Welcome to Term Three.  It is lovely to be back, especially with the sun making an appearance from time to time. I am extremely happy to report that the fort structure in the Junior Years playground has finally been installed and certified. Our Prep and Year 1 students have given it the tick of approval and are enjoying using it. Over the break the Montefalco court has been resurfaced and looks fantastic.

We have some staff on leave this term. Mrs Collins is on long service leave for the first four weeks of term, with Mrs Marsilio enjoying the delightful Year 1 class. Mrs Sima has unexpectedly had to take the remainder of Term 3 off, to care for her mother. We wish Gita all the best. And while we will very much miss Mrs Sima, the Prep class will be in the very safe hands of Mrs V for Weeks 2 & 3, and then Mrs Brumley for the remainder of the term. Mrs Low will also be on leave for Term 3 and we welcome Mrs Lizzio to help in Year 2. A huge thanks to all these teachers for ensuring a smooth transition for our students.

This term we are trialling a change to our second break routine. Usually all 170 students play downstairs together for this break. It can be very chaotic and we generally experience a high number of bumps & bruises during this break, due to the number of students trying their best to share a small space. For the second break, Prep and Year 1 students have been enjoying a quick snack break upstairs followed by play in the Junior Years playground.

Just a reminder about uniform and haircut expectations. Students are only permitted to wear earrings that are studs or sleepers. I have noticed some dangles recently. These have the potential to become snagged, please do not allow your child to wear them to school. Watches are allowed to be worn. A necklace with a Religious medallion, cross or that is culturally significant can be worn. Necklaces should be kept tucked underneath shirts, again to prevent them from being snagged. Hair ties and accessories need to be school colours only and are to be minimal. Bracelets, anklets, and wristbands are not permitted to be worn. Hair past shoulder length must be tied back, not be coloured or have tracks or patterns shaved into it.

Academic Uniforms are worn Monday, Wednesday & Friday - white ankle socks and black shoes are to be worn. Sports Uniforms are worn Tuesday & Thursday - white ankle socks and joggers of choice are worn.

We appreciate your support to keep these standards high at St. Clare’s.

We have a long weekend coming up next week, with the Tully Show Holiday on 25th July. Hopefully we will be blessed with fine weather.

Catholic Education Week

Next week is Catholic Education Week (Wk 3). This week is an opportunity for all Catholic schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos. Our Yr 5 & 6 students will travel to Innisfail to celebrate Mass with other schools in the Southern Deanery and stay for some activities and a tour of Good Counsel College afterwards. The Docemus Awards are also held during Catholic Education Week; we acknowledge Mrs Jenny Sollitt, who has been nominated this year for her outstanding contribution to student learning.

Sent to the Principal’s Office

There is always so much to celebrate about student learning at St. Clare’s, and sometimes I am lucky enough to get visitors to my office to share great work. Leah was my first visitor this term to show me a very well constructed sentence!

Blessings for the week ahead