Tidings Edition 2 2024

Tidings

Principal’s Message

Our St Clare’s staff and students have been discerning the relevance of St Clare, a woman of the 13th Century, to us. We have identified three values of St Clare that resonate most strongly for our College: Faith, Service and Leadership. Throughout St Clare’s life she was unwavering in her faith, was called to a life of service and demonstrated her leadership to friend and foe, culminating in the reigning Pope visiting her on her deathbed and declaring support for her Rule for the Order of the Poor Ladies. Our goal is to articulate how our way of being at St Clare’s College; our decisions and rules, reflect Clare’s faith, service and leadership. These values epitomise the traits we hope to inspire in each St Clare’s graduate.

Through the inspiration of St Clare, and her Franciscan Spirituality, we have declared this year to be our Year of Community. Four community BBQs, celebrating our move to vertically integrated Pastoral Care Classes focussed on our Houses, have proven to be the perfect way to begin the strengthening of our community. It has been wonderful to meet and greet and share a sausage sandwich with so many families, and be able to introduce them to their new Pastoral Care Teachers and Heads of House. House spirit was also audibly and visibly on show at the Swimming Carnival. The forthcoming House Days are a new way for each House to build their spirit and connection with St Clare and with their House Charity.

Our Year of Community is underpinned by the Year of the Holy Spirit called by our Archbishop, Christopher Prowse (August 2023 -2024). Archbishop Christopher described this year as a time to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us and to reflect on the passage: “It seemed good to us and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 15:28). In considering

his

prompts, we are focused on: inviting people to recognise what we do and how we do it; inviting people to know each other; to celebrate who we are and to dream about who we want to be. The archdiocesan image is based on the window depicting the “Dove of the Holy Spirit” from the “Throne of St Peter”, the central work of art in the apse of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. I feel connected to this imagery having visited St Peter’s on my trip last year. The dove represents the Holy Spirit and is the source of light: the rays and colours illustrate the radiating light.

Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” helps focus our community this year. Our image pays homage to the central importance of the Holy Spirit, also our patron, and to the colours of the Vatican window. The hands of the varied members of our community reach up, in unity, towards the dove representing our desire to be guided together and touched by the Holy Spirit.

We hope that you are able to join us this year through events, initiatives and our newly forming Community Council. I will send a separate communication outlining this significant change and opportunity.

Dr Ann Cleary Principal

Upcoming Events

March

Friday 8

International Womens Day

Monday 11 Canberra Day Public Holiday

Wednesday 13 NAPLAN

Thursday 14 NAPLAN

Friday 15 NAPLAN

Monday 18 NAPLAN

Tuesday 19 NAPLAN (Catch-up session)

Wednesday 20 NAPLAN (Catch-up session)

Thursday 21 Athletics Carnival

Tuesday 26 Actura Space School Information Evening

Thursday 28 Holy Thursday Easter Liturgy

Friday 29 Good Friday

April

Monday 1

Easter Monday

Tuesday 2 Defence Students Birrigai Excursion

Wednesday 3

Brent Sanders Parent Evening at St Edmunds College

Friday 8 March

From the desk of the AP

At the start of the year College Captain Jemma shared her vision for 2024.

A new year brings with it endless possibilities, opportunities for growth, and the promise of fresh achievements. It is a time to embrace new challenges, broaden our horizons, and build upon the knowledge and experiences that shape us.

In 2024 the College has been blessed with fantastic student leaders who strive every day to support Jemma’s vision. The Captains have been very active attending leadership days before school returned, meeting with other student leaders for an evening at Marist College, attending other College’s Opening Masses, participating in the Gift of Life Walk and volunteering at House BBQs. They have given up afternoons and lunchtimes to prepare for the carnivals and welcomed new students to their College House. They have been great leaders not just in voice, but by example.

Another challenge for the Year 12’s is to be able to name every other student in their Pastoral Class (PC) and know something about them by the end of the term. To support this each PC is searching for their Uno champion to battle the other PC’s and be crowned the St Clare’s Uno Champion.

The movement to the vertical pastoral system continues to be a success with students settled in the corridors and in the classroom. The new House system has also built upon the fantastic House spirt that was already in place. This spirt was displayed in full voice last Friday at the College’s Swimming Carnival. Congratulations to the winning Houses and to all the Year 12’s that lead by example. Also, a huge thanks to all the staff involved, especially the PE department for a well organised, competitive and fun day.

At the recent House BBQ’s it was fantastic to meet so many families in a relaxed and less formal atmosphere. The evenings were a great opportunity for House staff to meet the parents and carers of the students in their House.

Thank you to all the senior students who cooked on the BBQ’s allowing staff and families to mingle. We are already planning a similar evening for the start of Semester 2, but with the Canberra winters an indoor evening.

Last Thursday the entire school participated in the Gift of Life Walk held at the College. Students from Years 7 – 11 were able to participate in the walk by completing an “exhausting” 5 laps of the oval to raise awareness for organ donation. Students were also able to receive some shirts, hats and the highlight a Zooper Dooper. Thank you to Mrs Tolfree, Social Justice Captain Georgia and all of the other students who helped to make the day possible.

Please take time to look over the attendance posters and share with your child the impact that only 30 minutes a day late can have and what is required for regular attendance.

Thank you to all the staff, students and families who have been involved in an exciting but rewarding start to 2024.

Mark Chifley Assistant Principal Mission and Culture

Student arrival time affects learning time

Lost minutes = Lost learning

From kindy to Year 12 equates to 10 minutes

Time your

Nearly a full semester (6 months of school)

20 minutes

30

Nearly a year of school

Nearly 1.5 years of learning 1

Over 2.5 years of learning

School begins at 8:45am

Attendance at School

95% and above

e.g. 2.5 days absence or less in a term or 10 absences over a year.

90%94.8%

e.g. 2.6 to 5 days absence in a term or 10.1-20 absences in a year

80%89.9%

Less than 80%

e.g. 5.1 to 10 days absence in a term or 20.1-40 absences in a year.

e.g. more than 10 days absence in a term or 40 absences in a year.

S u p p o r t a t S T C C

Name:

Meet Our College Counsellors

Hello! We are Hannah and Lauren, the two school counsellors here at St Clare’s College. We have been with the school for just over a year now, and are excited to continue to support the STCC community in 2024. We have both worked extensively with children, young people and their families through our careers, with our passion for young people bringing us into the privileged role as school counsellors.

Support provided:

Our aim is to support students through anything that might be impacting them emotionally, mentally, and/or educationally. We offer up to 6 sessions, to assist in managing student’s mental health and their wellbeing. We provide a safe space to talk and learn new strategies which help students thrive. If the challenges discussed need further support, we will assist with referring to an appropriate service, or provide guidance around a student accessing a mental health plan through their General Practitioner.

We also work closely with the Heads of House, providing support as needed with complex issues that might arise. Students may also see us during mental health seminars/ presentations, which we may deliver during the year. We are also excited this year to be delivering Seasons for Growth – more information to come.

Office hours:

Hannah works 5 days per week, and Lauren works 4 days per week. Sessions are made during the school day periods. If we need to meet with families or parents, these can be done during or after the school day.

Location:

We are located in Clare Wing - room 2-11 (just across from the FLC).

How to contact/make a booking:

To refer a student, there are two pathways – through Head of House or through self-referral. A self-referral can be made using the QR code (please see attached). Lauren, Hannah and Ms Alex Bugden (Wellbeing Support Officer) meet together weekly to discuss the referrals received. Ms Bugden will then book sessions in with students who have been allocated. Sometimes there can be a few weeks wait, depending on demand. We are busiest through Term 3 & 4. Please note if a student is under 14 years of age, they will need consent from a parent. This will be sought upon allocation to a counsellor.

Additionally for parents, if you ever feel you need support, guidance or strategies to assist with your daughters mental health or wellbeing, feel free to contact us via student reception, or send an email through to counsellors@stcc.act.edu.au

Meet Our Defence School Mentor

Name:

Alice Coleman

Support provided:

Defence School Mentor - social and emotional support for students and families of Defence personnel

Office hours:

Tuesday 0800-1600

Wednesday 0800-1630

Friday 0800-1230

Location at the College:  M215

How to contact/make a booking: alice.coleman@stcc.act.edu.au

LaurenMeischke AliceColeman

S u p p o r t a t S T C C

Name:

Meet Our Wellbeing Support Officer

• Alex Bugden - Wellbeing Support Officer

• Pastoral Assistant Trainee - Emma Anderson

Support provided:

The Wellbeing Support Officer provides collaborative support within the Pastoral Care Team to develop understanding of student needs and contribute to the development of support strategies. In direct support to the Heads of House, the Wellbeing Support Officer triages student presentations to the Pastoral Centre, supervises student reset spaces and manages Leave Passes / Junior Lift Passes. The Wellbeing Support Officer has oversight of Attendance and First Aid, and provides administrative support to the School Counsellors.

Office hours: 8.30am - 4.30pm

Location at the College:  The Pastoral Centre - M207

Name:

How to contact/make a booking: Students can visit Alex Bugden in the Pastoral Centre or email alexandria.bugden@stcc.act.edu.au

Meet Our Inclusive Education Team

• Belinda Maher – Leader of Learning Inclusive Education

• Joshua Freeman – Classroom Support Teacher

• Georgia Vickers – Classroom Support Assistant

• Jack Downes – Classroom Support Assistant

• Mercedes Schneider – Inclusive Education Trainee

Office Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Location:

Flexible Learning Centre

Contact:

Belinda.maher@stcc.act.edu.au 62609410

Support Provided:

Schools are the pathway to society and inclusive communities and environments start with inclusive school environments that accept and value diversity and respect the right of ALL students to be provided with access to the curriculum and participate alongside their peers. We at St Clare’s College believe All means All.

Inclusive Education has been a priority within the College and will continue to evolve as we work with families and teachers to ensure all students can achieve their best socially and academically. The Inclusive Education faculty is committed to supporting teachers build capacity in their classrooms to ensure the student’s needs are being met.

The Inclusive Education faculty has continued to create opportunities for neurodiverse students to achieve and to strive to be the best they can be in both the classroom setting and playground. This year alternative programs will continue to be delivered and adjusted to suit their participants. They have been carefully designed to enhance engagement and build upon skills some students find challenging. As diversity within our College continues to grow so does the need for learning to support all students within our College.

S u p p o r t a t S T C C

Me n U and PEERS Program:

The MenU program is designed to help young people understand their bodies, their emotional and social needs and their relationships with others. The program was offered to a selected group of students and is delivered each week for one hour. The program includes group-based learning which focuses on:

- Developing social skills

- Understanding the concept of consent

- How bodies change and grow

- Healthy and hygienic habits

- Protective behaviours to stay healthy

The PEERS program was offered to a selected group of students and is delivered each Thursday afternoon for one hour. It is an evidence based social skills program that focuses on the following:

- Conversational skills

- Use of social media and electronic communications

- Assessing humour and feedback

- Friendships

- Get togethers

- Being part of a team

- Handling arguments and disagreements

- Bullying and rejection

- Changing reputations

Life Skills Program:

A new Life Skills program was carefully designed and planned and is in addition to the PEERS and SOSAFE Program. The purpose of the program is to build on social skills used in everyday life. The program will be delivered every Friday. The program is skills based that encourages collaborative group discussion around purpose and effective procedure, which then allows the students to practice these skills in real life situations. The program focuses on the skills needed to live independently and communicate effectively in society. The program includes activities such as:

- Purchasing items from the grocery shop to make their own lunch or create a platter for afternoon tea.

- Catching a bus to do the grocery shopping.

- Ordering food online.

- Creation and maintenance of a vegetable garden.

- Kitchen safety skills.

- Laundry skills.

- Daily living skills.

- Communication skills in the broader community.

- Everyday problem-solving skills.

- Access to the community, for example making appointments.

WISDOM Program:

The WISDOM program has continued in Years 7 and 8 which is a targeted literacy intervention program that enables students to build on those skills they find most difficult. Students engage in MacqLit and Corrective Reading programs which allows students to develop the skills needed to be successful in all classes and to build upon independent learning. Students learn to find a love for reading and can access written literature with a range of tools that they were unaware of or unable to use. Auslan has been introduced as a small part of the program.

Pathways to Work and Learning:

The Pathways to Work and Learning subject is offered and will continue to grow in numbers to support students who aim to:

- Develop language, literacy and numeracy skills for the workplace

- Making informed career choices by exposure to a range of workplaces’

- Make informed career decisions

- Developing an action plan for Work

- Learning lifelong work skills

Students have an opportunity to gain Certificate II Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways and in addition to this students run a Pathways to Work and Learning Business Centre. This initiative allows students to practice and demonstrate:

- Task skills – undertaking specific work place task(s)

- Task management skills – managing a number of different tasks to complete a whole work activity

- Contingency management skills – responding to problems and irregularities when undertaking a work activity, such as: breakdowns, changes in routine, unexpected or atypical results, difficult or dissatisfied clients; and

- Job/role environment skills – dealing with the responsibilities and expectations of the work environment when undertaking a work activity, such as working with others, interacting with clients and suppliers, complying with standard operating procedures or observing enterprise policy and procedures.

The Pathways to Work and Learning Business Centre initiative allows students the opportunity to establish and practice the desired skills. The simulated business centre will operate out of the College Flexible Learning Centre (FLC). The time commitment will involve one lesson a cycle. Students will rotate through the different positions such as office manager, finance manager, office assistant and receptionist completing exercises using documents and processes that support the day-to-day working of the business. Students will reflect on their experiences identifying challenges and sharing progress during scheduled staff meetings. Students will have the opportunity to produce work just like they would in the real world.

The Pathways to Work and Learning Business Centre will offer services to the St Clare’s community once a cycle including shredding, photocopying, laminating and binding. We will add services as we progress throughout the semester. The business centre will share a promotional flyer in the upcoming week.

All Ability Multi Sports Day:

Selected students will be invited to attend an All Ability Multi Sports Day. Students with lower abilities will have opportunities to meet and play with students from other schools within Canberra. The goal of the day is to create opportunities for students to meet other students with similar abilities and socialise in a relaxed.

Literacy Intervention Program:

The purpose of this program is to provide additional small-group support (Tier 2) and assistance to students in developing their literacy skills, ensuring a strong foundation in this crucial area.

The literacy intervention is a targeted intervention program designed to encourage fluency, consolidate literacy gaps in understanding, and pre-teach concepts to support greater levels of participation in all academic lessons.

Additional event details:

The intervention sessions are held once a fortnight. Students may be invited to attend multiple sessions throughout the year based on need and availability. The program will include a variety of engaging activities and targeted exercises to reinforce literacy skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. The sessions will include activities on writing, reading, and comprehension responses. Intervention groups a targeted to a small group to ensure an individual approach is provided.

SPP Program:

Students in Year 7 – 9 are assigned to a senior student to meet with during their attendance to the SPP program. Students engage in a daily review of their classes and gain assistance with homework and/or assignments by collaborating to create a goal for each session.

Table Tennis:

St Clare’s has been granted the opportunity to participate in a program through ACT Table Tennis. Table Tennis Australia has introduced a Para Spinneroos program that has been offered to St Clare’s College students. The program aims to inspire kids aged 5-18 to try the game for the first time and gives them the space and freedom to grow to love the game.

The students that have attended have had an amazing time, filled with laughter and enjoyment, and will continue to engage this year.

What an incredible day at our STCC Swimming Carnival!

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, cheered, and made waves of memories! Congratulations to all the swimmers who gave their best and showcased outstanding school spirit!

Each splash, stroke, and cheer contributed to the amazing atmosphere. A special shout out to our dedicated staff and volunteers who made this event possible! Your support is truly appreciated.

Championship Cup results:

1st Makara

2nd Japara

3rd Alinda

4th Wareen

5th Wirana

6th Wibalu

7th Ulamina

8th Kipara

Spirit Cup results:

1st Ulamina

2nd Alinda

3rd Japara

4th Wirana

5th Wibalu

6th Makara

7th Kipara

8th Wareen

Congratulations to our top 8 STCC Swimmers who made the Final:

- Lily - Chloe

- Sage - Lauren - Ashley - Hannah - Kate - Jessica

In the Classroom

Languages

Year 8 Crepe Incursion

The Year 8 crepe day incursion was a huge success, with the students enjoying a chat and a crepe with Kim from Flat Out Crepery. Kim showed each class his recipe for delicious crepes and the way he prepares them bilingually.

Invited to taste a crepe, the students lined up and each student was asked a few questions in French, which they attempted and succeeded to answer. They then had to ask for the sauce flavour in French to their teacher assisting with the pancake service. Unsurprisingly, the chocolat flavour was the most popular and all the students pronounced the word chocolat correctly without pronouncing the final (silent) consonant – t!!

Italian Flag Throwers and drummers

STCC students were delighted to be visited by the troupe of Italian Flag Throwers and drummers, who have been in Canberra to perform at the National Multicultural Festival and gave a wonderful performance for our students. The colourful, medieval costumes and the pageantry along with their exciting performance of flag throwing accompanied by drummers enthralled the crowd. Each flag is 3kg and requires strength and precision from the performers. Afterwards, the Year 10 and Senior classes of Italian had the opportunity to chat and have a go at learning some of the skills.

The troupe is sponsored by the Council of ItaloAustralian Organisations and coordinated by the Dante Aligheri Society. We thank them for this wonderful opportunity to host.

Liceo Galilei

St Clare’s was lucky enough to be visited by a Year 10 class of Italian students from the Liceo Galilei (Galilei High School) in Siena, Italy. The Italian students were in Australia as part of a study tour and an exchange with Marist College, and some St Clare’s families were generous enough to assist with hosting some students. Students from Years 9-12 studying Italian at St Clare’s spent the morning getting to know the Italian students learning all about their lives in Italy, and sharing some classic Aussie treats such as fairy bread, chocolate crackles and pavlova.

We would like to thank Marist College for allowing us to be part of this exciting opportunity and to the St Clare’s families who generously opened their homes to these students.

Celebrating our Teachers

Sonia Conte, one of our amazing teachers at St Clare’s College, has been awarded the MLTA ACT Inc. Fiona Arthur Language Teaching Award for 2023!

The Fiona Arthur Award recognises the contributions that a member of the MLTA ACT Inc. makes to the teaching and learning of languages in the ACT.

The award criteria is based on the recipients demonstration that they are:

1. Engaging with current theories of education.

2. Modelling and promoting effective and innovative language teaching practice.

3. Contributing to the education and professional development of language teachers. Congratulations Sonia on this incredible achievement!

Japanese Language Proficiency test

ANU will host the Japanese Language Proficiency test again this year in July.

Date:

July 7 Sunday, 2024

Time:

13:00

(Examinees must arrive at the venue by 12:40)

Location:

ANU, Acton Campus (details to be announced)

Those who want to take the test can register themselves for one of the levels via the Japan Foundation Website below.

https://jpf.org.au/language/for-learners/jlpt/

ANU created a website within the university platform this year. The Canberra test-site local information can be found via the link below. https://chl.anu.edu.au/school-culture-historylanguage/japanese-language-proficiency-tests2024-canberra-updates

Year 8 Food Technology

Mr Hayden Ashley’s Year 8 Food Technology class had their first lesson in our new College Community Garden. Student’s learnt about how to plant seeds and seedlings, how far to space plants apart and how to care for the plants. Students will work to maintain the gardens in their Food Technology classes over the semester. They will also harvest the produce when it is ready and use this in class to cook with.

The Technologies team and teachers at St Clare’s are so excited and can’t wait to see what we are able to produce in the gardens for students to learn how to grow, care and cook.

In the Headlines

Imogen Year 7 (Wibalu) competed in the 2024 Capital Athletics U14-U18 Championships. She received a Gold medal in long jump and triple jump and a Silver medal in the 100m and 200m. She has qualified to go to Nationals in Adelaide in April. Congratulations Imogen!

Contact us

(02) 6260 9400 media@stcc.act.edu.au

1 McMillan Crescent, Griffith ACT 2603

stcc.act.edu.au