As we wrap up what has been a term and also a week like no other, I encourage each one of us to cast our cares and to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. As we draw close to Him, we will find peace, hope and the strength of his love. Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus (Romans 8:35). 

This morning in Chapel I reminded our community that the sun is always shining above the clouds, and I am sure that the sun will be shining soon. God’s love is with us at all times and in all situations.

"Love... is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:7

School Community Update

We can be thankful that each of the 9 people who have COVID report that they are doing well. Each person, except for one, has minimal symptoms. The one person who has not been well has stabilised and is improving every day. Please keep praying for a speedy and full recovery for everyone. Even with minimal symptoms, I acknowledge how challenging it is to be in isolation, unable to leave the home, and for some to be separated by family members who are either in other parts of the house, or staying elsewhere.

Similarly, it is the same for the staff, students and their families who were determined by NSW Health to be close contacts. Two weeks in isolation is challenging and our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are cheering you on – you can do this!

I’m incredibly grateful that the entire Claremont team, teachers, support staff and leadership, while managing their own personal circumstances and family situations, have worked tirelessly every day of this ten-week term to deliver Off Campus Learning, to care for the children and each other, as well as to manage this current situation. 

Thank you to others within our school community who have offered assistance with meals and grocery deliveries. Your kindness, generosity and ‘love in action’ demonstrates that we really are in this together. 

Chapel Today – Love Casts Away Fear

Today in Chapel we were reminded that nothing can separate us from God’s love. It’s essential that we not let the strong opinions of others and the polarised messages of this world confuse, worry or scare us.

"There is no fear in love. Perfect love casts fear out of our hearts." 1 John 4:18

"No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." 
Romans 8:3 

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

Have a great holiday break

I am sure you’ll agree – we all need a break. I am so proud of the children who have worked hard and managed so well across the duration of this lockdown. Twelve weeks and counting is significant! We can see how much they miss their friends (see Mrs Ford’s article below), along with the security and confidence that comes from the rhythms and routines associated with attending school each day. The children need a break too, as do their teachers and parents. We all do. I pray that somehow you can all get outside (as soon as you are permitted to) and enjoy the opportunity to enjoy the sun, small outdoor gatherings and exercise together as a family and with friends. Thank you Mrs Cameron for your excellent article (below) on reminding us to have self-compassion.

COVID Updates

Please be assured that the Leadership Team will communicate all the COVID updates that you will need to know for Term 4, and the subsequent return to school, clearly and timely. Thank you Mrs James for the way you have led the update communication process across Terms 2 and 3. We have all benefited from your outstanding work in this ever changing, confusing and challenging space.

Until then may we all breathe, smile, and know that we are loved. 

"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19

Doug Thomas
Principal

We REALLY just can’t wait for the lockdown to end and for the students to be back at school! 

As we wrap up the term, we want all of the students and their parents to know that we can’t wait to see YOU and talk to YOU in person again. We know this is what most of our students want as well. Interviewing all of the children (refer to the Across the School section) over the past 5 weeks has been a joy, but it’s also been touched with heartfelt sadness listening to the children talk about how much they are missing their friends, being at school, collaborating with their peers, morning tea and lunch with friends, their teachers, and of course playdates and parties too. Bless them!

Talking to Children about COVID

As our lockdown goes on, some children will need to feel assured that life is as normal as possible, they will need to feel a sense that you are in control and confident, and they will be looking for you to be there to help them, talk to them and answer their questions. Like adults the children are all experiencing something they have never experienced before, they will be looking to you to reduce their fear. This will especially be the case for children whose parents are stressed now, and of course for families where there is a positive case in their family. I have attached a short article that will help you to have confidence when speaking to the children, in case you would like simple yet wise tips from The Red Cross.

https://www.redcross.org.au/stories/covid-19/talking-to-kids-about-covid-19 

Staying Connected

Over the past 2 weeks we have had two Parent/Teacher Catch-Ups where we discussed a number of key themes submitted by parents. (I will summarise these and send them out in the Pre-Term 4 newsletter.) As we move into next term, please be assured that we are extremely conscious of how important connecting with each other is, so if you would like to talk to someone about your child’s learning or wellbeing, or if you just want to talk to someone about how you and your family are ‘travelling’ (we wish) please do not hesitate to call or email the school office and let us know who you would like to talk to. 

On 1 October 2021, we will be sending out our Pre-Term Newsletter and we are hoping to have some more clarity about the term ahead in regard to the events we will be able to organise for the children and staying connected with the wider community . 

"I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship." Dr Brenè Brown 

Stay safe, stay well, get vaccinated and stay connected.

Janelle Ford
Co-Principal 

Follow us

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

As you are aware from our communications this week, we have been advised by NSW Health that additional members of our school community have tested positive for COVID-19.

In our discussions with the authorities they are anticipating that the COVID-19 cases should now be contained. If any further cases arise, they will most likely be linked to members of the households with current positive cases, or with individuals who have been determined by NSW Health to be a close contact. 

It is important to continue to remain vigilant and to get tested even if you have the slightest of symptoms. Please also be mindful that transmission within our local community is currently prevalent, so please take care at all times.

Please remember the importance of privacy and confidentiality during this time. NSW Health and privacy legislation mandates that we cannot share any information regarding the details of positive cases. If you become aware of individual cases, please keep this confidential out of respect for those involved. 

We are very excited to be able to have our students return onsite in Term 4, from 25th October. Initially, we had planned to survey parents about their child/ren’s return to school at the end of this term, however given how uncertain and ever changing this COVID situation is, any plans that are made now will most likely change by Term 4. A survey will be sent to you at the start of next term to assist us with our planning. 

In the second week of the school holidays, the Leadership Team will meet to discuss the NSW Government’s roadmap for the return to school. This roadmap is complex and detailed. It is important that we analyse this information closely and discuss the implementation of safety measures outlined by NSW Health. We will communicate details regarding your child/ren’s return to school early in Term 4. Thank you for your patience and trust. 

Important Reminders:

• Please continue to follow NSW Health guidelines. Stay at home and get vaccinated.
• Get tested if you are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms
• If any member of your family receives a positive COVID test, please inform the Principal via kc.rochester@claremont.nsw.edu.au
• If you would like to discuss anything COVID-related further, please contact me via email a.james@claremont.nsw.edu.au and I can assist you.

To the members of our community who are impacted by COVID-19, we are with you and thinking of you. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and offered support, it is greatly appreciated and truly highlights our core value of compassion.

On behalf of the Senior Leadership Team, we wish you all the best over the school holidays. Please take care of yourselves and each other.

Mrs Alanna James
Acting Deputy Principal

Holidays… when I think of that word I think of carefree fun, spontaneous adventures, a break from routine and from the realities of our usual responsibilities. These school holidays will not play out the way many of us had hoped. For some of us, these holidays will be spent in isolation, for others it will be spent trying to juggle the kids at home whilst also trying to continue to work at home, and for most of us, there will be no time spent away in a different location. Some of us may be physically unwell, whilst others may be struggling with their own mental health. And some will be needing to support loved ones who are having a tough time.

It is no surprise that now more than ever, these holidays will be a time for compassion. Not just compassion for others, but also compassion for oneself. I used to think that self-compassion was selfish. What I have learnt is that self-compassion, or as I like to call it Inner Compassion, is quite the opposite. Rather than viewing my own wellbeing as being selfish, I now try to see investing in myself as a way to help others. Ackerman argues that to cope with conditions such as vulnerability, isolation, fear and power, it is essential to care for our own wellbeing, not just of others. People often believe that they are supposed to be helpers and fixers, as well as independent and strong, the same qualities that can thwart them from listening to their own needs (Ackerman, 2007). 

I have been inspired by the Healthy Mind Platter (Rock, Siegel, Poelmans & Payne, 2012), which identifies 7 behaviours based on clinical work, behavioural research, affective and social neuroscience, and psychology. Exercise and nutrition alone are not sufficient conditions for an alert, creative and resilient mind. The Healthy Mind Platter suggests the following 7 behaviours:

1. Sleep time;
2. Playtime;
3. Time in (meditation or reflective practice);
4. Downtime;
5. Connecting time;
6. Physical time; and
7. Focus time. 

I encourage you all, as you enter the school holiday break, to remember to prioritise yourself, so you can be your best self for others in your lives. Despite the challenges you may be facing at the moment, hopefully the break from the usual routine of term time will be an opportunity for some more rest and relaxation.

Larissa Cameron
Co-Principal

Our Social Media Team is working to increase connections, especially during lockdown, as it is important for us to all stay connected. We know everyone has been doing wonderful things during this time and we would love to be able to share these with the Claremont community. 

In the coming 2 weeks we are focusing on relaxing during lockdown. 

If your child would like to be considered to be featured on Claremont College's social media platforms and in the whole school assembly, please send your photos and videos to socialmedia@claremont.nsw.edu.au with:

• Child's Name
• Grade
• Quote or Caption

OR, feel free to tag @claremontcollege on Instagram,
or @claremont2031 on Twitter,
or to follow us on LinkedIn Claremont College

Please feel free to submit any photos and most importantly, have fun! 

The Social Media Committee

Follow us

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

Unfortunately we have still not yet received the individual student reports to be able to send these home to you, but please be assured that we will be posting these to you as soon as we can. 

Janelle Ford
Co-Principal

PENNANTS

Congratulations to the following students in Year 5 and Year 6 who received their Pennants on Monday: 

Year 5

Nathaniel C, Bastian D, Billie H, Jade J, Zali McC, April M, Sarah O, Nicholas P, Sophie R, Caleb S, Illiana S, Katherine T, Zara A, Tabitha A, Stella C, Victoria G, Tasha K, Chloe M, Simona P, Poppy Q-R, Enzo S, Marcus T, Anthony T, Saskia vG, Charisma V, Isabella W, Amelie A, Sophie D, Zara F, Marcus K, Hugo M, Ben V, Ryan E. 

Year 6

Georgia B, Oliver K, Caitlyn L, Sebastian L-P, Jasper vG, Evie M-Z (x2), Jake W (x2), Henry B, Sofia C, Elijah C, Marco D, Henry F, Sofia J, Alexander K, Sienna L, Ruby M, Sanja P, Xanthe S, Nicholas T, Georgia W, James Z, Zahra A, Nicholas C, Ziggy E, Matilda F, Beth G, Clementine G, Thomas L, Archie M, Seamus McC, Andreas M, Henry M, Bella M, Costania G, Oliver W, Hannah N. 

GOLD CERTIFICATES

Congratulations also to the following students in Year 5 and  Year 6 who received their Gold Certificates on Monday. 

Year 5

India D, Isaac Ha, Max L, Sara S, Cristina S, Christanthy T, Nathaniel C, Bastian D, Billie H, Jade J, Zali McC, April M, Sarah O, Nicholas P, Sophie R, Caleb S, Illiana S, Katherine T, Zara A (x2), Tabitha A (x2), Stella C (x2), Victoria G (x2), Tasha K (x2), Chloe M (x2), Simona P (x2), Poppy Q-R (x2), Enzo S (x2), Marcus T (x2), Anthony T (x2), Saskia vG (x2), Charisma V (x2), Isabella W (x2), Amelie A (x3), Sophie D (x3), Zara F (x3), Marcus K (x3), Hugo M (x3), Ben V (x3), Ryan E (x3).

Year 6

Bryce McC, Jasmine S, Mila T, Isabelle W, Georgia B, Oliver K, Caitlyn L, Sebastian L-P, Jasper vG, Henry B (x2), Sofia C (x2), Elijah C (x2), Marco D (x2), Henry F (x2), Sofia J (x2), Alexander K (x2), Sienna L (x2), Ruby M (x2), Sanja P (x2), Xanthe S (x2), Nicholas T (x2), Georgia W (x2), James Z (x2), Zahra A (x3), Nicholas C (x3), Ziggy E (x3), Matilda F (x3), Beth G (x3), Clementine G (x3), Thomas L (x3), Archie M (x3), Seamus McC (x3), Andreas M (x3), Henry M (x3), Bella M (x3), Costania G (x4), Oliver W (x4), Hannah N (x5). 

Please Note: We have received a number of queries from parents in relation to when their child/ren will receive their next Gold Certificate or Pennant, we will be awarding all eligible students their next certificate and/or pennant from the commencement of Term 4. 

Despite the lockdown across Term 3, I am pleased to say that the Claremont Expansion Project has continued to move forward with pleasing progress. My work this term has mostly focussed on the following; 

• refining the goals of the project to further expand as a Year 7-12 Secondary campus in a location within 5km of our existing K-6 Primary Campus
• stakeholder engagement and consultation
• financial modelling
• developing a business case and masterplan
• defining the brief and decision-making criteria for a new campus
• developing our educational model
• understanding the heart and identity of Claremont College

Our search for a site continues, and our analysis of specific needs and requirements is detailed. A decision was made to slow the search for a suitable site for a number of reasons. Firstly, the lockdown has reduced our ability to visit and inspect potential sites. We also felt that more work needed to be done in preparing our site selection criteria. 

I anticipate that October the intensive and exciting phase of testing the market and inspecting sites will be undertaken across October. The school has engaged the services of Cushman and Wakefield to facilitate the process of engaging with organisations and landlords. Hopefully the easing of lockdown restrictions will make this process easier. 

Designing Strategy and Refreshing our Strategic Intent

An important aspect of this project continues to be our engagement with our staff and parent community. The College School Council and Executive Leadership Team have worked with the Association of Independent Schools (AIS) to deep dive and articulate our priorities for the future. As we continue our exploration we will specifically be running workshops with staff, parents and also students (after all, it is their school). 

Invitation

Parents are invited to give their voice to shaping the next chapter of Claremont College on Tuesday 5 October, 4 to 5pm. Using Zoom we have designed several fast-paced collaborative breakout room processes through which to harvest your wisdom, perspective and creativity. An expert consultant from AIS will facilitate this session which will demand your full and active participation. It will be fun and incredibly valuable to me, as we plan for and design the school of the future. Please register your attendance using this link HERE.

Thank you

I am most mindful that I would not have had such pleasing progress were it not for the help and input of the various parent working groups that have been held across this year. Many of the leads and contacts that I have made are due to the Claremont parent network. Your perspective and professional expertise have been invaluable. Thank you. I look forward to this continuing which is why I am always very happy to speak to anyone about your thoughts, suggestions and ideas. Please continue to reach out to me.

Doug Thomas
Principal

Thank you to all the families who have emailed in their favourite “lockdown”recipes for our 2021 Lockdown Cookbook. We have some great recipes being submitted such as Taco rice bowls, Cream free spaghetti carbonara, Chicken & leek pie, Souvlakia, Pork dumplings, English flapjack, Peppermint chocolate balls and many more.

The deadline for recipes to be submitted will be extended to after the school holidays, allowing more time for budding chefs and families to send in a recipe without having to juggle school work, work and everything else in between.

Please send in recipes that can fit into the following categories:

1. Family meal recipe
2. Baking recipe
3. New section, not a recipe - Handy Hints or Golden Gems - little tips that have change your cooking life eg. after crumbing schnitzel, refrigerate for a couple of hours (or even overnight!) before cooking to stop the crumb coming off during cooking.

Download the 'Recipe Template' attached and email your recipe to pfinfo@claremont.nsw.edu.au by MONDAY 4 OCTOBER.

If you are able to include a short paragraph on what this recipe means to you, your family through lockdown and a photo of the finished product to spice up the cookbook, this would be most welcome!

Claremont College P&F

Term 4 2021

ICAS stands for International Competition and Assessments for Schools. Due to the rapid changes that have impacted our return to campus, the ICAS sitting window has been extended to Friday 26 November 2021.

Unfortunately, because of COVID and lockdowns, the Dads’ and Kids’ Camp has been cancelled. We know the kids will be VERY disappointed so we are planning some ‘at home camping’ experiences and challenges. Please keep 8-10 October free to join in the activities. More information and details will be sent home in the Pre-Term 4 Newsletter on 1 October 2021.

Given the Covid-19 situation and restrictions in place, our Term 4 camps for Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 have been cancelled. This is a disappointing outcome for our Primary students. Currently, we are having conversations with our camp provider Crusaders, to discuss other potential ‘day camp’ options for our students that would be inline with the NSW Government restrictions. Of course, we would love our students to have a ‘camp’ experience of some sort, however the safety of our students and Claremont community takes priority, so this potential alternative will only happen if it is considered safe to do so.

This week the Kindergarten students were asked to tell us about their OCL experiences, partly so we can check in with them, but also so that we can be aware of adjustments that need to be made moving forward, and of how we can help the students during this learning from home experience. We did this by splitting the students into 4 breakout rooms to discuss the 4 questions with a staff member in each breakout room.

The Kindergarten students love doing the challenge tasks and they love Science and STEM, however they can’t wait to play with their friends again. They are all missing their friends so much and it is obvious how much the face-to-face connections and play-dates mean to them.

I created column graphs (because this is what they have been learning in Mathematics) of their top responses to each question, by grouping similar comments and themes. These are interesting reflections; we hope you enjoy them.

Janelle Ford, on behalf of the Kindergarten Team

Roald Dahl was born on 13th September 1916 and died on 23 November 1990. Every year on 13th September fans across the world celebrate Dahl’s stories, characters, and moments. For schools and libraries it’s an occasion to acknowledge the enormous influence of Dahl’s books on encouraging an early love of words and reading. 

New Titles added to the Collection

Many reviewers and readers have compared the work of British author David Walliams to Roald Dahl. His first two books were illustrated by Dahl’s long-time collaborator Quentin Blake. Walliams is the biggest selling children's author to have started writing since the year 2000. His books have been translated into fifty-five languages and sales are over forty million worldwide. The following new titles from this talented author have just been added to the school library. 

This is a fantastic action packed picture book from Walliams. Each page is packed with fun text and pictures. The colourful illustrations from the talented Tony Ross are really special in this book. 

Miranda is a student who loves to be different and one day decides to bring her pet snake to school. The visit from the snake causes plenty of mayhem and mischief much to the dismay of Miss Bloat the headmistress!

Recommended for children from 5 years and older.

Megamonster is an action packed adventure story. It is full of brilliant illustrations by Tony Ross. The Cruel School is set on top of a dormant volcano on an island in the middle of shark-infested waters! The teachers are terrifying, the lessons appalling and the school dinners are revolting. Larker is a new student who is sent to the school and very quickly realises something very odd is happening at the school, involving the mysterious Science teacher called Doctor Doktur.

Recommended for children from 7 years and older.

For any students who are Walliam’s fans and looking for fun activity sheets to keep them amused over the holidays, The World of David Walliams is a great place to find information about all his books, watch short video clips and access free downloadable activities and resources.

Click on the link below. 

https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com 

Happy holiday reading. 

Mrs Susan Kesur
Librarian Assistant

Morning Skills/Extra Curricular Sport

With the current staggered return to school arrangements (some grades not going back to Week 6) and uncertainty about restrictions moving forward with regards to external providers, we will not be offering morning skills programs in Term 4. We hope to be back up and running again in the new year!

Under the current NSW Department of Health Orders and the NSW Department of Education, the canteen will be closed until further notice.

Keep safe.

James Anthony and the Claremont Canteen Team

Due to the extended lockdown, the Uniform Shop will remain closed until the end of September.

Regular trading hours will resume in Term 4 (subject to any further lockdown). 

Thank you and keep safe. 

The updated Uniform Price Lists for Boys and Girls are linked below and can also be found on the school website. 

Regards

Jennifer Niduaza | Client Services Manager

Uniform Price List for Girls

Uniform Price List for Boys

CLICK HERE to read the most recent newsletter from TeamKids.

A reminder for ALL families to RE-BOOK & VERIFY the dates for the remainder of the TERM. If there are no confirmed bookings the service will be closed. Space is limited exclusively to authorised workers. If you have any questions, email or please call customer service on 1300 035 000.

School Holiday bookings are open!

TeamKids have another amazing Spring Holiday program planned! 

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

PLACES ARE LIMITED - Head to www.teamkids.com.au to secure your spot!