Christmas really has arrived early at Claremont College this year...but hey, why not! It is so good to celebrate, be distracted and to get excited about this most wonderful time of the year. Even with the heavy rain this week, our school has been sparkling. Our decorations look fabulous! Thank you Mrs Ford (Deputy Principal) for organising and leading our school-wide Christmas make-over. Thank you, also to the parents and staff who assisted at our Christmas working bee on Tuesday Alison Cuniffe (Keira Y6), Fiona Pearson (Sam El-Rakshy Y2 and Yasmin K), Nathan Tones (Riley T Y2). Our large Christmas tree has become a popular photo spot. Parents are welcome to arrive at school after 3:10pm to meet your children at the fishpond for a photo opportunity of or with your children. It has been so lovely to see the very big smiles of children and parents alike.

Thank you for your generous support with today’s Christmas mufti day. The proceeds will be directed toward our Indian sponsor children. These children live in very poor circumstances in slums and remote jungle villages in Northern India. The money raised will go towards buying them warm clothes and some special Christmas treats.

We will continue to raise money for the kids in India, through our ‘Little Green Box Appeal’. Today, all students will be given a little green box, and they are encouraged to do some jobs, sell some cup-cakes, or do something similar, to fill the little green box with coins.

Bring your Christmas gifts FOR CaringKids 

And leave in the baskets under the Christmas Tree or in the office if it is raining. 

We are proud to support this local charity, CaringKids. CaringKids is a registered charity, founded by one of our Claremont mums, Margaret Skagias, that provides Toy Boxes to children who care for a family member with a disability or illness. They provide siblings with special needs and young carers with a Toy Box filled with games, books, puzzles, toys and more, to assist them to learn, play and read.

CaringKids recognises and honours the unique contribution that each child makes caring for their family member and have asked the Claremont families to donate the following items that are always in short supply for them:

·            Stationery (30cm or less)

·            Craft supplies (30cm or less)

For more information go to: https://www.caringkids.org.au/  

Students can bring in their donations and leave their unwrapped items in the baskets provided under our Christmas tree near the fish pond. 

Every year at this time, it is never an easy task for me to inform our school community of staff who are moving on from Claremont. This year it is particularly difficult for me because we have some staff who are moving due to the impact of COVID-19 on their personal situations and circumstances. If it wasn’t for COVID, things would have been different for us all, in so many ways.

Ms Brenda Dalheim

Brenda has taken up a position with her previous employer Catholic Education Melbourne, commencing in February 2021. Brenda will initially be working from her base in Sydney in the position as Consultant - Learning Diversity & Policy. Her aim is to move back to Melbourne in 2021 (with her husband), where she is originally from, to be with her large, close-knit family and friends. Brenda will maintain contact with Claremont College into the future to provide support and advice. Brenda writes:

"I wish to extend my heart-felt best wishes to all the students and parents who have touched my life during my six years at Claremont and I wish you all the very best for a bright, happy, and Inspired for Life future. Claremont is an amazing family and you should all be so proud of all you do to enrich the lives of your beautiful children." 

Miss Meg Duff

Miss Duff’s partner Justin, who is in the army, has received a posting to Nowra, where he will be working at the ADF Helicopter School teaching new military pilots and aircrew. They will be living close to the beautiful Hyams Beach- so you may see them around there on your holidays. Meg is extremely sad to be leaving, however, she is looking forward to continuing her teaching journey at Nowra Anglican College.

Mrs Tiffany Knoll

Mrs Knoll is very sad to say that she and her husband will be moving back to Adelaide. Although Mrs Knoll has only been with us a short time she sure has made an impact. She has truly loved leading us in Chapel each week and working on Library and Learning Enrichment with every year level. While it is sad to see her go she is looking forward to returning to her community in Adelaide. 

Miss Roxy Morrison

Miss Morrison will be returning to New Zealand at the end of the year. Due to COVID and the restrictions around travel, she has made the difficult decision to move back to be around family and friends. She will need to spend the two weeks in managed isolation preparing for the year ahead at her new role at Kristin School on the North Shore in Auckland.

Thank you to these four brilliant teachers and educators for all you have contributed to our school, over each of your respective years of service. Each one of you will be sorely missed and our prayers are with you for new chapters - both personally and professionally.

It was lovely to meet up with so many of our Kindy 21 parents yesterday, even if it was on Zoom. I trust that you found the information session helpful. Thank you to the many Claremont staff who presented at the meeting. As mentioned at the meeting, you should have now received your ‘Set4School’ survey email. If you have not received this yet please let Mrs Ford know via office@claremont.nsw.edu.au. If you were unable to join us yesterday, please contact Mrs Wiggins k.wiggins@claremont.nsw.edu.au for a copy of the zoom link. All parents will also receive your ‘Kindergarten 2021 Information’ booklet next week. Please be on the lookout for this.

NSW Health and the Department of Education, earlier this week revised the COVID-19 restrictions placed on NSW schools. Essentially, most school related activities and events can resume in some form, and be held on school grounds and other venues. However, the strict proviso is that schools must enforce social distancing measures of 4 square metres per person. This ultimately means that we are still unable to hold events and assemblies due to the limited space in our school hall. Even with our playground, we will be unable to have a backup wet weather plan. Therefore, all events for the remainder of the year will continue as advertised.  We do hope and pray that we will start the new school year with a further easing of these restrictions.

Our 3 BIG Days of Fun have been remarkable in unexpected ways. With the disappointment of not being able to hold our annual overnight camps, we embarked on an alternate program which required a great deal of planning and creativity… and now it has been cold and wet; this rain seems to be a metaphor for 2020! Even with this, the children have displayed the most remarkable resilience, positivity, gratitude, flexibility and understanding. I am so pleased that they have enjoyed their 3 Big Days of Fun, and embraced the fun and opportunities despite the weather. I also take my hat off to the teachers, who braving the elements themselves, have worked with dedication for their students and with remarkable resilience themselves. I honour and thank my staff!

Doug Thomas 
Principal

  Follow me @DougJThomas

In Year 6, developing each individual's leadership is something we at Claremont College value extremely highly. We believe that it is important to nurture each individual's strengths as a leader and highlight to students that a leader does not need a title next to their name. This has been an important point to emphasise to all students entering Year 6, that they are all leaders in their own right. In previous years, as a school we have implemented the Peer Support program, where Year 5 and 6 students lead and mentor younger students for a 5 week, focused program. In 2021 and beyond, we as a school will build on this program and introduce the concept of 'Student Mentor Program' for all students from Kindergarten through to Year 6.

The focus of these groups is to provide students with the opportunity to form connections with other students within the school, beyond their own year group. This program offers Year 6 students an opportunity to develop, identify and refine their leadership skills throughout the entire year, not just over a 5 week period. The program will be based around our four school houses, Hyland, Austin, Storey and Wearne. This reinvigorates our house system, allowing students to be a part of the larger Claremont family, their house community, mentor group and class group.

This program will give each student an opportunity to collaborate with other Year 6 leaders, and to support, mentor and build authentic relationships with their group members. Each group would consist of roughly 2-3 students from each year level. Within these groups, students will be given a focus theme based on our school core values of Collaboration, Compassion and Innovation. Year 6 leaders will be responsible for implementing activities such as; organising charity events, school carnival cheers, innovation challenges and house-based activities.

As a school, we believe that this program will greatly benefit the leadership, social, collaboration and communication skills of our Year 6 leaders, positioning them for future success and providing them with school-wide connections to treasure. As well as benefiting our Year 6 students, the program provides an opportunity to ‘pass the torch’ to Year 5 students and provide them with the skills and knowledge to begin to reflect on their leadership style before entering Year 6.

Angus Ryan, Year 6 Teacher
on behalf of the Student Leadership Staff Committee:
Hannah Mackay, Angus Ryan, Rachel Shiels, Joel Geering, Adelaide Marquet and Larissa Cameron

Be respectful by listening...

When someone is speaking, show active listening skills - look at their eyes, don't talk over the top of them, and you may like to occasionally nod or respond with a question to ask them more, or to comment like, 'oh, I didn't know that' or 'how interesting' or perhaps even paraphrase back what they were saying to you. It is respectful to listen to others and to show an interest. Make sure when people share their ideas, you don't shut them down but show that you are thinking about their perspective before you express yours.

Larissa Cameron
Deputy Principal

Parents may wish to apply for selective high school placement in Year 7 in 2022.

A copy of the booklet Placement in selective high schools for Year 7 entry in 2022  is available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7 

Important Dates:

• Applications for Year 7 entry to selective high schools in 2022 must be made online between 13 October 2020 and 16 November 2020. 
• Parents must apply online at https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7
• All applicants are required to sit the Selective High School Placement Test to be held on Thursday 11 March 2021.

English & Mathematics 2020 

We would like to commend the Year 4 and 6 students for attempting these challenging competitions this year. Again, we offered the Year 4 and 6 students and their parents the opportunity to opt in or opt out of sitting for the ICAS English and Mathematics online papers.

We congratulate all of the students for their fine efforts and willingness to be challenged in their learning. By putting themselves ‘in the pit’ all of these students not only receive a certificate, they, their parents and the school, receive an analysis of the skills already mastered and an explanation of those that are not. This is always excellent feedback because it provides the participants with feedback on what they know at a challenging level, and some understanding of areas to work on. 

This year we are proud to acknowledge the students who received a High Distinction (HD), Distinction (D), Credit (C) or Merit (M) Certificate:

English – Year 4

Tabitha A (D)
Sarah O (D)
Anthony T (D)
Charisma V (D)
Amelie A (C)
Taka M (C)
Sara S(C)
Caleb S (C)
Nate C (M)
Simona P (M)

English – Year 6

Anna L (D)
Sophie A (C)
Audrey B (C)
Caitlin C (C)
Akanksha M (C)
Henry S (C)
Tyson W-E (C)
Tessa C (M)
Cassidy J (M)
Kiera M (M)
Gulliver Y (M)

Mathematics – Year 4

Gia G (D)
Isaac H (D)
Marcus T (D)
Charisma V (D)
Nate C (C)
Taka M (C)
Sarah O (C)
Nicholas P (C)
Caleb S (C)
Christina S (C)
William Z (C)
Tabitha A (M)
Tasha K (M)
Jasper S (M)

Mathematics – Year 6

Caitlin C (HD)
Audrey B (C)
Dante F (C)
Jack K (C)
Austin L (C)
Kiera M (C)
Henry S (C)
Gulliver Y (C)
Cassidy J (M)
Amos W (M)

Janelle Ford
Deputy Principal

The following events are scheduled for Term 4 and will proceed depending on advice from the Australian Government, NSW Health and the Department of Education in accordance with the current COVID 19 situation.

Term 4

Term 1 2021

Well, that time of year has come around again, the time when it becomes somewhat acceptable to grow sophisticated, classy and fashionable facial hair strictly on the upper lip. Although being a bit of fun, embraced by so many people, Movember and the Movember Foundation are doing some really great things. After the year that 2020 has been, men and women alike are facing unprecedented challenges and these are in turn, having a detrimental influence on people's mental health. Movember works to have a positive impact on Men's Health overall, and my goal is to specifically promote awareness for mental health and encourage men and young boys alike, that it 'ain’t weak to speak'. 

As a young male teacher, one of my most important principles that I apply toward my teaching is the need to be a positive role model to students within the school. This was one of the main reasons why I decided to become a teacher, to be a positive influence on the lives of many different students and to try and make a difference. I take the responsibility of being a positive role model very seriously and I strongly believe Movember, and encouraging boys to break down stereotypes and talk about their feelings, is a perfect opportunity to do this. 

While teaching Year 6 this year and over the past few years, we continue to witness the stigma attached to boys talking about their feelings first hand. Boys continue to feel pressure to bottle feelings up and say it's alright and that they’re alright, to hold up the 'strong’ image of being a man. As teachers, we play such a big role in shaping this image and face an uphill battle with the ever-growing world of social media and technology, however I believe we can really make a difference. Through modelling and continuously discussing these feelings, we are making it alright and re-shaping these images each and everyday.

Globally, the rate of suicide is alarmingly high, particularly in men. Too many men are ’toughing it out’, keeping their feelings to themselves and struggling in silence. Movember is aiming to reduce the rate of male suicide by 25% by 2030, and I want to help them get there. Help me stop men dying too young. 

If you are in any position to donate throughout the month of November, it would be greatly appreciated and every cent makes a difference. 

https://movember.com/m/angusry... 

Looking forward to another great Movember!

Kind Regards,

Mr Ryan
Year 6 Teacher 

WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER, 7:00PM @ SCHOOL HALL

The mission of the P&F Association is to build bridges between our families and school in this culturally rich community. Through meaningful events and effective fundraising, we enhance learning experiences, strengthen communication between home and school, and celebrate every child and family.

At the P&F annual general meeting, all members of the current year P&F executive committee stand down and all positions are declared vacant. Nominations are taken and the P&F Executive Team for 2021 will be elected. The executive team consists of the P&F President, Vice President Fundraising, Vice President Community Wellbeing, Treasurer and Secretary.

Grade representatives will also be appointed, ideally at least two persons for each grade.

In order to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines, bookings are essential, to reserve a place at this meeting, as numbers might have to be capped. CLICK HERE to reserve your place. Bookings will close on Tuesday 10 November at 8:00pm . 

Please see below the descriptions of these roles and we invite you to consider applying for one of the P&F executive roles or consider becoming a Grade Representative. Please email your interest to pfinfo@claremont.nsw.edu.au

Personally, I have been part of the P&F committee for the past 3 years in various roles and have found this to be a positive environment for building our school community. It has been invaluable in supporting our Principal and Vice Principals as well as the parent community. I encourage you to consider being part of the committee in 2021 and even if you cannot commit to a role, we welcome your attendance and input at any meeting throughout the year.

Melisse Lee
P&F President

Officers of the Executive Committee

PRESIDENT

• Chair all P&F meetings
• Collaborate with the Principal on P&F strategic and community matters
• Forward all other school matters to relevant school staff – refer to published school communication
• Write the P&F event summaries in the newsletter
• Work closely with P&F secretary to distribute any communication to all Claremont Families
• Speak at School functions

Approximate Time Commitment: 10 hours per month

VICE PRESIDENT FUNDRAISING

• Attend all P&F general meetings
• Provide support to the president and other executive committee members as appropriate
• Oversee all events on the P&F Calendar
• Ensure there is an Event Manager and a support team for each event
• Manage all Event Management & Budget documents to ensure they are completed
• Work together with the President and Secretary on all communication distributed to Claremont families for each event

Approximate Time Commitment: 8 hours per month

VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNITY WELLBEING

• Attend all general P&F meetings
• Provide support to the president and other executive committee members as appropriate
• A parent voice and advocate for wellbeing matters within the school community
• Provide support and consultation on wellbeing matters as per Principal/Deputy Principal’s request
• Manage collaboration of wellbeing programs and initiatives as per Principal/Deputy Principal’s request; e.g. initiate parent information workshops/evenings, Fathering Project initiatives
• Meet with the Principal/Deputy Principal’s and P&F President to discuss all community wellbeing initiatives for the upcoming calendar year

Approximate Time Commitment: 8 hours per month

TREASURER

The treasurer must have tertiary qualifications in, and experience of, either accounting or bookkeeping

• Attend all general P&F meetings and annual general meetings
• Provide support to the president and other executive committee members as appropriate
• Manage P&F accounts and cash flow, manage cash policies at P&F events
• Responsible for receiving all monies, reimbursements, payments, maintaining accurate records of monies received and deposits
• Utilise MYOB accounting software to track and report P&L and financial position
• Present at each general meeting and AGM a Statement of Account
• Arrange audit process

Approximate Time Commitment: 8 hours per month

SECRETARY

• Attend all general P&F meetings
• Provide support to the president and other executive committee members as appropriate
• Keep minutes of all business conducted
• Create and distribute P&F meeting agendas
• Attend all incoming and outgoing correspondence in P&F inbox
• Provide key emails and all P&F communication to the P&F Grade Reps

Approximate Time Commitment: 8 hours per month

AUDITOR (requires Qualifications)

• Review previous years financials to ensure accuracy and completeness of all records
• Issuance of audited accounts letter

Approximate Time Commitment: 4 hours per year

Grade Representatives

• Attend general P&F meetings where possible
• Raise any feedback from parents within your grade relating to the P&F onto the P&F meeting agenda
• Direct parents with any questions /complaints or concerns relating to student, teacher, school related matters to communicate directly to the teachers, Deputy Principals or Principal
• Reach out and welcome new families within your grade
• Distribute information to parents within your grade
• Help organise social events for your grade parents 
• Volunteer to help at P&F events
• Organise gifts for grade teachers

Approximate Time Commitment: 3 hours per month

The P&F are excited to present our final fundraiser for the year, the Claremont Art Auction.

Each year group has collaborated on a special artwork (or in some cases, multiple artworks) to be auctioned online over the coming weeks.

The students have worked really hard to create some very special pieces, so hopefully we can all dig deep, in the hope of owning a new artwork to commemorate a very unusual year! 

Bidding will commence on Friday 13th November and run for a week, with the auction closing at 9pm on Friday 20th November. 

To place your bids, please head to https://airauctioneer.com/claremont-college-art-auction  to register an account and mark your diaries to start bidding next Friday the 13th!

None pending

Christmas at Claremont

Kindergarten students are bursting with Christmas excitement! They are overjoyed at the wonderful sight of Christmas decorations all over the school - a giant tree outside the library adorned with glistening tinsel and baubles, a garland of wreaths draped along the playground balcony and most importantly, their own precious Christmas tree in the Kindergarten classroom. The children’s reactions have been priceless. 

Here are two examples of their thoughts:

“Christmas means giving presents to people you really love. I love that Santa comes and the elves leave us things under the Christmas tree.” - Amelia H 

“It's a special time because Jesus was born then. My favourite thing about Christmas is I celebrate it with my family.” - Isabella H

The Kindergarten Team

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

Year 1 students have been busy learning about the Christmas story, and painting and decorating their wooden Christmas trees this week.

On Wednesday we constructed our wooden Christmas trees and painted them. Once the green paint had dried, today we decorated them and listened to the nativity story about Christmas.

We are so excited to be bringing these Christmas trees home to share them with our families!

The Year 1 Team

Year 2 Excursion to Vaucluse and Pyjama Party

Year 2 have spent the day having fun and enjoying the outdoors at our excursion to Vaucluse with Ranger Jamie tours. During this outdoor adventure, the children explored the natural and human features of the environment. They participated in interactive activities such as beach habitat making, bushwalking and olympic games activities at the park.

This educational experience helped the students identify the changing features of places and how we can see these changes and use them for different purposes. It was interesting to see the features and geographical information to give us a better understanding of how these places connect to people.

We are all ready to come back to school for our Pyjama Party Extravaganza! The children have been anticipating this event all term (all year) and are extremely excited. We have games, pizza, movies, popcorn and more to look forward to. I’m sure you will hear all about it! 

The Year 2 Team

Three BIG Days!

As part of our environmental and outdoor education curriculum, Year 3 students participated in three days of both school based and outdoor activities at Grant Reserve and Galston Gorge. Students enjoyed a range of indoor and outdoor activities including: rock climbing, archery and bush survival, oval games, survivor challenges and Christian Discovery (singing, drama and discussion). They also spent Friday doing Christmas themed activities at school. We have been so impressed with everyone’s willingness to get involved in all activities as they have taken risks and tried new things. 

Here are a few Year 3 reflections from our three big days:

“I loved the rock climbing wall as it was really challenging. The first time, I stopped but the second time I was able to go a lot higher so I feel really proud of myself.” - Harry B

“I liked archery because I set a goal which was hitting the blue target. I felt proud when I achieved my goal.” - Ben F

“My favourite part of camp was rock climbing because the CRU leaders encouraged us to get higher. They set a challenge and I almost achieved the challenge.” - Rory M 

“I really liked rock climbing because I achieved my goal of getting to the yellow line.” -  Michael V

“The best part of camp was the food - the caramel slice was delicious.” - Georgina K

“It was fun to go on a bush walk and make shelters. I really liked being able to go on camp and not miss out because of COVID.” - Clara K 

“I really enjoyed the games at school - the songs were fun to sing and the actions were easy to follow.” - Dion T

“I really enjoyed getting to know the Cru leaders.” - Summer L

“The bible stories were really nice. I liked the challenge of being the quickest group to say the memory verse.” - Maya V 

The Year 3 Team

Year 4 - ‘Three Big Days’

Christmas is nearly here! At Claremont we have been busy getting into the spirit of the season, but not before a magically wonderful school camp, the highlight of any child's year. This year’s camp experience has been unique to say the least but the children have enjoyed themselves nonetheless!  

Wednesday was exciting with oval games and Christian Discovery down at Grant Reserve and back at School. Thursday was a day of challenges with the students facing their fears and working their muscles while rock climbing and doing archery at Galston Gorge. To finish off a great week today we spent the day completing Christmas themed activities. 

What a week it has been, filled with excitement, games and Christmas activities!

Enjoy some of our camp reflections and amazing photos from the day. 

“I had a great day, I especially enjoyed the octopus game! It was a lot of fun but now I am tied!” - George J 

“At Grant Reserve I really enjoyed playing with the puzzles.” - Sophie D 

The Year 4 Team

Three BIG days in Year 5! 

What an exciting week it has been in Year 5! Three Big Days of activities, laughter, fun and games, and lots of Christmas cheer!

We were fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to participate in three days of school based activities and outdoor activities with the Crusaders at The Tops Conference Centre. Our adventure began at The Tops where the students worked collaboratively in teams on a range of activities. The Compass Orienteering tested their communication and knowledge of angles, the Initiative Games encouraged collaboration and innovation and the Vertical Challenge demanded teamwork and encouragement of their peers. Day two was wet. But this did not rain on our parade! The CRU leaders helped us to be grateful and put our faith in God during Christian Discovery through prayer, discussion and song. The Survivor Challenges were an exciting opportunity for the students to use their initiative and risk taking skills in a safe environment. Day three was all about Christmas and some of our students would like to share what the meaning of Christmas is for them. 

“The meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus, be with family and just simply enjoy the day!” -  Sienna L 

“Christmas means family coming together and celebrating. Being all together as one and enjoying activities particularly with my family who live far away in England.” - Clementine G

“The meaning of Christmas is a time when all my family comes together and celebrates together. I love when my whole family comes and it’s often the only time each year I get to see them. “ - Elijah C

The Year 5 Team

3 BIG DAYS OF FUN – By Asimina C.

On our 3 days of camp, we got to do all different things. Although we couldn’t go on camp for the whole 3 days, the amazing teachers still made it possible for us to have fun while still being safe. On the first day of camp we had a fun day at Grant Reserve and the Cru camp leaders did some very fun activities with us. On the second day, we headed to Stanwell Tops and although it was raining, we still did some fun indoor activities.

On the last day of our camp, we had an amazing Christmas themed day where we dressed in Christmas colours and did Christmas activities. Even though we weren’t able to have the full camp experience, we were all extremely grateful for all the hard work the teachers put in to organising such a fun week of activities for us. It was definitely one to remember! 

“My favourite part of camp was playing games with the Cru Leaders” Keira M

“I really loved Go-karting, it was great” Austin L

“I loved playing dodgeball with the Cru Leaders and my friends” Joseph M

Christmas Memoirs & Celebrations

To celebrate Christmas, we spent Friday decorating wreaths, creating Christmas decorations and listening to Christmas carols. There was glitter, pom poms and smiling faces everywhere. Year 6 has been working on memoir writing this term. This week for Home Learning, the students wrote a ‘Christmas Memoir’ about a memorable moment from Christmas. Here is a memoir by Joey A.

It was a warm summer morning when a streak of sunlight peeked through the blinds and caught my attention, suddenly waking me. I had been counting down the days, one by one and now that very day was here. It was Christmas, the most sought after day of the year, for all kids around the world. I quickly got up and raced into my parents’ bedroom, faster than you could say ‘Christmas’. I leaped off my two feet and into the air, I then was abruptly stopped at the hands of mum and dad. I paraded around the room screaming about how excited for Christmas I was, until my voice eventually went hoarse after a rather annoying couple of minutes for my parents. Eventually I managed to get them out of bed and into the sunroom, where the fun would be happening. We were sitting down around the Christmas tree which was towering over me. However I was now faced with an all new challenge. The challenge of patience. Although patience is a very valuable skill, it was certainly one I had not yet mastered. I now had to wait what felt like a million years for the arrival of my younger cousins. I stared endlessly out of the window, waiting to see their big car pull into the driveway. After a lightyear they finally arrived, bearing the secret of what I would be receiving for Christmas. We welcomed them with open arms and many licks from my dog. We all sat around the towering Christmas tree and began giving presents. I viciously began tearing through the wrapping paper which was preventing me from getting to my desired present. It was a lovely big jacket from my uncle and auntie, I quickly wobbled through the battlefield and thanked them for my lovely gift. The present giving went on and on. However, Christmas wasn’t just about the presents, it was also about the special people you get to enjoy it with. Soon enough, the day came to an end. A day full of endless amounts of eating and playing. My younger cousins soon departed. I then followed in my sleepy dog's steps and slowly drifted off to bed.

The Year 6 Team

Library Literature - Stage 3

With everything going on in the world at the moment, it seemed appropriate that our Stage 3 learners do a unit on “Fake news”. Now more than ever before, students are needing to be critical with the information they absorb. Lessons have looked at the history of the news and why the increase of technology and the immediacy in which we can access information has decreased the validity and reliability of information. 

“I had no idea that some news that’s spread is twisted with lies and is shared and looked at more than true news is” - Hannah N

Three for free

1. Cooped Up Conversations - Here you’ll find a collection of daily conversation prompts for kids which provide a helpful, guided way to have curious, silly and open conversations with each other.
2. Kids invention ideas made for REAL  - Some super cool industrial designers took these kids scribble illustrations and imagined them in real life. Shout out to the food cooler, pringle hook and family scooter.
3. Mrs. Honeybee fantastical bedtime stories. Mrs. Honeybee is an avatar who weaves audio bedtime stories inspired by your favourite characters; from Elsa to Buzz. Great for those nights where storytime needs some assistance.

Stephanie Affleck
Teacher Librarian

New Fiction Titles to the Collection

Liz Pichon is the author-illustrator of several picture books and her Tom Gates series has sold millions of copies and won several prestigious awards, including the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. The books have been translated into forty-five languages worldwide. Shoe Wars is the latest book by Pichon. The story introduces the reader to Shoe Town and we meet Ruby and Bear Foot. They are running out of time to rescue their inventor dad from his hideous boss, Wendy Wedge. Wendy will do anything to win the glitzy Golden Shoe Award and is confident that entering flying shoes is sure to win her the trophy. Ruby and Bear have other plans… This can only mean one thing SHOE WARS! This is an exciting story with lively characters that offer plenty of laughs. The humorous text is interspersed with quirky pen and ink illustrations.

Recommended for ages 7 years and over.

Anh Do is a Vietnamese-born Australian author, comedian, artist and actor.

His latest book for children is Sky Dragon. The protagonist of the story is Amber, a nine year old girl. Amber recognises that she has special powers but wonders what she is supposed to do with it? Controlling her new found ability might be the hardest thing she has ever done. Does Amber have what it takes to truly become a Skydragon? 

Recommended for ages 8-14 years old.

Mrs Susan Kesur
Library Assistant

This term in Chapel we are focusing on the theme ‘Blessed is the PEACEMAKER.’ Throughout this term we will be looking at Peace in God’s creation, Peace in uncertain times and how we can be PEACEMAKERS. Then later in the term, as we get closer to Christmas, we will be looking at Jesus the Prince of PEACE.

This week we focused on how we can be Peacemakers in the world. Mr Thomas reminded us how the Bible teaches us to ‘Clothe [ourselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’ (Colossians 3:12). He also shared how we can be caring for people in our neighbourhood but also people in other countries. This year we will continue to gather presents together for children locally and all over the world.

This week the students will be learning the memory verse:

‘Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’ Colossians 3:12 

We love seeing the students getting involved in the Chapel videos each week. Remember if you would like to watch this week's online Chapel video you can find it on our school website.

You can also watch this week's Chapel by CLICKING HERE. 

Tiffany Knoll
Chapel Coordinator 

This term we will be selling ‘limited edition’ ‘Blessed is the Peacemaker’ Christmas T-Shirts. These are available for $20 and are available in both children’s and adult’s sizes. Why not buy one for each member of your family. You can place your order here.

Deliveries will be made later this term. Check out last week’s online Chapel service if you’d like to see this T-shirt worn by a very handsome model. You too, can be at the height of 2020 fashion and style this summer!

If your child wishes to participate in any music tuition or after school extra curricular activities in 2021 please check the school website on Monday to find out more information (https://www.claremont.nsw.edu.au/teaching-learning/extra-curricular).

The Uniform Shop is now open for business on: 

Mondays         1:00pm-4:00pm

Wednesdays   8:00am-11:00am.

At present the only items available to purchase directly from the Uniform Shop are

School bags, socks, hair accessories, hats, art smocks and raincoat sales. Any uniform items required in Term 4 may still be purchased from Wileys. 

For further information please see the attached flyer.

Welcomeasy are delivering recess and lunch orders to school.

Orders must be placed by 10:59pm the night before for delivery on the next school day.

If you are ordering a snack item, please specify in the notes area whether the snack is for Recess or Lunch.

Please note that orders are to be placed on the ‘Welcomeasy’ website and NOT Flexischools.

You must firstly create an account by following some simple steps. Go to www.welcomeasy.com.au  

A reminder that all parents are asked to confirm their TeamKids bookings for the term so that the service can arrange to be adequately staffed each day. 

If you haven’t booked yet and require a booking or would just like to confirm your arrangements, please contact TeamKids Customer Service on 1300 035 000.

2021 school travel applications are now open

Applications for student travel in 2021 opened from Monday 12 October 2020.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass for 2021 can now apply online. A new application should be submitted if a student is applying for a school travel pass for the first time or requesting an additional pass as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody).

Students who have changed school/campus, changed address, repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should re-apply or update their details.

*Applications must be completed by the student's parent or legal guardian if the student is aged under 16 years. Students 16 years and over must complete the application form themselves. 

Where there is a change of distance eligibility based on a student’s grade, the system will automatically update a student’s entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, they will receive an expiry notification via email.

Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.

If a student needs to update their information or re-apply, they should go online to https://apps.transport.nsw.gov...

Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2020 to ensure that current student entitlements are updated and their current entitlement/card remains valid. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2020, the system will automatically cancel an entitlement/card and a new one will need to be issued.

Students in the Opal network applying for a SSTS or Term Bus Pass entitlement for the first time will receive their card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2021.

Students residing in Rural and Regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the commencement of the new school year from their nominated operator, this may be distributed via the school or sent direct to their address. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/Parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

New Concession Entitlement Cards

Transport for NSW will be replacing the below cards with Transport Concession Entitlement Cards (TCEC) from October 2020:

• Senior Secondary Student Concession Card (16 years and over) – also used by Mature Secondary Students (18 years and over), Distance Education Students and Home School Students
• Proof of Age card (when a student under 16 years of age looks older)
• Boarder Rail Pass.

All previous cards will be valid until they expire. Students who require a Transport Concession Entitlement Card should speak with their school administration staff.

Enquiries regarding school student travel can be submitted to Transport for NSW at:

https://transportnsw.info/cont...