Our Chapel theme for Term 4 has been ‘The Heart of Jesus’ and each week, this has been aligned with our Claremont College thinking, learning, and intellectual character dispositions. This morning I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak to the children about empathy. I explained that empathy is the key that unlocks the door to our kindness and compassion. Today happens to be ‘World Kindness Day’, so what a lovely alignment with this theme.

Today, Mrs Cameron (Deputy Principal) and Miss McKersie (School Counsellor) have delivered social skills lessons to all grades (K-6) with the goal to promote and understand kindness. Three key outcomes of the lessons were;

Compassion is the desire to want to help someone in need.
Ways to show kindness and helpfulness to others.
Being grateful when people show kindness to us and others.

As we head into the Christmas Season, we will be focussing on kindness and compassion as we respond to the needs of others. We are inspired by the fact that God demonstrated His kindness by sending Jesus into the world - this is what Christmas is all about. So how can we respond?

“Now, this is the goal: to live in harmony with one another and demonstrate love, sympathy, and kindness toward each other.” 1 Peter 3:8

“Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15 

At Claremont College we have chosen to do some exciting and special things over the next two and a half weeks.

‘Kindness at Home’

We have been inspired by so many children, who have asked if they could raise money to help Australians who have been impacted by the bushfires. Over the coming weeks, many children will be working on kindness projects with the goal of setting up stalls, holding guessing competitions, small raffles and the like, which will all be held in Week 8 (check next week’s newsletter for details), the last week of school. We are sure to raise an impressive donation. The children’s enthusiasm and genuine kindness is such a pleasure to be a part of each and every day, here at school.

‘Kindness Overseas’

Next Friday, we will have a special Christmas Mufti Day, as well as our Kindy Nativity Pageant in Chapel. As part of the celebration, all children and staff are invited to wear a Christmas outfit, in the colours of red, green, white, gold, silver or any combination of those colours. For participation in the mufti day, we ask that each child brings in $5. This money will be directed to the children at ‘Project Help India’ to pay for a Christmas gift for 260 children and 12 teachers, as well as for them to have a class Christmas party celebration. For many of the children this will be their first ever Christmas present and for most, it will be the only Christmas present that they receive this year, as their parents are too poor to purchase one.

As part of the ‘Kindness Overseas’ Project, the Year 3 Pixie Post will give all Claremont students a blank Christmas card, and a small fact sheet, for you and your family to write a special message to each of the ‘Project Help India’ kids. I will hand deliver these cards to India in the week before Christmas (I am heading there for a wedding). Further details will be sent home next Friday. 

Thank you also, Chloe and Olivia Melikyan who sold chocolate crackles in their street to raise money for our sponsor kids in India. 

‘Kindness to the People we Know’

Today in Chapel I also shared a story about the power of random acts of kindness done in secret. It’s good to ‘pay it forward’, and God loves it when we do these things without being in the spotlight and drawing attention to ourselves. The challenge is out there for students, staff and families to be strategic in showing kindness to one another. If someone is kind to you, or if you are impressed by your children, please let us know.

Lastly, how wonderful it was to hear the stories of our Year 5 students visiting the Dorothy Boyt Nursing Home at Malabar this week. Their kindness, and gentleness with the elderly folk was impressive. The students will be visiting the nursing home again in Weeks 6 and 7. 

So there you go! Let’s extend ‘World Kindness Day’, so that every day is kindness day, especially as we celebrate Christmas, and what has been a wonderful year. Thank you for your part in making Claremont such a very special school community. 

Doug Thomas    
Principal

  Follow me @DougJThomas

A group of children were discussing a part of a story where a magical woman intervened to help some children.  My group were wondering if the magical woman was a witch.  One of the boys said, "No, she's just a kind, old woman, like you Miss Tyson".  Me, horrified, replied, "OLD??" to which Alex said, "Yeah, you've got wrinkles".

A boy in Year 1 brought a small ring to school in a ring box and said he wanted to give it to a Year 1 girl. She was absent that day and he told me he'd wait till tomorrow. The next day, he pulled me aside after school to debrief. He told me he finally took the courage to give the ring to her, but she replied, "maybe in Year 3." 

This week students have been learning about kindness in their Health Lessons. To continue that focus our positive behaviour next week will be embedding the three helpers that follow kindness: 

Compassion - to want to help someone in need

Helpfulness -  showing kindness, also demonstrating kindness

Gratitude - when others show kindness, we are thankful for someone being kind

Larissa Cameron
Deputy Principal

On the weekend, Chloe and Olivia Melikyan sold chocolate crackles in their street and raised $30.00 for our sponsor kids in India. 

TERM 4 

Year 6 - Amazing Me - 21 & 22 November - Parent Portal

Year 6 - Let’s Go Surfing - 27 November - Parent Portal

 Student Details and Permissions Form 2020

We are getting organised for the beginning of the 2020 School Year. If your child will be at Claremont College in 2020, please pour yourself a big cup of tea and complete a separate form for each child. We’d like these completed before 29 November.

Student Details and Permissions Form 2020

Year 3 Camp Recount - Winmalee

Excitement and nerves were in the air as Year 3 headed off on their first Claremont School Camp. The Year 3 students had the best time at camp Winmalee in the Blue Mountains. They were amazing risk takers, setting and then smashing their goals! They showed resilience and persistence when doing the crate climb, going on the flying fox, and making their own weather proof shelters on the bush walk. Many students were even brave enough to try a range of new foods. Year 3 students had fun learning many new things about Jesus and singing new worship songs. While sleeping away from home was challenging on the first night, it came a lot more easily on the second as everyone was exhausted from the fun filled day of activities. The teachers are incredibly proud of every student’s effort throughout the whole camp.

Mrs Irwin, Miss Morrison, Miss Lim and Mr Oen
Year 3 Teaching Team

Student Highlights:

Sara - ‘Once you are in the flying fox cage it makes you feel free.’

Stella - ‘In your rooms, you feel safe.‘

Nate - ‘The survival bush walk was the best. I felt like I was in a science lab.’

Caleb -’ I really liked the crate climbing because it is a challenge.’

Sarah O - ‘I really like the game ‘Go’ in the pool because you had to really listen.’

Ryan - ‘The food was very tasty.‘

Tasha - ‘It was the funnest thing ever!’

William - ‘Flying fox is the best!’

Year 4 Camp Recount - Galston

What better way to end a great year than another camp! Crusaders at Galston Gorge did not disappoint. Apart from a few minor scrapes, the children and teachers all had a ball. It is such a timely opportunity to just spend time with the kids and enjoy their company. We really do have a group of characters in Year 4! There’s nothing quite so satisfying as hearing the reply 'EVERYTHING!!!' when we asked what their favourite parts of camp were. There were lots of proud moments when we witnessed genuine compassion, empathy and collaboration among the groups. Other highlights included BMX riding, archery, low ropes, raft building, and loads of games, not to mention the food was pretty popular too.

Student highlights:

Henry - ‘It was really exciting and all the activities were super fun’

Costantia - ‘Fun, exciting, cool, interesting and amazing!’

Ziggy - 'It was amazing! The activities were so much fun.'

Sofia - 'The year 3’s should look forward to the BMX riding because it is really cool, fun and a challenge!'

Nicolas - 'I enjoyed learning about God with my friends and discussions with the Cru Leaders. I enjoy playing games with everyone.'

Sienna - 'The leaders were really friendly, the food was amazing and the activities were really fun.'

Henry - 'Camp was cool, and it was fun but now I’m sad it’s done.'

Clementine, Jasmine and Xanthe - ' Camp was amazing, there were so many fun activities such as BMX, archery, low ropes and rafting. The leaders were amazingly funny and the food was amazing! The teachers were very nice as always.'

Fraser - 'I think my favourite part of camp was free time because there is this game called gaga ball it was so much fun.'

Micah and Sebastian - ‘We loved the rafting and BMXing. The night’s dessert which was chocolate mousse and an icecream sandwich.’

Year 5 Camp Recount - The Tops

Year 5 students had an amazing experience at camp this year. They were given the opportunity to develop their communication and team-building skills as well as their personal confidence and initiative. The location away from the school environment enabled them to participate in environmental activities and learn skills for leisure. The students participated in both indoor and outdoor activities including orienteering, low and high rope courses, pool games, initiative games and the infamous giant swing.

Student highlights:

Gulliver - ’I enjoyed the giant swing because you would just fall and it was really scary.’

Cassidy - ‘I liked the leaders the most - so friendly and fun. The high ropes was my favourite activity.‘

Joey - ‘My favourite part was going to G (the top) on the giant swing. I liked being in the pool and the leaders were really nice.’

Jai - ‘I liked the pool games the most. The food was pretty good.’

Celeste - ‘I really enjoyed going on the giant swing and the vertical challenge - at times it was hard but it was fun to give it a go. I also liked the food!’

Henry -’ I liked going to the top of the giant swing and the vertical challenge. I also enjoyed the night games and chilling at free time with my friends.’

Caitlin - ‘I really enjoyed the night games and the giant swing.’

Kaiya - ‘I liked the giant swing and the compass orienteering.’ 

Miss Mackay, Mr Ko, Miss McKersie & Miss Kelly
Year 5 Teaching Team

Year 6 Camp Recount - Lake Macquarie

Excitement was in the air, it was Year 6’s last camp as Claremont College students. On Wednesday morning, Year 6 embarked on what would be their second camp for the year, a three day adventure at Lake Macquarie. Although being shorter than our trip to Canberra earlier in the year, the bus trip seemed to take forever, as everyone was eagerly awaiting abseiling, rock climbing, sailing and various other activities that were to come.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the ever positive group of amazing CRU Leaders. We were quick to unload the bags off the bus, and we were straight into a walk down to the water for games and a BBQ Lunch. The afternoon was then filled with abseiling, rock climbing and orienteering, all very daunting tasks for many. The risk taking and persistence that many of our Year 6 legends showed was inspiring, not only for each other but also for us as teachers.

Part of the Lake Macquarie camp actually involved the students camping, needing to set up their own tents, cook their own dinner and then sleep in their tents for the night. The girls were up  first, and undertook the task ahead with vigour. Unfortunately, due to the strong winds and fire ban enforced on Thursday, the boys were unable to camp and some of our water activities on the lake were changed, however raft building and fishing were both highlights. 

Overall, Year 6 should be extremely proud of the way they conducted themselves whilst on camp, again highlighting to us as teachers how mature and caring our Year 6 cohort is. We would like to thank all the CRU leaders, who as always, did an amazing job at facilitating and making sure student safety and enjoyment was at the forefront of all activities. The last camp for the Year 6 cohort of 2019 was a good one!

Student highlights: 

'I found that abseiling was a new challenge for me, but a great experience!' - Vincent 

'Most of the activities challenged me and pushed me to my limits.' - Nathan 

'Make sure you make the most of your time at Claremont, it goes so quick!' - Emily

'I had heaps of fun playing games with all the CRU Leaders.' - Millie 

Mrs James, Mr Ryan, Mrs Spry & Mrs Kesur
Year 6 Teaching Team

Library Literature Lessons

Kindergarten students have been looking at fairy tales during Library Literature lessons. This week we looked at The Three Little Pigs, and discussed the materials the pigs chose to build their houses out of. Working in small groups, students designed their own houses that would withstand the breath of the Big Bad Wolf. The children made their houses out of whatever materials they liked. Next week they will write a description of their house and what made it unique and strong.

Mrs Beatrix Kirkland
Teacher/Librarian

New Titles To The Library Collection

R.J. Palacio’s bestselling book Wonder now a motion picture, introduced readers to the main character Auggie, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face. Readers around the globe fell in love with Auggie and his lovable dog Daisy. The book went on to inspire the Choose Kind movement. We now have the follow on book in the library collection, titled

‘Auggie & Me’. This is a new side to the Wonder story and consists of three new chapters, from three different characters whose lives have been changed by Auggie forever. This story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming and is a must read for readers who loved Wonder.

Recommended for ages 9+. 

Also from Palacio we have her graphic novel debut titled ‘White Bird’. This story expands on Julian’s story in Auggie & Me. Julian discovers the moving and powerful tale of his grandmother, who was hidden from the Nazis as a young Jewish girl in occupied France during the Second World War. This is a powerful story about strength, courage and the power of kindness to change hearts and even save lives. Palacio for over twenty years was an art director and graphic designer and decided to illustrate this book. This is a moving and memorable book.

Recommended for ages 10+.

Mrs Susan Kesur
Library Assistant

Band

Achieve the 4 C’s while working on those High 'C’s' ; Concentration - Cooperation - Commitment - Confidence! 

Learning music has wide-ranging benefits in neurodevelopment as well as positive effects on many aspects of a child’s education. Being part of a band helps a child to develop the cooperative and social skills required to be a valued member of any team.

'I would teach the children music, physics and philosophy; but the most important is music, for in the patterns of music are the keys to all learning' Plato

'The evidence of neuroscience overwhelmingly demonstrates that children studying music have a considerable educational advantage over those who don't. Because of the essentially aural nature of music, together with the requirements of intense listening and concentration, the child's brain responds powerfully to music education, enhancing all other learning.' Richard Gill OAM, Musical Director of the Victorian Opera, Artistic Director of the Sydney Symphony's education program

The Claremont Band Program provides leadership in music education with a highly qualified and dedicated band director and expert tutors. The program aims to provide:

• A strong grounding in music - learning an instrument and how to read, play, understand and appreciate music
• Progression for students from a training band to a performance band and/or stage band
• Performance opportunities
• Instrument tutoring program supported within Claremont College
• Student mentoring and the benefits of learning music in a team environment

Joining the band is a great opportunity for students already learning piano to learn a second study instrument and perform in an ensemble. Drummers and percussionists can improve their reading and ensemble skills or work on reading pitched notation by playing a mallet percussion instrument (this is also an excellent option for piano players too).

Instruments on offer include:

• Flute
• Clarinet
• Saxophone
• Trumpet
• French Horn
• Trombone
• Euphonium
• Tuba
• Electric Bass
• Percussion (drums)
• Mallet Percussion

We would LOVE to encourage our current Year 2 and Year 3 students to take up an instrument in 2020. They participated in an aural exam this week to see what instrument might suit them. If you are interested in finding out what might be the best course of study, please contact our Band Director Murray Jackson on m.jackson@claremont.nsw.edu.au  or 0403 391 446.

BRASS

We currently do not have any students learning a brass instrument and would love to encourage your child to take up one of these wonderful instruments. Please contact Murray or the office if you are interested in this. Year 3 onwards is the perfect age to learn a Brass instrument.

Please talk to Mrs Barr should you have any further questions. This is such a wonderful process to be apart of. Each year we lose valuable Year 6 instrumentalists so we need you to keep this musical masterpiece going!! Don't hesitate, just enquire and we can take it from there together.

Claremont Champions

Congratulations to Jade Johnson (Yr 3) who represented Claremont and Combined Independent Schools (NSWCIS) at the NSWPSSA Athletics Championships last week. Jade made it through the rounds of heats and semifinals to qualify for the final of the 100m sprint, where she finished 7th with a Personal Best time. This is an incredible achievement for Jade, who is effectively the 7th fastest girl in her age group across the entire state of NSW!!

Maya Vojvodic (Yr2) competed at Randwick Botany Little Athletics Centre Championships on the weekend. She received Gold medals for 1st place both 400 m and 800 m races. Maya will now compete at Zone level in December. Good luck, Maya!

Joel Geering
Sport and PDHPE

‘Empathy is the key that opens the door to our kindness and compassion.’

As we unravel our Chapel theme, ‘The Heart of Jesus Christ’, Mr Thomas spokeon the topic of ‘Empathy’. He shared many inspiring stories from his trip to India and outlined how we can show empathy to one another.

He reminded us that empathy is like a key, something we all have and can open towards each other. We can exercise this daily as it not only impacts those we are connecting with, but also the heart of God. 

We would love to invite you to a very special Christmas service next week! We will be having our annual Kindy Nativity Scene, Christmas carols will take place and of course a word of encouragement around  Jesus’ birth will be shared. We do not want to miss out on this service!

Verse of the Week:

‘Now, this is the goal: to live in harmony with one another and demonstrate love, sympathy, and kindness towards each other.’ 1 Peter 3:8 

God Bless!

Charlie Blevins
Chapel Coordinator

Dear Parents, Students and Chess Enthusiasts,

On Monday 25 November, Claremont College will hold the annual House Chess Knockout Competition. The knockout is a school based competition which is fun, challenging, free to enter and is played in our school Hall under the supervision of Miss Lim and senior chess leaders. Using the link in your parent portal, students can nominate to play in either the Infants (K-2) or Primary (3-6) competitions.

The first round will begin at 11:00am with the competition running throughout the day until only one champion is left standing in each division. As students are knocked out of the competition, they will return to class and resume their day as normal. Should students be late to school or absent on this day, their match will be forfeited.

The champions of the Infants and Primary House Chess Knockout will receive a special award during our Preview Speech Day. All students competing will earn valuable house points for their houses.

Please click HERE to nominate your child. Entries close Thursday 21 November.

Make your move!

The Chess Committee

Please remember to check Flexischools by Tuesday afternoon for the weekly Family Special. 

The Canteen is open 5 days a week. Please place your orders via Flexischools.

A reminder that children who bring their own food to school need to bring their own cutlery from home, only children who have ordered from the canteen will be provided with a spoon or fork.

Also due to WHS issues, the canteen is unable to heat food brought from home.

All members of the extended Claremont family are warmly invited to come along and pray for our school community. Toddlers are also more than welcome.

The prayer group meets fortnightly on Thursdays at 8:45am. Please sign in at the school office.

The final meeting date for Term 4 is 21 November.

For those parents who would like to pray for the school but are unable to attend the Prayer Group, you are now able to receive fortnightly prayer points. If you are interested in receiving the fortnightly prayer points or have any questions, please contact Vivian Yang via email vivian@yang.id.au

The Uniform Shop is open for the last time this term on Friday 29 November from 9:00am - 10:00am.

The Uniform Shop will open on Wednesday 15 January and Wednesday 22 January 2020 from 9:00am-10:00am prior to the commencement of the 2020 school year.

The Uniform Shop is situated below the School Hall with entry via the small gate next to the units. Whether you can make it at this time or not, parents are encouraged to place online orders (especially if you are purchasing accessories) via Flexischools. Please note, the Uniform Shop does not accept any second hand clothing apart from Claremont school uniforms. It is very inconvenient if you leave other items. Thank you.

Please note that all communication should be through the email address: clothingpool@claremont.nsw.edu.au

Please refrain from calling or texting Roxanne Fielding directly.