Dear St Clare's Community,

Last week we celebrated Catholic Education Week. As Catholic Educators we strive to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society and this year's theme of Communities of Faith, Hope, Love is a message well worth promoting.

The Docemus Awards are celebrated in Catholic Education Week, recognising the contributions of staff across the Cairns Diocese. At  St. Clare’s we are so very fortunate to have a wonderfully dedicated staff that all constantly go above and beyond to support our student’s academic growth and wellbeing. This year Steph Grimaz was nominated in the Docemus Awards for her commitment to her role as a School Learning Officer - we all congratulate Steph on her nomination and thank her for the work she does.

While we were unable to gather in Innisfail with our fellow Southern Deanery schools this year, the Prep-Year 3 classes celebrated with a liturgy on Wednesday with Father Joby that focused on the story of the Good Samaritan.  It was a wonderful celebration that reflected the theme of Faith, Hope, Love.  It was also wonderful to hear the students sing the St Clare’s School song. Thank you to Mrs Chappel for preparing students for this special celebration.

Many of our Sacramental students, their sponsors and families gathered at St. Clare’s Church on Sunday 31st July to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. It is always a blessing and privilege to be witness to our young people taking this important step and I sincerely thank Mrs Chappel for her work over the past months in preparing the students and their families in the lead up to this day. 

COVID Update

We are currently being heavily impacted by illness across the school, both COVID related and general sickness that is expected at this time of year. If your student is unwell or displaying flu like symptoms please keep them home until they are well again. This will help immensely in lessening the spread and reducing absences of both students and staff.

Please notify the office if students are unable to attend and also if you have a positive case of COVID in your household.

All staff have been extremely flexible in changing routines on short notice to ensure our students' access to learning is as uninterrupted as it can possibly be. We are truly blessed to have such a committed staff that consistently puts the needs of students first and foremost.

A reminder that masks must be worn by all staff, parents, volunteers and contractors while on school grounds. I sincerely thank you for your understanding of these requirements at this time.

Fete 2022

It is hard to believe the Fete is only a few short weeks away now! The teachers and students are ramping up their performance practices - it is looking like another amazing performance is on the way from the glimpses I have seen so far. Further down in this Newsletter will be information from the wonderful Fete Committee on how you can help  - if you have some time in the remaining weeks until the Fete or on the night (20th August) please get in touch with them.

Pyjama Day

It was great to see so many staff and students getting involved in the Pyjama Foundations annual event by wearing their PJ’s to school last Monday - many of us wish it was more often, especially in the cooler weather! With gold coin donations we collected over $100. If you forgot your gold coin, it’s not too late to send it in.

After School Pick Up

A reminder that the pick up zone along the front of Mars St is to be used as a Stop, Drop, Go. Please do not leave your car when collecting students. If your children need help to get in the car, or with seatbelts, please park elsewhere and walk in to collect. We need to keep vehicles in this zone moving on quickly so that we do not hold up other traffic using Mars St.

Student Wellbeing Survey

In the coming week’s our students will complete a wellbeing survey. This has been done for the past few years.  Results from the survey will enable us to better understand how we can support our students in their wellbeing and mental health.   If you have any concerns about your child participating in the survey please contact your child’s teacher.

2023 Planning

We are in the beginning stages of planning for next year.  I will be having staffing and budget meetings over coming months and it is always good to know of any changes in enrolment. If your family will not be continuing at St Clare’s in 2023 please advise by emailing principal.tully@cns.catholic.edu.au

Lastly, I am taking leave from 4 - 9 August and then have a Principal’s Conference to attend in Cairns from 10 - 12 August. If you need to contact me for non urgent matters during this time, please email as usual. For matters of urgency Sharon Chappel (Friday only) Chris Edwards (Monday - Friday) and Helen Andrews (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday) are available if necessary.

Sincerest blessings for the weeks ahead,

Karran Burzacott
Principal