Filter Content
We have enjoyed a wonderful commencement to Term Two, and I commend our students who have returned to school each morning with a positive attitude, ready and eager to learn.
It has been a pleasure to speak with students across all grades, and it was wonderful to hear many express genuine excitement for their learning and for being part of our school community.
Thank you, parents, for your continued support in preparing your children to be active and engaged learners. I am looking forward to another enriching term here at St. Clare’s.
At the beginning of this term, I took a few additional leave days. As many of you know, I deeply value family and time spent together. My son was visiting from interstate, and I cherished the opportunity to spend extra time with him. I thank Mr Jarrett and the staff for their dedication and organisation at the beginning of the term.
Today, we celebrated the remarkable women in our lives – our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and all those who show us the compassionate and caring love of a mother. We hold them in our hearts and acknowledge their invaluable presence. We also remember those special women who cannot be with us today, knowing they remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Our Mother's Day Liturgy was well attended, and I express my sincere thanks to everyone who was able to attend. The Kindergarten students performed a special song as part of the liturgy. Thanks to the Parents and Friends' Committee and the volunteers who organised a beautiful breakfast for our special visitors.
During May, we also turn to our Blessed Mother Mary, knowing she intercedes for us and watches over us. Let us try to pray a daily Hail Mary to Our Lady.
Earlier this week, the Tell Them From Me parent survey was launched. I extend my sincere gratitude to those parents who have already taken the time to complete it. For those who have not yet had the opportunity, the survey will remain open until 30 May. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.
This survey is a valuable tool, allowing us to affirm the strengths of our community and providing a platform for your suggestions on how we can further grow and improve as the community of St Clare’s. I encourage you to consider what enhancements could make our already great school even better.
I share this exciting news with you and congratulate Mrs Langham and her husband, who welcomed a new baby boy, Reuben, into their family on 9 April 2025. Wishing them all the love and joy that a new baby brings to a family.
Wishing a very Happy Mother's Day to all of the special females in our lives.

Yours in partnership,
Marg Foldes
Principal
Welcome back to a new term filled with opportunities to learn, grow and journey together in faith.
As we begin Term 2, let us be reminded of the words from Proverbs 3:5-6:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
May this term be guided by trust, strengthened by faith, and filled with the light of Christ in all that we do.
I look forward to all the wonderful moments we will share as a community in the coming weeks.
Grade Newsletters
The Grade Newsletters for Term 2 will be released on Friday 16 May via COMPASS. These newsletters provide an overview of the curriculum for each year group, along with important details such as Sports Day, Library Days, and Rotation Days.
Keeping Kids Connected - Catholic Care Program
St Clares has continued our partnership with Catholic Care 2025 and is excited to inform parents that all students in K-6 throughout the course of the next two terms will participate in a Keeping Kids Connected program.
The Keeping Kids Connected program is a structured, evidence-informed initiative designed to support students in developing emotional regulation, resilience, and social skills. This program aligns with the NSW PDHPE K-10 Syllabus and Australian Curriculum, ensuring that students build essential life skills across primary school years.
The Keeping Kids Connected program is a structured, evidence-informed initiative designed to support students in developing emotional regulation, resilience, and social skills. This program aligns with the NSW PDHPE K-10 Syllabus and Australian Curriculum, ensuring that students build essential life skills across primary school years.
Car Park Update and Reminders
As we commence Term 2, we take the chance to remind all parents of the current arrangements for the use of the carpark and also the no stopping zones around our school. It is encouraged that all families follow the below guidelines to ensure that the spaces around the school remain safe for our students and for the many families travelling via car, bus or walking.
In summary please note:
- Speed limit when in the car park is 5km
- Parents are encouraged to reverse park in each spot. This allows drivers to see any students or people walking through the car park.
- The car park is marked with arrows allowing cars to enter and drive through one way only.
- Vehicles must park in a marked car space and not continue driving around the car park.
- Parents are asked to walk their children to the front gates in the morning and collect them from the playground in the afternoon.
- Cars are not permitted to use the internal bus bay. The outside bus bay (kiss and drop) is to be used for dropping children off. The Kiss and Drop area is operational in the morning and supervised between 8 - 8:15 am. Please only drop off and depart as this allows cars to flow more freely. Please ensure that your child/ren, where practicable, get out of the car on the kerbside of the vehicle.
- No right turn is permitted out of the school driveway during peak times.
- The Presbytery driveway is not to be used for drop off/collection of children or as a car parking area
- Cars are not to be parked on any grassed areas within the boundary of the school.
- Parents are requested not to enter the staff car park (lower end of car park) behind the hall.
Walk Safely to school day
National Walk to School Day on Friday May 16 is a wonderful opportunity for families to embrace the benefits of walking together. By walking to and from school, families can enjoy some fresh air, exercise, and quality time while reducing their carbon footprint. It’s a simple, fun way to promote healthy habits and a sustainable environment. So, if it's possible for your family, consider leaving the car at home and taking part in this special day.
Policy Update and Launch
St Clare's Catholic Primary school has over the course of the last term been moving through a construction and consultation process to implement new policies that supplement the CeDOW student pastoral care and wellbeing policy. The policies have sought feedback from the school leadership team, wider school staff and the parents n friends committee. The policies that have been constructed are linked below:
Both of these policies will be uploaded and accessible to parents via the school website linked here.
Mr Joel Jarrett
Assistant Principal
THE CONFIRMATION PROGRAM
The Confirmation program is currently underway. The program is an enriching experience that brings families closer together while deepening their connection to faith. As your child prepares to receive the sacrament, it’s a meaningful time to reflect on the importance of faith, community, and commitment. Supporting your child through this journey not only strengthens their spiritual foundation but also creates lasting memories that you will cherish. It’s a time of growth, celebration, and joy, as your child takes a significant step in their relationship with God and the Church.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mrs Jennifer English
Religious Education Coordinator
Since the beginning of Lent, we have been raising funds for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal through our Project Compassion boxes and the Mini Vinnies Easter Raffle. Last Friday, we held the Easter Raffle, which included two smaller hampers per class and one large hamper per grade. Congratulations to all the winners!
We would like to thank you once again for your generous donations of Easter goodies. Thanks to the kindness of our school community, we have raised $2,227.10.
The proceeds from the raffle will go towards our contribution to Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal. Every ticket sold has helped us support ‘future generations’ and make a positive difference in the lives of those in need.
A huge thank you also goes to our amazing parent helpers who assisted with assembling the hampers: Yasmine Jabbour, Rosanna Pereira, Kerrie Toweel, Kaise Sewalt, Nina Bejjani, Belinda Aubrey, and Marisa Catanzariti.
St Clare's Prayer Box
Last year at St Clare's, we introduced a Family Prayer Box for families to use in their homes.
The box includes a white cloth, coloured ribbons, a flameless candle, a cross, prayers, and a workbook for personal reflections. To set it up, simply cover the box with the cloth, arrange the ribbons based on the Liturgical season, and add the candle, cross, and prayers. Feel free to include a family photo or a flower to make it personal.
Praying together strengthens family bonds and deepens your relationship with God, supporting your child's spiritual growth and your connection to faith. Thank you to the beautiful families who have sent through some photos of the prayer space set up in our homes.
We would love to see your home prayer space set up! Please feel free to share a photo by sending it to info@scnvdow.catholic.edu.au so we can celebrate it with the wider community.
Kind regards,
Miss Ally Carter
Catholic Life & Mission
POSITIVE BEHAVIOURS FOR LEARNING
Term 2, Week 3 & 4, Fortnightly Focus is "I can stop, think and do.'
Please take some time to view the table below so that as parents, you have a full understanding of what is expected of students, teachers and parents this fortnight. When we all work together, we achieve great things.
2025 |
Any additional dates will be updated on the Compass parent calendar and future newsletters |
April |
|
Monday 28 |
Staff Development Day - Berry Street Program (no school for students) |
Tuesday 29 |
Term 2 commences |
May |
|
Friday 2 |
Easter raffle drawn Flame Awards K, 1 & 2 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. |
Tuesday 6 |
Primary Diocesan Cross Country Carnival Nowra |
Friday 9 |
Flame Awards Years 3 - 6 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. Mother's Day Breakfast following the assembly |
Friday 16 |
Flame Awards K, 1 & 2 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. National Walk Safely to School Day |
Saturday 17 |
Kindergarten 2026 interviews |
Wednesday 21 |
National Simultaneous Story Time |
Friday 23 |
Flame Awards Years 3 - 6 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. |
Monday 26 |
National Sorry Day |
Tuesday 27 |
Primary Diocesan Cross Country in Nowra Australia's Biggest Morning Tea for Cancer Council 10.15 a.m. |
Tuesday 27 - 3 June |
Reconciliation Week |
Friday 30 |
Flame Awards K, 1 & 2 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. Principal's Awards 1.45 p.m. in the school hall |
June |
|
Tuesday 3 |
Mabo Day |
Thursday 5 |
World Environment Day |
Friday 6 |
Flame Awards Years 3 - 6 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. |
Monday 9 |
King's Birthday Public Holiday |
Tuesday 10 |
Staff Development Day - no school for students |
Friday 13 |
Flame Awards K, 1 & 2 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. |
Friday 20 |
Athletics Carnival at Narellan Athletics Hub Flame awards to be confirmed |
Thursday 26 & Friday 27 |
Year 6 Canberra excursion |
July | |
3 - 10 |
Naidoc Week |
Friday 4 |
Principal's Awards 1.45 p.m. in the hall Last day of Term 2 |
Monday 21 |
Staff Development Day (no school for students) |
Tuesday 22 |
Term 3 begins |
For extended absences (of more than 5 school days) due to travel, parents must submit the Notification of Extended Absence form along with relevant travel documentation. This documentation should include: Dates, locations of travel, purpose and reasons for travel outside school holidays.
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new online Notification of Extended Absence form. This user-friendly form simplifies the process for parents, eliminating the need for printing or downloading documents. Now, parents can conveniently complete the application entirely online.
Parents can also notify multiple schools simultaneously with a single upload of supporting documents. Parents are also required to notify your school if their student has siblings attending other CEDoW schools.
How This Benefits Parents
If you wish to apply for an extended absence, please email the office on info@scnvdow.catholic.edulau and a link will be sent to you or if you add the absence in notes on Compass and it is over 5 days - it will automatically direct you to the link.
The URL for the new online form is https://forms.dow.catholic.edu.au/to/yVv9DA.
Acknowledgement of Extended Absence
After considering the explanation for the extended absence the school will issue an Acknowledgement of Extended Absence to the parent, regardless of whether the
explanation for the absence is accepted or not accepted by the Principal. The acknowledgment may include agreed matters relating to the student’s learning and well-being. Accepted extended absences will be recorded as explained and unaccepted absences will be recorded as unjustified.
Extended absence fact sheet
CENTRALISATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL FEE MANAGEMENT - ADVICE TO FAMILIES
From the commencement of the 2025 school year, the management of certain aspects relating to school fee accounts in Primary Schools has been transferred to the School Fees Liaison Office at the Catholic Education in Wollongong.
What does this mean for families:
- Your school’s administration office is your first place for enquiry regarding school fees. School staff will provide information regarding instalments, methods of payment, giving access to an Application for Fee Concession and attend to other general enquiries.
- If you are experiencing financial difficulty or need to make an arrangement for payment of your school fee account, please email sflo@dow.catholic.edu.au with your name and the school in which your children are enrolled. The School Fees Liaison Office will then contact you directly to offer assistance.
- Please note that each school has a dedicated School Fees Liaison Officer to provide a personalised service to individual families. This Officer will also have a close relationship with your school. Our school fee officer is Kyeen McPherson.
If you require further information about this initiative, please do not hesitate to contact your school’s administration office.
UPDATED MEDICAL PLANS
Please note that if your child has a healthcare plan (medical plan) e.g. Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Allergy, Emergency Medical these need to be updated annually. If you have an updated healthcare plan, can you please send a copy in to school so we can update our records as soon as possible. If your child requires medication at school e.g. Ventolin, you will automatically receive a notification via Compass when it has reached its expiry date.
VOLUNTEERS IN OUR SCHOOL
The Catholic Education Office has introduced a new onboarding system for volunteers and contractors supporting our school. If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, we encourage you to complete the new process in advance. This will ensure you are ready to help whenever needed!
For more information or to begin the onboarding process, please refer to the instructions below. Once you have completed the onboarding process you need to follow the instructions also included below.
Thank you for your willingness to contribute to our school community!
SCHOOL STUDENT TRAVEL FOR 2025
BUS COMPANY & RELEVANT TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Transit Systems phone number is 02 9123 8620 if you have any inquiries.
OPAL CARDS
If you are applying for an Opal Card you need to add Transit Systems as your bus company.
A reminder from Transit Systems
Please help us supply appropriate bus services by reminding students to tap on and tap off with their School Opal cards.
I am writing on behalf of Transit Systems NSW, the bus operator that provides your school bus services, regarding student use of the School Opal card.
It is a condition of the use of a School Opal card that students must tap on at the beginning of a trip and tap off at the end of a trip at an Opal Card Reader, when they travel to and from school. Please refer to the Transport for NSW website for further details: https://transportnsw.info/school-pass-terms
Opal data gathered by tapping on and off is used to determine demand for bus services. If students fail to tap on and tap off, services for your school may be reduced or even cancelled due to the lack of recorded patronage.
With this in mind, we ask for your assistance in reminding your students that tapping on and off at the beginning and end of each trip is one of the conditions of using a School Opal card.
CURRENT TIMETABLE INFORMATION can be found below:

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Flame Award, presented to them by Ms Foldes on Fridays 4 and 11 April and 2 May. These students were able to submit 5 Spark Awards.
Andre A 1B | Attica M 1B | Cali D 1B | Birdie G 1G |
Olive C 1G | Owen C 1G | Carly B 1G | Nathaniel B 1G (x2) |
Elijah M 1R | Olivia D 1R | Darcy S 1W | Luca C 1W |
Tessa W 1W (x3) | Carl S 2G | James W 2G | Anna P 2G |
Riley K 2G | Ivy Z 2W | Liam S 2W (x2) | Oliver M 2W (x3) |
Yasmina C 2W | Kristian B 3B | Liliana W 3B | Aria W 3G |
Adriana P 3W | Elyse C 3W | Jorja D 3W | Alethea A 4B |
Benjamin C 4B (x2) | Evie F 4B (x5) | Vienna-Grace B 4B | Abbey McA 4G |
Abanoub B 4W (x2) | Lily L 5B | Lincoln S 5B | Jacob A 5G |
Angelina B 6G | Imogen N 6G | Mikayla G 6W | Indiana McC 6W |
Lincoln B 6W | Braxton L 6W | Jaxson T 6W | Alice V S KB |
Ethan M KB | Jason C KB | Kelsey B KB | Lily R KB |
Pauline S KB | Zachary N KB | Eleanor F KG | Everly H KG |
Kaiden C KG | Harrison H H KR | Indiarna R KW | William H KW |
One Red |
Dylan H 1B | Harrison H 1B | Archie C 1G | Annalise T 1G |
Alexia Z 1R | Astan S 1R | Amelia S 1R | Cooper W 1R |
Capri B 1R | Chloe D 1R | Romeo C 1R | Eloise B 1W |
Willian P 1W | Alfie F 2B (x2) | Sofia Amelia T 2B | Xavier T 2B |
Alessio G 2W (x2) | Emilia G 2W | Indiana H 3W | Buddy B 4G (x2) |
Charlie W 4G | Hudson D 4G (x2) | Mia B 4G | Ariana G 4W (x2) |
Valentina P 5B | Grace J 5G | Anja P-S 5G | Audrey S 5G (x2) |
Aiden L 5G | Chelsea F 5G | Benjamin S 5G (x2) | Lily W 5G |
Alisha M 5W | Grace F 6B | James G 6B | Benjamin G 6B |
Jacob M KB | Josephine P KB | Olive H KB | Penelope V KB |
Skye B KB | Isabella N KG | Ethan C KR | Halle D KR |
Matilda H KR | Boston B KW | Hunter H KW | Noelle J KW |
Tatum R KW | Zaiden K KW |
Alessia M 1B | Anna S 1B | Cora L 1B | Charlotte C 1B |
Estelle B 1B | John K 1B | Brooklyn F 1G | Hugo H 1G |
Elizabeth P 1R | Fiadh D 1R | Georgia W 1R (x2) | Samara B 1R |
Zoe A 1R | Darcy S 1W | Grace M M 1W | Nila M 1W |
Zoe P 1W | Clark D 2B | Ethan M 2B | Finley P 2G |
Jack H 2G | Aleecia W KB | Bailee C KB | Charbel M KB |
Evangeline B KB | Eloise B KB | Harvey T KB | Kyler L KB |
Liam C KB | Lucas K KB | Luke L KB | Luka D KB |
Valentine L KB | Colby G KG | Carter C KG | Carter E-N KG |
Kayden G KG | Sebastian P KG | Amelia M KR | Emori G KR |
Eleanor B KR | Isabella B KR | Luca-Antonio V KR | Rosalie M KR |
Cayla O'N KW | Isla McC KW | Oaklyn C KW | Abigail M KW |
Giovanni S KW |
PRINCIPAL'S AWARDS
Stella B 1B | Harper C 1W | Aoife C 1B | Ayla D 1B |
Isla G 1B | Ivy G 1B | Birdie G 1G | Lyla M 1B |
Evie O 1R | Zoe P 1W | Tobias S 1R | Sofia A 2G |
Charli B 2G | Charbel B 2B | Anastasia B 2W | Logan H 2B |
Riley K 2G | Sophie V S 2B | Lukas W 2G | David B 3B |
William B 3W | Bear G 3B | Rose J 3G | Liliana K 3W |
Aston M 3B | Adriana P 3W | Cruz S 3B | Romeo S 3W |
Nicole Z 3G | Riyan A 4W | Jacob B 4W | Aedan C 4W |
Isabella H 4W | Madeline H 4G | Keira K 4G | Alyssa P 4W |
Nell R 4B | Sienna C 5W | Ana G 5G | Robert G 5B |
Alexis N 5G | Sofia N 5W | Valentina P 5B | Ella R 5B |
Darci S 5W | Mia A 6G | Isabella B 6G | Kaden B 6G |
Vanessa C-Z 6G | Alexander C 6W | Emily C 6B | Poppy E 6G |
Hayley G 6G | Sienna H 6G | Braxton L 6W | Hugo M 6G |
Liliana M 6B | Jayden N 6B | Jaxson T 6W x2 | Brooklyn W 6W |
Henry W 6B |
FUNDRAISING for KIDS with CANCER
One of our students Darcy J (1W) is chopping his locks to donate his hair to make wigs for kids, raising money to support those children who have cancer.
The accompanying link can be used to order uniforms, online, at Yeronga School Uniforms:
https://www.yerongauniforms.com/product-category/schools/st-clares-narellan-vale/
Updated Price List
PSSA Swimming Championships -
In the last week of Term 1, the St Clare’s Junior girls relay team (Mae B, Mae C, Charlee, C and Ava S) and Ava S represented MacKillop at the NSW PSSA Swimming Championships. Congratulations to the girls who all performed outstanding! We are very proud of them all.
Results
Junior girls relay team - placed 20th
Ava S
50 Butterfly - 14th
50m Freestyle - 5th place heats, 10th overall
50m Backstroke- 2nd in heats and 2nd in finals
200 IM- 9th
Ava will now progress to compete at the National Championships in October in the Backstroke event.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Benjamin P who has been Selected in the MacKillop Boy's Softball Team.
Netball NSW Cup
The Netball NSW Cup is a competitive netball gala day held at the Camden District Netball courts in Narellan. Students in Years 5 and 6 were given the opportunity to nominate to trial for the Netball NSW Cup team last week. The trials for this team will take place on Tuesday 13 May and if needed Friday 16 May.
Western Region Netball Gala Day
The Western Region Netball Gala day will be held at the Minto Netball courts on Thursday 26 June. The day is an opportunity for students to learn how to play netball in a friendly gala day environment. Boys and girls from years 3- 5 have nominated themselves to trial for the teams. Trials will take place next week during lunch times. Students are encouraged to wear their sport uniform on the day of their trials.
Trials will take place in week 3 and 4. Please see below for trial days: Year 4 Girls and Junior boys will be informed shortly of their trial days.
Trials - week 3
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Break 1 |
Break 1 |
Break 1 |
Break 1 |
Break 1 |
Netball NSW Cup Trials (yr 5 and 6) |
||||
Break 2 |
Break 2 |
Break 2 |
Break 2 |
Break 2 |
Year 3 Girls |
Netball NSW Cup Trials (yr 5 and 6) |
Netball NSW Cup Trials (back up if needed) |
Trials week 4
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Break 1 |
Break 1 |
Break 1 |
Break 1 |
Break 1 |
Senior Boys (Yr 5 only) |
||||
Break 2 |
Break 2 |
Break 2 |
Break 2 |
Break 2 |
Year 5 Girls |
Upcoming Carnival Dates
All primary sporting event information and dates can be found on the Sport Events - Primary website- https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/student-experience/sport/primary-sport-events
Cross Country Championships in Nowra |
27 May |
Netball NSW Cup - Camden (Yrs 5/6) |
19 June |
St Clare’s Athletics Carnival (Yrs 3-6 plus nominated 8 yr old students from Year 2) (Narellan Sports Hub) |
20 June |
Netball Gala Day (Yr 3-6) |
26 June |
Infants Sports carnival (Kinder-Year 2) |
1 August (week 2 Term 3) |
Upcoming Carnival Dates
All primary sporting event information and dates can be found on the Sport Events - Primary website- https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/student-experience/sport/primary-sport-events
St Clare’s Athletics Carnival |
20 June |

P&F REPORT
It’s been a busy start to Term 2 already!!
A big thank you to all the parents who donated their time to assist with this week’s Mother’s Day Stall. It is so great to see so many excited little faces doing their very own shopping for Mum. All children went home with at least one gift with the majority getting multiple. If your child did forget their money on the day, we didn’t want them to miss out. You would have received a payment slip – please return the money to the office as soon as possible.
We had a very well attended P&F Meeting on Tuesday night. We encourage everyone to come along and take part. Our aim is to start on time and finish on time with these meetings, as we know everyone is busy. The minutes will soon be available on our website.
SCHOOL FAIR 2025 – INFORMATION SESSION
The School Fair will be held on Saturday 8 November 2025. With the proposed church construction set to commence, things out the front may look a little different but the show will go on!
We invite all families to join us on Tuesday 27 May 7pm for a Fair Information Session. New families can come along to get more information on the fair and we also welcome anyone that would like to give feedback on last year’s fair or share any ideas they have for this year.
P&F MOVIE NIGHT – SAVE THE DATE - FRIDAY 30 MAY 2025
We are trying something different this year and will be holding a Movie Fundraising Night at United Cinemas Narellan. The movie will be Lilo & Stitch. Stay tuned for further details about the event and how to purchase tickets.
CARE COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS WANTED
We are looking for volunteers to join the St Clare's Care Committee to help provide meals for families.
The Care Committee provides meals for families in our school community who have celebrated the birth of a new baby, suffered from a serious illness, bereavement or other hardships. We find offering practical support to families is the best way to help them through these challenging times.
We are very grateful to the volunteers that we already have, however to be able to continue to support our school community we are in need of some more volunteers. If you feel you can help out once or twice a term by preparing a meal, please email carecommittee@scnvpf.com. Also, if you are currently on the roster and your contact details have changed please let us know.

Please feel free to contact us for any queries at carecommittee@scnvpf.com
Christine Calgaro & Bev Holmes
CLOTHING POOL
The clothing pool opening hours:
Monday: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Thursday: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Eftpos facilities are available
CLICK & COLLECT
FRESH START CANTEENS
Fresh Start Canteens run our school canteen. Details are included below.
Please ensure you have changed your child's class to their 2025 class, in Flexi Schools.