We hope that you have had a wonderful break. We are ready and excited to have the children in Years 1 to 6 return on Thursday 30th January at the regular time with the school bell ringing at 8:45am. We also look forward to seeing our Kindergarten students drop in across next week for their ‘Set4School’ appointments. We will be fully ‘complete’ when the Kindy students then have their ‘first’ day of school on Monday 3rd February at the normal start time of 8:45am, (remember to head straight to the school hall for signing-in and photos). 

We are mindful that this has been a very difficult summer for many people in our community. The bushfires and drought has impacted some of our families and our prayers have been with you. If you have experienced trauma or disruption, or you have concerns about the way your child or family have been impacted (for example, overly worried or anxious) by these ongoing disasters, please let us know. Similarly, the poor air quality remains a concern for us all. Please let us know immediately  if your child has any asthma, respiratory or other health related issues. 

We will start the year as a school community, with some purposeful efforts to either fundraise or practically support regional communities impacted by bushfires and/or drought. At the moment we are investigating ways to specifically support some regional schools with a tree planting initiative. Nothing has been confirmed as yet, because it is important that we do not act in haste, and ultimately be unhelpful. If you are personally connected to people who are doing it tough, please let us know, so that as a school community we can collaborate together, together with the P&F, to lend our help to those in need. We certainly will be responding in a way that provides the students with the opportunity to respond and help.

I am pleased to say that our new playground and the ‘Team Kids’ room will be ready next week. Both are looking spectacular. There are a few ongoing tasks that need to be completed over the next month, but thankfully the bulk of the work has been completed and I will be ‘signing-off’ on the completion with the builders on Tuesday morning. Students who attend Vacation Care with ‘Team Kids’ will be using their new space from Tuesday morning. Yehaa! I am sure that you will not be surprised, however, that the school is incredibly dusty. We had all of the windows cleaned last week, only to have everything once again looking rather dull. The gardens are also lacking moisture. Thankfully there is a magnificent flowering gum in bloom by the fish pond, which is attracting some cheeky and brave rainbow lorikeets.

To ensure for a smooth start to the year, please note the following ‘house-keeping’ matters;

• Please remember to update your child/rens' grade in Flexischools BEFORE placing a canteen or clothing pool order to ensure the order is received without delay;
• Clothing pool will be open on Wednesday 5 February from 8.00am - 9.00am;
• Key calendar dates can be found on the school website and through the school app; and
• Class requirements can be found on the website.

Please also check our website for other details and look out for our first Newsletter which will be published next Friday.

I am personally looking forward to 2020. In the midst of challenge we have an opportunity to pull together and find strength in one-another and God and His love. At Claremont College we are blessed to belong to such a caring, authentic, school community. 

I look forward to seeing you very soon. The staff team are now back at work and are working hard to have everything ready for Thursday. They send their love too and can’t wait to catch up with the kids, and to welcome those who are new.

Have a great long weekend. 

Be blessed.

Mr Doug Thomas Principal