Dear St Clare’s Community,

Last week we celebrated Catholic Education Week. This year's theme of A Spirited Tomorrow, was most certainly evident at the celebratory Mass in Innisfail. On Tuesday 27th, Good Counsel Primary & Good Counsel College, hosted students from all 6 of the Southern Deanery schools. Fr. Kerry Crowley and Fr. Hilary Flynn led us for the Mass. The St. Clare’s students' reverence and participation in the Mass is to be commended. After Mass we were very fortunate to have the opportunity to join with students from Good Counsel Primary and Good Counsel College,  Innisfail, St. Rita's, Babinda, St. John’s, Silkwood and St. Rita’s, South Johnstone, for lunch and interesting and exciting activities. We thank all those involved in preparing this day for us. 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 on St Clare’s values and symbols.  It was also wonderful to hear the students sing the St Clare’s School song. Thank you to Mrs Andrews and class teachers for preparing students for this special celebration.

We also welcomed back Nerissa Camelleri, Kaitlyn Marsillio  and Paula Brumley to St. Clare’s. Both Nerissa, Kaitlyn and Paula are working in supporting teacher roles this term. Kaitlyn is also delivering The Arts across the school. We are very thankful to these teachers, as their expertise is a valuable resource for our students. We also welcome to St. Clare’s, Paul Taylor. Paul will be taking up the position of grounds person. Paul has much experience in this field as he is also the grounds person at St. Rita’s, South Johnstone. We sincerely thank Paul for taking on this very important role and look forward to having him as part of the St. Clare’s community.

School Photos

School Photo Day is Tuesday 10th August. All students are to wear their Academic Uniforms please. Students' hair, accessories and shoes and socks also need to fit within St. Clare’s uniform expectations.

Feast Day Celebrations

On Friday 20th August our Feast Day Celebrations will take place. Mass at Holy Spirit Church will begin at 9:30 am followed by lunch and activities at Rotary Park. We hope that families will be able to join us and share the joy and excitement that this day brings.

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.

2021 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 2022 please advise by emailing principal.tully@cns.catholic.edu.au

Donations

I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank some of our families for theirgenerosity to our community. The Fraser Family recently donated $1000 to the school to put towards student resources. We have ordered a huge amount of play equipment for the sandpits with this donation and hope to have it delivered ready for our beach day on the 20th August. This equipment will also be put to great use every other school day in our sand play areas. The Berge family recently had a container storage bin custom made and delivered to the school. This will allow us to collect containers for change and recycle! We are very humbled by the thoughtfulness shown by these families and indeed, all our families that give in both resources and their time, to support St. Clare’s and make our school great.

Upcoming P&F Meeting

The next P&F meeting is on Tuesday 17th August. These meetings are held in the Library and start at 7pm. The P&F consists of an Executive Committee: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, however all parents are part of the P&F and as such are welcomed to attend any of the meetings. Your voice and input is truly appreciated and valued, so join us if you can.

Uniform Policy

I have noticed a few hair cuts, jewellery and accessories lately that do not fit with the St. Clare’s Uniform Policy. I have included our uniform requirements in this Newsletter as a reminder of the expectations.