This has been a week of ‘shining our light’ in so many ways, both literally and figuratively. Our new Christmas lights which adorn the palm trees on Coogee Bay Road really look fabulous. More importantly, I am so proud of the many ways our students (K-6) have ‘shone their lights’, with their talents and impressive achievements. With this, I draw your attention to the following items below;

The P&F Art Auction

Be sure to place a bid on your favourite artwork in this important fund-raiser. You only have one week to go, and you do not want to be disappointed. The combined talents of all students and their teachers shine through every piece of art. Each artwork is stunning. You are welcome to visit our reception area to have a close look at these impressive pieces of art, or review the images (and further information) below. Thank you in advance for your generous support. 

Sporting Talent

Congratulations to our gold, silver and bronze medalists as well as the other champions at the recent Nippers Carnival at Queenscliff. Check out Mr Geering’s Sports report about these fabulous results and awesome participation in this community event. 

An Opportunity for our High Potential Learners to Shine!

This week, students from Years 3 - 6 participated in a 2-day Quest facilitated by BRAINways Education. The Quest provides opportunities for students across Australia to engage with complex, abstract, multi-disciplinary programs, designed to challenge students to work in teams and stimulate higher order thinking skills. Our participating students were: Year 3 - Maya V, Billy R, Ned L, Audrey F; Year 4 - Sarah O, Taka M, Simona P, Gia G; Year 6 - Caitlin C. We look forward to hearing how our students performed when the State results are announced next Friday. Regardless of the results they are all winners, and we are very proud of how they represented the school and adapted to the last minute move to an online format.

In Awe of More!

Please scroll to read each of the Grade and Specialist news items, to get a sense of the depth of rich learning and opportunities for the children here at Claremont College. I am in awe of what happens here. No wonder there are so many smiles at the end of each day as the children head home.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Doug Thomas
Principal

  Follow me @DougJThomas

The Claremont Art Auction is our final fundraiser for the year and the online auction is now live!

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

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 starts today, with the auction closing at 9pm on Friday 20 November.

Please visit https://airauctioneer.com/claremont-college-art-auction to register an account and place your bids. 

Happy bidding! 

Claremont Champions

A number of Claremont students recently represented Coogee Minnows at the Nippers Beach Carnival at Queenscliff. Congratulations to Marnie L (Year 3), who came home with 2 gold medals and a silver from her participation in three events. Louis G (Year 1) also came home with a bronze medal in the Under 9 year old sprint. Nicholas G (Year 4), as a member of the mixed relay team, came away with a gold medal.  This follows on from their success earlier in the year where they placed first in the state. A special mention to Louis’ parents, Renee and Stevan, who coach Marnie, Louis and Nicholas, as well as the other kids at Coogee Surf Club.

Joel Geering
Sports Coordinator

Now is the time for the children to buy some packs of Christmas Cards because… Pixie Post is coming to town. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and jolly is what the Year 3 students will be as they wear their pixie hats and jingle bells delivering precious mail to students and staff alike. 

Our Pixie Post Christmas Card delivery service will commence on Monday 23 November for one week only.

BRING YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR CARINGKIDS 

Please leave the gifts in the baskets under the Christmas Tree or, if it is raining, in the office. 

We are proud to support this local charity, CaringKids. CaringKids is a registered charity, founded by one of our Claremont mums, Margaret Skagias.  The charity provides Toy Boxes to children who act as a carer for a family member with a disability or illness. They provide the siblings of children with special needs and other 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 they have asked the Claremont community 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. 

PROJECT HELP INDIA

Please continue to bring in the green boxes to raise money to buy the children supported by Project Help India much needed warm clothes for the coming winter months, and to help share with them the spirit of Christmas that we all enjoy.

This is the charity set up and supported by our Principal, Mr Thomas, and his wife Rowena (http://projecthelpindia.co/ ). 

The small green boxes represent the fact that it is the small things we do that can have a big impact on others.

Be Respectful...

Thoughtful gestures go a long way. Open the door for others, offer people the last biscuit, tell your friend why you like spending time with them, use the 'magic words' of please, excuse me and thank you. Let’s commit to being kind, thoughtful and compassionate to one another.

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.

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

A parents’ greatest desire is usually for their child to be healthy and happy.  We understand that a healthy body image is associated with greater wellbeing, in particular higher self-worth and other healthy behaviours.  This is relevant for both girls and boys. But what do we mean by a ‘healthy’ body image?

Body image has both a psychological and emotional component - it’s the way you see your body and the way you feel about your body. Your body image impacts the way you interact with others and the world around you.  While it is ‘normal’ to feel neutral about our bodies or even a little dissatisfied with our bodies at times, a healthy body image means celebrating the things that your body allows you to do like enjoy a swim or walk at the beach with your family or hug the people you love at the end of the day.  It means having an awareness of the individual qualities and strengths that make you who you are and allows you to feel good about yourself beyond the cultural and societal expectations of weight, shape or appearance.  

We are all (children, adolescents and adults) bombarded by images of the ‘perfect’ body and we can all feel pressure, to some degree, to try and meet those expectations. In the face of this pressure, parents can feel at a loss at how to promote a ‘healthy body image’ for their child/ren.  

The Butterfly Foundation is a national charity for all Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, and for the families, friends and communities who support them.  The Butterfly organisation in conjunction with the Sydney North Health Network is offering a free webinar for parents.  With a focus on prevention, this session provides information and practical tips to help parents and carers of children and teenagers better understand and promote positive body image and healthy relationships with food and physical activity in the home. 

It’s being offered via Zoom on Thursday 26 November at 7pm.  Please find more information by clicking the link below.

Promoting Healthy Body Image Webinar 

Catherine McKersie
School Counsellor

Year 6 - Let’s Go Surfing - Parent Portal or ‘To Do’ Badge on Claremont App

Year 6 - Indonesian Lunch Order

Congratulations to the following students who were presented with a Certificate of Achievement or Principal’s Award at our Merit Assembly over the last few weeks: 

Ivy B, Giselle A, Jez C, Chloe M, Jasmine S, Angus K, Catherine K, Sienna G, Angus M, Nicholas S, Illiana S, Oliver R, Sara S, Christopher S, Sara S, Cristina S, Imara R, Mason T, Sofia LN

The theme for NAIDOC week 2020 was, ‘Always Was. Always will Be.’ Year 6 marked the week with class discussions about the rich heritage and traditions of Aborignal and Torres Strait Islander Nations. These conversations provided the students with the opportunity to consider and appreciate one of the oldest and diverse cultures that cared for and have occupied this continent for over 65,000 years. Students also reviewed maps of Australia illustrating the location of different Indigenous Nations and considered the importance placed on the diverse dreaming stories embedded within these various Nations. There was recognition of the importance of these oral histories and how this has shaped the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Mr Angus Ryan

On Wednesday students were reminded of the significance of Remembrance Day. We attach a copy of the presentation for your information. We encourage you to have a conversation with your child about what they learnt.

Remembrance Day

Clay Artworks

“Clay can be dirt in the wrong hands, but clay can be art in the right hands” Nyong’o

Over the past 3 weeks, students have worked their little hands and curious minds to mould artworks out of clay.  In our first lesson, we looked at the origins of clay and its use by artists. We brainstormed which everyday objects that could be created using clay and we practised a range of techniques using playdough. “This is easy!” some of them exclaimed.

The following week, our students were given little balls of clay and began making their ‘pinch pots’. Their excited little hands began rolling, kneading and it was not long before we heard, “This is so hard!” and “My hands hurt!”.

After a week of waiting patiently for our clay pots to dry out, we were finally ready to paint. Once our pots were beautifully coloured, we thought we just needed to add one missing ingredient. Glitter! 

The Kindergarten Team 

This week Year 1 took part in Remembrance Day activities to commemorate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the life we live today. This year’s commemoration is different from most in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. However, we did not let that detract from the meaning and significance of the day. 

On Wednesday we learnt about the significance of poppies and their association with Remembrance Day.  Once the fighting ceased, poppies were one of the first flowering plants to return to the battlefields. Today these poppies are symbolic of the Armistice, which is why they are an important aspect of Remembrance Day. In light of this, we made our own poppies using rich, red oil pastels and green paddle pop sticks.

The Year 1 Team

Visual Art

This term, the Year 2 students have been studying Portraits during Visual Art lessons. This has been a hugely popular unit, with the students producing some fantastic pieces of work each week. The students have been learning to sketch their face, using a grid to ensure their features are in proportion. 

We have reviewed a range of artists and have enjoyed discussing the different styles used by these artists. The students thoroughly enjoyed being ‘Art Detectives’ by identifying props, colours, style etc. that provided clues to the subject’s identity. 

This week we also looked at the work of Pablo Picasso. The students demonstrated a great deal of interest in his work and his unique Cubism style. We are now working towards producing a painting in a similar style to his work. To help develop their skills, students took a photo of themselves from the side and then sketched their profile. This was an enjoyable challenge and the students can’t wait to work on their final product! 

The Year 2 Team

Visual Art - Photography

This term in Visual Art, Year 3 students have been developing their photography skills. They have experimented with the app called ‘Pixlr’ where they learnt how to effectively edit a photograph. Students enjoyed learning about how to create a certain mood by using a filter. They looked at cropping, adjusting the brightness, adding effects, saturation and contrast. Students have also investigated different camera views and techniques. They have learnt about different views such as birds eye view, close up, oblique angle and wide shots. Students have analysed the purpose of different shots and how they can be used to convey feelings and emotions.

Over the next few weeks in Visual Art, students will be making a stop motion video to tell a short story. Students will use the app ‘Stop Motion Studio’ to create their storyboards. We look forward to seeing what the students create. 

Here are a few thoughtful reflections from some of the students:

“I liked experimenting by taking photos from different angles.” - Abbie H 

“I found using the editing app Pixlr allowed me to enhance my photo to create a deeper effect.” - Maya V  

“I found using different angles to take photos helped me to be more creative with my work!” - Sofia P 

The Year 3 Team

Sport - Tennis

Tennis this term has been a favourite activity for many students. We have been venturing to Centennial Park where the students play in groups ranging over 5 tennis courts. The skilled tennis instructors have been supporting students in developing specific tennis skills through a series of interactive games and exercises. One game is called ‘Champions’.  The game is similar to handball where one person is in the ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ spot and others move in and out to challenge them. Other games require teamwork in order to succeed.

After only a few weeks, the students' skills have improved dramatically. They are practising their forehands, backhands and volleys with increased accuracy and confidence. 

Here are some thoughts from the Year 4 students:

“You get to learn new things and move up levels. They teach you how to hold the tennis racquet properly and give you lots of tries if you don’t hit it right. At the highest level you get to play amongst other people and win games.” - Isabella W 

“I really liked it because there are games and we go to play each other in teams and collaborate with each other.” - Anthony C 

“I liked how we played 2 on 2 and there weren't many people around you so we had more of a chance of hitting it. And we got to use the whole court.” - Sara S 

“It is fun and we played a large variety of games. I like how we collaborated with other people. I hope we get to do it next year! The instructors are funny too.” - Isaac H 

“I think I have improved and I like to hit the ball across the net to someone else.” - Zali M 

“There is a lot of movement amongst the groups and you get to play with lots of people. We have lots of rallies and we get better and better.” - Angus M 

“We get to go to different courts and when we get better we get to play harder rallies and get points. It is really fun and challenging.” - Gia G 

The Year 4 Team

Visual Arts - Claymation 

Remember the movie ‘Wallace and Gromit’? What about ‘Chicken Run’? Surely you know about ‘Shaun the Sheep’! During the final weeks of Term 4, Year 5 has been exploring the artform of ‘Claymation’ as part of our Visual Arts lessons.

Claymation is a form of stop-motion animation where each animated piece is constructed out of a malleable substance. Year 5 have worked to the following brief:

‘Create a claymation that informs the audience on how to prepare for a natural disaster (bushfire, severe storm, tropical cyclone, flood or tsunami).’

Students have designed and produced every step of their final claymation video; including the natural disaster research, the storyboard, the figurines, the set and the production of the final video on imovie. 

“Claymation is not only a beautiful way of displaying visual art, but it also gives a message. Ours is about how to survive a storm!” - Georgia W 

“I like how different this Visual Arts topic is. I have never done anything like this! I enjoy making the characters, and I am so looking forward to now making the claymation video!” - Seamus M 

“Claymation has been so great. I worked together as a team. An example of some teamwork has been when we had to learn how to make a pale flesh colour. We problem-solved, and here we are making a huge character together!” - Elijah C 

“I think it is amazing that we get to do all this. The clay, the painting, the video editing...!” - Jasmine S  

“I have really enjoyed Claymation. I have been able to be so creative with my ideas!” - Clementine G 

“I like how you can get the clay and make WHATEVER you would like. It is amazing the range of things you can do with it!” - Teddy G

The Year 5 Team

The Afternoon Show with Mr Ryan

We hope you enjoy Episode 6 of ‘The Afternoon Show’ with Mr Ryan.

The Year 6 Team

Kabar Indonesia- Selamat Makan 

I would like to wish all the Year 6 students a fond farewell. To celebrate their final Indonesian lesson, the Year 6 students will enjoy a delicious Indonesian lunch catered by Margalena Zakaria (from her restaurant Mie Kocok Bandung, in Maroubra). Lunches will be securely packed and labelled with names according to each individual order. Please place orders by next Wednesday 18 November using this link.                                              

Sampai Jumpa!

Bu Jill

Library Literature Stage 3

Continuing with their unit looking at ‘fake news’, Year 6 students were challenged to come up with their own fake news headlines. With the goal to get as many ‘clicks’ as possible, students had to find the balance when it came to writing a headline that was shocking while still being within the realms of possibility. They discovered that often, stories can be misleading without being false. This makes them harder to spot, especially when they come in the following forms: hoaxes, scams, clickbait, jokes, advertising, spin, propaganda, satire and sensationalism. Which of their headlines do you think you might fall for?

Three for free

1. Emily's Wonder Lab Emily is the host of a new short, colourful science show for kids. Tune in here if you want some fun experiments over the Summer holidays.
2. The Solar System to Scale  9+ million people have already seen this clip but JUST in case you haven’t, hop to it!
3. Say Hello to the Leaf Sheep The Costasiella Kuroshimae is the cutest little critter that can retain the chloroplasts from the algae it eats, to perform photosynthesis! Wowza.  

Stephanie Affleck
Teacher Librarian

Final Library Borrowing for 2020

This week we had the final library borrowing session for the year. Students have been requested to return all library books next week. The books can be returned any day to the returns box in the library. Thank you in advance for your assistance with the return of books. 

New Fiction Titles to the Collection

The following new fiction titles were kindly donated to the school library from members of our school community.

Wolfred is the latest picture book from Australian author, Nick Bland. The story is about a wolf called Wolfred who operates the lift at Fancy Pants Tower. Each day he silently observes the extraordinary things he sees as he passes between floors. To his boss, Wolfred isn’t important enough to notice. But Wolfred notices everything that happens, big or small. After work each day, Wolfred writes down all that he has seen. The illustrations are a delight and the accompanying rhyming language.

Recommended for ages 4 years+.

This title introduces us to Merdyn the Wild from the Dark Ages. He’s the world’s greatest Warlock, banished to the 21st century for his bad behaviour. Rose is an ordinary girl who is on a mission to mend her ‘broken’ family. When Rose bumps into Merdyn and discovers what he is, she realises Merdyn could be just what she needs. Rose agrees to help Merdyn navigate the confusing ways of the modern world. This book is full of action and humour. The author Simon Farnaby has written and starred in some of the UK’s best-loved family TV and films such as Horrible Histories, Paddington and Paddington 2. This is his first children’s book.

Recommended for ages 8 to 12 years old.

Mrs Susan Kesur
Library Assistant

This term in Chapel we are focusing on the theme ‘Blessed is the Peacemaker.’ Throughout the term we will be looking at Peace in God’s creation, Peace during uncertain times and how we can be Peacemakers. Later in the term, as we get closer to Christmas, we will be looking at Jesus the Prince of Peace. 

This week we concentrated on Christmas and how Jesus came to earth as a baby to be the Prince of Peace. Each week, till the end of the term, we will continue to learn about the Christmas story and what truly happened that first Christmas.

We also recognised that Christmas is not an easy time of year for many people. 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: 

“His name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 

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!

Thank you to all the 2020 P&F Executive Team and grade representatives who have been committed to continuing to build the school community through this very uncertain and difficult year. Your continued support is appreciated and valued.

Following on from the AGM on Wednesday, I am pleased to announce that all the members of the 2020 P&F Executive Team will continue in their respective roles. The other members of the team have been an invaluable support to me this past year.

Congratulations to the newly appointed grade representatives for 2021. We look forward to continuing to serve the school community and praying that 2021 will not be such a challenging year.

Melisse Lee
P&F President

2021 P&F Executive Committee

President
Melisse Lee (Ava & Caitlyn)

Vice President Fundraising
Morgan Ryan (Lennox)

Vice President Community Well-being
Sally Ferguson (Ben & Ella)

Treasurer
Natalie Tharenou (Connor, Lachlan & Oliver)

Secretary
Sandra Santos (Xavier & Alexander)

2021 P&F Grade Representatives

Kindergarten
Kirsty Alexandrou, Aleks Davidovic, Lyndal Larby, Melinda Yates   

Year 1
Fiona Pearson, Sandra Santos, Susan Setiawan

Year 2
Alice Dang, Tom Haywood, Morgan Ryan, Lisa Stamatelatos, Helen Squadrito

Year 3
Aysun Abal, Bernadette Knight, Vanessa Peric, Helen Squadrito

Year 4
Natasha Peric, Sylvia Tziortzis

Year 5
Brooke Copland, Cathy Jin

Year 6
Amy Bulloch, Alana Koch

If your child wishes to participate in any music tuition or after school extra curricular activities in 2021, please check the school website to register for these lessons. 

Please note that you need to re-enrol with your tutor for 2021. 

(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...