Tidings 11 March 2022
Edition Two
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart - Col 3:23
Principal’s Message
We have really begun to settle back into the school routine. Given the disruptions to the last two years, it has been nice to be able to predominantly focus on learning. I am starting to visit classes and get a true appreciation for the quality teaching and learning opportunities being delivered here at St Clare’s. Whilst the normality of classes is settling, we have also had opportunities to celebrate and reach out over the last few weeks. It has been a long journey with the building project and, as a very tangible sign of the end coming closer, last week we had a smallscale blessing and ribbon cutting to signify the opening of the refurbished Placid Wing. This wing houses general classrooms and some Science specialty rooms. The makeover brings in the light and high levels of comfort with double glazing, insulation and, at the completion of the build, state-of-the-art heating and cooling. In line with our promotion of Visible Learning each learning space has windows onto the corridors, which not only adds to the brightness of the corridors, but allows passers-by to glimpse learning in action. In a busy week, we also held our Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Whilst still restricted to meeting in cohorts, students were actively involved in the recorded liturgy and the distribution of Ashes. Our thanks to Father Trenton, student leaders, the Music Ministry Team, Pastoral Care teachers and our Mission and Ministry Leader, Mrs Marie Manning for assembling a very meaningful liturgy. We are reminded that we all are ‘under construction’ and that the forty days of Lent provide us with a focussed opportunity to become aware of our limitations and take small steps to improve ourselves. Pope Francis’ Lenten prayer (2017) reminds us that fasting is not limited to food: Fast from hurtful words and speak kind words. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. Fast from anger and be filled with patience. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. Fast from worries and have trust in God. Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity. Fast from pressures and be prayerful. Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy. Fast from selfishness and be compassionate. Fast from grudges and be reconciled. Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
Over the course of a week, students have been walking the oval to publicise the DonateLife cause. A big thank you to all those involved in the organisation of the multiple events, including working of the stations around the oval. In my meanderings towards the DonateLife walk, it was very noticeable to me that the vast majority of students were actively engaging with one another. The number of visible phones has significantly reduced and the number of phones being collected has also fallen: 46 phones on the first day and only 11 on the Friday of the second week of policy implementation. The primary goal of removing a distraction to social interaction has been achieved and I thank all members of the community for their part in this success. Parents are reminded that students can access their phones at their lockers at the beginning and end of each break, so there are opportunities for them to check for messages that are important before the end of the day. In the case of an urgent message, please continue to contact the front office staff who will ensure that students are advised. If you have any concerns about your daughter needing to access her phone for medical reasons, please contact her Pastoral Coordinator who will ensure that your daughter’s need is notified. On the 21 February, we held our first 2022 meeting of the College Board. It was the final meeting for our long-term Board Chair and member of the Board, Mr Stephen Kelly. Stephen has been an ardent supporter of St Clare’s during his tenure and, while constitutionally it is time to step down, he plans to remain an active in our community while his youngest daughter completes her studies. I am certain that he has provided ongoing support to my predecessor, Mr Brad Cooney, and on behalf of the community I would like to publically thank Stephen for his commitment to the College. Further information detailing the members and functions of the College Board will be forthcoming. Ann Cleary Principal
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From the desk of the AP Celebrating Learning and Teaching
I am sure we all agree that the past few years have thrown us a few boulders presenting us with many questions and problems. What we might not agree on is the idea that these obstacles are our greatest opportunity. Obstacles help us to learn, to grow, and to succeed. During the College opening assembly, I shared the story about The King and the Boulder - how we can see every obstacle as an opportunity and how these obstacles can fuel our fire. “The King of a great empire, one day felt that the people of the city had grown content and entitled. After watching his once-mighty empire become weaker and weaker for months, the King came up with a plan. He would devise a clever way to teach the people a life lesson about obstacles and opportunities. He placed a large boulder in the middle of the main road, the only path into the city, blocking everyone’s entry. He then hid in a tree to watch how people would react to the obstacle. The King watched in disappointment as he saw many people fail the test. Some would walk up to the boulder and yell angrily about how the King was not keeping the roads clear.
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Others pushed at it a few times and then gave up and went home. Some people just stared at it, waiting for someone else to do something. Finally, after several days, a peasant woman comes up and makes a few valiant attempts at the obstacle. She tries climbing over it; she tries going around on the sides; she pushes at it but cannot get it to budge. The peasant woman then goes into the woods and comes back with a large wooden stick. She shoves the stick under the boulder, cranking it like a lever until finally the boulder rolls out of the way. The woman walks to where the boulder once stood, where in her wonderful fortune she finds a purse of gold coins with a note attached to it. The note was from the King and read, “Never forget that inside every obstacle is an opportunity to improve your condition”. Can you connect any of our College learning dispositions to this story? Persisting; Thinking Flexibly; Posing Questions and Problems; Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations. Which learning disposition is missing?
Tidings – 2022
The key message of the story is obstacles become opportunities! We should always try to see every obstacle that life puts in our way as an opportunity. Things will inevitably happen that we do not want to happen. However, focusing on the negative aspects of that will not move us forward. Being sad or angry at how unfair is no way to make us better or improve our condition. Instead, we must see the obstacles as opportunities. We must use them as fuel for our fire. When we see something challenging blocking our path, jump at the opportunity to act. We know that moving through that obstacle is how we will grow and improve our condition. That is the lesson that the King taught the people of his city. Those who gave up on the obstacle blocking their path went home with nothing. The peasant woman who acted towards the obstacle was rewarded. With this mindset, we are always moving that metaphoric “boulder” forward. Our learning and progress to success never stops because nothing ever slows us down. Obstacles become positive signals of opportunity for growth. They show us the path down which we must go.
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2022 (like previous years) will continue to challenge us and will require us to be agile/resilient learners open to doing things differently and focusing on the aspects of learning that have the greatest impact, letting go of those that do not. Ensuring that: • •
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we continue to develop and apply effective habits of thinking and doing (our College learning dispositions) we stay true to our commitment to becoming assessment capable learners (knowing where we are in our learning, where we are going with our learning and what our next steps will be) we understand how to learn through the application of learning strategies we seek, receive, act on and give feedback.
Our recent School Capability Assessment (undertaken in November 2021) and report celebrates the progress we have made since embarking on our School Impact Process and the story behind this progress. It is also a time for reflection and forward thinking. Specifically, the opportunity to highlight that the visible learner strand shows the greatest growth, which is reflective of the on boarding and application of the College learning dispositions within (and outside) the classroom. Go us!
“The impediment to action advances action.
What stands in the way becomes the way” – Marcus Aurelius
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St Clare’s College has lots to celebrate. This reflects the wonderful work and learning we have undertaken as a learning community and will continue to work towards in support of our efforts to becoming a Visible Learning School, always ensuring that the Visible Learner (the student) remains at the centre of our efforts. Action that aligns with our system Catalyst bold goal: High Impact Teaching Practice is visible in every classroom.
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Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations Accessing prior knowledge. Use learning from a previous context and apply it to a new context. Learn from experience. Use what you learn!
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Overcome obstacles
Use what you learn
Thinking Flexibly - Being able to change perspectives, think of alternatives, and consider options. Think outside the box. Look at it another way! And
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Thinking Interdependently - Valuing group work. Being able to work with and learn from others in shared situations. Work and learn together! Teamwork.
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Finding problems to solve
Q Po ues sin tio g P nin ro g a bl nd em s
Learning Dispositions
Think outside the box
Thinking Interdependently Learn from experience
Looking at it another way!
Team work
Work with and learn from others Work and learn cooperatively together
So where to next? 2022 will see the College focus on:
“When teachers
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Deepening and embedding our application of the College learning dispositions (effective habits of thinking and doing) across the school to empower students to take greater ownership of their learning.
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Working towards increasing the assessment capability of our learners by continuing to develop consistent teacher practice across the school through the creation of challenging LISC and making these visible to learners so that learners are clear about the intent of the learning and how they will know if they have been successful in every lesson.
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Developing a shared understanding of the type of feedback culture we aspire to have here at St Clare’s.
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Our Leaders of Learning (our second cohort of participants) undertaking the Catalyst High Impact Practices (HITP) in Action Series. Applying research (The Science of Learning and Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction) and evidence based teaching strategies and providing concrete techniques participants can use immediately within the classroom, the HITP in Action Series supports teachers to build high impact instruction.
see learning through the eyes of the student, and when students see themselves
as their own teachers”
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ing
ist
rs Pe
dge owle st Kn ations u ly Pa App New Sit to
Questioning and Posing Problems - Having a questioning attitude; searching for the right questions that need to be answered rather than being good at answering the question; asking insightful, purposeful and powerful questions. Finding problems to solve. How do you know?
Not giving up
ibly
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Stick to it
Asking insightful, purposeful and powerful questions
Flex
Persisting - Persevering on a task through to completion; remaining focused and overcoming obstacles. Looking for ways to reach the end goal when stuck. Not giving up.
Thin king
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Tidings – 2022
Celebrating Our Graduating Cohort
Second to the Dux - Lara Pulciani
– Class of 2021
Lara studied a major in English, Drama, Psychology and Studies of Religion; and a minor in Music and Human Biology.
All 109 students were awarded the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate. 86 students (79%) were awarded the Tertiary Entrance Statement (TES)/ Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and 34 students (31%) attained a VET qualification in Computing or Tourism and Hospitality. The College was again successful in achieving a top ATAR >99 (99.05), noting an ATAR of 99+ has been achieved for the past three years. This is only one measure of success. 15% of the cohort achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, 37% achieved an ATAR of 80 or above and 58% achieving an ATAR of 70 or above. The awards for Dux, second and third to the Dux are College based awards recognising three of our highest academic performers for the graduating cohort. An achievement that highlights the importance of sustained effort, commitment and application towards learning. The College congratulates: Third to the Dux - Jacqueline Dunn Jacqueline studied a major in English, Mathematical Methods, Human Biology and Studies of Religion; and a minor in Physics and Exercise Science.
2021 College Dux - Laura Spelic Laura studied a double major in Specialist Mathematics, including the completion of the H course at the ANU; a major in Literature, Modern History, French, and a minor in Studies of Religion. Another point of celebration was that our median ATAR was the highest since 2017 and before that achieved in 2013. This is a collective achievement drawing attention to the sustained unit results achieved each semester that all contribute to a final course score and the calculation of the ATAR at the end of Year 12. 37% of the cohort seeking an ATAR qualified to gain entry to ANU with an ATAR 80 or greater and 88% of the cohort seeking an ATAR qualifying to gain entry to UC | ACU with an ATAR 60 or greater, noting a number of universities in response to COVID-19 lowered ATAR entry points and made early/unconditional offers of entry prior the end of year, which was a positive scenario for our students.
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The College AST mean was the highest achieved since 2015, noting the AST is the scaling tool used to calculate scaled course scores. The longitudinal data shows an upward trend from 2018, suggesting that recent learning and teaching interventions and an investment in the Critical and Creative Thinking and AST Preparation Programs are having a positive impact.
Due to COVID restrictions preventing an on-campus event, the College will be hosting an online information session ATAR and AST Unpacked, Tuesday 22 March, 6pm (refer to separate communications for more details). This online event is open to all senior students and is a timely opportunity for students and parents to connect key information presented to the recent ATAR estimate Year 12 tertiary students received this term.
Results achieved are an affirmation of the positive impact of our learning and teaching practice and intervention; our ongoing commitment to student pastoral care and wellbeing; our commitment to monitor and support high levels of student attendance and engagement; and our Visible Learning work. This is not isolated to just Years 11-12, but a journey commencing in Year 7 right through to Year 12. ALL members of the College community deserve praise for such growth and achievement. Yay us! Progressing our results in 2022 is dependent on our ongoing commitment to prioritise and deepen our learning and teaching practice and intervention. The Visible Learning and HITP in Action (Catalyst) agenda will be key to our ongoing progress across Years 7-12. This year the College will also be investing in extending our VET offerings and will be broadening our work/focus on Careers and Future Pathways with the intent to better support our students with more individualised pathway options suited to ability, interests and needs. Check out our St Clare’s College Careers website for more information!
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Tidings – 2022
A Policy and Procedure Reminder: Late Submission of Assessment Tasks (Non-Test Tasks)
Students are encouraged to submit work on time, as this is a valuable organisational skill and a key principle of assessment condition standardisation. Students are expected to complete work, even if it is late, as soon as possible after the due date. The following policy is to ensure equity for all students: •
All assessment tasks are expected to be submitted by the specified due time and date. Unless otherwise stipulated, the due time is 4:00pm for the physical submission of assessment and 11:59pm for the digital submission of assessment, on the due date.
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Unless there are exceptional circumstances due to illness or misadventure, students must apply for an extension to the specified due date in advance, providing due cause and adequate documentary evidence for late submission to the respective Faculty Leader of Learning and/or Learning and Teaching Coordinator, after consulting their teacher. The Application for Extension of Assessment Submission Form is be submitted with the assessment item. The student must have the extension request form signed by at least one parent when the application for extension is submitted.
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Where marks are awarded for assessment tasks (Years 10-12), a late penalty will apply unless an extension is granted. The penalty for late submission is 5% of possible marks per calendar day late, including weekends and public holidays, until a penalty of 35% or the notional zero is reached. If an item is more than 7 days late, it receives the notional zero score (Refer to 4.3.11 Notional Zeros). Submission on weekends or public holidays may not be acceptable if a physical submission is required. This should be clearly stipulated to students.
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Where marks are not awarded, and a grade only is given for an assessment task, teachers will consider the extent to which students have demonstrated their ability to complete and submit the task by the due date (considering any extensions granted) in awarding the grade.
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It may not be possible to grade or score work submitted late after marked work in a unit has been returned to other students.
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Work not submitted by the time marked work is returned to other students may be declared as ‘not submitted’. Students should be aware in writing if this will be less than 7 days after the due date and any extensions granted.
To conclude, there will always be boulders on our path. We must remember who we are? Do we celebrate and accept our authentic self, letting go of what others think or expect us to be, remembering that we are the author of our own life story? Do you know what you want? Do you dream big, set goals and pursue what you are passionate about? What makes you happy? Unlocking your why, but also your motivations and values. Do you know how you are going to get there? Finding your confidence, identifying the best version of you, and learning to avoid the distractions that sabotage progress by focusing on the things you can control and letting go of the things you cannot. Identifying and applying the learning dispositions to enhance learning and creating an ‘operating system’ that helps you prioritise your learning and directs your energy towards this and building a support team to help you achieve this. Connection, Purpose and Performance. Dearne Marrapodi Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
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International Women’s Day 8
Student Celebrations for IWD A big thank you to our all of our students and staff who helped celebrate International Women’s Day! In particular a big shout out to our seniors for all their effort in organising IWD activities at lunch time in the student hub. This significant event commemorates the social, political and economic achievements of women. We have come so far but we still have a long way to go and through education we can help make positive steps for a brighter future. #IWD2022 #BreakTheBias In the classroom celebrations We had the privilege of having Japanese International athletes Mana Faruta and Makoto Lavemai from the Brumbies W team as our guest speakers. We continue to provide cross curriculum learning opportunities for our students by combining Senior Japanese and Year 10 Health and Physical Education. This also coincided with International Women’s Day #BreakTheBias where we explored culture, sport and women in society. In the classroom celebrations Year 8 Physical Education started class off with some partner cards all about women’s issues. Students discussed the cards in pairs sharing opinions and thoughtful insights. Australian Indigenous Doctors Association Breakfast Dr Ann Cleary along with pur students attended the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association Breakfast. They had the opportunity to speak with Ms Pat Anderson AO, an advocate for the health of Australia’s First Peoples.
“ A sense of belonging at school means feeling a sense of acceptance, respect, inclusion and support in a learning environment” - Dr DeLeon Gray
Meet our Year Coordinators I see my role as a Pastoral Care Coordinator to help build a community where every student feels known, heard and accepted. I believe it takes a community to raise a child, and I aim to build genuine partnerships with parents and guardians to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion at school. If students do not feel a connection and a sense of belonging at their school, they are less likely to engage with the educational opportunities offered. I believe Pastoral Care underpins all that we do as educators, helping students navigate adolescence in order to help them to learn. As a classroom teacher, Physical Education has always been my passion. As a student it was my favourite subject and I feel very privileged that I get to be involved with sport every day as my job. Fostering a love of, and understanding of, the importance of lifelong physical activity is my goal, making sport and physical activity fun and showing girls that there are a variety of ways to remain active in their every day lives.
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All girls education is where I have taught for my 13 years as a teacher. I enjoyed a 12 month experience teaching in London, otherwise Canberra has been my home. I love, that in an all girls school, every leader is a girl, the uptake of STEM and co-curricular is high and that girls can develop their confidence, academic ability and leadership skills on a daily basis. I am very excited to be starting my journey at St Clare’s this year with the Year 7 group. I look forward to developing partnerships with parents and getting to know all of the girls in Year 2022. I feel honoured to share their journey here at St Clare’s and seeing them graduate as the class of 2027. Laura Sheehan Year 7 Coordinator
Tidings – 2022
Pastoral Care continues to drive my passion and purpose as an educator. I feel as though this past year at St Clare’s has further ignited my drive to empower young people and help them to find their purpose and realise the impact that can have on our society. We are working with the generations who can make a difference in our world - that is exciting! This year, I continue to teach in the English department. It is through this subject that I am able to decode language and text to develop meaning; something that I enjoy. Engaging in conversations with students about how they create meaning through words allows me to not only further develop my insight into literature, but how their experiences shape their understanding of society. It is through English that I can foster conversation and empower our students to use words to shape their world. My key focus and philosophy in education is wellbeing and mental health; I am passionate about student social, emotional and behavioural development. It was through my Master of Education (Wellbeing and Positive Mental Health) that I was able to focus and specialise in this area.
In my role as Pastoral Coordinator, I have the privilege of watching Year 8 become life-long learners. I am able to share in their success, support their challenges and provide them with opportunities to grow. For Year 8 my focus this year is community, shaped by the quote “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” - Helen Keller. My aim is for Year 8 to understand their role not only within our community at St Clare’s, but the impact their actions can have on the wider community; that they are able to make a difference if they take the time to look around and notice the world around them. I hope that they question, research, investigate and challenge their knowledge, and learn the strength behind empowerment. Amy Denford Year 8 Coordinator
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A teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instil a love for learning. Teaching is not a profession, but rather a passion of mine; a supreme art to awaken creative expression and knowledge. Encouraging and guiding the girls to become the best versions of themselves and to see their inner value truly excites me. I have been teaching in secondary education for many years both in the UK and here in Australia. I love teaching at St Clare’s College and feel very fortunate to be part of such a welcoming and friendly school with enthusiastic students, supportive parents and passionate staff. This year as Year 9 Coordinator, I am relishing the opportunity to continue working with this wonderful group of girls and providing them with additional support and guidance they need. Year 9 is a big milestone for our students and it comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges. It is my mission to ensure I prepare these girls to be able to seize these opportunities and overcome their challenges. In the classroom, the teaching of Health & Physical Education is where my heart lies. I graduated with a Bachelor of Middle/Secondary Education and Bachelor of Health Science, and have since taught in a variety of school settings and across differing states.
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As a teacher, I am passionate about helping to empower students to recognise their full potential and develop the skills required to be capable individuals and effective life-long learners. It has given me so much pleasure to watch the students I have taught grow spiritually, academically and emotionally and to know that I have played a part in inspiring them to reach their potential. I enjoy getting to know each of my students and watching them achieve goals and grow throughout their learning journey. Outside of the classroom I love being around my friends and family and being outdoors; hiking, snowboarding and playing sport. I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue working with this amazing group of girls and help them grow as individuals. My greatest joy as an educator and Year Coordinator comes from the opportunity to develop positive and supportive relationships with our students and their families. This partnership allows me to play a special role in each student’s learning journey. This places me in a privileged position in which I can witness and nurture their growth as both learners and people. I can’t wait to see what they all achieve this year and look forward to helping them do so! Hannah Weiss (Acting) Year 9 Coordinator
Tidings – 2022
“ I am passionate about the welfare of all my students and am excited to get to know the Year 10 girls this year.” - Helen Challinor
I have been teaching since 2012 after a 15 year career in Marketing in the UK. After becoming involved in training in my role, I realised that I had a deep interest in developing a career in teaching. I left my job and undertook a Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching and embarked on my career in the UK. After emigrating to Australia in 2015, I have held positions in both academic and pastoral leadership. Through these experiences I have been increasingly drawn to Pastoral care as I realise that Education is not just about teaching but caring for and nurturing the social and emotional wellbeing of students as well as the academic. I am also interested in careers education and also hold a Post Graduate Certificate in Career Development. As a Pastoral Coordinator it is important to develop relationships with all students. I am learning no two days are the same and the support, advice and guidance needed by my cohort is wide and varied.
As a teacher of Humanities, I am passionate about developing skills in my students as well as subject knowledge. Many Humanities subjects provide opportunities to develop critical thinking, evaluation and analysis skills, team working abilities and application to real life. I believe all of these skills are crucial to success and I try to ensure I build as many opportunities into my teaching as I can for students to develop and practice them. I am passionate about the welfare of all my students and am excited to get to know the Year 10 girls this year. Helen Challinor Year 10 Coordinator
Sometimes it is an ear to listen, sometimes advice on friendships or a challenge in their academic spheres. Whatever my students need, I am here help them navigate these issues as smoothly as possible and to provide a space to help the girls grow and become confident young women.
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“ I realise when students are needing assistance, and am always there to assist them, while helping them gain confidence.” - Carla Weijers
I’ve been a passionate Drama teacher since 2006, having changed my university degree from a psychology/arts degree to a bachelor arts/education degree when I realised I had a calling for the Performing Arts. I fell in love with Drama in Year 7 and continued to pursue it until my senior years of schooling. Drama as a subject was the opportunity for me to create characters and engage in group work - a nice change from sitting at a desk all day! As a Drama teacher, I know I can make a difference in my students’ lives by providing them with life skills and abilities to help them get through every activities, while also instilling confidence in them.
2022 is going to be an exciting year for the senior students and I am proud to be able to be their Year Coordinator. Carla Weijers Year 11 and 12 Coordinator
My devotion to the Pastoral sphere of teaching marries well to the subject Drama, as there is a clear correlation between the skills students develop in the social atmosphere in Drama, with the experiences outside of the classroom. I realise when students are needing assistance, and am always there to assist them, while helping them gain confidence. I have been associated with the Year 11 cohort since 2019, having built a rapport with each and every single student. I love being able to go on this high school journey with these students, watching them grow into mature and engaging young women. This year I also have the privilege of seeing the Year 12 class of 2022 through their final year of school as their Year Coordinator. I am excited for this cohort and the strong finish to their schooling that we have to look forward to.
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Tidings – 2022
In the Classroom STCC Performing Arts Year 9 Drama have been busy exploring new ways to create dramatic meaning in their unit on Physical Theatre. By thinking flexibly and working interdependently, students have created short works with a heavy focus on the manipulation of movement and spatial proxemics, to create dynamic relationships in the space. We are so excited to see where this exploration of theatrical style takes them next. Charlotte Gearside Leader of Learning Performing Arts
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Meet the Teacher Name: Francesca Maugeri Subject: Italian I also speak/know: English I teach in levels: Primary school, High school Y7-10, College Y11-12 I became a language teacher because: When I arrived in Australia, in Canberra, I started to teach Italian at evening classes for adults and, even though my background was completely different, I began to get passionate about teaching and I wanted to involve my students in the knowledge of my country and I tried to share with them all my love of the Italian culture, history and traditions. In the meantime, I have discovered the stimulating and exciting world of teaching with its various approaches and methods. Even though it’s sometime a big challenge, I explain to young students the importance of learning a foreign language and why not start with the most romantic language in the world? Idea: Because of my love for cooking and pastry, I’m thinking about Italian cooking classes, for both adults and children, where anyone can enjoy the wonderful world of Italian cuisine which will make attending classes more vibrant and fun!
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I have discovered the stimulating and exciting world of teaching with its various approaches and methods.
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Tidings – 2022
Name: Abreham Mauri Subject: Italian I also speak/know: Arabic, beginner I became an Italian language assistant teacher because: Coming to Australia I understood how much I love my country and its language. The fact that so many Australians want to study Italian, encouraged me to start both teaching and assisting Italian language teachers. It is incredibly rewarding to see people showing so much interest for my language, and so it’s a pleasure to help them. A tricky thing: In both spoken and written Italian, people tend to use a fair amount of idiomatic expressions, which often do not have an English equivalent. One of my favourite is: “chi ha il pane non ha i denti, e chi ha i denti non ha il pane”. Literally it translates as “ who has got teeth does not have bread, and who has got bread does not have teeth”. Fun Fact: Soqquadro (mess), is the only word in Italian spelt with double Q.
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It is incredibly rewarding to see people showing so much interest for my language and so it’s a
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pleasure to help them.
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Crêpes Incursion Year 8 French students were treated to a French crêpe demonstration and tasting on Monday 28 February, in preparation for Shrove Tuesday and the end of the Mardi Gras period. Students prepared for the experience by learning ingredients in French and by learning how to order food in French. Each class watched a demonstration in the target language by chef, Kim De Poorter, who has been bringing his crêpes to St Clare’s for many years.
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Students then engaged in some French conversation with Kim and their classroom teachers before tucking in to a delicious crêpe. We would like to extend a huge thank you to Mr De Poorter for providing us with such an authentic experience. Lisa Bourne Leader of Learning Languages
Tidings – 2022
OzCLO OzCLO (The Australian Computational and Linguistics Olympiad) is an annual online contest that challenges students to develop their own strategies to solve problems about fascinating real languages. On Wednesday 2 March, students from Years 9 to 12 participated in teams of four in the ACT online round.
You can have a look at past problems and solutions on the OzCLO website if you are interested: https://www. ozclo.org.au/ Lisa Bourne Leader of Learning Languages
Students trained every Wednesday lunchtime in Main Lab to form bonds as a team and become used to the type of strategies required to ready themselves for the problems they might encounter on the day.
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Donate Life This year due to COVID restrictions, each Year group had the opportunity to participate in the DonateLife walk at lunchtime on the oval. Participants could wear the donated merchandise and walk or run 5 laps, an equivalent to 2.5 kms. It was a great, fun and fit way to help raise awareness about organ and tissue donation, and to open up conversations with families and friends about helping vulnerable members of our wider community. Over 500 students participated, each receiving House points. A huge thank you to the many Seniors and staff members who volunteered to manage checkpoints, distribute merchandise and give out Zooper Doopers on their allocated days. Did you know that if you are aged 16 years and over, you can register your intent to become an organ and tissue donor here. More information about becoming an organ and tissue donor is available on the DonateLife website here.
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Alinda Japara Kipara Makara Ulamina Wareen Wibalu Wirana
6th 7th 8th 2nd 1st 3rd 4th 5th
Kalu Horlock Social Justice Captain Marie Manning Mission and Ministry Coordinator
Tidings – 2022
Year 7 Reflection Day On Thursday 10 March, the Year 7 Cohort gathered together for their first Reflection Day. The day focussed on our Liturgical Theme - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.
Session 3 involved all Pastoral Care classes looking at who they are currently and who they wish to become by Year 12 2027. Our concluding Liturgy saw all Year 7 receive their Bibles, Bookmarks and House Badges.
Session 1 involved learning more about St Clare, her qualities and how we can aspire to walk in her footsteps and be like her in our everyday lives.
Edith Baggoley Year 7 SRC: I really enjoyed the human knot challenge because it allowed be to think collaboratively with new people and solve a challenge. I think what I most enjoyed was the testimonies from the Profile Captains. It was great to hear advice from the experts and get to know the people leading us a bit better.
Session 2 provided many opportunities for the students to get to know one another, work in teams and build friendships. A pre recorded Youth Ministry drama illustrated the importance of sharing our God given gifts with all we meet. However, as clearly articulated by our Year 12 Profile Captains the journey to Year 12 involving overcoming many challenges. Their personal insights identified the importance of valuing each individual and working as a team to create unbreakable bonds and friendships.
The captains were all so down-to-earth and generally great people who gave a lot of good advice that I am sure benefited all of us. In my eyes, this reflection day was a success! Marie Manning Mission and Ministry
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In the Classroom STCC Religious Studies In Year 7 Religious Studies students marvelled at Mrs Smith’s beautiful historical book that unfolded across the College hallway. Together they discussed the images and were able to visually learn about the history of the world through the chronological chart. The chart unpacks the development of Christianity from prehistory to the 1900s.
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Tidings – 2022
Faith and Community Captain The Youth Ministry Team will continue to hold meetings on Thursday lunchtime in the Hall. The Youth Ministry Team is open to all year levels. If you like to sing and/or play musical instruments then STCC Music Ministry is for you! Music Ministry will continue to run every Tuesday (Day 2) under the direction and leadership of new Music Ministry Captains, Sophie Smith and Evly Buckley (Year 11) and Mrs Manning. The Music Ministry team is an amazing opportunity to show your talents to the College and to develop new skills. New members are always welcome. This term we are jam packed with events from our amazing Commissioning Mass to our Easter Liturgy. Throughout the year, I will be working closely with the Youth Ministry girls and Mrs Manning to continue to bring joy and enthusiasm to the College and hopefully meet some new girls who are keen and ready to participate! Neeta Antony Faith and Community Captain
Events
Date
Youth Ministry Meetings
Thursday Lunchtime Hall
Music Ministry Meetings
Tuesday Lunchtime Day 2 Hall
Youth Ministry Commissioning and Welcome Mass
Friday 18 March
Easter Liturgy
Wednesday 6 April
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SEQTA SEQTA is the school’s Learning Management System (LMS). Students access their online learning space for each course or unit of study through SEQTA Learn. Parents can access SEQTA Engage via the College Portal or an app to view their daughters’: • • • • • • • •
Lesson information Homework Reports and teacher feedback Timetables Notices Attendance and wellbeing information Key school documents All assessment and feedback data
If you have forgotten your login details please email Student Records jenni.johnson@stcc.act.edu.au to request a reminder email.
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An email with your username and password is automatically sent out from the Student Administration office when you join our College community. If you need your password reset please contact Jenni Johnson who can resend that for you. jenni.johnson@stcc.act.edu.au The SEQTA Engage app is available and can be downloaded from the iTunes app store or the Google Play store for smartphones. Portal Access: To access SEQTA Engage visit the St Clare’s College website https://www.stcc.act.edu.au and click on the Portal Login: Log in with the details emailed you to from Student Records.
Click on the SEQTA Parents login button to access SEQTA Engage.
Tidings – 2022
1. Download the SEQTA Engage app from the iTunes App store or Google Store for Android.
As a Visible Learning school we know that teacher clarity and explicit teaching have a great impact so we make our planned course schedules and lesson structure explicit for our students in our course area and compliment it by using MS Teams. Over the coming year you will notice developments in the lessons being planned and delivered through SEQTA. Our focus for Semester 1 is making clear learning intentions and success criteria known to our students.
2. Choose to add your account using Manual Setup
SEQTA Engage will send automated messages out to parents and carers letting you know that assignments have been posted and due dates made visible or that forums have posts and feedback has been provided. Students receive a notification in the notifications area that a teacher has updated or released a task or provided feedback. As due dates for assessment are negotiated and released notifications may increase.
3. The address to enter is parent.stcc.act.edu.au
Over time the teacher will update the task with the task requirements adding further detail prior to the assessment release. As items are updated the notifications are announced for students in their notification area on their SEQTA Learn screen.
Parents and Carers receive an automated email to alert them about the updates. We highlighted with SEQTA last year that these emails could be annoying for parents and carers as items are updated. Parents and Carers are encouraged to manage the notifications by moving them to a folder within their own email system as we cannot turn off the automated messages. Realtime reporting allows parents to monitor their daughter’s progress in the assessments section of SEQTA. As grades and feedback are released, students’ results are available throughout the semester in the SEQTA Learn and Engage applications. End of semester reports are made available through SEQTA to both students and their parents and carers and are visible throughout your daughter’s time at the College. If you have questions about the use of SEQTA in a specific curriculum area please contact your daughter’s teacher in the first instance. For support in using SEQTA Engage please contact Juliette Major Juliette.major@ stcc.act.edu.au
4. Login with your username and password details.
Password here then press the arrow to enter. Use the hamburger menu and spine icons to navigate to courses, assessments and timetable information.
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STCC Sport Plans are well underway for the winter netball season at South Canberra Netball Association (SCNA). Our netballing talent was on display this week at grading trials for players from years 8-12. We look forward to seeing our year 7s in action at grading trials next Tuesday 15 March from 3:30-5:30pm. Registrations for our netball teams are due by 22 March, see below for further information and registration links. We have many outstanding achievements to celebrate across a range of sports. Despite uncertainty around sporting fixtures due to COVID, our students continue to participate and achieve at all levels of sport. There is so much to be proud of! As always, if you would like to share news and photos of your daughter’s achievements, please email louise.patton@stcc.act.edu.au Louise Patton Sports Facilitator
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Tidings – 2022
Upcoming Opportunities Weekend Netball Registrations for weekend netball close on Tuesday 22 March, please register and pay using the PlayHQ links below. College netball dresses can also be ordered via Play HQ. Grading trials for years 8-12 took place this week, while year 7 grading trials will be held Tuesday 15 March after school from 3:305:30pm at the College netball courts. For further information about weekend netball, please refer to the information emailed to parents and students last Friday, or contact louise.patton@stcc.act.edu.au Registration link for the Intermediates competition: https://www.playhq.com/netball-australia/ register/8ec2a8 Registration link for the Seniors competition: https://www.playhq.com/netball-australia/register/ bdbd2c Swimming Expressions of interest for the School Sport ACT Swimming Championships that were received by the 1 March deadline have been submitted to Swimming ACT. Please note that students are required to have official qualifying times achieved at a swimming event in order to be considered for entry. Swimming ACT will confirm the entries that have been accepted and this will be communicated to swimmers and parents. The championships will take place at the Australian Institute of Sport on 4 May (12 years and under) and 6 May (13 years and above).
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NEWS
Careers VET
What is Vocational Education and Training (VET)? VET courses provide you with skills, knowledge and experiences to improve your job prospects and prepare you for work and further study after school. They lead to the achievement of nationally recognised qualifications within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The VET courses delivered at St Clare’s College are accredited by the ACT Office of the Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) or (OBSSS) and contribute points towards the Senior Certificate of Education. These courses also have some characteristics that make them different from the other courses you will study. 1. Are based on national training packages that are designed to meet industry training needs. 2. Provide opportunities for practical, work-based learning that will assist you in developing the knowledge and skills you need for work and further study. 3. Are written and assessed in competency-based terms All our VET courses comprise of either internal or external vocational placements and are an integral component of VET for students. Work placements provide industry exposure, giving students opportunities to apply nontechnical skills such as resilience, creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative problem solving in real world situations; enriching learning and enhancing employability, which improves chances of employment.
3. Independent VET Studies (E courses) - provides the opportunity to study a wider variety of VET qualifications. These courses, allow students to undertake a straight VET qualification in a vocational field of interest. These courses provide 1 point for 55 hours of study per term towards their Year 12 Certificate of Education (if there is no overlap of study with BSSS subjects). These courses (online, CE, CIT or other provider), combined with vocational placement enable students to gain competence in the qualification chosen. Possible VET courses could be Sport and Recreation, Fitness, Business, Early Childhood Education and Care and Education Support. Want a Careers or VET Appointment? Students and parents can make career interviews with Trish Brown or VET interviews with Kai Mohell via the St Clare’s College Careers website: www.stclarescareers.com.au. Simply click ‘Book an Appointment’ button on the top left of the home page.
St Clare’s College offers three pathways in VET: 1. BSSS courses with VET embedded - is delivered internally by College RTOs in V and C courses. V courses are a component of an A, T or M course (for example A/V, T/V or M/V courses). This means that students can complete a VET qualification and still receive an A-E grade and, for T/V courses, a course score for ATAR. 2. Australian School Based Apprenticeship’s (ASBA’s) - is an Australian Apprenticeship undertaken parttime while you are still at school. It provides you with hands-on industry experience and the ability to work towards or complete a nationally recognised qualification while undertaking your secondary school certificate. An ASBA combines secondary school subjects, paid work and on or off the job vocational training. You can undertake training in a traditional trade or other occupation at Certificate or Diploma level.
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Tidings – 2022
ANU Direct Applications Year 12 students wishing to apply for ANU are advised that their ANU application portal is now open. Applications are via the ANU website directly. UAC There is a compulsory UAC (University Admissions Centre) talk scheduled for Year 12 students on Wednesday 30 March at 11:15 am, during PC time. The students will be led through a ‘how to apply for university’ presentation by UAC staff via an online, interactive presentation mode. Students wishing to apply for university in ACT/NSW will use this portal to apply for university. Kai Mohell Leader of Learning - VET
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In the Headlines
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Fourteen students represented the ACT at the Australian Oztag National Championships in Coffs Harbour. Congratulations to Abby, Adelaide, Alannah, Alicia, Brianna, Brea, Callie, Eden, Emily, Imogen, Lara, Layla, Matilda and Milla. Special congratulations to Callie who was part of the u17 ACT team who took out the national title, with Callie scoring in the grand final.
Three students represented ACT teams at the NSW Touch Football Junior State Cup in Wagga Wagga. Congratulations to Brea Rodgers, Eden Morrissey and Imojean Vea.
Congratulations to Lily Young who was selected to take part in the Swimming NSW Junior Development Clinic on the basis of her great achievements at the Swimming NSW Country Championships. As well as attending the clinic, Lily met her Olympic idols Ariarne Titmus and Kaylee McKeown. Well done, Lily.
Rosemary Liston competed at the National Championships for BJP Physical Education, representing Canberra Physical Culture Club. The girls who compete at this level have already placed in the top 5 in their Zone competition (Canberra competes in Liverpool Zone) so to make it to this stage is a huge accomplishment. Rosemary advanced through to the semifinals, making her one of the top 34 girls in the country in her age group. Congratulations, Rosemary.
Sophie Reis will be attending a dance competition in QLD from April 1st - April 5th. Good luck Sophie.
Congratulations goes to Emily Mollard (Year 12, Wibalu House Captain) for being selected as part of the ACT Team for the Australian Junior Interstate Golfing competition. Taking place in South Australia in April, we wish Emily all the best as she represents the ACT at this competition. Emily’s dedication to her sport and as well her studies is a true testament to her leadership skills.
Tidings – 2022
In the Headlines
Georgina Spurrett and Grace Losanno achieved fantastic results in the ACT Junior Rowing Championships and Head of the Lake Regatta at Lake Burley Griffin. The girls won the Women’s Grade D Coxed Quad Skull event (1000m) and placed fourth in the Women’s Under 17’s Championship Double (1800m). Georgina placed third in the Women’s Under 17 Championship single skull event (1800m) and representing St Clare’s College in the Head of the Lake Schools Regatta, placed second in the School Girl Year 10 Single Skull (1800m). Congratulations, Georgina and Grace.
Emily Watch competed in the ACT Track Cycling Championships. Emily won all 6 events making her the ACT under 15 woman’s Endurance and Sprint Champion. She has qualified for selection into the ACT team to compete at the National Championships. Congratulations, Emily.
Congratulations to the girls who have been selected into ACT Netball teams to compete at the National Netball Championships in Hobart. Well done Alisha Crowle and Amber Thomas (under 19 team); Eleni Lolesio and Sophia Martinussen (under 17 team); and 2021 graduate Harriet Sharp (under 19 team).
Former St Clare’s College student Hayley Macdonald has continued her excellent sporting prowess as a full time scholarship holder in the United States. Hayley resides on campus at Willston State University in North Dakota and represents the Willston State Lady Tetons basketball team who has made it to the regional championships. Hayley has proven to play a pivotal role, which was evident throughout the season as she received the prestigious Mon-Dak player of the week award in the 2021/2022 season. We wish Hayley all the best as she continues to embark on her successful basketball career.
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Notices
Try a Day 2022 Wednesday 4 May:
Open Evening 2022 Thursday 5 May:
Join us for a day at St Clare’s College! We invite all current Year 6 students to experience the exciting and enriching opportunities available at the College. https://stcc.act.edu.au/alerts/try-a-day-at-st-
Open Evening is an opportunity for parents and prospective students to look through our facilities and talk to staff and students. https://stcc.act.edu.au/alerts/open-evening-2022/
clares/
Covid - 19 Reminder All students are required to supply their own mask each day and stay at home if unwell. All families should have received 8 Rapid Antigen Tests to date with an additional 8 tests being distributed to students over the next fortnight. Thank you to everyone who has been advising the College that their daughter has received a positive result, an indication of COVID cases at the College as of 11am each day can be found on the landing page of SEQTA.
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Notices College Policy
A reminder about St Clare’s College Phone Policy: https://stcc.act.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ Mobile_Phone_Use_Policy_2021.pdf
Share the Dignity is a women’s charity in Australia, that works to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough. They assist those in need by collecting sanitary products through collection drives and campaigns and distributing them to charities across Australia. Students are encouraged to donate new packets of sanitary items by dropping them in the pink donation box on the Hall landing.
3.30pm-4.30pm in the College Staff Room
Ann-Marie Graham
Class of 2001
I started at St Clare’s College in Year 7 1996 and I was so nervous coming from a small primary school to a big College like St Clare’s. I found all staff so supportive and I made many new friends from other schools, which, to this day I am still in touch. I graduated Year 12 in 2001 with my Level 2 Certificate in Childcare Education ready to enter the real world after school. I started work in after school care along with some casual childcare relief work.
I followed my childcare career with a traineeship in a childcare centre and completed my Level 3 Certificate. I stayed at this centre for 13 years in the baby room as an assistant educator. I loved it as I adore caring for children. I do often think back to my days at St Clare’s College and I really wouldn’t have made my childcare career without the support of amazing teachers. Especially to name a few Mrs Edge, Mrs Lupton, Mrs Black, Mrs Phillips, Mrs Mockler and some of the school support team.
I left Canberra with my family two years later to Darwin where I still am now.
Contributions are greatly welcomed from past students. Send 300 words plus a current image to media@stcc.act.edu.au
Contact us (02) 6260 9400 media@stcc.act.edu.au St Clare’s College 1 McMillan Crescent, Griffith ACT 2603 stcc.act.edu.au