God of transcendent light,
You reveal yourself to us in the sacred mystery of presence.
Shine into our hearts and illuminate for us the sacred in all of creation,
that we may treasure your mystery within ourselves,
within one another, and within all living things on this earth.
We ask this in the name of your Beloved Son, Jesus. Amen.

As Lent continues, we remain dedicated to nurturing empathy, compassion, and understanding in our students. Inspired by the example of Jesus Christ, we strive to cultivate hearts and minds focused on kindness and helping others. Our hope for the San Clemente community is to embrace these values and be "other-focused" as we approach Easter.

Our annual Open Evening was held on Wednesday 12th March in preparation for 2026 enrolments. This event was extremely well attended, with more than 400 in attendance on the night which was delightful. The work of our staff right across the school in welcoming families to the school and ensuring that our prospective students experienced a genuine taste of what can be expected at San Clemente should be commended and acknowledged. We are blessed to have such generous and hard-working staff. Alongside our staff, we had students performing, painting, experimenting and teaching in learning spaces, proving themselves to be subject specialists and wonderful ambassadors for our school community. Our Student Leaders supported as Tour Guides for the evening too, and the feedback from prospective students and their families showed this to be an extremely worthwhile element of the evening. The commitment of our student helpers for this evening illustrated their passion for service, one of our four Dominican pillars.

Enrolment positions at San Clemente next year are expected to be keenly sought and we encourage families to now complete the online enrolment application and submit them to be wholly considered in the enrolment process for 2026. 

We celebrated International Women’s Day on Friday 7th March, inviting three former students, Pinn Tongue, Kate Slowey and Annabelle Jones back to out school. Presenting as part of an inaugural IWD Forum discussion, our three guests were inspirational yet relatable role models for our young women. We are already planning a similar event for our young men for International Men’s Day in November, where we will recognise some wonderful role models for this group too.

Our youngest students had an amazing time on Year 7 Camp last week. The staff at Camp Wolstencroft had high praise for our students, stating that they were the best school group to visit the venue in a long time. We are not at all surprised, as this was reflected in the feedback from our teachers too. I thank the students for their positive engagement in the camp, where they demonstrated a commitment to building community and developing their own sense of resilience and courage. I know that the friendships strengthened and formed will last with you throughout your time at the college and afterwards into your adult lives.

Families will have received their school fee accounts in recent weeks and I thank all families for their commitment to fee payments and to the families who have met with me regarding their payment plans. Our school does rely upon the commitment to fee payments by all enrolled families and as is regularly stated no student will be denied a Catholic education if the capacity to pay fees is limited due to personal financial circumstances. However, fee assistance can only be granted when a meeting with the principal is arranged and only on the grounds that there is a genuine inability as distinct from an unwillingness to pay fees. Again, I am very grateful to San Clemente families for their ongoing commitment in relation to this matter.

With prayers and blessings,

Mrs Emma South, Principal

PROJECT COMPASSION - Lenten Appeal.

Last week we commenced our support of the annual Project Compassion Appeal. Events in the world around us have caused us to focus on the needs of others. For many vulnerable communities across the world, 2024 proved to be even more challenging and devastating than previous years. Each year, Project Compassion comes as a timely reminder of the importance of solidarity and how a single act of kindness – whether big or small, can make a life-changing impact in the lives of those who need it most. The theme of Project Compassion for 2025 is ‘Unite Against Poverty’. Every dollar raised by our college community will help transform the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people and will enable us to stand in solidarity with them as they foster change from the ground up.

The following link introduces us to the Project Compassion Appeal conducted by Caritas Australia, and the tremendous work that they do:

2025 PROJECT COMPASSION APPEAL

Over the next couple of weeks there will be a couple of lunch time BBQ’s to raise money for the appeal. There is also the possibility of an out of uniform day in the last week, with students bringing in a gold coin … stay tuned for further details!

Finally, on a very positive note, over $135 was raised with the selling of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday (day before Ash Wednesday) which kick-started our fundraising.

Michael Fuller Ministry Coordinator.

CAMP

Year 7 Camp was held from 3^rd to 5^th March at Point Wolstoncroft. The camp provided an opportunity for students to learn new skills and make new social connections. The weather was mostly fine and students enjoyed themselves. Some of the activities included:

• Stand up paddle boarding
• Canoeing
• Archery
• Rock climbing
• Sailing
• Rogaining

We held a beautiful Ash Wednesday Liturgy on Tuesday evening that recognised and formalised the start of the most important season of our Catholic calendar: Lent. We enjoyed visits from Mr Beckett, Mr Fuller and Mrs South.

The camp staff mentioned numerous times that the Year 7 cohort were the most respectful and responsible group they had the pleasure of hosting and working with in some time. Congratulations Year 7!  A massive thank you to the staff who accompanied Year 7 on the Camp, your enthusiasm was well noted and we are very appreciative of you staying away from your family for the duration.

A TIME OF CHANGE

Parents, Year 7 is a time of big changes, with growing independence and responsibility, however, it is easy to forget that even though your child is growing up, they still require support, guidance and lots of love.

You may have already noticed some major changes in your child’s social and emotional development. Socially, the big areas your child may encounter are seeking to establish an identity, wanting more independence and being influenced by their peers.

Emotionally, you may notice your child being highly sensitive, being self-conscious and displaying strong feelings or having ‘up and downs’. These are all completely normal ‘teenage’ issues or reactions. However, it is the way parents, caregivers and adults react to them that makes all the difference.

The best thing we can do for our children is to be a good role model and display the behaviours we want our children to embody themselves. Children learn a lot from good relationships that model and uphold, respect, empathy, genuine care and concern, and positive problem solving.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is a big part of daily life for lots of teenagers. Online sharing within social media sites helps many people stay in touch with friends or connect with new ones. That may be more important for teenagers than other age groups. Friendships help teens feel supported and play a role in forming their identities. So, it's only natural to wonder how social media use might affect teens.

Social media doesn't affect all teens the same way. The use of social media is linked with healthy and unhealthy effects on mental health. These effects vary from one teenager to another. Social media effects on mental health depend on things such as:

• What a teen sees and does online.
• The amount of time spent online.
• Psychological factors, such as maturity level and any pre-existing mental health conditions.
• Personal life circumstances, including cultural, social and economic factors.

Sometimes, social media platforms help teens:

• Express themselves.
• Connect with other teens, conversely

Social media use may have negative effects on some teens. It might:

• Distract from homework, exercise and family activities.
• Disrupt sleep.
• Lead to information that is biased or not correct.
• Become a means to spread rumors or share too much personal information.
• Lead some teens to form views about other people's lives or bodies that aren't realistic.
• Expose some teens to online predators, who might try to exploit or extort them.
• Expose some teens to cyberbullying, which can raise the risk of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Parents I really encourage you to be very aware of your child’s online presence and what they are doing online. You can take steps to help your teens use social media responsibly and limit some of the possible negative effects.

Use these tips:

• Set rules and limits as needed. This helps prevent social media from getting in the way of activities, sleep, meals or homework.
• Manage any challenging behaviours. If your teen's social media use starts to challenge your rules or your sense of what's appropriate, talk with your teen about it. You also could connect with parents of your teen's friends or take a look at your teen's internet history.
• Turn on privacy settings. This can help keep your teen from sharing personal information or data that your teen didn't mean to share. Each of your teen's social media accounts likely has privacy setting that can be changed.
• Monitor your teen's accounts. The American Psychological Association recommends you regularly review your child's social media use during the early teen years.
• Have regular talks with your teen about social media. These talks give you chances to ask how social media has been making your teen feel. Encourage your teen to let you know if something online worries or bothers your teen.
  Be a role model for your teen. You might want to tell your child about your own social media habits. That can help you set a good example and keep your regular talks from being one-sided.
• Explain what's not OK. Remind your teen that it's hurtful to gossip, spread rumors, bully or harm someone's reputation — online or otherwise.
• Encourage face-to-face contact with friends. This is even more important for teens prone to social anxiety. 

WORKING TO KEEP SCCC A SAFE SPACE

At San Clemente we work diligently to uphold the variety of policies and procedures that keep our community safe. We do not – and will never - tolerate violence, bullying, aggression, racism or intolerance. Our playgrounds are active and vibrant with appropriate supervision to guide students who may, at times, bring unsafe practices to our community. Often unsafe behaviour may not be deliberate and young people can lack the understanding of the consequences of their actions. It is hoped that through quality restorative conversations, clear consequences and boundaries young people can have the opportunity to learn from mistakes, grow and continue to work toward reaching their potential.

Till next fortnight

Mrs Kate Tolfree Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement Year 7

School Swimming Carnival

A huge thankyou to all students who attended our School Swimming Carnival on Thursday 20^th February at Lambton Pool. Whether it was through races, the diving pool or slide, students were busy and actively involved in swimming activities throughout the course of the day. A special mention to Castile, who were crowned the winning house for 2025!!!

Please see below a summary of the results from today:

MAITLAND-NEWCASTLE DIOCESAN SWIMMING CARNIVAL

On Tuesday, 21 of our students attended the Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Swimming Championships at The Forum. All of our students were exceptional in their behaviour and representation of our school.

While all students competed strongly throughout the day, a special mention goes to Eleanor Judd who qualified for NSWCCC Swimming in Homebush on Wednesday 2^nd and Thursday 3^rd April for the following events:

• 15Yrs Girls 50m Breaststroke
• 15 Yrs Girls 50m Butterfly
• 15 Yrs Girls 100m Freestyle

A big thankyou to Mr Doyle, Mrs Carter & Mr Allan for managing our students, as well as the Year 9 and Year 10 leaders who did an amazing job timekeeping non stop all day.

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:

• 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

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 Netball Trials - GIRLS

Eligibility Criteria: players must have been in a REP team  in the last 2 years eg U15s Charlestown, Lakeside, Newcastle, Port Stephens , Manning Valley rep team etc.Date & Location: Wednesday 9^th April @Mailtand Basketball Stadium

Closing Date: Thursday 27th March

• U18s Boys & Girls DIO Soccer Trials

Eligibility Criteria:

Boys: The minimum standard to register is U18 NPL or higher, U 15/16 Jets/Mariners or higher, 1^st grade New FM in the previous 12 months. Years 9-12. Invited to trial at the 16yrs NSWCCC team

Girls: the minimum standard to register is U17 WPL or higher or Jets/Mariners. Please note this is an Open event so younger Jets players may need to consider size and experience. You have until Year 12 to trial for this team. DOB:1/1/2007 - 31/12/2012

Date & Location: Thursday 1^st May @Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

Closing Date: Tuesday 8^th April

• DIO Cross Country

Date & Location: Thursday 8^th May @Lake Glenbawn, Aberdeen

Closing Date: Wednesday 9^th April

12 & 13 Years Boys and Girls - 3km
14 & 15 Years Boys and Girls - 4km
16 & 17 Years Girls - 4km
16 & 17 Years Boys - 6km

Steven Burns Sports Coordinator

As we begin on another wonderful school year, you may be thinking, ‘what is my child learning about in Religious Studies?’ Therefore, shared below are the faith-filled learning experiences that our students will be engaging with in Religious Studies at San Clemente College in 2025. Knowing what your students are learning about can really help start conversations at home about faith and help your child to broaden their understanding of this important aspect of their lives.

The Religious Studies staff are looking forward to helping to nurture and grow your child’s Catholic and wider religious understanding over the year ahead.

Religious Studies Teaching Staff for 2025:

If you have any questions, or wish to know further details, please reach out to your child’s Religious Studies teacher or contact me at:

brendan.neeson@mn.catholic.edu.au

With warm regards,

Brendan Neeson Leader of Learning: Religious Studies

As we move into the second half of Term 1, our students are entering a busy assessment period across all HSIE subjects. Organisation and preparation are key to success, and we encourage all students to stay on top of their workload. Assessment tasks can be found on the COMPASS portal under ‘Learning Tasks,’ where both students and parents can access important information regarding due dates, task requirements, and submission guidelines.

To further support students in their learning, the HSIE faculty provides video explanations for all take-home tasks. These videos, attached to the task notification on COMPASS, offer valuable insights into the expectations of each assessment. They are designed not only to assist students working from home but also to help parents understand the task structure and key areas for success.

Learning Experiences in HSIE

Beyond assessment, our classrooms have been full of dynamic and interactive learning experiences. Year 7 History students have been developing their archaeological skills using chocolate chip cookies, carefully excavating "artifacts" while learning about the methods used by real archaeologists. In Geography, students have been exploring contour mapping to better understand geomorphic processes, bringing landscapes to life through hands-on activities. Meanwhile, Commerce students have been critically analysing products and marketing strategies, considering how branding and advertising influence consumer choices.

Additionally, Years 7 and 8 students are engaging in our designated literacy program, which explicitly teaches and formatively assesses written literacy skills. This initiative supports students in developing structured and effective writing, with a focus on goal setting, constructive feedback, and skill progression. By embedding literacy into HSIE lessons, we aim to strengthen students’ ability to communicate their ideas clearly and confidently. 

Excursions Coming in Term 2

Looking ahead, we have some fantastic excursions planned for next term. Year 7 History students will participate in a full-day incursion with the Tutankhamun Roadshow, an immersive experience that brings Ancient Egypt to life. Students will rotate through sessions exploring ancient seals, archaeological techniques, and the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, providing a hands-on understanding of this fascinating civilisation. 

Year 9 History students will also extend their learning beyond the classroom with an excursion to Fort Scratchley. This visit will support their studies on Australians at war, as they explore Newcastle’s military history, engage with interactive exhibits, and gain insight into the strategic role of Fort Scratchley.

It has been a fantastic start to the year in HSIE, and we look forward to continuing to challenge and support students in their learning throughout the term. If you have any questions, please never hesitate to contact your child’s teachers or myself.

Michael Flanagan | Leader of Learning - HSIE

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

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

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. 

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

Thank you in advance for your assistance and cooperation.

Mr Dallas Collins - Leader of Learning/Digital Innovation 

Mrs Lynette van Zeeland – Teacher Librarian lynette.vanzeeland@mn.catholic.edu.au

Mrs Kristy Hüber – Librarian kristy.huber@mn.catholic.edu.au

Canteen Lunch Orders:

Student lunches can be ordered online using the QKR! App. All orders must be received before 8.30 am of day required.

Purchases can also be made at Canteen using cash or physical card.

Thank you for supporting San Clemente Canteen.