As we continue to make sense of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, this week we have also been confronted with and tried to make sense of the ugly face of racism seen in the USA, and indeed across the world. I expect that you share with me the feelings of anger and sense of horror in response to this situation. The #blacklivesmatter movement has become an urgent and necessary voice for change.  

How timely, that this week in Australia it is ‘Reconciliation Week’ as we continue to work for healing, justice and a more tolerant and inclusive nation. It is so important that as a school we are teaching children to understand and apply these principles, values and attitudes to their lives… and equally that we are teaching the children through the modelling and personal example of our own lives. Surely, this is one of the most important starting points in a child’s education. It is also at the heart of being ‘inspired for life’, following Jesus’ example and His teachings, living and working towards peace in our world.

I believe that all that #blacklivesmatter movement represents, is foundational to a healthy community and is something that we must constantly reinforce and advocate for in our society. For the past five years, this has been a clearly stated priority for our school (think of our International Day last year and our annual support of the White Ribbon Day). At our Parent Vision 2020 Evening in February I spoke about the importance of us being a school community that demonstrates authentic love in action. 2020 was to be a year “framed by God’s love”. Little did I realise that what I spoke about and followed up in the newsletter that week, what was in store for us this year. Here is an excerpt from our Newsletter, 14^th February;

May we be a school that is characterised by anti-racism, tolerance, an understanding of differences, inclusion and respect for one another. May we be a school that celebrates the many rich cultures and traditions, reflecting our diverse multicultural backgrounds. Let’s start and finish all we do with gratitude and appreciation and have a sense of excitement about the opportunities and possibilities for all we will do and achieve together over 2020. In these days of rapid change, I believe that we will need each other more than ever.

Back in May 2018, I wrote;

“I cannot stress enough that we do not tolerate racism at Claremont College, and we will not hesitate to respond to any issues should they arise within our school community. It was good to recognise and celebrate the diverse cultural backgrounds within our school community, and to reinforce the important message that each one of us is created in God's image, and we are loved and precious in His eyes.“

 I wish to highlight the wonderful ‘Reconciliation Week’ acknowledgement to country video that some of our students Luke Bunyard (Year 6), Leni O Loughlin (Year 3), Rocco Riley (Year 2), Tex Riley (Kindy), Jemma Law (Year 3) and Noah Law (Year 1) have created this week, along with the many student work samples from across the school (K-6). Thank you to our teachers for inspiring the children in their learning. You can watch the video HERE.

Please join with me in striving for and working towards the creation of a school community that is a safe place for all, which embodies the values of kindness, compassion and collaboration and that in itself, becomes a change agent for making this world a place that we are all proud to belong to, sowing the seeds for a brighter future for our children and all people. 

‘Peacemakers who sow in peace, reap a harvest of righteousness.’ James 3:18

Dear Claremont Family,         

The time has come for me to step down as Chair of our magnificent school. I do this with some sadness at saying, ‘Goodbye Claremont,’ yet with great excitement as to a new development around St. Nics’ Christian Preschool.        

It’s been a long and thrilling journey. I first joined Claremont Council back in 2000, several years before the first of my two boys commenced at Kindy. When the youngest left Year 6 at the end of 2013, I stepped down from Council, thinking, “I escaped!”  But no! Mr Thomas had other plans, and so in 2014 I had the honour of being made Chair.

There are many memories. I remember almost choking when I heard at one of the first Council meetings how much a full school uniform costs! I remember that the then Principal, Miss May, already had a ‘hit list’ of potential sites for a secondary school. I remember the hours and hours that many other volunteer Council members contributed. It has been a privilege to work with such a varied and talented number of Council members over the years.           

What has struck me most however, is the professionalism and commitment of our Principal and his Executive staff. Their respective contributions to make the school what it has become are hugely significant and not to be taken for granted. Equally the commitment of teachers has been very high over the years, as has been the support and friendliness of non-teaching staff. Mr Thomas recently reminded me of how in the early days I used to refer to Claremont as ‘a great little school’.  Now I simply refer to it as a ‘great school!’  And that is what it has become under the current leadership team. I thank them all for the guidance and direction they give to the school and the support they have given to the School Council.

For those currently walking the 'Claremont years’ with their children, in the midst of COVID-19 and the general merry-go-round of life, there may not be that much time to reflect on the influence in your children’s lives of a Claremont education. But be assured, from one who is in the position of seeing his two sons now in tertiary education, the influence of a Claremont education in a child’s life is powerful and effective.

So, my time as Chair ceases this weekend. Your Council will now be in the very capable and wise hands of our Vice-Chair Prof. Marc Williams. I am very confident that the school will continue to thrive under his leadership and guidance.     

Thank you Claremont College! Rev. Craig Segaert BA, BTh, Dip Min, JP

Dr Marc Williams (BSc (Econ), PhD) is Professor of International Relations at UNSW Sydney. Since January 2015 Professor Williams has been the Associate Dean (International) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences with the responsibility for promoting the faculty’s international strategic goals. Prior to his appointment at UNSW, Professor Williams taught International Relations at the University of Sussex. Marc has served on our School Council since 2015, and he is passionate about Claremont’s vision, mission, ongrowing growth and reputation for delivering educational excellence. 

For information about the other members of the Claremont College School Council, see our website here.

Mrs Affleck

In Term 3 we welcome back Mrs Stephanie Affleck to the Library. Mrs Affleck has been on Maternity Leave since last year following the birth of her second child. She will be returning 3 days a week providing Library/Literacy lessons for our Kindergarten to Year 6 students. We look forward to benefiting from Mrs Affleck's enthusiasm and passion for Children's Literature.

Infants Learning Enrichment Team (Kindy and Year 1)

At the end of this term we will be saying goodbye to Miss Lisa Tyson. Miss Tyson has been an integral part of the Infants Teams as one of our part-time Learning Enrichment Teachers. Miss Tyson will be leaving us to concentrate full-time on her private practice in student learning support and tuition.  We wish her all the very best, and thank her for her wonderful contribution. We will miss you Miss Tyson.

In response to Miss Tyson's departure we warmly welcome Mrs Tiffany Knoll into the role of Infant Learning Enrichment Teacher. Mrs Knoll, as many of you would know, has been our Library Literature Teacher for the past 6 months, and the familiar face you see each week leading our online Chapel services. Mrs Knoll comes into the role as a Learning Enrichment Teacher with a set of desirable skills including experience as an Infant Grade teacher in Victoria and Adelaide, and current training and experience in both foundational Literacy and Numeracy. She is also trained in AusLan, THRASS, Fountas and Pinnell and she is a trainer of teachers in Foundational English (morphology, etymology and phonology) a set of skills that will benefit our Infant students and teaching teams. She has also worked in Uganda and Indonesia on numerous voluntary service trips working with children with a variety of disabilities. We welcome Mrs Knoll to her new role.

It was great to have the opportunity to connect with many parents over Zoom at our May P&F Meeting. It was a great meeting with an incredible sense of support, generosity and goodwill for our school community. The screenshot below is of just some of the faces who attended the meeting.

Dads’ ZOOM

Next week Thursday 11th June, at 7pm I will host a Dads’ Zoom meeting. This will provide the opportunity to meet and connect with other Claremont Dads for a virtual beer (BYO) and chat. I would like to facilitate a discussion around the theme of ‘life, work, and family during COVID’ and to provide you with some school updates, reflections and opportunity for you to ask any questions that you might have. Please contact the school to RSVP and to receive your Zoom meeting link. 

Doug Thomas  
Principal

  Follow me @DougJThomas

Are you asking:

• When will school go back to normal?
• How much time are the kids on their iPads at school?
• When are the students getting face-to-face teaching?

All good questions, so I will try to answer these for you.

When will school go back to normal?

School is pretty much back to normal with most staff and students on site, and most classes back to ‘normal’. The changes this term for teaching and learning as a result of Off Campus Learning, are because we want to capitalise on the opportunities for learning that OCL provided us. Most of our students have never been so technologically savvy before, they have had to learn how to use Zoom, and develop improved skills in SeeSaw and Google Classroom, to research, they borrow books online, and are they creative in solving the problems the teachers present to them. Technology is no longer only a substitution tool replacing paper and text books, it is now a tool for transforming learning. Technology is enabling student as young as Kindergarten to find new ways to learn and demonstrate their knowledge.

Importantly technology frees up the teachers to have more time face-to-face, 1:1, with the students.

OCL has given students a quick blast of authentic dispositional skills for thinking and learning. They have never been so independent, and they have never had so many genuine opportunities to learn how to be patient, persistent, curious, focussed, resilient and responsible for their own learning, at and beyond age appropriate levels.

The things that are not back to normal are incursions, excursions, and events at school. While these are all good for learning and for the school community, the absence of these also has given us an opportunity to slow down (pelan pelan) and focus on teaching and learning, with a particular focus on Literacy and Numeracy. Our students have all been in the fortunate position of continuing their learning throughout isolation, and while the students have developed skills we are blown away by, there are gaps that we are identifying and this is what teachers do best. For example, Kindergarten to Year 4 students have handwriting as part of their curriculum and this is an area where we now need more explicit teaching.

How much time are the kids on their iPads at school?

The students are on their iPads less at school because they have the advantage of having their books and other resources at school. They don’t have to go into Zoom to ask their teacher questions, they ask their teachers face-to-face. So yes, it is far less than OCL as we try to find a balance of on-screen and off-screen time at school. 

Having said this, technology is a valuable teaching tool, which is why we are a 1:1 iPads school. We would not be doing our job well if we do not help to prepare the students for their future, a future that includes far more technology than any of their parents or grandparents had at school. 

We believe technology programs in educations exhibit some clear patterns and the potential to adopt technology successfully in programs aimed at transforming learning.

We do not see educational transformation as an option without the use of technology. Although there is always a risk of program failure, it would be hasty and erroneous to draw the conclusion that the absence of technology is a better option. In most cases, programs that use technology fail not because of the technology itself—which is a tool—but because of defects in the program’s design, implementation and development.

Ref.,  https://www.thedialogue.org/blogs/2019/10/the-transformation-of-learning-with-the-use-of-educational-technology/

When are the students getting face-to-face teaching?

All teaching and learning on site is face-to-face teaching, so the benefit of being back at school is that students have access to their teachers all day face-to-face. This includes work done on an iPad where the iPad is the teaching tool, not the teacher.

In our Term 2, Week 2 Newsletter I said:

“Students at school will be completing their lessons with face-to-face access to their teachers throughout the day, who will teach, support, assist, assess, encourage and supervise the lessons. Students at school obviously will have the physical face-to-face opportunities and social interactions that they are not able to access from home. Students will also receive verbal feedback, during their learning, which is normal within a classroom and is the most effective form of feedback for learning.”

 ---OOO---

We love being at school with the students, creating a new normal. We would be crazy not to capitalise on all of the opportunities that OCL has presented. We are inspired by the new skills the students have developed, and we are enjoying the opportunity to slow down and regroup.

Please keep sending in your questions and/or the things you would like some more clarity, you will give us food for thought and you may not be the only one with the same queries.

I am sure you will have realised that I often quote Brene Brown, and this is a great quote we thoroughly believe in:

Clear is kind, unclear is unkind.

Stay safe,
Stay well,
Keep asking for clarity.

Janelle Ford
Deputy Principal

Since returning onsite, some of our students have been ‘over the moon’ to reunite with their friends, but for others, it has been an unsettling and insecure time – a time when they are unsure of how they will ‘fit back’ within their friendship group. As children grow and change, shifts in friendship groups change too, and it appears to be more apparent with the recent time off campus. Conflict is a normal part of any relationship. However, bullying behaviours are not. This week Miss McKersie and I visited the children’s learning spaces and led all students through the difference between conflict within healthy relationships and unhealthy bullying behaviours. It is important we encourage all students to reflect on their behaviours, and the ways we can all make to help create a safer, more positive and compassionate community for everyone.

Bullying… what is it exactly? Many people think that their child may be bullied when in fact their child has just had a one-off disagreement. We teach our Claremont students:

“Bullying is more than just a fight, being mean or disliking someone. Bullying is when someone or a group of people who have more power than you, repeatedly use words or actions to hurt you. It can happen anywhere – at home, with friends, in a group, on the bus or at school.”

We also explain that bullying can come in different forms, including physical, social, cyber and verbal bullying. We have taught ways your child can respond if they see or if they experience bullying. The following are some of the strategies that were discussed: 

If it happens in person, try these strategies:

• Ignore them (try not to show any reaction);
• Tell them to stop and then walk away;
• Pretend you don’t care;
• Go somewhere safe; and/or
• Get support from your friends.

Remember, different things work for different types of bullying. 

If it happens online, try these strategies:

• Avoid responding to the bullying;
• Block and report anyone who is bullying online; and
• Protect yourself online – use privacy settings and keep records.

If you see someone being bullied:

• Leave negative online conversations – don’t join in; and
• Support others being bullied.

If it doesn’t stop:

• Talk to an adult (parent, teacher) who can help stop the bullying; and
• Keep asking for support until the bullying stops.

‘Bullying No Way’ advises parents that if your child talks to you about bullying:

• Listen calmly and get the full story;
• Reassure and ask your child what they want to do about it and how you can help;
• Contact your child’s Class Teacher;
• Visit www.bullynoway.gov.au to find some strategies; and
• check in regularly with your child.

We are currently updating our school’s Bullying Prevention and Intervention Policy, in collaboration with parents, staff and students. This will be distributed via our newsletter and our school website when it is in its completed form.

Further reading:

Kids Helpline www.kidshelpline.com.au 1800 551 800
Headspace www.headspace.org.au 1800 650 890
Online bullying www.esafety.gov.au
Take a Stand Together is a free app that has tips and advice about bullying for young people.
The Allen Adventure is an interactive story for children to help develop social skills.

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Matthew 7:12

Larissa Cameron
Deputy Principal

Let's be respectful, safe and be ready for great learning by…

Walking around our school sensibly, responsibly and quietly.

Mrs Larissa Cameron
Deputy Principal

In line with the recent developments and measures undertaken by the Australian Government, NSW Health and the Department of Education to control the spread of the Coronavirus in our community, all upcoming school events and activities have been cancelled until further notice for Term 2.

The following events are scheduled for Terms 3 and 4 and will proceed depending on advice from the Australian Government, NSW Health and the Department of Education in accordance with the current COVID 19 situation.

Term 3

Term 4

Year 4  - Collaroy Camp - 29-31 July - Parent Portal

In Year 4 Library we have been looking at the difference between 'needing' something and 'wanting' something.

One Year 4 boy responded with, 'Needing something is like when you're having a kidney operation and you really need it and wanting something is like all your kidneys are fine but you want a new kidney.'

We hope you enjoy these snapshots of what we have been up to this week to promote cultural awareness during Reconciliation Week.

We hope you enjoy watching our Acknowledgement To Country  click HERE

Our Year 6 leaders were very busy this week. They personally wrote and delivered a speech to each grade to emphasise the importance of Reconciliation Week. The leaders also read a story to Kindergarten and Year 1 students called ‘Our Island’ by the children of Gununa, Alison Lester and Elizabeth Honey. You can watch their presentations HERE.

We are always keen to chat about how we can build stronger connections with our local community to help our students understand and appreciate the beautiful history and culture of our land. If you are interested, please email the office. We would LOVE to talk to you. 

Mrs Barr, Mrs James and Mr Ryan

CLAREMONT COLLEGE WISHES TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND RESPECT ITS PRESENCE IN THE COUNTRY AND ANCIENT LANDS OF THE MURU-ORA-DIAL ABORIGINAL PEOPLE, ONE OF THE TWENTY NINE TRIBES IN THE SYDNEY EORA REGION. SITUATED HIGH ON A HILL OVERLOOKING COOGEE, CLAREMONT COLLEGE ENJOYS THE SAME BEAUTIFUL VIEW OF THE LANDS ON WHICH THE MURU-ORA-DIAL PEOPLE ONCE ROAMED. FROM THIS VIEWPOINT THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS COULD OBSERVE THE MIGRATING WHALES AND ENJOY THE FRESHWATER STREAM WHICH STILL FLOWS UNDER THE SCHOOL TODAY.

THE ABORIGINAL PEOPLE TRADITIONALLY PLACED GREAT EMPHASIS ON THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN IN THE PRACTICAL METHODS OF BUSH KNOWLEDGE AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. TODAY, CLAREMONT COLLEGE, IN THIS SAME LOCATION, PROUDLY CARRIES SIMILAR TRADITIONS AND VALUES IN THEIR CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION OF YOUNG AUSTRALIANS.

Claremont is a Nut Aware School

Due to a number of children and staff having high risk allergies, our school is a nut aware zone. Peanut Butter and Nutella sandwiches, along with cookies, biscuits, muesli bars and other food products containing nuts must NOT be brought to school under any circumstances. This is very important, as highly allergic students may have an anaphylactic reaction leading to death. Some students are so sensitive that nuts on another person’s breath or on their hands can lead to a reaction. At this stage, products that “may contain traces of nuts” are permitted. Thank you for your cooperation with such a serious and important matter.

When Your Child is Unwell

These are uncertain times in which we find ourselves, asking if our children are well enough to attend school or not.

We are being vigilant at the school and will call you if your child has a fever, a runny nose, sore throat, headache or if they are sneezing and coughing. These are all COVID-19 symptoms and may present only as a runny nose or sore throat or with all symptoms at once. It is important to note that COVID-19 may be present in the absence of a fever.

Our advice here at the school is to keep your children at home if they are unwell and isolated until their symptoms are completely gone. An email to us at the school stating that they are unwell and the action taken are also appreciated.

This Department of Health website is very informative and has a lot of useful information about the symptoms that require testing. Please refer to the online questionnaire that can be done to be aware of the necessity of COVID-19 testing.

https://www.health.gov.au/news...

At this point in time, we must adhere to the NSW Health Guidelines in regards to illness in our schools and keeping everyone safe from the virus.

We appreciate your understanding and assistance in keeping our School and greater community safe.

Your cooperation and assistance in keeping our children and greater community safe is appreciated.

World Environment Day is a day that we celebrate on the 5th of June every year and it is a time to reflect on the importance of environmental action. 

This day was started in 1974, and has been celebrated every year since by businesses, governments and normal citizens from all over the globe! On World Environment Day each year, there is a specific environmental theme. This year, the theme is biodiversity. This word means the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.

So, what is the goal for this year? Well, you know how you hear about those bushfires and disasters all over the world? Not only do we suffer, but, the animals do as well! We need a high level of species in areas so that chances of extinction are remote. Therefore, it is essential that we understand the importance of protecting the biodiversity on our earth.

Above all, World Environment Day gives us an opportunity for positive change. It pushes us to be sustainable and it requires all of us to take action.

By Thomas Lord and Miss Sinead Kelly on behalf of the Eco Warriors 

Here are some other thoughtful contributions from members of the Eco Warrior group regarding the importance of World Environment Day:

“I think that we need to understand how lucky we are to have such wonderful plants and animals and we should realise that we need to protect them while we still can!” - Sarah Ong (Year 4)

“It’s important because lots of places have been burned down with the bushfires and we need to protect the animals before it’s too late.” - Maya Mitchell-Zancanaro (Year 3)

“Everyone needs to recognise the need to care for our environment.”- Lilly McClean (Year 6) 

What are some things that you as a family, individual and community can do  to ensure that the future of our biodiversity is protected?

1. Purchase sustainable products

Our consumption of natural resources is one of the main reasons for biodiversity loss, so it is our responsibility to consume products that are produced in the most sustainable way possible. 

2. Sustainable living

Sustainable living is something that we can each choose to do on a daily basis. Whether it be by taking shorter showers, riding a bike to work, or buying eco labelled products, it helps reduce the amount of resources we use. 

3. Education

As with most environmental topics, education is one of the keys to success. Educating your family about the importance of biodiversity conservation increases your awareness of the issue. As an individual’s knowledge increases, they become more involved and eventually influence those around them to become more environmentally conscious.

4. Be like Riley!

It is hard not to be inspired by Riley Tones in Year 2, who is a perfect example of how we can take some steps towards protecting our environment. Riley proudly continued his work as an Eco Warrior while we were off campus this term. It is hard not to be inspired by his tremendous efforts.

In recognition of World Environment Day this week, library borrowing storytelling has focused on stories with an environmental theme. It was perfect timing to add the following new titles to the library collection this week.

This is a lovely story for children about a toothbrush called Sammy. The story begins when a much loved but worn out toothbrush is thrown out. Sammy travels the world, meeting other plastic rubbish, always trying to get home to his owner. This story introduces younger children to the problem with plastic but also what we can do to help.

Recommended for ages 5+.

This inspiring story is about how Sir David Attenborough was determined to make the wonder of the natural world accessible to everyone and changed how we think about our planet.

Recommended for ages 5 +.

Evie is only eleven years old but has a very special talent, she can hear what animals are thinking! Evie can talk to animals and they can talk back to her. The animals in her local area are in danger and she uses her special powers to save them.

This story has an important message for the reader about the importance of being kind to all species on earth. The award winning author Matt Haigh has sold over a million books in the UK and his work has been translated into over forty languages. He has been nominated three times for the prestigious Carnegie Medal for his stories.

Recommended for ages 7-12 yrs old.

Mrs Susan Kesur
Library Assistant

Wednesday Sport

The sun was out and it was a stunning day for Wednesday Sport this week as all grades headed to Grant Reserve throughout the day to participate in a fun filled Sport session. 

A reminder that for the remainder of the term, students will be travelling to Grant Reserve at different times throughout the day in Stage groups to participate in tabloid style activities. Once at Grant Reserve, students will be broken up into smaller groups and rotate through the different activities. In lieu of the Athletics Carnival, each week there will be a number of competitive Athletics themed events e.g. 100m races, turbo Javelin etc as well as other fun and novelty events.

IPSHA Athletics Carnival

As mentioned in previous newsletters, IPSHA is obviously still unsure whether the planned carnival will go ahead in Term 3, however, they are hoping that it will and planning towards this. IPSHA has anticipated the challenge of holding carnivals for selection of students to progress to the IPSHA Athletics Carnival and as a result there will be some flexibility around entries. 

If the IPSHA Athletics Carnival does go ahead, selection to represent Claremont will look a little different and will also have a degree of flexibility. We will use the results from the Tabloid Sports Sessions on Wednesdays for basic events, for example 100m sprint. Selection for more specialised track and field events will be opened up to students with a background in competitive Athletics who may be able to submit results from previous Athletic meets or students who are able to demonstrate they can meet the IPSHA qualifying standards nominating for specific events. More information about this will follow in due course. 

Joel Geering
Sports & PDHPE Coordinator

This week in Chapel we focused on one of Mrs Stewart’s favourite stories in the bible, ‘The Prodigal Son.’ She shared how she really likes this parable as it reminds us we are never too far away from God's love. He always has His arms open to embrace us and celebrates when we come back to Him.

You can watch this week's chapel by CLICKING HERE.

Tiffany Knoll
Chapel Coordinator

Welcomeasy are delivering recess and lunch orders to school.

Orders must be placed by 10:59pm the night before for delivery on the next school day.

If you are ordering a snack item, please specify in the notes area whether the snack is for Recess or Lunch.

Please note that orders are to be placed on the ‘Welcomeasy’ website and NOT Flexischools.

You must firstly create an account by following some simple steps. Go to www.welcomeasy.com.au 

The Uniform Shop is closed however, if you need to purchase any items, please place your order online via Flexischools. If you need to purchase any second hand items, please email clothingpool@claremont.nsw.edu.au to arrange an appointment to visit the shop.

All new uniform items can be purchased from ‘Wileys’ at

3/17 Green St, Banksmeadow (02) 9344 5796. 

Please note that all communication should be through the email address: clothingpool@claremont.nsw.edu.au

School holidays are just around the corner. Our partner, TeamKids have a wonderful mix of incursions and in-house days planned that promise to keep the kids happy, engaged and having FUN. 

Download the Winter Timetable HERE.