Veritas - Edition 1 2025 – Principal’s Message

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 

Isaiah 6:8

Dear San Clemente Families

Welcome to the 2025 school year! A special welcome to all new families and students joining our vibrant school community. This year marks a significant milestone as we complete the final stages of our transition into Stage 6, proudly adopt our new name, San Clemente Catholic College, and move forward knowing that every student can now be a part of our special community from Year 7 Orientation through to Year 12 Graduation.

This exciting change brings new opportunities for our students to grow, learn, and thrive as they continue their educational journey with us. We remain committed to fostering a nurturing and enriching environment where every student can excel academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. I feel an immense sense of honour and excitement in leading the College at this very special time.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST STUDENTS

On Tuesday, 4 February, we welcomed Year 7 students for their first day of high school. The families of these students can be extremely proud of how their children have begun their secondary school journey. Their uniforms are beautifully presented, and their willingness to ask questions and engage with peers and teachers is a very positive sign. Their eagerness to learn and grow in this new phase of their school life is truly encouraging. A special thank you to our Year 10 leaders for their incredible support to our Year 7 students on their first day. Your efforts in easing their nerves and making them feel welcome are truly appreciated

Our Year 7s are eagerly anticipating their camp in Week 5, and our staff are excited to support them through what promises to be a memorable and enjoyable experience at Point Wolstoncroft on Lake Macquarie. This camp is always a highlight of the year, where solid friendships are forged. Best of luck, Year 7, and enjoy every moment!

OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT

As the first few days of the year have passed, I have had the pleasure of visiting classrooms to meet students and discuss their learning. Each interaction has been delightful, with students warmly greeting me, sharing their holiday stories, and discussing their start to the school year. It feels wonderful to ‘come home’ to San Clemente Catholic College. Knowing our students and connecting with our community is a vital part of my role, and we are off to a great start!

As we prepare for Year 11 2026, our dedicated and experienced teachers continue their preparation. With years of expertise and a deep commitment to student success, our staff bring both confidence and a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. Their proven track record in guiding students through critical educational stages ensures that our students will receive the highest quality of education and support.

This week, our Year 10 families will receive a letter inviting them to a one-on-one meeting with a member of the Executive Team. As a college community, we have always prioritised knowing every student, their strengths, and how they learn, ensuring each child is supported and understood. These meetings are an opportunity for our Year 10s and their families to learn more about the benefits of continuing their educational journey with us. We encourage students and their families to embrace this opportunity.

OPEN EVENING

We are thrilled to announce the start of our enrolment process for Year 7 in 2026, beginning with our Open Evening on Wednesday, 12th March. As our school continues to grow, we invite prospective families to join us and learn more about what we offer. This is a great opportunity for families to meet with members of our community, attend a session with me and learn more about why so many local families choose San Clemente Catholic College for their child’s secondary education.

Detailed enrolment information, including the Catholic Schools Maitland Newcastle Enrolment Policy, is available on our College Website. Given the anticipated high demand for Year 7 enrolment positions, we encourage families to review the policy and share it with others who may be interested.

LENT

Ash Wednesday, which falls on Wednesday, 5th March this year, marks the beginning of Lent in the Church’s calendar. On this day, our school community will come together for a liturgy and to receive ashes, signifying the start of this sacred season.

From Ash Wednesday onwards, our Catholic faith community embarks on a journey of reflection and self-improvement. We are reminded to be mindful of others and to strive for personal growth, recognising that each of us has the power to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us. Through small sacrifices and dedicated prayer, we prepare our hearts and minds for Easter.

Lent is a significant time in the life of our school, and we eagerly anticipate our students’ participation in learning and sharing these meaningful experiences together.

With prayers and blessings,

Mrs Emma South, Principal