Welcome to
St Clare's
Year 1
Excursion - 30th June 2009
On Friday 12th June, Year One went on their excursion
to Taronga Zoo, Sydney. The excursion was part of our
Science and Technology unit, "Living Things". Throughout
this term, the students have been learning about different
types of animals. It was great for them to see some of
these animals up close. We particularly enjoyed seeing the
Australian animals. We all met for lunch in time to watch
the bird show, which was very impressive and informative!
The day was enjoyed by everyone. It will definitely be
remembered as one of the highlights of the year.
Netball Gala
Day - 29th June 2009
Last Wednesday, the girls and boys of St
Clare’s took part in the Western Regional Netball
Gala held at Kirkham Park. The 10 teams braved the wet
conditions to participate in a fun day playing against
other schools in the diocese. Unfortunately on the day the
under 9’s and junior boys games were cancelled due to
rain. The other games continued with the weather clearing
in the afternoon. The players from St Clare’s should
be very proud of their commitment to training and the
sportsmanship they displayed on the day. Thankyou to all
the parent helpers who trained the players and coached them
on the day.
Year 3
Excursion - 29th June 2009
Last Tuesday and Thursday two groups of very excited
Year 3 children traveled by bus to Darling Harbour as part
of their integrated unit on British Colonisation. On
arrival the first thing was a drink and something to eat
after the long peak hour journey. Then it was off to the
James Craig sailing ship to meet Amanda who was organising
the activities. Here the children split into two groups,
with one staying on the James Craig and the other making
it’s way to the Maritime Museum.
The museum proved a treasure trove of life at sea.
There were the replicas of the anchor from the First Fleet
ship ‘Sirius’ and James Cook’s ship the
Endeavour. On a more modern note the submarine and the
destroyer ‘Vampire’ were a big hit. Everyone
loved climbing down the hatch and looking through the
periscope.
At the James Craig, it was time to learn about being
a sailor and what life was like on board a sailing ship.
Children had to scrub the decks and haul the sail, they
even got to taste lime juice and beef jerky which was
common in the early days of sailing.
At 4.30 a tired but happy group arrived back at school, all
of them a little more knowledgeable about life on the high
seas and the conditions those early convict and sailors
faced on the journey from England to Australia.
Year 4 Parish
Mass - 25th June 2009
The Year 4 classes from St Clare’s were
involved in a special celebration at 10am Mass last Sunday.
Congratulations to the many Year Four students who
celebrated their Parish Mass on Sunday. The students were
reverent and prayerful through the liturgy. The students
were involved in altar serving, prayers of the faithful,
the offertory procession and beautiful singing led by Tasha
Hodges. Fr Michael thanked the students for their
prayerfulness and participation. Special thanks to the
parents of Year Four for bringing your children to
Mass.
John Larkin
Visits - 24th June 2009
Last Monday, the 22nd June, the author John Larkin
came to visit year 5 and 6. He wrote books like
‘Horse Girl’, ‘Spaghetti Legs ’ and
lots more. Year 5 and 6 loved him. “He was
hilarious” says Jemma. We only wish he could have
stayed for longer. He told us lots of funny stories and we
all laughed so hard we nearly cried. Thanks John for coming
to St Clare’s. Alex D.
Football
Success - 24th June 2009
Last Wednesday, our 10 yrs Rugby League team competed in
the Integral Energy Tournament at Eschol Park. After
winning all three qualifying matches, they defeated Eschol
Park in the semi-final, coming back from 2 tries down and
then went on to win the final comfortably against Macquarie
Fields PS. As always, our boys were a credit to St
Clare’s both on and off the field. Thanks to Phil
Nott and Pat Troy for their excellent coaching and to all
our supporters on the side line. Stay tuned for details of
the grand final, to be played against Harrington Park.
Kindergarten
Liturgy - 19th June 2009
Last Friday Kindergarten celebrated liturgy in the
school library. The kindergarten children were very
prayerful and attentive during the liturgy as were the very
large number of parents and grandparents in attendance. It
was pleasing too see so many people taking the time to
reinforce for their children the importance of God in their
lives. It has been said on many occasions that children
have a very clear sense of what their parents value, from
their actions rather than their words. The theme for the
liturgy was friendship and some of the students got to
display their own artwork that included some rather
beautiful pictures of them and their friends.
Confident
Parenting Presentation - 18th June 2009
A highlight of our last P & F meeting
(15th June) was a presentation by our school counsellor
which covered the 10 “C’s” to a more
confident parent. The presentation and discussion was very
informative and dealt with a number of topics that were
suggested by parents at a previous P & F meeting. To
download the information covered and for links to more
information, please see the
Parent Information
Page.
Race Walking
Championships - 18th June 2009
Lewis T (3G), representing himself and N.S.W.,
won a Gold Medal in the U/10 Boys 1km Australian Federation
Race Walking Championship in Canberra on Sunday 7th June
2009. He also came third (Bronze medal) in the U/12 Boys
2kms, was awarded another Gold Medal when N.S.W. (as a
Team) won the U/10 Boys 1km Team Championship. Also in the
U/16 3kms Australian Federation Race Walking Team
Championship, Lewis was a member of the second N.S.W. Team
entry and they achieved 3rd place so Lewis was awarded with
another Bronze Medal. Congratulations!
Sports Wrap Up
- 17th June 2009
Congratulations to James B, Joshua R, Hayden F, Sean K and
Ricardo R who made the diocesan team for Rugby Union at
Friday’s trial. Well done to all of the boys.
Good luck to the under 10’s team competing in the
Integral Energy Cup (formerly Dairy Farmers Cup) tomorrow
at Eschol Park. We wish the team well.
Best of luck to Brent R, Joel S, James B and Joshua R as
they compete in the MacKillop Cross Country on Friday.
Year 3 Mass -
16th June 2009
Last Sunday many families of St Clare’s
attended the special Year 3 Mass at St Paul’s Church.
The celebration focused on the feast of the Body and Blood
of Christ. During the Mass the children from our school
participated fully in the celebration with their singing,
their prayers and in a most reverent and prayerful
liturgical movement at the thanksgiving. Thank you to the
staff of St Clare’s for the work they put into
preparing the children for this celebration. Thank you also
to the children for the enthusiastic and prayerful way in
which they entered into the celebration. We wish them every
blessing as they prepare for their First Communion later in
the year.
Confirmation -
15th June 2009
On the weekend of the 6th and 7th June the students
of Year 6 joined with the Parish Community to celebrate the
Sacrament of Confirmation. Each of the Masses conducted
over the weekend were a most beautiful, prayerful and
reverent celebration. Congratulations to all those who were
responsible for ensuring that the celebrations were such a
success. Thank you to the staff of St Clare’s for
their role in preparing the children for this most
significant public celebration of faith, well done to all
involved and congratulations to the Year 6 students of St
Clare’s.
Reconciliation
Week - 1st June 2009
On Monday 25th St Clare’s recognized
Reconciliation Week with a visitors from Janangalee
Elder’s Group at Minto. The children prepared for the
day by learning about one aspect of Aboriginal culture,
reflecting on the effect the separation of families may
have had on the maintenance of culture and also creating a
craft display. The school gathered to reflect on the Stolen
Generations and to pray for peace for all Australians.
Years 3 and 4 were then able to meet with the Elders
in the school library to listen to stories and ask
questions.
Thank you to all the staff involved in planning the day and
preparing the children. A big thank you to the children who
showed great respect to the visitors. We are very lucky to
have the Elders visiting us during this busy week and we
thank them and their Carers.
National
Simultaneous Storytime - 29th May 2009
At 11am on Wednesday, May 27, many of the students
gathered in the school library to enjoy a Readers’
Theatre adaptation of ‘Pete the Sheep.’ This
story, written by Jackie French and illustrated by Bruce
Whatley, was chosen as the story for Simultaneous Storytime
in 2009. This event is celebrated throughout Australia in
school and public libraries as well as in pre-school
centres.
Students and two guest staff members entertained the
crowds with their presentation of ‘Pete the
Sheep.’ There was fun, wigs and colour everywhere as
the shearers, the sheep, the dogs and other cast members
gave the actors some stunning hair styles. Who would go
back to a shearing shed when you could have your hair
styled at Shaun’s Sheep Salon?
Congratulations to all the students involved in this
presentation.
Diocesan Cross
Country - 27th May 2009
On Tuesday 19th May, 30 of St Clare’s best
runners went to Nowra to compete in the diocesean cross
country championships. The early 7.30am departure from
school didn’t deter our high spirited athletes, Mrs
Sheedy and myself. Due to the weather, the usual walking of
the course was cancel, but it didn’t phase those
running for the first time in Nowra. In the true St
Clare’s spirit, all the children ran their very best
and improved in positions from last year’s race. Most
students placed above 55, running against 120 other
students of the dioceses.
For those who trained 3 times a week at school,
giving up their lunch times, and 1 afternoon a week at
William Howe Reserve, their hard work paid off in the
amazing results they achieved. Thank you Ben, Keeran,
Caitlin, Bent, Angus, Joel, Tara, Margo, Amy, Jordan, Kyle,
Katarina, Anastasia, Jessica, Olivia for showing us what
extra effort can achieve. It was a pleasure for my daughter
Hayley and myself to have trained you. Brent R (2nd), Joel
S (4th), James B (4th) and Josh R (5th) will be going on to
the next level of competition CCC at Eastern Creek on the
19th June. Good luck guys. St Clares is proud of all of
you! Mrs Virgo.
Sports
Carnival - 22nd May 2009
Last Friday 15th May we had our Sports Carnival. The
day began with the 100m sprints with some wonderful
cheering by all our house colours. The tabloids followed
and we all enjoyed the variety of activities. We ended the
day by watching the 100m finals and the colour relay. St
Clare’s certainly has some talented up coming
athletes for the future. The blue house was the over all
winning house! Go Eucalypt! Many thanks go out to all the
helpers who assisted on the day and our very own ladies at
the recording table who worked tirelessly.
Donna Rae and Sheereen Brunetta
View the photo gallery of this
event..
NSW Rugby
League Vice President’s Gala Day - 12th May
2009
Last Wednesday St Clare’s sent 10 students to compete
in the 7 a-side NSWRL Vice Presidents Gala Day held at the
Camden Golf Club. What an effort boys!! In a stand-out
effort by all ten players we were undefeated throughout our
5 matches, with a crushing 5 tries to nil win over John
Warby in the semi-final. This team will now go on play the
grand final at the Campbelltown Sports Stadium prior to the
Broncos and Tigers match on Friday, 22nd May. Thanks to Col
Rooke for his great coaching and to all the parents who
were able to make it to cheer our boys on. A special
mention should also go to Ben H from Year 6 who on his own
initiative, gave up his place in the team to allow Jarrod A
to play as Jarrod missed the trials. Ben is a great player
in his own right, but Jarrod certainly justified
Ben’s very sporting gesture. Well done boys!!
Can’t wait till the grand final! If you are a footy
fan, why not bring the family out and support St
Clare’s!
Playground
Equipment - 11th May
On Friday afternoon Mr Devine was asked to sign off
on the project. We are delighted to receive this new
addition to the school and are most grateful to the current
P&F executive for the time they have put in to planning
and coordination of this project. The children, in their
classes, are taking turns to use and play on the equipment.
On Friday during a break in the Sports Carnival we hope to
have an official opening.
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