San Clemente Catholic College Mayfield eNewsletter

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

It is with great pleasure that I warmly welcome all members of our school community as we begin the new school year. I would also like to extend a heartfelt greeting to our new students, their families, and carers as they join the vibrant San Clemente community.

Additionally, I extend this welcome to our new teachers who have chosen to join the San Clemente team. We are grateful for the wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences they bring, which will undoubtedly enrich our school's journey as we transition to Stage 6.

Our Teaching and Learning team consists of dynamic leaders who are passionate about their Key Learning Areas (KLAs) and dedicated to improving student learning outcomes. The Leaders of Learning for 2025 are:

Learning Support: Ms. Hayley Amm
Religious Education: Mr. Brendan Neeson
English: Ms. Belinda Dempsey
Mathematics: Ms. Helen Wilks
Science: Mrs. Julia Nolan
HSIE: Mr. Michael Flanagan
CAPA/LOTE: Mrs. Kate James
PDHPE: Mr. Michael Byrne
TAS: Mrs. Gillian Rutherford

If you have any specific questions regarding the KLA your child(ren) is participating in, I encourage you to speak with the Leader of Learning or the class teacher as your first point of contact.

Devices and equipment for learning

Connectivity is a focus for San Clemente during the first two weeks of school, both in terms of student engagement and digital integration. San Clemente staff have been assisting students in connecting to our network and accessing all necessary technologies and applications for their studies. Teachers are guiding their classes through the various platforms used for learning, including MS Teams and OneNote.

Students will rely on their devices for day-to-day organisation, accessing tasks, and receiving notifications through Compass. I thank the students for their patience and the parents for their support in this process of connecting devices. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Year 7 Mentors and the DIAL team for leading the implementation of the Digital Passport.

Students are reminded that devices are required each day and should be fully charged before school. They should also ensure they carry essential equipment, including pens and notebooks to be prepared for a variety of learning activities or in case their device runs out of battery.

Progressive Achievement Testing (PAT)

The Teaching and Learning team consistently analyse data to inform the learning opportunities at San Clemente. On Friday, Year 7 and our new students completed two different tests including: Reading and Mathematics to pinpoint a starting point for students at San Clemente, target teaching and monitor growth. Students in each cohort complete these tests each year to assess progress in key literacy and numeracy skills, and assist their teachers to personalise learning for our students. I would like to thank our students for the way in which they have approached these tests and the teachers who supported students in the administration of the tests.

2025 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting year as we unveil more plans and opportunities for Stage 6. Working in partnership with our families is key to the success of our students, and I look forward to continuing this collaboration with you all.

Leticia Wakely, Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning

A very warm welcome to the San Clemente Catholic College community to all our new families. For those families returning I hope the year has started in a very positive manner. As with any new year I have appreciated that students and staff have returned renewed, refreshed and excited about the opportunities provided at our school. Welcoming Year 7 students last week and seeing the large number of parents on the day I was reminded of the wonderful sense of community that we have worked hard to develop and maintain over many years. This weeks opening assembly reinforced this message as we welcomed new staff and Year 7 with our now traditional “clap in”.

During this assembly I reminded students that we have an excellent reputation for building quality interpersonal connections within our community. Students at San Clemente are extremely welcoming, often pausing to greet each other and staff. The manner in which students enter the room, respectfully greeting staff has always been of the highest quality. Guests to our school will often comment on the engaged nature of our students when it comes to their relationships. This engagement can have an extremely high impact on a students learning.

I also spoke about students preparing themselves in a manner that gets them entering the school or classrooms in a positive manner. Specifically I was talking about their physical preparation and in particular their uniform. For students to feel good and thus feel confident they also need to look good. Our uniform provides sharp yet comfortable clothing for our students when worn well. Further to this, our policy around hair, make up and piercings encourage our students to present themselves ready for the day in a manner that shows staff they are prepared and ready to learn. Similar to standards that all must meet in our work place as we prepare for the demands of our job, when we prepare well, we often feel better and are able to work to the best of our potential. I have listed below a number of focus areas that I have asked Mentors, Leaders of Wellbeing and all staff to assist students to be at their best:

Facial piercings – The school endeavours to work with the students by permitting discrete/’invisible’ replacements only to prevent infections or closing but they are not to be seen. If a student chooses to wear a facial piercing, he/she will receive an infringement and on the third occasion will be internally suspended at school. Any further infringements will result in a meeting with the Year Coordinator and Assistant Principal and, if necessary, the Principal.

Shoes – School: Must be black leather lace-up style. High-top and Canvas shoes are not permitted.

Shoes – Sports: Sports shoes must be of an athletic or jogger style. Skate or casual shoes are not permitted.

Hair – Extremes of style and/or colour (girls and boys) are not acceptable. Long hair must be tied back.

Socks – Only white socks are acceptable with both academic and sport uniforms.

Skirt – Must be no more than 5cm above the knee. At times, they are rolled up or altered. This is not permitted.

Sport Shorts – These are not to be altered. The Uniform Shop (Alinta) now stocks specifically designed shorts for girls which are both a better fit and more comfortable.

Sport Uniform – Only to be worn on days in which students have practical PDHPE lessons and Fridays.

I look forward to working with all students and families throughout 2025. Please do not hesitate to contact of you have any questions or concerns.

Nathan Beckett Assistant Principal (Wellbeing)

Welcome Back to a New Year at San Clemente Catholic College!

As we begin another exciting year at San Clemente Catholic College, we reflect on the strength and spirit that guides us: our four Dominican Pillars. These foundational principles – Prayer, Study, Service and Community – continue to shape the hearts and minds of our students and staff as we embark on a year filled with growth, learning, and faith.

We are thrilled to welcome new and returning families to our vibrant College community. This year, as we strive to live out the mission of our Dominican heritage, we will be focusing on how these pillars empower us to become people of compassion, wisdom, and justice.

Prayer remains at the heart of everything we do. Each day, we come together as a community to pray, reflect, and deepen our relationship with God. Whether through mass, liturgies, quiet moments of reflection and prayer, we recognise that prayer helps us to centre our hearts and minds in the love and guidance of Christ.

Study is not just about academic excellence but also about nurturing a love for lifelong learning and seeking out the ‘truth’. Our staff are committed to creating an environment where intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge are encouraged, preparing our students to make meaningful contributions to society.

Service is the Dominican call to share the Good News. We encourage our students to use their voices to speak up for justice, to share the message of hope, and to live out their faith in service to others. Whether through leadership roles, social justice initiatives, or simply supporting one another, our students are encouraged to embody the teachings of Christ in all they do.

Community is the foundation of who we are at San Clemente Catholic College. We support each other, celebrate our successes, and help one another grow. This year, we will continue to build a strong sense of belonging, where every student, their families and members of staff are valued and respected.

As we open the doors to a new school year, we are reminded of the richness of our Dominican heritage and the powerful impact these four pillars have on our lives. With Jesus Christ at the centre of all we do, we will continue to build a community rooted in faith, guided by our Dominican Pillars, and inspired to make a difference in the world.

Welcome to another year of growth, faith, and service.

Michael Fuller Ministry Coordinator.

Warm greetings and Happy New Year to all of our San Clemente families. 2025 sees our cohort begin Year 10 in one of the most exciting times of San Clemente’s history. It is certainly a privilege to be a part of these moments.

Personally, it was humbling to be with our students again, and to observe their growing maturity. Following our opening liturgy, I gathered our cohort for the first time to outline some important moments in Semester One:

The jerseys arrived!
Cohort and individual photos (tick!)
Swimming Carnival on Thursday 20th February
Year 11 subject information night on Wednesday 7th May
Year 10 mini-retreat: Thursday 15th May – Friday 16th May at Pt Wollstonecroft
Semester One Exams from Monday 9th June

Already, the excitement for 2025 and beyond is building and students are talking with staff and peers about their options and what lies ahead. As I expressed to students in our meeting, there is a really positive feeling amongst our staff and greater community that preparations for 2026 are going really well and we feel more ready than ever. Should your family have any questions about 2026, we are ready to answer them and are happy to meet and discuss with you.

Best wishes for 2025.

Michael Quinn Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement Year 10

Year 9 News

A very warm welcome back to all Year 9 families and students to what I am sure will be a year full of opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Our community is on the precipice of great change, which has already seen our name officially become San Clemente Catholic College (SCCC).

As we begin this new school year, we do so with much anticipation and a shared commitment to our four Dominican Pillars – Prayer, Service, Study and Community. This year is particularly special as we recognize it as a Jubilee Year – a time to celebrate that only happens once every 25 years – and a time of renewal, reflection, and hope. We are encouraged this year to be 'Pilgrims of Hope', which invites us to embark on a journey filled with faith, perseverance, and optimism for the year ahead.

A pilgrimage is more than just a journey; it is an opportunity for transformation. As Year 9 students, this is a pivotal time of development—academically, socially, and emotionally. We encourage our students to embrace the school year as pilgrims, seeking knowledge, building relationships, and striving to make positive contributions to our school community.

Our school's values of Respect, Responsibility, and being Ready to Learn align perfectly with the 'Pilgrims of Hope' theme of before mentioned celebration.

These values will serve as our goal posts throughout the year:

Respect: Just as pilgrims respect the cultures and traditions of the places they visit, we encourage students to demonstrate respect for themselves, their peers, and their teachers. This includes valuing diverse perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment, and treating all members of our community and our environment with kindness and dignity.
Responsibility: Pilgrims take ownership of their journey, making thoughtful decisions along the way. Similarly, our students are called to take responsibility for their actions, their learning, and their role in the school community. This means being accountable for their studies, their behaviour, and the way they contribute to a positive college culture.
Ready to Learn: Every journey requires preparation and an open mind. A pilgrim steps forward with curiosity and a willingness to grow. We encourage all Year 9 students to approach their studies with enthusiasm, to set goals for their personal and academic development, and to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn.

This school year will be filled with opportunities to live out these values through engaging learning experiences, extracurricular activities, and meaningful service initiatives. We invite our Year 9 students and their families to actively participate in the life of the school, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

As we run headfirst into another year, let us work together with hope in our hearts and a commitment to making the next 12 months ones of growth, achievement, positive connections and respectful relationships. May we all be pilgrims of hope, ready to embrace the challenges and joys that lie ahead.

Before wrapping up, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the wonderful team of Year 9 mentors that will be working closely with your children – Monday to Friday - as they navigate their Stage 5 studies;

Rachel Noonan – Aquino 1
Rachel Buteaux – Aquino 2
Emma McCarthy and Mr. Simon Watt (Fridays) – Calaroga 1
Tim Braunton – Calaroga 2
Julie Webber – Castile 1
Corrina Oszko – Castile 2
Michael Doyle – Sienna 1
Katie De Bock – Sienna 2

A final thought on the importance of hope;

“Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear the hardships of today.”

Families, as always, should you wish to discuss an issue concerning your child please do not hesitate to call The Office on 40147300 or email me directly - mitch.allan@mn.catholic.edu.au

Warm Regards,

Mitch Allan – Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement Year 9

Year 8 News

“Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain’t going away”

Elvis Presley

Welcome back the start of a new school year! I am excited to embark on the Year 8 journey with you and your children. I look forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences.

Firstly, I would like to introduce our Year 8 Team for 2025.

On the first day back at our Year Meeting I spoke with Year 8 about the fact that it is a special year for us as a Catholic community. It is a Jubilee Year with the theme being, Pilgrims of Hope. We believe as a faith community that hope is a powerful force that drives us to achieve our goals and overcome challenges. I encouraged our students to embrace hope every day, fostering a positive and resilient mindset.

Another focus for 2025 is the new College Mantra; ‘Respect, Responsibility and Ready to Learn’. To flesh this out a little further, respect is a cornerstone of our school community. We expect all students to show respect for themselves, their peers, teachers, and the school environment. Taking responsibility for one’s actions is essential for personal growth and success. We encourage our students to be accountable for their behaviour, academic work, and contributions to the school community. Lastly, being ready to learn means coming to school prepared and with a positive attitude and the required resources.

I spoke with the children about the famous quote by Elvis Presley above. As it indicates, you can try to hide, shut down your light or even blend in with the crowd, but your heart and your truth will show you the way forward. I encouraged every student to listen to their own truth or ‘Veritas’, trust in their god given talents and embrace hope for a wonderful 2025!

Year 8 Shout Outs:

Congratulations to Adelaide Goff who participated in the National Futsal Championships 2025 in Melbourne this January run by Football Australia.
Well done to Oscar McNamara and Koby Walton who represented Newcastle in a Cricket Carnival at Yamba.

Any questions or queries please feel free to email me on Meredith.macdonald@mn.catholic.edu.au or call on 40147300.

Meredith MacDonald, Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement Year 8

Year 7 News

This week our year 7 students commenced at SCCC, and what a wonderful start it has been! I have been very impressed with their attitude, respect, cooperation and enthusiasm for high school. The challenge is now to maintain this level for the rest of the year!

High School brings new opportunities for growth, learning and self discovery. So far this year students have:

Organised their log ins for their devices (some still may have teething issues)
Enjoyed sport afternoon at Stockton pool
Met their new teachers
Had their school photo taken
Met other students.

And this is only the beginning! I understand that High School presents new challenges, here a few tips:

Be at school
Be on time
Be in the correct uniform
Have the required equipment
Be engaged in class
Be involved in extra opportunities
Ask for help if you need it.

Uniform is being worn to a very high standard amongst Year 7. I sincerely thank all of those students who are wearing their uniform well. There are a few minor details to check: socks must be white, school shoes need to be black leather and no high tops. Girls hair must be up at all times.

Students had their first sports afternoon last week at Stockton pool and students were very patient as we conducted the first swim test. If your child is unable to participate in swimming a note must be provided from the parent or carer.

School camp is on 3-5th March. Further information will be supplied next week via compass. If parents have any concerns please contact me on 40147300 or via email kate.tolfree@mn.catholic.edu.au.

Mrs Kate Tolfree Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement Year 7

2025 School Sport

We are looking forward to a big sporting year ahead here at San Clemente in 2025. It is my pleasure to report that our Friday School Sport Program is well and truly up and running. This Friday, all of Year 7 will participate in CPR and Water Safety Training in the Veritas Centre. Throughout the remainder of the term, Year 7 will be visiting Stockton Pool and taking part in a variety of swimming activities aimed at improving their confidence and ability in the water. Years 8, 9 and 10 visited a wide range of facilities last Friday and had a successful and enjoyable afternoon at sport.

School Swimming Carnival

Our school Swimming Carnival is on next Thursday 20^th February 2025 (Week 3) at Lambton Pool. Information regarding both the Swimming Carnival and Athletics Carnival has been posted on Compass. All students are strongly encouraged to participate in as many events as possible, and all parents/carers are more than welcome to attend on the day!

The following messages have also been posted to student notices in relation to both DIO Swimming and NSWCCC Swimming:

DIO Swimming - 200m Individual Medley

We do not run an individual medley at our School Swimming Carnival. If any students are interested in swimming in the 200m individual medley at DIO Swimming, please see Mr Burns at the large staffroom. You need to provide evidence of a meet time to be considered.

NSWCCC Swimming - 100m Strokes and 400m Freestyle

At the DIO Swimming Carnival, 100m Breastroke, 100m Butterfly & 100m Backstroke, as well as the 400m Freestyle, are not run.
If any students are interested in swimming in the 100m Breastroke, Butterfly & Backstroke, as well as the 400m Freestyle at NSWCCC Swimming in Homebush, please see Mr Burns at the large staffroom. You need to have evidence of a meet time and fill in an application form to be considered.

If any students are interested in swimming in the following long course races at NSW All Schools Swimming, please see Mr Burns at the large staffroom for more information:

1500m Freestyle Open Mixed
800m Freestyle Open Mixed
200m Breaststroke
200m Backstroke
200m Butterfly
400m Individual Medley

NSWCCC Sport

Throughout 2025 I will be advertising many NSWCCC selection events that need to be applied for online. All students competing at DIO level, as well as NSWCCC level, need to apply and register online on the Catholic Schools NSW website (www.csnsw.sport). These applications need to be completed by parents/guardians by the provided dates before being approved by the school. Some upcoming dates have been advertised to students through the Compass morning notices and are as follows:

NSWCCC Upcoming Events:

12th/13th Feb: CCC 19yrs Boys Cricket (Closed: 20th Jan)
3rd March: CCC Golf (Closing: 21st Feb)
3rd March: CCC Tennis (Closing: 21st Feb)
7th March: CCC Volleyball 15s (Closing: 14th Feb)
11th March: CCC Baseball (Closing: TBC)
28th March: CCC Volleyball 18s (Closing: 7th March)
3rd April: CCC Diving (Closing: TBC)
7th April: CCC Hockey (Closing: 21st March)
8th April: CCC Rugby 16s (Closing: 13th March)
9th April: CCC Rugby 18s (Closing: 28th March)

Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Sport

At Diocesan level, sporting events are already coming around for Term 1. All students are able to view the 2025 Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Sport Calendar on the csnsw.sport website under the Maitland Newcastle Diocese tile. All Diocesan events are also advertised through the morning notices on Compass. Upcoming Diocesan events are as follows:

Maitland/Newcastle Diocesan Sport Trials/Events:

U15's DIO Touch Football Trials - BOYS & GIRLS

Eligibility Criteria: Students should have previously represented the Diocese for touch and/or represented at a club level eg Maitland Redbacks, Newcastle City, Nelson Bay Neptunes, Wallsend Wolves etc
Date & Location: Friday 28th February @ Beresfield Touch Fields
Closing Date: Friday 21st February

U15s Boys DIO AFL Team - Expression of Interest

Please note:

students must turn 14 or 15 this year to be eligible
students must have a strong representative background in AFL in order to be considered
there is no trial. A team will be selected based off all of the expressions of interest received.

NSW All Schools Triathlon

This is an individual event. Registrations close on Wednesday 19th February.
Juniors Boys & Girls (12,13,14years) - 300m Swim, 10km Cycle, 2km Run
Intermediate Boys & Girls (15,16years) - 500m Swim,15km Cycle, 4km Run

SPECIAL MENTIONS

Congratulations to Adelaide Goff (Yr8) who represented Northen NSW Football over the school holidays in the National Futsal Championships for 2025 in Melbourne. We are all very proud of Adelaide’s achievements and we look forward to following her Futsal journey over the coming years!

Steven Burns, Sport Coordinator

Flyer_for_parents.pdf

Flyer_for_parents _pdf 85.09 KB

CAPA/LOTE

A warm welcome back to 2025. The CAPA/LOTE faculty endeavours to provide a variety of opportunities within the classroom and also in an extra-curricular setting to ensure that all students experience the arts and languages. Throughout the school year San Clemente Catholic College will be offering a range of creative experiences for students to be involved in such as the Performing Arts Showcases, Annual Sight & Sound Exhibition, Music Ensembles, Drama and Dance groups, Performances at assemblies, school community celebrations and Liturgies, CAPA Immersion Experiences, DioSounds and Aspire.

LANGUAGES

"Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going." - Rita Mae Brown

Learning a second language…

Stimulates brain development, enhances creative thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Improves memory, concentration, and numeracy skills.
Enhances English literacy skills.
Leads to better overall school performance.
Encourages respect for and understanding of other cultures.
Sparks curiosity about different ways of living.
Promotes harmony and respect, both in school and beyond.
Enhances social skills and empathy.
Learning any language fosters better thinking, communication, and global citizenship.
Learning a language opens doors to travel and career opportunities, allowing you to seize a world of possibilities.

We are fortunate at SCCC as our Stage 4 Language classes provide us with the opportunity to do all this and beyond. With the guidance of Mrs Tatiana Tinlin and Mrs Kristy Pascoe, well-equipped with comprehensive knowledge and real-world experience in their respective languages, our Year 7 students will delve into the realms of French and Japanese. Through these classes, students will have the chance to learn and immerse themselves in various facets of the language and culture.

DRAMA- Unleash your imagination, express yourself freely, and connect with others!

Why join a drama co-curricular group?

Build confidence: Step out of your comfort zone and shine on stage.
Unleash creativity: Bring characters and stories to life in your unique way.
Master teamwork: Collaborate with others to create something amazing.
Develop life skills: Learn public speaking, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Make memories: Make new friends, Share laughs, challenges, and triumphs with your crew.

Step into the spotlight—your drama journey starts here!

DANCE- Feel the rhythm in your soul and let your body tell the story!

Why join a school dance group?

Build confidence: Own the stage and express yourself through movement.
Unleash creativity: Bring energy and emotion to every performance.
Work as a team: Collaborate, synchronise, and create something incredible.
Stay active: Improve strength, flexibility, and coordination while having fun.
Make memories: Share the joy of dance with friends and create unforgettable moments.

Take the floor—let your moves shine!

Visual Arts lets you bring your imagination to life, whether through painting, clay, photography, or any other cool medium!

Why join a school art group?

Express yourself: Turn ideas into powerful visual creations.
Explore new techniques: Experiment with different styles and materials.
Boost creativity: Think outside the box and develop your artistic voice.
Connect with others: Share inspiration and collaborate with like-minded creatives.
Build your portfolio: Develop skills and artworks to showcase your talent.

? Pick up a brush, a pencil, or a camera—let your creativity flow!

MUSIC

Playing a musical instrument can bring joy & fulfillment like no other activity

Music plays a vital role in the San Clemente Catholic College experience, with every student having the chance to engage with it, whether it's through classroom learning or by joining our diverse range of music ensembles. These include any ensemble combinations - rock bands, duos, trios, choirs, vocal groups, Diosounds and liturgical ensembles.

Why join a band or ensemble?

Level up your skills: Fine motor precision and creativity like never before.
Fuel your determination: Push through challenges and come out stronger.
Crush it in school: Music sharpens focus, boosts memory, and amps up academic success.
Express yourself: Channel your energy, emotions, and ideas into epic performances.
Feel unstoppable: Build confidence, own the stage, and shine like the rockstar you are.

Our co-curricular program extends a warm invitation to students keen on acquiring new skills or refining their abilities in the CAPA disciplines. It offers an opportunity for students to connect with their peers in a welcoming environment. In 2025, seize the opportunity to actively engage by participating in one or more of the following offerings...

Visual Art and Photography Workshops and Competitions
Peripatetic Program- tuition in a range of instruments
Performing Arts Showcases & Productions
Music Ensembles
Song writing competitions
CAPA in the Community
CAPA exhibitions, workshops and performances in Visual Arts, Dance, Music & Drama
Sight & Sound

Live@Lunch
Open Night performance opportunities
TheatreSports
Dramafest
Aspire Production and courses
Drama Ensemble
Dance Ensemble
DioSounds
Performances at school liturgies, assemblies, commemorative and fundraising events
Battle of the Bands

BATTLE OF THE BANDS – Turn up the Volume, the Battle is On!

Get ready to rock! Mark your calendars for April 11th, 2025, when San Clemente Catholic College hosts the epic Battle of the Bands. It's your moment to shine, showcasing your talent, creativity, and passion before an enthusiastic audience and a panel of respected judges. Whether you're a seasoned performer or new to the stage, now's your chance to rally your bandmates, rehearse diligently, and get ready for an electrifying musical showdown. Don't pass up this opportunity to leave your mark and share your unique sound with the world. The countdown is on—let the excitement build!

SCCC Peripatetic Program - Private Instrumental lessons

San Clemente Catholic College offers private music tuition for Years 7-10, with lessons available in:

Keyboard & Piano
Guitar (Acoustic, Electric, Bass)
Percussion (Drums)

Lessons are 30 minutes, either individual or group, with fees paid directly to the tutor. Costs vary by instrument and teacher. Before commencing lessons, parents must complete and submit a permission form for their child to participate in music tuition.

Looking for an instrument not listed? Email your request—lessons for violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and more may be arranged based on demand.

Explore CAPA opportunities—reach out with ideas, questions, or event suggestions!

Join Our Co-Curricular Programs: Open to all students interested in developing new skills or honing their abilities in the CAPA fields. It's a fantastic way to socialise and enjoy a variety of activities in an inclusive setting. For more information or activity suggestions, please contact Kate James at kate.james@mn.catholic.edu.au.

Kate James CAPA/LOTE-Leader of Learning

CSO_ASPIRE_2025_SCRIPT_WRITTING_INHOUSE_V2 _pdf 539.09 KB

CSO_ASPIRE_2025_SONG_COMPETITION_INHOUSE_V2.pdf

CSO_ASPIRE_2025_SONG_COMPETITION_INHOUSE_V2 _pdf 726.18 KB

ASPIRE_VoiceWorx_2025_FLYER.pdf

ASPIRE_VoiceWorx_2025_FLYER _pdf 200.10 KB

Aspire_Concert_Band_FLYER_2025_1_.pdf

Aspire_Concert_Band_FLYER_2025_1 pdf 276.90 KB

Greetings San Clemente Community,

Beyond the Gates is an inclusive program that aims to support students and their families who may require additional or more versatile support services. The program has a flexible eligibility criterion, meaning referrals are made and prioritised in partnership between the school wellbeing team and Beyond the Gates staff member. Student and family engagement in our program is entirely voluntary. The service is provided by the school to recognise and address developmental and life challenges that can sometimes create barriers to student wellbeing and achievement.

This program can address issues impacting on students’ achieving their full potential, including areas such as school attendance, family difficulties, trauma, anxiety, mental and physical ill-health, and any other struggles that impact wellbeing. The program works alongside the schools’ wellbeing, learning support, and counselling teams to support families in need through case management or case coordination.

Through case management, a support plan is developed in collaboration with the students and their families that work towards desired goals. As part of the process, the caseworker liaises with the school and other agencies or supports involved, aiming to bridge the gap between the school and families to ensure holistic and consistent support is provided.

Learn more about Beyond the Gates - YouTube

We have two Beyond the Gates Caseworkers based at San Clemente Catholic College.

Kalisi Ma’afu – Monday to Friday.

John Sandy – Every Tuesday.

If you would like to know more about the Beyond the Gates program or discuss support, contact Kalisi, John, or the wellbeing team.

Kalisi – kalisi.maafu@catholiccare.org.au

John – john.sandy@catholiccare.org.au

Learn more about Beyond the Gates - YouTube

KALISI MA'AFU - KMaafu@catholiccare.org.au
CC BEYOND THE GATES CASEWORKER CATHOLICCARE SOCIAL SERVICES HUNTER-MANNING

Welcome to the Library

The Library has already seen Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 English classes borrowing their class novel. Year 7 Library lessons have started well, with many students displaying deep knowledge and understanding of the three areas for learning: Respect, Responsibility and Ready to Learn. Term 1 lessons will include information on the genres in our Collection, Oliver – our College Library catalogue, SORA – digital platform, and an introduction to The Premier’s Reading Challenge and site navigation.

All students in Year 7 will be participating in The Premier’s Reading Challenge. There will be time allocated in Library lessons to read books and add book titles to their Reading Logs. The benefits of reading are long term and include helping you relax, building empathy, improving your writing and of course entertainment.

Our Library will undergo a move from its physical location this year. Our new Library will cater for Years 7-12 and continue to support the learning and recreational reading of all students. New books continue to be added to our Library collection. We look forward to assisting students with their book choices and borrowing requirements.

2025 New procedure – Library Daily Loan Device

The San Clemente Catholic College Library daily loan device is available to all students who are experiencing issues with their own device. As this is a BYOD College it is an expectation that students have a fully charged laptop with them each day. The loan devices are available to any student with a legitimate reason, as a temporary measure. The Library only has a small number of devices in reserve. A student who forgets their device on any day or forgets to charge their computer does not constitute an emergency and they will not be permitted to borrow. Parents/carers may be contacted by the College to enquire after the progression of the computer repair/new purchase.

If your child needs a Library daily loan device they should:

Step 1: Inform the Library staff and explain the reason for the loan
Step 2: The Library staff will email the parents/carers via Compass for their consent
Step 3: When consent has been agreed to by parents the student will be permitted to borrow and must present to the Library before school or during Mentor

Library loan devices are for students who do not have a working device – it is broken and in repair. They are whole day loans.
We generally have more borrowers than we have laptops to loan, so we cannot lend them to students who simply don’t bring their own, forget to bring them, or neglect to charge them.

Students need to come to the Library to borrow a device either before school or during Mentor period with their Mentor’s permission
Laptops are not issued during the day
Students need to return the laptop during final break (if not needed in last period) or immediately before home bell.
On Fridays they need to be returned at lunch time

Thank you in advance for your assistance and cooperation.

Mrs Lynette van Zeeland - Teacher Librarian

Mr Dallas Collins - Leader of Learning/Digital Innovation

Mrs Kristy Hüber - Librarian