Anzac Day

Anzac Day holds a special place in our hearts as it commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during World War I. It is a day to honour all those who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces, ensuring the freedoms we enjoy today.

We are incredibly proud of our students who represented our college at the Hamilton Dawn Service. Their participation in this solemn event reflects their dedication and respect for our nation's history and the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. The Dawn Service is a poignant reminder of the courage and resilience of our soldiers, and it is heartening to see our students actively engaging in this important tradition. On return to school we recognised the service of the ANZACs in a whole school assembly and students were respectful and sincere throughout.

Mother’s Day

Friday 9^th May saw over 550 members of our community come together to celebrate the special women in our lives. Our Mother’s Day breakfast was a heartwarming event filled with joy and appreciation. It was wonderful to see so many families gathered to honour the incredible contributions of mothers, grandmothers, and all the special women who play such vital roles in our lives. The morning was filled with delicious food, gratitude, and a strong sense of community spirit.

We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who attended and helped make this celebration truly memorable. Thank you for joining us in recognising and celebrating the remarkable women who inspire us every day.

Stage 6 Course Information Evening

We were delighted to showcase the range of Stage 6 courses we are offering for 2026 at our Stage 6 Course Information Evening on Wednesday 7^th May. There was a great turnout from families which reflected the excellent numbers indicated for our first Year 11 cohort. The buzz and interest around the courses were impressive and the feedback from students, parents and carers about the knowledge, passion and awareness of our students and how they learn overwhelming. I invite you to peruse the latest edition of Keeping Connected Keeping Connected Term 2 2025 A4.pdf for further information and to hear the feedback provided by some of our parent community.

Property Update

Late last year Mr Burgess provided an update about the building works currently moving through design and approval processes. Throughout this process, the Diocese has revised the schedule and timing of capital and major maintenance building works for the remainder of the year across a variety of projects, and this has impacts to a portion of the expected works here at San Clemente.

I’m pleased to advise the addition of the Flexible Learning Village for our new General Learning Areas, including those for VET Construction class, the planned Covered Outdoor Work Area (COWA), Senior Study area and the refurbishment of the Science classrooms will all go ahead.

This ensures we have all the required specialty spaces to support Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12) learning.

I know how much our Year 10 students are looking forward to utilising our new Senior Study area next year. A purpose-built space will be transformed in our current Chapel area, complete with access to kitchen amenities like fridges and microwaves for student use, as well as quiet spaces for study and connection.

These works are still intended to be complete for the commencement of our 2026 school year, pending building work timeframes, which are subject to change due to the reliance on external approval processes and timeframes associated with materials and weather.

We have recently refreshed our library space to ensure the best possible resources and technology are available for our students. The planned relocation of the library, which was scheduled to occur over the school holidays, has not commenced as our library will currently stay in the same location. While the refurbishment of the library and some of the work we had planned for our staff and administration spaces will not occur this year, I assure you that this revision of the schedule and timing of capital and major maintenance building works will not impact the breadth and quality of education we provide to our students.

Upcoming Parent and Carer Information Sessions

Our diocese source a range of webinars provided by reputable providers, free of charge. Please use this link to access the term 2 webinars featured on the list included below.

Online safety-focused sessions:

• Understanding and using parental controls to help protect your child online, hosted by the eSafety Commissioner
• eSafety 101, hosted by the eSafety Commissioner
• Exploring the online experiences of boys and young men, hosted by the eSafety Commissioner
• Sexual extortion: What parents and carers need to know, hosted by the eSafety Commissioner
• The Social Media Guide: What Every Parent Needs to Know in 2025, hosted by The Cyber Safety Project

Mental health-focused sessions:

• Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents, hosted by Learning Links
• Teen Mental Health Matters, hosted by The BlackDog Institute

Senior schooling years and post-school pathways sessions:

• Supporting your child through the HSC, hosted by CCSP NSW/ACT and Beyond
• A parent’s roadmap to careers and pathways, hosted by CCSP NSW/ACT and Beyond
• Navigating post-school pathways, hosted by MyFuture

Parenting sessions

• What kids need now, before the teenage years, hosted by CCSP NSW/ACT and Michelle Mitchell

More information about these webinars, including registration links, can be found on the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Catholic Schools. 

With prayers and blessings,

Mrs Emma South, Principal

Nathan Beckett Assistant Principal (Wellbeing)

Kate Tolfree Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement Year 7

In Term 2, students in Year 7 will participate in the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). This test evaluates students' reasoning abilities in three key areas essential for success in school:

1. Verbal Battery: Assesses students' ability to reason with words and concepts, crucial for reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, and verbal learning tasks.
2. Quantitative Battery: Measures students' ability to reason with quantitative symbols and concepts, which are vital for problem-solving in mathematics and other disciplines.
3. Nonverbal Battery: Evaluates students' ability to reason with geometric shapes and figures, requiring them to implement strategies for solving novel problems.

These batteries provide a comprehensive view of each student's learned reasoning abilities, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. CogAT aims to support differentiated practice in education by helping teachers adapt instruction to meet the unique needs and abilities of each student.

It's important to note that CogAT scores are not integrated into report grades or other conventional measures of school achievement. The focus is on tailoring instruction and fostering a supportive, inclusive learning environment based on each child's ability.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact our Gifted Education Mentor (GEM) Alyssa Blackwell (alyssa.blackwell@mn.catholic.edu.au). For further assistance you can contact Maree Karaka (maree.karaka@mn.catholic.edu.au), Leader of High Potential and Gifted Education.

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring the best educational outcomes for our students.

Welcome back to term 2, I hope everyone had a restful break even though we are already at the end of week 3.  Last Friday it was beautiful to see so many Mothers and Grandmothers gather with their child for the Mother’s Day breakfast. The buzz in the hall was great as was the amount of food our wonderful hospitality team prepared.

Friday also saw us as a community acknowledge Do It for Dolly Day. This day is a powerful initiative to raise awareness about bullying and promote kindness. Many students accessorised in blue to commemorate Dolly and the favourite colour she wore. Here are some thoughtful questions you may ask your child in meaningful conversation around this day:

1. What do you know about Do It For Dolly Day?
2. Why do you think it's important to talk about bullying?
3. Have you ever seen or experienced bullying? How did it make you feel?
4. What are some ways we can show kindness to others?
5. How can we support someone who is being bullied?
6. Why is it important to speak up even if your voice shakes?
7. How can social media be used positively to spread kindness?
8. What would you do if you saw someone being bullied online?
9. How can we create a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone?

These questions can help foster a deeper understanding of the impact of bullying and encourage positive actions to support those affected.

Term 2 includes more representative sports against our other schools in the diocese. Well done to those that have been selected and already played some games and good luck to those who are yet to play. This term also brings more assessments and opportunities for all students to do their best in class. Preparation and planning are the key and asking for assistance as needed.

The cooler and very damp weather are upon us, just a gentle reminder that hoodies are not part of the uniform. The uniform shop is open Tuesday and Thursday and some second-hand items can be found in the office.

If you have any questions or queries please feel free to email me on desley.sharman@mn.catholic.edu.au or call the school on 40147300. Meredith MacDonald will return to her role for Year 8 on the 20^th May .

Warm regards

Desley Sharman (Acting) Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement 

Dear Year 9 families, welcome back to Term 2.

I hope the Easter break provided you and your young people with rest, renewal, and chance to reset together. As we continue to celebrate the risen Christ, we are reminded of the immense love and hope that Easter brings to our lives.

This term marks a significant period in your child's educational journey. Year 9 is a pivotal year where students build upon their foundational knowledge and prepare for the challenges of the senior years, with all students expected to sit for their very first formal examinations. It's a time for deepening learning, exploring new opportunities, and making important decisions about future pathways.

In the coming weeks, students will engage in assessments and their first formal examinations that provide valuable insights into their progress. These are not only a measure of academic achievement but also an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning and set goals for improvement.

As always, we encourage open communication between home and school. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teachers, the relevant Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement (LoWE) or the college administration - your partnership is vital in supporting your child's success.

Term 2 is always an exceptionally bust time and there are a number of important events on the calendar, including;

• U14’s Boys McKendry Shield (Round 1) – Monday 19^th May (Week 4)
• U16’s Girls Rugby (Round 2) – Tuesday 20^th May (Week 4)
• U15’s Boys Rugby League Gala Day – Thursday 21^st May (Week 4)
• Diocesan Tennis Gala Day – Thursday 21^st May (Week 4)
• NSW OzTag Gala Day – Thursday 29^th May (Week 5)
• U15’s Diocesan Netball Selection – Thursday 29^th May (Week 5)
• Stage 5 Semester One Examinations – Friday 6^th June to Friday 13^th June

In the lead up to the Semester One examinations and being our Year 9 students’ first formal exam period, it is imperative that our young people prepare well to give themselves every chance of success during this time. However, in my experience such preparation is a team effort with families playing a crucial role before, during and post exams. List below are some ways in which families might like to support our students – your children – as they prepare to tackle their first formal exams that commence at the end of Week 6;

1. Before the Examinations -

Support during this week is crucial for building confidence, reducing anxiety, and establishing effective study habits.

Practical Support

• Create a study schedule: Help your child map out a revision timetable that balances study, breaks, and other commitments – eg soccer/netball training
• Organise the study space: Ensure a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable area free from distractions – especially mobile phones!
• Gather resources: Help access past papers, study guides, and stationery they might need.

Emotional Support

• Encourage a positive mindset: Focus on effort rather than results. Praise progress and persistence.
• Talk openly about anxiety: Normalize nerves and discuss strategies to manage stress (e.g. mindfulness, breathing exercises).

Wellbeing Support

• Promote healthy habits: Encourage good sleep, regular meals, hydration, and physical activity.
• Limit screen time: Help set boundaries around social media and gaming to avoid distractions.

2. During the Examinations -

Support here helps manage nerves and maintain wellbeing throughout the exam period.

Daily Routines

• Stick to routines: Maintain regular wake/sleep times, meals, and breaks.
• Provide healthy meals: Nutritious breakfasts and snacks support concentration and energy levels.
• Ensure materials are ready: Help them pack their bag each night with the necessary equipment.

Emotional Support

• Stay calm and encouraging: Reassure them, listen to their concerns, and avoid adding pressure.
• Avoid over-questioning: Ask how they feel, not just how they performed.

After the Examinations -

This phase is about helping students reflect, recover, and prepare for next steps—emotionally and academically.

Celebrate Effort

• Acknowledge their hard work: Celebrate their effort and resilience, regardless of outcomes.
• Plan a reward: A simple outing or activity they enjoy can provide motivation and closure.

Support Reflection

• Talk about the experience: Discuss what worked well and what they could do differently next time.
• Encourage goal setting: Use the experience to build future learning habits, not to dwell on mistakes.

Maintain Perspective

• Remind them it’s a learning experience: Reinforce that this is just one step in their education journey.
• Watch for burnout: Support relaxation and balance after exams to help them recharge

A final thought on the importance of preparedness;

“There are no secrets to success. It is the direct result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.”

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

DIO CROSS COUNTRY

Last Thursday, 17 students braved the early and chilly start to the morning to compete in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Cross Country Championships at Lake Glenbawn, Aberdeen. The group of studentswere absolutely outstanding and were very proud and excited to represent San Clemente. Whilst all students ran very well, a special congratulations goes to Lincoln O’Brien who qualified for NSWCCC Cross Country at Sydney Equestrian Centre later this term:

GIRLS BILL TURNER SOCCER

Last Friday, our Girls Bill Turner Trophy soccer team faced a strong and competitive Kotara High side. While the final score was a 2–0 loss, our girls showed tremendous effort, skill, and determination throughout the match. Their commitment to playing quality football was evident from start to finish. Special recognition goes to Penny, Adelaide, and Drew for their outstanding performances on the field.

Coaches: Miss Blackwell & Miss Fanning

U14’s BOYS RUGBY LEAGUE – COCHRANE CUP

Late last term, the U14s Boys Rugby League team competed in the Cochrane Cup at sunny Mount View Park, Cessnock.

Round 1 vs St Mary's Catholic College - LOST - 18-4

Round 2 vs Catherine McAuley Catholic College - LOST 22-16

The boys started the day a bit timid and wary of the red hot St Mary's team, but started to gel by the end of the first game with Ezekiel Sausaofai crashing over for our solitary try.

The Doves came out swinging in the second game and were only down by one try at half time. Despite a rousing rev up from assistant coach Toby Stewart, Catherine McAuley ended up being too strong. Tries to Declan Aoake (2) and fullback Oliver Fraser. 

All students represented the school with pride and displayed great sportsmanship throughout the day. Special mention to Carter Morgan who put his hand up to come off with a hurt shoulder yet still managed to make a try saving cover tackle in the process of coming off.

Coaches: Mr Braunton & Mr Allan

SPECIAL MENTIONS

Congratulations to:

• Hudson Carey (right) being named in the U16’s Boys NSW Hockey Team. Hudson traveled to Adelaide with the NSW team to compete in the Hockey Australia National Championships.

• Isla Walsh (left) selected for the U15’s Girls Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Netball Team. Isla will now represent our diocese and trial for the NSWCCC U15’s Girls Netball team on the 29^th and 30^th May in Sydney.

• Lucy Gallagher (Yr10) who has been selected in the U18’s Girls Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Soccer Team for the second year running. This is an excellent achievement as she is competing against older and more experienced girls from our other Diocesan schools. Lucy will now represent our Diocese in the upcoming NSWCCC Football Tournament in Sydney and attempt to gain selection in the Girls U18’s NSWCCC Football Team.

• Joseph Butterworth from Year 7 competed in the Australian Federation NSW State Jujitsu Championships in Sydney. Despite a challenging day, where he was moved up two years and weight brackets to compete against 14-year-olds in the ultra-heavy division, he fought with incredible heart and determination. Joseph walked away with a bronze medal. Congratulations, Joseph! San Clemente Catholic College is so proud of your achievements.  

Steven Burns Sports Coordinator

In the last week of term 1, 7 of our stage 5 students, accompanied by Ms Alyssa Blackwell, set out on an adventure to the heart of Australia. This Immersion took students to Alice Springs, the Aboriginal Community of Lila and Uluru, just to name a few. The students found the experience exciting, challenging, enriching and character building. Have a look at some of the amazing photos and keep an eye out for information on how to be involved in the Immersion for the Central Australian Immersion Programme 2026!

Bryan Rowe Aboriginal Education Teacher

What’s happening in the Science Lab in Term 2 ………

Year 7 are investigating the different states of matter and their properties, the particle theory and chemical reactions – undertaking a range of practical experiences to demonstrate these foundation principals.

Year 8 students will be introduced to the periodic table and the elements, compounds and mixtures in our world, carrying  out a range of separation techniques to support their learning.

Year 9 students are examining the structure of atoms and the periodic table, looking at the arrangement of the Periodic Table and using as a tool for predicting the reactivity of elements.

Year 10 are calculating and graphing speed, investigating forces as applied to motion and Newton’s Laws of Motion. Students will also study current electricity and its uses after the Semester Examinations.

STAGE 5 Examinations Revision for Semester exams will begin this week. Booklets revising term one topics will be handed out over the next week, followed by booklets revising term two topics. All students are encouraged to complete all the revision provided and see their class teacher if they have any questions.

9 Marine are studying Fish Biology and Aquarium Design, with fish dissections being currently undertaken, a visit to Taylor’s Barramundi fish farm in the next few weeks and an excursion to the Sydney Aquarium later in the term. Students will begin to share responsibility for the Marine Aquarium including checking water quality and fish health with year 10 Marine & Aquaculture technology classes.

10 Marine will explore the concepts of Aquaculture and Fish Harvesting, touring the Wickham Co-op and a fishing expedition in the next few weeks, and a tour of the Port Stephens fisheries site later in the term.

 9iSTEM are exploring the design process for the Skylap aircraft design and testing program, using the power anchor.

10iSTEM are completing STELR activities investigating electricity and renewable energy through a range of practical tasks and research.

Stage 4 Build ME a Future Challenge Held at the University of Newcastle Wednesday 21^st May, week 4, 32 students from year 8 will be attending the University the Stage 4 Build ME a Future Challenge. Teams have been selected on merit and activities have been chosen. Students are looking forward to this challenge day.

TAS Forensic Science Camp applications close June 14^th unless filled prior. The camp will be held this year from Tuesday July 8^th to Saturday July 12^th at The Armidale School for students in years 8. We already have a number of students who are attending the camp this year. If your child is interested, please contact the link provided on the flyer following. We have had a number of students attend this camp in past years, either solo or with a group of school friends.

Julia Nolan Leader of Learning Science

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 CATHOLIC CARE SOCIAL SERVICES HUNTER-MANNING

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.

FINANCE OFFICE                                   

Office Hours 

MONDAY - FRIDAY 

8am - 3pm

Fee statements will continue to be emailed 1^st week of every month.

If you are not receiving these statements, please contact the school Finance Office asap.

Fees:

Payments can be made via Bpay, direct debit, Compass or credit card (over the phone).

Payments can be made weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Payments of school fees must commence by 31 March 2025 and be finalised by 30 November 2025. 

If you elected to pay your fees annually, then these fees need to be finalised by 30 June 2025.

Julie Doherty & Kerrie Nolan (Fridays)

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