ONLY 4 SLEEPS TO GO UNTIL THE ‘140’ CONCERT

TASC Survey

Every five years the Anglican Schools Corporation Board commissions a review of each of their schools. This provides an opportunity to reflect on the school’s progress and assists in future planning. An important part of the review process is the surveying of the school community (parents, students and staff). The information collected through the surveys provides the review team with comprehensive data on a broad cross section of the school. All parents are invited to participate in the survey to share their experience of the school. We place importance on our parent voice and the insight provided through the survey is most beneficial. You are encouraged to respond to this invitation to complete the survey which will soon be emailed to all parents. 

Virtual Chat at the Gate with Mr T

Please feel free to join me next Wednesday, 31 August, for my weekly opportunity for parents to meet with me from 2:00pm-2:30pm. Everyone is welcome. Bring your questions, suggestions or ideas. Click HERE for the Zoom link. 

If you have a specific question, it would be appreciated if you could send it my way in advance HERE, but otherwise, feel free to join without an RSVP.

Doug Thomas
Principal

Follow us

Website: www.claremont.nsw.edu.au 
Instagram: @claremontcollege
Twitter: @claremont2031

Tuesday 30 August at The City Recital Hall in Angel Place

THINGS TO REMEMBER

1. Costumes arrived at school yesterday and were handed out to the students. Please read the note in the costume pack carefully. 
2. Early departure on Tuesday. Students are allowed to leave early on Tuesday afternoon from 1:00pm for a pre-concert rest. See details below.
3. Aftercare will close at 4:45pm.
4. The students are to arrive between 5:30pm and 5:45pm, staff will be in the foyer to welcome them and direct them to their teachers. 
5. Parents are welcome to arrive to be seated from 6pm. 
6. The Concert will begin at 6:30pm sharp. 
7. Tickets – If you have not purchased tickets to the concert, there are a limited number still available. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. A reminder that it is compulsory for all students to perform on the night. This means they will require at least one family member to attend.
8. Fundraising on the night is for the Royal Women's Hospital humidicrib. A QR code will be available for your generous donations. 
9. At the conclusion of the concert, Mr Thomas will dismiss children and provide instructions for how and where parents can collect their child/ren. All children will have their name marked off a roll with their grade teachers.

Other Reminders

• The address of the City Recital Hall is Angel Place (between George and Pitt Streets – just North of Martin Place).

• Doors will open at 5:30pm for children to be dropped off. All children must arrive with their parents by 6:00pm, dressed in their costumes. Extra jackets and other items not required for the production should be left with parents.

• The auditorium doors open at 6:00pm so that the audience may start to take their seats.

• If you arrive earlier than this, you may drop your child off but you will need to move to the foyer area where drinks and refreshments will be sold… It is a great chance to quietly relax and ‘catch your breath’.

• Please make sure that any extra costumes and costume items (if applicable) are named and brought along in a carry bag which must also have your child’s name and class clearly marked on the front.

• Please allow additional time for parking and travel. 

• At the beginning of the concert, children in each year group will need to meet the following teachers in the foyer, who will then direct them to their grade teacher:

Kindergarten - Ms Hodges
Year 1 - Mrs Wiggins
Year 2 - Mrs Lee
Year 3 - Mrs Crafts
Year 4 - Mrs Robinson
Year 5 - Mrs Shoebridge
Year 6 - Ms De Rossi

Makeup

All children are encouraged to have makeup applied. The lights are very strong and make children appear paler. Lights also blur facial features such as eyes, which detracts from the wonderful facial expressions that the children make when performing.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

The Recital Hall is a wonderful venue and all seats provide great viewing. 

At interval, all children will receive a bottle of water but they will not be allowed to join their parents.

This will be a short break and refreshments will be available to the audience.

PLEASE NOTE THAT DRINKS OR FOOD CANNOT BE TAKEN INTO THE AUDITORIUM

We expect that the show will finish at approximately 9:00pm.

Pick Up on Tuesday afternoon 30 August

Given that this is a long day, children will need to be fresh enough to perform in the finale, which will involve every child in the school. Children will, therefore, be allowed to go home for a rest on Tuesday afternoon at any time after 1:00pm. Teachers will be on gate duty at both 1:00pm-1:20pm (Coogee Bay Road only) and 3:10pm-3:30pm (both gates). 

If you would like to collect your child/ren between these two gate times, you will need to come into the office and sign them out. 

Please complete the form via the attached link by Monday 29 August to indicate the time you will collect your child/ren.

Pre Concert Rest Registration Form

We do however understand that this may not be possible and school buses and aftercare will, of course, still operate. Please advise the bus driver if your child will not be travelling home by bus on Tuesday afternoon.

Children in TeamKids should be collected as early as possible but no later than 4:45pm.

Travel to Angel Place Recital Hall

You might consider catching a train to Wynyard, or from Bondi Junction to Martin Place. Both stations are less than 5 minutes walk from Angel Place. 

Please note that the light rail will be closed for track maintenance from 9:00pm-1:00pm on the evening of 30 August. 

Car Parking

• Wilson Parking, next to Angel Place: 123 Pitt St Flat Rate: $22 from 5:00pm-12:00am. Pay at ticket machine or cashier before leaving.
• Secure Parking, Pitt St, between Market and King Streets: 1 Martin Place (below Westin Hotel) Evening Rate: Pay at ticket machine before leaving.
• Secure Parking 109 Pitt St, entry via Pitt St. (Exit before 12:00am) Pay at ticket machine before leaving.
• Wilson Parking, MLC Centre: 19-29 Martin Place, entry via King St. Pay at ticket machine or cashier before leaving.
• Check the Wilson Parking (http://www.wilsonparking.com.a... ) or Secure Parking (http://www.secureparking.com.a... ) website for the location of other parking stations.

SOME PARKING STATIONS OFFER ONLINE PREPAID DISCOUNTS

School On Wednesday (day after the Performance)

Students have the option to arrive at school late the morning after the concert, arriving by recess at any time prior to 10:40am. 

As usual, the absentee SMS will be issued if your child/ren is absent from school at 9am. Please only contact the office if your child/ren should be at school. 

The school buses will run as usual. Please advise via email ([email protected]) if your child will not be travelling home on either Tuesday afternoon or to school on Wednesday morning.

Supervision

Teachers will be at school at normal time in order to supervise those children dropped at school from 8:15am.

TeamKids morning service will operate as usual. 

During Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, 29 August to 2 September, we celebrate our Teaching and Learning Assistants (TLAs) at Claremont College, whose contributions to our School are greatly valued: Carol Giles, Susan Nicolaides, Nicole Nunn, Michelle Parker, Lisa Speranza and Jess King (on maternity leave).

Our TLAs are one of the School’s most important resources, adding value to what our teachers do, and helping students to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. Their role includes assisting pupils to develop independent learning skills and manage their own learning, and delivering evidence-based reading interventions, which are designed to strengthen students’ oral reading fluency. Our TLAs also collaborate with teaching teams to plan and deliver scaffolded support during teaching and learning, and assist teachers with administrative and supervisory duties. 

This year, we make special mention of Carol Giles, whose 25-year career as a TLA at Claremont College was recognised by the Australian Teacher Aide Association. Of the 120 nominees for the Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards, Carol was one of 15 TLAs across the nation who was Highly Commended for her outstanding contribution to student learning and wellbeing, collaboration with colleagues, and commitment to improving her practice through professional development and training. Congratulations, Carol! 

The Claremont College community expresses our sincere gratitude to all of our TLAs for their significant contribution to students, teachers, and the Claremont College community.  

Renee De Rossi
Head of Learning

In 2021 our school used the ‘Perspectives: Your School in Focus’ suite of surveys developed by AISNSW to support independent school improvement endeavours.  The information gathered continues to assist us in furthering the growth and development of our school and school community. We are using the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and development strategies. 

Last year we presented a summary of the findings in the 29 October 21 newsletter, linked here. 

The first instalment of the AISNSW Perspectives School Data (#1 The School Environment) can be found in the 18 March 22 Newsletter, linked here or on the school website. 

The second instalment of the AISNSW Perspectives School Data (#2 Teaching and Learning) can be found in the 13 May 22 Newsletter, linked here, or on the school website. 

Student Wellbeing

Our overall aggregate score in each component is as follows. In this paper the specific focus is on the third component of the suite of survey data, is Student Wellbeing.

Student Wellbeing is made up of three focus areas and is subdivided into the various aspects noted in the following table.

Together these aggregate scores give our School Environment a mean score of 4.99, compared to a score of 4.66 (based on a six-point Likert scale) for the 60 other Independent Schools who participated in the surveys.  

Our key focus this year has been (and will continue to be) within the ‘social emotional learning’ domain, while at the same time, we have been ensuring that we continue to nurture ‘Respectful Relationships’ and ‘Inclusivity and Equity’.

The importance of wellbeing for students can be summarised in the following way.

Prioritising student wellbeing:

• Is one way to nurture the whole child;
• Provides life-long advantages in health, work, relationships, and creativity;
• Has far-reaching influence beyond schools, to foster wellbeing throughout the community;
• Improves students' academic performance, behaviour, social integration, and satisfaction; and
• Improves teachers' ability to interact with students and teach concepts. 

The importance of Student Wellbeing cannot be over-estimated. 

“Overall wellbeing enhances intrinsic motivation, decreases disciplinary problems, increases academic achievement, improves school satisfaction and leads to flourishing of individuals, communities, and nations (Buecker et al., 2018). Simply put, those who feel better can learn better.” (Ref., EdTech Books)

Janelle Ford, Deputy Principal

Did you know that you have a right to be safe no matter where you are? If you don’t feel safe, please speak with a trusted adult. Whilst you have a right to be safe, you also have a responsibility to keep others safe too. Let’s all do our part and keep ourselves and others safe. 

Mrs Larissa Cameron
Deputy Principal

COVID-19, flu, colds and respiratory illnesses continue to impact our school community. With this in mind, we will continue to maintain our high standards of health and hygiene practices and expectations, and ask you to not hesitate getting in touch with us if you need to discuss your family context or any concerns/questions. 

Our safety measures will remain in place, including:

• Students and staff staying home if they are unwell, and parents refraining from visiting the school if unwell
• The wearing of face masks is highly encouraged.
• Good personal hygiene practices
• Vaccinations up to date (including flu shots)
• The ventilation of our spaces
• Physical distancing and the consideration of how events and gatherings are held

As the pandemic continues it is easy to become complacent, so we ask for your support in being vigilant, as we care for each other and our school community.

We still have plenty of RAHT kits available (these are supplied to us free of charge from the State Government). If your family requires any additional kits, please collect them from the school office.

Mrs Alanna James & Mr Doug Thomas

Mina Wylie: a Claremont woman of purpose and determination

Mina was the first Australian woman to win an Olympic silver medal (at the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games) and went on to become a world champion in several events. She was brought up in Coogee, on the beach and in the baths where her father and mother ran the famous Wylie Baths. Claremont College was the first girls’ school to organise a swimming competition for private girls’ schools in 1902. Mina went on to develop a feminine response to male athleticism, by promoting health, fitness and beauty like a modern social-media influencer. She had to fight to get to the Olympic Games and promoted the idea of women swimming on the beaches and assisting in the surf lifesaving movement in its early days. Wylie and Fanny Durack (the gold medallist at Stockholm) were the only women awarded the Royal Life Saving Society’s Diploma. Swimming in the traditional woollen ponderous and body-concealing costumes of the 19^th century was anathema for Mina. She competed in demure but streamlined attire suitable for speed.  She contributed to the new modernity of female attainment and broke the bonds of Victorian ideas of womanhood. Claremont College had an unofficial motto: A Sound Mind in a Sound Body. It promoted women as equal with men, in sports, education and potential.

CLICK HERE to read more…

Vic Branson

Congratulations to the following students who received either a Gold Certificate or Pennant at Monday’s Merit Assembly:

Gold Certificates

Year 1 - Jake B, Mara S
Year 4 - Lauren C, Connor T

Pennants

Year 3 - Cooper S, Rosario S

2022 Term 3

Term 4

There have been some changes to times for the ICAS Mathematics competition next week, for Years 5 and 6 only. Please view these times below.

Renee De Rossi
Head of Learning

Who would Ginny Weasley have been if we only met her in The Philosopher’s Stone? Would we have thought Jupiter was as kind and wise and grounded if we had only read about him in Nevermoor? These were just some of the questions that a select group of students in Year 1 to Year 6 explored on Tuesday during language and literature workshops delivered by G.A.T.E.WAYS, an independent, non-funded organisation established in 1994 to provide opportunities for highly able and gifted children. During these fast-paced workshops, students explored language and literature concepts beyond the curriculum. They developed an understanding of the different types of protagonists present in the adventure genre, and how they are shaped by triumphs and tragedies; learned about differences between how characters view themselves and the audience perceives them via intertextual reference; explored the archetypes that persist in literature today, such as villains and monsters; and used caricature to produce exaggeration. The workshops certainly challenged, inspired, and ignited the curiosity of our students with a passion for language and literature!

‘I enjoyed drawing characters with feeling, which matched my own story ideas.’ Cami, Year 2

‘My favourite task was writing a story about a character who created inventions to prevent evil.’ Joni, Year 3

‘Exploring characters through drama was very interesting.’ Aidan, Year 4

‘During drama, we engaged in “I am tree”, requiring us to strike a pose and say what we represented, with others joining the freeze frame to create a bigger picture.’Tabitha, Year 6

Renee De Rossi
Head of Learning

Excursion to Taronga Zoo

This term, the Year 1 students are enjoying our Science unit ‘Living Things’. We have been integrating all of our learning to link with animals, so we decided to go on an adventure to Taronga Zoo! It was wonderful to see all of the animals in real life and learn more about how we can care for animals and our environment. We would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to our parent helpers Lucy, Kirsty and Maggy for your support on the day. Below are the highlights from some of our Year 1 students. 

“I loved going to the farm area and learning about farm animals. We got to feed chickens, alpacas and goats.” - Matilda T

“My favourite thing about the zoo was seeing the tigers and playing on the playground.”
Carissa L

“I loved seeing the chimpanzees because they were good at the obstacle course in their area.” Oliver L

“When we went to the zoo, I liked looking at the rabbits and feeding the chickens and goats. I also liked looking at the giraffes.” Eva L

“I loved seeing all the animals at the zoo. I really liked the lion because it was sleeping and snoring.” Christopher P 

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

In Science this term, students in Year 2 have been developing their science knowledge, understanding and skills through their exploration of sound and sound energy. It has been an exciting topic where students have explored the ways sound is produced, measured and how it travels.

Next week, students will be given a design brief, inviting them to design and make their own musical instrument. To make their musical instrument, we ask that students bring in various materials for them to use from Week 8. This may include but is not limited to the following:

• Cardboard
• Straws
• Rubber bands 
• Metal tins (with no sharp edges)
• Rice 

We are very excited to begin this project with students and see what they create.

The Year 2 Teaching Team 

The CBCA Book of the Year Awards

The eagerly anticipated winners were announced last week. The school library has all the books shortlisted in each category including the winning titles.

Book of the Year: Younger Readers

Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for readers from the middle to upper primary years.

Ages 7-12 years.

Note: Some of the titles in this category may only be suitable for students in the upper primary years as they may contain mature themes.

Winner: A Glasshouse of Stars By Shirley Marr

Book of the Year: Early Childhood

Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for children who are at pre-reading or early stages of reading.

Ages 0-6 years
Winner: Jetty Jumping By Andrea Rowe

Picture Book of the Year

Ages 0-18 years. (NB. Some of the books in this category may be for mature readers).

Winner: Iceberg By Claire Saxby

Eve Pownall Award

Entries in this category should be books which have the prime intention of documenting factual material with consideration given to imaginative presentation, interpretation and variation of style.

Winner: Still Alive, Notes from Australia’s Immigration Detention System By Safdar Ahmed

Ages 0-18 years

Mrs Susan Kesur
Librarian Assistant

Key Dates

Important Dates for Term 3 

IPSHA Athletics Championships @ Homebush 
Monday 29 August 

Claremont Athletics Carnival

It was so good to have our first ‘official’ Athletics Carnival in a few years… and what a fun day it was! It was great to see so many students challenging themselves and trying new events, enjoying spending the day with their friends and competing against them as well as celebrating their house spirit and achievements!  

Well done to Hyland on winning the carnival! Well done also to all our age champions.

CLICK HERE for Age Champion Results

Special congratulations to Jade J (Year 6) and Marnie L (Year 5) who both broke Claremont records in their respective age groups for the 100m sprint.

Well done to those students who will be representing Claremont at the upcoming IPSHA Athletics Championships on Monday 

CLICK HERE for the IPSHA Claremont Team List 

I would like to extend an ENORMOUS thank you to the handful of parents who volunteered to offer assistance on the day. The carnival cannot run without the extra support of the parent community. The staff, students (and spectators) are indebted to your generosity in giving your time to ensure a smooth and fun carnival for everyone. Thank you!

Claremont Champions

Well done to Mateo H (Year 4) who has recently been competing in some long distance running events with some impressive results. Last month he came first in the U12 age category in the Sydney 10km run. He also completed the City2Surf (running 14km) in an impressive time of 68 minutes. Great job, Mateo!

Congratulations to Mia I (Year 4) who received a ‘gold banding’ and came first overall for her session at the State Gymnastic Trials for Level 4 WAG (gymnastics). She will soon compete in another round of trials to hopefully be selected to compete at the Junior State Championships. Well done, Mia!

Well done to Ernie C (Year 3) and Noah L (Year 3) who recently played their last game of rugby for the season for the Clovelly Eagles U9 team. The boys have played together for the last 3 years. It is so good so see them having a great time participating in sport in the local community, making friends and having a great time doing it!

Mr Joel Geering
Head of Sport and PDHPE

Fathers' Day Breakfast

The P&F warmly invited all Claremont fathers along with your children to the annual Fathers' Day breakfast. The breakfast will be served by our wonderful Claremont mothers at the school's playground on Friday 2 September from 8am. Please book your tickets now on Flexischools by Wednesday 31 August.    

Fathers' Day Stall

Fathers' Day is fast approaching and our P&F will hold this year's Fathers' Day Stall on Thursday 1st September. The Year 2 Grade Reps have been busy organising some awesome gifts for the students to surprise their dads, grandads and special friends. 

Please login to Flexischools to reserve a spot for your child to go shopping to choose their special gift/s, orders will close on Monday 29 August. 

TeamKids Term 3 Week 6 Newsletter

Click HERE to read the TeamKids newsletter.

Term 3 Bookings

A reminder for ALL families to book and verify their bookings for rest of Term 3. Also, if your child is away or will not be attending a pre-booked session, please assist by contacting Customer Service to cancel your booking on the day. Please note this has an impact on the service’s staffing for each session. 

Please visit www.teamkids.com.au to secure your spot! or call Customer Service on 1300 035 000.

We would like to make you aware that the NSW Government has given parents a $500 voucher to use at childcare centres. This is applicable to TeamKids and we encourage you to take advantage of this great scheme. Follow the instructions on the NSW Service website to apply. Then email or bring in the QR code on your voucher so we can scan and redeem it for you. This will be credited to your account to use until June 2023.

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

Monday: 2:30pm – 5:30pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 11:00am 

Methods of Payment: Cash, EFTPOS, MasterCard and Visa

For new students, fittings are by appointment. Simply book online at ww.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] 
Phone: 9213 0720

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