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And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Acts 2:2–4
Dear Parents and Carers,
This Sunday, as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we also celebrate the birth of the Church. Pentecost happens 50 days after Easter, and it celebrates when the Holy Spirit came down upon Mary and the Apostles.
The Apostles were gathered together, feeling lost and unsure after Jesus had ascended into heaven. Suddenly, there was a sound like a strong wind, and what looked like flames of fire appeared over each of their heads. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and had the courage and power to go out and share the Good News of Jesus with everyone, even speaking in different languages so everyone could understand.
The Holy Spirit gave the Apostles the gifts they needed to be brave and spread Jesus' message of love and hope to the whole world. As Catholics, we are reminded of the wonderful gifts He gives us, like wisdom, understanding, courage, and kindness. These gifts help us to be better followers of Jesus and to make a positive difference in our own lives and in the lives of others.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our school community is continually guided by our annual improvement goals, targets, and priorities, which act as a compass for our daily work. These goals are deeply rooted in the idea of 'pivoting back to purpose' and 'knowing your WHY.' Understanding our individual and collective purpose, asking "What is my purpose?" and "What do I value?", helps guide how we live and what we prioritise. This mindset of purpose, often involving connecting with others and being an active community member, can be incredibly helpful when navigating challenges.
In this newsletter is an outline of our key annual improvement goals, including some of the strategies we are employing, and the evidence of impact.
Our three focus areas are:
- Catholic Life: Our 2025 focus is on ensuring our staff possess a deep knowledge and understanding of Scripture, Theology, and the Catholic Traditions of the RE curriculum, recognising how this knowledge impacts them as Catholic Educators. This ongoing spiritual and intellectual formation is vital to our school's identity.
- Mathematics: Our commitment here is to ensure every student is challenged to achieve expected growth in this fundamental area.
- Parent Partnership: We are striving for parent/school partnerships that truly support students to be ready to learn, acknowledging the powerful impact of a strong home-school connection.
To deepen our expertise and refine our approaches, our staff will be participating in a Staff Development Day next Tuesday. Throughout the day, our staff will be immersed in analysing student data and investigating how the use of Bump it Up Walls and Individual Learning Goals challenge students to achieve expected growth in Mathematics.
We appreciate your ongoing support as we work together to nurture purposeful learners, grounded in faith, and ready for success.
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.
Yours in partnership,
Marg Foldes
Principal
Staff Development Day Reminder
A staff development day is scheduled for Tuesday, 10 June. On this day, there will be no classes for students, as staff will be participating in professional learning activities aligned with our annual improvement goals. Thank you for your understanding and support
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held in Week 10 of Term 2. These conferences provide families with the opportunity to meet with classroom teachers to discuss student progress and Semester 1 Reports for 2025. Conferences will run from Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July, with morning sessions from 7:30–8:15 am and afternoon sessions from 2:45–5:00 pm (extended to 7:00 pm on Tuesday). Each meeting will last 15 minutes and can be booked via the PST module on COMPASS from Monday 16 June at 3:00 pm. Families are strongly encouraged to participate, and support is available through the school office if needed.
Pathway to Wellbeing Parent Sessions
St Clare’s Catholic Parish Primary School, in partnership with Catholic Care, is offering two wellbeing sessions for parents and carers to support children’s emotional health. The first session, Emotion Coaching, will be held on Tuesday 17 June from 8:30–10:30 am, focusing on helping parents understand and guide their children’s emotions using Dr Gottman’s approach. The second session, Understanding Anxiety in Children, takes place on Tuesday 1 July from 8:30–10:30 am, and will explore the causes of anxiety, how it affects the brain, and ways to support anxious children. Both sessions will be held in the school hall—please RSVP via the provided QR codes.
Bullying in schools: Parent Survey
The Australian Parents Council (APC) is seeking feedback from families to gain a deeper understanding of experiences and concerns related to bullying in schools. Insights gathered through this brief survey—taking less than four minutes to complete—will inform APC’s national advocacy efforts to promote safer and more supportive school environments. Responses are requested by Friday, 20th June 2025. To participate, please complete the survey here: https://austparents.schoolzineplus.com/survey/16.
Mr Joel Jarrett
Assistant Principal
SABBATH WEEK
Each term in Week 7, St Clare’s celebrates Sabbath Week. It is a time to pause from all the busyness of life and allow students, staff and families to pause from daily routines. This term, we are focusing on the wellbeing of our students and staff. Our aim is to create a week that fosters not only academic success but also a sense of inner peace, resilience, and community. All students will have an opportunity to engage in a variety of wellbeing activities and strategies.
In Sabbath Week we encourage students and their families to have some respite from home learning and other meetings and simply spend more time with family and gather in prayer. As we continue our collective journey of nurturing wellbeing, some activities to encourage wellbeing and connection within your family life include, nature walks, family games night, tech-free time, emotional check-ins, family yoga, cooking together, gratitude jar or collage.
Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation: A Milestone of Faith!
Many of our Year 6 students will soon be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation! This is a special and significant milestone on their faith journey within our Catholic community. Through this beautiful sacrament, our students will receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, deepening the grace they first received at Baptism. They are strengthened and empowered to live out their Catholic faith more fully, becoming active witnesses to Christ in the world. The Confirmation ceremonies are on Saturday 5 July (1pm, 3pm, 5pm) and Sunday 6 July (10am, 12:30pm).
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mrs Jennifer English
Religious Education Coordinator
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
Term 2, Weeks 7 & 8 Fortnightly Focus is "I can be a person of peace.'
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.
PB4L Signage Update at St Clare’s
At St Clare’s, we have recently updated our PB4L signage around the school. These refreshed visuals serve as a helpful reminder for students of our fortnightly focus, supporting them to understand and consistently demonstrate positive behaviours. We’re proud to create an environment that fosters respect, responsibility, and safety across our school community.
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2025 |
Any additional dates will be updated on the Compass parent calendar and future newsletters |
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June |
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Tuesday 3 |
Mabo Day |
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Thursday 5 |
World Environment Day |
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Friday 6 |
Flame Awards Years 3 - 6 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. |
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Monday 9 |
King's Birthday Public Holiday |
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Tuesday 10 |
Staff Development Day - no school for students |
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Friday 13 |
Flame Awards K, 1 & 2 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. |
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Friday 20 |
Athletics Carnival at Narellan Athletics Hub Flame awards to be confirmed |
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Thursday 26 & Friday 27 |
Year 6 Canberra excursion |
| July | |
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3 - 10 |
Naidoc Week |
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Friday 4 |
Principal's Awards 1.45 p.m. in the hall Last day of Term 2 |
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Monday 21 |
Staff Development Day (no school for students) |
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Tuesday 22 |
Term 3 begins |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Flame Award, presented to them by Ms Foldes on Fridays 23 and 30 May. These students were able to submit 5 Spark Awards.
| Ayla D 1B | Ari M 1B | Archie E 1B | Cali D 1B |
| Callum H 1B x2 | Estelle B 1B | Ivy C 1B | Lyla M 1B |
| Chloe M 1G | Klutch J 1G | Lyla O 1G | Lachlan M 1G |
| Sophie S 1G | Zane S 1G | Kenneth A 1G | Alena A 1R |
| Aaliyah R 1R | Amelia S 1R | Curtis P 1R | Evie O 1R |
| Malachi F 1R | Romeo C 1R | Toby S 1R | Jemma N 1R |
| Evelyn M 2B | Sophie V 2B | Summer D 2B | Oliver P 2B |
| Lily E 2G | Sofia A 2B | James W 2G | Anastasia B 2W |
| Aubrey M 2W | Everley V 2W | Lola O 2W | Max L 2W |
| Zara M 2W | Alice V KB | Evangeline B KB | Eloise B KB |
| Kelsey B KB | Penelope V KB | Skye B KB | Harvey T KB |
| Ezio A KG | Max H KG | Ted S KG | Arthur G KR |
| Harper F KR | Halle D KR | Ivy G KR | Cooper E KR |
| Darcy F KR | Aria M KW | Andy M KW | Charlotte M KW |
| Kyrie M KW | One White | One Blue | One Green |
| One Red |
| Averyl A 1G | Nathaniel B 1G | Samara B 1R | Carly B 1G |
| Samantha B 1R | Emily B 1G | Eloise B 1W | Nicholas C 1R |
| Ivy C 1B | Olive C 1G | Owen C 1G | Leonardo D 1B |
| Ruby D 1G | Fiadh D 1R | Paige G 1R | Henry J 1R |
| Pia K 1W | Attica M 1B | Mia S 1B | Amelia S 1R |
| Sophie S 1G | Astan S 1R | Nate T 1G | Georgia W 1R |
| Yasmina C 2W | Grace F 2W | Alessio G 2W | Max L 2W |
| Alexandra M 2G | Pearl M 2G | Ethan M 2B | Elsie O'R 2B |
| Sofia Amelie T 2B | Charlie C 3G | Beau H 3W | Jagger F 3W |
| Isabella L 3G | Olivia P 3B | Liliana W 3B | Alethea A 4B |
| Tatum B 4B | Abanoub B 4W | Harrison C 4G | Alannah C 4G |
| Micah F 4G | Theodore F 4G | Olivia R 4B | Daniella R 4G |
| Grayson B 5B (x2) | Aprilia D 5G | Zander F 5B | Arya S 5W |
| Abel B 6W | Hendrix F 6W | Peyton H 6B |
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
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
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.
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION IN SCHOOLS.
We are attaching the current Catholic Education Office Administration of Medication Policy for your information. Please note if you are supplying a Schedule 8 drug (e.g. Ritalin, Dexamphetamine) that a Specialist letter must be supplied with the diagnosis,name of medication and dosage requirements. In the policy it gives you options of containers, however to ensure the safety of the children and to save parents coming in every Monday morning, we request that a Webster pack (available from the chemist) is supplied.
VOLUNTEERS/CONTRACTORS 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!
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COLLECTING CHILDREN
If you need to pick up your children during break times, it would be appreciated if you email the school in the morning and we can organise to have your child in the office.
First Break 10.15 a.m. to 10.55 a.m.
Second Break 12.55 p.m. to 1.35 p.m.
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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.
CURRENT TIMETABLE INFORMATION can be found below:
FUTURE FORWARD 2025
Congratulations
On Friday 30 May Isaac C, Mitchell R, Benjamin S and Emily C represented the Wollongong Diocese in the Football Boy's and Girl's Teams. A further congratulations to Isaac C who has been Selected in the MacKillop boy's Football Team and Emily C who has been Selected in the MacKillop girl's Football Team (Soccer). They will now compete in Ballina in August.
Cross Country Selection Trials
Congratulations to the ten St Clare’s Students who competed at the Cross Country Selection Trials in Unanderra on Tuesday 27 May. The conditions were extremely tough with a very fast track and extremely windy conditions. All our students performed exceptionally well.
The following students will now compete at the NSWCPS (Mackillop) Cross Country to be held at the Sydney Equestrian Centre on Wednesday 11 June.
Zayne J Tyler J Isabella B Lucas C Mitchell R
AFL Paul Kelly Cup Greater Regional Final
Congratulations to our St Clare’s Girl's AFL Team who competed at the AFL Pul Kelly Cup Greater Regional Finals at Blacktown on Tuesday 27 May. Due to the date clash with Cross Country 3 members of the team couldn’t attend. A big thank you to the girls who stepped up and played in these girl's positions to allow the team to still compete. The girls had a wonderful day winning their first two games and progressing to the semi finals. A big thank you to Mrs Beauchamp who coached the team.
Yrs 3-6 Athletics Carnival- 20 June 2025
A reminder the compass event needs to be completed by this Friday 6 June.
We desperately need more volunteers to help run our events. If you are available please indicate your availability on the compass questions or email info@scnvdow.catholic.edu.au
All children from Years 3 to Year 6 will participate in our St Clare’s Athletics Carnival on Friday 20 June at Narellan Sport's Hub. The carnival will run over the full school day. Students will be transported by bus from school to the stadium and back to school. The buses will depart St Clare’s from 9.15 am and will return in time for afternoon dismissal. Please consent for your child to attend this carnival.
This year, students who are turning 8 in 2025 in Yr 2 and display a high level of speed are able to opt in to compete at this carnival via the Compass questions. The main purpose of this is to select the two fastest 8 year old children to represent St Clare's at the Western Region Athletics carnival in the event of the 100m sprint. Unfortunately, those students who turn 7 in 2025 and are in yr 2 are not eligible to compete or attend. All of Year 2 will attend the Infants Sports Carnival in term 3
The events of 200m, shot put, discus, long jump, high jump and 800m are classified in the following age group divisions:
Seniors - 12 yr olds
11s- 11 year olds
Juniors- 8, 9 and 10yr olds.
Due to the Junior age category comprising of children aged, 8, 9 and 10 years old, students who are in the 8yr age group are highly unlikely to be selected in these events.
During sport and fitness lessons this term, Mrs Parkes and the classroom teachers have been recording, measuring and timing the students in the events of shotput and the sprint races. Students will be placed in order based on their abilities.
Students who wish to be selected in the St Clare's team in the events of long jump and discus will need to be nominated via the questions in this event. Students who are nominated must display a high level of skill in these events (eg. compete in little athletics).
The events of 800m and high jump will be held in the morning prior to the commencement of the carnival. Students who wish to compete in the 800m race and/or high jump will firstly need to nominate via the questions in this event and secondly students must be transported to the athletics track to be ready to compete at 8am.
Students wishing to be considered for 1500m, please answer the questions in the question section. Please provide proof such as a photo of your Little Athletics results to be considered for these events? Results can be emailed to info@scnvdow.catholic.edu.au and attention to Megan Parkes before the Athletics carnival.
The Western Regional Athletics Carnival will be held at Campbelltown Athletics Track on Friday, 8 August 2025. After the Carnival, we will add students to a compass event who meet qualifying standards and have been selected as part of our school team.
It is essential that students who are nominating for Long jump, discus, high jump and 800m are nominated on this compass event, by the due date. Unfortunately, nominations on the day of the carnival will not be able to be accommodated.
We are looking forward to a great day.
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. A compass event will be sent out this week for students who have been selected into teams. Each team requires a Parent Volunteer to coach the teams. If you are available to assist on the day please answer the event questions. No netball experience is necessary.
AFL Clinics
During week 6 sport lessons, development officers from AFL havel be teaching skills and playing fun games with the students. The AFL will be running after school clinics from week 7 onwards on Thursday afternoons at Liquidamber Reserve. Students attending the after school clinics will need to be collected by parents and taken to the reserve after dismissal at 2.35 pm. There will be no access to the field via the back gate. Students who attend ABLE will be taken to the Reserve by the Able teachers. There will be no supervision by St Clare’s staff members. Please find more information below in the flyer.
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
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Netball NSW Cup - Camden (Yrs 5/6) |
19 June |
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St Clare’s Athletics Carnival (Yrs 3-6 plus nominated 8 yr old students from yr 2) |
20 June |
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Netball Gala Day (Yr 3-6) |
26 June |
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Infant's Sports carnival (Kinder, Year 1 & Year 2) |
1 August (week 2 Term 3) |
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.