A Message from Mr Thomas
Concert Wrap Up
What a mixture of emotions we are all presently experiencing – such exhilaration, joy, happiness, satisfaction and pride in our many achievements. A number of children have commented that they are also feeling extremely sad, basically because they did not want the concert to ever come to an end. “Can we do it again?” asked one boy on Wednesday morning as he arrived at school. Many parents have commented that the concert defied their expectations and were amazed that we could create such a show in just over 4 weeks. Congratulations once again to our main cast and to every child who performed on the night. You were magnificent!
Thank you to every member of staff and especially to the Concert Committee who worked tirelessly behind the scenes since Term One; Mrs L Cameron, Mrs H Davis (Year 4), Mrs Y Davis (Music), Mrs E Crerar, Ms J Alexander, Miss A Carter, Ms K Wright, Ms R Shiels, Ms L Ireland, Mrs D Ko, Mrs A Marquet, Ms R DeRossi, Mrs Gonzalez, Mrs S Affleck and Mrs K Wiggins. Also thank you to our videographer, Troy Sheather (Encore Media) and photographers Miss L Wiggins and Miss E Wiggins (LaraJane Photography) for recording the performance. Please note that a selection of photos have been posted on our school website (CLICK HERE), and the P&F will be selling the concert video later this year.
I am sure you would agree that the costumes were breathtaking and were another highlight of the show. I thank the many parents who also played a significant part in ensuring the success of the show through their involvement in designing, creating and purchasing the costumes, especially Melisse L (Ava Yr 3) and her team including: Kirsty A (Raphael (2), Zephyr (1)), Belinda X (James (4)), Jessica T (Taylor (2), Brody (K)), Jorine F (Max (4), Lisa M (Archie (5)), Natalie T (Connor (4), Lachlan (3), Oliver (2), Hannah (K)), Sandra S (Xavier (4) Alexander (2)), Amy B (Isla (5)) and James J (Hayden (2) Amelia (K)). A special mention to Belinda X and Jorine F who sourced the majority of the costumes from China for us, and for negotiating so many good deals. Your efforts really helped and supported the parent community, so on behalf of everyone …”thank you!”
The special concert T-shirt is for your child to keep as a souvenir, thanks to the P&F.
Thank you also to the many parents, children and other visitors who sent messages and emails of congratulations and appreciation. We value your encouragement.
Thank you, too, for your generosity on the night. Our concert raised a total of $2,141 for The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation. If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please CLICK HERE. It would be wonderful if the school could raise $2,500 for one humidifier.
Dads Rock at Claremont
There are 4 big things that I wanted to share with our dads…
Firstly, and most importantly I wish all the Fathers, Grandfathers and the many special men in the lives of children a very happy Fathers’ Day. We salute you and acknowledge the important part you play in caring for kids and being an important role model for them. I hope you enjoy your presents and feel very special on Sunday. Be blessed!
Here’s what some of our Year 2 students had to say about their dad…
"He takes care of me when I'm hurt." Tex R
"He takes me to soccer and he's a good coach!" Olivia K
"He's very funny!" Tahlia P
"He catches spiders." Chloe B
"He always plays with me, and when he works, he still comes home and plays with me."
Aidan W
Second BIG thing
HAPPY FATHERS' DAY
It was wonderful to celebrate our Fathers’ Day Breakfast this morning. It was awesome to have such a huge gathering of dads, children and staff this morning. Thank you to the wonderful ‘band’ of mothers, led by James J (Hayden (2), Amelia (K)), for the delicious food to kick start the day.
Our School Captains shared a wonderful speech and poem together with a prayer for the dads in attendance.
I would also like to thank Susan S (Zachary (4), Lucas (2)) and her team of helpers who organised the Fathers’ Day Stall on Thursday.
Third BIG thing for Dads
Dads at the Diggers
Save the date for a Fathering Project Event which will be held at the Coogee Diggers Club, 7pm, on Monday 19 September. These gatherings for Claremont fathers provide a good opportunity to meet others, be connected to our school community, and to participate in a discussion around children, their education and parenting. Everyone is very welcome, including friends who may have their kids at other schools.
Please RSVP by clicking the link below
Fourth even BIGGER thing
Given that COVID robbed us of our 2021 Dads’ and Kids’ Camp, we have planned a Claremont College Dads and Kids ‘BIG Day Out’ with a trip to the Jamberoo Action Park on Saturday 12 November. While the exact details are yet to be confirmed, you will need to anticipate a full day.
Music @ Claremont
On the back of our wonderful concert Mrs Yasmin Davis and I are pleased to invite you to a special Music Showcase on Tuesday 18 October from 4:30pm-6:00pm. The two years of COVID lockdowns certainly impacted music and performing arts programs in all schools, especially our band and small ensemble groups, so we are keen to bring back the array of wonderful sounds of children learning music in our school. ‘MUSIC@CLAREMONT’ will provide us with the opportunity to introduce our 8 tutors to you (Margaret Machamer - Cello & Senior String Ensemble, Dominique Guerbois - Violin & Junior String, Percy Reddy - Drums & Beginner Guitar, Carlson Luong - Piano, Sam Golding - Brass, Visnja Kosanovic - Flute, Luke Galea - Guitar and Lyndell Pym - Singing), to showcase some of our student and tutor talent as well as presenting a panel which will discuss the many advantages of Music in a child’s learning and academic development. All parents and their children are welcome to attend.
School Open Day - Thursday 15 September
On Thursday 15 September we will be hosting a Claremont College Open Day. This Open Day is an opportunity for prospective parents, students and their families to visit our school and see student learning in action. Please pass this information onto your family and friends and encourage them to register to attend.
TASC Survey
Could I please encourage all parents to take the time to complete the survey which was emailed to you last Friday. If you did not receive the email, please contact the Office.
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.
Virtual Chat at the Gate with Mr T
Please feel free to join me next Wednesday, 7 September, 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
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