I have recently had the chance to travel with family and friends over Easter and the past couple of weeks. My work in India was fabulous for a number of reasons, one being that my wife Rowena and three children travelled with me. As my kids grow up (Roxy is 24, Maisy is 21 and Gulliver is 19 years old), opportunities to do things together become less, so this trip was particularly special.

My trip took us to Kotdwara in Northern India for the ‘SHINE’ Women’s Conference. This is an event that my wife and I have created, with the help of our team in Kotdwara. We were delighted that it was a wonderful success. Mrs Dalheim (Head of Learning Support) and Mrs Irwin (Year 3 Teacher) were part of the Australian team who travelled with us, and I am very thankful for the expertise, energy and generosity that they brought with them.

One of the highlights for us all was to hand out all of the colouring-in pencils and textas that had been donated by Claremont College families, as part of our Easter Mufti Day celebrations. Thank you everyone, for your kindness and generosity. Your gift has certainly brought a great deal of delight and happiness to a group of children who essentially have nothing.

My trip to Kotdwara gave me the chance to check in on many of the projects that we have set up. I had the opportunity to catch up with some of the Anti-Human Trafficking Police team and they shared the encouraging news of having rescued 20 children this year. I visited our 6 small schools, presented a leadership seminar to a group of university students and visited friends who all hold a very special place in my heart. There is so much that I could tell you, but I will leave it at this. The connection and friendship between Claremont College and so many children and people in Kotdwara, really is a wonderful opportunity for understanding differences, showing compassion and making a difference in the world and in the lives of others.

Following my time in Northern India, Rowena and I headed to Mumbai where we caught up with some friends, and had the chance to visit another charity project (Vision Rescue) and to work with leaders and some very inspiring teachers who work with kids in Mumbai slums. Then it was off to the Maldives, where Rowena and I celebrated our 30th Wedding Anniversary and enjoyed our ‘second honeymoon’. The Maldives really is one of the most beautiful places in the world and I felt very blessed to have this experience.

Fathering Project Term 2 Gathering

Our Term 2 ‘Fathering Project’ gathering will be held at the Coogee Diggers on Monday 27 May from 7pm. This occasion will provide us with the chance to meet other Claremont Dads, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, have a cheap meal and beer, and to plan some of the Dads’ and Kids’ events (specifically the Bingo Night and camp) that are coming up in the life of the school. I am pleased to have confirmed (tentatively) the attendance of one of the Constables from the Maroubra Police Crime Prevention Team, who will chat with us about youth and family issues in our local community. Please pencil this date in your diary as it’s sure to be a great night.

One of the goals of the ‘Fathering Project’ is to empower our dads and to raise awareness of issues that impact your children’s lives. For this reason I encourage you to read Mrs Cameron’s E-Safety article that follows in this Newsletter. The importance of a father in the life of his children is significant and cannot be emphasised enough. The ‘Fathering Project’ events at Claremont College are organised to equip and resource our fathers to be the very best dads they can possibly be, in the midst of our busy schedules and very full lives.

Dads and Kids BINGO Night - Date change

We have had some challenges securing a venue (at a reasonable price) for this event. Please note that we have had to change the date to Friday 14 June. We will keep you posted with all of the details as soon as we can.

We are blessed

Thanks once again for the support you give to our School. It has been another fabulous week filled with learning, fun, challenge (well done Year 3 and 5 for surviving your NAPLAN exams, for your determination in doing your best) and enjoying the friendships and many other wonderful experiences that we are blessed to have each and every day here at school.

Doug Thomas   
Principal

  Follow me @DougJThomas

Is Your Home Safe?

When thinking back to my childhood, I can recall my parents and teachers teaching me about the importance of 'stranger danger' when I was walking home from school. These days children also need to be taught how to keep themselves safe from strangers when using technology within their home. Using technology can be such a wonderful experience, but sadly there is a risk that our children may get caught up in difficult, troubling and perhaps even frightening situations that may have an enormous impact on their future mental wellbeing.

So how do we keep our kids as safe as possible? The following checklist of useful tips and advice may help you...

Set Expectations

Talk to your child about the types of behaviours required when using technology. For example, how long they should spend online, what apps are safe to use and what is appropriate content to view. This will be different depending upon the age of your child, and what you feel comfortable with. For example, at Claremont, we do not condone the use of ‘Fortnite Battle Royale’, as it portrays behaviours associated with violence, is a platform for potential cyber-bullying and promotes obsessive behaviours. You may have noticed significant media coverage recently about concerns with such games. Technological options like parental controls can help, but it needs to be teamed with online safety education, and being aware of the impact certain games may have on your child’s behaviour and safety.

Understanding What Your Child Does Online

Talk to your child about the function of the internet. Why are they using it? Who is in their network? What information do they share? Are they using the internet to learn, to communicate and create friendships with others, to create music or videos? Really listen to what they have to say – what might seem like ‘just a game’ to you, could in fact be a way for them to connect with people who have similar interests. Keep in mind that while connecting with friends online is a good thing, there is always an inherent risk of harm. Monitor and talk to your child about their ‘friends’.

Showing an interest in the things they do helps build your understanding of what their online world looks like to them and creates a relationship that makes it easier to have more difficult conversations in the future. 

If you Don’t Understand it, Try it

As parents, you need to understand the technology your child uses to better understand the challenges that they may face online. Explore the websites and apps your child uses to improve your online knowledge, and take the time to read terms and conditions. You could even ask your child to show you how it works, as a way to start conversation around online safety.

Set a Good Example

How often do you use your laptop or smartphone at the dinner table? Keep meal-times for family conversations and make this time one that is device free. Reflect on your own use of social media. How many ‘angry’ posts have you published? Take a look at the way you use technology while your child is around. If you notice something that doesn’t sit right with you – change it.

Teach them the Basics

Once your knowledge of the types of websites and apps your child uses is up to scratch, teach them the basics of online safety – here’s four ideas to start with:

1.   Strong passwords

A strong password helps protect the information on your online profiles or accounts. Teach your child how to choose strong passwords, by reading how to choose a good password.

2.   Information to protect online 

Have a conversation about the importance of not sharing personal information online such as:

Login details and passwords;
Bank account details;
Home address;
Phone numbers;
Birthdate; or
Personal information that could be used to guess security questions for online accounts.

You should also talk about personal details your child may be asked to share online, such as location and the school they attend. Some apps allow you to share your current location with friends, or publicly.

3.    Not everything is as it seems

It can seem like common sense to adults, but sometimes kids do not understand that people are not always who they say they are online. Talk to them about friending or communicating with people they don’t know offline. They should never friend someone online that they don’t know personally offline.

4.   Digital footprint

Teach your child that they need to think about what they post online, and that what they post online leaves a ‘digital footprint’ about them.

Whilst many of these things may seem like issues that teenagers may deal with, don’t underestimate how young children may be faced with these challenges.

Social Media

Do you know how old children should be before they get social media accounts? The minimum sign up age for Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and YouTube is 13. Be mindful that the majority of cyberbullying incidents happen though such social media sites. I have been informed by teachers that some students here at Claremont have their own accounts, and they are not set to ‘private’ or ‘friends only’. Please be familiar with the safety centres that most social media organisations have for staying safe online. Start with how to block people, how to report content and how to use the privacy settings. We encourage parents to hold off social media until your child starts high school.

Online Bullying

Teach your child what to do if they were to be targeted online, so they have the tools to deal with it if it happens. Ask them what advice they would give a friend who was experiencing online bullying. What are the various choices they have? This is a good way to understand how they would deal with these kinds of situations if they were to experience it themselves.

Make sure you also talk to your child about how you expect them to behave towards others online.

Let them know if that if it’s not acceptable offline, it’s not acceptable online. Ask your child to think about the person on the ‘other side’ of the screen. Lead by example – think about how you’re behaving towards others online.

What if Something Does Happen? 

Let your child know the options that are available to them – tell them they need to talk to a trusted adult. Identify who these trusted adults might be (not just you). If they come to you, count to ten before you react. When children ask for help from adults, it is important to understand this was a big decision. If you overreact, then you’re less likely to be the first port of call next time something happens. Focus on problem solving and giving your child skills for next time.

For more helpful information, go to www.esafety.gov.au 

Larissa Cameron
Deputy Principal

Last month, the community of Claremont College supported the SHINE 2019 conference for women which took place in Kotdwara (a 6-hour bus ride to the north of Delhi) in India.

This conference is based on the Shine Program which held in churches, schools and workplaces in Australia and all over the world, to honour, value and champion women of all ages, backgrounds and stages of life. 

SHINE - 2019 Kotdwara was designed to match the needs of the Indian women attending. Over 600 women attended the first day of the conference and over 100 school-girls (11-19 years) attended the second day. Despite the 40 degrees heat the women and girls participated in a 4-5 hour day of presentations from all the Australian women in the team. They also shared a delicious hot meal which were also provided. The visiting Australians served the meal to the 700+ delegates.

The topics of the presentations included: women’s physical and mental health, sex education, body image and self-esteem, managing and understanding feelings, safety, self-worth and the value of education and staying in school. The men also contributed through 3 emotional and heart-felt presentations from Doug Thomas (focusing on important women in his life), Gulliver Thomas (focusing on the danger of drugs and the death of his beloved girlfriend) and Graeme Hooper (focusing on his grandmother). Mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunties and daughters were all celebrated throughout the day. There was also plenty of opportunities for dancing Bollywood style and believe it or not the Maccarina and the Nutbush City limits.

A number of local community members attended and spoke about – human trafficking, drugs, and nutrition. We were also honoured to witness a performance by the famous Bollywood Singer, Soniya Anand Rawat, who also joined in the dancing with encouragement from the crowd.

Between the presentations we connected with the women – by offering hand massages. All 700 delegates received a hand massage by the Australian women. Every woman and girl also took away products donated to the conference – a mirror that they were encouraged to use for self-praise, a toothbrush, nail polish and lipstick. 

Following the conference, we visited a number of the schools opened and managed by Project Help India. 

Project Help is the charity supported by Doug and Rowena Thomas. The conference was run by volunteers of Project Help in Kotdwara and Australia. The Australians included 11 women from all walks of life – 2 teachers, a nurse, a social worker, a sex educator, an accountant and a 16-year old student who all worked together in harmony to deliver a successful conference. Claremont College was well represented by Mrs Hayley Irwin and Mrs Brenda Dalheim as the teachers, and Doug and Rowena Thomas being the main organisers. The conference would not have been possible without their amazing efforts. 

We would like to thank the Claremont College community for their generous support - all the teachers who spent their recess, lunch and after school times cutting out resources for the 7 students attending the disability ‘centre’, to the parents and children for donating pencils, textas, rubbers and sharpeners... these were all cherished by the children in each of the schools. Thank you also to family and friends who donated money, which supported the attendance of the women from the slums and covered the cost of a 2-course meal for all the attendees.

Next year we are planning to return to Kotdwara for SHINE 2020.

Brenda Dalheim and Hayley Irwin

By popular demand, this year we have invited Chelsea Pottenger to come back for another Mums night on Friday 31 May. Again this year, we will offer our Claremont Mums to invite a friend if this is something you would like to do, to extend our community beyond our immediate families. So that we can make May the month to focus of Mums this year, we will have our usual:

• Mothers' Day Stall;
• Mother' Day Breakfast;
• Mothers' Day; and
• This, our second evening for Mums, also in May. 

Please note this will not be a repeat of last year’s workshop, but a new evening of warmth, energy, friendship and mindfulness.

To book and pay for your spot please click HERE. 

Last year Chelsea was a great hit:

It was a real treat hearing Chelsea’s talk on Wednesday evening, she was so authentic and shared some simple but highly effective strategies on how we can better manage stress in our lives and live to be the best version of ourselves. I think all the mums and teachers in the room left with a greater sense of connectedness with each other and gratitude. Katy Rowden

It was lovely to meet some other Claremont Mums and staff, and also some Kindy Mums of 2019. The company was lovely, the night was well planned and entertaining with a lovely supper and wine accompaniment. Interesting story from Chelsea, a fantastic ambassador for mental health and mindfulness, hopefully we can instil some grace and generosity in our kids. Thanks to everyone who was involved in making the night a success, especially the Claremont staff. Look forward to the next one! Debbie Lattin

Chelsea was so easy to listen to, and had so many practical tips for all of us to apply. I also loved the opportunity to chat to other mums in our school. It was truly a lovely night! I hope to see many more like this. Betty Preshaw

Thank You Chelsea for sharing your courageous journey, truly inspiring ...and for providing me with new insights into self care. Kim Ogle

It was a lovely informal and welcoming event for school staff, current mums and new Kindy mums to mingle, share stories about their children and school experiences over a nice glass of champagne and nibbles. Very nice catering by the way. The guest speaker Chelsea was a nice addition to the event , she was very engaging focusing on women's issues  that we all could share our own stories together with her guidance on self help strategies the we can take away and apply in our daily life. Overall a pleasant experience for me and I look forward to our next "mums night" get together. Christina Marks

I am so grateful that I went to the Mums Mindfulness Evening on Wednesday night at Claremont to hear and meet Chelsea Pottenger.  What a beautiful, brave and honest woman! Her story is so inspiring and you could hear a pin drop in the hall the entire time she spoke. I love how she turned her life around and has now obviously found her calling in helping others. I would strongly recommend Chelsea returns for the mums that missed out. She is so straight to the point and offers simple tips we could all use. As mums we are great at organising the fun mums night outs but this is so much more than that. I’m sure everyone went home motivated. Victoria Giannikouris

at Coogee Diggers.

Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday 25 June.  More details to follow.

Parents are invited to come and visit the Year 1 Learning Space.

Year 1 students will be sharing what they have learnt during Term 2.

Please note, school photos are in 

TERM 3, WEEK 2 - 29 & 30 JULY

The following items require immediate action.

K-6 - Athletics Carnival Permission Registration - Event Note 2019 Athletics Carnival
Year 1 - Vaucluse House  Excursion - Parent Portal
Year 2 – NSW Schoolhouse Museum Excursion - Parent Portal
Year 3 – Watsons Bay/Kadoo Tours Excursion -  Parent Portal
K-2 - Reconciliation Day Incursion -  Parent Portal
Years 4-6 - Reconciliation Day / Koojay Corroboree Excursion -  Parent Portal
Year 6 - Bondi Golf Course Excursion -  Parent Portal
K-6 - Opera Australia Incursion -  Parent Portal
Chelsea Pottenger Returns to Claremont - click HERE to book

Updated Date for the Year 1 Learning Festival - Wednesday 26th June

The date of the Year 1 Learning Festival has been changed from Friday 28 June to the new date of Wednesday 26 June (2:30pm - 3:10pm)

Parents are invited to come and visit the Year 1 Learning Space.

Year 1 students will be sharing what they have learnt during Term 2.

Learning Festival

The Year 5 Learning Festival will be on Thursday 27 June (Week 9) at 9am. It will go for approximately 45 minutes. Please make a note in your diaries. Thank you. 

Claremont Goes Nude                                   

Claremont College held it’s very first ‘Nude Food Day’ this week and it was a ‘wheely’ big  success! By making a conscious effort to bring in healthy, rubbish free food we saw noticable and interesting changes in our rubbish levels.

In preparation for this day, we undertook a whole school waste audit on Monday in order to determine how much waste the school is typically collecting at recess, primary lunch and infants lunch time. It is important to note that classroom waste was not audited. In order to do this, we removed all of the bins from the school, leaving only three on the playground; a red non-recycling bin, a yellow recycling bin and a green composting bin. To ensure that the students fully understood what items needed to be placed in each bin, the Eco Warriors designed signs which were placed near and on the appropriate bins.

Congratulations on this great effort to improve the health of our student and the health of our planet. Nude Food Day will occur every Tuesday for the rest of the term. We look forward to continuing a healthy and environmentally friendly change to our students’ eating habits.                

Students Quotes:

“A lot of people tried to do Nude Food which is great! It was our first time doing it and some people did forget so I hope that we can get better each week and I would love if everyone could join in and help save the environment.” Zoe Laurence (Year 6)

“I loved it because it actually helps you to be healthier.” Alexander King (Year 4)

“I actually saw healthier options on the playground. I think that people need to be more aware of the situation and I actually thought that the infant kids did a really good job!” Ruby Morton (Year 4)

Miss Sinead Kelly, on behalf of the Eco Warriors

Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) 2019

Congratulations to the following students who have completed their challenge:

Charlotte Lattin (Kindergarten)
Alexa Stathopoulos (Year 1)
Maya Mitchell-Zancanaro (Year 2)
Sarah Ong (Year 3)
Charisma Vijay (Year 3)
Ruby Morton (Year 4)
Evie Mitchell-Zancanaro (Year 4)
Caitlin Chee (Year 5)
Max Stone (Year 5)

For more information and the booklists visit the PRC website https://www.online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html

Mrs Stephane Affleck
Teacher/Librarian

New Titles To The Collection

The Children’s Book Council Of Australia (CBCA) has announced the short list of books nominated for the annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards 2019. This annual award is aimed at promoting quality literature for young Australians and supporting Australian writers and illustrators. Over the coming weeks, I thought I would share with you, details of the books nominated in the various categories. Our school library has a copy of every book shortlisted.

The Picture Book Category: ( Ages 0-18 Years)

In his latest picture book, acclaimed Australian illustrator, writer and filmmaker Shaun Tan explores some serious themes. Tan is the author of The Arrival, The Lost Thing and Rules of Summer.

Cicada tells the story of a cicada insect, who works in a sterile office as a data entry clerk. This book explores themes of migrant workers and workplace bullying through the voice of a hardworking cicada who has toiled away, unappreciated and without promotion, alongside humans in a dreary office block.

The grey, minimalist illustrations in this book really add to the narrative. This seemingly simple story, is multilayered. Each reader of the book will no doubt have their own interpretation. This is a picture book that stays with you long after you have read it.

It is recommended for ages 8 years and over.

Mrs Susan Kesur
Librarian Assistant

Upcoming Events

Tuesday 28 May - Claremont Athletics Carnival @ ES Marks Athletics Field, Kensington

Claremont Athletics Carnival

Please clear your diary and prepare for our very special annual Athletics Carnival to be held at ES Marks Field in Kensington on Tuesday 28 May. Students from K-6 will compete in sprint races, field events and novelties throughout the day. More information will be sent home soon, including how our points system works for determining our Age Champions and IPSHA Team. This day simply cannot run smoothly without the assistance of many parent volunteers, so please consider helping so that every child has a sense of pride, achievement and enjoyment from this day. Please click HERE and following the link in the note to register your child to attend. Registrations are due by Tuesday 21 May. We thank you in advance for your help!

Claremont Snowsports Team

Temperatures are dropping and the snow season is just around the corner.

The Interschools Snowsports event is on again this year for all levels of Apline skiers and snowboarders.

If you are heading to the slopes this winter, why not join the Claremont team for some frosty fun?!

All ages and abilities are welcome.

Event Dates: 15 to 19 July

Location: Thredbo, NSW

www.interschoolssnowsports.com.au

Contact our team coordinator, Shaun Edwards (Ziggy, Year 4 & Indigo, Year 2) at shaunedwards@mac.com  or the office for more info.

K-2 Judo

Students in K-2 have had the opportunity of participating in lunchtime Judo sessions as part of the sports on offer this term through the Morning Skills program. These have been a huge hit so far with students developing balance, body awareness and coordination and having lots of fun in the process. Below are a few photos from this week’s session.

Joel Geering
Sport and PDHPE

Chapel this morning was quite special. The Year 6 students did a wonderful job today in leading us in songs, technology and prayer. Their leadership has gained momentum since Term 1 and it has been really encouraging to see our students thrive in what they’re passionate about. 

For our Chapel talk, Mrs Irwin shared a message called, ‘The Selfie Obsession!’. Today, more than ever, the term ‘selfie’ is a universal word that is understood in various parts of the world. Mrs Irwin made the point that when we see a celebrity, we cannot help but want to have a ‘selfie’ with them to show all our friends who we met. If this could be visualised in the first century, the perfect example would be when a small group of friends wanting to bring their crippled friend to Jesus. At the house where Jesus was located, it was so crowded that there was no possible way for the group to enter the house to meet Jesus. They didn’t know much about Jesus except that He healed and loved people and that he was rumoured to be the Messiah. With their limited knowledge, they were willing to do whatever it took to bring their friend to Jesus. In this case, they made a hole in the roof and lowered their friend. Talk about going the extra mile!

Mrs Irwin concluded her talk by reminding us that we know (or can know) God more intimately than the group of friends in the Bible because we have His Word with us today. With the amount of knowledge we can obtain about Jesus, what can we do with it? We can bring people to Christ for others to know Him personally. 

Verse of the Week:

 Some men took a man who was not able to move his body to Jesus. He was carried on a bed. They looked for a way to take the man into the house where Jesus was. But they could not find a way to take him in because of so many people. They made a hole in the roof over where Jesus stood. Then they let the bed with the sick man on it down before Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Matthew 5:18-20

God Bless! 

Charlie Blevins
Chapel Coordinator

From Monday onwards, only the Winter Uniform is to be worn.

Would all parents check children’s winter uniforms this weekend and if new uniforms are needed, please contact Wylies immediately. Please remember that every child must be well presented in their full school uniform at all times. I would remind parents that girls’ winter tunics should come to the bottom of the knee. It is not acceptable if they are above the knee at all.

It is important that Kindy and Year 1 girls wear their pinafore at school, especially during winter as frequent dry cleaning of tunics does become expensive. Girls should not, however, wear the pinafore to or from school in either Winter or Summer. It is also important that blazer sleeves have been altered correctly. Sleeves cannot be rolled up or under.

Parents are reminded that every item of uniform must be in the correct style and fabric. Therefore, almost all items need to be purchased from Wylies or the Uniform Shop. Please note that boys’ winter shorts are a slightly darker woolen grey and are fully lined for extra warmth. The full school tracksuit must also be worn to and from school on a Wednesday during this time of winter uniform. All parts of the uniform must be clearly named and worn correctly. Please advise Mrs Rochester (Principal’s PA) if you are waiting on an order from Wylies. Again, we seek parents’ support in ensuring that a high standard of uniform is maintained at all times. 

In addition to the Extra Curricular activities, we offer many optional clubs and Co-Curricular activities. We recognise that outdoor play at recess or lunchtime may not be every child's 'cup of tea', and that a range of activities may help foster positive friendships, a sense of wonder and fun. At the beginning of this term we published an overview of all the Extra Curricular activities, where external providers arrive onsite and teach the children. Our Co-Curricular activities are less formal, and are lead voluntarily by our teaching staff. We have included below a list of Co-Curricular activities that are offered this term. You may like to encourage your child to participate in some of these activities over the coming weeks.

Monday

Lunchtime Library - reading, writing, iPads, coding, drawing, chess
Primary Lunch - Woolworths Earn and Learn 
Primary Lunch - Junior Choir
Infants Lunch - Lego Club (Infants) 

Tuesday

Lunchtime Library - reading, writing, iPads, coding, drawing, chess
Infants Lunch - JAM (Jesus and Me)
After school - Eco Warriors (2 representatives from each year group engage in a range of environmental related tasks such as organising the school ‘Nude Food’ day, feeding the school rabbit and maintaining the garden)

Wednesday

Lunchtime Library - reading, writing, iPads, coding, drawing, chess
Infants Lunch - Lego Club

Thursday

Lunchtime Library - reading, writing, iPads, coding, drawing, chess

Friday

Recess - CRU (Primary only) Games and a quick Bible message every Friday recess.
Lunchtime Library - reading, writing, iPads, coding, drawing, chess

We would like to thank the staff for giving up their spare time to coordinate these opportunities to our students. Without your generosity of time and creativity, these clubs/Co-Curricular activities wouldn't be possible.

Larissa Cameron
Deputy Principal

If you shop at Woolworths, please bring in you Earn n Learn stickers to the front office, as we will collect them to earn educational resources. Miss King and Mrs Speranza have kindly offered to coordinate this for us.

The Canteen is open 5 days a week. Please place your orders via Flexischools.

All members of the extended Claremont family are warmly invited to come along and pray for our school community. Toddlers are also more than welcome.

The prayer group meets fortnightly on Thursdays at 8:45am. Please sign in at the school office.

Dates for Term 2 are 23 May, 6 June and 20 June

For those parents who would like to pray for the school but are unable to attend the Prayer Group, you are now able to receive fortnightly prayer points. If you are interested in receiving the fortnightly prayer points or have any questions, please contact Vivian Yang via email vivian@yang.id.au

The Uniform Shop is open every Wednesday fortnight from 8am - 9am. 

The dates for Term 2 are: 

29 May, 12 June, 26 June

The Uniform Shop is situated below the School Hall with entry via the small gate next to the units. Whether you can make it at this time or not, parents are encouraged to place online orders (especially if you are purchasing accessories) via Flexischools.

Please note, the Uniform Shop does not accept any second hand clothing except for Claremont school uniforms. It is very inconvenient if you leave other items. Thank you.

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.

Exciting new Term 2 Polar Savers rewards are now available, while stocks last! It includes an Icicle Slapband Ruler and a Yeti Fluffy Notebook

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.

If you would like to know more about School Banking, please ask for a 2019 School Banking program information pack from the school office or visit commbank.com.au/schoolbanking 

Jeff Morton (Ruby (Year 4) and April (Year 3))
Banking Coordinator