelle Case, Mrs Bernadette Boere, Mr

Wayne McGrath, and Mr Phillip Chalmers for

generously taking their time to transport the

students to and/or from the venue. I also thank

those teachers who allowed the students to be

absent from their classes in order to attend. I

firmly believe that each of the students present not

only enjoyed the occasion but learnt a great deal

from the experience.

Ms Sheena O’Doherty, Studies Coordinator

(Science)

Comments from the students who attended

On 15 March, 18 female students, selected from Years 10, 11 and 12, had the opportunity to

attend the Women’s Leadership Forum held at Club Taree. This forum was aimed at inspiring

women of all ages to reach their goals, whilst overcoming any barriers that may limit them

along the way.

As well as having some yummy lunch, we had the honour of listening to seven-time World

Champion surfer Layne Beachley, as well as hearing from Melanie Thomas, Marie Piccone and

Dr Cathy Foley (Deputy Director of CSIRO). Each of these inspiring women shared their

personal experiences that helped to shape them into the wonderful people they are today. Much

focus was placed on overcoming one particularly common barrier in today’s society, gender

inequality within both the workplace and everyday lives. All these women were such great

examples, showing us that females really can succeed in male-dominated environment.

We have all been greatly inspired and have definitely taken something out of this experience to

help us achieve our own personal goals. On behalf of the girls who attended, we would like to

thank Mrs Stitt, Ms Case and especially Ms O’Doherty for giving us the privilege to attend

such a prestigious occasion. It has truly opened our eyes to all that we can do in the future!

To find out more about Layne Beachley’s foundation “Aim for the Stars”, please visit

http://www.aimforthestars.com.au/

Willow Mackay and Sarah Ward, Year 11

Photo: Carl Muxlow

'The Women's Leadership Program was not only an excellent experience but a very

beneficial and in some way educational exposure. The speakers were truly inspiring and

made me reflect on the person I am now and the person I would like to be in the future. I

can't thank you enough for allowing me to attend. Many thanks.’ Jennifer Wesley (10)

‘It was a phenomenal experience, I don’t think any of us really knew what to expect. The

second we got in there Layne was incredible. Her look of life was like nothing I have ever

seen. Personally, the best keynote speaker for me was Melanie Thomas one of the

ambassadors for the Aim For The Stars Foundation. She spoke of her time growing up in a

house of domestic violence and being abused as a young adult. Her story was heart-

breaking although, her breakthrough was totally captivating. She is truly the most

inspirational person I have ever met. I’m sure I can speak for all that attended the forum that

it was a great experience and one I will never forget! Thank you again.’ Laura Moy (12)

‘It was an inspiring event. Thank you to the teachers for organising it.’ Eleanor O’Neill

(11)

‘Melanie Thomas' story was inspiring and made me realise how bad domestic violence is.’

Renee Pettet (11)

‘Being able to attend the lunch and listen to four of the most inspiring women, was a once in

a life time opportunity. Not only did they open my eyes to all the opportunities and great

things around me, they motivated me to go out into the world and work towards my dreams

and created the life that I want. It was amazing and I sure will never forget it. Thank you so

much for everything Ms O'Doherty.’ Chelsea Green (10)

‘The overall experience opened my eyes to how difficult some work places and industries

can be for women; however, the amazing speakers on the day encouraged us all to break

these boundaries and work for what we want to achieve, because a dream is unachievable.’

Hannah Lewis (11)

‘The Women's Forum was very motivational and has inspired me to try my hardest for every

opportunity that presents itself. I particularly enjoyed listening to Melanie Thomas' story as

she overcame many challenges within her life and still continues to smile.’ Eliza

Williamson (11)

‘The forum was an inspirational eye-opener and an enjoyable experience.’ Eve O’Neill (11)

‘I was honoured to be chosen by Ms O’Doherty to attend the Women’s forum with Layne

Beachley. She is an inspirational lady who made me realise that by standing up for what I

believe in, I can do anything.’ Sarah Chalmers (11)

‘I felt touched and inspired listening to Layne and Melanie's motivational speeches. Their

stories explained the challenges they have had to overcome to get to where they are today. I

think this forum was a great encouraging opportunity for us to attend.’ Abbey Henry (11)

‘The Women’s Leadership Forum was a great experience to hear about how some of the

most successful women have overcome adversities and hardships.’ Ruby McIntosh (10)

‘We were in the midst of many admirable women.’ Rhonda Stitt (Staff)

MATHS WORKSHOP - Mathematics Workshop provides the opportunity for every student to

obtain assistance and support in improving their understanding of

mathematics. Four mathematics teachers are available each week

to explain the concepts you are finding difficult or give

assistance to enable you to complete your homework,

assignments or any work that you may have missed due to

absence from class.

WHEN IS IT ON? Wednesday lunchtime - every week.

Bring your lunch!

WHERE? Room 10

We hope to see you there!

Mrs Julie Rowsell- Mathematics Coordinator

LEAVE NOTES & STUDENT MESSAGES: It would be appreciated if parents/guardians

would send in a written note if their child needs to leave early for appointments etc. Notes

should be handed in at the front office in the morning before roll call. If parents/guardians

need to notify their child of a change of afternoon arrangements, it is necessary to phone the

school prior to 2:25 pm (End of Lunch – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday) or prior to

1:55 pm (End of Lunch – Thursday Sport) as it is often difficult to locate students if their last

lesson is a PE Prac or there has been a room change.

Students cannot be collected from the school during school hours by anyone other than a

parent or guardian without written permission. Thank you.

LATE NOTES: Lateness to school is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained to

the school the same way as other forms of absence. Arriving Late for school requires a

handwritten note from a parent/carer or a phone call from a parent/carer or the absence is

recorded as an unexplained partial absence. Thank you.

SCHOOL CLINIC: Students are reminded that if they are unwell whilst at school they are to

advise their teacher who will then send them to the Front Office. If necessary, the office staff

will contact a parent while the student waits in the Clinic. Students are not to contact parents

on their mobile phones as this leaves teachers and office staff unaware of the situation and is

also in breach of the school policy – use of mobile phones. Thank you.

MONDAY 28/3 Easter Monday

TUESDAY 29/3 Help Urgently Required

WEDNESDAY 30/3 Help Urgently Required

THURSDAY 31/3 Help Urgently Required

FRIDAY 1/4 Help Urgently Required

VACANCIES STILL EXIST

MORE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS

IF YOU CAN ASSIST PLEASE CONTACT CHERYL KINGSFORD

AT ST CLARE’S: 6591 2104, HOME: 6552 1857 OR

VIA EMAIL: cheryl.kingsford@mn.catholic.edu.au

COMING EVENTS - 2016

Term 1

Week 10 Monday 28/3 ♦ Easter Monday

Week 11 Friday 8/4 ♦ Last Day of Term 1

Term 2

Week 1 Tuesday 26/4 ♦ First Day of Term 2

Wednesday 27/4 ♦ School Social

Friday 29/4 ♦ Year 7 Vaccination – 2nd dose

♦ CCC Swimming Carnival

Week 3 Tuesday 10/5 ♦ NAPLAN

Wednesday 11/5 ♦ P & F Meeting – 6 pm (St Clare’s High School)

Week 7 Wednesday 8/6 ♦ P & F Meeting – 6 pm (Holy Name Primary School, Forster)

Week 10 Thursday 30/6 ♦ NAIDOC Day Assembly

Friday 1/7 ♦ Last Day of Term 2

Term 3

Week 1 Monday 18/7 ♦ First Day of Term 3

Week 2 Monday 25/7 ♦ Students from Kobe Kaisei arrive

Week 3 Sunday 31/7 ♦ Year 9 Snowy Excursion Departs

Wednesday 3/8 ♦ P & F Meeting – 6 pm (St Joseph’s Primary School, Wingham)

Thursday 4/8 ♦ Kobe Kaisei students depart St Clare’s

Friday 5/8 ♦ Year 9 Snowy Excursion Returns

Week 6 Thursday 26/8 ♦ Year 7 Vaccination – 3rd dose

Week 7 Wednesday 31/8 ♦ P & F Meeting – 6 pm

Week 10 Friday 23/9 ♦ Last Day of Term 3

Term 4

Week 3 Wednesday 26/10 ♦ P & F Meeting – 6 pm

Week 7 Wednesday 23/11 ♦ P & F Meeting – 6 pm

SCU Young Engineers - School Holiday Program

High School is a time when your attention turns to deciding what career might be an option for you, but knowing what path to take can be confusing and confronting. SCU Young Engineers is a one-day school holiday program developed to provide great insight into engineering as a career, and where you will be offered the opportunity to experience life as an SCU engineering student as well. For more details about this FREE one-day event, please visit our website as follows:- http://scu.edu.au/environment-science-engineering/index.php/148 To secure your place, please complete and return the Registration Form available on the website. Please note: the day is open to all students from Year 9 to Year 12 and is offered in the Term 1 school holiday period only. Girls are encouraged to attend. Regards Maree Savins Project Support Officer, Engineering School of Environment Science & Engineering Southern Cross University

It’s time to let your inner colour shine! Colour Your World is here to help you paint ya mates,

your family, your town! Run, walk, dance and laugh your way through family friendly colour

madness and then colour your friends at the finish line while our awesome DJ spins up a party!

COLOUR YOUR WORLD is a 5km fun run that is suitable for any age group or fitness level.

Walk, skip, run, jump you way through an explosion of colour.

For more Information, or to register please go to www.colouryaworld.com.au