Every year I am grateful for Valentine’s Day. It comes at a time when the new school year has been up and running for a couple of weeks at full speed, at a time when people are connecting and relationships are being built, and when routines and expectations are being established for the year ahead. Valentine’s Day can serve as a reminder to stop, to reflect and to think about others. It is a time to be inspired to show gratitude, love and appreciation for the people and blessings in our lives. 

Recently I have been encouraged by the powerful words from the well-known verse 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, which speaks about the characteristics of love.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

In our Claremont community, let us not shy away from expressing gratitude and appreciation. Let us be a place of kindness, compassion and love. 

I wish you all a special day on Sunday.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Swimming Carnival

Our Swimming Carnival on Wednesday was a great success. Congratulations to our students for their inspiring enthusiasm and remarkable achievements. Our House Captains did a brilliant job. Thank you to Mr Geering for organising such a wonderful event, and thank you to all the staff team who ensured the day went as smoothly as possible. Despite having no parents and cheers, it still proved to be a special and memorable day for our students. I encourage you to read Mr Geering's article featured in this newsletter and to view the captured photos of the day. 

Student Leadership

Last week we congratulated our 2021 Year 6 Student Leaders. They have already proven to be fantastic leaders to their Kindergarten buddies and to others in our school community. This week we congratulated our Kindergarten to Year 5 Grade Captains and presented them with their leadership badge. 

Congratulations to following Term 1 Grade Captains:

Kindy - Darasimi A, Harry L, Ethan K, Harriet M
Year 1 - Tom H, Maelyn G, Lola S, Nicholas S
Year 2 - Caitlyn Y, Jai P, Lily P, Juliette F
Year 3 - Angus K, Ava L, Maelia G, Georgia G
Year 4 - Lara D, Marnie L, Evie J, Billy R
Year 5 - Isabella W, Sophie R, Chloe M, Gia G

Throughout this year we will be explicitly teaching all of our students about Claremont College’s 10 Leadership Markers. We believe that it is important to nurture and mentor every child’s leadership development, and to educate what it means to be an effective leader, even from the early years of their schooling. 

The Claremont College Leadership Markers include:

1. Interpersonal and Communication Skills
2. Organisational Skills
3. Problem Solving Skills and Initiative
4. Integrity and Social Justice
5. Resilience, Grit, Reflectiveness and Growth Mindset
6. Servant Leadership
7. School Core Values of Collaboration, Innovation and Compassion
8. Community Involvement and Contribution of Co-Curricular Activities
9. Commitment to Learning
10. School Code of Conduct

More information about these Leadership Markers will be communicated throughout the year.

Parent Information Evening

Due to the current COVID19 restrictions, we were unable to hold the annual Parent Information Evening at school. Staff have worked collaboratively to create a ‘virtual’ presentation. I encourage you to watch the presentations this evening or over the course of the weekend, and to read the accompanying ‘handout’ notes. You can access all of the presentations, including the Senior Leadership’s 2021 Vision via email later this afternoon. The presentations are password protected, as some of these presentations may contain student photos.

School Canteen

One of our priorities for 2021 is to re-establish our School Canteen. The process has already begun, with the Expression of Interest and the Application for Tender advertised this week. Information can be found on our School Website. We look forward to filling this position, and providing this service to our students and families.

In the meantime, we are grateful to the parents who have offered to serve snacks from the canteen on Fridays this term. This will be a great opportunity for our students to practise using coins. Feel free to send your child with some coins beginning next Friday, however, we ask that you limit this to a maximum of $3. Snacks will include options such as fruit, breadsticks and muffins. More information will be provided in next week’s newsletter. Thank you to our mums Melisse, Helen and Aysun for your assistance -  what a lovely and generous gesture to help care for our school community.

School Uniform

It has been wonderful to see our students starting to wear the new uniform - they look fantastic. You may remember a couple of years ago that we mentioned in our Parent Information Evening that our goal was to update the uniform, and after a long process, our students are finally able to wear them with pride. A particular highlight for many of us has been the girls' shorts. We are incredibly proud to have a uniform that encourages our girls to be active, to have a choice of either wearing the shorts or the pinafore dress and to be comfortable when learning and playing... a great message to send to both our girls and boys. 

As we embark on a 2 year transition from the pre-existing uniform into the new, we understand that there may be a 'mix' of the uniforms. Eg: a boy may wear the new shirt with the older shorts, etc. With the new blazer not yet in stock, wearing a mix of uniforms may be unavoidable. Please note that the new boys’ shirt can be worn as their formal shirt (with a tie and the shirt tucked in) or as their less formal shirt (with no tie and the shirt not tucked in). Our new range does not include a separate plain white shirt.

Our P&F President is in communication with the supplier, Ranier, to provide them with parent feedback. If you have any further feedback for Ranier, please contact Melisse Lee.

Staff News

As you are aware, Mrs Tara Barr has stepped into the role of Acting Deputy Principal for Term 1. What you may not know is that Mrs Barr has taught for over 13 years, both in Ireland and Australia. She has been part of our school executive team for many years, leading and supporting our Specialist staff. Mrs Barr has recently attained the prestigious award 'Highly Accomplished Teacher' (NESA) and 'Professional Excellence' (ISTAA), and she is a valuable new addition to our Senior Leadership Team. 

Our Music Teacher, Miss Madi Holness, is unfortunately unable to continue in her role. The position was advertised today and we look forward to interviewing potential applicants. In the meantime, we will employ a casual Music Teacher and Mrs Barr will run a combined choir to keep the music alive during lunchtimes.

A big congratulations to Mrs Beatrix Kirkland, now a mother to another little boy! Frederick (Freddie) Kirkland was born on Wednesday evening. We are thrilled to hear that mummy and Freddie are doing very well, and that Mrs Kirkland, her husband Ollie and son Teddy are loving their new addition to their family. Mrs Kirkland looks forward to visiting school in the not too distant future. 

And with Valentine’s Day around the corner… 

It is with joy and delight that we announce the engagement of two of our dedicated staff members, Mr Julian Ko and Miss Deborah Tan. We wish them every happiness in their lives together and we look forward to the lead up to the ‘big day’!

Larissa Cameron
Co-Principal

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Website: https://www.claremont.nsw.edu...

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 @claremont2031

On Wednesday the Premier announced the easing of certain COVID 19 restrictions. Any changes that apply to our school will be communicated with the school community next week. At this point in time from our review of the current guidelines, we do not anticipate any major changes or easing of restrictions as yet. 

Thank you for your understanding and support with these matters. We appreciate that these changes can be frustrating and difficult for us all. 

Tara Barr
Acting Deputy Principal

Firstly, may I say what a wonderful week it has been here at school. I especially wish to congratulate our students in Years 2 to 6 for their impressive efforts at the Swimming Carnival. Further to this, I appreciate the mammoth efforts of our team in preparing their ‘Meet the Teacher’ presentations. I am sure that you will find the video meeting helpful, and be confident and excited about the year that has been planned for each grade.

In regards to the ‘Expansion Project’, thank you to the many parents who have completed the survey, indicating if you can assist with the exploring of expansion opportunities. I do appreciate your responses very much and shall endeavour to be in touch with you soon. The link will remain ‘live’ until Monday morning. You may access this here.

I shall keep the school community posted with updates of my progress as soon as there is further information to be communicated. If you do bump into me here at school, I’m always happy to have a chat should you like to know what is keeping me busy. Also, please feel free to email [email protected]  should you have any questions, comments, suggestions or perhaps thoughts for helping further down the track.

Doug Thomas
Co-Principal

In the week beginning 22 February, your child’s ‘Go-To Teacher’ would like to meet you individually with your child, (except for the Kindergarten meetings that will be with the parents only). To achieve this we are offering Goal Setting Meeting times with each Go-To Teacher to get to understand your goals for the year ahead.

On Monday you will receive an email with a link to the questionnaire for each child and a link to book a meeting time. 

We hope you will consider taking up one of these suggestions:

• Complete the questionnaire with your child only, or
• Complete the questionnaire with your child and request a 'phone call time' for the teacher to call you, or
• Complete the questionnaire with your child and choose a face to face meeting time, or
• Complete the questionnaire with your child and choose a Zoom meeting time. 

We value ‘student voice’ at Claremont, and therefore want the students to have their say about their hopes, goals and dreams for the year ahead, and/or for each one of them to talk about what is worrying them about the year ahead. 

Janelle Ford
Co-Principal

In recognition of Safer Internet Day on Tuesday 9 February 2021, Mrs Cameron and I took the opportunity to visit each Grade with the message that it is important to try work towards finding balance in the use of technology, the challenges facing us in finding that balance and the importance of understanding our ‘purpose’ or ‘intention’ when we ‘turn’ to technology.

Like using scissors or swimming at the beach, using technology safely and with purpose is a skill that takes practise.  We talked about our three guiding rules at Claremont - Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be a Learner and how these rules combined with a focus on finding balance can also help shape our choices when we use technology. Below are some of the ways we can apply these rules when using technology.

Be Safe - Maintain your privacy, check settings on each app, remember it is not safe to share your location or other identifying information.

Be Respectful - Be kind.  Think about your comments and actions when online. They have consequences in the real world.

Be a Learner - Use that curious mind to think about is this a good site to visit or clip to watch? Try to be mindful about how you are using the internet and for what purpose?

Often we try to ‘simplify’ things for children. But, sometimes it is important for us to acknowledge the complexity of a problem in an age appropriate way. Trying to use technology with balance presents a challenge for us all - no matter our age. We discussed how this challenge results from platforms, apps and games being designed with the intention of capturing our time and attention for as long as possible.

With the primary years, we discussed the role of dopamine in our brain - how it is a chemical in the body that functions as a messenger. We feel good when dopamine is released in our body and it is released when we do things like eat delicious food, move our bodies or have enjoyable and pleasant social interactions. Dopamine also motivates us to take action and push through the ‘hard work’ to get to the ‘rewards and achievements’ in life, and to repeat those behaviours - even when those behaviours took our time and effort.

Apps, social media and video games are designed with the intention of ‘manipulating’ this brain chemistry. They do this by using ‘rewards’ that can be achieved with minimal effort and occur randomly to trigger the release of dopamine in our brains. Our brains get used to achieving that dopamine hit with this level of effort and frequency, and it becomes a ‘habit’. Little wonder then, that in the tech space successful apps and games are described as ‘sticky’ - a concept the students definitely understood!

Unfortunately, this doesn’t only make technology hard to walk away from or put down, it also ‘rewires our brain’. Achieving a ‘like’ or ‘successfully invading another country’ online doesn’t come with real life rewards or help us develop skills negotiating real life challenges. We get used to the ‘quick‘ reward.  Pushing through and persevering becomes harder and more challenging for us.   

We acknowledge that using technology has so many benefits.  For instance, technology:

• Provides us with networks to stay in touch with family and friends;
• Enables us to access people across the world;
• Supports learning;
• Accessibility to an unfathomable amount of information;
• Access to goods and services; and
• It can be fun!

But we also need to consider what we aren’t choosing when we choose technology. We’re not choosing that walk in the park or that swim at the beach. We’re not choosing to build a cubby house out of pillows or dance around the living room or draw a picture or give mum or dad a hug. It’s important to think about when we choose to use technology, what’s our purpose? If I feel lonely, maybe talking to someone is a better choice. If I want to relax, maybe laying down and listening to music is better than playing a video game…

Finally, we emphasised that everyone needs support in being balanced in their use of technology. Mrs Cameron discussed how the Student Technology Contract is an essential tool in promoting and guiding the safe use of technology and done in a partnership between parents and school to support all students.

Please find below two clips used in the presentation to students. 

Infants - Swoosh, Glide and Rule Number 5
Primary - My Media Balance

Miss Catherine McKersie
School Counsellor

We would request that parents turn on notifications for the Claremont App. This will ensure that;

• You are always aware when newsletters or important updates are available; and
• You will be notified when your child needs permission to attend an event. After you have given permission, the event note is available by clicking the ‘Calendar’ badge and then ‘Events.’

If your child is absent from school, please be advised that there are TWO ways you can report the absentee reason that day.

1. You can simply wait until you receive a notification via the Claremont App at approximately 5:00pm on the day your child is absent. Then you can easily click on the ‘Absentee’ badge on the Claremont App, using your mobile device;
2. Via the Parent Portal using your desktop computer. This can be done after 9:00am on the day your child is absent for up to 7 days.
3. Please DO NOT submit a ‘Request Advanced Leave’ form to let us know that your child is absent on the day. This is for advanced leave only (Eg: extended leave holidays etc.).

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

We would like to wish all of our families who are celebrating the Chinese New Year a wonderful celebration. It is the year of the Ox.

If you want to know more about the celebrations and join in, you can go to:

https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-city/chinatown-and-haymarket/lunar-new-year

Be Kind and Caring: Show kindness, even when people are not watching. Be humble and be kind without expecting anything in return. How are you going to show kindness next week?

Larissa Cameron
Co-Principal

Sometime during the course of our week the students say some amazing things. Here are some that were heard around the school this week: 

Teacher: “What sounds can you hear in the word dog?”
Kindy student: “Woof.”

From a Year 2 girl at the swimming carnival with her hand on her chest; she just came 2nd in her race:
“I'm so proud I can feel my heart.”

From a Kindy child to Mrs Hitchen:
“Mrs Hitchen is your hair golden or grey?”

From a girl in Primary wearing the new shorts for the first time:
“Finally freedom for girls!”

From a Kindy student to Mr Ko:
“Mr Ko, I just need a neck massage.”

Term 1 2021

Year 4 - Excursion to Bundeena - 18 February

Year 6 - Canberra Excursion - 3-5 March

Parent Information Evening Presentation notes 

Parent Information Evening Presentation notes

Parent Information Evening Presentation notes

Parent Information Evening Presentation notes

Parent Information Evening Presentation notes

Excursion to Bundeena - Event Note

Parent Information Evening Presentation notes

Parent Information Evening Presentation notes

February is Library Lovers Month

I love my Library…

Our Library strives to provide shelter and a safe environment for those who want it. A place to explore new worlds and experience new adventures. A warm and friendly place to rest, and of course a space filled with endless knowledge – available to anyone who desires it!

We asked some Claremont Learners what they loved about their Library… 

“I love that you get to read so many books. All the books in the world.” - Noah L
“I love reading books in the library, it’s pretty much like my home.” - Esther L
“It’s a super fun place to read and to colour in.” - Ava W
“I love how there’s such a big variety of books. I’ve seen some that I would NOT like to read like Goosebumps but there are still lots for me to choose.” - James P

What Mrs Affleck and Mrs Kesur love about our Library:

“I like big books, I cannot lie. Giving young people both the tools to research and opening the doorway to reading for pleasure is an exceptional privilege. My favourite thing is when students come and tell me about something they’ve read that has lit a spark in them.”
- Mrs Affleck 

“Creating a space where all are welcome, friendships can be formed, and the love of reading can be nurtured whilst supporting the learning of the pupils.” - Mrs Kesur

This February, why don’t you go on a date with a book!? 

Mrs Stephanie Affleck
Teacher Librarian

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

In recognition of Chinese New Year this weekend, the Library display celebrated this special event and promoted resources with a Chinese theme. During Library Borrowing sessions we listened to the following stories.

Cao Wenxuan is one of China’s most celebrated children’s authors. A feather is blown across the sky, meeting various birds along the way, and asking each one, “Do I belong to you?”. Cao Wenxuan tells the story of a single feather who is swept away on a journey of discovery and belonging. This is a tale that meanders gently along and is captivating for all ages. The illustrations are stunningly beautiful and striking in their simplicity.

We also enjoyed watching animated versions of a traditional tale from China, The Story of Nian, which explores the ancient rituals of Chinese New Year. Many existing customs and activities of the festival can be traced back to the popular story of the Monster Nian.

Mrs Susan Kesur
Library Assistant

Key Dates

Important Dates for Term 1 

Claremont Cross Country Carnival

Wednesday 24 February

IPSHA Swimming Carnival 
Tuesday 2 March

IPSHA Cross Country Carnival
Saturday 27 March

Swimming Carnival

The 2021 Claremont Swimming Carnival was a fantastic day full of fun, colour, competition and plenty of cheering! While it was a shame not to be able to have parents specating, it was great to see the students rise to the occasion on their own accord and rally behind their houses and compete in so many events. It was great to see our Year 2 students attend their first carnival and get involved in the various 25m events. The house spirit on the day was palpable, and the day climaxed with a gripping House relay that came down to a hand’s length difference. Congratulations to the following age champions:

Boys
7 Years - Rosario S
8 Years - Kobe C (1st), Riley T (2nd), Marcus R (3rd)
9 Years - Zachary S (1st), Baxter H (2nd), Max F (3rd)
10 Years - Daniel F (1st), Marcus T (2nd), Hosea W (3rd)
11 Years - Hugo M (1st), Nathaniel C (2nd), Tom L (3rd)
12 Years - Oliver W (1st), Nicholas T (2nd), Nicholas C/Henry M (3rd)

Girls
7 Years - Aveline B
8 Years - Alana P (1st), Mariana CL (2nd), Emily M (3rd)
9 Years - Chloe M (1st), Georgina K (2nd), Lauren C (3rd)
10 Years - Scarlett C (1st), Sophie R (2nd), April M (3rd)
11 Years - Sarah B (1st), Stella C (2nd), Illiana S (3rd)
12 Years - Georgia B (1st), Clementine G (2nd), Ruby M (3rd)

House Points

1st - Storey 860
2nd - Wearne 760
3rd - Hyland 742
4th - Austin 616

House Spirit Award - Hyland

The full team list to represent Claremont College at the upcoming IPSHA carnival will be published in next week’s newsletter.

Extra-Curricular Sport and Morning Skills

All extra curricular Sports will begin next week (beginning 15 February) for those students already registered. Please contact the office for further enquiries.

Monday
3-6 Tennis @ ESTC (7:30am-8:30am)

Tuesday
1-2 Tennis @ Claremont (7:40am-8:30am)
3-6 AFL @ Grant Reserve (7:30am-8:30am)

Wednesday
3-6 Netball @ Claremont (7:40am-8:30am)

Thursday
1-2 Dance (Hip Hop) @ Claremont (7:40am-8:30am)

Friday
1-2 Football (soccer) @ Claremont (7:40am-8:30am)

All students should wear sports uniform for morning skills, and change into full school uniform following the session. The Claremont bus will transport students to school following sessions at Grant Reserve and Eastern Suburbs Tennis Centre.

Cross Country Carnival

The 2021 Cross Country carnival will be held on Wednesday 24 February at Centennial Park. As there are still restrictions regarding parents attending school events, the day will operate quite similar to the swimming carnival. I.e. students will arrive at school at normal time and catch a bus to Centennial Park. They will return via bus to school at lunchtime and will resume normal lessons in the afternoon. It is expected that all students will be travelling via bus (no students being dropped off directly at the venue). Please read the event note for further details and give permission via the 'To Do' Badge on the School App.

School Cross Country Carnival Event Note

It is almost impossible to run an event like this without parent volunteers, so we are very lucky that we are allowed to have parents attend if operating in a volunteer capacity under the most recent restriction guidelines. This would likely involve being stationed on a checkpoint scattered around the course (away from the start/finish line). If you are available to help out for the morning and have a current WWCC number, please complete the following form by clicking on the link. We will be in touch over the coming week to confirm if you will be needed and further details for those that are needed.

Claremont Champions

Congratulations to Sanja P (Year 6) who participates in Little Athletics as part of the Randwick Botany Club. Sanja recently competed at the State Qualifying athletics meet over the weekend for high jump, hurdles and long jump. She placed 3rd in the high jump and is eagerly awaiting finding out if she will make it into the State Championships.

Well done to Marnie L (Year 4) and Jade J (Year 5) who also competed at the State Qualifying meet. Marnie and Jade both won gold medals in the 100m as well medals in some of their other events. We look forward to hearing how all the girls go at the upcoming State Championships.

Mr Joel Geering
Sports Coordinator

Unfortunately due to the current restrictions this event has been postponed. More information will be provided later in the year.

The Uniform Shop is run by Ranier on the school premises during school terms on the following days:

Monday: 1pm - 4pm
Wednesday: 8am - 11am

Methods of Payment: Cash, EFTPOS, MasterCard and Visa.

For new students, fittings are by appointment. Simply book online at www.shop.ranier.com.au

The Uniform Shop is located within the main body of the School. Please access the Clothing Pool via Coogee Bay Road lower side gate. 

CONTACT

Email: [email protected]

Responses will be provided during opening hours
Note: The website can answer most of your questions at www.shop.ranier.com.au

For more immediate assistance, head office details are:

Online: ranier.com.au/contact
Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 02 8337 7290

Claremont College is excited to offer the Commonwealth Bank School Banking program to all students. 

School Banking is a fun, interactive and engaging way for young Australians to learn about money and develop good savings habits. Children who deposit money into their Youthsaver account through School Banking will earn an exciting reward every time they reach 10 deposits.

Due to the disrupted school banking period last year the rewards available during 2021 are…

All the rewards from 2020 (link to pdf):

• Terry Denton’s Activity Book
• Mini Soccer Ball (size 2)
• Treetop Stationery Set
• Treetop Handball
• Tomato Seed Kit
• Emoji Wallet
• Snakes & Ladders Game

Various rewards from previous years (link to pdf):

• Scented Stackable Highlighters
• Icicle Slapband Ruler
• Snowy Origami Set
• Water Skimming Bounce Ball
• Polar Pencils & Pencil Toppers
• Scratch Art Cards

School Banking is also a great fundraiser for our school. Our school receives a Regular Savers Contribution of $5 for every 10 deposits processed per student as well as an Annual Contribution which is based on the number of students who made at least one School Banking deposit in the prior year.

Getting involved in School Banking is easy!

All you need to get involved in the School Banking program is a Commonwealth Bank Youthsaver account. You can open an account for your child in one of two ways:

1. Online

Visit commbank.com.au/schoolbanking and click on the link to open a Youthsaver account.

2. In branch

Visit a Commonwealth Bank branch with identification for yourself and your child, like a driver’s licence and birth certificate. 

If your child has an existing Commonwealth Bank Youthsaver account they can start banking straight away. They just need to bring their deposit in every week on School Banking day using their Dollarmites deposit wallet. Deposit books and wallets are available from the school banking drawer in the office.

School Banking day is Tuesday. Each week you need to put your completed deposit in the school banking drawer in the office.

For more information please read the 2021 Parent Guide.

If you would like to know more about School Banking, please ask for a School Banking program information pack from the school office or visit commbank.com.au/schoolbanking

Jeff Morton & Betty Preshaw
School Banking Co-ordinators

Welcomeasy will continue to deliver recess and lunch orders to school.

Please place your orders by 11:59pm the previous evening. Parents can order by 9:00am the same day but a small surcharge does apply.

To order go to: www.welcomeasy.com.au 

Term 1 Welcomeasy Menu

Dear students and parents,

Have you ever thought about playing the flute? If so, please join me in a 20 minute individual trial lesson (free of charge).

Please email me to [email protected] to book a spot. Please include the student's full name and year group. Trials commenced in Week 3 of Term 1 and spaces are limited. I am looking forward to meeting you! 

Visnja Kosanovic
Flute tutor