Firstly, my staff and I want to acknowledge and pay our respects to Queen Elizabeth II. Much loved, admired and respected for her leadership and significant contribution to global peace over the many decades of her reign. May she rest in peace.

We are a Child Safe School

Claremont College is a school that is committed to providing education and care to children and young people to assist them to develop into high-achieving, supported students, positively connected to each other and to the communities in which they live and which they will serve. 

We are a school that is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all children and young people at the school and is dedicated to protecting them from abuse and harm. At Claremont College, we have a zero tolerance for child abuse. We regard our child protection responsibilities with the utmost importance, and as such are committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure compliance with all relevant child protection laws and regulations and to maintain safe and supportive physical and online environments for all children. 

National Child Protection Week

The first National Child Protection Week campaign was launched in 1990, with the aim of bringing abuse and neglect out of the shadows and putting child wellbeing on the national agenda. Since then, the need to put children first has been recognised time and time again as an important pillar for boosting the wellbeing of all children in Australia. 

Child Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

As a school community we work collaboratively and in partnership to care for all children and to keep them safe. As a member of our school community, I draw your attention to the valuable role that you play in keeping all children safe. 

Please never underestimate how important your personal role is, in caring (not just for your children) but for all children, especially those you see interacting with your children on playdates, at parties, and in other contexts in your day to day life. Do not hesitate to bring your concerns or observations to our attention here at school. Your comments and concerns will be treated with respect and confidentiality. This video assists in identifying situations of concern and ways you might bring your observations to the school’s attention. 

If you are interested in reading more about Child Safe practices at Claremont College, you can find our Child Safe Policy and Statement of Commitment to Child Safety HERE. Further to this, as many of you know, my wife Rowena is a Sexual Health Educator. Below are links to some great blogs written by Rowena specifically for parents about keeping your children safe. I am sure that you will find them useful.

10 Books to Buy for your Kids about their Safety
Safe - Unsafe Touch versus Good - Bad Touch
5 Things to Teach Your Kids to Keep Them Safe
Early Warning Signs that Kids are Unsafe

Did you receive my letter this week?

Earlier this week I sent you a letter asking for your help to spread the word that we have some spaces available for our 2023 Kindergarten class. I would really appreciate your support in passing on the postcard to someone you know who might be interested. Thank you!

Fabulous NAPLAN Results

Congratulations to our Year 3 and 5 students, their teachers, and the many others who have taught and supported them over the preceding years. The high academic standards of Claremont College are something we have an excellent reputation for, and something that we can all be very proud of. I draw your attention to Mrs Ford’s analysis below.

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

Dads at the Diggers RSVP   

Claremont College Dads and Kids ‘BIG Day Out’ to Jamberoo

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. 

School Open Day - 9:00am Thursday 15 September 

On Thursday 15 September we will be hosting another Claremont College Open Day. This Open Day is an opportunity for prospective parents 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 a few weeks back. If you did not receive the email, please contact the Office. This survey will close on Monday evening.

Concert Fundraising Update

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the concert fundraiser for The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation to date we have raised 2,537. If you still wish to donate please CLICK HERE.

Virtual Chat at the Gate with Mr T

Please feel free to join me next Wednesday, 14 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

Follow us

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

As part of our Student Leadership Program, this term we have started up our Student Representative Council (SRC). The SRC comprises all Grade Team Leaders across Kindergarten to Year 5, and our Year 6 School Leaders. This initiative supports students' leadership skills across all ages, not just when students reach Year 6. At various times during the year, our SRC will meet together during Recess to share ideas, different perspectives and to apply their problem solving skills. Using student voice leads to increased student effort, participation and engagement (Cole, 2006). It enables students to realise that they can have an impact on things that matter to them at school (Fielding & Rudduck, 2002), thus raising motivation and engagement (Toshalis & Nukkula, 2012). Meeting with the SRC fosters a sense of inclusion, citizenship, leadership and school attachment amongst students (Devine, 2002).

This term the SRC met together to discuss a suggestion from one of our Year 6 students - to create a 'Friendship bench' on the playground - a place where kids can sit if they would like someone to ask them to play. This suggestion was made with the intent of helping others, showing kindness, empathy and compassion, and a sense of inclusion. The SRC then discussed together where they thought the bench should be, how it should be communicated with the whole school, and how to mitigate the risk of further isolation. 

The SRC team displayed wonderful teamwork, cooperation, collaboration and listening skills. We look forward to many more SRC meetings in the future.

Larissa Cameron
Deputy Principal

Students in Top 2 Bands

We are pleased to be able to share with you the summaries of our Year 3 and Year 5 students NAPLAN results. Our students have again done very well and can be very proud of their achievements.

The table below gives you the students in the top 2 bands in each part of the assessments.

Claremont College students in 2022 have out-performed the State Schools and Statistically Similar Schools Group in all these assessment tasks and are a testament to the hard work of both staff and students over the past two years of COVID disruptions. Even with these pleasing results, at the school level we now carefully consider the results and look for areas for improvement as well as considering areas we already do well in, to ensure we consolidate these results, as the students continue their learning journey.

Why NAPLAN data is important to us:

We believe that “every child can learn and has the right to learn (and therefore) to optimise classroom teacher effectiveness, we need to know on an ongoing basis that every child is learning, by making ongoing assessments and by incorporating that information about each child’s learning into daily instruction (as) a nonnegotiable practice” (Sharrat & Fullan, Putting Faces on the Data, 2012). And…NAPLAN data is one part of the suite of assessments that helps us to make ongoing assessments and understand each and every child’s learning.

Congratulations and well done to every student in Year 3 and Year 5.

Mrs Janelle Ford, Deputy Principal

Congratulations to Mia I (4), Oliver H (3), Valentina S (4), Maleia G (4), Harriet N (4) and Gisele A (4) who were among 500 young people who produced over 13,500 hot meals, soup, salads, fruit kebabs, breakfast boxes, snack packs, care packs and decorated tote bags, with empathetic, positive messages, which were distributed to 13 charities around Sydney with the charity, Kids Giving Back. 

These students volunteered during the July school holidays and were especially valuable as Kids Giving Back held a twice weekly soup kitchen, making and handing out almost 1000 servings of soup in the cold and rain, to those who needed warm food and support. They were also particularly helpful in folding and packing new clothes for over 12,000 vulnerable people, many of whom were affected by this year’s floods. 

I have a right to be a learner. I have the responsibility to not stop other people learning.

Larissa Cameron
Deputy Principal

The Public Health Order  was updated today (9 September 2022) to reduce the isolation requirements for people who have tested positive to COVID-19 from 7 to 5 days provided the person does not have any acute symptoms on day 5 (if acute symptoms remain, the person must remain in isolation for 7 days).  

What does a student or staff member do if they test positive? 

From today the Public Health Order requires any student or staff member who tests positive to COVID-19 comply with the NSW Health Testing Positive to COVID-19 Fact Sheet for 7 days after they tested positive. This Fact sheet requires a person who has tested positive to comply with following five requirements: 

• Register their rapid antigen test on the Service NSW website as soon as possible (PCR test results are automatically registered). 
• Self-isolate immediately for 5 days from the day they did their test. If after 5 days they continue to have acute symptoms, such as a sore throat, runny nose, cough or shortness of breath, remain in self-isolation for 7 days from the day they did their test.  
• Not enter certain high-risk settings for 7 days from the day they did their test including hospitals, health facilities, residential aged care, and residential disability care facilities. 
• Notify their household that they have tested positive and self-isolate from them as much as possible (Household contacts must follow the NSW Health Household and Close Contact Guidelines for 7 days) 
• Notify the school at office@claremont.nsw.edu.au and people they spent time with from the two days before they started having symptoms or two days before you tested positive (whichever came first) that they have COVID-19.  

As people who have tested positive to COVID-19 can transmit COVID-19 to other people for up to 10 days after they have tested positive, NSW Health strongly recommends that positive cases take the following precautions after they leave self-isolation until 10 days after their positive test was taken: 

• wear a mask in indoor settings other than their home 
• avoid healthcare, aged care, disability or correctional settings unless they need medical care or in an emergency 
• avoid contact with people at high risk of severe illness 
• avoid large or crowded indoor gatherings or undertake a rapid antigen test if they need to attend an indoor gathering and do not attend the gathering if the result is positive 
• talk to the school before returning. 

If your family requires any additional kits, please collect them from the school office. Please be in touch should you require clarification or further information. 

Mrs Alanna James & Mr Doug Thomas

We would like to remind parents that a full term’s notice in writing to the Principal is required before terminating a student's enrolment. The last day for notification is Monday 10 October.  In the event of failure to provide the required notice of withdrawal, a charge equal to 100% of the applicable term’s school fees will become payable, including all outstanding fees and charges, in addition to fees and charges payable in respect to the entire current term. 

It is very important that you have your contact details always up to date on the Parent Portal. This includes contact telephone numbers and your current residential address. 

Please contact our IT Manager, Mr Andrew Nield immediately via
technologysupport@claremont.nsw.edu.au should you not be able to access your parent portal page.

The Poor Little Widow

One of the stories told at the concert that many people commented on was that of the boy who dressed as a girl and was employed at Claremont. This week, our resident historian Mr Vic Branson has delved into the archives and also dug deep into many records and articles at the State Library to uncover more of the details behind this fascinating snippet of our school history. Read what he discovered.

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 2 - Archer S
Year 4 - Riley T
Year 5 - Isla B
Year 6 - India D, Billie H

Pennant

Year 6 - Ryan E 

We would also like to congratulate the main cast and members of the string ensemble who performed at our school concert last week and who were presented with a special character award.

2022 Term 3

Term 4

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 Kosnaovic - 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. 

Year 5 Excursion to the Royal National Park

Year 1 Spider Presentations

Excursion to Royal National Park - Event Note 

Well done to all students in Years 2 to 6 who participated in the recent ICAS English competition. We hope to receive student certificates soon. Certificates will contain a TAP-ID, which will enable parents and students to view a complex breakdown of results, via the ICAS online Assessment Portal. 

We published this article last week however we omitted the names of the students in Years 4-6 who received credits. Our apologies for this.

We congratulate the following students who received a Distinction, or a Credit: 

Distinctions

Year 2 - Camille C, Yasmin E, Carter J
Year 3 - Jonathon A, Kobe C,Isabel C, Oliver H, Finn P, Rosie R, Cooper S
Year 4 - Angus K, Zachary S, Joanna Y
Year 5 - Harvey O, Billy R, Julian S
Year 6 - Tabitha A, Charisma V

Credits

Year 2 - Micah A, Maelyn G, Hayden J, Daniel L, Amelie L, William L, Aidan W,
Scarlett Y
Year 3 - Lucia B, Charlotte B, Juliette F, Harriet K, Flynn K, Avery L, Cedric L,
Esther L, Isabel R, Cooper St
Year 4 - Max F, Lawrence K, Ava L, James L, Oliver R
Year 5 - Yui Kei C, Abbie H, Adam L
Year 6 - Amelie A, Sarah O, Anthony T

Ms Renee DeRossi
Head of Learning 

Over the last week at Claremont we have been reflecting on the message of R U OK? Day - that every day is a day to ask ‘are you OK?’, to connect and show support to others.

Last Friday in our Pastoral Care groups our Year 6 leaders led a discussion on the importance of this day. Students engaged in activities using active listening and communication skills. Mr Thomas made a surprise visit to one of the learning spaces while students were directing each other through an obstacle course - with their eyes closed!

Zumba sessions were held in the hall during Thursday recess and lunchtime, for students to share the joy of being together, dancing (and being a bit silly!). It was a wonderful way to celebrate this day and the great friendships and fun we have at Claremont.

Dear Parents, 

On Monday, a member of the Australian Girls Choir came and ran workshops with many of the girls at Claremont. Almost 90 girls registered to be part of the workshops across K-6.

All the girls were incredibly brave and showcased their talent through rhythm, singing and movement exercises in front of their peers. I am so proud of everyone who participated!  

The Australian Girls Choir will be sending all participants their personalised feedback from the workshop along with which steps they should take, should they be interested in joining the AGC. 

Below are some photos of the day. 

Mrs Yasmin Davis
Music Teacher

Indigenous Literacy Day was on Wednesday and in support of this important day the library participated in The Great Book Swap. By raising funds the Indigenous Literacy foundation has gifted over 636,000 new books to over 400 remote communities. It has been wonderful to see so many students excited and keen to support this important fundraising initiative. Students brought in plenty of used books from home which were exchanged for gold coins. Some students have reserved books and plan to bring in gold coin donations over the next week. 

New Titles to the Collection

The Aussie Big Achievers series of books are a fun and educational way for children to learn about some of Australia’s most interesting and inspiring people that have helped shape our nation. Each book encourages children to always believe in themselves and never give up on their dreams. The Australian author Richard Simpkin also founded World Letter Writing Day in 2014 and has inspired children and adults all around the world to take a break from social media and write handwritten letters.

Mrs Susan Kesur
Librarian Assistant

Key Dates

Important Dates for Term 3 

Tuesday 20 September - NSWCIS Athletics Championships @ Homebush 

Term 4 Extra Curricular/Morning Skills Sport

Term 3 Morning skills sports have wrapped up for the term this week (with the exception of Hip Hop and soccer which will conclude in Week 9).

Term 4 Sport information and registration forms have been made available on the Claremont app. Please remember to register online for all morning activities as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as some sports have limited positions. 

For billing purposes, registrations will close next Monday 12 September at 10:00am. 

Programs commence from Week 2, Term 4

Monday: Year 3-6 Tennis (Eastern Suburbs Tennis Centre)
Tuesday: K-2 Tennis (at school)
Wednesday: Beginner basketball/Year 3-4 (at school)
Thursday: Year K-2 Dance (hip hop), Intermediate Basketball/ Year 5-6 (both at school)
Friday: Year K-2 Football (soccer) (at school)

CLICK HERE for the Term 4 Information Booklet and Registration Form.

Claremont Champions

Congratulations to Year 5 students Indigo E and Audrey F who both played AFL for the Maroubra Saints U12 team this season. The girls had a great season, cultivating in making the grand final last weekend (which they narrowly lost). Well done on such a successful season! Is there a photo?

Mr Joel Geering
Head of Sport and PDHPE

If your child uses the school bus, or you would like to register to use the school bus, for Term 4, please complete the registration form by CLICKING HERE. Please note that the buses are only able to carry 24 passengers each, and also service certain areas.  If you have any questions in relation to the school bus service, please email bus@claremont.nsw.edu.au 

Please note that fees for Term 4 bus use will be charged in advance to your Term 4 account.

Ordering

Orders can be placed for both recess and lunch through an online ordering system called Flexischools (www.flexischools.com.au). You can also download the app and order from any smartphone or tablet device. Orders are required to be placed by 8.30am on the day the order is required, however, you can place orders up to four weeks in advance. 

If you have any concerns with your orders or would like to discuss anything with the canteen staff, please feel free to email us at claremont@anthony.com.au

TeamKids Term 3 Week 8 Newsletter
Click HERE to read the TeamKids weekly newsletter.

School Holiday Bookings now open

TeamKids have another amazing SPRING Holiday program planned! CLICK HERE to see the program.

• Learn new skills and make new friends
• Qualified and REMARKABLE Educators
• Digital detox with our no screens policy
• Delicious and nutritious morning and afternoon snacks
• CCS-approved care

Head to teamkids.com.au to secure your spot!

Term 3 and 4 Bookings

A reminder for ALL families to book and verify their bookings for Term 3 and start booking for Term 4. 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.

CLICK HERE to read the TeamKids Term 3 Wrap Up Newsletter.

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 Uniform Shop via Coogee Bay Road lower side gate.

CONTACT

Email: claremont@ranier.com.au  
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: custservice@ranier.com.au 

Phone: 02 8337 7290

Registrations are now open for Term 4

Day: Tuesday
Dates: 18/10/2022 to 06/12/2022 (8 sessions)
Class Type: Coding - In Term 4, we will be continuing our weekly stand-alone format with a term of brand-new coding projects for students to show friends and family!
Start Time: 3:15 pm
End Time: 4:30 pm

Book now at codecamp.com.au/claremont