What an extraordinary year we have had. Thank you to our students, parents and staff. During 2021, we have certainly faced challenges and arduous periods, and yet we have remained strong and united together. We are sincerely grateful for the support, encouragement, perseverance, commitment, dedication and love shown to each other during the year. Congratulations to all of our students. They have learnt and developed so much this year, and we would like to acknowledge all they have achieved.

A very special mention to our students and families who will be leaving Claremont College. We thank you for the many ways you have contributed to our community and wish you all the best next year and beyond. We especially would like to mention our Year 6 students. We are incredibly proud of them, and we pray they will continue to thrive in their next school, and be filled with hope, courage, wonder and joy as they enter their next chapter in their lives. We look forward to celebrating their time at Claremont College at our Valedictory Dinner this evening.

This year we say farewell to the following Year 6 students:

Cranbrook - Henry B, Ziggy E, Thomas L, Archie M, Jasper VG, Jake W, Bryce McC, Andreas M
Inner Sydney High - Teddy G
Kambala -  Sofia C
Kincoppal Rose Bay -  Ivy B
Newington - Henry M, Nicholas T
Shore - Oliver K
St Andrew's Cathedral School - Elijah C, Caitlyn L, Sienna L, Ruby M, Hannah N 
St Catherine’s - Zahra A, Costantia G, Jasmine S, Lola U, Isabelle W, Georgia B
St Clare’s - Georgia W, Matilda F, Mila T, Clementine G, Sofia J
St George Christian School - Micah C
St Vincent’s - Evie MZ, Bella M, Sanja P, Xanthe S
Sydney Girls High - Beth G
Scots College - Nicolas C, Marco D, Oliver W
Waverley College - Henry F, Sebastian LP, Seamus M, Alexander K 

We are confident that our Year 6 students will continue to be inspired and to inspire others. We will miss them. We are proud of them.

Sadly, there are some much loved staff members who will also be saying farewell to Claremont. Miss Yasmin Campbell and Mrs Nicole Nunn have been wonderful Teaching and Learning Assistants for our school this past year. Miss Campbell has secured a permanent position at Paddington Public School, whilst Mrs Nunn is looking forward to working on a casual basis at our school. 

We will also be saying farewell to Mrs Fiona Vula and Mr Julian Ko. Both of these teachers will be greatly missed. Mrs Vula will be working closer to her home at Danebank Anglican School for Girls, and Mr Ko will be taking up a position in another independent school. We thank them both for their dedication, expertise and love for the children in their care.

Love in Action

Recently, our 2022 Student Leaders were announced to the Year 5 student cohort. (The wider school community will be informed of the 2022 School Leaders on Speech Day.) We have been very impressed with all of the Year 5 candidates and we congratulate them on their courage and perseverance. As part of the application process, the candidates needed to acknowledge the possibility of not receiving a formal leadership role. I would like to share an example of how people can show kindness and love to others...

Two of our Year 5 candidates were Katherine and Chrisanthy - twin sisters, who were both applying for the same role. As you can see in the heartwarming photograph below, when the time came to announce to Year 5 the results, one sister embraced her twin, congratulating her on her achievement. A truly beautiful moment was captured. We are so proud of these girls and how they have shown such humility, happiness for another’s success and genuine love. Congratulations girls - you have shown wonderful strength of character through this experience.

Key Priorities for 2022

Mrs Ford and I are incredibly excited for what 2022 will bring and we have begun planning for next year. There will be many wonderful opportunities for the children to be both challenged and supported in their learning and in their personal wellbeing development. And of course, to top it off, we are very excited to be already planning for our big 140th celebration year! Please mark in your diaries 19 February 2022 - our 140th Celebration Picnic. We look forward to sharing our 2022 school priorities with you early next year when we meet together for the Parent Information Evening. We are feeling hopeful, positive and energised about what 2022 will bring.

Thank You

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

As we wrap up this year, on behalf of our school, I would like to say ‘thank you’. Thank you also to the many children and families for your Christmas gifts, cards, good wishes, prayers and words of encouragement. Your support has been truly appreciated. Thank you for everyone’s united effort to support the children and our school. Have a wonderful school break. May the fullness of life, along with the joy and peace that comes from Jesus, be with you this Christmas. I wish you prayers, health and safety for a refreshing summer holiday and a happy new year.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Larissa Cameron
Co-Principal

Follow us

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

It’s always such a joy watching the Kindy kids present the Nativity Pageant. It is always very special and full of wonder. It centres me, reminding me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus the author and perfecter of my faith. As we conclude the school year, I am intentionally not focussing on the intensity and the challenge of the year that has passed, even with its many successes and notable achievements.   

Instead, I would like to look forward. We all need a break. The fatigue that we are experiencing is significant. I pray that this holiday will be a time of happy days and refreshment for you and your family. 

I am looking beyond the holidays, inspired by the Christmas story that challenges us to think about all that is possible and impossible. At that first Christmas the impossible happened. The Virgin gave birth to a son - Emmanuel God with us, hope for humanity. 

This week we commenced the Christian season of Advent which is traditionally a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the nativity of Christ at Christmas and also for his return, the Second Coming. With this in mind, I choose to look forward. 

While COVID may have fatigued and overwhelmed me, it has not stopped me from holding on to hope, waiting and looking forward to better days to come. This is why I love the Kindy Nativity pageant ...it fills me with eager anticipation for seeing these young lives grow and flourish. I dream for them and pray that their lives will be filled with big possibilities.   

For me, the impossible that happened at Christmas makes me look forward to both the possible and the impossible in the days to come. It makes me think, imagine, and work for what I wish for. COVID has caused us to become very introspective, therefore I choose to look beyond myself and my present circumstances. I choose to hold on to hope.

Advent is a season of waiting. I wait and work for a world where children do not cry because they don’t not have enough to eat. I wait and work for a world where mothers and fathers are not displaced, having a home for their children and a roof over their head. I wait and work for a world where those who are powerful do not dominate and control. Where power is shared generously and equitably, for the healing and wholeness of all of creation. For me, this is the essence of the Christmas story. 

We wait at Advent, but I suspect that it is God who is also doing the waiting. Jesus was born, He is here, He is in our lives. I believe that he is now waiting on us. I pray that God gives us the courage to show up, to make a difference and at times be uncomfortable in our efforts and sacrifices to make a difference. I am inspired by our students who are helping our planet through their PBL action projects. The kids are really ‘showing up.’ Thank you. 

Advent provides us with an invitation to imagine a better future for the children we love. The impossible that happened at Christmas must fill our hearts and minds, far more than COVID fills us with fear, anxiety and uncertainty.

Let us pray and work hard together, to create a school, homes, families, communities and a world that allows our children to learn, love, and live life to the fullest. May this be yours this Christmas, in 2022, and the years ahead.

With the future in mind, I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday for our Virtual Speech Day, where I have some exciting news to share with you.

God bless and thank you for your support over this year.

Doug Thomas
Principal

School Picnic Change: Christmas Festival

A reminder that our School Christmas Festival is for children and staff only (not parents) and will be held on Monday 6 December. This will be held at school. Children can wear Christmas themed or Christmas coloured clothing. You may like to pre-order from the School Canteen (there is a special set lunch menu available via Flexischools; please note that orders need to be placed by 12pm Sunday 5 December). Children will need to bring a gold coin donation for our Sponsor Children.  We are very much looking forward to spending the day filled with Christmas fun with their friends.

GIFTS FOR FRIENDS AND TEACHERS

Often at the end of the school year, children like to bring gifts and cards for their friends and for staff. We are happy for this to happen on Monday 6 December or Tuesday 7 December but they cannot be brought on Wednesday. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter, and thank you again for your gifts.

LAST DAY AT SCHOOL FOR YEAR 6

Parents of Year 6 students are invited to attend a special Final Assembly for Year 6 at 2:30pm on Tuesday 7 December. Photos may be taken of the Year 6 students once all the other students have departed the playground. On your arrival, you will be required to sign in out the front of the office, and there is an expectation for adults to maintain social distancing at all times. Please also note that parents who do attend onsite must be double vaccinated. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation..

VIRTUAL SPEECH DAY

Our Speech Day celebration will take place virtually on Wednesday 8 December, starting at 10:00am. Students will NOT come to school that day. Speech Day will be viewed from home. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the award winners, reflect on the year of 2021. You will receive a link to a password protected page to view this special event.

Yesterday we held our Speech Day Preview at school, where some students received the end of year awards. Congratulations to those students for what they achieved. Photographs of these students will be shared with our community via the Speech Day page on Wednesday.

We are looking forward to celebrating with you the many achievements of 2021.

SCHOOL OFFICE

The school office will close on Friday 17 December and will re-open on Monday 17 January.

SCHOOL BUS REGISTRATION FOR 2022

If your child uses the school bus, or you would like to register to use the school bus for Term 1 2022, please complete the registration form by CLICKING HERE. Please note that the buses are only able to carry 24 passengers each, and also service certain areas.  If you have any questions in relation to the school bus service, please email [email protected]

EXTRA CURRICULAR 2022

Extra curricular activities are a valued service at Claremont College. If your child wishes to participate in any music tuition or after school extra curricular activities in 2022, please check the school website for details on the tutor or click the links below.

Please note that all students are required to re-enrol for lessons in 2022.

Claremont College Concert Band - Sam Golding

Click HERE to register for Band with Sam.

Brass - Sam Golding

Click HERE to register for Brass lessons with Sam.

Drums - Percy Reddy

Please click HERE to register for lessons with Percy.

Flute - Visnja Kosanovic

Click HERE to register for lessons with Visnja.

Guitar & Rock Band - Luke Galea

Click HERE to register for guitar and/or rock band lessons with Luke.

Guitar - Mark Tsangaris

Click HERE to register for lessons with Mark.

Piano - To be advised

Click HERE to register your interest for lessons in 2022.

Singing with Lyndell Pym

Click HERE to register for lessons with Lyndell.

String Ensemble and Cello - Margaret Machamer

Click HERE to register for cello lessons or string ensemble with Margaret.

Violin - Dominique Guerbois

Click HERE to register for violin lessons with Dominique.

BEFORE SCHOOL & AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 restrictions and whether they will have an impact on activities early next year, the enrolments for the before school and after school activities will be released just prior to the commencement of the school year. An alert will be sent out via the school app when these details are available.

As the term comes to an end we would like to say a sincere 'thank you' for your support and understanding with the recent COVID-19 situation in our community. We understand this was a challenging time for many, and we are incredibly grateful to our staff, parents and students for the supportive response and overwhelming sense of community throughout this term and throughout this year.

With the summer holidays approaching, we hope you all have a safe, wonderful and restful break. We will communicate with you prior to Term 1 commencing regarding COVID-19 guidelines and updates.

Thank you again and take care. 

Alanna James
Acting Deputy Principal

Some tips for these holidays:

• Stay connected these holidays by organising some playdates with friends.
• Keep safe when at the beach, around the roads and when online.
• Practise gratitude by thinking about the  good things going on in your world today, and the things you are  looking forward to tomorrow, or next week.
• Practise empathy by thinking of something kind you could do for someone, and then when you  do that kind thing, think about how it makes you feel.
• Practice mindfulness by sitting quietly somewhere, closing your eyes and breathing or engage in prayer.
• Make time for the things you love - have fun.

Larissa Cameron
Co-Principal

Our Social Media Team is working to increase connections, and promote our amazing school. We know everyone has been doing wonderful things during this time and we would love to be able to share these with the Claremont community.  

In the coming week we would like to focus on:

●      Watching Speech Day

●      End of School Year Celebrations

If your child would like to be considered to be featured on Claremont College's social media platforms, please send your photos and videos to [email protected] with: 

- Child's Name 
- Grade
- Quote or Caption
OR, feel free to tag @claremontcollege on Instagram, 
or @claremont2031 on Twitter, 
or to follow us on LinkedIn Claremont College

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

The Social Media Committee

Follow us

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

Congratulations to the following students who received a Gold Certificate or Pennant Award this week.

Gold Certificates

Thomas L (Yr 6), Mila T (Yr 6), Indigo E (Yr 4), Jamie W (Yr 3), Isabella R (Yr 3), Evie Y (Yr 1), Jacob L (Yr 1) and Hayden J (Yr 1).

Pennant

Jonathan A (Yr 2), Rosie R (Yr 1), Jake W (Yr 6) and Esra V (Yr 2).

Yet again, the month of November has rolled around, seemingly quicker than ever this year. Like I’m sure you’ve seen advertised, the real name for this month is Movember, a month where many men try to grow as much hair on their upper lip as they possibly can. I must say that with everything else that is happening in the world at the moment, I haven’t quite been pushing the Movember message as much as I have in previous years. But upon reflection over the past week, I came to the conclusion that the message that Movember promotes is even more important than ever in our ever changing world.

There really is a lot more to Movember than, specifically in my case, some very ginger upper lip hair. We thought 2020 was a curveball, but little did we know what 2021 would bring, specifically to those residing in Sydney. I can confidently say, there’s been numerous times throughout 2021 that I’ve had challenges to overcome, and would be very surprised if there is anyone who isn’t in the same boat. I feel extremely lucky to have loved ones around me and a support network to lean on when these curveballs are thrown our way. Many blokes around Australia don’t have that, they don’t feel like or simply don’t like showing that vulnerability and talking about their feelings. If a rugby player ruptured their ACL, they’d go and see a specialist, get surgery, then see a Physio to successfully rehab the injury? Why do we continue to have a stigma around seeking the same help if we’re not alright mentally? How is a psychologist any different?

Blokes and boys need to continue to be encouraged to talk, express themselves and reach out when they are really not ok. The tides are turning, and things really are changing, but the jobs not over. Positivity fills the air when discussing what the image of a ‘strong man’ looks like with the Year 6 boys, with these young individuals knowing the importance of kindness, generosity and empathy, but we must continue to highlight that we need to show ourselves these same qualities. Talk to each other, don’t expect people to be mind readers and when you’re not ok, express that. It’s amazing actually facilitating some of these conversations with the boys in Year 6, seeing the lightbulb moment when they realise another individual they may idolise or assume is super confident, battles some of the same insecurities as themselves. These conversations are so important to have with the young men of the world and equip them with the real power to change the way mental health, and especially mental health in the males of the world is perceived. It’s something that I think we can all see, the men of the world aren’t the greatest at communicating their feelings at times.

Movember aims to improve men's health outcomes in a variety of ways, but I believe mental health programs and the promotion of blokes talking about their struggles and reaching out for help continues to be an integral part of changing the face of men's health. I’ve done Movember for a number of years now, and am always sincerely thankful for any donations I receive. This year more than ever, as I mentioned earlier, I am very conscious of the difficult situations many individuals find themselves in and am extremely grateful for any donations. If you can bypass that trip to the coffee shop in the morning and spare a few dollars, I’d really appreciate any support. I’ve posted the link below.

I sincerely hope everyone within our Claremont community enjoys a restful break, has the opportunity to connect with family and friends and holds a sense of hope and optimism for what 2022 will bring us. Check in on your friends, male or female, make sure they’re alright and open up some of the conversations we are often all tentative to have. Like we say to the Year 6 students, you could be the one spark that changes someone's day.

Yours in the mo,

Mr. Ryan :)

https://movember.com/m/angusryan?mc=1

If your child has been doing remote learning and still has the school technology, could you please return it to Mr Nield by 3:00pm on Friday 10 December. 

Please note that the school will be closed on Wednesday 8 December.

ICAS results are now available to Claremont online, and teachers have been asked to inform students confidentially about their results. On the back of each student certificate is a TAP-ID and PIN which can be used by parents to log into online reports. However, as a consequence of the unusual sitting windows this year, some certificates may take up to February to arrive. We apologise for this inconvenience, but will endeavour to distribute the certificates to students as they arrive. We thank you for your patience. 

Renee De Rossi
Head of Learning

Term 4 2021

Term 1 2022

Term 2 2022

2022 Term 3

Term 4

2022 TERM DATES

Student Details and Permissions Form 2022

2022 Term 1 Morning Skills Registration 

Term 1 Morning Skills Sports Program 2022

The Term 1 Sport information and registration form for 2022 has been made available on your Parent Portal. Please remember to register online for all morning activities as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as some sports have limited positions. 

For billing purposes, registrations will close on 13 December 2021. 

Programs commence from Week 4 in Term 1, 2022.

Monday: Year 3-6 Tennis (Eastern Suburbs Tennis Centre) 
Tuesday: Year 1-2 Tennis and Year 3-6 AFL (Grant Reserve)
Wednesday: Year 3-6 Netball
Friday: Year 1-2 Football (soccer)

CLICK HERE for the Term 1 Morning Skills Information Booklet.

Annual Year 6 and Teachers Dodgeball Game

Yesterday we held the annual Year 6 students and Teachers dodgeball game. A fun time was had by all and the teachers prevailed to win this year. Check out some photos which captured the fun.

The Uniform Shop will be open in January 2022. Please see the attached flyer for more details.

Uniform Shop January 2022 - Opening Hours

CLICK HERE to read the most recent newsletter from TeamKids. 

TeamKids have another amazing SUMMER Holiday program planned!

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

Head to teamkids.com.au  to secure your spot!

Click here to check out the program.

St Andrew’s Cathedral School will offer one full or part scholarship to a Claremont student (boy or girl) for entry into Year 7 2023. This scholarship is in recognition of the relationship between the two schools, and acknowledgement of the high standard of Claremont graduates. The scholarship, and amount of scholarship will be based on the following criteria:

• Results in the ACER Scholarship Selection Test which will be run at Claremont late February or early March 2022 TBC.
• Demonstrated commitment to school life at Claremont through Music, Drama, Sport, Leadership or other school programs.
• School reports and NAPLAN.

Application forms can be downloaded at

https://www.sacs.nsw.edu.au/enrol/scholarships/academic-scholarships/

Applications close on 10 February 2022.

From Sunday 5 December 2021, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) will be making changes to the South East bus network. These changes will affect some bus routes that operate into the Inner West, southern and the Lower North Shore areas.

The changes include adjustments to routes 303, 320, 348, 370, 418 and 420, and a number of State Transit’s bus routes operating in the South East. Additionally, there will be changes to bus stops in the CBD for routes currently operating along Castlereagh and King streets.

For detailed information about the plan visit www.mysydney.nsw.gov.au/South_East_Bus_Changes. 

The TfNSW Trip Planner has been updated with the new changes. We encourage you to remind your school community to plan ahead on Trip Planner https://transportnsw.info/trip before travelling.

To ensure dedicated school services appear as a travel option for students, click ‘refine’ and select the school bus option.

To provide feedback on any TfNSW services, please visit https://transportnsw.info/contact-us/feedback/bus-feedback.

Students are also reminded to tap on and off with their Opal card on all trips.

Unfortunately, due to union industrial action, there will be disruptions to bus services for 24 hours from 12.01am Monday, 6 December to 12.01am Tuesday, 7 December.

While some services may still be operating, it is advised that students find an alternative way to travel to and from school.

Are you a primary school age child who loves to get creative? Christmas is on its way, and we are looking for help designing the Mayor’s Christmas card! Enter to be a part of the competition and see your design used across our city to bring joy to people this Christmas!

How to enter?

Draw, paint, photograph or create something that represents ‘Christmas in Randwick City’! Think about what is special about where you live and what makes it feel like Christmas this year. Then, email [email protected] and include a PDF or JPEG image of your creation along with your name, year, school and parent’s phone number. You can also drop off your entry in person at the Randwick City Council Customer Service Centre located at 30 Frances Street Randwick. 

Entries close 5pm Wednesday 8 December 2021!  

Winners

The Mayor will choose winning designs that best represent ‘Christmas in Randwick City’ from each age group: 

• Kindergarten, Years 1 & 2
• Years 3 & 4
• Years 5 & 6

There will be first and second place prizes for each age category. Each of the winners will not only see their designs featured on the Mayor’s Christmas card across our city and receive a personal certificate, but will win some great great prizes.

• First place prize: A one-day school holiday art workshop at the Art Studio in Maroubra (valued at $100), AND a $100 voucher to spend at The Sydney Art Store
• Second place prize: A $50 voucher to spend at The Sydney Art Store 

So kids, get creative and show us what ‘Christmas in Randwick City’ means to you! 

Conditions of entry

By entering this competition you agree to the following terms of entry:

• The winners will be chosen by the Mayor of Randwick at their discretion.
• Late entries cannot be accepted.
• We will publish the winners’ first name, year and school on the Christmas card and other communication material.
• You consent to giving permission to Randwick City Council to reproduce your submitted artwork on the Mayor’s Christmas card and other Council communication channels.
• Winners will be contacted by telephone.