Last Thursday, 27^th June was the feast day of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

In Year 10 Religious Studies our students have been exploring the Catholic response to evil and suffering in the world. When times feel tough, Catholics often seek hope and sense of meaning through engaging in prayer. 

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, known for miracles and often an inspiration for prayer and contemplation. Our Lady of Perpetual Help also happens to be the Patron of the Church of Maitland-Newcastle. 

Prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help:

O gentle Mother, Our Lady of Perpetual Help,

With hearts full of hope, we come before you,
Seeking your loving gaze and tender care.
You who never turn away from those in need,
Wrap us in your mantle of mercy and peace.

In moments of doubt, be our guiding light.
In times of sorrow, be our comfort and strength.
When the road is uncertain, lead us gently forward,
Always toward your Son, our Savior and Redeemer.

Teach us to trust as you trusted,
To love as you loved,
And to surrender all things into God’s hands,
Knowing He works all things for good.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help,
Pray for our families, our communities, and our world.
Bring healing where there is hurt,
Hope where there is despair,
And joy where there is fear.

We place our lives in your hands,
Confident in your unfailing help.
Amen.

St Dominic’s Day

On Thursday we had our St Dominic’s Feast Day celebrations, a very important part of our school calendar. Due to the recent weather and the damp conditions of our local sporting fields we could not run our planned house sporting competitions. We did however, share in a beautiful liturgy which was attended by Fr Greg Barker, Fr Anthony Coloma, Dominican sisters Sr Jenny Gerathy, Sr Maure Campbell and Sr Patricia Bendeich. We also had the pleasure of welcoming Ms Rose McAllister, former student and staff member back to the college. A sausage sizzle lunch was provided for all students and they participated with great energy and enthusiasm in mentor-based activities celebrating St Dominic, his legacy and our great community.

Aspire – The Rise of Bozz

On Friday 1^st August I had the immense pleasure of being in the audience for the 2025 Aspire production of “The Rise of Bozz” and would like to acknowledge the following students.

• Senior Drama Ensemble

        Caitlyn Bladon (Year 10), Nash Cook (Year 9) and Ruby Halverson (Year 9)

• Dance Ensemble

         Ava Harris (Year 8)

• Instrumental Ensemble

        Lola Ciavarella (Year 8) and Dante Spadari (Year 10)

• Vocal Ensemble

        Rooney Freeman (Year 8), Micah Pacquing (Year 9) and Francheska Santiago     (Year 10)

• Design Ensemble

         Ella O’Brien (Year 10)

On behalf of the entire school community, I want to extend my congratulations to each of these young people for their contribution to this incredible production. Whether they were on stage singing, dancing, and acting, in the pit providing the incredible soundtrack, or part of the creative team designing sets and costumes – their talent, dedication, and teamwork were inspiring. I thank them for their hard work, their courage to perform, and their commitment to excellence. They have certainly made San Clemente proud! 

Money Invested, Money Saved

Recently there has been much public discussion around the Australian Government's model of funding schools. Catholic Schools NSW have put together some data to explain how government funding for non-government schools—such as Catholic and Independent schools— supports your right to choose the best educational environment for your child while also reducing costs for Australian taxpayers.

Using the most recent data, the report outlines how funding these schools through a mixed education model reduces pressure on public education resources, with savings of up to $6.88 billion annually. The report highlights how school choice benefits families and the broader community alike.

To read more, find the report here: Money invested, Money Saved - July 2025 - Adobe cloud storage.

Thank you to everyone in our community for your ongoing support of the College. Together, we are helping our young people grow into strong, bright, and engaged adults.

With prayers and blessings,

Mrs Emma South, Principal

Thursday saw a significant celebration for the College … St Dominic’s Day. This event highlighted our wonderful Dominican history and heritage.

The day commenced with an inter class quiz competition on Kahoot where students were tested on their knowledge of St Dominic and the Dominican religious order. This was followed by celebration of a wonderful Liturgy in the College Hall.   

Students and staff were joined by special guests: Fr Greg Barker, Fr Anthony Coloma, Dominican Sisters, Sr Patricia Bendeich, Sr Maure Campbell and Sr Jenny Gerathy. We were also joined by Mrs Rose McAllister (ex student, staff member and Dominican Associate), along with Mrs Katie Philpott, staff members, and students from our fellow Dominican school, St Dominic’s Catholic College.

Following the Liturgy, students partook in an extended BBQ lunch. Unfortunately, inclement weather meant planned carnival activities in the afternoon had to be cancelled.

Despite this, a great day was had by all. Thank you to all staff who assisted in planning for what will become a key event to look forward to celebrating each year! 

Following on with the Dominican theme, we will examine some key aspects of our Dominican charism (spirituality) over the next couple of newsletters. 

 Michael Fuller Ministry Coordinator

Sacramental Program Invitation

A very busy Semester Two has begun for Year 10. Hopefully, most have taken the mid-year break as an opportunity to recharge and reflect on their progress over the first half of the year. In addition to the academic work students have done in the classroom, I’ve been lucky to have shared some of their moments outside the classroom that really demonstrated their best qualities:

• Dept of Primary Industries (Fisheries) tour at Port Stephens:The Marine & Aquaculture Technologies students visited this vast, hi-tech site to view the work they are doing in fields such as oyster farming and seahorse breeding. The staff at the DPI gave high praise of our students’ conduct and engagement with their research.
• STEM Careers Expo at Williamtown: STEM and Marine students showed outstanding civility and focus when listening to and engaging with 12 potential employers in the STEM and Defence-related industries.
• Athletics Carnival at Glendale: It was warming to see so many of our Year 10 cohort actively participating in a range of events, at a time in their schooling where interest in such events tends to wane. This is a strong example for our younger cohorts – well done Year 10!

Looking forward, we will continue to focus on building good academic habits. I met with the cohort earlier this week to outline expectations around homework and application in class, with an eye towards Year 11 and 12. If you would like any guidance or assistance in consolidating those behaviours at home, please get in touch!

Michael Quinn Year 10 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement

A very warm welcome back to all Year 9 families and students. I hope that the recent holiday break provided a chance to rest, recharge and spend meaningful time together. As we enter this new semester, we look forward to the opportunities ahead for growth, learning and faith-filled experiences.

One of the highlights of this term was the celebration of St. Dominic’s Day this week, a significant occasion in the life of our college community. St. Dominic’s life and legacy continues to inspire us as we strive to live out the four Dominican Pillars: Community, Study, Prayer and Service.

• Community: St. Dominic’s Day is a time where we gather as one College family, strengthening the bonds that unite students and staff. Through liturgy and whole-school activities, we celebrate the joy and support that comes from belonging to a faith-filled community.
• Study: St. Dominic valued the pursuit of knowledge as a pathway to understanding God’s creation. This semester, we encourage our Year 9 students to renew their commitment to learning with curiosity and perseverance, building on their efforts from Semester One.
• Prayer: Prayer is central to our celebration of St. Dominic’s Day. Together, we paused in gratitude during our morning Liturgy for the many blessings we enjoy and sought guidance from the Holy Spirit as we commenced the second half of the school year.
• Service: Finally, St. Dominic’s life reminds us of the importance of reaching out to others. Acts of service, both big and small, forms a pivotal part of our college life, as we model Christ’s love in action.

Please be advised of some upcoming events throughout both Week 4 and 5;

• U16 Girls Rugby Union – Tuesday 12^th August
• All Schools Touch Gala Day – Wednesday 13^th August
• U16 Steve Merrick Rugby Union – Thursday 14^th August
• Dio Athletics – Wednesday 20^th August

A final thought on the importance of acts of service, especially for our faith community;

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth”

We are excited to see what Semester Two holds for our Year 9 students as they continue to develop academically, socially and spiritually. We thank you, our families, for your ongoing partnership and support in nurturing these young people in their faith and education.

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

"Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence.

Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance.

Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence.

Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance."

Yoko Ono.

Welcome to Term 3! As we settle into the winter months, Yoko Ono’s reflection on the seasons feels particularly fitting. Term 3 is often when perseverance becomes essential, not just in learning, but in attitude and day-to-day responsibilities. It can be a time with routines tested and energy waning, but it is also a season when students can showcase their resilience and character.

Throughout this term, Year 8 students are encouraged to maintain high standards in their learning. This means staying organised with homework and assessment tasks, remaining engaged in class, and asking for help when they encounter challenges.

Equally important is the way students conduct themselves. We continue to promote a respectful and responsible community grounded in our Catholic faith. As adolescents develop socially and emotionally, we ask them to face challenges with maturity, respond thoughtfully to setbacks, and treat others with care.

At home, you can continue to nurture perseverance by helping your child manage routines, encourage good sleep habits and regular exercise, support balance with screens and study, and most importantly, celebrate effort; especially when things feel difficult. Your modelling of these skills and support makes a real difference.

This term, Year 8 also have the exciting prospect of selecting their elective preferences for Years 9 and 10. This process will allow them to take more control over their subjects and interests. It is always a good time to discuss with your child what makes them happy and what are their strengths. The VIA character strengths questionnaire may be helpful to students who are unsure about their preferences. It can be found at:

www.viacharacter.org

I look forward to a productive and rewarding term with our Year 8 students. Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping your children grow and develop to be the best they can be.

Year 8 Shout Outs:

• Well done to Jensen Robinson who represented NSW in Ice Hockey.

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

Warm regards

Meredith MacDonald Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement 

Welcome to term 3! I trust that all students enjoyed a relaxing a rejuvenating break and have returned back to the College with all cylinders firing!

You are my companion and must walk with me.’ (St Dominic)

Each year, the community of San Clemente join together to commemorate the Founder of the Dominican order, St Dominic. St Dominic’s Day is a day of great joy and celebration for our community. A day much anticipated by students and staff alike. St Dominic was born in 1170 in Castile (Spain), he was not just a man of his time but a man for all time. The Dominican Pillars of Service, Study, Community and Prayer are the standards of life St Dominic lived by and in turn gifted our San Clemente community. St Dominic’s Day reminds and centres us on his example and on ways we can live this out daily. Our St Dominic’s day was celebrated on Thursday 7^th August and students participated in a liturgy and a variety of carnival like activities to mark the celebration.

I would like to remind Year 7 and their parents/carers to be organised and prepared for each and every day sets the foundation for a positive day of learning and engagement. What amazes me is that some Year 7 students turn up to school without their equipment for learning! All students require their subject book, pens, a pencil, ruler, glue stick and a charged laptop. Please ensure your child has the correct equipment to assist with their learning.

The use of vapes amongst high school students is a concerning and relavent issue with rates continuing to rise.

Please have a look at the study below, which is being conducted by the University of Newcastle, and if you have time to complete the study, please do. The study aims to gain a deeper understanding of vaping and develop successful intervention strategies to support adolescents.

https://redcap.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au/redcap/surveys/?s=7TL8KX834D4RDLR7

If parents have any concerns please contact me on 40147300 or via email kate.tolfree@mn.catholic.edu.au. 

Kate Tolfree Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement Year 7

What’s happening in the Science Lab in term 3 ……

Stage 4 and 5 are studying the Living World

Year 7 will look at the classification of living things, adaptations, foodchains, food webs, and an introductory look at cells. Year 7 will undertake an excursion to the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park to supplement learning on classification and adaptations.

Year 8 will be studying interconnected systems of living organisms. They will study the structure of plants, human body systems, and ecosystems - dissecting hearts, lungs, and kidneys, and visiting the Awabakal Centre at Dudley to further develop their knowledge of one of our local ecosystems. 

Year 9 will be studying pathogens and disease, vaccination, the immune system, nervous and endocrine systems, and will conclude with a look at the bigger

picture, studying ecosystems, and visiting the Wetlands at Shortland early next term.

Year 10 will have a closer look at DNA by studying human reproduction, genes, chromosomes, and inheritance, extending their knowledge into evolution and biotechnology.

9 Marine will explore the rock platform ecosystemsupplemented with a visit to the Rock Platform south of Merewether Baths. 

10 Marine will explore Saving Marine Environments and Dangerous Marine Creatures, supplemented with a visit to the Shark and Ray Centre.

9iSTEM is investigating aerodynamic principles, designing, building, and testing balsa planes with the power anchor.

10iSTEM is studying the Design for Space unit and designing, building, and testing bottle rockets.  Additionally, students visited the RDA Hunter Careers and Technology Expo earlier this term.  

The TAS Forensic Science Camp was held in the last school holidays at The Armidale School for students in Yr 8. Students who attended the camp were Lucy Redman, Sara Peatey, Grace Headley, Dorothy Boyd, Sebella Rogers, Dean Bulmer, Elliott Heymans, and Ojo Tum. All enjoyed this valuable experience immensely.

Give away: If any student would like to take home a fish tank – to create their own aquarium, reptile habitat or terrarium – please see the Science department …. we have half a dozen to give away. The aquarium tanks are made of high-grade glass and measure 40 cm x 20 cm and 30 cm deep.

Ms Julia Nolan – Leader of Learning Science 

NSW OZTAG SECONDARY SCHOOLS GALA DAY

On Thursday 24^th July, our Jr Girls, Jr Boys, Sr Girls & Sr Boys Oztag teams represented our school in the Hunter/Newcastle Regional NSW Oztag Gala Day at Waratah Oval.

The 9/10 Sr Girls won all 4 of their pool games convincingly, progressing to the semi finals late in the afternoon. After leading the semi 1-0, the girls conceded two tries to go down 2-1 to Catherine McAuley, with their final try coming right on the full time siren. Whilst the girls were very disappointed not to make the Grand Final, they should be very proud of how they played, especially with the majority of the team being Year 9 girls.

Although the Jr Boys, Jr Girls & Sr Boys had some mixed results throughout the day, they improved sharply throughout the day with the more games they played together.

All students should be very proud of how they represented our school throughout the tournament.

Lastly, a big thankyou to Mr Allan, Mrs MacDonald & Mr Fletcher for all of their work in coaching our teams on the day.

NRL BEACH TOUCH GALA DAY

On Wednesday at Newcastle's Nobbys Beach, both the Under 14s and Under 16s girls’ and boys competed in the NRL Touch Football Gala Day. The teams battled through freezing cold conditions on the sand to play 2-on-3 structured games. Despite the chilly weather, all teams showcased impressive teamwork and skill, finishing the day with 2 wins and 1 loss each. 

All teams displayed athleticism, strong teamwork, excellent communication skills and quick thinking in their matches with successful set plays developing throughout the day. They demonstrated their growing understanding of the game, adapted to the small, fast-paced field and most of all had fun. Whether celebrating a win or learning from a loss, their sportsmanship and team spirit shone through, proving that the competition was as much about personal growth and camaraderie as it was about the score. 

A big thank you to both Mrs Carter and Mr Byrne for coaching our Touch teams on the day!

Steven Burns Sports Coordinator

Welcome back to Term 3. We hope all students and families had a restful break. This term, the HSIE faculty is facilitating two Geography excursions that will support key learning outcomes in Years 7 and 10 through hands-on fieldwork experiences.

 Year 10 Geography – Redhead Beach Coastal Management (Week 7)

As part of the Environmental Change and Management unit, Year 10 students will visit Redhead Beach in Week 7 to investigate a range of coastal issues and management strategies. The fieldwork will focus on topics such as coastal erosion, dune protection, land use, and the impact of climate change.

Students will engage in presentations and activities run by HSIE staff and local council representatives. The excursion will provide students with fieldwork data and case study content to support their upcoming assessment task.

Year 7 Geography – Richley Reserve: Water in the World

Year 7 students will take part in an excursion to Richley Reserve as part of their Water in the World unit. The day will focus on sustainability and water management.

Supported by Newcastle Council, Local Land Services, Hunter Water, and a National Parks Indigenous Discovery Ranger, students will rotate through a series of practical activities. These include water quality testing, aquatic invertebrate surveys, catchment management demonstrations, and waste education.

Assessment and Classroom Application

Both excursions are directly linked to assessment tasks and class-based learning. Students will be expected to apply their fieldwork observations, data collection, and new understandings to complete structured geographical responses and analysis tasks upon return to class.

Assessment notifications, task descriptions, and instructional videos to support student understanding will be uploaded to COMPASS Learning Tasks. These materials aim to clarify task requirements, outline success criteria, and provide guidance on how to approach the work effectively.

If students require additional assistance with any aspect of the course or task preparation, they are encouraged to reach out to their classroom teacher. Support can be provided during class, through COMPASS messages, or by arranging a time for extra help.

We look forward to a productive term of meaningful learning both in and outside the classroom.

Michael Flanagan | Leader of Learning - HSIE

Exploring Career Pathways at San Clemente Catholic College

At San Clemente, we are committed to preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Through a variety of engaging programs and initiatives, we support each student in discovering their interests, developing their skills, and exploring meaningful career pathways.

Introducing BEYOND: A Career Planning Resource

Students in Years 7 to 10 have access to BEYOND, a free online careers platform designed to guide them through their vocational journey. BEYOND provides:

• Personalised career profiles to record interests, skills, and achievements
• Career, personality, and global challenge assessments to help identify strengths and potential career directions
• Academic support for HSC preparation, including past papers, study guides, sample answers, and live webinars
• A Future Pathways Hub with comprehensive course search tools for both Higher Education and VET options
• Access to over 1,000 entry-level job and apprenticeship listings, searchable by region and industry

We encourage parents to explore BEYOND alongside their children to support informed decision-making about future pathways. Students can register using their school email address.

Recent Career Events and Highlights:

Become ME: Our Year 7 students have recently begun exploring the world of work through the Become ME program, proudly supported by the Catholic Schools Office. This interactive online initiative introduces students to a wide range of career and education pathways, helping them begin to identify their own vocational interests.

Real Estate Industry Insights: Through the Regional Industry Education Partnership (RIEP), Mila and Elle (Year 10) will participate in an upcoming two-day course focused on the fundamentals of real estate. The program covers market trends, communication and negotiation skills, and pathways into the industry, including SBAT opportunities for Years 11 and 12.

Float Your Boat Mentoring Program: Year 10 student Jack continues to thrive in the Float Your Boat mentoring program, which explores careers in the boating and marine industries. Recent highlights include visits to the Garden Island Navy Base, Steber and Solar Boat Building facilities, and an upcoming tour of the NSW Police Water Police Headquarters—an event that will also be attended by the State Minister for Education and Policing, along with media representatives. This year-long initiative offers potential opportunities for School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) in areas such as boat building, marina services, tourism, and marine rescue. Students in Year 9 with an interest in the marine sector are encouraged to watch the Careers Teams page for Expressions of Interest for next year’s intake.

St Nicholas Early Learning Immersion: Six Year 10 students are currently participating in the St Nicholas Pathways Immersion Program at the Newcastle West Early Learning Centre. This four-week placement offers valuable hands-on experience in early childhood education sector.  

NSW Police Force: Several students are schedule to take part in the NSW Police Force, sponsored Job Readiness Program, where they will develop resume writing and interview skills, and complete both their White Card and First Aid certifications. In addition, other SCCC students are actively involved in the weekly Fit for Life program sponsored by the PCYC and the Newcastle Knights, and a number of our Year 10 students have applied to participate in the upcoming Police Work Experience Program, in order to learn more about policing as a post-school career option.

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs): Kylie from Leisure Education Australia recently visited San Clemente to speak with interested Year 9 and 10 students about upcoming SBAT opportunities, namely the Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation. SBATs are undertaken as part of a students HSC courseload.

Stay Connected: Parents and students are reminded to regularly check the MS Teams Careers site for updates on upcoming opportunities, events, and resources. Students in Years 7–10 can book a meeting with me directly via the Careers Team on Microsoft Teams, many students in Year 8 have already booked careers counselling sessions to discuss Stage 5 Elective choices. I also warmly welcome conversations with parents and carers. If you would like to discuss your child’s options or seek guidance, I am available for meetings before or after school. Please don’t hesitate to contact me to arrange a time.

Anne-Marie Kelly | M. Ed | Leader of Learning - Vocational Education and Training (VET) | Careers Coordinator

E Anne-Marie.Kelly@mn.catholic.edu.au

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 8.30am on the day it's required.

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

Thank you for supporting San Clemente Canteen.

News from Alinta Uniforms

As part of Alinta’s annual review, the team has considered the latest CPI data and broader economic changes, including a 3.5% increase to the minimum wage and higher superannuation contributions. Encouragingly, CPI has eased to 2.4%, helping to offset some of these pressures.

Behind the scenes, significant effort has gone into negotiating with suppliers to minimise the impact on families. Thanks to these efforts, pricing will remain unchanged for most items. Only a small number of products will see a modest adjustment from 15 September 2025. 

The following items will be adjusted as follows:

• Sport Shorts - $1

• Girls Pants - $2

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.

For families experiencing financial hardship, or wishing to discuss other payment arrangements, please contact the Finance Office.

Julie Doherty & Kerrie Nolan (Fridays)