Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to school! I hope families had a restful time during the school holidays. Welcome to our new student Sruchi who joins us in Year 2. We look forward to learning more about you and your family as the term progresses.

We have a great term planned including:

• Our ANZAC Day Liturgy;
• Catholic Schools Week;
• An Athletics Carnival;
• Mother’s Day celebrations;
• Year 6 Camp;
• Open Days;
• Confirmation for some of our Year 6 students;

and of course, plenty of reading and writing, as well as plenty of inquiry learning about new knowledge in Mathematics, Science, History and Social Sciences.

ANZAC Day

There was concern in recent years that with COVID restrictions and the inability to come together to commemorate ANZAC Day the importance of the day would be lost for ever. The huge number of people attending marches and ceremonies around Australia this week show this is not the case. As a country we seek to keep the ANZAC spirit going as a sign of respect.  Respect is defined as “a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.”  At St Clare of Assisi, we use ANZAC Day as an opportunity to teach our children respect for what has been and respect for others.

ANZAC Day commemorates sacrifice, it shows mateship at its finest and it is part of what has brought countries together.  For our children, it opens their eyes to see how people work together.  It demonstrates that even though something horrible was happening, by working together, they were able to get through.  Our children hear about war, they hear about conflict, they hear about death. ANZAC Day gives us the opportunity to talk openly with our children and help them process, understand and appreciate what has come before, what is happening in other parts of the world and for the society we are lucky enough to live in.

With each opportunity that we have to demonstrate respect, we have an opportunity to help our children develop.  Each time we observe a tradition, our children appreciate what has come before.  For every child that participates in the day, they feel the pride of being part of a community. ANZAC Day helps your child to understand, appreciate and respect this important part of our Australian heritage.

Thank You

Anne Scollen our Parent Network Coordinator has decided to hang up her towel and pass on the batten to Faye Holden.  Anne Scollen was in the Coordinator role for three years and was an incredible asset to our school during this time.  Anne has worked tirelessly to ensure everything was organised, booked, delivered, set up, coordinated etc. I know that hundreds of hours went into everything she has done.  A big thank you from the Community for everything you have contributed in this role.  We welcome Faye to this new position and look forward to working with Faye.

We would also like to thank our wonderful Second Hand Uniform Shop coordinators Jesse and Patrice.

The dynamic duo have kept our shop running so smoothly and looking so good, week in and week out.  The ladies had a friendly face and plenty of uniform knowledge and advice. From helping families with their purchases to keeping our space clean and tidy and our uniforms looking their best, they do it all and we are so grateful for the time and energy that they give so generously.  We now welcome Codi on board and wish her all the best with her new role.

Thank you for your ongoing care and partnership in your child’s learning.

God bless.

Rachel Smith

Principal

Principal’s Notes

2023 Enrolment period

Enrolment period begins next week and continues for the next four weeks. This is the time to enrol children for high school, primary school, and preschool. It is a wonderful time of year because it is a time to watch the Year 6 students take tours with parents and families and see first-hand the care and concern they show for welcoming our guests and helping them feel comfortable. It’s also so lovely to hear how proud they are of their school and the enthusiasm they have for their learning. If you would like to enrol a sibling into Kinder next year, please collect an enrolment pack from the Front Office. The 2023 Enrolment Period is from the 2^nd May until 27^th May. Our Open days will be held on Wednesday 4^th May and Wednesday 18^th May.

Year 7 Enrolments

The Year 7 enrolment period will also shortly be upon us. We welcomed St Mary MacKillop Catholic College, Merici and St Clare’s Catholic College who asked to talk to the Year 6 students. It is always lovely to see some of our former students come to visit us and tell us about their transition to High School.

Last year our Year 6 students went on to a variety high schools/colleges:

• St Mary MacKillop
• St Clare’s College
• St Edmund’s College
• Marist College
• Lanyon High School
• Melrose High School

All were accepted into their school of first preference and have experienced great success. We are very proud of them.

NAPLAN

Students in Years 3 and 5 will sit the NAPLAN tests next month. Parents may elect to withdraw their children from these tests. If you do not want your child to sit the NAPLAN tests, please contact Ms Val Ciuffetelli at school immediately.

Winter Uniform

A reminder that students will be able to wear either their summer or winter uniform for week 1 and week 2 of this term. It is expected that all students will commence week 3, 9^th May with the winter uniform.