This beautiful photo was taken on our International Day in 2019, featuring national dress worn by Ryan E (now in Y5), Charisma V (now in Y5) and Taka M (now in Year 5). 

Next week we will have our International Day celebrations, even though these will be online, the students will still have some wonderful opportunities to learn about and appreciate the many nationalities we have within our school community. 

The word ‘community’ can be overused in some settings and therefore becomes a cliché. However, we talk a lot about the importance of community, in fact ‘We are a collaborative, innovative, compassionate community’. A community displays the power of collaboration, consultation, inclusion, respect and diversity and we sincerely hope that we live and interact in a way that truly reflects an authentic community… one where we live with authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability, demonstrating a commitment to one-another with sacrifice, empathy, compassion and love, all with the desire to genuinely want what’s best for our neighbours.

We also must walk the talk. ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’, (Mark 12:31).

And similarly, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do to you.’ (Matt 7:12)

Next week our students will be celebrating our multicultural community which is rich in cultural history and diversity. The students will have opportunities to:

• Take part in a year group zoom virtual costume/national dress parade;
• Share their family's cultural history and traditions with their classmates;
• Be creative with some International Day inspired Dance and Visual Arts activities;
• Enter a General Knowledge quiz competition where the winner in each year group will receive a Dymocks voucher;
• Play traditional Indigenous games;
• Make a Wordle featuring all kinds of greetings in many different languages;
• Join cooking demonstrations; and
• Much more 

We will share some photos and highlights in next week’s newsletter or via social media. Please share your photos of your child/ren dressed up in national costume this week, by sending to socialmedia@claremont.nsw.edu.au 

See details in ‘Spotlight Claremont’ section below.

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Are you feeling like it is ‘Groundhog Day’? To be more specific, in ‘a situation in which a series of unwelcome or tedious events appear to be recurring in exactly the same way’.

You are not alone. Lockdown is becoming tedious isn’t it, but if we follow the theme of the movie Groundhog Day, where Bill Murray’s character actually becomes better after making the same mistakes every day, doing the same things every day, day after day…we should be getting better at lockdown by now.  Having said that, Bill's character, Phil, evidently spent a whopping 12,395 days trapped in Punxsutawney on Groundhog Day, and there is no way we want to be in lockdown that long! (Ask your children to do the maths to work out how many years and days that is.) 

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HAPPY FATHERS’ DAY to all of the fathers in our school community; we hope you all have a wonderful day with your child/ren enjoying the extraordinary gift of being a dad.

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Stay safe, get vaccinated, look after yourselves and the community. 

Janelle Ford
Co-Principal

Follow us

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

This week we have seen the number of Coronavirus cases continue to increase. Thankfully New South Wales’ vaccination rates continue to increase also. In times like these, things can feel very much out of our control, however it is important to focus on the things we can control; staying home, and getting vaccinated. It is imperative that we continue to follow the NSW Public Health Orders and remain vigilant throughout this lockdown period. 

As a school, we continue to work through plans and logistics based on the roadmap for students to return to school, released by the NSW Government last week. We will keep you updated with the latest information from the NSW Government regarding students returning to school. 

Important Reminders

• If you live in the Bayside LGA or any LGAs of concern and require your child to be onsite, please contact a member of the Senior Leadership Team to discuss your circumstance (if you haven’t already done so). 
• Please stay within 5km of your home, unless you are an authorised worker. 
• If your family has registered your child/ren to attend school, but they are unwell or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (even mild cold/flu-like symptoms), they must stay home and follow current health orders to get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. Even when a negative result is received, your child/ren must be fully recovered before coming to school. 
• If you or a member of your household is currently self-isolating for any reason, your child/ren must stay home. Please follow the directives from relevant government authorities and restrict any non-essential movement unless cleared to do so.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We are incredibly grateful for our Claremont community at times like this, and we thank you all for prioritising the safety of our community by following the NSW Public Health Orders. 

Please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Kathy-Clare Rochester if you need support or wish to discuss your circumstances.      

Mrs Alanna James
Acting Deputy Principal

Dear Parents, we are planning to have two parent/teacher catch-up Zoom meetings next week on Tuesday 7 September and Thursday 9 September. The purpose of these catch-ups is primarily to connect with you the parents, to reflect on Term 3… to talk about the things that have been challenging and the things that have worked well, and of course to hear your thoughts as we plan for Term 4. 

By having two meeting times parents have the choice of dates and parents with children in both Infants and Primary can attend both to connect with parents and teachers from both groups.

If you are able to join us, please complete the link attached and include any questions you have and/or the topics you would like to discuss, to help us to plan an agenda for these catch-ups.

The format for both catch-ups will be the same:

4:00pm  Welcome
4:10pm  Break into Infants and Primary breakout groups
4:40pm  Regroup to join ‘surprise’ breakout groups
4:55pm  Wrap-up

Registrations will close at 2:00pm on Monday 6 September. 

Janelle Ford
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 week we are focusing on International Day. We would love to see photos of students in their national dress.

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. 

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

The Social Media Committee

As you know we are already seeing articles about the 2021 NAPLAN results in newspapers and social media; however, schools still do not have access to these results yet. If you are a parent of a Year 3 or 5 student please be assured that you will be sent the results when we receive them. The Association of Independent Schools NSW have told us this should be next week some time. 

In the meantime, here are the articles you might like to read about the 2021 overall results. 

From ACARA on Twitter, https://twitter.com/ACARAeduau/status/1430302015314305028

NAPLAN 2021 summary data shows the global COVID-19 pandemic has overall had no significant impact on students’ literacy and numeracy achievement at a national level. The data released today is a testament to the resilience of students, teachers, parents and carers. 

From Education Review online, https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/naplan/FMfcgzGkbDSXLCTzFPGpFCJzvFggvdNz

The release of the 2021 National Assessment Plan for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) summary information has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has not significantly affected students’ literacy and numeracy achievement on average at the national level.

From the Ministers’ Media Centre, Department of Education, Skills and Employment

https://ministers.dese.gov.au/tudge/naplan-2021-preliminary-outcomes-released

Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said the headline results were pleasing but further analysis of the detailed data was needed, as part of a broader look at the impacts of COVID-19 on Australian students.

“It is certainly a relief that we have not yet seen the significant declines that we may have expected due to school closures, particularly in Victoria,” Minister Tudge said.

“The results also show a resilience among young Australians and they are testament to the hard work of teachers and parents who are supporting learning at home.”

Janelle Ford
Co-Principal

Kindergarten Orientation Day is an important and significant event in Term 4. Originally this day was planned for Thursday 21 October, however with the significant impact of Covid-19, and the NSW Governments’ return to school roadmap, we anticipate this will take place later in Term 4. Please be assured that we are planning and preparing for our Kindergarten Orientation Day to ensure it is a safe, positive and special experience for our 2022 Kindergarten students. We will keep you informed as we navigate this ever changing situation. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Chapel@Claremont

How wide, long, high and deep is the love of God?

This week in Chapel I took the students on a geography excursion to the deepest part of the planet, the Mariana Trench in the Western Pacific Ocean. I have always loved geography and learning facts about our planet. It’s one of the reasons why I have always loved being a teacher, sharing my knowledge, interests, passions, and learning with and alongside children.

So, did you know that Mariana Trench is over 11000 metres deep? Did you know that if Mt Everest sat at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the peak would still be 2 kilometres below sea level ...this is just how deep it is! 

Paul, the writer of the letter to the Ephesian Church was thinking similarly, when it comes to the expanse and enormity of God’s love. He prays that the church would somehow get a sense of this. He is suggesting that it’s impossible to fully comprehend just how great God’s love is for you and for me. 

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

I echo the sentiment of this beautiful prayer, that each one of us, as individuals, and collectively would be strengthened, refreshed and inspired by God’s love. During the challenges of the ongoing COVID lockdown. May a knowledge of God’s love equip you to not just ‘hang in there,’ but to be generous, kind and filled with faith for good days ahead. I truly believe that when we live our lives focussed on both receiving and giving this love we will be filled with the fullness of God. 

Happy Fathers’ Day

Happy Fathers’ Day too, to all the dads and men in our school community. Thank you for the important influence that you have in the lives of children. I hope you have a great day with your kids, and also on zoom as you catch up and connect with family and loved ones from close by and around the world. 

Weekly Dads' Connect Zoom Meeting - Thursday 9 September 12:30pm-1:00pm

I have really enjoyed chatting with dads over the past few weeks on Zoom. I think it’s incredibly important that we connect which is why every week I have been opening my Zoom room for dads to catch up. I thought I’d try a lunchtime slot next week, Thursday 9 September 12:30pm-1:00pm.

I am trying to change the day and time every week, to accommodate various schedules. Please let me know if you’d like to suggest a time that might suit you for future chats.

There is no specific agenda or topic of conversation, although I’ll give a few updates on school life, my high school expansion work and to hear your perspective on how you are navigating work and family life during this lockdown. It’d be great to hear about the things that you are doing with your kids - to connect, distract and keep them positive and busy.  If you’d like to drop in to say hello (even for just a few minutes), ask some questions, and connect with some other fathers, you are most welcome. I’m here to support you! Please RSVP HERE.

Be blessed.

Doug Thomas
Principal

Are you getting enough exercise? Try to do some physical activity every day. It is not only great for your body’s health, but also your mind. And the great thing about it is, that it actually boosts your mood and helps you to focus well on your learning. Wow!

Larissa Cameron
Co-Principal

Congratulations to the following students in Year 2 who received their first Pennant on Monday:

Charlotte C, Flynn K and Finlay P. 

Congratulations also to the following students in Year 2 who received their Gold Certificates on Monday. 

Dylan A, Jacob A, Jonathan A, Aveline B, Lucas B (x2), Charlotte C, Kobe C, Helena C (x2), Ernie C,
Mariana CL, Teddy F (x2), Hamish F, Samantha G, Louise G, Oliver H, Fynn J, Taylor K, Morris K,
Flynn K (x2), Avery L, Noah L, Rose L, Elizabeth LP, Sofia LN, Esther L, Harrison M, Amber O, Georgia O, George P, Aleksander P, James P, Marcus R, Isabel R, Lennox R, Joshua S, Cooper So (x2), Rosario S (x2), Jaymie T (x2), Esra V, Wilson W and Caitlyn Y.

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. 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.

We have been advised of a power outage on Wednesday 8 September in the area of Albion and Leichhardt Streets, Waverley from 8:00am-5:00pm.  Although the outage will not impact the running of Claremont College, it may impact some families in our community. We understand that there will be no power for the day which may also affect internet connections. 

If your family will be impacted by this outage, could you please advise the school by emailing office@claremont.nsw.edu.au.

With Mrs Bianca Herborn commencing her maternity leave in Term 4, we are pleased to share that Mrs Emily Crerar, who many of you will know from previous years, will return from her maternity leave at the beginning of Term 4 and will be replacing Mrs Herborn on Year 4 for the remainder of the year. We look forward to Mrs Crerar returning, and we wish Mrs Herborn all the best with the impending arrival of her baby. We can’t wait to hear your exciting news! 

Calling all Claremont College students, mums, dads, teachers and staff to send in your favourite lockdown recipes. The P&F will be putting together a 2021 Claremont College Lockdown Cookbook to be available for purchase in Term 4. Please send in recipes that can fit into the following categories:

1. Family meal recipe
2. Baking recipe

It would be wonderful to have recipes from your families’ cultural backgrounds. Please download the 'Recipe Template' attached and email your recipe to pfinfo@claremont.nsw.edu.au by the end Term 3, Friday 17 September. 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 3 2021

Term 4 2021

Due to the rapid changes that have impacted our return to campus, the ICAS sitting window has been extended to Friday 26 Nov 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 soon.

Given the Covid-19 situation and restrictions in place, our Term 4 camps for Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 have been cancelled. We understand that 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.

Year 3 - Online Geography Event note

Year 4 - Online Geography Event note

Year 4 - Amazing Me Event note

Year 5 - Online Symbio Wildlife Park Event note 

This week the Year 2 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 5 breakout rooms to discuss the questions with a staff member in each breakout room. 

The students are all missing their friends so much and it is obvious how much the face-to-face connections mean to them. However, the Year 2 students have also admitted that they are enjoying their home comforts, including hot lunches, trampolines, pools, comfy lounges, pets, and spending more time with their families. 

I created pie graphs of their top 6 responses, by grouping similar comments and themes. These are interesting reflections; we hope you enjoy them.

Janelle Ford, on behalf of the Year 2 Team

Year 3 Online event permission note - Geography

Year 4 Event Note Geography Online Excursion

Year 4 Amazing Me Information Note

Year 5 Online Symbio Wildlife Park event note

Indigenous Literacy Day

The author Gregg Dreise was involved in the virtual event this year along with fellow ILF ambassadors, singer Jessica Mauboy and author Alison Lester. They celebrated indigenous stories, languages and two animated stories in the Kriol language. 

We welcomed Gregg Dreise’s visit to all Claremont students today. Gregg visited us via Zoom from his studio in Queensland. His visit was perfect timing, occurring during the week of Indigenous Literacy Day celebrations. 

The sessions with Gregg were great fun and included storytelling, song, playing of the guitar and the didgeridoo. We even joined Gregg in creating some indigenous art work. For the older students Gregg included some slam poetry from his latest picture book ‘Common Wealth’. This title is a plea for a future of truth, togetherness and respect for our nation’s deep history. 

In recognition of Gregg’s visit to the school we have added the following books to the collection. All books are beautifully illustrated by Gregg. 

New Titles to the Collection

This is a heart felt and stirring story about pride, respect and maintaining culture.

Recommended for ages 6-8 years old.

This picture book celebrates Australia’s Indigenous heritage and diversity we enjoy today.

This is a black and white board book that celebrates Australian animals and beautiful everyday moments. The lyrical text is paired well with the beautiful illustrations.

This title is suitable for the younger children in the infant grades. 

Mrs Susan Kesur
Librarian Assistant

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

TeamKids Week 8 Newsletter

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.