The final weeks of Term 4 have provided many opportunities to reflect and celebrate the remarkable achievements of the St Clare’s community throughout 2021. The year brought many gifts and challenges and our College community has grown remarkably in light of this situation.
In the past weeks, we were able to farewell out Year 12 girls in a suitable fashion starting with the College farewell assembly before they moved into exam week. Last week the girls, their families and the staff celebrated the conclusion of the girls’ secondary schooling experience with the Year 12 Formal, held at the National Museum of Australia and the Year 12 Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremony at the College. Both events showcased the girls and their achievements, recognising each student for their contribution to the College.
The conclusion of the Year 10s junior secondary journey last week was celebrated at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra with high tea shared with a number of the Pastoral Care staff. The girls took the time to celebrate their achievements and to enjoy the company of their peers outside of the school setting.
Today’s Thanksgiving Mass and
the Year 7-11 Awards Ceremony was a fitting way to close off the year. Mass, celebrated by our College Chaplin Fr Trenton van Reesch, provided a rare opportunity to gather as a College and celebrate through the sacrament of Eucharist. This was followed by the recognition of student achievement, effort and involvement in the Awards Ceremony. Congratulations to all the girls who received awards today!
I wish to thank our extended community of families that have supported the College and the girls through yet another challenging year. The collegial response in supporting our girls is imperative, no more so that through the testing times we are living. We look forward to a time of increased stability and certainty, but in the meantime find support in each other. On reflection, our College liturgical theme for 2021, the quote attributed to St Francis of Assisi “A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows” could not have been more pertinent for us this year in guiding us through these uncertain times.
The adaptability of the College staff throughout the year is a credit to our community. As well as negotiating class and assessment work in light of the current COVID restrictions in place, they have continued to build upon our School Wide Pedagogy with Visible
Learning High Impact Teaching Strategies to engage and empower the girls in the classroom. We wish the staff leaving the College at the end of the year all the best for their new adventures and hope that you carry the St Clare’s community with you on your travels.
To conclude the Principal’s message for 2021, I acknowledge the remarkable work of Brad Cooney in leading St Clare’s College over the past five years. Brad has used his time at St Clare’s in the role of Principal to raise the profile of girl’s education across the Territory. Brad has always been an advocate for our girls, highlighting the significant contribution a female perspective brings to any classroom, boardroom, workplace, learning environment and individual encounter. Brad’s ability to know the students of the College and their families, to grow a staff with a shared vision and understanding is a testament to his leadership. We wish Brad all the best as he undertakes the role of Principal Xavier College, Bathurst Island to start 2022.
Wishing you a happy and holy Christmas.
Monica Bailey Principal (Acting)An ornithologist went through a forest seeking any bird of interest they might find. They caught a young eagle - a symbol of courage and potential because of its large size and outstanding flying skills.
The ornithologist brought the eagle home, put it among their chickens, and gave it chicken food to eat even though it was an eagle, the monarch of birds. The eagle soon learned to eat chicken feed and to behave as chickens behave. The eagle become to believe it was a chicken and that it was unable to fly. Its inherent potential was temporarily hampered.
Six years later, a naturalist came to see the ornithologist and, after passing through the garden, said ‘That bird is an eagle, not a chicken. Why is an eagle confined to live in the barnyard with the chickens?’
‘Yes, it is an eagle,’ said its owner, ‘since I have given it chicken feed and trained it to be a chicken, it has never learned to fly. Even though it measures fifteen feet from tip to tip of its wings, it behaves as chickens behave, so it is no longer an eagle, it is a chicken.’
‘No,’ said the naturalist, ‘it is an eagle still; it has the heart of an eagle and can surely be taught to fly. I will make it soar high up to the heavens.’
‘No,’ said the owner, ‘it is a chicken, and it will never fly.’
They agreed to test it. The naturalist picked up the eagle, held it up, and said with great intensity ‘Eagle, thou art an eagle; thou dost belong to the sky and not to this
earth; stretch forth thy wings and fly.’ The eagle turned this way and that, afraid of their unknown self and world, and then, looking down, saw the chickens eating their food, and down the eagle jumped.
The owner said, ‘I told you it was a chicken.’
‘No,’ asserted the naturalist, ‘it is an eagle. Give it another chance tomorrow.’
So, the next day to the naturalist took the eagle to the top of the house and said ‘Eagle, thou art an eagle; stretch forth thy wings and fly.’ But again, the eagle, seeing the chickens feeding, jumped down and fed with them.
Then the owner said, ‘I told you it was a chicken.’
‘No,’ asserted the naturalist, ‘it is an eagle, and it still has the heart of an eagle; give it one more chance, and I will make it fly tomorrow.’
The next morning the naturalist rose early and took the eagle outside the city, away from the houses to the foot of a high mountain. The sun was just rising, gilding the top of the mountain with gold, and every peak was glistening in the joy of that beautiful morning.
The naturalist picked up the eagle and said to it ‘Eagle, thou art an eagle; thou dost belong to the sky and not to this earth; stretch forth thy wings and fly!’
The eagle looked around and trembled as if new life were coming to it; but it did not fly. The naturalist then made it look straight at the sun. Suddenly it stretched out its wings and, with the screech of an
eagle, it mounted higher and higher and never returned. It was an eagle, though it had been kept and tamed as a chicken!
My message to you St Clare’s College students is that we are all created in the image of God to be eagles. So, soar like an eagle! Aim high, do something big, embrace every opportunity or obstacle and the discomfort of challenge. We all have the capacity, capability and potential to excel in whatever endeavour we choose if we believe and surround ourselves with the “naturalists” in this world.
Our parents and loved ones who inspire, support and encourage us, those who teach us, shape us, and give us the necessary knowledge and skills in whichever field we choose, and above all God who can make a way for us when there seems to be no way. Now more than ever you need to fly like an eagle. Do not let yourself along the journey of life lose focus or believe that you are a chicken or let others keep you captive as a chicken. Spread your wings and fly! Do not ever be content with the food of chickens!
Dearne Marrapodi Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
Laura Spelic
The Principal’s Award for Leadership in College Life
Chiara Strmota
The Archbishop’s Cup for Contribution to the Religious Life of the College
Olivia Maher Outstanding Achievement in Vocational Studies
Kristine Villanueva
The Founder’s College Cup for Initiative and Service
Georgia Boyes College Plate for Effort in Studies
Olivia Graham College Cup for All-Round Excellence
The Australian Catholic University Arts in Western Civilisation Prize for English
Laura Spelic The Canberra Mathematical Association Medal For Excellence
Kristine Villaneuva Australian Defence Force and Long Tan Award
Ava Warren
The Australian Catholic University Arts in Western Civilisation Prize for History
Jacqueline Dunn
The Australian Catholic University Arts in Western Civilisation Prize for Religion
Harriet Sharp Senior Sports Person of the Year Olivia Graham Olympic Change Maker Award Lara Pulciani ANU Psychology Student Award Paris O'Connell The Australian Defence Force Innovators Award Sophie Chandler Ampol Best AllRounder Award Laura SpelicBrigid Norgrove Katie Bender AwardYear 7 Student of the Year
Ella Norton Year 8 Student of the Year
Georgina Spurrett Year 9 Student of the Year
Tylah Baker J.J. People’s Award Year 10 Student of the Year
Georgina Webster Year 10 Etelka Thoms Award for Mathematics
Imogen Johnston Junior Sports Person of the Year
Clare Maguire Year 11 Rebecca MorrisonDempsey Award
Jessica Charles Year 11 Robyn Raymond Award
Olivia Kirkaldie Year 11 Student of the Year
Clare Rosin UNSW Canberra Maths Prize (Year 8 - 2020)
Tylah Baker UNSW Canberra Maths Prize (Year 9 - 2020)
Sarah Rosin UNSW Australia School of Economics Prize (First in Course Year 11)
Jaida Hall Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award
Imogen Johnston Year 10 Australian Catholic University Award
Imogen Johnston Olympic Change Maker
Olivia Kirkaldie Zed Seselja - Academic Excellence
Sarah Mooney Zed Seselja - Community Service
Bridget Sutton Zed Seselja Excellence in Teaching
Sophie Bailey Academic
Bethany Cramp Endeavour
Jacqueline Dunn Academic
Josephine Wood Endeavour
Lara Robertson Endeavour
Laura Spelic Endeavour and Academic
Madelyn Norton Endeavour
Chiara Strmota Endeavour
Olivia Graham Endeavour
Harriet Sharp Endeavour
Abbey Alexander Endeavour
Georgia Boyes Endeavour
Lily Curtis Endeavour and Academic
Laura Cusack Endeavour
Bronwyn Kneeshaw Endeavour
Wendy Morton Academic
Eliza Martin Academic
Bridie McArthur Endeavour and Academic
Georgina Williams Endeavour
Francesca Ciuffetelli Endeavour
Laura Harrison Endeavour and Academic
Maia Schyvens Endeavour
Ashley Thorne Endeavour
Ashleigh Griffiths Endeavour
Calatika Iruthayaraj Endeavour
Callison Row Endeavour
Sophie Chandler Endeavour and Academic
Jasmin Dawes Endeavour
Paris O’Connell Endeavour
Lucy Burnell-Gromek Endeavour
Francesca Stuparich Endeavour
Lily Tynan Endeavour
Piper Webb Endeavour and Academic
Ava Warren Endeavour
Lara Pulciani Endeavour and Academic
Zalee Agnew Endeavour
Olivia Agostino Endeavour and Academic
Hayley Ament Endeavour
Hannah Ament Endeavour
Neeta Antony Endeavour
Rey Berkelmans Endeavour
Hannah Briskey Endeavour
Lara Burstow Endeavour
Elena Celestino Endeavour
Jessica Charles Endeavour and Academic
Lauren Charles Endeavour
Ashleigh Clarke Endeavour
Alisha Crowle Endeavour
Spirit Award - Ulamina
Alyssa Davidson Spirit Award - Japara
Piper Ellis Spirit Award - Wareen
Deon George Endeavour
Kirthana Jimmy Endeavour
Soraya Kirk Academic
Olivia Kirkcaldie Endeavour and Academic
Clare Maguire Endeavour and Academic Spirit Award - Kipara
Jessica McIntosh Endeavour
Chloe McPherson Endeavour
Emily Mollard Spirit Award - Wibalu
Sarah Mooney Endeavour
Elisha O’Brien Endeavour
Olivia Phelps Endeavour and Academic
Callie Robertson Spirit Award - Kipara
Sarah Rosin Endeavour
Molly Scott-Cameron Endeavour
Phoebe Sofatzis Endeavour and Academic
Liliana Staltari Endeavour
Spirit Award - Wirana
Zoe Sugerman Endeavour
Georgina Trotman Endeavour and Academic
Sophia Vidovic Spirit Award - Alinda
Amber Vink Endeavour
Miranda Whitfield Endeavour
Mia Woods Endeavour
Year 11 Academic Colours Awards
Olivia Kirkcaldie Silver
Olivia Phelps Silver
Jessica Charles Silver
Olivia Agostino Bronze
Sarah Rosin Bronze
Phoebe Sofatzis Bronze
Georgina Trotman Bronze
Year 10 Awards
Helena Angelos Endeavour Award
Ella Asplund-Meinecke Endeavour and Academic
Tylah Baker Endeavour and Academic
Zoe Bellingham Endeavour
Chloe Brassil Endeavour
Spirit Award - Wareen
Sophie Brennan Endeavour
Erin Burstow Endeavour
Ainsley Fisher Endeavour
Amy Gasnier Endeavour and Academic
Jemima Grimmond Endeavour
Charlotte Guthrie Academic
Jada Hall Endeavour
April Hampton Endeavour
Imogen Johnston Endeavour and Academic
Spirit Award - Alinda
Ruby Kelly Endeavour
Isabella Laria Endeavour
Spirit Award - Wibalu
Frances Malone Endeavour and Academic
Olivia Maron Endeavour
Neena Matthee Endeavour
Emelia McMahon Endeavour
Hiba Mohemmad Endeavour
A Rasheed
Sarah Moyle Spirit Award – Wirana
Mercedes O’Connell Endeavour
Spirit Award - Makara
Evangeline Osborne Endeavour
Amelia Quirk Endeavour
Milly Ratcliffe Endeavour
Spirit Award - Ulamina
Sophie Reis Endeavour Award
Ivana Rodriguez Spirit Award - Kipara
Penelope Ryan Endeavour
Anleen Shaji Endeavour and Academic
Asmi Sharma Endeavour
Hannah Sharman Academic
Isabella Spurrett Academic
Chelsea Staples Academic
Rose Taylor Endeavour
Charlize Torres Endeavour
Louise Val Academic
Sage Webb Endeavour
Donna Wilson Academic Spirit Award - Japara
Grace Worley Academic
Year 10 Academic Colours Awards
Ella Asplund-Meinecke Bronze
Tylah Baker Bronze
Amy Gasnier Bronze
Imogen Johnston Bronze
Frances Malone Bronze
Isabella Spurrett Bronze
Grace Worley Bronze
Georgia Andrighetto Endeavour and Academic
Imogen Baggoley Endeavour and Academic Spirit - Kipara
Ady Bernal Spirit - Wibalu
Madeline Bennett Endeavour
Lauren Catanzariti Endeavour
Ella Collins Endeavour and Academic
Annaleisha Cologna Academic Spirit - Makara
Jessica Cooper Endeavour
Alyssa Di-Campli Endeavour and Academic
Abbie Eaton Endeavour
Talia Enchong Academic
Tahlia Floyer Endeavour
Elly Francis Endeavour
Alannah Furner Endeavour and Academic
Yzabella Gamez Endeavour Spirit - Wirana
Anjaly George Kappen Endeavour
Isabeau Goodall Endeavour
Siena Goodwin Academic
Bridget Graham Endeavour and Academic
Ella Graham Endeavour
Taya Grmek Endeavour
Isabella Hall Endeavour
Isabella Hansen Endeavour
Ella Hatch Endeavour
Ella Hill Endeavour and Academic
Sally Hill Spirit - Alinda
Caitlin Isbel Endeavour
Bella Ivaschenko Endeavour and Academic
Sophie Jeffrey Endeavour and Academic
Angelina Jexin Endeavour
Phoebe Johnson Endeavour
Caitlin Kerr Endeavour and Academic
Myriam Le Gouz Endeavour
De Saint Seine
Yumi Loftus Endeavour
Chloe Lu Academic
Isabella Mann Endeavour
Lily McConnell Endeavour
Matilda Mercer Endeavour Spirit - Wareen
Georgia Mertz Academic
Sophia Messina Academic
Ava Mooney Endeavour and Academic
Katelyn Murray Endeavour
Jessica Nguyen Endeavour
Julia Norgrove Endeavour and Academic
Hannah O’Loughlin Endeavour
Georgia Owens Endeavour
Alyssa Perman Endeavour
Jemma Poyser Endeavour
Sienna Scarano Endeavour and Academic
Jessica Schischka Endeavour
Georgina Spurrett Endeavour and Academic Spirit - Ulamina
Imogen Stokes Endeavour and Academic
Spirit - Japara
Kyra Szabo Endeavour
Annabelle Wheadon Endeavour and Academic
Annie Wilson Endeavour and Academic
Ruby Yi Endeavour
Year 9 Academic Colours Awards
Alyssa Di-Campli Bronze
Talia Enchong Bronze
Siena Goodwin Bronze
Georgina Mertz Bronze
Year 8 Awards
Mirella Andrighetto Academic
Ella Baker Endeavour and Academic
Tayla Bray Academic
Gabrielle Buckley Academic
Emerson Canton
Spirit - Wibalu
Catherine Charles Academic
Charlotte Cochran Endeavour
Vanessa Combe Endeavour
Samantha Cook Academic
Chloe Driver Academic
Tara Farrelly Spirit - Ulamina
Sophie Freeman Endeavour
Lauren Gilbert Endeavour and Academic
Klara Goddard Endeavour
Leila Gomes Academic
Olivia Hicks
Louise Hill
Matilda Holmes
Georgia Kerr
Endeavour and Academic
Spirit - Wirana
Endeavour and Academic
Endeavour and Academic
Endeavour and Academic
Spirit - Makara
Camille Le Gouz Endeavour
De Saint Seine
Kayley Maguire
Endeavour and Academic
Amy Maka Endeavour and Academic
Shivani Manikandan
Spirit - Kipara
Endeavour and Academic
Penny Martin Endeavour and Academic
Aurelia McCaffrey Endeavour and Academic
Tolmos
Nadia Miller
Amelie Nettlefold
Amelia Norton
Ella Norton
Endeavour
Academic
Academic
Academic
Nanama Opoku Endeavour
Molly Patterson Endeavour
Anna Pisani
Endeavour and Academic
Annika Plenty Endeavour
Maaeri Ranawat Endeavour and Academic
Scarlet Robb
Emily Roger
Emily Rowell
Ruby Scanlan
Endeavour
Academic
Endeavour and Academic
Endeavour
Spirit - Alinda
Annabelle Schmierer Academic
Niya Shijo
Alysia Steil
Endeavour
Endeavour and Academic
Tidings
Emilie Sydlarczuk Endeavour
Angelina Thomas Endeavour and Academic
Joelle Van Den Endeavour
Nieuwenhuijzen
Sophie Verdon Academic
Sasha Vinning Endeavour
Sophie Walker Endeavour
Bonnie Wilder Endeavour and Academic
Evie Williams Endeavour and Academic
Hannah Williams Endeavour and Academic Spirit - Japara
Chloe Zamin Endeavour and Academic Spirit - Wareen
Year 7 Awards
Emma Alles Endeavour
Makenna Ayres Endeavour
Allira Barsley Endeavour
Leya Binoy Endeavour
Jocelyn Bright Endeavour
Grace Brown Spirit Medal - Makara
Alexa Burns Endeavour
Sophie Carrabs Academic
Tia Chikirov Lopez Endeavour
Sophie Cooper Endeavour
Jade Cox Endeavour
Bailee Da Quinta Endeavour
Georgia Daniel Academic
Taiah Dunn Endeavour
Lily Ellis Endeavour
Ruby Fakhouri Spirit Medal - Wirana
Misha Gaur Endeavour and Academic
Isla Gibson Academic
Annabelle Graham Academic
Alyce Greentree Endeavour
Natalie Grubb Endeavour
Sage Haling Academic
Eloise Hardy Spirit Medal - Ulamina
Elise Harradine Endeavour and Academic
Tia Heritage Endeavour
Jasmine Hooper Endeavour
Brianna Howard Endeavour Spirt - Alinda
Charlotte Hunt Endeavour and Academic Spirit - Wibalu
Celest Jackson Endeavour
Isabella Jacob Academic
Xamae Kangleon Academic
Kristina Koulouris-Swan Endeavour
Rosemary Liston Endeavour and Academic
Jazmyn Mamo Endeavour
Olivia McGuinness Endeavour
Phoebe McLachlan Endeavour and Academic
Ashleigh Merner Endeavour
Isla Neumann Endeavour
Spirit Medal - Wareen
Brigid Norgrove Endeavour and Academic
Adelaide Norris Endeavour
Kate Patton Endeavour
Emma Prail Academic and Endeavour
Noora Ratin Endeavour and Academic
Kheradmand
Amelia Richardson Endeavour
Alexandra Scheiffers Spirit Medal - Japara
Alyssa Sjoberg Endeavour and Academic
Tamera Thevaranjan Academic
Lucy Tokley Endeavour
Charlise Webb Academic Spirit Medal - Kipara
Lexie Williams Endeavour
On Monday 29 November, Year 10 had the opportunity to celebrate their Community Day by attending High Tea at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. This was a wonderful way for the students to come together one final time as a junior cohort and celebrate their success. They have worked so hard this year and should be very proud of all their achievements.
The students celebrated in style and ensured that they captured memories to last a life time. They are commended on their behaviour throughout the day, with the Hyatt Hotel commenting on what a lovely group of students they were. Each student was also awarded a High Tea Award which they were voted on by their peers - celebrating each students attributes and qualities. They also collated their playlist, which was a combination of all of their favourite songs.
It was a great end to a chapter of their schooling experience, and I am looking forward to seeing the Year 10 students be fine role models in Year 11 2022.
Carla Weijers Year 10 CoordinatorThe quality of education we offer to all students rests on our ability to provide excellent resources and facilities. The College relies on the timely payment of school fees to meet its running costs. Fees are due in full in week four of each term unless paid by regular instalments. School fees are charged and payable over four terms with the exception of Year 12 which is charged and payable over three terms.
Fees are collected by the College to support the curriculum and to assist paying teachers’ salaries.
The College Levy covers tuition related expenses such as individual subject expenses, text book hire, excursions costing $25 or less per student, camps and retreats, student organisers, College Yearbook, (one per student) and consumables associated with practical subjects such as Art, Hospitality, Technology, etc. In addition, the Levy is also used to support education and building initiatives in the College.
Excursions: The College Levy covers curriculum related excursions costing $25 or less in total per student. Excursions over this amount are paid directly to the College and not charged to fees.
Extra-curricular excursions:
The costs for extra-curricular excursions are paid directly to the College and not charged to fees.
The Building Fund donation is a voluntary contribution. The CCSBF supports schools within the ACT. If you have students attending Catholic Education Primary Schools as well as High Schools, the Building Fund donation is contributed to the school attended by the eldest child. The CCSBF voluntary charge will be applied to accounts automatically at the beginning of each term, and payments allocated towards it unless otherwise advised.
If you choose not to contribute to the Building Fund please advise the College in writing.
NB: Fees quoted are indicative for the current year only (2022) and are subject to change at the commencement of each subsequent year.
**Parents are asked to contribute $189 per term ($252 for Year 12) to the Canberra Catholic Schools Building Fund. This donation is tax deductible. It is not included in the fees set out above.
The Application Fee for all new students is $100 (non refundable) and payable as part of the online enrolment process. The Acceptance Fee for continuing students in Years 11 and new students in Years 11 and 12 is $500 (non-refundable) which is credited against Term 1 fees.
Families with more than one child attending St Clare’s College or who have children attending other systemic Catholic Education High Schools in addition to St Clare’s College (ie. John Paul College, St Francis Xavier College, St Mary MacKillop College and Merici College) are eligible for a discount on their tuition fees. The Sibling Discount Form can be found on the website under ‘Admissions’ > ‘Fees & Charges’. The Sibling Discount Form must be completed and returned by 31 January before this discount can be applied.
Discounts are:
• 20% for second child attending an Archdiocesan secondary school
• 50% for third child attending an Archdiocesan secondary school
• 100% for fourth or subsequent child/ren attending either an Archdiocesan primary or secondary school.
Note:
• Full fee is payable on the eldest child
• Where parents have students in both an Archdiocesan primary and secondary school simultaneously, a 20% discount applies to the eldest primary school child. Please contact your primary school for further details.
The College offers various methods for payment of school fees. These include Qkr!, credit card, BPay, Direct Debit, eftpos, cheque or cash.
If paying by cash it is recommended and requested that parents do not send large sums of money to school with their daughter.
It may be more convenient for you to pay school fees by regular instalments. Facilities for this service can be set up via BPay or Direct Debit. The Direct Debit Form can be found on the website under ‘Admissions’ > ‘Fees & Charges’. Please contact the Accounts Clerk on accounts@stcc.act.edu.au or refer to your Fee Statement for further information.
When paying by instalment, it is the responsibility of the parent/s to ensure that the payment is sufficient to cover all charges placed on the Family Fee Statement throughout the year. It is recommended that parents reconcile their statement each term to ensure fees will be fully paid by December of each year.
The College is required to follow up overdue accounts. Where there are on-going issues with payments and/or lack of communication regarding outstanding fees, the College may use the services of an external debt collection agency.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact College Accounts on 6260 9461 to discuss the matter.
The College has provision to provide fee relief to assist families experiencing genuine financial hardship. Applications for School Fee Concessions are confidential and forms can be obtained from the Accounts Clerk.
If a student is on leave from the College for an extended period (eg. overseas holiday), full fees are payable for that time.
If a student leaves the College during the school term and the school has received a minimum two weeks written notice of this, the family is eligible for a refund of 50% of the current term’s fees if the date of departure is within the first half of the term. Where the date of departure is in the second half of the term, no refund is applied.
If less than two weeks’ notice has been given, refunds are at the discretion of the Principal. Should payment in full not be possible at time of leaving, an arrangement for payment would need to be agreed to with the Business Manager.
On approval from the Principal, senior students may be permitted to undertake part time studies. The fee reduction for part time students varies between 10-50%, dependent on tuition load.
The College supports short term student overseas exchange programs arranged by recognised overseas exchange organisations. Full fees will be charged for the semester in which the exchange takes place. Upon application, a fee remission of no more than 50% of the semester fee will be considered for exchanges that exceed 10 school weeks in length.
For further information please contact College Accounts on accounts@stcc.act.edu or 6260 9461.
On Wednesday 24 November Year 8 had the chance to participate in their reflection day.
Unfortunately, Covid-19 restrictions did not allow the whole year to participate and do the activities altogether, it was still a great reflection day and the girls learnt heaps. Year 8 was fortunate to have Katie Kobler from YourChoicez speak to us about important topics such as blackmail, consent, body image and how to make healthy and safe choices in both our online and offline interactions.
All the girls were super engaged and learnt a lot. All round it was a great day for everyone in the year group.
Anna Pisani Year 8 SRC Marie Manning Mission and Ministry Coordinator
The CASE Space Academy took place in the College in Week 19. Students from Years 7 & 8 who nominated to participate are joining in 5 half days of learning about Mars Exploration. The opportunity is made possible thanks to a grant from the Federal Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources to engage students in STEM opportunities. Presenters are working with the students to explore propulsion, gravity, flight and movement to and on the Mars surface.
The Hour of Code is a global initiative to broaden participation in the field of Computer Science. Over 400 tech partners, 200,000 educators and millions of students participate world-wide. What better way to finish 7/8 Digital Technology than with an Hour of Code to show our support for increasing skills and knowledge in Digital technologies.
The students chose from a range of activities, Mario’s Secret Adventure: Build Your Own 3D Mario Game was a favourite. All activities are based around developing simple coding principles and computational thinking skills.
If you’re looking for a fun activity over the holidays visit https:// hourofcode.com/au/learn. There are activities for all ages, prereaders to adults, and a variety of programming languages including blocks, Python and Java Script.
Over the past 3 years as Cyber Security ambassador I have had the honor of working with the dedicated senior cyber security team to spread awareness of how to be safe online. This role has been a learning experience and from it I have developed my own knowledge of how to be safe online
through the GROK Cyber Security modules and challenges. From attending cyber security launches and events the most valuable skill I have is how to network and working interdependently. These soft skills will assist me for the rest of my life. I would love to give a huge congratulations to Seerat
Ahmed who will be talking over this role in 2022. Best of luck and I can’t wait to see the amazing things you will do with this role.
Year 7 and 8 Design and Emerging Technologies students have faced many challenges throughout the semester, displaying persistence and problem-solving skills. Students completed the bulk of the design folio at home, attending lessons remotely and learning about the design process. They were confronted with opportunities to think flexibly about how to best approach the design brief; to design a unique time device. Students followed the design process, setting clear specifications, researching existing ideas, analysing existing design concepts, exploring properties of materials and processes, sketching ideas, and developing a model as their final design solution. At home, students creatively explored the materials available to them and set about constructing a prototype. At first, students did not realise the possibilities and extent of resources that they could access whilst at home during remote learning.
This unique learning experience highlighted real-world challenges in terms of making the best of a situation and rising to the challenge. Once students returned to school, students were engaged in constructing the individual design project in the design and technology workshop. The enthusiasm of students was clearly evident in their quick engagement in using the tools and equipment to construct their design solution. The students design concept displays their dedication, commitment to a quality product and persistence in finishing on time. A range of design solutions from our Years 7 and 8 students in the images here are testament to the passion and creativity of our students at St Clare’s College.
Anthony Maas Design and Technology TeacherIn the Year 8 Challenge and Adventure module, the Health and Physical Education (HPE) staff have planned and provided a range of sports ability games that align directly to the Challenge and Adventure activities focus area of the Australian Curriculum. The focus area includes a variety of physical activities that are designed to challenge students physiologically, behaviourally and socially in diverse contexts and environments. Games such as boccia, goal ball, blanket ball and chain gang were reflective of such challenges and emphasised the appropriate adaptations and modifications to be more inclusive in the learning space.
Furthermore, explicit attention to The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Disability Standards for Education 2005 is embedded throughout our Health and Physical Education curriculum to provide students with a disability the same opportunities as other students in the HPE class room. The Year 8 Challenge and Adventure module highlights the importance of inclusivity through sport and physical education whilst enjoying the benefits of being physically active.
Sepi Hawke Leader of Learning for Health and Physical EducationOver the last few weeks language classes have been engaged in ‘breakout boxes’, which bring the thrill of escape rooms to the classroom. Breakout EDU takes the idea of an escape room and applies it to the classroom. Instead of escaping a room though, students need to “break into” a locked box. The box is locked by a few different types of locks, such as directional, letter and number codes that need to be solved by the puzzles provided in order to open them.
Students collaboratively applied their learner dispositions, to complete the puzzles and open the locks, thus deepening their understanding of the target language, allowing them to think critically, and problem solve. Designed to be challenging, breakout boxes target competencies such as selfawareness, self-management, decision-making, social awareness and relationship building.
Some of the games the students played included: finding the photos for the family reunion by using their knowledge of family vocabulary and family tree structures, find the baby’s bottle to soothe them by working out the correct singular/ plural and feminine/masculine articles, and helping someone with poor vision find the correct colour of the item of clothing.
Breakout EDU games have proven to be the perfect way to bring collaboration to learning.
When students are engaged, they are learning, thinking critically and making meaningful connections between language and culture.
Lisa Bourne Leader of Learning LanguagesOn behalf of the Social Justice and St Vincent de Paul Committees, I would like to say thank you so very much for all the donated items we have received during the past few weeks to support our House Charities including Clare Holland House, Karinya, MacKillop House, Marymead and St Vincent de Paul.
A huge thank you to all those who especially took time to learn and master the knitting of booties, beanies, scarves and to make much needed blankets for those in need.
And a further thank you to all those students who created and decorated over 120 gift bags that will be used to hold presents for those girls and boys attending the St Vincent de Paul Joey’s Christmas parties.
Thank you so very much, you have indeed made a difference to so many in need this Christmas. Blessings to all of you, from all of us, Marie Manning (Mission and Ministry), Kristine Villanueva (Social Justice Captain), Wendy Maciejewski (St Vincent de Paul Coordinator), Calatika Iruthayaraj and Wendy Morton (St Vincent de Paul Captains).
“Sport is one of the most important things to stay involved in, particularly in those teenage years. It provides encouragement, support, self-belief, confidence – sport is one thing that can give you so many positive opportunities and can be such a positive influence on your life.” Laura Geitz, former Australian Diamonds Captain.
Although COVID has interrupted our sporting calendar this year, our students jumped at the sports opportunities available to them and excelled in true St Clare’s style. We were not able to celebrate our sporting achievements at our annual Celebration of Sport evening, but there are many individual and team achievements to recognise. Congratulations on a great year! We have a proud and rich sporting tradition at the College, led by dedicated staff and volunteers with talents in many sporting arenas. Thank you very much to everyone who was involved in making sporting opportunities possible for our girls this year.
Louise Patton Sports FacilitatorIndividual Sport Awards
Athletics
Cross Country
Swimming
Snow Sports
Major College Sport Awards Recipients
Senior Sports Person of the Year
Junior Sports Person of the Year
Olympic Change Maker Awards
College Age Champions
u12 Swimming
u13 Swimming
u14 Swimming
u15 Swimming
u16 Swimming
17&O Swimming
Harriet Sharp
Imogen Johnston
Olivia Graham and Imogen Johnston
Age Champion
Kate Patton
Xamae Kangleon
Amy Brandenburger
Ashley Patton
Amy Gasnier
Aislinn Hawkins
Runner-Up
Sage Haling
Amelie Nettlefold
Lauren Gilbert
Sophie Brennan
Sarah Bennett
Sarah Wicks
* Athletics and Cross Country age champions were not awarded due to the cancellation of the College carnivals
Athlete Of The Year
Imogen Johnston
Amelia Norton
Amy Gasnier
Annika Zachara
Encouragement Award
Sophie Brennan
Alicia Trevethan
Amy Brandenburger
Liberty Collins
Rising Star Award
Hayley McLaren
Anna Pisani
Kate Patton
Ruby Fakhouri
Team Sport Awards
AFL O’Dea Cup (Year 11 and 12)
AFL 9s Competition (Year 9)
AFL 9s Competition (Year 10 team 1)
AFL 9s Competition (Year 10 team 2)
AFLX Competition (Year 7 and 8)
Basketball Kate Tominac Cup u15
Basketball Kate Tominac Cup Opens
Football Bill Turner Trophy
Football SSACT South Competition (Years 9 and 10)
Football SSACT South Competition (Years 7 and 8)
Netball ACT College Mixed Gala Day
Oztag ACT College Gala Day (Year 12)
Oztag ACT College Gala Day (Year 11)
League Tag NRL Gala Day (Year 10 team)
League Tag NRL Gala Day (Year 9 team)
League Tag NRL Gala Day (Years 7 and 8)
Touch Football SSACT North Competition (Year 10)
Touch Football SSACT North Competition (Year 9 pod 1)
Touch Football SSACT North Competition (Year 9 pod 2)
Touch Football SSACT North Competition (Years 7 and 8)
Volleyball SSACT Finals (Years 9 and 10)
Volleyball SSACT South Competition (Years 9 and 10)
Volleyball SSACT South Competition (Years 7 and 8)
Most Valuable Player
Harriet Sharp
Ashley Patton
Grace Love
Alysa Enchong
Tayla Bray
Natalie Stincic
Ella Collins
Katrina Brown
Katrina Brown
Olivia Hicks
Georgia Martin-Pang
Madelyn Norton
Charlize Bale
Alicia Trevethan
Niamh Billiards
Adelaide Norris
Jemima Grimmond and Katelyn Everett
Emily Kite and Imojean Vea
Brea Rogers and Ruby-May Vivian
Eden Morrissey
Carolyn Sisley
Lauren Codd
Charlise Webb
Coach’s Award
Brianna Williams
Poppy Howell
Poppy Wellington
Maggie Dickens
Katrina Brine
Ellie Da Silva
Alysa Enchong
Georgia Maguire
Elly Francis
Olivia Hicks
Brianna Williams
Callie Robertson
Samantha Nealon
Hannah Devoy
Georgia Maguire
Alicia Trevethan
Alannah Furner
Talia Enchong
Alice Bolton
Lauren Codd
Ady Bernal
Catherine Rose
Babu
Our weekend netball program continues to be the College’s largest co-curricular program, involving 200 students, as well as coaches, managers and umpires. This year’s season at South Canberra Netball Association (SCNA) saw 19 of our teams take to the courts in the maroon and blue dress.
Despite rainouts, we managed to play 9 out of 12 round matches. Unfortunately we did not have the opportunity to play finals due to COVID lockdown. However, we acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of all teams. Special mention to two teams who were awarded with the minor premiership for finishing top of the table, in lieu of finals being played.
Congratulations to SCC Chalker (Intermediates division 1) and SCC Gilmore (Intermediates division 3)! Congratulations also to runners-up SCC Sargeant (Seniors division 3).
Many thanks to the coaches, managers and umpires who so generously volunteer their time, skills and energy to ensure our girls have the opportunity to take part. Many thanks to Kym Darmody for managing our weekend netball program and to our fabulous Weekend Netball Co-Captains Olivia Graham and Abbey Hall for their assistance and leadership. A special thank you to SCNA for running a great competition throughout a challenging year.
Louise Patton Sports FacilitatorTeam
SCC Bassett
SCC Beachley
SCC Chalker
SCC Cook
SCC Ellis
SCC Freeman
SCC Gainsford
SCC Geitz
SCC Gerrard
SCC Gilmore
SCC Goolagong
SCC Lanning
SCC Layton
SCC MacKay
SCC Moloney
SCC O’Hea
SCC Perry
SCC Sargeant
SCC Watson
Intermediates Div 1
Seniors Div 3
Intermediates Div 1
Intermediates Div 2
Seniors Div 1
Intermediates Div 4
Seniors Div 4
Intermediates Div 2
Intermediates Div 3
Intermediates Div 3
Seniors Div 1
Intermediates Div 3
Seniors Div 2
Intermediates Div 2
Intermediates Div 3
Intermediates Div 3
Intermediates Div 2
Seniors Div 3
Intermediates Div 2
Sophie Chandler has won the UC Design Competition subcategory: Interactive Design for Semester 1 website
Eilish McLennan received a commendation for Creative Writing
Follow the link to view their entries:
https://www.canberra.edu.au/ uccreativecompetition/2021-winners
Languages will run a Japanese summer school in January 2022, for students who wish to prepare for commencement in senior secondary Japanese studies at Continuing level.
This will be for those who have completed some prior study (in or out of school), but who would like to do a bridging program in the holidays to find out with more certainty whether they are at a level to benefit from the course at that level and to improve their confidence and mastery in areas normally covered through the Australian Curriculum in Years 9-10.
The summer school will be open to any interested students, whether they intend ongoing studies in their day school or with CAL. It will take place in the 2nd to 4th weeks of January, with 3 hours online plus 2 hours of homework each week for a total of 15 programmed hours. As an online program, it will not be required that participating students are in Canberra at the time.
The cost will be $250 per student. Please email info@cal.act.edu.au if you would like to register for the summer school.
Registration preferably by COB Friday 3/12, to facilitate planning and consultation with the group about scheduling.
More information:
https://cal.act.edu.au/news.htm
Stay in touch with friends and loved ones, and organise to catch up with them!
Nourish your brain by eating healthy. Your brain (and therefore your mental health) needs nutrients to function at its best.
Try to maintain a similar sleeping routine as during school ter m. Enjoying your break by sleeping in more and staying up a bit later is okay! But major changes in your sleeping routine can be unhealthy for your mind. Try to avoid sleeping too little OR too much.
Exercise! It boosts your mood and mental health – make it fun! Even a little bit can go a long way.
Enjoy having more time to do things you love! Prioritise time for your hobbies or interests. If you don’t have any, talk to a friend or family member about what they do to relax or explore a new enjoyable activity to start – you might find something unexpectedly that you really like!
Explore relaxation techniques to rest and recharge. You can research and experiment with mindfulness activities or breathing techniques. There are heaps of resources online, and some great guided mindfulness activities on YouTube.
If you have assignments or homework to do over the holidays, make a plan about how long they will take and when you will do them – this will help you relax more knowing you’ve got a plan!
• Loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy
• Feeling ‘low’, unusually stressed or worried
• Ordinary things getting harder to do
• Being easily irritated or angry
• Significant changes in sleeping or eating patterns
• Taking more dangerous risks, like using alcohol or drugs
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Difficulties with concentration and motivation
• Having a lot of negative thoughts
Where can you get more information?
www.headspace.org.au
www.kidshelpline.com.au
Amy Kennedy: amy.kennedy@stcc.act.edu.au
Deborah Nelson: deborah.nelson@stcc.act.edu.au
There are some FREE online programs to help with many mental health concerns
You and your friends can support each other by:
• Reaching out to a friend, offering support and letting them know you care.
• Letting your friend know you may need to tell a trusted adult about your concer ns.
• Contacting 000 if a friend needs urgent assistance or is at risk of harming themselves or others.
The BRAVE program is an online program that provides teenagers and their parents with information and skills to help cope with worries and anxiety.
Having these types of conversations with friends can be difficult. Information on how to support a friend is available on the headspace website: headspace.org. au/young-people/how-to-help-a-friend/
BITE BACK is an online positive psychology program designed to improve the overall wellbeing and resilience of young Australians aged 13–16 years old.
• Talk with your parents about how you are feeling
• Visit your GP/Doctor
• E-Headspace: headspace.org.au/eheadspace
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 www.kidshelpline.com.au
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au
• Head to Help: 1800 595 212 www.headtohelp.org.au
• Safe Steps: 1800 015 188 www.safesteps.org.au
• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 www.1800respect.org.au
• What’s okay at home: www.woah.org.au
I graduated from St Clare’s in 1994 as the Japara House Captain. During my time at St Clare’s I forged lifelong friendships and I have very fond memories of my time at the College. I loved being at schoolmore for the social side than the learning side!
After graduating from school, I decided to take a break from study and headed into the workforce. I worked as a receptionist for a very busy and large real estate and property developer in Canberra. I loved this opportunity to be working and earning money in the big wide world. After a year of working, I returned to study and began my degree at ACUSignadou. I had always dreamed of being a teacher, and was thrilled to be following this path. I had always been inspired by the teachers that I had at St Clare’s, but I opted for Primary School over high school!
I completed my degree and grabbed my backpack and headed overseas to teach in London. This was an amazing experience and I felt very fortunate to travel from London to so many amazing places in Europe and the US.
Teaching in London taught me so much about myself and about teaching in general.
I returned to Australia after my travels to ‘settle’ down and not long after my return I moved to the country. I moved to Young NSW to continue my teaching career and to marry my husband. I have been teaching in Young for the past 19 years and have loved the challenges of teaching, the opportunity to help children and also to see the children I teach grow and achieve their dreams.
I love my life in the country and feel lucky to live in such a wonderful community. We have four children who we are very proud of and who keep us very busy. When I am not teaching, I am contributing to our family business. We own and run a garden nursery, Golden Glance Nursery and Antz Pantz Café in Young with my husband’s family. We live in the cherry capital, and have a cherry orchard on our property. During November and December, it is all hands on deck as we pick and pack cherries that are sold to people in various parts of Australia (including Canberra!). I have always loved to be creative and continue to find new things to do and create.
I also run a small business called Citrus Circles – which is my creative outlet of dehydrated citrus for cocktails and drinks. All our produce is grown on our property and it is a beautiful place to live.
If anyone had told this ‘city girl’ that I would move out to the country and be teaching, creating and busy with a business, I would have laughed! It was not something I thought I would ever do- but life doesn’t always work out the way you think it would!
I am still in touch with so many girls from St Clare’s who all played a role in the happy and memorable years I had there. We have all taken different life paths, but we all can reconnect about our time at school. My advice to the girls of St Clare’s – enjoy the ride, enjoy the journey and take every opportunity with both hands and go for it! Always remember your friends and the teachers who inspired you and encouraged you to ‘Seek Wisdom’.